The Invisible Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease’

Should You Write That One Book?

October 21st, 2009 |

I have often heard that each of us has at least one book inside of us, just waiting to bust loose, what is your one book? Each of us knows something that others don’t, is it your obligation to share it? What are your thoughts?

A psychic once told me that I have at least 10 books to write. I have written Tales of People Who Get It and there is an accompanying workbook Journey to Getting It, does that count as two books or is that one? It took me 4 1/2 years to write Tales of People Who Get It, what are my chances of writing the 10 books at that rate, if I listen to the psychic?

Writing a book is an investment of your time, and most people will never devote the time to actually write their one book. How do the benefits of writing a book stack up to the costs?

A few years ago I asked some authors, how writing a book help their businesses. Here are the responses.

Andrea Nierenberg, “The Queen of Networking” and the author of Nonstop Networking: How to Improve Your Life, Luck, and Career, Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Way To Find, Keep And Grow Your Business, and Savvy Networking: 118 Fast & Effective Tips for Business Success responded “It is very easy, my books have simply been the best calling cards I could ever ask for, I give away a ‘book a day’ and it has tripled my business.”

Heather Resnick, author of Women Reworked Empowering Women in Employment Transition responded, “Writing a book is my business! Generally speaking though, writing a book makes you an “Authority” in the eyes of the public. It opens doors for speaking engagements and people are genuinely impressed that you have actually written a book, knowing the amount of research/time involved. Books are regarded with esteem!”

According to Gail Blanke, “First, Between Trapezes: Flying into a New Life with the Greatest of Ease (as with Wildest Dreams and Taking Control of Your Life and [Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear the Clutter, Find Your Life]) provided a marketing platform for my business. Books describe your point of view and what makes you unique and provide the media with much needed angles and content for their particular communications vehicles. Second, potential clients and customers can access you through your writing and are motivated to buy whatever product or service you’re selling. Finally, it’s close to impossible to make money (other than recovering your costs) from a book. That’s not the reason to write them. In addition to the exposure they provide, disciplining yourself and refining your message are invaluable. You learn a lot about yourself from writing a book. And that can be priceless.”

Chris Widener author of The Art of Influence: Persuading Others Begins With You, Four Seasons, The Angel Within, and co-author of Twelve Pillars, had this to say, “It has been the best promotional tool, business card, advertising I could do!”

Will you write your one book? Do the benefits outlined above match the time investment? Let’s keep the conversation going, please comment.