"Smart, Not Loud" is here! 🥳

Someone recently asked what it's like launching a new book into the world. The analogy I shared was it's like planning a wedding or organizing the best party ever.

You coordinate, schedule, and meticulously plan all the details, but the day of the party, you sit back, enjoy, and make peace with what's to come.

For me, that day is today, July 9 🎉

"Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons" is here. It's available in bookstores, audio, and e-book versions worldwide!

Here are three (serious and not so serious) surprising lessons I learned along the way:

1. Writing a book cannot be done alone

While I didn't hire a ghostwriter, I did have the honor of working with the best team at Penguin Random House . They are the #1 publisher in the world for a reason and I feel fortunate they chose to work with me. They filter and select the best thought leaders in the industry. Their standards are high and they are steadfast in their support.

Once in, they will challenge you to think bigger. They will make you focus on the who you're writing the book for. They will copy-edit so that the content feels seamless, enjoyable, and a beautiful read. You've got to read it (or listen to it!) to feel the book's impact. Fun fact: I narrate the audio version of "Smart, Not Loud."

2. The best ideas can appear in the most unglamorous of places

J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter series in one of her favorite coffee shops in Edinburgh, UK. I wrote my book while sitting on an airplane, in my car, and yes - at some of my favorite coffee shops too. But I also wrote "Smart, Not Loud" on my couch at 2am in the morning (I'm a night owl), and while sometimes only having 1 hour to get my ideas down on paper because I was doing it in between my son's nap.

Either way, I discovered some of the BEST creativity happens at the most random of times and places, which you cannot plan for.

3. It's about the readers

There are thousands of communication books out there. So, what's different about "Smart, Not Loud?" It's all in its approach.

Since starting Soulcast Media, I have proudly taught over 2 million people how to communicate with confidence at work. I speak at large global companies who have offices around the world. I also work with ERGs and community groups to teach their members how to advocate for themselves with confidence.

The common thread amongst all the organizations I've worked with is this: I take a cultural perspective and I look at how our upbringing might have shaped our communication style. I dive into how the way we were raised might make it easier or harder for us to talk about ourselves, advocate for our ideas, and say no to others.

It's probably not something we've thought about before, but the culture we grew up in and our upbringing absolutely impacts how comfortable we engage and talk about our ideas at work now.

In fact, if you work at a large global company today, chances are you see it's the "louder" and more "assertive/"outspoken" people who get noticed in meetings first.

I've personally found it unfair and frustrating that the "quieter" people often get overshadowed and overlooked when opportunities arise.

So, in "Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons" I provide a tactical solution to this very real workplace dynamic.

This book will teach you how to:

• Communicate with confidence at work
• Build authentic executive presence
• Advocate for yourself and your ideas
• Build a powerful career brand
• ...so much more!

It's also for ALL readers who want to learn how to speak with impact because they know just being "loud" doesn't necessarily mean they're being heard.

So, the big day is here and I can't thank this LinkedIn community enough for the support. It's amazing to see some of the media coverage and buzz surrounding the book already!!

Many of you messaged me and shared that you've ordered the book. As a debut author, ordering the book is the #1 best way to show you support the book.

"Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons" is available. Enjoy this summer read and thank you for being a part of this new book launch celebration 🥳

Order the book here:

🔴 Amazon: https://shorturl.at/lVhdP

🟣 Barnes & Noble: https://shorturl.at/VNs8I

🌎 International: https://shorturl.at/ZBnBY

Warmly,

Jessica Chen

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This article is part of the Soulcast Media Newsletter, which has over 29,000 subscribers. Read the entire Book Launch Series newsletter here.