Jeff Goins has made his living with the support of a tribe.  The loyal following to his popular blog led to a successful self published book, You Are a Writer.

Now, Jeff is make a living as a writer. His success has come from building a tribe. Jeff even teaches other writers how to build a tribe in his course Tribe Writers.

Jeff Goins joins the Park Leaders Show to discuss how a park can use the tribe concept to build a following of supporters. The idea of a tribe is essential a conversational way of marketing. It allows supporters of your park to be a part of the park, even when they are not at the park.

Jeff has an unexpected connection to parks. As an 18 year old he had a summer job at a park in Illinois. He shares about his experience working in a park and the lessons he learned that have stuck with him to this day. Through his stories, he highlights how you can turn a simple task like "get me a spade" into a learning opportunity.

You will enjoy these books by Jeff Goins: The In-Between and Wrecked.

If you are interested in becoming a better writer, check out Jeff's course Tribe Writers.

Starting from Scratch: How to Build a Platform with Words, Passion, and People (click to watch on YouTube)

Park Rangers are great storytellers. Sean Smith, former National Park Ranger, used the storytelling gift to write a series of thrillers with a park ranger as the hero.

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Sean talks about how his time as a ranger led to writing Unleashing Colter's Hell and Lost Cause. Sean tells us why he wrote these stories, and where the inspiration for the main character came from.

Sean also explains how to transition from being a good story teller to being a good writer.

I would be delighted if more rangers wrote. Whether it be books, or blogs, it would be good to see more rangers writing. I know there are some great ranger books out there, and a few ranger blogs. But we need more.

Although no longer a ranger, Sean is a strong supporter of parks and recently gave a TEDx talk about why we should protect national parks. This Ted talk is how I discovered Sean.

You can connect with Sean on his blog, Twitter, or Facebook

Do you have a favorite park ranger book, or ranger blog? If so, reach out and let me know. I want to discover more rangers who are writers.

Recommended Resources

Sean Smith Books: Unleashing Colter's Hell and Lost Cause

Creating Disney Magic on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

Tribe Writers - Writing course from Jeff Goins.

Why protect national parks? | Sean Smith | TEDxSpokane (click to watch on YouTube)

Phil Gaines, Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to the Park Leaders Show to follow up on his first interview.

In this second interview, Phil talks about the Ultimate Outside program. The Ultimate Outsider program turns visitors into insiders by getting them into all 47 State Parks in South Carolina. Phil Gaines knows once people get out to explore parks, they will make a connection. It is through connections that parks remain relevant in the lives of the citizens of the state.

When a citizen has a connection to a park, they will protect it, promote it, and continue to visit.

Phil also offers advice on how to keep your focus and remember why you work in parks, when times are tough or you work with a park manager you do not get along with.

Just like connecting visitors to our parks, you need to reconnect with the reason why you work for parks. Get outside, do more of the parts of the job you love. As Phil says, "If you get paid in sunsets, and you are not taking in those sunsets, you are not getting your full check."

Phil also reminds us that parks were built in hard times and this is when we do our best work.

When I began my career as a park ranger at Riverside State Park, Jack Hartt would often tell me how lucky he was to the park manager. He convinced me Riverside was the best park in Washington State. I believed him. I followed his lead and proclaimed there was not a better park in the state.

Then, Jack became the manager of Deception Pass State Park. He began preaching that Deception Pass was the best park in the state. I almost felt insulted. Riverside was the best park, clearly. And Jack Hartt could no longer be trusted, I thought.

Now, after talking to Phil Gaines, I understand what happened. Phil Gaines is the Director of South Carolina State Parks. Phil believes your park is the most important park.

Phil explains how you become connected to your park by living and working, surrounded by the beauty. You become passionate about what is around you and believe your park is indeed the most important park.

Phil may serve as a Director, but his heart is still in the field. He visits each State Park in South Carolina every year and connects with the staff and visitors.

Phil also discusses the State Parks Leadership School, a cooperative effort of America's State Parks to develop the next generation of leaders.