Content Creators’ AI Toolkit: How to master AI for creative edge

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, we content creators are constantly seeking innovative ways to stand out and engage with our audiences.

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as our powerful ally in the content creation process, offering a plethora of tools and applications that enhance our productivity and efficiency.

However, some of us may fear that AI might replace us altogether. While I had similar misgivings myself, I later realized that we content creators can effectively leverage AI while maintaining our unique edge and creativity.

Ways AI can enhance our content creation

AI is still at its early stages of development so its not capable of generating content that are as creative, engaging, unique nor as human like as we can. It can, however, be used to augment our creativity and help us stay ahead of the curve, giving us an advantage over creators who shy away from it.

AI, for instance, can significantly help us in these tasks:

Idea Generation.

AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data, trends, and user interests to generate fresh and captivating content ideas. With AI’s assistance, we can discover exciting angles to approach our topics and craft content that resonates with our audience.

Research.

Gone are the days of time-consuming research, yey! No more poring over books and periodicals or endless browsing through numerous websites. AI can sift through various sources, curate data, and analyze it, providing content creators with valuable insights and up-to-date information. This helps us remain relevant and deliver content that addresses our audience’s pressing and current needs.

Writing.

AI-driven writing tools offer incredible potential for content creators. These tools can generate well-structured blog posts, social media content, product descriptions, and marketing copy, freeing up our time to focus on refining our unique content ideas and engaging with our audiences.

Editing

Grammar and spelling mistakes can tarnish even the most brilliant content. Fortunately, there are now AI-powered editing tools, which analyze and suggest improvements to enhance the quality and professionalism of our work.

Optimization

With the help of AI-powered SEO tools, we can optimize our articles to rank higher in search engine results. These tools analyze keywords and offer valuable suggestions to improve content visibility and reach.

AI Content Creator Toolkit

Given the advantages that AI-powered tools bring to the content creation process, we content creators would do well to be well-versed in them

Jasper.ai

Jasper.ai is a versatile AI writing tool that empowers us to generate a wide range of content types, from blog posts to engaging social media snippets. Its ability to harness data and trends makes it an invaluable asset when we are looking to streamline ourworkflow and deliver impactful content.

Copy.ai

Copy.ai specializes in creating persuasive marketing copy and email campaigns. It’s a time-saving tool that takes the hassle out of writing promotional materials, leaving us with more room for creativity and strategic planning.

Grammarly

Grammarly has become our best friend when it comes to ensuring grammatically flawless content. Its AI-powered grammar checker helps catch typos and errors, enabling us to produce polished and error-free content.

Surfer SEO

When we want to boost our SEO game, Surfer SEO is a game-changer. Its AI-driven analysis of keywords, competitor content, and search engine trends assists us in crafting content that ranks higher and attracts more organic traffic.

Scalenut

Scalenut‘s AI content creation platform is designed to help us produce high-quality content quickly and effortlessly. From content planning to writing, this tool simplifies the content creation process, allowing us to focus on strategic content delivery.

Google Bard

Google Bard is a promising AI tool that aims to enhance content creation with its ability to understand the context and produce coherent responses. As it continues to evolve, we can look forward to leveraging its capabilities for even greater content impact.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI language model that can assist us in various ways, such as providing instant feedback, suggesting new topics, and helping us stay organized throughout our creative process.

How to Thrive as a Content Creator Amidst AI Advancements

Given our penchants for viewing technology with suspicion and for resisting change, it is quite natural to have misgivings about embracing AI. However, with the right mindset and habits, we can find ways to harness its power for our own benefit.

Here are some ways we can be the master of AI, when it comes to content creation.

Focus on Our Strengths

Your unique strengths and passions are what set us apart from AI-generated content. By embracing them and infusing our content with our own personality, we create a genuine connection with our audience.

Be Creative and Original

AI may skilled at generating text, but creativity remains the realm of us human creators. Take advantage of this by delivering original, thought-provoking content that captivates our audience.

Add a Human Touch

AI can’t replicate the human touch – our personal perspectives and insights breathe life into the content we make. By letting our authenticity shine through, we forge stronger connections with our audience

Be Adaptable

The content creation landscape is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in AI and technology. To take full advantage of AI and its possibilities, we should embrace a growth mindset, stay open to learning new skills, and adapt our strategies accordingly.

Collaborate with Others

AI can complement your work, but it’s not a replacement for collaboration with other content creators. We can amplify our creative capabilities by embracing collaborations with both human peers and AI-driven tools.

AI has undoubtedly transformed the content creation process, empowering us creators with innovative tools and applications. By embracing AI as a powerful ally rather than a replacement, we can elevate our craft, deliver more impactful content, and stay at the forefront of the digital content realm.

So, let’s welcome AI with open arms, harnessing its potential while retaining the essence of human creativity in our content creation journey. I wish you happy adventures in creating content!

Additional Resources

Here are five highly recommended books on Amazon.com that can guide you in leveraging AI to craft useful, relevant, and engaging content:

  1. “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas” by Melanie Deziel This book offers insights on how to leverage AI-driven tools for generating unlimited content ideas and fueling your creativity as a content creator.
  2. “AI for Marketing and Product Innovation: Powerful New Tools for Predicting Trends, Connecting with Customers, and Closing Sales” by A.K. Pradeep While not exclusively focused on content creation, this book provides valuable information on how AI can be utilized in marketing, including content creation strategies.
  3. “The Creativity Code: How AI Is Learning to Write, Paint and Think” by Marcus Du Sautoy Although not directly centered on content creators, this book explores the creative potential of AI in various fields, including writing, which can provide valuable insights for content creators.

Shop for these and more resources for content creators at my Amazon Storefront!

Make money off your content today!

Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.

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Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing and Content Creation:

6 traditional careers that can easily transition into content creation

With content creation becoming a vital component of many businesses and organizations’ marketing strategies, there has been a growing demand for skilled content creators who can create engaging and compelling content that resonates with audiences. Fortunately, many traditional careers provide a solid foundation for transitioning to content creation, thanks to the transferrable skills they help develop.

