Social Media and the Future of Book Publishing

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When I attended Digital Book World back in January, they interviewed me about my take on social media, bundling, sharing, and the success of our BookSneeze.com program. One of the things people requested on my recent reader survey was more video, particularly excerpts from my speeches and interviews. Enjoy!

In this short, three-minute video I answer five questions:

Why did you, as the CEO of a major publishing company, personally get involved in social media?
How is social media changing the way that you market books?
Why did you start BookSneeze.com, your book review program for bloggers?
Why do you think the “bundling” of different product formats (e-book, print, audio, etc.) will become more common-place?
What are some aspects of traditional publishing that publishers, authors, and agents must abandon in order for digital publishing to go to the next level?

By the way, here are several other interviews with publishing executives at Digital Book World that you might want to check out:

Jane Friedman, Founder and CEO of Open Road Integrated Media (former CEO of HarperCollins)
Sarah Weinman, News Editor of Publishers Marketplace
Deborah Forte, president of Scholastic Media
Dominique Raccah, CEO of Sourcebooks
James McQuivey, VP and Principal Analyst of Forrester Research

Question: Do you agree with my comments? Disagree? What do you wish they had asked me? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

Hmm. I wonder if I have any “social authority” with my audience.

http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

Just checked out your site Cyberquill. I’d say you most likely have at least some “social authority” with your readers. You’re getting them to interact with you by posting comments. Might be worth a try to see if there’s any books that you could recommend to them!
http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

Definitely…
http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

I’d add that if you have an audience then you have social authority with them. Audience equals those who follow and who hopefully listen to you. That’s social authority.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Exactly. I agree.
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Exactly. I agree.
http://twitter.com/DanielBecerra Daniel Becerra

Yep. They wouldn’t be your audience if you didn’t have social authority with them.

http://www.jdeddins.com JD Eddins

If you use twitter you can also go to site like Klout.com to get a reading on how influential you are with your followers.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

HootSuite also has this built in. I can check any user’s Klout score at any time.
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

HootSuite also has this built in. I can check any user’s Klout score at any time.
http://blog.cyberquill.com Cyberquill

Thanks. I obtained my reading. My score is 15. Klout tells me that I “get it” and predicts I’ll be “moving up.” Most likely because there’s no other direction for me to move into except sideways.

SueB

I liked your comment regarding “bundling”. I agree with that idea. I hope I never give up my love of being able to physically hold a book and read it. But also, audio books are a great way to “read” when traveling in a car. And, now that I have an iPhone, I enjoy that option as well. I hope other publishers listen to what you have to say on this topic.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

I really hope we get a solution on this soon. It would be huge for me personally.

http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

I would love to see something elegant here. I love to sit down with a physical copy of a book – I love to highlight things and I like disconnecting from the electronic world. However, when I am on the go, I would love to have the convenience of the electronic copy (especially in keeping up with multiple books or wanting to get back to something in my library).

http://twitter.com/DanielBecerra Daniel Becerra

Yeahh! reading multiple books at once can be challenging without the electronic source. At some point, I began to have back problems due to carrying several books on my bag :( not to mention, the bulk they made..

Jennifer

Michael, if you look at the college textbook market, bundling has been the primary strategy for the last 10 years. In an attempt to add value to a new book so that students prefer it over a used book, Ebooks as well as online tutorials and study aides come at no additional cost or minimal extra cost with the NEW book but aren’t accessible with a used book except by seperate purchase (at a traditioanl Ebook rate.) In this market these products are subsctiption based and “time out”. This has all been web based until just recently where most publishers have IPad compatible texts now. “Bundling” or “valuepacking” is the daily activity of the college textbook sales force. These “bundles” now include homework programs as well so in many places, the bundle is a required component of the course because the instructors view the technology as an essential element to the course and plan to use the technology as assignments in class. I haven’t seen a lot in the way of downloadable audio, but there are streaming audio files and downloadable audio study guides so I suspect this isn’t too far away. Audio books would work for some disciplines more than others- a great way to learn history, a bad way to learn math. :) There has been a steady increase in students who opt to go fully electronic without the purchase of a paper copy at all.

http://www.cdenning.com Chris Denning

Plain and simple, I think that Social Media has to be utilized in any major business today for it to be at its most relevant and accessible. Social Media has leveled the playing field, when it comes to accessibility, from non-profits with no budget to huge corporations that want to connect with the masses. I think you’re right on it and publishing is no different. Social Media will play a key role in the coming years.
http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

We have seen how well social media works in the political world with the current revolutions in the Middle East and other platforms, such as the publishing industry, can capitalize on this as well.

