Building a Dream Team Part 4

Over the last few months we have talked about building a Dream Team. We’ve covered the points of who makes up a Dream Team and how you find these people. We’ve talked about building strategy into your teams with their social media promotion. And we’ve talked about how to empower your team and provide them with the resources that they need.

But how do you continue to grow your team and how do you know when you should let someone go? 

What are the reasons you would let someone off of your team if they haven’t already volunteered to do so? We’ll be discussing those finer points today.

How do you grow your Dream Team and when should you let someone go?

·         Don’t just roll over the same Dream Team year after year. The pool will become stagnant.

The same team year after year will have enthusiasm for your books for sure and you should continue to keep the people on board that maintain their contagious excitement. However, bringing in “new blood” as it where, will remind your older members what they’ve always been excited about all along: your books. And telling people about your books.

·         Cull the members who weren’t able to commit time wise or didn’t have an interest once the promotional work started.

Not every member can fully participate. Some people you’ll know this going into it and this is your call to make whether you invite them back for another year. I work with several people on my Dream Teams that have other obligations, but still give 110% with what they can do. There is a difference between doing what you can and not doing anything. Look for the members who fall into the latter.

·         Ask the members left over if they want to continue on in the new book promotion. Make sure they understand the meaning of being part of your Dream Team and the commitment they are making.

Every year when I build the new team, I privately message or email each member with a quick note, thanking them for their awesome help and asking if they want to join next year. No pressure, ball totally in their court, but with a full understanding of what I’m asking you to do if you return. Most people will return. A few will be honest with their time and decline. I suggest adding these people to your influencer list so they can still help with minor promotion and writing you a review.

·         Ask new people you’ve communicated with, know that like your books, etc.

Each year I look at readers who have consistently contacted my authors, been involved on social media without asking or just have a natural contagious excitement about them. I love inviting people such as this to our teams!

·         Bringing in fresh blood will encourage and help fuel the old members and vice versa.

I’ve seen this truth proven many times over—keep this option in your back pocket as you look to grow your team and encourage excitement.

Finally: build a community. All of these people are joined by one common love: you and your books. This instantly makes them friends, build upon that. I have seen fellow Dream Teamers friend each other on Facebook, chat amongst each other and support one another outside of the structure of the Dream Team. This is a great and effective way to build cohesiveness and sponsor growth and camaraderie amongst your members.

Do you have any questions about building a Dream Team? Suggestions? Thoughts? I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave your comments below!

CLICK TO TWEET: 

Building a Dream Team? Who do you invite for the #promotion & do you bring in new people? @C_Herringshaw answers. http://bit.ly/29Q1Az1

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Casey Herringshaw is a homeschool graduate and has been writing since high school. She lives in colorful Colorado where she gets to live her dream stalking--er--visiting with her favorite CO authors.