Women tend to talk about other women, don’t we? I will admit, right here, right now: I’m one of them. Yep. I admit I talk about other women. And some guys too. At least once a week for hours I talk up a storm about people. ON A PODCAST! Ha! Did you know that one of the 957 hats I wear is “Podcast Co-Host”???
I am one of the “chicks” on the 4 Chicks Chatting podcast! It’s an adventure that me and my three partners started nearly two years ago and oh my the folks we have talked about and with! Our podcast is dedicated to empowering women (and guys too!) to be stronger and have more impact in their field and in their lives.
Of all the podcasts I have been on to promote my book, Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight this year, this episode remains one of my favorites. I love chatting with my chicks, but this time in particualr was super special. It is a hard thing to put creative work in the world. But being able to be vulnerable with a solid tribe around you allows you to step out and live your life’s purpose. A glass or two of champagne to cheer you on is quite helpful as well! (Thats how the 4 Chicks roll!)
Below are all of the time stamped show notes and a link to listen to the episode where Kathy, Me, MaryFran and Robyn chat up the book, self publishing, blindness, parenting, and soooooo much more! Please visit the 4 Chicks Chatting website, www.4chickschatting.com, for all of the episodes and follow the fun there and on social media. We’ve got quite the fan base – I hope you’ll join the tribe!
ONMARCH 12, 2019 BY 4CHICKSCHATTING
Episode 040: Super Chick, Kristin Smedley, and Her Book, “Thriving Blind!”
Super Chick, Kristin Smedley, set out to find inspiration for her two blind sons after being faced with their devastating diagnosis when they were each four months old. Her new book, “Thriving Blind,” does that and more by detailing amazing stories of individuals thriving without sight in a sighted world. Even sighted readers will find themselves empowered by these tales! Tune in as we discuss Kristin’s amazing journey and inspiring new book, available on Amazon!
NEW!!! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE VIDEO, HERE!!!!
Resources for This Show:
Kristin Smedley – www.kristinsmedley.com
Thriving Blind – The Book!
John Lee Dumas Entrepreneurs on Fire!
4 Chicks Brilliance Bombs:
- “Thriving Blind” is a MUST READ!
- Even if you self-publish your book, you can sign with a traditional publisher as you own your work.
- Make your choices about your life; don’t let life decide for you!
- Don’t limit others or yourself based solely on perception!
Show Notes:
Thriving Blind – Stories of real people achieving greatness without sight.
1:10. MFB gives her passionate review on the book.
2:35. Kristin shares her journey from 3rd grade teacher to #1 Release Amazon selling author.
3:32. Passion is what you need to take on something like this!
3:41. “This is the resource that I wish someone had handed to me on diagnosis day 19 and 15 years ago.” Kristin Smedley
5:08 Why choose Amazon as your Platform to self-publish?
5:56. “If you look for the more positive things, they will find you.”If you look for the more positive things, they will find you. ~ Kristin Smedley #4ChicksChatting #podcasting #womeninspiringwomen @rgrahamphotos @kmmdisc @kristinsmedley @maryfbontempoCLICK TO TWEET
8:00. Self publishing is great when you do it right. It’s the quickest way to get information out there quickly.
11:38. Even if you self-publish, you can get picked up by larger houses. You own the rights.
12:48. You’ve go to be in it for the long haul. The writing is the easy part! The marketing is on you!
14:52. Outlining your book: Start with the objective? What is it that YOU know that you want your audience to know? What is the PROBLEM you’re trying to solve?
15:32. Tap into your tribe for feedback.Tap into your tribe for feedback on any new project. #4ChicksChatting #podcasting #womeninspiringwomen @rgrahamphotos @kmmdisc @kristinsmedley @maryfbontempoCLICK TO TWEET
17:00. Anything that you do is part of YOUR brand.
17:46. John Lee Dumas – Create your avatar. Speak to THEM and stick to them.Create your avatar. Speak to THEM and stick to them! ~ John Lee Dumas #4ChicksChatting #podcasting #womeninspiringwomen @fran_hauser @rgrahamphotos @kmmdisc @kristinsmedley @maryfbontempo @johnleedumasCLICK TO TWEET
20:40. This book should also be read by Human Resources and Recruiters in every organization.
22:17 “It’s the perception of blindness that’s screwing with the blind community”.
22:30. Kirk Adams, CEO, Foundation for the Blind talks about the his struggle of interviewing as a blind person. The bias is hurting the applicants.
23:24. The sighted world is the problem for the blind community. Discrimination is at the forefront.
24:40. Interviewers should be blindfolded to eliminate bias.
27:07. The 13 people highlighted in the book range from a stay at home dad to a mountain climber.
28:34. “Make your choices about your life, don’t let your life decide what your choices are going to be.”CLICK TO TWEET
34:40. #nosesweating makes a comeback.
35:50. This book not only serves the blind community,but the rest of the world as well on so many levels. Don’t Limit others or OURSELVES.
37:25. The Kristin Smedley factor: Every single chapter ends with the bright side. “You’ve got to find the silver lining “. Kristin’s mom.
38:38. The cover story is a testament of branding. The picture of “the eye”. It’s made from thumbprints of community supporters.
Kristin Smedley is a 2019 Champion of Hope Award winner. She is an author, non profit leader and TEDx speaker. She originally planned to be a third grade teacher… and then two of her three children were diagnosed as blind. Kristin now shares her journey of raising her kids to not just survive challenges, but to thrive! She speaks internationally regarding blindness and resilience, and she just launched her new series teaching people how to Live Unconditionally. Watch her TEDx talk here and order her new book here. If you are interested to have Kristin speak at your upcoming event, school, or business meeting, email her at smedtalk@gmail.com or contact her here!