This may be due to the fact these types of jobs often require a high degree of creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. For example, journalists are already skilled at researching and writing, while marketers understand the importance of creating communication materials that resonate with target audiences. Similarly, photographers and videographers are adept at creating visually appealing graphics, while educators excel at explaining complex ideas in simple terms.

Another reason may also be the fact that these often involve working with various types of media. Graphic designers are already skilled at creating visual designs, while public relations professionals are experts at crafting messages. Similarly, writers and editors are already adept at crafting written content, which is a crucial component of many content marketing strategies. By leveraging their existing skills and experience, professionals in these fields can easily transition to content creation and thrive in this exciting and dynamic field.

pretty-woman-vlogging-about-make-up
6 traditional careers that can easily transition to content creation

There are many traditional careers that can be used as a foundation for transitioning to content creation. If you’re currently engaged in any of these paths, you are one step closer to making the switch to content creation.

  1. Journalism. Journalists can transition to content creation by leveraging their skills to create blog posts, articles, and other written content.
  2. Marketing/Advertising or Public Relations. Marketing, advertising and public relations professionals can transition to content creation by creating marketing collateral, social media posts, and other branded content.
  3. Photography/Videography. Photographers and videographers can use their skills to create YouTube videos, Instagram content, and other visually-driven content.
  4. Teaching/Education. Teachers and educators can transition to content creation by creating educational content, such as online courses, tutorials, and how-to guides.
  5. Graphic Design. Graphic designers adept at creating social media posts, blog graphics, and other visual content that drives engagement.
  6. Writing/Editing. Writers and editors can transition to content creation by writing blog posts, articles, and other content, or by editing and proofreading content created by others.
smiley-woman-vlogging-with-her-sports-shoes
How to smoothly switch to a career in content creation

Transitioning from a traditional career to content creation can seem daunting, but it’s a great way to turn your passions into a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career. Here are some tips to help you smoothly make the transition:

  1. Identify your niche. First and foremost, you need to decide what type of content you want to create. Do you want to write blog posts or articles? Create videos for YouTube? Host a podcast? Once you have identified your niche, you can start honing your skills in that area.
  2. Build a portfolio. One of the most important things you can do as a content creator is to have a portfolio of your work. This could be a website, a YouTube channel, or even just a collection of writing samples. Having a strong portfolio can help you land clients or collaborators, and can also help you showcase your skills to potential fans.
  3. Learn the tools of the trade. Depending on the type of content you want to create, you may need to learn some new skills. For example, if you want to create videos, you’ll need to learn how to use editing software. If you want to write, you may need to brush up on your grammar and punctuation. As you go along, take some time to learn the tools you’ll need to create high-quality content.
  4. Network with other creators. One of the best ways to learn and grow as a content creator is to network with other creators in your niche. Join Facebook groups or subreddits related to your niche, attend meetups or conferences, and collaborate with other creators when possible. Building relationships with other creators can help you learn new skills, find new clients, and grow your audience.
  5. Start creating content. Once you have identified your niche, built a portfolio, learned the tools of the trade, and networked with other creators, it’s time to start creating content! Don’t worry too much about being perfect at first; the most important thing is to start creating and to get your work out there. Over time, you’ll improve and refine your skills.
  6. Consistency is key. Finally, it’s important to be consistent with your content creation. Whether you’re posting blog posts once a week, recording a podcast every other Tuesday, or releasing videos every day, it’s important to establish a regular schedule and stick to it. This will help you build an audience and keep them engaged with your content.

As it turns out, the key to transitioning from a traditional career to content creation is to identify the skills that you already have and figure out how to apply them to creating content. By leveraging your existing skills and experience, you can build a successful career as a content creator.

Additional Resources

Here are five highly recommended books on Amazon.com that can also help you make the career switch:

  • Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses by Joe Pulizzi. This book provides insights on how to create a successful content marketing strategy that drives engagement and builds brand awareness.
  • The Content Code: Six Essential Strategies for Igniting Your Content, Your Marketing, and Your Business by Mark W. Schaefer. This book provides insights on how to create content that drives engagement and builds brand awareness.
  • The Elements of Content Strategy by Erin Kissane. This book provides a comprehensive guide to creating a content strategy that aligns with your business goals and drives engagement.
  • Content Rules: How to Create Killer Blogs, Podcasts, Videos, Ebooks, Webinars (and More) That Engage Customers and Ignite Your Business by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman. This book provides insights on how to create engaging and compelling content across a range of formats.
  • The Content Strategy Toolkit: Methods, Guidelines, and Templates for Getting Content Right by Meghan Casey. This book provides practical tools and templates for creating and implementing a successful content strategy.

Shop for these and more resources for budding content creators at my Amazon Storefront!

Make money off your content today!

Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.

Photo Credit: Header and images by Freepik

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

From financial tips to entertainment: the importance of content creators during a recession

Effortless Style: Amazon.com’s best women’s wear for remote to hybrid work settings

As the way we work continues to evolve, with remote work becoming more prevalent, and hybrid work models gaining popularity, so does the need for versatile and stylish clothing options that can seamlessly transition from the comfort of our homes to in-person office settings. Dressing appropriately for both work-from-home and hybrid work situations can be a challenge, as we seek to strike a balance between comfort and professionalism.

When it comes to bridging your work-from-home wardrobe to a hybrid work wardrobe, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind. First, prioritize comfort. You want to be able to move and feel at ease during your work-from-home days, while still looking polished and put-together for office days. Look for clothing items made of soft, breathable fabrics with stretch or relaxed fits that allow for ease of movement.

Amazon.com WFH to Hybrid Attire

Second, opt for versatility. Choose clothing items that can easily be mixed and matched to create different looks. Neutral colors like black, navy, gray, and khaki are great options as they can be easily paired with different tops and bottoms, allowing you to create multiple outfits with minimal effort. Additionally, consider clothing items with timeless silhouettes and classic styles that can transcend different work settings.

Lastly, pay attention to details. Adding small touches, such as statement belts, interesting textures, patterns, or accessories, can elevate your work-from-home outfit to a more polished and professional look for in-person office days. Don’t underestimate the power of accessories in completing your overall outfit and adding a touch of personal style.

