Taaa Daaa! You finished your first draft. Now, it’s time to begin editing, revising, polishing your manuscriptand editing. Editing is a crucial process that should transform your rough draft into a polished manuscript ready to become a real book. Here are the important steps of the editing process.

But wait. Hold on a moment before you start. Before diving into the editing process, distance yourself from the story, allow your mind to reset. Some say, “Let it percolate.” Taking a solid break between finishing the first draft and starting the editing process helps you approach this phase with a fresh perspective, and the objectivity that is necessary to do a respectable job.

There is a debate about who said it first, but this saying has been around a time: Kill Your Darlings! This is the place where you will be following that advice. In some cases, we, as writers, find a phrase or two so wonderful we want it written down for posterity, but it has nothing to do with the story now or, it just drags down momentum. These are the deletes that hurt a little bit.

• Structural Editing: This is much more than proof reading. Start by assessing the overall structure of your story. Look at the bones of your story and is frequently referred to as the story arc. Does the plot flow smoothly? Are the characters well-developed and consistent? Look for plot holes, inconsistencies, or any areas that may require restructuring. Ensure that your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a logical progression of events.
• Strengthen Your Characters: Characters are the heart of your story. Hopefully you took the time to complete character sketches for each of the key characters before you jumped in. Evaluate their motivations, desires, and conflicts. Are they compelling and relatable? Do any of the characters that appeared in the beginning melt away before the ending? Your characters must resonate with readers and contribute effectively to the narrative. No free loaders.
• Refine Dialogue: Dialogue is the life blood of your characters. Make conversations sound natural and authentic. Trim unnecessary dialogue tags, ensure each character has a distinct voice, and eliminate repetitive or unrealistic speech patterns. It helps to read the dialogue out loud as you’re going through it.
• Polishing the Prose: Refine your writing by eliminating clichés, redundant phrases, and awkward sentences. Look for opportunities to enhance your descriptions, creating vivid and engaging imagery. Keep your sentences concise and avoid excessive wordiness.
• Show, Don’t Tell: This is a big one and it’s hard to fully capture. Perhaps a blog on this one is in the near future. One common pitfall in early drafts is telling the readers what’s happening instead of showing it. Allow your readers to experience the story through sensory details, action, and dialogue. Instead of stating that a character is angry, show their clenched fists, furrowed brows, and terse words.
• Proofreading: Oh goodie! Back to the beginning! Once you’re satisfied with the content and structure, shift your focus to the dreaded details. Proofread meticulously, searching for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Pay attention to commonly misused words and typos. Consider using grammar and spell-checking tools or seek assistance from beta readers for a fresh perspective. There are so many freelance proofreaders out there. Well worth the money!
• Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your revised manuscript with trusted friends, writing groups, or beta readers. Constructive feedback can help identify blind spots, point out areas that need improvement, and offer valuable suggestions for further refinement. Embrace the feedback as much as you can! Listen to it because it will enhance your work. Not necessarily the way someone suggests a rewrite, but it shows weaknesses in the flow that you can fix.
• Repeat the Process: (Yay, starting over again!) Editing is an iterative process. Once you’ve implemented feedback and made necessary revisions, go through the editing cycle again. Multiple rounds of editing will help you polish your manuscript to a professional standard.

Remember, the editing process requires patience, dedication, and the ability to kill your darlings. Embrace the journey, knowing that each round of editing brings you closer to that book. Don’t become discouraged by the challenges you encounter along the way. It is an integral part of the process. Find the editing cartoons out there and keep them close. Stay entertained and get ready for the production portion of the process.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

The Entrepreneur’s Edge: Self-Care That Actually Sustains You

You’ve heard it all: “Take care of yourself.” “Prioritize wellness.” “Find balance.” But when your calendar’s a warzone and your brain’s fried, those slogans blur into noise. Entrepreneurs don’t burn out from laziness — they burn out because the engine never shuts off. Self-care isn’t bubble baths or hacks; it’s rhythm, recalibration, and systems that keep you functional without draining your edge. The best techniques aren’t loud. They’re quiet, stabilizing background loops. You don’t need better. You need to be sustainable. Clarity. Continuity. And enough energy left to keep going — on your terms, with your mission intact.

