I‘m amazed at the number of emails I receive that start something like this: “Hi Matt – I just wanted to know if you are interested in joining the meeting today?” Just wanted?
The words “Just wanted” add nothing, but they subtract something big: Confidence. I’m certainly not one to nitpick email grammar – in fact mine tends to be weak. But I notice that people who start emails this way, tend to do it all the time.
Just: Starting with “just” implies that the message to follow isn’t that important. If it’s not that important than why did you write it? Is it important enough to warrant a response?
Wanted: The word “wanted” is past tense. Do you still want it, or has the moment passed?
What’s wrong with: “Hi Matt – Are you joining the meeting today?” Those with authority have it because they assume it. Be confident – and you’ll find that people respond accordingly.
Maybe I’m reading too much into it. Are there email nuances that irk you?
I recently began a new ten minute routine at the start of every day that has dramatically increased the number of projects I finish each week. I’m hooked. My routine is an amalgam other peoples thoughts that I’ve picked up over the last couple of years.
The first thought is David Allen‘s: Until I read his book, I was a slave to the ‘to do’ list. There was a lot in the book (too complex for my liking) but I took away one key concept: Re-frame the ‘to do’ list around ‘projects’, and list the next steps you’ll take to move the project forward.
The second thought is Seth Godin’s: I love the theme of his posts over the past 6 months – ship. Finish projects. Then iterate.
The last thought is Daniel Pink’s: Two questions to ask yourself everyday. “What is my sentence”? and “Was I better today than yesterday”? Explained the 2 minute clip below.
Here’s the routine I start every day with:
My sentence: Matt ships a remarkable amount
A question: Was I better today than I was yesterday?
My Projects: A list of the top 4 or 5 projects I’m working and the next steps I’ll take to move them forward. Today.
Then, at the beginning of every month I do the same exercise looking three months ahead.
When I start my days like this, it’s easier to spurn busy work, say no to unnecessary meetings and block out tempting distractions. When I look back on my days and my weeks, I’m astounded at the rate I’m shipping projects.
At $139, buying a Kindle was an easy decision. Thank you. But, I still see three critical hurdles between your prized device and mass adoption.
I hope that for you this is ‘the year of the publisher’.
1. Sowing Seeds
Why not include this statement in every purchase confirmation email you send: “You don’t own a Kindle yet, but one day you may. So we’ve sent a Kindle version of your new book to your Amazon account.” This way, each time your customer purchases a physical book, their Kindle library grows and the case for moving to Kindle becomes more and more compelling. Its an investment in your current customers and an investment in your future revenue.
2. Price Equilibrium
You’ve got to nail Kindle book pricing. It’s absurd that Kindle books cost the same as hardcover books. It appears as though publishers are trying to set prices at about 50% hardcover list price (which feels fair). But as you know, hardcover books on Amazon are usually 30-50% off (putting the two at price parity). My solution? Set Kindle prices at some point around $10 and then float the price as the hardcover price rises and falls. Make this an Amazon law.
3.Global Economy
Amazon is global. The internet is global. And your customers experience both that way. There is no good reason why every Kindle book released in the U.S. shouldn’t also be released around the globe.
With Kindle books set to eclipse physical books this year, you’ve got the leverage you need to get things right with the publishers. I don’t envy the licensing gymnastics that you’ll have to endure this year, but if you really want to double down on your prized device, then its an exercise that’s absolutely necessary.
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