Hussein Al-Baiaty's Linkedin Analytics

I learned everything I know about marketing before I even knew what the word meant. I learned it in the most unlikely place, from someone who never said the word “strategy” a day in his life. It started with a paintbrush. In the middle of the desert. In a place most people never leave. What he did next… I still think about it whenever I help an author share their work. It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t networking. But it worked so well that it changed everything. Read the latest Rising Authorpreneur edition. It might change the way you think about showing up. #risingauthorpreneur #gardenwarrior

“It was all dream, I used to read word up magazines…” I feel like LinkedIn is turning into an open mic freestyle battle. Who’s got the best hook? Who can drop the coldest one-liner? Who can call out something so wild the whole feed goes “ohhhhhhh”? It’s honestly entertaining. Watching how hard we work for the attention we need just to earn a little trust, so we can sell our work. Damn, LinkedIn got us locked in. Enjoy the show 🎤

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. It’s the one that kills me on LinkedIn. Authors who refuse to share the behind-the-scenes. They treat their book like an iPhone drop — total secrecy until “launch day.” Then they wonder why no one cares. Use this platform like a documentary. Show your work. Show your process. That’s how we trust that you’ve lived what you’re writing about. You don’t have to give everything away. But you 𝘥𝘰 have to bring us along. I’ve been on-again, off-again with my second book. I’ve been bootstrapping Rising Authors from scratch. That eats time, energy, and headspace. You may have noticed that everything I’ve posted here has been experimental. Sharing what I know, what I learn, and seeing what resonates. Every post, newsletter, interview, and client conversation has been writing the book 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 me. I’m not just building content. I’m shaping 𝘎𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳, live, in real time. The process 𝘪𝘴 marketing. Here’s a taste: I tried to vinyl-wrap the podcast van myself. Thought I could save money. Do it all. Be the hero. $500 in mint-green vinyl later… disaster. Now I wait. Hire a pro. Eat the lesson. This is the messy middle of building something real. Not the fake “launch day” hype. But the 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 of showing up, documenting the journey, and letting the book grow 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 your audience. 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁. Let the book 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶. If you’re building a book and a business at the same time, let’s talk.

What’s meant for you will never miss you. Comparison is the thief of joy. Everyone has different goals, perceptions and values. Focus on what’s in front of you, practice patience and gratitude. Notes to self. #gardenwarrior

She wasn’t sure if LinkedIn was the place. She wasn’t clear on what her core offer was. She wasn’t trying to become a full-time content creator. But what was she sure of? She leads retreats with change makers and leaders, and those experiences nourish her work. My friend Susanne von der Becke, PhD, had written a beautiful book, Conscious Impact, packed with wisdom meant to shift lives, but she wasn’t seeing how this book could ultimately help her. That’s where the real transformation happens. So we cleared the deck and got radically honest. No more forcing funnels. No more generic coaching packages. No more trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, we rebuilt her brand around the one thing that truly lights her up. Now, her book, website, and messaging lead people directly to the sacred, soulful retreat work she was meant to do. And today is its launch day. No panic, no rush, but a strategy we've put into place months ago, packed with sequences and beautifully aligned. She invited all her friends and colleagues to celebrate with her at a venue, and merely be in the moment and not worry about all the metrics. She launched her book with excitement, joy, and a deep sense of gratitude. I encourage you to pick up this book. It's a beautiful read, full of heart, presence, and perspective. Congrats, Susanne von der Becke, PhD. So much greatness is ahead. You’re doing it on your terms.

The gap between decision and action is where most authors lose momentum. I’m here in Lubbock, Texas, meeting up with my friend Evan Nadler. Over the past six months, we’ve rebranded everything with him. From his website to his messaging, everything is cohesive, focused, and clear. We locked in his offers, relaunched his site, started a newsletter, and stayed consistent on IG and LinkedIn—sharing what he knows best. His YouTube channel? It’s grown by 900+ subscribers in just a few months. And now, we’re kicking off season 2 doing our recording session of Obesity Explained while he’s on the road helping patients. This isn’t just content. It’s turning into opportunities, impact, and possibly a book deal. Whether you’re going indie or traditional you need an audience that buys your book is great. But an audience that wants to hire you to speak, coach, or consult? That’s the real win in my opinion. We’re using media intentionally to reach those people. And if you’re still stuck between “I should do this” and actually doing it message me let’s finally close that gap. That’s where the magic happens. #risingauthors

