Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhonda Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rhonda, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
My books are based on my own, sometimes crazy, life experiences. I wrote “40 Questions Before a First Date” from my own dating experiences and the conversations I should have had before entering relationships that ultimately wasted my time. Writing the book taught me that dating isn’t about butterflies; it’s about clarity. Initially, I promoted the book by sharing questions from the book. That seems logical, right? I realized I had to pivot because I wasn’t getting the engagement on my content. When I began promoting it on my YouTube channel, I decided to expand the concept in a fun, unexpected way.
I created multiple lighthearted video series. One is called There Is Nothing New Under the Sun, where I tackle the quirky, often hilarious situations we never think to discuss before we start dating someone. These are topics not in the book, but as a business owner you realize that shocking, I can’t believe that happened clips grab viewers’ attention. As a business owner you have to balance between charting your own path while still riding the wave of social media. I did a YouTuble clip asking *What if you’re getting to know someone and find out they don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom?* Or even worse: *What if you discover the person you like digs in their nose and eats their boogers?* I’m sure everyone just said ewh gross.
These videos are comical, but they’re still rooted in my book’s message—**talk about everything upfront**, even the things that seem small or silly. Because those “small” things can become big once emotions get involved.
The “crazy” part is when I wrote my book, I never thought I would have to go beyond whats written in the book to sell the book. I actually work harder now than I did writing the book. Business owner have to deal with the unexpected. To answer your question, the craziest thing that’s happened since writing my books is realizing that the smallest part of being an author is writing. Writing the book is top of the triangle but the base of a triangle is always wider.
The videos that start as a joke will get more comments than the serious content from the book.
That moment taught me two unforgettable entrepreneurial lessons:
1. Your authenticity is your superpower.** People connect not just with polished content, but with honesty—even when it’s funny, random, or slightly gross.
2. You never know which piece of your work will spark the biggest reaction. Sometimes the “craziest thing” is realizing the world has been waiting for the very content you were hesitant to post.
Entrepreneurship is one wild ride.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Rhonda Green is an author, speaker, and relationship clarity advocate dedicated to helping singles date with purpose instead of regret. Drawing from her own dating experiences and the conversations she wishes she had before entering the wrong relationships, she wrote 40 Questions Before a First Date. This book has self reflection questions and questions designed to help mature singles avoid wasting time by building a solid foundation before emotions take over.
Beyond writing and content creation, Rhonda is passionate about empowering survivors of domestic abuse to rebuild their confidence and their lives. She brings her experience, wisdom, and warm-but-direct approach to help female survivors within her mindset mentorship called S.A.I.L™. (Survivors Advocate Inspire & Live), Rhonda’s literary works inclue: “Seven Ways to Free Your Mind After Abuse”, “Forty Questions Before A First Date”, “How Much Is Your Dirt Worth?” and a workbook titled “S.A.I.L™.”
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
My books are sold on Amazon and my website, www.RhondaGreen.com. I self published both books but one is published through Amazon KDP and the other through a printing company called 48Hour Books. Every new author needs to decide what is best. I did not want to go through a publishing company because of the cost, lower profit margin and loss of control of my writing. It is a good thing to go through a publisher but it is also a good thing to self-publish. I am not saying one is always better than the other. There are pros and cons to both.
I like the fact that Amazon print and ships the book, “40 Questions Before A First Date”. I also have the ability to order author copies in bulk or one at a time. Plus, with Amazon I can sell internationally. My book “How Much Is Your Dirt Worth” was truly self-published the old-fashioned way. I uploaded my manuscript, uploaded my cover (that was designed earlier by a graphic artist), then ordered a sample, approved it, and finally purchased a bulk order of books. I can go back at any time and re-order. The cost upfront is greater but the profit margin is larger. “How Much Is Your Dirt Worth?” can be ordered through Amazon, but I am the one who actually mails the book. The biggest concern is if 100,000 people ordered the book tomorrow, it will take almost two weeks for them to receive “How Much Is Your Dirt Worth?” because I do not have 100,000 copies in my garage! If a million people ordered “40 Questions Before A First Date”, published through Amazon KDP, I wouldn’t have to worry if those books are printed and shipped immediately. Amazon does all the legwork.
There is one other major caveat all authors must consider. Are you going to sell in a bookstore? If I had a publisher, that would be part of their job to get me in bookstores. Since I am self-published, it’s all on me. It is not impossible; authors do it all the time. You must decide what your end goal is. I believe I can do better online than in a brick-and-mortar store.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I am still building but I have learned consistency is key. When I look at my metrics, it is clear that when I am posting daily every platform will eventually recognize that. If I stop for a week, views on all my videos start to decline. Think about it – have you ever “reset” your algorithm? If I started watching only videos on tiny homes, soon every app is going to suggest videos to watch on tiny homes. If I switched and started liking and watching only videos on cats, give it a day and every time you are on socials or even your web browser, cat videos will pop up. It is the nature of the game and as an entrepreneur, you have to learn to play it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RhondaGreen.com
- Instagram: AuthorRhondaGreen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-green-aftersurviving/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rhondagreen