Breathe Like It’s a Power Tool

Breathwork isn’t a trend. It’s a hard-reset mechanism that modern entrepreneurs have ignored for too long. You’re not chasing Zen — you’re shifting gears. Short, structured breathing cycles can rapidly downshift a revved-up nervous system. Whether you’re walking into a high-stakes pitch or recovering from a mentally fried sprint, controlled breathing moves the needle. Most don’t realize that deep breathing to reduce stress can literally change your cognitive access in the moment — not hours later. It’s not woo-woo; it’s circuitry. Ten seconds in, ten out. Do that for two minutes before your next critical call and watch how much sharper you hit.

Your Senses Need a Reset Too

When your stress doesn’t respond to willpower or caffeine, that’s your body tapping out. Resetting your sensory field can bring you back online. Go outside and feel the temperature. Touch water. Close your eyes and just let sound land without interpretation. Entrepreneurs live inside reactive cycles, and those loops accumulate. What helps isn’t always more input — it’s different input. Even two minutes of sensory reset restores calm more effectively than another scroll session. You don’t need a vacation. You need nervous system variety. Stretch your back. Smell eucalyptus. There’s no app for this — it’s primal, and it works.

Boundaries Are Not a Buzzword but a Lifeline

You don’t need another productivity system. You need an off switch. Building a company is seductive — it blurs everything. But the absence of boundaries doesn’t just burn time; it burns judgment. You start making decisions from depletion, not clarity. Entrepreneurs who survive long-term don’t just manage time — they manage energy. That means off-hours, inbox constraints, and protected space with no agenda. According to recent founder casework, setting boundaries protects well-being more than any other self-care tactic. If you want to make sharper bets and avoid dumb pivots, start by building a firewall around your own bandwidth.

Rituals That Don’t Burn Out

Rituals aren’t routines. They’re stabilizers — checkpoints in your day that aren’t negotiable. Morning coffee without your phone. An end-of-day audio journal. Midday silence before meetings. When done with intention, self-care rituals built into a schedule can act as tempo regulators, not time sucks. You don’t need three hours of yoga. You need 90 seconds where your brain isn’t negotiating with the next demand. The ritual doesn’t have to be good. It has to be yours. Entrepreneurs who survive long-term don’t just scale businesses. They scale the patterns that keep them sane.

If you want to last, you have to stop treating self-care like an afterthought. The techniques that keep entrepreneurs alive — really alive — are the ones that sync with their chaos, not compete with it. Breathwork, resets, boundaries, and rituals aren’t extras. They’re infrastructure. You won’t always get it right. But the entrepreneurs who burn out aren’t the ones who tried self-care ideas. They’re the ones who waited too long. Build systems that restore you mid-stride. Let recovery be part of the strategy, not the retreat. Because you’re not just building a business — you’re the one carrying it.

 

Unlock your potential with Suberla Consulting and let Dee G Suberla guide you from invisible to unforgettable with tailored coaching, consulting, and speaking solutions designed to elevate your career and personal growth.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

You might want to create two. One is targeted at your readers, you’re trying to connect with them and use this to help sell your book. Readers might be wondering why you wrote the book and what makes you qualified to write it? This one can be short, maybe five sentences that will likely land on the back cover of your book. There are a lot of samples out there, find them in your genre. Stick to writing in the 3^rd person.

Introduce Yourself: Start by providing your name and mentioning that you are an author. You can also include any relevant professional credentials or achievements. For example, “John Smith is an accomplished author with several published works in the mystery genre.”

