When I embarked on the journey to publish HR Like a Boss, I had dreams of hitting key milestones, but I had no idea what the reality of launching an Amazon Top New Release would feel like. Knowing that I will never again have a first-ever first-book launch week, I decided to chronicle the week in detail.
HR Like a Boss began in 2018 when the concept for the book took shape during an extra credit presentation at Kent State University. With some twists and turns, we diligently took the next five years to craft the manuscript. In 2019, I shared a similar presentation at NOHRC and PHRA. Then, in 2020, as the world underwent a seismic shift, I found inspiration to transform that presentation into a full-fledged manuscript with the hopes of publishing a book. Every weekend, before my kids woke up, I committed to writing 1,000 words.
Just over one year later, I completed the first draft of 70,000-plus words. Over the next two years, we meticulously refined, polished, reordered, and refined again. Early in 2023, SHRM Books officially signed me as the author, setting the stage for the official launch of HR Like a Boss in early June 2023. Due to various reasons, we had to delay the book launch until October 24, 2023.
Now, I’d like to share the story of one of the most hectic, fun, and rewarding weeks of my professional life. After reading it back, it was interesting to see how I still found time to play some golf!
Monday, October 23, 2023
6:52 AM: As I helped my kids get ready for school, I kicked off the book launch by sharing the news on social media.
12:15 PM: I met with Bridgette Klein to put the final touches on our marketing strategy and the week’s events.
2:25 PM: A quick stop at Malley’s Chocolates to grab treats for the panelists at the SHRM event we hosted later in the week.
10:30 PM: The evening was spent sending out heartfelt emails, texts, and messages to family, friends, and colleagues, kindly requesting their support in purchasing the book and providing it with a 5-star rating.
11:58 PM: The agenda, intros, and questions for the Future of HR event were polished and finalized.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – OFFICIAL LAUNCH DAY!
7:04 AM: An early morning check on Amazon revealed HR Like a Boss was finally listed for sale. However, there was a disappointing hiccup – it was “temporarily out of order.”
8:30 AM: My day started with a spin on my Peloton while continuing to reach out to family, friends, and colleagues, encouraging them to purchase the book and consider attending one of our book signing events.
9:14 AM: I joined a Willory sales meeting, albeit 15 minutes late, as I organized my car, making sure giveaways, posters, and books were all in place.
10:44 AM: I left for the Kent State University Bookstore.
11:20 AM: I arrived on campus and snapped a selfie in front of the sports arena.
11:50 AM: Bridgette finally arrived after navigating multiple road constructions, KSU’s winding roads, and the notorious parking on the campus.
12:00 PM: The first HR Like a Boss book signing began.
12:05 PM: The first customer, Jennifer Gu, arrived. Thanks, Jennifer!
12:10 PM: Several team members and staff from the KSU golf team showed their support.
12:35 PM: Bob and Bo Haas showed up, leading to an unexpected game of catch with a five-year-old at my book signing. Thanks, Bo.
1:14 PM: Long-time friend and business advisor, Dave Vance, showed up, bought a book, and I autographed it with a special message.
1:59 PM: With the banner and signage taken down, it was time for a quick lunch.
2:24 PM: A bite to eat at Wendy’s with Bob, Bo, and Bridgette. I hadn’t had Wendy’s in forever!
2:55 PM: A text from Bridgette Klein brought the exciting news that HR Like a Boss hit the #1 New Release on Amazon in the HR category along with Job & Careers.
3:03 PM: A brief stop at Mud Run Golf Course for a chipping practice session, a welcomed break from the day’s craziness.
3:59 PM: I arrived at Barnes & Noble Akron, coordinated with Store Manager Jennifer Meredith and began setting up for the book signing.
4:32 PM: Our first customer, Chris Tipping, arrived. Thanks, CT, for your kind words and friendship.
4:59 PM: Book signing in full swing. Shoutout to my wife and kids, Lizzy, Wes, Speez, Carol, Big Will, Leah, Scott, Kim, Bonnie, Dave, Brian, Kathy, and so many others for showing up and supporting me.
6:34 PM: We sold out the copies we had and started packing up.
6:58 PM: Sat in my car, responding to hundreds of emails, social media shoutouts, and text messages.
7:30 PM: Arrived home to a “standing ovation” from my family. That was incredibly cool.
8:08 PM: Dinner time.
8:48 PM: My son Googled me and found out that Google updated the knowledge panel to say I’m an author. He asked for an autographed copy of my book for his room. The highlight of my week.