Amazon.com WFH to Hybrid Attire

With these guidelines in mind, let’s dive into the list of women’s clothes on Amazon that can help you bridge your work-from-home and hybrid work wardrobe, so you can look and feel confident and stylish in any work setting.

Versatile Blazer. A blazer is a must-have in every professional woman’s wardrobe. Look for a blazer that is made of a comfortable, stretchy fabric that allows for easy movement during your work-from-home days, but still looks polished and sophisticated for in-person meetings. Opt for neutral colors like black, white, navy, beige or gray, which can easily be paired with different tops and bottoms.

Comfortable Jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are trendy and practical, making them a great choice for women who want a chic yet comfortable outfit for their work-from-home days. Look for jumpsuits made of soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or jersey, with a relaxed fit that allows for ease of movement. Pair it with a statement belt to elevate the look for in-person office days.

Stylish Cardigan. A stylish cardigan is a versatile layering piece that can add warmth and style to your work-from-home outfit. Look for cardigans with interesting textures, patterns, or details that can elevate your look. Choose one in a neutral color that can easily be layered over different tops and dresses for a polished yet cozy look.

Classic Button-Up Shirt. A classic button-up shirt is a timeless piece that can be worn in various settings. Look for shirts made of high-quality materials like cotton or silk that are comfortable and breathable. Opt for neutral colors or subtle prints that can be easily paired with different bottoms, such as skirts or pants.

Comfy Trousers. Trousers are a staple in most office settings, and you can find comfortable options that are perfect for working from home too. Look for trousers with an elastic waistband or stretchy fabric that provides comfort while maintaining a professional look. Opt for neutral colors like black, navy, or khaki, which can be easily paired with different tops.

Stylish Midi Dress. A midi dress is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for both remote work and in-person meetings. Look for dresses made of comfortable fabrics like jersey or knit that allow for easy movement. Opt for a classic silhouette like a sheath or A-line that can be paired with a blazer or cardigan for a polished look.

Comfortable Flats. Comfortable footwear is a must for work-from-home and hybrid work situations. Look for flats with cushioned insoles and supportive arches that provide all-day comfort. Opt for flats in versatile colors like black, nude, or navy that can easily complement different outfits.

Clearly, Amazon.com is a great resource for clothing items that are perfect for bridging the gap between work-from-home and hybrid office settings. They are stylish, versatile, and comfortable, allowing you to look and feel your best, whether you are working remotely or going into the office. Invest in these wardrobe essentials to elevate your professional style while maintaining comfort and flexibility in your work attire.

Want to make the most out of your Amazon.com purchases? Sign up for an Amazon Prime membership and enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Exclusive member deals. Enjoy savings when you shop through exclusive discounts on thousands of items.
  • Amazon Photos. Enjoy unlimited photo storage and 5GB video storage.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

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The surprising realities of building a career as a content creator

In recent years, the rise of social media platforms and digital marketing has given birth to a new profession: content creation. From bloggers to vloggers, podcasters to Instagram influencers, content creators are everywhere. However, with the growth of this industry, there are still many misconceptions about what it means to be a content creator.

The idea that being a content creator is an easy and glamorous job is one of the biggest misconceptions. Many people assume that all it takes to create engaging content is a camera, an internet connection, and some creativity. However, the reality is that content creation is a full-time job that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill. From researching and creating content to promoting and engaging with their audience, content creators often work long hours to create quality content that resonates with their followers.

Another common misconception is that being a content creator is a solitary job. While it’s true that creating content often involves spending long hours in front of a screen or camera, content creators must also interact with their audience, collaborate with brands, and network with other creators to grow their audience and brand. Content creators must also keep up with the latest trends and technology, making it essential to stay connected to the larger community of content creators.

10 things they don’t tell you about being a content creator

From the hard work involved to the importance of networking and self-care, take a peek into the (sometimes harsh) realities of content creation as a career.

  • It’s a full-time job. Creating content is not a hobby; it’s a full-time job that requires a lot of time, effort, and commitment. Many content creators work long hours to produce quality content that resonates with their audience.
  • It’s not just about churning out content. A content creator’s job involves much more than just creating content. They must also be proficient in marketing, networking, branding, and social media management to effectively promote and grow their content.
  • You need to have confidence, lots of of it. As a content creator, you are putting your work out there for the world to see, and not everyone will like it. You need to be prepared for criticism and negative feedback (and sometimes, a little bit of bashing).
  • It can be lonely. Creating content often involves spending long hours in front of a computer or camera, which can be isolating. Many content creators also work from home, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. To counter the feelings of isolation and loneliness, some content creators join groups with people who specialize in similar niches, or collaborate with their peers to exchange ideas and best practices.
  • Burnout is a real thing. The pressure to constantly produce new and engaging content can be overwhelming, leading to burnout. You need to take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout.
  • It can be difficult to make a living. While some content creators can earn a full-time income from their work, many struggle to make a living. Competition is fierce, and it can take years of hard work and dedication to build a substantial following and earn a decent income.
  • It’s a constantly evolving industry. The world of content creation is constantly changing, with new platforms and technologies emerging all the time. Content creators need to be adaptable and willing to learn new skills to stay relevant and successful.
  • You need to be passionate about your work. Creating content requires a lot of passion and dedication. If your heart is not in it – if you are not genuinely interested in your chosen topic or niche – it will be difficult to sustain the motivation and enthusiasm needed to create great content.
  • It’s not just about the numbers. While having a large following is important for a content creator’s success, it’s not the only measure of success. Building a loyal and engaged audience who value your content is more important than having a large number of followers who are not truly interested in your work.
  • It can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Despite the challenges, being a content creator can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career. The ability to share your creativity and ideas with the world, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact in people’s lives is incredibly gratifying.

Additional Resources

Want more in-depth resources on making content creation your career? Check out this books available on Amazon.com:

Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too by Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk shares his insights on how to create engaging content, build a loyal audience, and turn your passion into a successful business.

The Content Trap: A Strategist’s Guide to Digital Change by Bharat Anand

This book explores how digital technology is changing the way we consume content and offers insights on how to navigate this changing landscape to stay relevant and successful.

Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

Ann Handley offers practical tips and techniques on how to create high-quality content that engages and converts your audience.

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

In this book, Donald Miller shows you how to create a clear and compelling brand story that resonates with your audience and drives business growth.

Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger

Jonah Berger explores the science behind viral content and offers insights on how to create content that resonates with your audience and spreads organically.

Being a content creator is not just about continuously churning out pieces of content but is also about marketing, networking, and branding. It’s a challenging but rewarding career that requires passion, dedication, and hard work. While there are many misconceptions about content creation, it’s important to understand the realities of this field and be willing to put in the effort to succeed.

At the end of the day, being a content creator is about connecting with your audience, sharing your passion and ideas, and making a positive impact in people’s lives. It’s about being authentic, staying true to your values, and never losing sight of why you started creating content in the first place. By understanding the realities of content creation and staying committed to your goals, you can build a successful career and make your mark in this ever-evolving industry.

Make money off your content today!

Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.

Header Image by Ivan Samkov on Pixels

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

Newbie content creator? Here’s an 8-step guide on how to find your audience

Whether you’ve taken on content creation as a job or you’re doing it as a hobby, you definitely need to figure out which group of people you will be creating content for: your audience.

Identifying an audience is one of the most important steps for a newbie content creator. Without a clear understanding of who your audience is, it can be difficult to create content that resonates with them. You want to be able to tap into their goals, wants and pain points to be able to craft the kind of content that can effectively impart information they need to inspire them to take action.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to identify your audience as a newbie content creator:

Step 1: Define Your Niche

The first step is to define your niche. What is the topic or area you want to create content about? This could be anything from fitness to cooking to personal finance. Defining your niche will help you create content that is focused and relevant to your audience.

Being a multi-passionate person myself – with a lot of opinions or factual tidbits to share on a myriad of topics – I chose to streamline my content to those relating to food, travel and the urban lifestyle.

Which particular niches would you like to focus on?

Step 2: Research Your Competitors

Researching your competitors can provide valuable insights into your target audience. Look at other content creators in your niche and see who their audience is. Analyze their content and engagement metrics to understand what kind of content resonates with their audience.

In due course, you might want to evolve your view of your fellow content creators from being your competitors into being your partners and co-creators.

Some of my best work have been the product of collaborations, shared experiences or shared knowledge among fellow content creators.

Step 3: Define Your Target Demographic

Once you have a clear understanding of your niche and competitors, you can define your target demographic. This includes factors such as age, gender, location, interests, and behaviors. Understanding these demographic factors will help you create content that appeals to your audience.

Given my topics and interests, I have determined my audience demographic to be mostly urban and suburban GenX and Elder Millennial working women who are interested in food and travel and who already have their own home. I believe that I have some insights on what their concerns and interests are and can produce content that can appeal and resonate with them.

Step 4: Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research can help you gain a deeper understanding of your audience’s needs and preferences. Use online surveys or focus groups to collect data on what your audience is looking for, what challenges they face, and how you can provide value to them.

You can also join Facebook Groups related to your chosen niche (eg. foodies, travelers, homebodies, etc) and take note of the discussions and comments posted there.

Step 5: Analyze Your Social Media Analytics

If you already have a social media presence, analyzing your analytics can provide insights into your audience. Look at metrics such as engagement, reach, and demographics to understand who is interacting with your content.

Step 6: Engage with Your Audience

Engaging with your audience can provide valuable feedback on your content and help you build relationships with your followers. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage discussion to better understand your audience’s needs.

Step 7: Use Keyword Research

Keyword research can help you understand what your audience is searching for and what topics are most relevant to them. Use tools such as Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find relevant keywords and phrases that you can use in your content.

Step 8: Stay Flexible and Adapt

Finally, stay flexible and adapt as your audience evolves. As you create more content and engage with your audience, you may discover new trends or interests that you can incorporate into your content. Be open to feedback and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Additional Resources

Want more in-depth resources on building your audience as a content creator? Check out this books available on Amazon.com:

Content Inc.: Start a Content-First Business, Build a Massive Audience and Become Radically Successful (with Little to No Money) by Joe Pulizzi

This book teaches how to create a content marketing strategy that builds a loyal audience and generates revenue, covering topics such as identifying your niche, creating valuable content, and promoting your brand.

How To Build An Online Audience: The step-by-step guide to getting more social media followers, bigger email lists and more traffic to your website by Patric Morgan

The book covers various strategies and tools that content creators can use to increase their visibility, attract more followers, and ultimately monetize their online presence.

Known: The Handbook for Building and Unleashing Your Personal Brand in the Digital Age by Mark Schaefer

This book focuses on building a personal brand and developing a loyal audience, with tips on creating valuable content, leveraging social media, and standing out in a crowded online world.

Identifying your audience is a crucial step for any newbie content creator. By defining your niche, researching your competitors, conducting market research, analyzing your analytics, engaging with your audience, using keyword research, and staying flexible, you can create content that resonates with your target audience and build a loyal following.

Make money off your content today!

Want to monetize your content? Sign up for an Intellifluence account now!

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals. Simply create your free account, fill out your profile, apply for projects and complete your deliverables, then receive your payments.

Header image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

This post contains affiliate links.

Check out my previous posts about Influencer Marketing:

Amazon unveils Prime Early Access Sale—A new holiday shopping event for members to save big from October 11 to 12

Amazon recently unveiled Prime Early Access Sale, a new two-day global shopping event exclusive to Prime members. The event begins October 11 at 12 a.m. PDT and runs through October 12 in 15 countries: Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the U.S.

Prime Early Access Sale gives members a chance to kick off the holiday shopping season early with hundreds of thousands of deals. As part of the new deals event, Amazon is introducing a Top 100 list of some of the season’s most popular and giftable items. New deals from the list will drop throughout the event, offering deep savings across all top categories, including electronics, fashion, home, kitchen, pets, toys, and Amazon devices. Holiday gift guides and Amazon’s Toys We Love list will also make it easier for Prime members to discover, shop, and save on deals this holiday season.