1. Highlight Your Expertise: Mention your area of expertise or the genres you typically write in. This helps establish your authority as an author. For instance, “His writing expertise lies in crafting gripping suspense novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats.”
2. Share Relevant Accomplishments: Include any notable achievements or recognition you have received as an author. This can be awards, bestseller status, or positive reviews from reputable sources. For example, “John’s debut novel, ‘The Secret in the Shadows,’ was a New York Times bestseller and received critical acclaim for its masterful storytelling.”
3. Mention Your Inspiration: Discuss what inspires you as an author and what drives your passion for writing. This can be personal experiences, favorite authors, or themes that resonate with you. It gives readers insight into your creative process. For instance, “John draws inspiration from classic mystery writers like Agatha Christie and finds fascination in exploring the dark corners of human nature.”
4. Personal Touch: Conclude your bio with a personal touch that humanizes you as an author. You can include hobbies, interests, or any relevant details that showcase your personality. This helps readers connect with you on a deeper level. For example, “When he’s not immersed in writing, John enjoys hiking in the mountains and spending time with his two mischievous cats, Whiskers and Shadow.”

Remember to keep your author’s bio concise, engaging, and tailored to your target audience. It should give readers a clear understanding of your writing background and what makes you unique as an author.

It took me a while to get the hang of this because I worked in industry and had speaking engagements, so all my bios were about work life and never mentioned personal information – it was all business!

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

Thrive in a Shifting Landscape:

Sharpen Your Job and Leadership Skills for New Business Opportunities

The business world never stops moving, and those who rise with its tide understand one thing above all: adaptation isn’t optional—it’s strategy. If you want to remain relevant and capture new professional opportunities, you need more than basic competence; you need to evolve continuously and lead with intention.

Cultivate Agility in Your Approach

When you hold too tightly to your current process, you risk missing out on unexpected doors opening around you. Agility doesn’t mean bouncing from trend to trend—it means responding to change with clarity and action.

• Focus on outcomes, not habits. Evaluate whether your work style delivers value, not just comfort.
• Use short learning sprints to explore new tools and strategies. Pick a business trend and dive into it for two weeks—no long commitments, just immersion.
• Develop a bias for experimentation. Launch small pilot ideas within your role to test new leadership or workflow methods.
• Let discomfort be your teacher. If a challenge shakes your confidence, reflect on it—it’s often pointing you toward your next growth edge.

Learn to Think Like a Strategist, Not Just a Doer

Doing your job well matters—but thinking about why you’re doing it and how it fits into a bigger picture sets you apart. Strategic thinking is the skill that makes leaders indispensable.

• Study your industry’s value chain. Understand where the money flows and where pain points exist.
• Listen like an outsider. Observe cross-functional meetings or shadow colleagues to gain different perspectives.
• Frame your ideas in terms of impact. “What problem does this solve?” should become your default lens.
• Invest in business acumen. Read about finance, marketing, and supply chains—not to become an expert, but to understand how your work fits the machine.

Harness Technology to Run Smarter, Not Harder

You can’t lead in today’s world without being digitally capable. But the goal isn’t just to use more tech—it’s to choose tools that actually improve clarity, consistency, and execution.

• Automate time-consuming tasks that drain your focus. Even scheduling and invoicing can be handled through streamlined platforms.
• Tap into collaborative tools like Asana or Slack that centralize updates and files. Your team needs a shared digital workspace, not more email chains.
• Adopt an all-in-one business platform like ZenBusiness to consolidate operations. This reduces friction across accounting, project management, CRM, and communication.
• Explore AI-enhanced features for forecasting, content generation, and customer service—they won’t replace your judgment, but they will sharpen your edge.

Prioritize Relational Intelligence Over Technical Fluency

Tech evolves fast, but people remain the heartbeat of every business deal. Leadership hinges more on how you relate than what you know, especially in high-stakes environments.

• Practice influence without authority. Learn how to move conversations and decisions forward even when you’re not the boss.
• Seek feedback from outside your circle. Get insights from people who aren’t invested in keeping you comfortable.
• Build a habit of storytelling. Translate data or ideas into narratives that spark connection and action.
• Learn the politics without playing dirty. Navigating power dynamics respectfully is part of leadership maturity.

