
Publishers need to make decisions every day about promotion, which manuscripts to take on, editing, distribution, finances and employees. The concept of "social exploration"[1] can help you make better decisions. This is the process of gathering, examining, organizing and testing ideas from multiple sources so you can tap into the "wisdom of the crowd." Here are the Top Ten Ways to Make Better Decisions.
- Become a social explorer seeking new people with which to brainstorm and expose yourself to a broad variety of thinking.
- Qualify and prioritize your ideas by bouncing them off people in diverse social networks with a range of backgrounds (not just other publishers)
- If your network is too tight and familiar you may just get variations of the same, limited ideas instead
- Do not just "think outside the box," but choosing a different box in which to think. Directing your creativity helps find new solutions
- The social interactions you choose can create habits and limitations on the information you gather and how you make your decisions
- Seek ideas from many different people and take advantage of the wisdom of the crowd - makes for better decision than applying individual judgment
- Good decision making can come by imitating successful behavior
- Do not simply imitate the success of others, but evaluate how their behavior impacts your circumstances
- Create balance and diversity in your network of people
- Balance the rate of idea flow with the quality of ideas generated, as they apply to your search for information
[1] Beyond the Echo Chamber, Harvard Business Review, November 2013 pp 80 - 86
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- Marketing
- Social Media

Brian Jud is an author, book-marketing consultant, seminar leader, television host and president of Premium Book Company, which sells books to non-bookstore buyers on a non-returnable, commission-only basis and conducts on-site training for publishers' sales forces.
Brian is the author of "How to Make Real Money Selling Books (Without Worrying About Returns)," a do-it-yourself guide to selling books to non-bookstore buyers in large quantities, with no returns. He has written many articles about book publishing and marketing, is the author of the eight e-booklets with "Proven Tips for Publishing Success," and creator of the series of "Book Marketing Wizards." He is also the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter, "Book Marketing Matters."
Brian is the host of the television series "The Book Authority" and has aired over 650 shows. In addition, he is the author, narrator and producer of the media-training video program "You're On The Air."
Reach Brian at BrianJud@BookMarketing.com or visit his website at www.PremiumBookCompany.com