Marketing as a Spiritual Practice?

Since I began writing about my spiritual journey, I’ve wanted everything about the process to be a PART of my spiritual practice. I began writing because I felt I was responding to deep calling that was somehow bigger than me. Likewise, seeking publication also felt like something I was called to do.

But book marketing? Building a “platform” and engaging in “promotion” hardly seems like it can legitimately be part of a spiritual practice. Right?

The Christian path - as exemplified by Jesus - is to embrace a life of “downward mobility.” One of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen, wrote, “Too often I looked at being relevant, popular and powerful as ingredients for effective ministry. The truth, however, is that these are not vocations but temptations.”

As we work diligently and creatively to advance the work we are passionate about, we must endeavor not turn our back on Jesus’ most fundamental call to servanthood. Yet having an impact undeniably requires thoughtful and effective “marketing.” In an increasingly noisy world, proactively promoting our work is essential to get the word out and give people a chance to engage.

Whether we are writers, artists, musicians, activists, or church leaders, this can feel tricky. If we seek to increase our “discoverability” and build robust platforms, do we inevitably slide into self-aggrandizement?

On September 3rd, I will be co-leading an interactive workshop at the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC to explore how marketing can be approached as a spiritual disciple. My co-facilitator, Brian Allain, and I will provide a conceptual framework including how building a “platform” is not about cutesy, self-promotional tactics. Rather, is about being a thought leader. We all need to find and use our authentic voices in ways that help move the collective discussion forward. And we must always stay grounded in practices like contemplative prayer, sacred rest, discernment, and mutual ministry as we seek to market our work.

I hope you can join us! For more information contact me or register for the festival here.