Position Yourself at the Edge of Innovation

Don’t wait to be told what’s next. Those who benefit from the next wave are already watching it form on the horizon.

• Attend events outside your industry. It’s where ideas cross-pollinate and new models get born.
• Follow emerging thought leaders—not the loudest voices, but those asking better questions.
• Volunteer for future-focused projects. Get your hands on tech implementations, sustainability efforts, or new market explorations.
• Treat career mobility as a skill. You don’t need to leap blindly, but learning how to pivot roles or industries builds resilience—and opportunity.

In a business world driven by transformation, the biggest risk is stagnation. You don’t need to become someone else to move forward—you just need to stay in motion. Evolve your skills, lead from wherever you are, and step toward complexity with your eyes wide open. Every opportunity ahead is waiting on the other side of your willingness to stretch.

Unlock your potential with Suberla Consulting and let Dee G Suberla guide you through transformative leadership and personal development tailored to your unique needs.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

The amount of information you need to have about your book, once it’s completed, can be a little overwhelming. There are two major categories: The Physical and the Market.

For the physical, look at your word count. Better yet, explore the genre where you will probably wind up and what is the expected word count. For middle grade it’s at least 30,000. Now, writing to meet specifications can really take the wind out of your sales, however, having a target is wonderful. My first draft of The Zing Fling was 22,000 words long in a 30,000 minimum genre – whoops.

What is the physical size of your book cover, and therefore you book? Oak Line Press provides 3 choices for the basic package, 5.5” x 8.5”; 6” x 9”; 8” x 8.”

Now we are getting into the market area. Why is size so important? There is a cost element, the smaller the book, the more pages and that increases your costs. Also, there are industry standards and the expectations of those pesky readers. Another factor is the shelf sizes your book will be sold from… that’s those pesky book sellers… so your really need to go with the flow here.

There are a few reasons to pick up a few Comp Books, that’s the competition, but also, it’s a comparison for physical requirements. You must know the genre of your book – figure that part out early on.

Your comps are helpful for many of the marketing aspects. Find successful books that are in your selected genre to see what they do with sizing, artwork, colors, fonts, graphics on the outside cover and inside the novel. Trust me, I never imagined having to think about all these things while writing my first book. Turns out when the writing is done… ish, there’s a lot more to think about.

There is copy to be written for the back cover, as well as on your dustcover panels. Can you explain your story in three or four sentences? No, well if you don’t, you’ll have to pay someone who can because that’s all the room you’ll have on your back cover. Back to your comps on this one.

Getting your manuscript edited is critical to getting accepted for publication. Start with friends and family and beg them for honest feedback. If they get lost in the story or have questions about things that were unanswered, you need to know. Finding grammar and spelling errors is extremely helpful. I had two different paid editors look at The Zing Fling and was blessed that one of them looked at the content and gave me great suggestions to enhance the story. You pay extra for that kind of editing and then you are under the gun to make the changes.

Then there is your author bio, check out the Blog Writing an Author’s Bio.

When your manuscript has been written and properly edited, it’s time to fill out your form and there are several questions in there about these sorts of things. The first time I saw the questionnaire – I panicked a bit… hadn’t given any of it any thought. My message to you is just keep these things in mind and make notes as you go along so you’ll be much better prepared.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

What do I have to write a book about? It’s a great question and I can promise you, there are more things than you think. But first – do you want to write a book? If the answer is “I don’t know,” or “no,” then read this in case you know someone who does. You can give them some ideas. Writing isn’t for everyone and that’s ok!

Your own experiences are the first area to search. Did you get through (or are you going through) a very difficult situation? Do you have a practice that you use to deal with anxiety when meeting new people or another situation? Have you made a discovery about something like finding the difference between loneliness and being alone? Think about the things you’ve lived through and search for an epiphany or discovery that changed how you do things for the better.