“We are so excited to help Prime members kick off the holiday season with Amazon’s new Prime Early Access Sale—an exclusive opportunity for members to get deep discounts on top brands we know they are looking for this time of year,” said Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime. “And members can start enjoying exclusive Prime benefits and offers now, plus find gift ideas for the family with our holiday gift guides and this year’s Toys We Love list.”

Start Saving Now

Members don’t have to wait to take advantage of holiday gift guides, as well as Prime benefits and offers. They can also learn more by visiting amazon.com/earlyaccess. Customers can join Prime or start a free 30-day trial at amazon.com/prime to participate.

  • Explore Holiday Gift Guides: Prime members can find gifting inspiration for the holiday season with gift guides, featuring top items from the toys and home categories. The toys gift guide features the most popular toys and games of the holiday season. It also includes the Toys We Love list of more than 60 items only available at Amazon from top brands, including Hasbro, Disney, Fisher-Price, Bluey, and National Geographic. For more information, visit amazon.com/toyswelove. The home gift guide includes must-have products from brands like Amazon Basics, Christopher Knight, De’Longhi, iRobot, Shark, simplehuman, and ZINUS.
  • Try Amazon Music Unlimited: Prime members who haven’t yet tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get four months free—with 90 million songs ad-free and in HD, plus millions of podcast episodes—and non-Prime members are eligible for three months free. Or, Prime members can get an Echo Dot (3rd gen) for $0.99 with a one-month subscription of Amazon Music Unlimited. Both offers are available starting September 26 and ending October 12.
  • Get a Grubhub+ Membership, Free For a Year: Prime members in the U.S. can get even more delivered to their door with a free, one-year Grubhub+ membership trial valued at $9.99 per month—at no additional cost to their Prime membership for the first 12 months. This offer includes unlimited, $0 delivery fees on orders over $12, along with exclusive offers and rewards for Grubhub+ members, like free food and order discounts from hundreds of thousands of restaurants across the country. To activate this deal, members can visit amazon.com/grubhub.
  • Score Deals on Prime Video: Prime Video is just one of many benefits included with a Prime membership. In addition to a vast collection of movies, series, and sports included with Prime Video, from September 30 through October 7, Prime members can enjoy a selection of new and popular titles to rent or buy at up to 50% off.

Plan Ahead for Prime Early Access Sale

Amazon makes it easy to prepare for Prime Early Access Sale, setting up personalized deal notifications and creating shopping lists.

  • Set up Personalized Deal Notifications: Prime members can subscribe to receive deal alert notifications related to their recent Amazon searches and recently viewed items. All they have to do is visit the Prime Early Access Sale event page on the Amazon app between now and the event to create deal alerts. Once Prime Early Access Sale begins, members will receive push notifications on any available deals.
  • Create Deal Lists with Alexa: Busy Prime members who don’t want to miss a deal can add products to their Wish List, Cart, or Save for Later list. Alexa can notify members up to 24 hours before eligible deals go live on items they’ve added to their lists—and even offer to purchase the deal once it’s available.

Deliveries Backed by Amazon’s Operations Network

Fast, free delivery of Prime Early Access Sale orders is made possible thanks to Amazon’s global transportation network, which is powered by innovative technology, transportation services, dedicated associates, and partners. Amazon continues to build, innovate, and scale this network around the world—from rail and trucks to planes, vans, and more—while focusing on the safety, well-being, and career advancement of the people and partners who work across the Journey of an Amazon Package. From a veteran loading cargo into the belly of an Amazon Air aircraft to the driver delivering that familiar Amazon box, it’s the people and partners across the operations network who make it all possible.

More Opportunities to Join Prime

Amazon offers two discounted Prime memberships with the same unparalleled value of all benefits to make everyday selection and savings more accessible.

  • Qualifying recipients of government assistance, including SNAP EBT and Medicaid, can enjoy all of Prime for just $6.99 per month. To learn more or to sign up for a free trial, visit amazon.com/qualifynow.
  • Designed specifically for higher education students, Prime Student is just $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Members also enjoy exclusive perks for college life, like up to 10% off flights and hotels through StudentUniverse. College students who haven’t yet tried Prime Student can sign up for a six-month trial at amazon.com/joinstudent.

Every Day Made Better with Prime

Prime delivers value for members through world-class customer service, exclusive savings, expansive selection, convenience, and quality digital entertainment for just $14.99 per month or $139 per year.In the U.S. that includes free, fast delivery—including on groceries and prescription medication, unlimited streaming of movies and series like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and live sports like Thursday Night Football with Prime Video, ad-free listening of 2 million songs, thousands of stations and playlists, and thousands of podcasts with Amazon Music, free games with Prime Gaming, more than 3,000 books and magazines with Prime Reading, unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos, and incredible savings with Prime Day. Members can also enjoy a free, one-year Grubhub+ membership trial valued at $9.99 per month—at no added cost to their Prime membership. Anyone can join Prime or start a free 30-day trial at amazon.com/prime.

Shop With Confidence

Customers can shop with peace of mind knowing that we stand behind the products sold in Amazon’s stores with the A-to-z Guarantee. Amazon’s protection applies to products purchased in our stores worldwide, and in the unlikely event that customers experience issues with timely delivery or condition of their purchase, Amazon will make it right by refunding or replacing it. Amazon is committed to a trustworthy shopping experience and backs the products offered in Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale, as well as the hundreds of millions of products offered every day in our stores. Learn more here.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Photo Credit: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

13 Business books to fire up your inner spark at work

The first half of the year is already done, and if you’re doubting your effectiveness at your job or your impact to your work, maybe you should set aside some time for reading and re-motivating yourself.

Check out these books that will provide you with fresh knowledge and insights to get you all fired up and raring to work!

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell

Much of any business’ success depend upon its leaders. By outlining the principles for empowered and empowering leadership, John C. Maxwell’s book has changed the way leaders see themselves.

This thoroughly revised and updated edition packs in new leadership insights and best practices that he has gathered since the first edition was published in 1993 to help guide and inspire a new generation of leaders on their challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.