Call me old fashioned, but I have not yet explored the world of e-books. I do see the value of them, but I love to feel a book in my hand. I love the smell of new books and the ability to dogear the pages and mark them up. My friends who are e-book fans tell me that you can mark up the e-books, too, but I just am not there yet.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

I love the smell of candles, too, but you electric lights are a lot more convenience for most things. I think this analogy works for books, too. I don’t think physical books will ever completely go away, but the advantages of digital books are tremendous.

http://www.leahadams.org Leah Adams

Great way to think about it. Maybe I’ll consider asking for a Kindle or IPad for my birthday. Thanks.

Timothy Fish

I think it is true that people read what their friends recommend, but there are many people we encounter through social media who are friends in name only. Some even act more like enemies than friends. I’ve heard recently of people who are paying more attention to who published a book because they have grown tired of seeing so much self-published stuff out there. That seems to be good news for the traditional publishers.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, I think so. We all need filters to navigate through the avalanche of content coming at us.

http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

When it comes to social media and book publishing industry, nowadays authors are enabled to produce trans media content and publisher asks the community what to publish next to help developing ideas through social media. When the publisher gets his head around that, he begins engaging in the communities in earnest.

BTW, I wish they had asked you the question — “How do small players in the book publishing industry respond to the developments of social media? Is social media creating a divide or building a bridge among various levels of players in the field?”

http://twitter.com/MacKinnonChris Chris MacKinnon

Good question. I’d be interested in knowing what MH thinks on it, too. If Timothy’s comment is right, I think it is creating a divide because the low requirement to enter social media provides little bump in our perceived legitimacy. (And that translates to bad news for guys like me.)
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

In answer to your question, Uma, I think small publishers can play just like the big guys. In fact, I think it might be easier, because they don’t have a mammoth enterprise to support and sustain. Social media is a great “leveler.”

http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

Agreed Mike! I do feel that social media is a great leveler and enabler.
Thanks for your thoughts.

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

I agree too!

http://theoldadam.wordpress.com/ Steve Martin

Nice interview.

Thanks for sharing it, Mr. Hyatt.

Good info.!
Sjohnston

Agree. Was especially intrigued by the “bundling” concept as you described it.

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

Definitely!

Ron Edmondson

I love that you used the word “synchronicity”. I plan to find a way to use that too today!

Thanks for being an influencer and game-changer and doing it for good!

Ron

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

I learned that word from Seth Godin. He gave a lecture on publishing that I heard. I says that people have an innate drive to synchronize with those around them. He gives a great illustration. He asks the audience to all clap together. He doesn’t lead them. It takes about 10 seconds for everyone to be clapping in unison.
http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

Synchronocity was also an album by The Police back in the 80s. Great music…

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

That reminds me of guitar hero! :)

http://twitter.com/MacKinnonChris Chris MacKinnon

If they asked you specifically about bundling, I think that is a good sign that the concept is travelling through the right circles. This past week I’ve started adding my new Kindle to my reading. I like the portability and ease of reading, but even with all of the extras, but I agree that I will still want to interact with the print version of some books. I don’t know what the best solution is, but I’ll be watching to see what the industry comes up with.

http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

I agree Chris. While ereaders are great due to portability and ease of reading, there’s still something about holding that book in your hands and flipping the paper pages.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

That’s why I don’t think it’s really an either/or issue. I read in multiple formats now. I don’t see that changing soon.

http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

That’s where I’m at as well. I read both traditionally and nontraditionally. And I see benefits in both areas.

http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

I see myself reading in multiple formats…I just haven’t quite jumped into an ereader because of the financial side of things. I don’t want to buy a book twice and each time I have come close to buying the electronic version (which still means buying the reader too), I back off thinking that I might really want to have the physical book.

