Catalyst Track: Build a Platform // Day Four

This week’s track comes from an article written by Margaret Feinberg.

I’m passionate about raising a generation of writers who transform people’s lives with their words. Through the Write Brilliant Academy, I have the privilege of helping men and women who know they’ve been entrusted with a message to step out and fulfill the calling on their lives.

But sooner or later, they all raise the question of how to build a platform without feeling sleazy or self-promotiony.

They know that to move forward in publishing, they’ll need to answer questions about the size of the platform. That means the number of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram followers. The size of their blog traffic and email lists.

How do you build a platform without selling your soul? How do you navigate the online landscape as a follower of Christ?

In this 4-day track, Margaret shares simple and practical truths to help you protect your soul while navigating what can feel like a brutal world when it comes to getting your content out there.

Whether you’re looking to publish your first book, break into the blogosphere, or give your organization more visibility, these truths are applicable and necessary for you! Complete the challenges at the end of each day and start making an impact!

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Day 4 – Love, Love, Love Your Audience

 

The students in the Write Brilliant Academy hear this over and over. We drill it into every lesson, every homework assignment, every step as they learn to put together a book proposal and grow their platform.

Writing is primarily an act of self-sacrifice.

Writing is never meant to be about you.

I know, it’s your story, your experience, your discovery.

But it’s still not about you.

Have you ever read a blog and felt like someone emotionally vomited on you? Have you ever read the first chapter of a book and soon realized that’s all the author had to say?  Have you ever finished a book and thought, Wow, I just paid $15 to listen to someone’s therapy session?

I believe writing is meant to be an act of service and love. That’s why my students are constantly being challenged to write to the needs of their audience. To serve. To self-sacrifice.

I want to raise up a generation of writers who pen books that transform lives and have a lasting impact. That act of self-sacrifice, of truly serving their audience, is meant to shape everything we do.

Our blogs. Our social media. Our emails. Our interactions. Our conversations. Our speaking.

So the next time you sit down to write—whether it’s a blog or book, a speech or sermon, a social media strategy or marketing plan—what if you paused to ask, “How can I love, love, love those I seek to serve even in this?”

I don’t have all the answers. I, too, have many questions. I will continue to make mistakes and face new temptations just like you.

 

CHALLENGE:

Think about your audience and what they might need this week. How will you craft your next book, email, blog post or message to love your audience?