Client Spotlight: Debra Roberts, LCSW, is an author, conversation expert, and founder of The Relationship Protocol, a communication model that revolutionizes how we live and work together. An Authority Accelerator client, she wrote “3 Steps to Manage Overload When You Have Too Much on Your Plate” for Inc.

Good morning, !

This morning I sat down at my computer, opened my email newsletter platform, and started writing you this letter.

And then I deleted everything I wrote.

I started again.

And deleted it again.

Then I had a brilliant idea! I'll write a grab-bag newsletter with a bulleted list of some of the ten bajillion topics jostling around in my brain. That will be fun! (And I won't have to choose which to focus on!)

I started writing.

A few hundred words later, I stopped myself and asked a simple question: Does this rambling list provide anything of value to those who will read it?

Nope.

And so, I deleted it.

Again.

Frustrated, I went down to the kitchen and made myself another cup of tea.

As I waited for the water to boil, I thought about you.

I thought about why you should spend your precious time reading this newsletter, and how I can provide something of real value — something that will change your thinking, mindset, or behavior.

I should have started there.

After all, that's the advice I would give you.

The SOAR Model™ is the recommended resource this week, and you can download a PDF of the model below. I developed this model to help my clients write articles that position them as authoritative experts. Before I edit a piece for a client, I ask to see their SOAR analysis because I can't be an effective editor if I don't know who the writer is writing to and what they want to accomplish.

The SOAR analysis also plays a critical role in my Inspired Writing Workshops. I run these workshops every month for a community of Pathway to Publication graduates, and I want to see if it works well and provides value even when the participants don't know one another. So, I'll be running an experiment on July 12 to see if it works! Registration details are below. If the workshop goes well and there's sufficient interest, I'll offer it regularly.

Everything starts with your audience.

This morning reminded me of how true that is.

* * *

"Business writing exists for one purpose: to create a change in the reader. If the reader is no different after reading, then you have wasted the reader's time."

~ Josh Bernoff, Writing Without Bullshit

* * *

Join the Conversation

Giving It All Away

In this LinkedIn post, I share my thoughts about the value of giving away your expertise to differentiate yourself from your peers and build trust with your prospective clients. This one got a lot of comments, so I'd love to hear your thoughts! Join the conversation.

* * *

Recommended Resource

The SOAR Model™

I developed this model to help my clients write articles that position them as authoritative experts. But you can also use it to help you develop workshops, craft proposals for speaking engagements, and write email newsletters. To ensure that everything you create builds your authority and enhances your reputation, complete a SOAR analysis. Get your copy.

* * *

Featured Appearance

Podcast: Quest for Epic Engagement

I joined RJ Redden to explore the relationship between writing and resilience and the vulnerability of visibility. I talk about how writing helps us interrogate our ideas, examining them from every angle, and how that interrogation makes us more resilient in the face of criticism or disagreement. Take a listen!

* * *

Upcoming Events

Pitched to Published™

Interested in learning how to pitch, write, and publish articles for industry trade journals and high-visibility publications? Join me on Wednesday, July 10, at 11:55 AM Eastern for a mini-training on how to overcome writer's block, followed by a Q+A. There is no cost to attend. Register here.

Inspired Writing Workshop™ 

In this three-hour workshop, you will plan and write the first draft of an article and then read the article aloud. Each participant will share one positive observation about your piece — something they found interesting, well-written, or insightful. The workshop is on Friday, July 12, from noon to 3 PM Eastern. Registration is limited to five participants. Tuition is $100. Enroll here.

Soulful Articles: A Speakers Studio Event 

Two of the most powerful ways to share your message are through speaking and writing. On Wednesday, July 31, at 2 PM Eastern, I will join Lauri Smith, the Soulful Speaking Coach, for a 90-minute workshop. Together, we will explore how writing helps you become a stronger, more confident speaker. Early bird tickets are $33. After July 16, tickets are $55. Get your tickets here.

* * *

I'll see you in a couple of weeks!

In the meantime, if you're thinking about writing articles for high-visibility publications, please book a call. I'd love to learn more about your business goals for writing and how I might be of service.

Take good care,