What Are Your Blind Spots? by Jim Haudan and Rich Berens

Even the most well-intentioned and competent leaders can be led astray by seemingly benign assumptions that can ultimately harm or derail the enterprise.

Authors Jim Haudan and Rich Berens refer to these old ways of thinking as “blind spots.” By identifying and overcoming blind spots identified in the book, leaders can learn to welcome and adopt new and forward-thinking practices that will propel their organizations towards growth.

Growing Influence by Ron Price and Stacey Ennis

This is a how-to book disguised as a fable.

In a series of transformative meetings between a career-driven young woman and her wise respectable mentor, mirroring and building on the interactions between the co-authors Ron Price and Stacey Ennis, arise lessons on cultivating influence fed by both character and competence.

Interestingly, the fable also tackles gender dynamics in the workplace.

Iterate by Ed Muzio

To keep up with today’s fast-changing and fast-charging world, companies must learn and adapt fast.

Central to this agile quality is the ability, whenever faced with a problem, to make the next most reasonable step from there, i.e, to iterate.

Author Ed Muzio lays down a research-based guide to help leaders equip their teams to do just that.

The Innovation Navigator by Tucker J. Marion and Sebastian Fixson

Business leaders agree that innovation is the key to survival and further growth and in many companies, it is a top strategic priority.

Tucker J. Marion and Sebastian Fixson showcases the different modes that innovation can take and guides readers on how to take advantage of each mode’s inherent pros and cons. The book also walks through ways to effectively shift between modes or employ multi-mode strategies to foster innovation.

Your Invisible Toolbox by Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner

According to authors Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner, we all have two sets of the tools: while the first toolbox contains the technical skills, devices and equipment necessary to perform our roles, the second one – the invisible toolbox – contains the tools necessary for human interactions.

The contents of the second toolbox figure prominently in many workplaces, especially now that the business environment is not only a global one, but a multi-generational one as well.

B State by Mark Samuel

Oftentimes, in business, the path from Point A to Point B is not as simple or straightforward as we would like.

To be able to move forward, Mark Samuel encourages readers to engage themselves in a true transformation, removing old mindsets and replacing inefficient behaviors with new ways of thinking and more desirable habits to bring about a highly productive culture that breeds business success.

Leading Loyalty by Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moone

Customer loyalty does oftentimes seem like an unreachable dream given today’s volatile market situation.

Authors Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moone dove into the results of the Franklin Covey studies that show how “campfire stores” achieve revenue and profitability goals thanks to fiercely loyal customers and the employees that prioritize the happiness of those customers.

Wise Guy by Guy Kawasaki

Technopreneur Guy Kawasaki reflects upon his life and his many adventures (or misadventures) in the a series of vignettes.

Some may be light-hearted, others may recall actions with lasting consequences, but all served to inspire and build him up to the person that he is today.

Scramble by Marty Neumeier

Marty Neumeier tells the story of a young CEO as he is faced with the demand to turn the company around, otherwise he loses his job.

As the story progresses, his journey illustrates the principles of agile strategy, a way of building business that is more collaborative and produces quicker results.

Built to Suck by Joseph Jaffe

We see it more and more often: large companies – behemoth enterprises – are crumbling to the ground in light of declining revenues and business growth.

In this book, Joseph Jaffe outlines the four key pillars that will transform ailing companies from ailing to thriving, from obsolescence to relevance.

The Art of Preventing Stupid by Matthew Neill Davis

Matthew Neill Davis’ Preventing Stupid Method is all about solving common problems before they become insurmountable roadblocks.

By quickly identifying, categorizing and prioritizing the business’ threats and weaknesses – forward-thinking risk management – business leaders can devote more energy towards maximizing opportunities as they appear.

Sticks and Stones by Nick Powills

Author Nick Powills showcases how his childhood experiences of struggling with his weight and getting bullied by his peers all propelled him towards being a successful entrepreneur later in life.

While the old wisdom is to keep personal and professional lives separate, the author instead proposes transforming painful memories, harsh lessons and old disappointment into motivation, coupled with the strong foundation of family and friends, into the strength and courage to pursue business success and personal fulfillment.

Enjoy reading with Kindle

With a wealth of enriching and informative books waiting for you, I’m sure you’re raring to get into reading them. However, if you are concerned about the space you will need to store your growing library, or being able to bring your books wherever you go, getting a Kindle just may be the perfect solution for you.

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

It is advisable to have a Kindle, specifically for reading, instead of relying on your other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. You can also adjust its brightness to let you read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • You get less distractions as you can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for yourself? Check out your various options below!

Kindle
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Kindle Oasis

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Header photo by cottonbro on Pexels

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Level C Media, Penguin Group Portfolio, Harper Collins, Business Publications Corporation, Inc., Ideapress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, University of Toronto Press and McGraw Hill Education for the advanced copies of the books mentioned here.

This post contains affiliate links.

#AmazonPrimeDay finds for your home office

One of the few positive outcomes brought about by the global pandemic is the realization that working from home is a viable option for many office workers.

Aside from allowing you to keep yourself safe by practicing social distancing, it also eliminated the costs and stresses of the daily commute, maintaining a work wardrobe and office meals. This setup also made for a smoother integration of your work life into your home life and vice versa.

As you may have already discovered, having a suitable work space at home is crucial to making a success of your WFH arrangement. Setting up your home office as a space for productivity and efficiency, while still imbuing your space with your personality, will help you perform in this kind of system.

In setting up your home office, you might want to keep these tips in mind:

  • Optimize your workspace. Your work area at home may not be as spacious as the one you had back in your office, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be as hardworking. This can be achieved by ensuing that all you need for the day’s tasks are within easy reach and then neatly stored when not in use.
  • Plan to be mobile. The best part of working from home is the flexibility, right? Who says you can’t work on that report while still in bed, or attend that meeting while also meeting your daily steps in the treadmill? Try to envision what you will need to be able to work anywhere in your home.
  • Consider your comfort and ergonomics. Your comfort level can greatly affect your concentration and creativity. Maintaining proper posture and having appropriate lighting as you work will help you get your work done more efficiently.

Excited to furnish your home office with items to spur your productivity? Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day!

