It had never dawned on me until recently that becoming an author is not only easier than people think, but it's something a lot of us should consider doing. We all have a story to tell based on what concerns us, what we've gone through, lessons we learned along our journey through life. There's of course also you who has the gift of coming up with fictitious stories that can entertain the masses. 

Nikki Woods, Senior Producer for The Tom Joyner Morning Show, author, Social Media and Personal Branding Coach, states that the beauty of being a writer is that you can have another profession at the same time. This is why I think more people should consider it. Understandably, like myself about a month ago, if this is something that never crossed your radar, you may be clueless of where to start. Well Nikki has a FREE solution on her website Wanna Be An Author, where you'll learn how to become a best selling author. 

Nikki, who's been in the broadcasting industry for over 20 years, has realized that social media and personal branding is essential to building a platform. It's about building relationships she says to Write 2 Be Magazine. She further adds that this platform should be built before you actually need it. I wholeheartedly agree with this as I've also stated that using social media can actually give you your breakthrough.  

[Related: How One Girl Used Social Media And Became Insta-Famous]

Nikki doesn't just talk the talk, but has provided tools to help you utilize particularly Twitter to grow your brand. Her e-books "Top Twitter Tips for Global Visibility", and "The Quick and Dirty Guide to Global Visibility" are available on her website, Nikki Woods Media. Social media is indeed the way of the future, and as Nikki herself puts it, the longer you fight it or dismiss it, "the further behind you will be when you do decide to get on board."

[Related: How To Use Social Media To Gain Traction & Attention To Your Passion & Purpose]

Now that you know you need to utilize social media to build your brand, your platform, your audience aka your tribe, it might be helpful to know other valuable skills and traits to formulate your success. Nikki comes to the rescue once again with her personal tips on strategies she utilized for success:

1. Success Requires a Certain Level of Persistence

2. Always Be a Student

3. Preparation and Flexibility

4. Business Should Be About Building a Legacy

For elaborations on these points please visit Black Enterprise. What I will add though is that success is of course relative, but more than that, it's a state of mind. Hence why books like "Think & Grow Rich" are best sellers, because it's true. Even the bible says that being transformed comes by the renewing your mind (Rom 12:2). So as you embark on your new journey pursuing your dreams, perhaps becoming a bestseller yourself, keep an open mind, and of course, utilize social media. 

Be blessed!

This post includes affiliate link