Hi there! I'm Sameena Fernandes, and it's a joy to invite you into our Book Bridges community. This unique space has an inspiring story rooted in connection, transformation, and the enduring power of books.
The Genesis of Book Bridges
- From Live Studio to Literary Community: Our journey began with Scott Gallagher's creation of the 11:11 multi-camera Facebook live studio and show back in 2017. This innovative platform was a part of a complex intervention for me, offering a daily dose of human connection and interaction. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, and we faced our first lockdown, this vibrant studio had to end, leaving a void in my routine of connecting with others.
- The Birth of Book Bridges: Recognizing the profound impact of losing this daily human interaction, Scott envisioned something even more powerful to fill the gap. Thus, Book Bridges was born, not just as a replacement but as an evolution of our desire for connection and growth. It's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human relationships, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
- A Circle of Learning: Book Bridges revolves around the concept of 'booking' - a unique blend of reading, sharing, and teaching. Each member embarks on a journey of personal growth, fueled by the collective wisdom found in our chosen books.
- Facilitating, Not Instructing: In our community, the leader's role is to guide through empathy, not to impart expertise. We center our discussions around the insights from books, facilitating a space for discovery and reflection.
- Focused Literary Conversations: Our sessions are dedicated to exploring the depths of literature. They are a time to engage with books on a profound level, sharing insights and revelations.
- Reflection and Preparation: Each session is recorded for internal use, allowing us to reflect on our discussions and prepare for future engagements. These recordings are a private treasure of our shared learning journey.
- Beyond Business Networking: Book Bridges is a sanctuary for personal development, where business networking takes a backseat to the enriching exchange of knowledge and experiences.
- Guiding Your Path: As your coordinator, I ensure your experience with Book Bridges is smooth and fulfilling. From scheduling sessions to selecting impactful books, I'm here to assist you every step of the way.
- Sharing and Encouragement Post-Session: Our community shines through social sharing videos and appreciative comments. It's a practice that nurtures our bonds and fosters a spirit of support and encouragement.
- Expanding Horizons: We value diverse perspectives and ensure that you experience fresh views in every session. This approach enriches your journey with us, offering new insights and understanding.
- Inspired by Altruism and Resilience: The wisdom of Dr. William D. Silkworth and Scott Gallagher's dedication to fostering human connections shape the soul of our community. We embrace the altruistic paradox: the more we share, the more we grow, all without a profit motive.
- A Community of Mutual Respect: If Book Bridges resonates with your spirit, we warmly invite you to join us. Embrace this journey of mutual respect, positivity, and continuous learning. Together, let's turn the pages of incredible stories and grow through each shared experience.
John's Story
"When my business dropped way off at the beginning of the pandemic, my self-esteem and productivity were dropping through the floor. It seemed like everything was falling apart. I already had my plate full with a full-time job, family responsibilities and my copywriting side hustle. My spirit was craving an easier, enjoyable and less time-consuming way to pick myself up and start to move forward, so I could start feeling good about myself again.
I have been doing the Solopreneur thing for about 12 years as a side hustle. It was never a huge source of income for me, but when Covid hit, my copywriting business all but dried up. Nothing I tried seemed to get new business coming in. I heard about Get Booked To Book Others, and really committed to spend an hour a week booking other people. Once I started booking other people, my income really took off again. Actually, it was far higher than it was Pre-Covid even!
I literally increased my part-time hustle (because I have a full-time job managing projects at a bank) income from $150 per month in February to over $1,500 per month in September! I credit this all to my participation in Get Booked To Book Others, in particular booking others immediately after I was booked in a particular section that was valuable to me.
John Newland