What is Amazon Prime Day?

On July 12 and 13, 2022, e-commerce giant Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

Whether you’re transitioning from an on-site arrangement or upgrading your existing work-from-home setup, shopping on Amazon Prime Day will let you score a haul that get you ready and raring to work!

Add these must-have home office accessories to your cart in preparation for the big sale:

Standing Desk. Also called a “stand-up desk,” this home office furniture allow for greater movement and circulation for your lower body, thus easing aches and pains. You may opt for one that can be adjusted if you do want to take a sitting position.

Klvied Mobile Standing Desk
Urban Deco Adjustable Standing Desk

Side Table Laptop Desk. Hunching over your laptop while on your bed is a no-no so if your home office is your bedroom, get a desk that can be slid into place when you need it and stowed to the side when not in use.

LASZOLA Side Table
Micoe Side Table

Lap Desk. If you don’t have space for a table or if you prefer to work while sitting on the couch, bed or rug, then a lap desk should be just right for you. Aside from helping you maintain a good posture and supporting your wrists as you type, a lap desk could also minimize the heat coming from the laptop towards you.

HUANUO Lap Desk
Gimars Home Office Lap Desk

Laptop Stand. If you do have a desk at home, it may be positioned too low for you to work on your laptop comfortably for extended periods of time. Something to raise your laptop screen to eye level will prevent strain on your back and neck muscles.

LIFELONG Portable Laptop Stand
SOUNDANCE Adjustable Laptop Stand

Desk Organizer. You do need other things for work aside from your laptop. However, if these knick-knacks are cluttered around your desk, they could hamper your focus. Tidying them up into a desk organizer will give you a neater work space that will do wonders for your concentration.

VEDETT Office Supplies Desk Organizer Caddy
AUPSEN Mesh Office Supplies Desk Organizer

Desk Pad. Far from being just a cosmetic touch to your workspace, a desk pad will prevent damages to your table surface from imprints by pen marks and also provides a non-slip surface for papers and small items.

Gallaway Leather Desk Pad
ITZELYICHAN Leather Desk Pad

So, are you now excited to shop for these items on Amazon Prime Day? Be sure to mark July 12 and 13 on your calendars!

Not yet an Amazon Prime member?

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by tirachardz on freepik

#ISpawnedAReader: How to encourage kids to love reading

We all know that reading is a fundamental skill that not only facilitates more effective learning at school for our kids, but may also set them up for greater success in life.

Reading helps to improve vocabulary and language skills, stimulates imagination and creativity and promotes stronger analytical thinking.

However, with many distractions as well as alternatives for entertainment or information-gathering, reading is often not given priority by youngsters.

This may be because, to them, reading is not a fun activity, or they may be experiencing difficulties in reading that curtail their enjoyment.

As a parent, here are ways you can encourage your kids to love reading:

  • Being a role model. Show them that you also get entertained and well-informed through reading. Read newspapers or magazines and share tidbits that could interest them. Apply what you read in a joint activity by following a recipe to bake your children’s favorite treat or an instruction manual to assemble a toy.
  • Make it reading a priority activity. You can establish a “reading time” at home when you can read to your little one, or you and an older child can read side by side. Having some snacks in-hand, as well as a comfortable reading are, will help make reading a special bonding activity between and you kids.
  • Give them the right tools. If your child doesn’t relish the idea of lugging around books throughout the house or when you go outside, an e-reader may be your best bet.
  • Expose your children to different book genres. Join your kids in exploring different genres, especially those that they have expressed prior interest in like mystery, science fiction adventure or non-fiction books related to their interests.

What is a Kindle?

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

For kids, an Kindle is more appropriate as a reading device as opposed to other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. Its brightness van be adjusted to let the little ones read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • The kids are subjected to less distractions as there are no games, ads or videos to go to and they can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.
  • Purchase of Kindle Kids includes a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, where they can explore popular titles and series. It also includes access to the complete Harry Potter series, and the first book from other popular series such as Artemis Fowl. Parents can purchase additional titles from the Kindle Store.
  • It can hold hundreds of e-books, encouraging the little ones to grow their library which they can take with them wherever they go.
  • It comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for the kiddos? Check out your options below!

Kindle Kids
Kindle Paperwhite Kids

Get ready to build your kids’ library with the best-selling books below, available in both print and e-book versions.

For kids ages 1 to 3 years old

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace

For kids ages 3 to 5 years old

A Frog Ate My Sandwich! by Christine Durkin
The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Elvin and Brayden, Friends Forever by Sandra Morrison
Do Not Wish for a Birthday Unicorn! by Sarina Siebenaler

For kids ages 6 to 8 years old

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman
You are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence by Nadia Ross
Oh No! My Dinosaur Is Sick! by JE Comet
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For kids ages 8 to 12 years old

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

This post contains affiliate links.

Header photo by cottonbro on Pexels

Great Reads for Working Moms

We working moms have quite a lot on our plate, don’t we?

Juggling our myriad of responsibilities at work and at home does not leave us with so much free time for some well-deserved rest, much less for reading.

However, we should always make the effort to improve ourselves, especially in how we manage our careers and our family life, and taking in well-formulated advice from the experts will surely help us in being more effective in both important spheres in our lives.

So check out these books and see what insights they can impart to your work and parenting styles.

Books for Rocking It at Work

Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin

Since the start of our careers, we have been taught to maintain a clear separation between our work and our personal lives.

Workplace strategist and business coach Erica Keswin debunks this myth by emphasizing the importance of relationships in the workplace and citing examples of leaders who embody human qualities of authenticity, openness and empathy, who still manage to be successful in their respective fields.

Bring Your Human to Work shows us how to break away from our idea of a cold and impersonal work environment and instead foster a sense of joy and loyalty to the workplace.

Kick Some Glass: 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms by Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount

It’s one of the most dreaded concepts for many career women: the glass ceiling. Its the concept that, despite all your natural talent, all the skills that you’ve developed and all the work you have done and will ever do, you can only go so far in your career.