What about your family history? Was your childhood focused more on managing through trials and tribulations and worrying about mowing the lawn and doing your homework? Were you struggling in school until you found out you had a disorder that blocked some of your learning? How’d you get through it and look – Now you’re writing a book! If you have been through something difficult and found your way clear of it and want to share your techniques with others – that’s a book.

I am in possession of my parents’ love letters when my dad was in the Navy during WW2. That’s a book. I have my Aunt Elsie’s diaries – I haven’t read them yet but I’m sure they’re filled with life on the farm and some great stories – it could be a book, or it might ignite an idea for a novel.

Do you have grandparents or older aunts and uncles? Interview them, get their favorite stories on paper and maybe there’s a book there. How about recipes – or an instruction manual on how to do something?

You can create a family-based book that only appeals to your family and friends. That’s ok – it will bring joy. I’ll be doing one of those for my nieces and nephews.

If you’re thinking about a much wider audience, remember to first know why you will write this book. What’s the point? Who does it serve? I was lucky enough to attend a writers’ conference with a few very well-known authors. The best piece of advice I heard went like this:

Why do you want to write this book? Is it to make money? Is it because you think certain groups of people would like it? Well, just take what you’ve written, save everyone a lot of time and throw it away!  The best answer, the right answer sound something like, “I have to.”

That nearly knocked me out of my seat. But as soon as I heard it understood it. The book that I had started began because I was driven to do it. The next great piece of advice was to not hold back when writing, tell it all. If it’s about your experiences, don’t carefully craft it – tell it all. Again… that hit me hard and it stuck with me all night. The next morning, I wrote a new Chapter 1. You’ll find it in my book C’mon Let’s Play. I’ve received a lot of good feedback on that chapter… it starts the narrative on many, not all, but many of my mistakes.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

From Invisible to Unforgettable:

How Startups Win Busy Customers

In today’s blink-and-scroll economy, grabbing a moment of a consumer’s attention can feel like chasing sunlight through a window blind. If you’re a startup, that moment is your shot to prove you're worth remembering — and it’s fleeting. Winning that attention and converting it into loyalty isn’t about making noise; it’s about showing up with precision, relevance, and timing. Let’s dig into real-world strategies that turn strangers into believers and believers into your biggest fans.

Cutting Through Noise

Your audience is saturated. Ads blink from every angle, influencers push ten brands before breakfast, and inboxes are digital landfills. To compete, your marketing must not just exist — it must interrupt without irritating. You need digital marketing strategies that convert customers, especially if you’re a startup trying to gain ground quickly. Smart founders anchor themselves in highly targeted messaging and surgical timing, often choosing hyperlocal campaigns, referral loops, or event-based pings to break through the clutter. Pair that with authentic, helpful content, and you're no longer noise — you're the one voice that matters.

Personalized Hooks

Generalized pitches are fast food for attention — convenient, forgettable, and empty. Personalized marketing is the seven-course meal. By leveraging user data, behavior cues, and psychographic profiling, startups can tailor their marketing to users in ways that feel less like selling and more like helping. Consider dynamically generated product recommendations, localized landing pages, or behavior-triggered emails that speak to a user’s specific context. The goal? Make them feel like your brand was built just for them. Personalization isn’t just a feature — it’s a trust builder.

Aggressive Launch Tactics

Early-stage traction often comes down to how loud, different, or compelling your first moves are. That doesn’t mean overhyping or overpromising — it means bold launch moves that slice through apathy. Think unexpected giveaways, timed exclusivity, or a challenge that goes viral for the right reason. But keep in mind: aggression needs grounding. Pair every punchy tactic with a safety net of operational readiness — nothing kills loyalty like a broken promise wrapped in good intentions. You get one chance to be “new” — make it count.