This is why people click away from your site... Hint: It’s not your font or color palette. I see dozens of author websites every week. Most fall into one of two traps. #1 They copy some celebrity author’s aesthetic. #2 They build a shrine to themselves—the book, the awards, the press. Nice looking? Maybe. But do they land? Rarely. Because your website isn’t about you. Ok it is, but only a little bit. It’s about the person visiting at 1AM, searching for something that resonates. The best ones feel like a mirror. They speak your reader’s language before they’ve even said a word. They flow like a favorite conversation, soft-selling you the whole way—until you hit that “Let’s work together” moment. As an author marketing strategist, this is one of my favorite things to build. It’s not just a website—it’s the foundation. The place every social post, podcast, or newsletter eventually leads to. What if you shared job opportunities on your website for a specific niche? What if you shared something unique to your brand, like where people can get funding for business opportunities and apply from your website? Oh, look, you just so happen to have written a book about this topic. Oh, look, you just so happen to have a podcast about this. Oh, look, where students can get financial aid tips to get into medical school, and you can do a workshop for the schools on how to do it. Your website can be so much more than a resume, but some would rather just spend a few hundred dollars and do it themselves and say... It doesn't work... Breaks my heart every time. This is where trust converts. Where curiosity turns into action. Where someone finally says those magic words. “I’m in.” Time, energy, and resources can be placed here because a legit website can do wonders. Ask me how I know... 📸 From my recent trip to OSU to talk about the Art of Resilience. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

Most author websites are expensive business cards. Pretty. Polished. And completely useless. No leads. No trust. No real results. In the next newsletter, I’m breaking down a few key elements. The #1 silent killer of your website Why Andrew Huberman’s site converts without selling How to build a site that earns trust before you ever say a word If you’ve got a book, a business, or a brand, and your site isn’t pulling its weight? This one’s for you. #risingauthorpreneurs #gardenwarriors

You’re an author thinking about launching a podcast? Most people do it for the wrong reasons. They want a shortcut. Some quick credibility. A chance to go viral. But podcasting only works when it’s real. When you treat it like a platform, not a promo tool. I sat down with my old boss and mentor Josh Raymer. He helped shape how I think about media, storytelling, and using your voice to build trust over time. We covered a few interesting topics. • Should you host or just be a guest? • What gear do you actually need? • Why most shows die after 10 episodes? • How to turn your book into a content engine that feeds your brand? We also hit the one mindset shift most authors miss. And why skipping it is the fastest way to burn out. If you're serious about building something that lasts, watch this one.

“I don’t know what to post on LinkedIn…” It’s not a content problem. It’s a clarity problem. Most authors and experts have LinkedIn-worthy content collecting digital dust, photos, book drafts, client stories, graphics, and videos. The real issue, in my opinion, is that you don’t have a strategy. I didn't realize how crucial this element is until I started to deeply study it. You’re posting randomly, inconsistently, and hoping something sticks. And deep down, you’re unsure how to gain momentum. If you’re serious about building credibility on LinkedIn, I would start with a few things. #1 Organize your past work #2 Tie it to your book, your offers, your process #3 Share the lessons, the stories, the transformation you create You already have the content. You just haven’t given it a direction. Fix that, and watch everything change. #risingauthors #gardenwarrior

You don’t need more content. You need something better than that. You need clarity. Most experts I work with already have folders full of videos, talks, articles, notes, and half-written ideas… But they’re stuck. Not because they lack content, but because everything feels like a scattered pile. No system. No throughline. No clear message. And when you don’t know what to post or say, you don’t show up. No visibility No new opportunities No momentum But here’s my truth. I’ve seen over and over again with authors on LinkedIn the struggle and media in general. Your message is already there. It just needs structure, polish, and a little encouragement. After a few sessions with my authors, their voice comes into focus, and suddenly they’re sharing with confidence, speaking with authority, and growing faster than ever. If you’ve been sitting on decades of wisdom and wondering where to start… Let’s talk. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

This post won't get much attention, but I will share it anyway. “Worth its weight in gold.” That phrase? It’s not just a poetic expression. It’s a cultural truth. A value system. A lineage. During the Golden Age of Islam, in the heart of Baghdad, stood a place called Bayt al-Hikma—The House of Wisdom. It wasn’t just a library. It was a movement. Scholars—Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians—sat side by side, translating ancient texts from Greek, Sanskrit, and Persian into Arabic. But they didn’t stop at preservation. They built on it. They made it better. They gave the world: Algebra (al-jabr) The scientific method Refined surgical tools Optics Astronomical charts Even early flight theory. Chemistry, medicine, cartography, philosophy—entire fields were expanded and redefined. It was a time when knowledge was so deeply valued that caliphs paid scholars the weight of their books in gold. Literally. Ideas weren’t hoarded, they were shared. And that sharing? It’s what lit the match for the European Renaissance. Whenever I help someone write a book or build a platform, I feel that fire again. Because our work, capturing knowledge, refining ideas, and preserving thought, is part of a lineage that once changed the world. That's why I love building Rising Authors. I feel this deeply and love that it's part of my roots. I care to help authors build a brand layered on top of the wisdom they intend to share. It matters. Your book and wisdom are worth their weight in gold, my friend. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

