Interview With Author Tanya Goodall Smith
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a personal branding strategist, designer and owner of WorkStory Creative, an agency that helps introverts who are evolving their business create an elevated brand vision and bring it to life.
“The Introvert’s Guide to Personal Branding: How to Put Yourself Out There Without Changing Who You Are” is my first book and I’m so proud of it! I have plenty of ideas for more.
My 20+ year career began at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, which led to design jobs with international brands like HP, Disney and GUESS. I’ve served on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners, was a finalist in Maria Sharipova’s Women’s Entrepreneur Program and is a Brand Builder’s Group Certified Personal Branding Strategist. I love crew rowing, dance classes and classic films. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband of 20 years and three busy kids.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Introvert’s Guide to Personal Branding: How to Put Yourself Out There Without Changing Who You Are”
It’s inspired by my journey of overcoming the challenges I faced in building my business as an introvert. I share strategies anyone can use to build their personal brand and include specific tactics introverts can you to overcome things like social anxiety, fear of public speaking, energy drain, etc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Malcolm Gladwell has helped me to be open to a broader view of society and how people are influenced. The principles in Atomic Habits by James Clear have helped me be more disciplined and adopt habits that have lead to my success. Of course Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a must read for mindset around success. On a personal note, I love to read historical fiction and learn so much about history and culture through characters, architecture, fashion and social issues.
What are you working on now?
I’m creating a companion workbook for The Introvert’s Guide and a meditative coloring book for Introverts. I’m brainstorming ideas for my next book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to promoting a book so I’m open to ideas! Awesome Gang is the first website I’ve tried. I organically grew an email list previously to launching my book by offering the first chapter for free and that has worked really well. I have an engaged social media following and have gotten great support and feedback from them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! Many people start a book but not many finish and publish it. Have a support group to help you along. When doubt creeps in, remember why you wanted to write a book in the first place and let that thought drive you forward.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is no good writing, only good editing. Don’t get caught up in the details while writing your early drafts. Write now, edit later.
What are you reading now?
I just finished A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler. It was fascinating! I’m so intrigued by The Gilded Age. Next on my list is Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. I wonder how much my time is worth?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m using my book as a lead generating tool for my business so I’m focused on promoting the book, booking speaking opportunities and podcast guest spots. Eventually I would like to try my hand at writing fiction but probably not until I’m retired. Who knows?!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ugh. So hard to choose. I suppose I would bring the Holy scriptures, an anthology of Jane Austin books (can that count as one book?), Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and I’m not sure what else. I don’t really read books over and over again like I watch movies. I watch Anne of Green Gables at least once per year. I guess I should take those books, too if I can’t watch the show. Notice I wouldn’t take any business books with me. Be stranded on a desert island might be kind of nice.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tanya Goodall Smith Amazon Profile
Tanya Goodall Smith’s Social Media Links
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