Connections #036 - Exploding Book Sales via LinkedIn
Gary Unger is an Advertising, Design & Marketing professional from Atlanta, Georgia in the USA. He’s also a first-time Author - of a book entitled: “How to be a Creative Genius (in five minutes or less)”.
What’s remarkable about Gary’s story is that he joined LinkedIn just over a month ago (on the advice of his Publisher) - with the express goal of using it to promote his book.
During this time, Gary has not only amassed over 600 connections - but more importantly, has been able to leverage this network to promote his book so effectively that it has already sold out at a number of locations, including Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble!
In this Episode, Gary shares the simple, no-nonsense methods he’s employed to achieve this outstanding result - as well as some of the overwhelming & exciting experiences that have happened to him along this journey of discovery.
Gary’s Book: “How to be a creative Genius (in five minutes or less)”
Available from:
Direct from Publisher
GaryUnger.com
Amazon (new stock available)
Borders (new stock available)
Barnes and Noble (new stock available)
Target
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Australia
Mexico
South Africa
Italy
Web Links:
Gary’s LinkedIn Profile - Find Gary on LinkedIn
Creative Fortune Cookie Group - Gary’s LinkedIn Group
Gary’s Twitter Profile - Chat with Gary on Twitter
Design Float - Online Community for Advertising & Marketing professionals
The MetaNetwork - Open Networkers Group for LinkedIn LIONs
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Thank you
Stan Relihan
Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au
July 28th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Great job like always
July 28th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Gives you a good insight about how to track the performance of advertising. Can’t imagine how the internet can change the way we do business.
Out of curiosity, was wondering whether Gary gave a special discount to linkedin members when he invited them!
July 29th, 2008 at 7:03 am
That was interesting to hear how quick Gary has made Linkedin into an effective medium in such a short period.
I’ve been using LinkedIn for a few years now and have 5k+ connections. I ‘ve found it really useful for finding the right contact at companies like Walmart and Toys R US as well as generating interest in my game. (see below)
When you can search across a personal network of 12 million people (including 3rd degree connections), it really makes a difference.
I couldn’t have acheived what I have without LinkedIn and the whole social networking scene. Flickr, Boardgamegeek and Facebook have also been other good sides to leverage.
I publish a board game called giftTRAP
http://www.gifttrap.com/
It’s been voted “Best Party Game” from both Games Magazine and Creative Child Mag. It’s now on sale in 8 languages worldwide as a result of lots of social networking and interaction.
Our game is also selling well in Barnes & Noble.
We also have a facebook app, which is a fun way of getting people to interact with your brand & to create conversations and memories.
http://apps.new.facebook.com/gifttrap/
July 29th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I’m writing a book myself after years in corporate life and found Gary’s insights invaluable, especially on leveraging his Linkedin network.
Another great job by Stan in getting across the message of the commercial value of online networking for business.
P.S. - I just invited Gary to connect with me on Linkedin!
July 29th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Hi Stan and Gary,
Gas and cars are complements. LinkedIn software is a classic complement of broadband and Gary illustrates how to commoditize his book which complements Stan Relihan’s show. Congratulations on your recent success Gary.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Hi Stan and Gary:
Wow, Wow, Wow!! What a great inspiration and wonderful success story. It illustrates true collaboration to the fullest–between you, your audience, your publishers, LI, and Stan. Thanks for sharing Gary. We are neighbors here in Atlanta, Georgia.
Of course, I am so jealous too on how quickly you leveraged LinkedIn for your promotion–it must have been a moment of Creative Genius—to go from 0 to 600 connections in a month:) Is that featured in your book? I guess I will have to buy it to find out–what a good example of using LI for business promo. Of course, as Stan mentioned, the book has to stand on it’s own merit too–we all would love to be instantly successful first-time authors!
Keep up the good work…..
Caryl
August 1st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Thank you all for the comments. I’m blown away by the response. Go get ‘em yourselves!
And thank you Stan for giving me the opportunity.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Fascinating, intriguing and exciting, all rolled into one, especially so as I’m an author myself. Will be putting some of this into practice immediately! Thanks again Stan.
November 1st, 2008 at 1:46 am
Stan and Gary — Congratulations! How inspiring! I, too, was involved in Marketing in corporations for many years and am in the process of creating a book. It’s an art journal I want to publish — each page is an art work/collage where i write my thoughts, feelings and observations. I haven’t gone through the process of trying to get it published traditionally (I haven’t quite finished but I’m close). Have you weighed the pros and cons of self-publishing versus seeking a traditional publisher? I would appreciate your thoughts and ideas.
Only on Linked in for one week and already I see the power!