I guess for me, the big step is still spending a lot of money on the reader itself.
http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

Trust me, I understand completely! Therer are many books that I prefer to buy in print form. Most of the books I use in my ministry, I buy physically. I use my kindle primarily for leisure reading.
http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

That’s kind of the distinction I was beginning to think about. Most of my reading is for ministry and personal growth – these I tend to want the physical copy so that I easily flip back through and see my scribble, the section headings, etc. (I know you can technically do this in the ereader – it just doesn’t appear, the little that I have played with them, that it would be as effective for me). For books that I would read once for fun, I am definitely thinking are candidates for the kindle.
http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

Sounds like we think very similarly…
http://twitter.com/MacKinnonChris Chris MacKinnon

Something I’m trying to get used to on the Kindle is how when I make a note or highlight, it gets put in a txt file on the Kindle. I used to type my highlights in my computer to have a searchable/printable version. If I can get used to this, where I highlight and just copy the Clippings doc to my computer, it’ll save me a lot of work and time.

Tracy Hoexter

I believe that many people like the multiple formats, too…. perhaps you could consider offering the consumer a bundle price for multiple formats… like a combo at fast food place…

http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

Great video Michael! I really like the idea of bundling. It’s nice to have all my books on a portable device, but it’s also nice to have the physical copy to hold, mark up, pass along. Hopefully this idea catches on!
http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

I agree with you on the bundling concept, especially with the addition of an audio version. As a commuter, I really love to start or finish a book while driving to work. I just wish someone would come up with a better indexing/bookmarking format for audio books.
As far as traditional books go, having video trailers available online really helps to see what a book is about. I think the marriage of video and books is a good one. Hopefully we will see more integration of video incorporated into the e-book format as the platform evolves.
It was good to see you at CatWest yesterday. I don’t know if they videotaped your presentation, but that was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. You incorporated Head, Heart, Hands, and Humor very well.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Thanks, John. You are a GREAT encouragement to me, both here on the blog and there at the conference. I’m glad we’ll be on the cruise together, so we can get better acquainted.

I don’t know if they taped the presentation. I think that they did. I want to give that presentation a few more times, so I can be a little freer from my notes. But thanks!
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Thanks, John. You are a GREAT encouragement to me, both here on the blog and there at the conference. I’m glad we’ll be on the cruise together, so we can get better acquainted.

I don’t know if they taped the presentation. I think that they did. I want to give that presentation a few more times, so I can be a little freer from my notes. But thanks!

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

I saw your comment on the last blog in response to mine. Thanks for the advice. I do have one question for you and anyone here that might know.
Can you respond to comments directlyfrom your personal email with Disqus? The only reason I am hesitant to try this is because every site that has it, it loads slowly…

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, I can respond directly via email (as I am doing now). That makes all the difference.
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, I can respond directly via email (as I am doing now). That makes all the difference.
http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

Brandon, I’m guessing you receive notifications through Disqus for replies. I’ve been trying to figure out how to do that. Can you give me any advice on getting replies through emails? I’m using my Twitter account linked through Disqus, if that makes any difference.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

You have to sign-up with Disqus and then indicate that you want to get the replies via email. (That’s how I am responding to you now.)

Joe Lalonde

Thanks Michael. I was hesitant to setup an account with Disqus as I do not have a blogsite yet. I’ll see if this works now.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, you don’t need a blog site. In fact, I’ll bet the vast majority of their users don’t have a blog.
Joe Lalonde

Yeah, I found that out. They make it look like you need one when you sign up, I just used my Facebook page. Looks like I’m getting replies to comments through email now. This is going to make it nice and easy to keep up here!
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

It does make it easy. I love it!
http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

Ok great! Now I have another question about it… (because right now I am just simply typing all my info in to leave a comment). If I sign up for disqus, can I respond to comments (if I am not the site owner like you) through email?
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Honestly, I am not sure, but I would assume so. Please report back if you find out.

