Andrea Putting is a Keynote Speaker, best-seller and award-winning Author and Trusted Advisor to Authentic Influencers. She advocates for social missions and highlights the successes of those making a difference in the world. Business today is looking for something more. They need to connect and feel they can make a significant difference in the world. Andrea connects them emotionally to the journey and their importance individually as a business and community.
Since 2019, Andrea has been championing the causes of passionate people making a difference in the world through her podcast, Social Mission Revolution.
Andrea’s passions and values came together to create her social mission, where people can come together to break down barriers and build community. Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony began on 15 December 2015. Chocolate and Coffee Breaks evolved in 2020 to expand on building community in businesses and organisations.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up writing a book?
It all started with Chocolate and Coffee. Being inspired to start my own social mission in 2015 – Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony, I found something that motivated and inspired me every day. In my various roles, from at-home mum to a business owner and then as an employee, I came to see that most people are unhappy and lack fulfilment in their daily life. I went on a search to find purpose and meaning and how that can change the workplace and society.
Along the way, I was inspired to start Chocolate and Coffee Day to break down barriers that divide people and build community. Here was something that moved me so much that I “can’t not” do it. It picks me up when I’m down and keeps me going, striving to make a difference. Was this the difference I was looking for?
I became obsessed with social missions and wanted to explore more. I started my podcast Social Mission Revolution where I speak to business owners and everyday people about the difference they are making in the world.
The world opened up as I discovered that when businesses have compassionate projects, they are more successful, have happier and more engaged employees, and become an authentic influence in the world. I researched the results and also methodologies that can assist individuals and businesses in developing their own social missions.
Writing the book is a natural progression from my research, experiences and four years of talking to people on the topic on my podcast. It is a guidebook for businesses on how they can develop compassionate prosperity and have a business that gives them a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in life. My passion is so deep on this subject that I have to share it. Another “can’t not” do in my life
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
The most important message I would like people to take away from Compassionate Prosperity comes from this quote from the book, “A Social Mission Revolutionist is waiting to be born in each of us.”
There is something that everyone and every business can do to make a difference. In the book, I set out examples of what others businesses are doing. There are many different examples, from simply the suppliers and services they choose or as complex as starting their own cause, movement or charity. We all need to feel that what we do in life is important beyond ourselves. When we help others and make a difference, then we will be happier and healthier with a more prosperous life. This is also reflected in business.
If we embrace how we can share our skills, our money, and our life experiences with the community, and with the world, we will flourish. We will have our personal needs met and add to a more fulfilled and prosperous humanity.
What were the top three mistakes you made while publishing your book what did you learn from them?
As a new Indie-Publisher, I made plenty of mistakes.
When you think you’re finished, reread your work. Check it over with Grammarly. Have it read aloud to you (free feature on word docs). Even then, I still had errors. I had a copy printed. Then I re-read it. Oh my! So many errors. So, print it out and read it. I should have had it edited before this. Once your book is edited, check and recheck every word to ensure it still speaks to your message.
- My book cover design was chosen, but I didn’t have all the details ready for the back. The problem with this was the stops and starts with the designer. Much easier to have everything in place.
- Another big mistake was not having planned out how I would launch the book. The eBook was out in the world before I had the paperback finalised. It lost a little momentum. Although, in saying this, some authors make the mistake of planning a launch party before having a printed copy in their hands or even knowing how they would get it printed. So don’t do that either.
All around here, lack of planning for what I was doing. Next time I will be more strategic around timing.
When will you consider your book a success?
Compassionate Prosperity will be a success when it influences businesses to take up a cause and develop a social mission. A significant factor in the development of the Social Mission Revolution is that people are not happy or satisfied in their daily work. From my research, I found that employees are happier when businesses are involved in social missions and find greater purpose in what they do. When I see workplaces where this happens, then my purpose is fulfilled, and Compassionate Prosperity is a success.
Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
“A business with a social mission inspires change, consumers, and its employees and their families. It creates a following of people who believe in their cause. People become devoted followers of the brand because it speaks to their hearts by serving humanity. When Compassionate Prosperity is embraced, a business becomes an authentic influence.”
Can you share some of the marketing techniques that have worked for you when promoting your book?
One way I will promote my book is to attend the Authors Book Launch and Expo in Melbourne, Australia in October. I will have the opportunity to launch my book at a first-class venue in the presence of the general public, media and industry experts. I will be launching on a big stage to a broader audience than I could otherwise. It is also an opportunity to collaborate with other authors.
There are so many ways to promote a book. The most important thing is to find ways to be original and authentic to who you are. . Look at what others are doing that is successful, then put your unique twist on it. Everything I do comes with chocolate, so I will be finding ways of incorporating that into all my promotions.
If you had the chance to start your career over again what would you do differently?
I would start writing earlier. Who knew I could write? I certainly didn’t. Now it is my favourite thing to do. I would also explore who I am and my values and take time to understand my skills and talents at a much earlier time in life. This is important as an author as it helps me stay connected with the topics that speak from my heart. Then the voice on the page is louder and more authentic. To think about that now, it is almost too much to imagine how my life would have been different.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to finish writing your book?
This book’s purpose has kept me motivated to finish it and promote it. I believe it is a vital message for our times. Imagine what could happen if every business had a social mission. The whole ethos of being in business would be different. The way we work, the way we play, the way we buy everything in our lives would be different. Employees would be happier, and the world would be a better place. We could achieve all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2 years. When I think about the power of businesses and individuals to make a valuable contribution to this, I just have to keep on writing and keep on influencing.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new authors?
Write from the heart. Set aside time when you can indulge yourself in your craft. Turn off everything and everyone and write. Write with all your passion and soul. You don’t need to be chained to your computer. Get up and take a break, go for a walk and rejuvenate. It is an integral part of the creative process.
You have a message to share with the world. It is important. No matter what genre your book is or the message, it can change lives. The power of a writer cannot be underestimated. You have a powerful skill; use it. Go and change the world.
What is your favorite quote?
“What we have done for ourselves dies with us; what we have done for others, and the world remains and is immortal.”
– Albert Pike.
What is your definition of success?
Success to me is far beyond the usual concepts of money and fame. It is about being an authentic influence. When we positively touch someone’s life, we can change the world for them. Living life with the ethos of caring and sharing with others brings so much value to their lives and mine. When I do, I find fulfilment and satisfaction. This is when I feel successful.
How do you personally overcome fear?
Fear is an interesting emotion that can tie us up in knots and stop us from succeeding. I was once told that you couldn’t experience two emotions simultaneously. I am often asked this about public speaking. What I share with nervous speakers is to focus on love. Before you start, take a moment to look at your audience and love them. Love what you do. Love your message. Focus on the good that can come from it. Love trumps it all.
When fear creeps in, it usually means I am focused on myself, not on what I am doing or what I have to offer. It is me based. Turning that around, finding how I can serve, and focusing on what someone else needs makes all the difference.
Fear has no place when I do this. I can get up and do just about anything.
How can readers get in touch with you?
To get in touch with me, you can reach out through social media or Google me. I am easy to find. My websites are AndreaPutting.com and SocialMissionRevoultion.com, and ChocolateandCoffeeBreaks.com.
You can also find my podcast on any podcast app. My books are available on my website and from online booksellers such as Amazon, Booktopia and Barnes and Noble.