UX‑Driven Experience

Attention is fragile. One clunky form, one confusing button, one second too long — and your user’s gone. Designing for ease isn’t a luxury; it’s survival. You make it a UX-Driven design by intentionally crafting each touchpoint for the busy customer, to reduce friction and increase satisfaction. Whether it’s through mobile-first design, intuitive flows, or fast-loading pages, you’re shaping an emotional memory. The best brands don’t just look good — they feel good.

Earning an MBA

The more complex your ambitions, the more clarity you need to pull them off. That’s why structured learning can make all the difference. For startup founders juggling team building, product development, and market penetration, formal education like an MBA sharpens decision-making, clarifies financial strategies, and elevates operational thinking. It’s not about theory — it’s about practical frameworks you can bend into action. For many, finding success with an MBA means fewer rookie mistakes, better leadership habits, and faster traction in crowded markets.

Loyalty Blueprint

Loyalty doesn’t arrive in the mail. It’s engineered. Startups must think beyond points and perks — they need emotionally resonant systems that reward not just purchases, but participation. Consider a loyalty program and rewards tiers that evolve with the customer. Maybe your most vocal advocate gets a sneak peek of the next feature. Or maybe loyal users shape the roadmap. Build in moments that surprise, delight, and recognize — and you’ll earn more than repeat business; you’ll earn allegiance.

Retention Culture

It’s not enough for your brand to care about the customer. Your people need to breathe it. Building a culture obsessed with customers starts at the top — with founders who model curiosity, gratitude, and adaptability. Train your team to see feedback as fuel. Celebrate moments when someone goes above and beyond, and document them into playbooks. Customers don’t stay for the product; they stay because they feel seen. Loyalty is not a metric — it’s a mirror of your internal values made visible.

Busy consumers don’t give second chances. They reward clarity, relevance, and relationship. Startups who survive the noise do so by earning trust one touchpoint at a time — not by shouting, but by showing up where it matters. And the ones who win? They’re not louder. They’re sharper, kinder, and more attuned. Attention isn’t the goal — it’s the doorway. Loyalty is what waits on the other side.

Unlock your potential with Suberla Consulting and let Dee G Suberla guide you through transformative leadership and personal development tailored to your unique needs.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

Does the phrase, I Should Write a Book, sound familiar? Do you say, “I should write a book,” or “People say I should write a book,” or “I’ve always wanted to write a book.”  I was part of the latter group for years. The idea of writing a book seemed almost magical and totally impossible. I’d wonder, “how do people do it?”

It’s a process, but like all processes, first you must start. There are a million reasons out there for people to avoid the first step. I’m not … old enough, young enough, smart enough, tough enough. I don’t have enough time, I don’t know how, and on it goes. Let’s start with a new first step… KNOCK IT OFF! JUST WRITE D@MN IT!

The book I just submitted – 30,000 words started out as a one-page story idea. Then it sat for quite a while, maybe a couple years. My friends wanted to go to a writer’s group at the local library – both were working on books. I had 1poetry – turns out that didn’t work for this writers group. So, after some friendly prodding from Carole and Nan, I remembered I had that one-pager I could create a story from, and still hang out with my friends.

We decided to take a 4-session novel writing class. So, on the second Saturday, there I was eating breakfast and working on my homework before class. I needed to make a list of chapter titles and create a character sketch for my main character. I quickly did both assignments, during breakfast – sort of free writing, and a book was born. How did I do that? I just made it all up. I wasn’t worried about anything, I just let my brain loose and there it was, complete with a trace amount of strawberry jelly. This became the book I just submitted…yes it has been kicking around for a few decades. And yes, most of what I wrote that fateful morning is still part of my final manuscript. I call this the long-haul method of writing a book.

The first book I published started in a logbook that I kept at my desk during my last year of work in the corporate world. Every time I was irritated by the way something was being managed, I wrote a new chapter title for the book I would write someday. There were a lot of chapter titles, some quite colorful. As my retirement date grew near, another friend urged me to write a book out that log. That would have been a very long book, so I selected one chapter heading, Poof You’re a Project Manager and Other Delusions of Grandeur. It’s about how would select a great engineer or scientist or marketing manager and change their title to Project Manager instructing them to go fix the problems on the project.