Thanks.

http://joshuamhood.com Josh Hood

Mike, when you look at the future of publishing, what excites you the most?

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

The ubiquity and accessibility of content. We are taking friction out of the system, so that people can just get their books and go!
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

The ubiquity and accessibility of content. We are taking friction out of the system, so that people can just get their books and go!

http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

Love it.
http://bentune.blogspot.com/ Ben Tune

I agree with the others who said bundling is a good idea.
http://www.hecalledianswered.com Mary West

I m glad you listen to your readership. Video helps me “catch” more of what I need to know, quickly. Some days that is all I have time for.
http://www.confessionsofalegalist.com Jeremy@confessionsofalegalist

I really like the bundling concept. I use that now with my kindle and my kindle app for both the iPhone and my MacBook. It lets me read whatever I want whenever, making me more productive, even if I do not plan ahead very well.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FJRLITL5IEFHDDFURAESLXOOZ4 Jim Whitaker

As a contributor to the booksneeze.com program, I love it. I have done research in my job about the impact of social media and it is surprising how effective social media is, especially with younger adults. The challenge is gonig to be as these younger adults get older how to change the methods we reach them. while there is a good bit of folks that still use blogs and read them, Pew Research says that the younger adults 16 and below are starting to graviate away from blogs and more into social media like twitter and facebook. The question will be is how to get active people involved in “word of mouth advertising” of products in the future through a varierty of means. That may involve making as a part of the booksneeze covenant an agreement to post the book review on a social media platform such as twitter or facebook too.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Jim, that’s a point well taken. Thanks.
http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Jim, that’s a point well taken. Thanks.

http://www.jdeddins.com JD Eddins

I have enjoyed the Book Sneeze program. Since I do read a lot of books it is helpful to have the recommendations of others when it comes to selecting what I am going to read next.

http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

A recommendation from someone I trust (either through a personal relationship or through showing a certain authority on a subject) greatly influences the books I choose to read.

Pingback: Future of Book Publishing by Michael Hyatt | Edooce
http://LookingForPurpose.com Dylan Dodson

Interesting information! I haven’t spent any time using audio books, so I will be looking into that next.
Dan Miller

We now hear that Charlie Sheen signed up on Twitter this week and got over 1 million followers in 24 hours. As a brick can be used to build a cathedral or smash a window, social media can be used positively or negatively. The temptation is to use the process for quick “fame” rather than for long term success. In the social media space, we must constantly be evaluating value vs superficial popularity.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Agreed. And we can’t let it become a substitute for real, face-to-face interactions.
http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

That’s very true!
http://twitter.com/slumbersixcon Joe Lalonde

That’s very true!

Anonymous

I love the term “Social Authority!” I also think you are right about bundling in the future of publishing. That may be the only way I’ll get an e-reader. If the ebook came with a book I bought, then I would appreciate the option & get a Kindle. Right now it’s a choice between book or ebook.

http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

A book bundled with the ebook would do it for me too (maybe even if I had to pay maybe $1 more).

http://twitter.com/dbonleadership Dan

I agree with you about the benefits of BookSneeze. Allowing blogger’s to spread the word by posting a review is a great marketing strategy.

I read a lot but still like reading a traditional book better. Due to the fact that I can make notes and underline pages.

Thank you for the post.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

You can also make notes and underline passages in an e-reader. I’m just sayin.’

http://twitter.com/DanielBecerra Daniel Becerra

Is it true you can pull out all of your highlights and just look at them? as well as jumping to highlights back and forth?

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yep. Amazon catalogs all your highlights online. You can copy them and paste into Evernote, Word, or another document. It’s very cool—and efficient.