In Kick Some Glass, authors Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount dissects the barriers that women face during their climb up the corporate ladder -from both past and present perspectives as well as external and internal orientations – to enable budding women leaders to break through and make their mark in their fields.

Don’t Pay for Your MBA: The Faster, Cheaper, Better Way to Get the Business Education You Need by Laurie Pickard

Sometimes, in the corporate world, having an MBA can open a lot of doors and move a lot of careers forward.

However, getting your graduate business degree can be a very expensive endeavor.

Businesswoman Laurie Pickard enjoins readers of Don’t Pay for Your MBA to skip this costly step and instead shares practical advice on how to take advantage of online education to obtain the knowledge they need to get ahead.

Cowgirl Power: How to Kick Ass in Business and Life by Gail Gaddis

For many women, getting ahead in the workplace can be a very daunting task.

However, advertising CEO Gay Gaddis takes inspiration from other trailblazing women, risk takers who developed their power through knowledge, hard work, excellence and good will, and owned their power to face their challenges as leaders in their families, workplace and communities.

She also shares her own experiences and recommends an action plan for more women to attain that same Cowgirl Power and showcase their mettle in both their work and personal lives.

Glambition: Knocking Down Walls in Heels by Dee Rivera

It’s an uncomfortable truth that women tend to settle at work: they accept responsibilities that are not exciting for them or acquiesce to situations that may not be to their advantage. Glambition author and entrepreneur Dee Rivera refers to this behavior of settling for less than what you’re worth as “shrinking to fit.”

In her book, Rivera shares her personal journey towards self-empowerment as well as real-world advice in order to achieve this.

The book also contains real-life testimonies of women leaders to serve as examples for women int heir journey towards self-confidence and competency.

Lunching with Lions: Strategies for the Networking-Averse by Katherine McGraw Patterson

There are times in business wherein success is not so much a matter of what you know but of who you know.

Networking – interacting with others to exchange information or to form connections with people who can help in your profession – is one of the most hated business activities.

Author Katherine McGraw Patterson puts this down to people not being taught how to network. To remedy this, she shares a Four-Step Beginner’s Guide for the Networking-Averse that will help professionals learn to love and harness the power of networking, and not feel like they are, she calls it, Lunching with Lions.

Books for Rocking it at Home

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassion and Connected Children by Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer

We hear it more and more these days: if you can be anything, start by being kind.

More and more, the calls for unity, respect and compassion in our daily lives is growing while research shows that being connected and engaged socially are keys to successful and fulfilling lives.

Authors Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer recognize that equipping children with the skills they need to have a positive in the world starts at home. In their book, they outline ways to guide children towards the value of kindness as well as share stories of people who achieved fulfillment through living The Kindness Advantage.

You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget by Erin Odom

As a working mom, you may find much fulfillment in your career. However, you might also be considering leaving the corporate world in order to be more present in your kids’ lives.

The Humbled Homemaker Erin Odom sheds some light on how You Can Stay Home with Your Kids by dispelling fears on being able to give your children while living on a single income. This may involve sticking to a budget, getting some side hustles, being creative on how to enrich and supplement your kids lives and connect with your spouse without breaking the bank, and more.

For career women who want get out of the rat race and into a more family-centered existence, this is an essential read.

Understanding your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior: Simple Steps and Resources to Guide You Through the Journey by Angie Rumaldo

Adolescence is a rite of passage. For children, it is a time to test their boundaries. For us parents, it is a time to guide them towards being responsible and productive adults.

However, the period of your child’s adolescence is rife with struggle and misunderstanding.

Licensed clinical psychologist and psychiatric nurse practitioner Dr. Angie Rumaldo presents readers with a series of action plans to help correct common behavioral problems and sheds light on typical issues that children face at different phases in their growth and development.

With Dr. Rumaldo’s groundbreaking resource, you will have the essential help you need in Understanding Your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior.

Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations by Mark C. Perna

As parents, we may be at our wits’ end in trying to bring out the best in our kids and preparing them to become productive members of society.

However, this Why Generation is inundated with a lot of challenges: from the gap between the skills they developed over the years through their education and the ones that employers are actually looking for, their lack of knowledge on the rewarding career opportunities they can take or their disengagement from the modes of learning available to them.

Mark C. Perna illustrates how Answering Why can help engage, motivate and inspire the younger generation to achieve.

Enjoy reading with Kindle

With a wealth of enriching and informative books waiting for you, I’m sure you’re raring to get into reading them. However, if you are concerned about the space you will need to store your growing library, or being able to bring your books wherever you go, getting a Kindle just may be the perfect solution for you.

Kindle is a line of portable and wireless electronic reading devices (e-readers) produced by online retailer Amazon.com. They make use of a display technology called electronic paper which produces a sharp screen image that resembles text printed on paper, ensuring an easy and comfortable read.

It is advisable to have a Kindle, specifically for reading, instead of relying on your other personal mobile devices because:

  • It is purpose-built for reading with a glare-free display that reads real paper, even in direct sunlight. You can also adjust its brightness to let you read comfortably – indoors and outdoors, day and night.
  • A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.
  • You get less distractions as you can highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

Ready to get this new nifty reading device for yourself. Check out your various options below!

Kindle
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Kindle Oasis

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

Ready to shop for your books and Kindle devices? The good news is that you can enjoy great discounts on your Amazon.com purchases during Amazon Prime Day!

On July 12 and 13, 2022, Amazon.com will hold a mega summer sale offering lots of deals on its myriad of products, exclusively to Amazon Prime members.

To take advantage of the awesome deals that await you during Amazon Prime Day, you need to be an Amazon Prime member.

You can also enjoy these exclusive benefits:

  • Fast and free delivery. Get two-day, next-day or same-day delivery to a US address for millions of items.
  • Prime Video. Get access to fresh movies releases and original award-winning Amazon productions.
  • Prime Reading. Get access to a rotating catalogue of e-books and audio books including one free pre-release book every month from editor’s picks.
  • and more!

Header photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers McGraw-Hill Education, HarperCollins Leadership, CenterStreet, Two Chickens Press, HCI Books, Zondervan GIFT and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copies of the books mentioned here.

This post contains affiliate links.