In all honesty, this is how most of us got the job back in the day, but it was always bumpy and uncomfortable until those recently Poofed into the role, could find the needed resources to acquire the skills to do the role. Poof took less than a year from the first step to publishing. I call this process the rapid-fire style.

My last book, C’mon Let’s Play, was my most deliberate book. I felt that there was amazing information out there that I wanted to share about how we think and how the way we think affects our lives. I had a few excellent examples. Whether I was coaching a client looking for a new job, or coaching a client who felt lost in life, the message was the same – I just altered it to align with the environment where my client was coming from. I ask them to play with how they think about their own lives, or situation. What if you thought exactly the opposite of what you are thinking right now, what would that life look like?

I selected a few of my favorite pieces from the experts, my own mistakes, bad choices, and subsequent growth became successful in corporate and again when I decided to become an entrepreneur. I call the way I wrote this book the strategic selection style.

There are several ways to get through that first step, actually both first steps, and I know firsthand how hard it is. I made a few mistakes, ok, maybe more than a few but I’ve learned so much and I love helping people find their way too.

My new clients are those I can help get started on writing a book, those I can help finish their manuscript, and those ready to publish. The first meeting is free, and we spend 45 minutes discussing your possibilities and determining if we’re a good fit. For some of you this might be the jolt you need to get through both first steps and … just knock it off and write!

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

There are quite a few words in this language of ours that are confusing. I’m so thankful to have the automatic spelling and grammar check, but I still struggle. It gets complicated for me, particularly when I’m leaving a note for somebody… or someone… (phew, it doesn’t matter). Anyway, one of the reasons I thought I’d never be able to write a book is because I just could not spell, let alone take the time to memorize all of these. I have a few memorized, it helps when there are tricks to help me…

Dear Google & Microsoft, Thank you.

There They’re Their

• Where are the students? They’re over there waiting for their teacher!

Effect / Affect can be explained by the Raven

• Raven:  Remember Affect = Verb, Effect = Noun
• Affect is an influence; Effect is a result.

Lay / Lie

• Don’t just lie there (no subject)
• After a tough day I lie down to recoup. (No subject)
• I lay my phone (here’s your subject) on the nightstand when I lie (no subject) down.

Data / Datum

• Data is plural– All the data on this chart are correct.
• Datum is singular – The first datum in the 3^rd column is incorrect.

IE / EI

• I before E except after C and sounding like A as in neighbor and weigh
• Receipt
• Tier ,Tried, Movie

All ready / Already

• Are you all ready? (completely prepared)
• Don’t call for tickets, I already bought them. (Happened before now)

Any Way /  Anyway

• Any Way – Two words,  in any manner or by any means possible.
• Anyway – Regardless, despite the circumstances. It doesn’t matter anyway. Also – to resume where you left off… anyway, back to my story.

One important note for a writer. Try to get these tricky words right, but don’t worry about it on your first draft. Just get the story down first. The first edit will be simpler if you have at least some of these memorized but don’t stop your progress worrying about them. The first draft of The Zing fling, my newest book, was originally written using an old manual clickety-clack Royal typewriter. Again, I really mean it – thank you Microsoft and Google.

Poof You're A Project Manager And Other Delusions of Grandeur

Poof! You're a Project Manager from an Amazon customer

A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021

Leadership is often associated with extroverted qualities—charisma, assertiveness, and quick decision-making in social settings. However, some of the most effective leaders in history have been introverts, proving that quiet strength can be just as powerful. In today’s work environment, where thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and deep focus are highly valued, introverts have unique advantages. By embracing their natural strengths and adapting their leadership style, introverts can not only thrive but also inspire those around them.

Leading Through Active Listening
One of the most underrated yet powerful leadership skills is the ability to truly listen. Introverts excel at active listening, taking the time to process information and consider different perspectives before responding. This makes them particularly effective in resolving conflicts, making informed decisions, and ensuring that all voices on their team are heard. Employees are more likely to feel valued and respected when they work for a leader who listens attentively rather than just waiting for their turn to speak.