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

I had never heard of it until this post…

http://www.margaretmcsweeney.com Margaret

As always, great insights! Your blogs are a fabulous resource for gift ideas. Thanks to you, my husband got a Kindle and iPad before they became mainstream, and I was deemed “cool” by my teenagers! As a published author, I greatly value your tips on how to optimize social media to expand the platform. My Chihuahua @MisterPongo followed the pawprints of your dog @NelsonHyatt and launched a Twitter account. His first post was “I got my head stuck inside a kleenex box.”
Karl Mealor

Glad the blog is back up and running. Unfortunately, I can’t get the video to work on the computer I’m using at the present time.
Pingback: Hyatt on social media and books : Post Business: Business News and Views for Nashville
http://peterpollock.com Peter P

Cool beans!

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

:)

Anonymous

Michael, this adds a whole new dimension to the blog. Keep it coming.

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

What’s your blog?

http://www.hansschiefelbein.com Hans Schiefelbein

http://www.hansschiefelbein.com

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Thanks for the encouragement!

http://www.bigb94.webs.com Brandon

Alright, Michael, I’m signed up officially for Disqus! You like my photo? :)

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Lovely!

http://twitter.com/DanielBecerra Daniel Becerra

Michael, I love that you point out that you love leading by example. With that, here is a question: How did you lead by example beyond using social media? Did you encourage it at meetings? Did you teach them how to use it? work side by side with them?

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

I have taught on it within the company. I have also brought in training resources and consultants. I also discuss it routinely with my key people. We share what we are learning.

http://twitter.com/DanielBecerra Daniel Becerra

Seems like you have made it a priority. Awesome ;). I think you may have also made it a priority to share with your ‘key’ people for a reason…

http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com womenlivingwell

In my little world…I just watched Ann Voskamp (mom blogger), Lisa Trkyst (mom blogger and creator of P31 Ministries) and Darlene Schacht (mom blogger/friend) who co-authors with Candace Cameron Bure – all hit the New York Times Best Seller List since 2011 – I believe it’s the buzz of all their blogging friends that have helped them get there (oh and their AMAZING writing abilities :-) and their own blogs!)

It’s exciting to see them succeed – we bloggers really can make a difference in this world! That keeps me going on the rough days!!
Courtney
http://twitter.com/ThatGuyKC K.C. Pro

As a frequent participant in the BookSneeze program I think you’re dead on. I’m excited to see how publishers will leverage social media and multiple platforms to deliver content.

Between my laptop, Kindle and hardcovers I’m devouring more books than ever before.
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http://byphyllis.com Phyllis

Because I found you on Facebook awhile back, my husband and I will be on the Create Cruise. I like your view of social media. We made our first You Tube video re my new book with three men who came to install our new air conditioner. They were thrilled to be a part, and we were thrilled to actually do it.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Great. I look forward to meeting you.

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Tracy Hoexter

How do you see these changes in publishing applying to children’s picture books? Do you think digital picture books and apps will become as important as the paper book?

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, I do. In fact, I am seeing the most innovation in children’s books. The good news is that it all starts with a great story.

http://twitter.com/MacKinnonChris Chris MacKinnon

I thought of a couple of questions:

1) What do you think of video book “trailers” (i.e. cost, effectiveness, other thoughts)?

2) What do you think of “enhanced” e-books?

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

I love book trailers. I posted on this a while back.

I am not a big fan of enhanced e-books. I don’t want my reading experience interrupted. I do, however, like “enriched” e-books, where there is additional content at the end of the book.

TNeal

Michael, I want to thank you. The phrase “social authority” resonated with me. You’ve made so many recommendations that have proven gold in my book and, with each solid recommendation, you’ve strengthened your social authority in my world.
TNeal

I agree with the idea that you model for others what you’re asking them to do, in your case, getting more involved with social media. By your actions, i.e. blogging, you’ve certainly influenced my opinions on this issue.
http://twitter.com/iwritereadrate iWriteReadRate.com

Hi Michael. I couldn’t agree more – social interaction and enhancing the reading social experience are increasingly going to be demanded by more digitally literate readers.

A standard eBook format would be democratic and a ‘nice to have’ – wouldn’t it?

