Debbie Elicksen

PROFILE

As a publishing expert and new media missionary, Debbie Elicksen is a fear-buster—taking the fear out of writing and new marketing.

She helps organizations develop, manage, coordinate, organize their online campaigns from concept to implementation.

She has authored, edited, ghosted, and project managed over 100 books, including ten of her own and was a professional sports writer, covering the National Hockey League for over 20 years for several publications and sports services.

Elicksen walks people through the book publishing process through workshops, seminars, teleseminars, one-on-one counseling, and step-by-step materials: books, audio/video clips, blogs, and e-newsletter.

She creatively inspires people to effectively and professionally communicate their message and painlessly improve their literacy skills by at least 20 percent. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and Independent Publishing Association of Canada.

Ability to:

• Engage the audience and hold its attention
• Adjust the presentation to be relevant to individual audiences
• Work with PowerPoint
• Adapt and carry through the message if the technology doesn't work for PowerPoint and other technological issues
• Create effective handouts and workbook material

The media and marketing landscape is changing.

Social network marketing is, for lack of a better term, relationship marketing on steroids. What will not work in here are traditional methods of advertising and marketing. Old marketing uses interruption to reach the unreachable; new marketing is set up to reach the reachable.

That's not to say firms have to give up what they're already doing, especially if it is still working.

In new media, success breeds imitation; and you get back what you put in.

Social networks are windows of transparency. It is virtually impossible to be false or deceptive without everyone catching on. And it is fluid. It always needs redefining.

Social networks give companies a huge opportunity to position their business to what people want.

Here are some speaking topics that can be customized and tailored to fit your needs. These presentations are available in the format of keynotes, full- and half-day workshops/seminars, or longer training programs.

Polishing Your Professionalism Through Communications

• Writing proposals, internal memos, and preparing bids are an important part of many job descriptions.
• One wrong keystroke in a technology code or one missed word in a memo could have serious implications.
• Learn simple, easy, and clear steps to improve communications skills.

Marketing Made Easy

• Are you looking for free and innovative ways to market?
• Discover how to plug into the new wave of social networking and use to your advantage.
• Learn more traditional ways to market that lets you keep most of your wallet in tact.
• Every organization, big or small, can take advantage of the new platforms. The opportunities are endless.

Harnessing the Fear of the Reluctant Writer

• You are not alone; writing makes a lot of people nervous.
• Learn where to start and how to take small steps to build stamina.
• Find your literary strengths and improve upon your weaknesses.
• Improve your reading and writing skills and elevate your confidence.

Book Publishing 101

• Dispel the myths of book publishing.
• Know how the book publishing industry works, what options there are, and how you can publish anyway.
• Gain the tools you need to oversee the process from start to finish.
• Learn how to get printing quotes and how to work with designers.

Manuscripts Made Easy

• Have an idea for a book, but don't know how to get started?
• Learn how to outline your material, define the research, and put the project in action.
• Break the manuscript into manageable pieces for paragraph and chapter development.

BOOKS

• Self-Publishing 101 (Self-Counsel Press) bestseller
• Book Publishing 101 Workbook (Freelance Communications)
• Book Publishing 101 Workbook Second Edition (Freelance Communications)
• Book Publishing 101 Audio (Freelance Communications)
• Inside the NHL Dream (Freelance Communications)
• Positive Sports: Professional athletes and mentoring youth (Freelance Communications)
• Creating a Legacy: The Calgary Booster Club
• Future Prospects (Freelance Communications)
• Loyalty, Intensity, and Passion (Freelance Communications)
• Getting a Publisher (Freelance Communications)

MEDIA APPEARANCES

• The Vicki Gabereau Show
• NHL Network
• Motivation With a Purpose Radio
• NBCSports.com
• MSG NetworkCheck out my half hour interview on mwpradio.com/podcasts/Are You an Author in the making?

FEEDBACK

"Debbie has an amazing knowledge of the publishing industry." Ryan Walter, former NHL star and author of inpiring books (www.ryanwalter.com)

"Debbie was the editor and project manager for my book 'The Selling Edge.' I'm not sure if I would have ever gotten my book to print if it wasn't for her. She was with me every step of the way, showing me the way and ways to achieve the results I desire quicker and more effectively. If you have a book project or any kind of writing I would suggest calling Debbie ASAP as you won't find better. You will be delighted you did." Wayne Clements, The Master Coach (www.themastercoach.ca)

"Debbie is an expert in all matters relating to self-publishing, writing and editing. She helps others achieve success by mentoring them and guiding towards their dreams of being a self-published author. When it comes to the written word, Debbie is a superstar. She knows what to write and how to say it powerfully. I regularly send her referrals because I know she won't disappoint them. She's excellent at what she does. I recommend her warmly." Sarah Elaine Eaton, Eaton International Consulting