Harnessing Deep Thinking for Strong Decision-Making
Introverts naturally engage in deep thinking, a quality that allows them to approach problem-solving with careful analysis and foresight. While extroverts may lean toward quick decision-making, introverted leaders take time to assess all possible outcomes. This ability to think critically and strategically helps them anticipate challenges, make well-informed choices, and develop long-term plans that benefit their team and organization. By trusting this strength, introverts can lead with confidence and clarity.

Navigating Decision-Making with Limited Information

Introverts often excel at assessing situations and preparing thoroughly before taking action, a strength that enhances strategic thinking and long-term planning. However, this same trait can lead to decision paralysis when action is required quickly or when information is incomplete. In fast-moving business environments, the pressure to make quick calls without a full picture can trigger anxiety and self-doubt. For introverted leaders, learning to trust their instincts and make confident decisions despite uncertainty is a crucial growth area.

One way to strengthen this skill is through business decision-making training designed to help professionals evaluate risk, prioritize options, and act decisively under pressure. A valuable resource for this is LinkedIn Learning’s “Decision-Making Strategies” course, which offers practical tools to sharpen your judgment and reduce hesitation when stakes are high. By building these skills, introverts can maintain their thoughtful approach while increasing agility and resilience in leadership roles.

Embracing a Calm and Steady Presence
A leader’s temperament sets the tone for their team, and introverts bring a sense of calm and stability to the workplace. They are less likely to be reactive in stressful situations, helping to create an environment where employees feel secure and supported. Their ability to remain composed under pressure allows them to navigate challenges with poise, reassuring their team even in uncertain times. This steady leadership style fosters trust and confidence among employees, leading to stronger collaboration and productivity.

Improving Communication with Executive Presence Training
Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships, leading teams, and making a lasting impact in any professional setting. Developing clarity, confidence, and the ability to engage others effectively can set you apart as a leader. The importance of executive presence training lies in its ability to elevate not just communication skills but also leadership, authority, and influence. Whether attended in person, virtually, or through self-administered learning, this type of training provides valuable techniques to refine your speaking style, body language, and overall professional presence.

Building Meaningful One-on-One Relationships
While introverts may not seek out large networking events, they excel at developing deep, meaningful relationships with individuals. This strength allows them to connect with team members on a personal level, understanding their motivations, strengths, and concerns. By fostering strong one-on-one connections, introverted leaders can build loyalty, improve team morale, and create a culture of trust. These relationships not only enhance teamwork but also empower employees to perform at their best.

Leading by Example with Thoughtful Actions
Rather than relying on commanding speeches or high-energy presentations, introverts lead by example through their actions. Their natural tendency to observe, reflect, and act with intention allows them to model the behavior they expect from their team. By demonstrating integrity, dedication, and professionalism in their work, they earn the respect of their colleagues. This authentic leadership approach inspires employees to follow their lead, creating a workplace culture based on accountability and excellence.

Leveraging the Power of Preparation
Introverts often shine when they have time to prepare, and they can use this to their advantage in leadership roles. Whether it’s delivering a presentation, leading a meeting, or making a difficult decision, preparation gives them the confidence to articulate their thoughts clearly. This attention to detail and thoughtful approach helps them gain credibility and ensures their ideas are communicated effectively. By embracing preparation as a strength, introverted leaders can turn what some perceive as a weakness into a key advantage.

Introverts don’t have to change who they are to be great leaders—they just need to harness their natural strengths. By leading with active listening, deep thinking, and meaningful connections, they can build strong teams and make thoughtful, lasting impacts. Their calm presence, strategic communication, and ability to lead by example create a leadership style that is both effective and inspiring. In today’s evolving work environment, introverts have a unique opportunity to redefine leadership on their own terms.

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A. Z. Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021