All the best

Adam
http://www.iWriteReadRate.com
http://twitter.com/StephenSauls Stephen Sauls

I would love to see “bundling” become available. Just the other day I was talking with a writer friend about how we each like the ease of reading (and ordering) books on our Kindles but find them hard to access for notes & reference. We would like to have the hard copy for that. I have found many people who say that the extra per unit and shipping cost deter them from buying the hard copy. But, they find their experience lacking with just an e-reader.

I would like to see vendors take responsibility here and allow you to bundle. i.e. Amazon: if I have already purchased a hard copy then let me download the Kindle edition for free, or for $1.

Would anyone else like to see this?
http://www.charmsjewelryuk.com/charms Pandora Charms

Thanks
for sharing this information, keep up the good work.
http://www.facebook.com/nataraj.sasid Nataraj Sasid

Social Media plays a big role in publishing Industry now!
http://equiretechnologies.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/the-e-book/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1346029195 Yvonne Green

You are definately an Intentional Catalyst Leader
Great Interview
Pingback: Social Media and the Future of Book Publishing | Michael Hyatt
http://twitter.com/RachelleGardner Rachelle Gardner

Hey Mike, great little snippet! Question: In talking about domestic rights, you said, “I have to have worldwide rights on a product.” I was wondering if your “I” was referring to an author or a publisher? This gets a little sticky when we’re talking about who has which rights.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Yes, I was talking about as a publisher. Borders are going away in terms of commerce. They are a relic of an analog world.
Sent from my iPad

http://twitter.com/BrookeWrites Brooke McGlothlin

Thank you for this Michael. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject and your willingness to lead by example. I got to hear you at the recent Blissdom Conference and was just as impressed in person as I have been over the last year or so that I’ve been reading your blog.

http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

Thanks, Brooke. I really appreciate that.

Upcoming Speaking

6/7/2012 Michael Hyatt in - BlogWorld & New Media Expo NY, at New York City, NY
6/14/2012 Michael Hyatt in - International Shelby Conference, at Memphis, TN
6/14/2012 Michael Hyatt in - International Shelby Conference, at Memphis, TN
8/9/2012 Michael Hyatt in - Lectureship Circuit 2012, at Ft. Worth, TX
9/21/2012 Michael Hyatt in - ACFW Annual Conference, at Dallas, TX
9/22/2012 Michael Hyatt in - ACFW Annual Conference, at Dallas, TX
10/4/2012 Michael Hyatt in - Third Annual Savvy Blogging Summit, at Atlanta, GA

Our Community Leaders

These are the amazing people who help moderate my comments and provide leadership to our growing community.

MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at Dynamic Communicators International. She lives in Colorado with her husband Troy and three teenage sons. You can connect with Michele on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, The Ordained Barista, visit him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.

JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his blog or Twitter.

RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the Willow Creek Association. She holds a degree in information management and is working on her Master’s in Library Science. Given the gift of time, top on her list would be a long bike ride, a great novel, and a farmer’s market dinner. Follow her on Twitter.

JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for MentorNetwork Ministry. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 33 years. Read his blog, A Place for the God-Hungry, and follow him on Twitter.

TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of Resolute Creative, a digital marketing group. He loves seeing organizations of all sizes come alive when they identify the best digital solutions to advance their cause. Tim enjoys working out, running marathons, playing golf and spending time with his wife and three kids. Connect with him on his blog, follow him Twitter or connect with him via LinkedIn.

JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of Wevival and Shop My Church. Jason also blogs at Heart Your Church about church ministry in the social media era. When he’s not helping customers, or working on his latest project, you will find him hanging with his family, reading, learning to code, cooking, hobby farming, and exercising. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.

JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of Grace Is: A Practical Guide to God’s Love. He is an avid blogger at JeremyStatton.com focusing on helping others live a better story. Follow him on Twitter.

JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing their remarkable survival story. He enjoys real estate investing, serving at his home church, watching NFL and NASCAR, improving his 10K time, and hanging out with his family at their Powhatan, Virginia home. Connect with John via blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360. A proud husband and dad, Justin and his family live in Des Moines, Iowa. When not running, reading, or cooking, find him blogging at JustinWise.net, online at Justin.am, or on Twitter.

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