From the time that they were first created around 500 B.C., books have facilitated the exchange of information.
This information exchange has helped us learn the important things we need to know, as well as some trivial things that are fun to know. From our earliest childhood picture books to the eBooks on my tablet, or the audiobooks on your phone, books have been invaluable learning resources.
Certainly as a reader, I have enjoyed the benefits of several thousand books in both hard copy and electronic format. Although I have tried audiobooks, I am not yet a fan of listening to books.
In the simplest of words, books in whatever format, represent unique opportunities for authors to share ideas and concepts with others. As such they are, and always will be, vehicles for new ideas and tools to help people learn new concepts.
My First Book
Writing and self-publishing my first book, How to Succeed in Your Home Business was one of my most gratifying and life-changing experiences … ever.
My evolution from reader to author opened my eyes to the reality that among other things, books are commodities to be marketed and distributed. Happily, this marketing opened more doors to exciting new opportunities that I could ever have dreamed or imagined.
For example, the public relations component of promotion led to speaking invitations and workshop appearances. And as the awareness of my self-published book grew, wannabe authors approached me for help and advice in completing their books.
As a result of an appearance at a trade show (selling my book as a commodity) unknown to me, one of my purchasers worked for Doubleday…yeah, that Doubleday. As a result of her liking the book, Doubleday Canada purchased the rights to publish the second edition of the book. This in turn led to the book becoming a best seller, available in six languages.
The best seller status was achieved in part as the result of the Toronto-Dominion Bank, a major Canadian bank, making a very large bulk purchase of a special edition of the book. Why would such a large financial institution purchase thousands of copies of a book about home business? To give to their clients who operate home businesses.
The bank was so happy with the overall success of my first book as advertising specialty that they agreed to bulk purchase a small business focused marketing book that I was creating. After self-publishing this book, the bank added a cross-country speaking tour for me to share the contents of the book with their small business customers.
Obviously, books are more than just great learning resources.
They also open the door for like-minded people to collaborate in creating mutually beneficial scenarios.
In total honesty, that was one of the factors that I had in mind while preparing my newest book How to Succeed In Your Professional Service Business.
Specifically, here are some possible collaborations that were triggered by my new book. Over next nine Wednesdays, I will detail these possible collaborations in order that we can create some amazing outcomes … together.
Collaborative Opportunities
October 2: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is about third-parties promoting book and receiving a percentage of the sales as a result.
According to OptinMonster, affiliate marketing is huge. Revenue generated by affiliate marketing Exceeds $17 Billion.
Next week I will outline how we might tap into that rich and growing market.
October 9: Audio Book
Although not yet a fan of audio books, I do recognize their value. I plan to produce an audio book next year.
If you want to be the voice of the book, let’s talk—now or after this article appears.
October 16: Blog Posts
In all honesty the book is much bigger and more comprehensive than I had intended. There are over 200 topics and subsections.
But the good news is that collection that represents a huge pool of potential blog topics. I’d be more than happy give permission to use my content or prepare a guest blog for you.
October 23: Bulk Purchases/Custom Version
This option builds on the experience of the TD Bank purchasing tens of thousands of copies of my books for free distribution to their customers.
Why couldn’t professional and trade associations do something similar for their members?
My vision would be to work with an experienced professional in a specific area and customize the content to meet the needs of individual professionals in that field.
October 30: Podcast
At this point, I am in the process of planning a Podcast tour for the coming months. I am proposing a four-part episode entitled Scaling Your Service Business: No Biz or Marketing Know-How Required.
If you have as podcast and would like to learn more, get in touch. Otherwise, I will share some suggestions in this article.
November 6: Video Course(s)
The appendix to the book refers to six existing video courses that relate in one way or another to book content.
Happily there is enough new content in the book for another 1-2 video courses. As much as I’d love to create this material, my to-do list is pretty crowded. If you would like to create this video content, check back in November to learn more about what I have in mind.
November 13: Webinar
Echoing the Podcast content,if you would like me and/or book content in a webinar, get in touch. Otherwise, I will share some suggestions in this article.
November 20: Succession
Strategically, this book is part of my legacy project. In effect, this project involves collecting as much of my life experience as possible and consolidating it into a form that will benefit others. A couple of years from now, I propose to sell it all.
If you want to join me in creating something that we can sell or you can take over—once again, let’s talk, now or in November.
November 27: Other
This is the “what have I missed” element.
Here are some suggestions:
- Collaboration on book you might have in mind. How much benefit would you enjoy from being a co-author of a book in your area of specialty?
- Adapt my content for you and your market
- Combine my content with yours for a new book
- Other_________________
One final question: how can you help leverage my book to do amazing things together?