Expert Interview: Mark Schaefer, author of The Tao of Twitter

Today, it is difficult to separate being an author with being a “brand.” There was a day when publishers would take care of the brand for you but today we have to own this and build our audience.

What is your latest book about?

The Content Code provides a comprehensive framework to have a marketing strategy that wins in an environment of overwhelming information density.

Can you describe your writing process?

I am quite busy with speaking, teaching, and consulting throughout the year so realistically, the only time I have to write is the period between Thanksgiving and February each year. During the rest of the year, I will develop an outline and start doing research for the chapters so when I am finally ready to write, the book is ready to write itself.

I have an old-school process of putting my outline and chapters on big sheets of paper and hanging them around a room where I write. That way, I have a visualization of the book’s flow and the tasks that are needed to be accomplished for each step in the book.

How did you come to do what you’re doing today?

I began my career as s journalist, which was good preparation for the content-creation environment we are in today. I became interested in marketing early in my career, and it has been my passion since. I think it is the most interesting place to be in business: the frontlines!

When I started consulting and teaching, I needed to immerse myself in the social web to understand and effectively help people. I’m a marketing strategist by education and training, but I am best-known for my writing on social media.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?

Without a doubt, it is getting a chance to meet new people everywhere in the world. I am so lucky to be in a position to have fans in every city and corner of the world. No matter where I go, I can find people who know me and want to spend some time with me and I cherish that opportunity.

Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?

For three years, I had the amazing opportunity to study under Peter Drucker, perhaps the foremost business writer and visionary in history. His teaching and books had a profound impact on my style. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t hear his voice in my head.

Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?

As a young man, I earned money by working as a weight-guesser in an amusement park. And I was good at it.

What’s next for you?

I am at a great place in my life where I have had a great career. It’s time to send the elevator back down. I do a lot of work mentoring young people and entrepreneurs. I am devoting more time to work for social good.