“You can’t be seen until you learn to see.” — Seth Godin When I first started helping authors, I thought visibility was about clever marketing and posting more often. But I quickly realized… many of them couldn’t clearly see who they were for. They’d written brilliant books—but didn’t know how to talk about their work in a way that others could feel. Once we slowed down and really looked—at their readers, at their message, and at the real change they offer—everything shifted. When you see clearly, your people start showing up. Not because you screamed louder. But because they finally recognized you. Visibility follows clarity. Always. #risingauthors

Marketing isn’t expensive. You know what is? Spending $40K+ on a book… Then ghosting your audience. No brand, no funnel, no system to capture the real opportunities that book could unlock. Most authors I work with aren’t just “authors.” They’re founders, consultants, coaches, keynote speakers. They’re busy running teams, consulting, flying to events. The last thing they think they have time for is marketing. But showing up once a month, dropping a podcast episode once a quarter, or posting when you “have time” — that’s not marketing. That’s wishful thinking. Real marketing isn’t tossing stuff up and hoping something sticks. It’s not just “a book” or “a website” or “social media.” It’s the strategy that ties them all together, so your book sells your services, your website converts leads, and your message lands with exactly the people you’re here to help. What’s expensive is not using your book and brand to build the business behind it. Stop leaving the big opportunities on the table. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or trying to do everything yourself without a clear plan, I can help. Message me if you need support. Don’t let years of work sit under a layer of dust when it could be building your next big opportunity. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors #authormarketing

You can’t deposit LinkedIn likes into your bank account. Everyone’s chasing views, likes, and comments. But those metrics don’t build an authorpreneur business. The one that does? Trust. Not the fake kind. The kind that grows from real conversations, real help, and real consistency on LinkedIn. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it’s the only thing that compounds. Because credibility isn’t a viral moment—it’s a slow burn. Want results? Stop chasing validation. Start building relationships. Write gratitude notes. Start genuine DMs. Make trust your metric. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

The people who keep going, even when it’s slow, are the ones who eventually break through. It’s easy to move fast when things are exciting. But the real difference is made in the quiet seasons. The slow mornings. The unnoticed work. The moments when it feels like no one is watching. Keep going. Your next breakthrough might be closer than you think. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

Joe Rogan doesn’t care about your book. I know, I'm sure he doesn't care about mine, either. We both didn’t care about Joe Rogan when he launched his podcast in 2009, in a crappy room with a webcam and a handful of live viewers. I didn’t even know a podcast in 2009, so I don’t blame you. He was early. He doesn’t owe you his platform, though. He spent years building it. He’s not going to put you on just because you wrote something. He’ll care if your story, your work, or your message serves or fascinates him. He shares people who are already too interesting to ignore. Flip it around. If you were in his shoes, who would you honestly put on your show? Someone who just published a book and is begging for a shot? Or someone you already heard about, because they’re doing something so real, so compelling, you can’t help but want to hear more. Oh yeah, they just happen to have a book too? That’s the game. The real question isn’t, "How do I get on Joe Rogan?" It’s, "Did I build something that deserves to be there?" Maybe you don't like Rogan or care to be on his show, that's fine. This applies to every other person with a platform, period. This is why I preach it all day and tomorrow on LinkedIn to help my author friends. Build something unique. Build something interesting. Build something about your author brand that others want to talk about, want to share, and want to experience. That’s when the world leans in. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors

