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Please help settle difference of opinion

by mcmahanusa
12 replies
Okay, here's the situation: I have written a book (digital version now, print version in two weeks). The cover I have chosen features a young businesswoman speaking to an enthusiastic group.

My wife thinks I need a picture that focuses more on a man in similar circumstances. She thinks that in other countries that are more male dominated, my sales would suffer with a woman shown as a leader.

I disagree with her. What is your opinion?

I would appreciate your input.
#difference #opinion #settle
  • Profile picture of the author Hydroxide
    I don't think that would affect your sales. Anyone can make business nowadays. I strongly think you sales would suffer in countries that are more male dominated. Just my two cents

    Kevin
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    She is right about the prejudice but I have no clue if it effects sales.

    Who is the target audience for the book?

    Just because some cultures have a certain view on a womans role in society and in the workplace it doesn't mean that individuals from those cultures who fit your target audience feel that way.

    Also, are you even targeting people from those cultures or primarily a western audience?
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      Originally Posted by jasonmorgan View Post

      She is right about the prejudice but I have no clue if it effects sales.

      Who is the target audience for the book?

      Just because some cultures have a certain view on a womans role in society and in the workplace it doesn't mean that individuals from those cultures who fit your target audience feel that way.

      Also, are you even targeting people from those cultures or primarily a western audience?

      The focus of the book is on self-improvement, i.e, becoming more interesting, becoming an effective leader, becoming a better communicator, etc.

      I think my largest target segment would be from the west, though the desire to be a successful leader seems to exiist in all cultures.
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      • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
        When I think of self-improvement, the first picture that comes into my head is Tony Robbins. After that, the rest are all male too.

        It's very much a male dominated industry.

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      • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
        Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

        I think my largest target segment would be from the west, though the desire to be a successful leader seems to exiist in all cultures.
        It, probably, does, however... if you were to target other cultures you should research thoroughly their 'online shopping habits', too!

        They may want to be successful leaders - but they don't use credit cards.
        They may want to be successful leaders - but they don't trust online sellers.
        They may want to be successful leaders - but they don't buy "infoproducts".

        I'd say, focus for now on the target market that you know. The "deviant" individuals from the cultures I listed above... would like to behave like the "Westerners" (at least on the durface), so they will follow your main target demographics :rolleyes:
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
        Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

        The focus of the book is on self-improvement, i.e, becoming more interesting, becoming an effective leader, becoming a better communicator, etc.
        A crowd shot, from the speakers' point of view, would give the impression that the reader (the one looking at the book cover) is the leader standing before them. So, right from the start, you're putting them in the shoes they want to be by the end of the book.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    I'd go with a mix. Business men and women.

    Something like.... (if the pic shows)



    Try to hit as many demographics as you can in one shot, think mainstream national commercials... they squeeze in every demographic they can to connect with as many potential customers possible.

    In my opinion, sexy business women are always a WIN!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Most of your sales will probably come from the US, Canada, the UK and Australia in my experience, so it may not matter much. I like Jason's idea of using a mix though. I really think in the end, it's the words used to describe the book and the reviews that will do most of the selling, and not so much the cover shot.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

    She thinks that in other countries that are more male dominated, my sales would suffer with a woman shown as a leader.
    I would suggest your sales will suffer a lot more in those countries because the book is written in English.
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  • Profile picture of the author Niche-Dominator
    Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

    Okay, here's the situation: I have written a book (digital version now, print version in two weeks). The cover I have chosen features a young businesswoman speaking to an enthusiastic group.

    My wife thinks I need a picture that focuses more on a man in similar circumstances. She thinks that in other countries that are more male dominated, my sales would suffer with a woman shown as a leader.

    I disagree with her. What is your opinion?

    I would appreciate your input.
    No I don't actually beleive thia would effect sales at all, equality has come a long way in the last few years, if it really bothers you of course change to a man but I personally do not think it would effect your sales
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary King
    Crowd shot as Dan C. Rinnert and CDarklock said.

    Make them feel they are doing the presenting - THEY are the focus. THEY are the leader.

    Maybe something like:
    Microphone - Stage Fright | Royalty Free Stock Photo Image | iStockphoto.com

    Or

    Microphone with crowd | Royalty Free Stock Photo Image | iStockphoto.com

    (NOT affiliate links)

    All success!

    Gary
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      I don't have enough experience to offer any realistic insights into this situation. But my guess is that the people in countries whose background/culture might turn this into an issue that they'd care about don't overlap much (if at all) with the English-speaking ones who'll buy a digital product in English anyway ... so I'd be inclined not to worry about it, myself. :confused:
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