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Frances Cole Jones founded Cole Media Management in 1997. From the beginning, the company's focus has been on cultivating clients' inherent strengths to develop the communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional performance. The scope of Jones's work includes preparation for television and print interviews, meetings with potential investors, and internal meetings with partners, sales staff and in-house personnel.

She also provides presentation skills seminars and speechwriting for clients. She is the author of How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Selling Your [Brilliant] Self in Any Situation and The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today's Business World.

Thank you Frances for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  Would you please tell us about the latest project you've worked on?

My latest project has been The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today's Business World-- which I wrote in response to the economy's "contraction". Its goal is to give readers immediately applicable situations to their current situation, and help them position themselves for their future promotion.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I speak across the United States and Canada.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

I was lucky enough to major in English and minor in Creative Writing in school-- it's been a lifelong love affair with words.

What kind of other works have you had published?

My first book, "How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Presenting Your (Brilliant) Self in any Situation came out in 08. I also write columns for Our Kitchen Table, Women On Business, Divine Caroline and Intent.com

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Yes, one of my favorite aspects of my website is the Ask a Question button. I respond to every question I receive. If I find a situation that I feel is broadly applicable, I write it up as a "general solution" and include it in my Wow This Week newsletter.

What will your next project be?

Book 3 has a working title of "How to Wow in the Business of Life" and it will look at how to handle sticky conversations and situations with your doctor, your kid's teacher, your aging parents, your contractor....

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

As noted, the questions I receive inspire me-- I love to puzzle out a response that will help someone feel more confident.

I also love to travel - I think it's critical to be aware of how people around the world move through the world.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I enjoy speaking to large groups-- the energy of a crowd is contagious.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Blog, Twitter, Facebook....practice your tone, define your audience, find out what works and what doesn't in these forums that allow you to see others' responses.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Franny and Zooey

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I get up at 5 and write until 8, walk my dog, go to yoga, then work with clients in the afternoon.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
All my English teachers in High School and College

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Anne Lamott, JD Salinger, Ernest Hemingway, Wallace Stegner
He's not a writer of books, but of television/movies: Aaron Sorkin

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

Billy Bragg, I Keep Faith in You

Thanks so much Frances! We're looking forward to your third book How to Wow in the Business of Life!