11:08 PM: I worked on some final social media posts and put together gift bags for the Future of HR event.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 – MY BIRTHDAY
9:30 AM: Hopped on a Willory leadership team call.
11:02 AM: Teed off for 18 holes of golf at Westfield CC.
2:37 PM: Picked up my daughter from school.
3:05 PM: Grabbed another gift for our panelists for the Future of HR event.
3:35 PM: What I thought was a marketing meeting with Bridgette Klein turned out to be a surprise birthday virtual meeting with my team, brothers, sister, and friends. What an incredible birthday gift!
7:02 PM: Enjoyed a 50th birthday dinner with spaghetti and meatballs. Pumpkin pie completed the dinner.
7:35 PM: Settled down to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers home opener.
9:05 PM: Woke up from an unexpected nap and watched the end of the Cavs win versus the Nets.
10:02 PM: Took our dogs for a walk with my wife.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
8:59 AM: Joined Willory’s monthly management meeting.
11:44 AM: Read an email from Matt Davis at SHRM Books suggesting that, for a SHRM-published book, HR Like a Boss reached record-setting Notable New Release rankings.
1:02 PM: Loaded up my car with 200 books and all the materials needed for the Future of HR event.
1:44 PM: Arrived at Wild Eagle Saloon in Broadview Heights and worked on the setup.
2:33 PM: My dear friend, Ty Reid, reminded me to make sure to take it all in and take a moment for myself.
2:48 PM: Welcomed Tim Sackett as he arrived from his drive from Michigan.
3:25 PM: Announced that the event would be starting at 3:30 PM and encouraged people to find a seat.
3:30 PM: Reminded people to find their seats.
3:35 PM: Reminded people again to find their seats. Everyone was having so much fun.
3:40 PM: Started the Future of HR event. Introduced sponsors, SHRM leadership, and panelists.
3:55 PM: Asked the panel the first question and off they went. Thanks, Tim, Lauren, Jennifer, and George!
5:05 PM: Wrapped up the panel discussion.
5:06 PM: Began autographing copies of HR Like a Boss and taking photos with the amazing people who attended the event.
6:35 PM: Grabbed the leftover materials and said my goodbyes. Rushed down to Akron to pick up my son.
7:05 PM: Arrived to pick up my son at a leaf clean up job.
7:17 PM: Started weed whipping and mowing grass to help my son finish the job (in the dark).
8:08 PM: Picked up Swensons for my son and I.
9:08 PM: Began sending texts, emails, and social media responses to friends and colleagues who attended the Future of HR event.
10:59 PM: Followed up with work emails.
Friday, October 27, 2023
8:25 AM: Met two friends and traveled to Erie, PA for a round of golf.
5:55 PM: Arrived home after a relaxing and enjoyable day playing golf in 70-degree weather.
8:28 PM: Emailed Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster and Loganberry Books about book signing opportunities.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
8:55 AM: Arrived at Ritzman Muffler to get my son’s truck’s muffler replaced.
11:00 AM: Watched Revere Boys Soccer team play in the district finals.
12:44 PM: Arrived at Fireside Book Shop in Chagrin Falls for my final book signing of the week.
3:05 PM: Wrapped up book signing. Thanks to Joe, Kristin, Caytie, Tina, Bridgette, and Angie for stopping by.
4:58 PM: Took my son to do another mowing/leaf clean-up job.
7:34 PM: Stood in line at the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory in Akron and snapped a picture with one of the scary actors.
8:08 PM: Survived the Haunted Schoolhouse & Laboratory.
8:34 PM: Scored some toffee chip ice cream from Strickland’s.
9:44 PM: Signed two autographed copies of HR Like a Boss for two of my son’s best friends. They asked me for a copy after they posted the pictures on their Instagrams.
Sunday, October 29, 2023
10:04 AM: Sent numerous email to vendor partners about bulk orders and personalized autographed copies of HR Like a Boss for holiday gifts for their clients.
4:05 PM: Started watching the Browns game.
5:05 PM: Handed out candy as Trick-or-Treat started in our neighborhood. No, I didn’t dress up as an author.
7:10 PM: Served beef stew for dinner and watched the Browns lose. Ugh!
8:18 PM: Signed my last autographed copy of HR Like a Boss autographed to a close family friend who spent Halloween celebration with us.
11:57 PM: Went to bed and fell asleep in one second!A