I turn 40 today. Not just older. Wiser. Clearer. Lighter. I’ve lived many lives already, from a refugee camp to building a creative business, a community, and a life I’m proud of. This isn’t a victory lap. It’s a ceremony. 40 things I’ve learned that I’m carrying into the next chapter: 1 You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up. 2 Love is the greatest investment. It compounds daily. 3 Money comes and goes. Skills and character stay. 4 Chasing peace is more powerful than chasing clout. 5 Real strength is spiritual, not performative. 6 Being present will teach you more than any podcast. 7 Your childhood wounds become your greatest wisdom, if you let them. 8 Craftsmanship is underrated. But it’s what builds a legacy. 9 The people who matter won’t care how many followers you have. 10 Some seasons are for growth. Some are for healing. Honor both. 11 Learn to enjoy your own company. You’ll be around for a while. 12 A great partner is the ultimate blessing. Protect that bond. 13 Most of your limitations are inherited, not chosen. Break that cycle. 14 Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re doors to self-respect. 15 You can’t outsource self-worth. 16 Make art like your soul depends on it, because it does. 17 Give people their flowers now. 18 Fear is a compass. Don’t run from it, follow it. 19 Learn to sit with silence. That’s where God speaks. 20 You’re allowed to evolve. Stop clinging to old versions of yourself. 21 Hustle fades. Purpose sustains. 22 Shut up and listen. 23 Men need more spaces to feel, not just fix. 24 Writing saved my life. Sharing it gave it meaning. 25 Not every battle is yours to fight. 26 Say “I love you” more often. Especially to the men in your life. 27 Pray like it’s your last conversation. 28 Every dollar you invest in your skills will pay back in identity. 29 Stop asking for permission to be great. 30 You can’t force trust. You can only earn it slowly. 31 Life is not a ladder. It’s a garden. Tend to it daily. 32 There’s a difference between being tired and being misaligned. 33 Your story is your superpower. 34 Forgive yourself often. You’re learning in real time. 35 Choose depth over noise. Every time. 36 Be the man your younger self needed. 37 Be the kind of friend you always wished you had. 38 I’ve never been clearer, more grounded, or more ready. 39 All my blessings come from the one and only GOD 40 The only person I want to inspire from here on… is my son. I'm going to be Dad, there's no better gift. My next chapter is beautiful as the garden expands and the tending becomes the reward. Thank you for supporting my work, journey, and growing family. I love you. #raisingthenextgardenwarrior

I lived in a Refugee Camp for four unbearable years. I didn’t speak English in 1994. I was in ESL until 8th grade. My 7th-grade ESL Teacher laughed at me when I said I was going to be an Architect. I didn’t take the SATs because I thought I’d fail. Didn’t go to a fancy school either—just Portland State, where I worked my ass off for an architecture degree… that didn’t land me a job. When my father passed, my whole life flipped. I had to be more resilient than ever—mentally, emotionally, financially. So I did what I’ve always done. I showed up with an architect's state of mind and started building my life. First, a hookah lounge that became a Portland staple. Literally, the Portland Trail Blazers would come and hang out, and lines were around the block to get in. Then, a print shop that grew into a million-dollar business. But life had other plans. A falling out with my brother meant walking away from the lounge with nothing. Million-dollar lounge. I walked away with nada, zip. ZERO. COVID crushed my print shop when schools, my main clients, shut down. Launched a book, got it out of my system, and got a good amount of therapy. I sold what I could and started over. Joined a publishing company to bring my expertise to the table and started a part-time job at the bottom of the totem pole to learn everything I can. A month after I got my full-time offer, I got laid off. Rising Authors was born amid chaos. Now, I run a business that feels more aligned than anything I’ve built before. Helping authors grow, speak louder, and turn their message into momentum. I’ve failed, more than I can count to be honest. At everything from relationships to businesses, and everything in between. I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything. I've learned so much and continue to learn daily. I've had such an incredible life so far, and I'm more grateful than ever. I’ve started from zero. More than once. But every time, I chose to take matters into my own hands. Because no one’s coming to save us. But we can save ourselves—if we keep building. I got my architecture degree because no one will ever tell me what I can and can't do. Every time I failed, my Dad reminded me to try again or try something else, but to keep moving. This was one of my last pictures with my Dad at my old printshop. I miss you, Pop. #risingauthors #gardenwarrior

Most authors treat their book like a secret. They don’t share a word until it’s “done.” Then they panic post for 3 weeks and wonder why no one’s listening. Here’s a better move. Post on LinkedIn while you write. Not to promote. To build trust. To test your voice. To make sure it lands before it launches. Post a paragraph you’re proud of. A quote that scares you. A chapter idea you’re still unsure about. Then ask your audience to engage. “Would you keep reading?” “What would you title this chapter?” “What’s missing here?” That’s not just engagement—that’s real-time feedback. That’s building a reader with you, not after you. And if that sounds scary, good. You’re not just writing a book. You’re building something people actually want to read. You don’t need 10,000 fans in a month You need 10 who care this week. And another 10 next week. #risingauthors #gardenwarriors