Synopses & Reviews
Based on a corporate crisis ripped from today's headlines, "Unleash Your BS (Best Self)" tells the tale of Fortune 500 managers who are suddenly facing a post-merger downsizing. With their careers hanging in the balance, they are dropped into a leadership and communications training program that will either leave them in charge . . .or leave them behind.
JT Black, the independent consultant known for his entertaining style and powerful results, is assigned the task of developing their leadership finesse, executive presence, and communication skills. In other words, cajoling them to lead and be heard.
"Unleash Your BS" is for every manager ready to rise to the next level of his or her leadership. Whether you're in a volatile work environment or are gearing up for your next promotion, this book offers concrete techniques for enhancing your executive presence and strengthening your personal brand.
Review
Executive presence IS the career differentiator today. Learn what it takes to stand out in a sea of sameness and catapult your career to the next level."This book is an excellent reminder of Jeff's key messages, delivered in a fun format. I've worked with Jeff for more than a decade, and I am always glad that I asked for help or brought him in to help others." -- Chip Blankenship, President and CEO - GE Appliances
"A refreshing story that captures how his Executive Presence Program is delivered. Jeff Black has had a remarkable impact on my career," -- Bill Collins, Vice President, American Airlines
Regardless of your experience as a communicator, [this book] should be on your "must read" list. The concepts are conveyed through stories that are fun to read yet packed with important lessons. . .to be your "best self."
Synopsis
I. Current clients -- Author has been publicizing the book since January to current clients building anticipation for the release through request for testimonials from key clients and through the distribution of his training programs with t-shirts showcasing the name of the book. He has an email list of almost 3,000 names of people who have been in his training programs that he will be sending email blasts promoting the book.
Social media strategy will include: Pinterest: Humorous sheep photos -- Twitter feeds with 6-word memoirs and Powerful Opening Words (POWs) -- Blogs: Unleashed Leaders in the News (to include mock awards for Best Communicators, Amazing Recoveries and Please Call Us!; Empowered Women Leaders; Inspired Corporate Stories
II. Niche Business Markets -- Author is submitting proposals for keynote addresses for the national conferences of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and to the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). These two organizations combined have over 300,000 members. Communication will take place with the individual chapters, as well as the national organizations. Since many of the author's clients are members of these organizations, he will be approach them about articles to submit in newsletters and on-line using their social media.
Also many of the author's clients have diversity officers and/or diversity initiatives and he will market to these clients and reach out to established groups targeting each section such as the National Association for Female Executives.
Jeff is talking with a major speakers bureau to pursue the opportunity to become a keynote speaker at large industry events. He was recently recommended to the firm by Proctor and Gamble.
Through articles and/or advertisements in airline publications and hotel frequent quest programs, the author will be able to focus on key decision makers within business. American Airlines is a big client of his and will be offering critical guidance to this strategy.
III. Market at Large -- The authors have attended the National Publicity Summit in 2013, and will follow-up with all of the contacts. Many outlets expressed an interest in the book. Jeff is registered at HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and press releases will be sent out via PR Newswire. Press kits are developed and ready. He has purchased Alex Carrol's radio publicity kit which will assist in reaching out to 100,000+ listeners through hundreds of radio stations. Because Jeff has a background in entertainment, he will be a natural fit for television and radio.
The author has entered into an alliance with Hemsley-Fraser, a top 20 leadership training company that designs, develops, and delivers training around the world. With over 450 consultants, they offer 34 course with translation into more than 30 languages. They have offered to promote the book to clients across the globe and host book-signing events in key locations like Washington DC. As Jeff travels around the globe, his publicist team will schedule book tours and appearances in the cities he travels.
Television show -- Jeff's company has developed a competition reality show that features college graduates competing for jobs from corporate employers. The show will be filmed in small vignettes that could be pulled together into one hour-long show or posted online in a series of short videos.
About the Author
For 18 globe-hopping years, Jeff Black has been cajoling Fortune 500 managers into fulfilling their leadership potential. Through his deceptively simple process for refining their strategic communications, Jeff enhances their personal brands tenfold. He has worked with executives and front-line leaders around the world to prepare them for communication and business strategies with both external and internal audiences. He provides coaching and consulting on projecting executive presence, delivering strong presentations, demonstrating excellent communication skills, influencing customers and talking to the media. His work has taken him to twenty countries.
As a former television anchor, talk show host and reporter in Birmingham and Los Angeles, Jeff delivers a unique perspective to training leaders and company spokespeople. His extensive client list includes GE, American Airlines, Nielsen, Lockheed Martin, Procter and Gamble, NBC Universal, Lloyd's of London, Telemundo, several NASCAR champions, The Home Depot, Notre Dame, UPS, and numerous educational, non-profit and financial institutions. While in Los Angeles, he worked on the prime-time television drama, "Dynasty."
From CBS to the Food Network, Jeff's clients have appeared on all the major television networks and several cable channels, large daily newspapers and radio networks.
Table of Contents
The audience sat in thick silence as the paperwork was passed from Tom Harris, CEO of Massive Industries to Yuan Luo, CEO of Cascade Corporation. Eight months of labored negotiations led to this single moment...this last dotted line, and too much was riding on the merger for anyone to risk breathing.
Slowly picking up a pen, Yuan allowed himself an extra moment in the spotlight. His retirement began with this final act on behalf of Cascade, and he felt a wave of nostalgia as he poised his hand to sign himself out.
Cascade Corporation was an international manufacturer that employed thousands. Yuan had been at the helm for the past twenty years and was responsible for the company's profound growth. Today, Cascade was becoming a subsidiary of Massive Industries, a conglomerate five times its size. Between them, the two companies had an impressive one hundred thirty years of service. However, as every critic had already pointed out, merging corporate cultures wasn't going to be easy, and in the end, no one was sure how this giant hybrid would work out.
Yuan looked over at Tom one last time and then completed his trademark signature. Instantly, the stockholders erupted into thunderous applause, the lawyers exhaled, and the management on both sides felt chills race down their spines.
Kelly entered Tom's office wearing her first smile since the announcement of the merger. "He's available," she announced as she dropped onto the nearest chair. Noting Tom's puzzled expression, she explained, "JT, the executive branding expert I mentioned to you. He just called to say he's ready to begin hosting executive presence programs for all of our managers at his retreat center."
Leaning back in his chair, Tom looked at the ceiling as if scanning his brain for information. Coming up dry, he turned to Kelly, "Remind me again what this guy's story is."
"Sure," Kelly answered, sitting up. "JT is the guy I saw several years ago. He's. . ." Kelly paused, trying to find the words to explain this unique man who had since become a dear friend, ". . .I guess the best way to describe him is engaging--and certainly entertaining--but underneath his light-hearted delivery is a very real depth of expertise on this topic."