Writing a business book is something every business owner or entrepreneur should consider. So, why are so few of taking advantage of one of the most effective marketing and networking tools available?
From what I’ve observed, these are some of the reasons:
Overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a book
- How do I start?
- Where do I find the find time?
- How can I write a book if I’m a not good/terrible writer?
- What should my specific topic be?
- How would I market it?
I’ve developed a simple process you can follow to start and complete your book, which removes all the anxiety created by taking on such a significant and unfamiliar project.
Not sure it makes business sense to write a book
- Is it worth the time and effort?
- Will I get a return on my investment?
- Will the book sell?
- What will be the ROI?
Mike Schultz, President of RAIN Group, is a world-renowned consultant, sales expert and co-author of several books. He and the RAIN Group team have worked with organizations such as Toyota, Monitor-Deloitte, Harvard Business School, Oracle, Fidelity Investments, Ryder, Quintiles, UL, Navigant Consulting, Hitachi, Lee Hecht Harrison, Lowe’s, and hundreds of others to unleash sales performance. He is also often quoted as an expert by news outlets such as Business Week, The Globe and Mail, Inc. Magazine, MSNBC, and hundreds of others.
RAIN Group conducted a survey of 200 business book authors and released a report, The Business Impact of Writing A Book. In a Bloomberg article, Business by the Book
– Can writing a book boost your outfit’s bottom line? Schultz stated the results of his report indicated the answer was yes — and in a host of direct and indirect ways. (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-04-11/business-by-the-book)
Many of the business benefits will be intangible. You may not even sell that many copies of your book. But that’s okay, because the other benefits will create even bigger rewards:
Expanded personal credibility
When you publish a book, from what I’ve seen with the authors I’ve worked with, people think you are smarter and more of an expert. With some of my clients who have published more than one book, they have
gained almost celebrity status.
Increased business credibility
Writing a good business book definitely gives you expert status and legitimacy in people’s eyes. Having a book in your hand to show business connections will open doors to potential clients, business partners and other key stakeholders. Your business will gain a ‘halo effect’ as you position yourself as an expert in your industry.
Stronger brand clarity
Your business book will help employees to better understand the principles of your business and your goals. Existing and possible clients will see how you can be of value to them.
Stand out from your competitors
Writing your business book will differentiate you from your competitors. You’ll become known as a subject matter expert in your field which can lead to invitations to speak at industry events and requests from the media to share your expertise.
More speaking engagement invitations
Authoring a good, well-written business book can lead to speaking engagements, another effective tool to market your business and to network. In 5 Reasons Why Every Entrepreneur Should be a Speaker, international speaker, strategic consultant, and Amazon #1 bestselling author, Chris Kai says “…The biggest single challenge I see with entrepreneurs is that they struggle to find a robust pipeline of prospects, clients, and referrals. …..According to an Inc. magazine article 96% of businesses fail within 10 years. If you have no clients you have no business.
One of the best kept secrets that I am about to share with you is what I call Next Level Networking. If “networking” is defined as you attending a networking event to potentially find new clients, it can often be difficult, time-consuming, expensive, and fruitless. Perhaps you attend the wrong event and meet no prospects and you spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars with zero return on investment. That isn’t sustainable or an effective use of your time. Next Level Networking is positioning yourself as a speaker. Here are 5 reasons why every entrepreneur should be a speaker…..
Kai goes onto share some great points on why every entrepreneur should include speaking engagements as a primary marketing and networking tool. ( 5 Reasons why every entrepreneur should be a speaker)
Take the mystery out of how to write a business book
On January 18, 2019, I’m hosting Write Now!, an introductory business book writing workshop to help you get started on writing your book, along with media entrepreneur and author Dana Goldstein. Early bird tickets — $149, a savings of $50, in effect until December 15. For more information and to reserve your seat, visit Write Now!
Establish yourself as an expert in your field before your competition does. I also work one-on-one with business owners to help them through the process, to edit their books, or if they don’t want to write the book themselves, I also offer ghostwriting services. Contact me if you want to have a cup of coffee and talk about your business book….