Kary Oberbrunner: Bestselling author, CEO and igniter of souls.
“Your book is a business card.” Has anyone ever told you this cliche? I find it horrible advice. Last time I checked, nobody ever said, “This business card changed my life.” Yet many people have told me how a book has changed their life.
Think about it. What do you do with business cards? Most people lose them or end up throwing them in the trash. However, these same people would never throw away a book. Books are not business cards. I love books because they’re magical. They have the ability to open doors, start relationships and transform our thinking. I believe books can become big businesses if leveraged properly.
As an author and entrepreneur myself, I have experienced how writing and publishing a book can increase business growth and brand recognition. By publishing, you have the potential to unlock new opportunities, establish credibility and connect to a larger audience.
Establishing Authority And Credibility
Publishing a book can quickly position you as an authority in your field. According to one source, 96% of business professionals found there to be “a significant positive impact on their businesses” after publishing a book.
With each of the thirteen books I’ve published, I’ve noticed a significant increase in speaking invitations, media coverage and partnership opportunities. My books provided a tangible representation of my expertise and helped position me as a trusted thought leader.
Once published, it’s quite common to receive invitations from podcasters to speak about your book. This helps further cement your credibility with a targeted audience.
Also, oftentimes, reporters, when looking to quote an expert within their article or story, will find you because of your book. We have an interesting habit when we meet a perceived authority on a topic; we often comment that they “wrote the book” on their respective topic.
Amplifying Reach And Building A Platform
Books also provide a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience and build a dedicated platform. By leveraging various marketing channels and utilizing social media platforms, you can extend your book’s reach far beyond your immediate network. Publishing a book gives you a bigger platform where you can be seen and heard. By publishing a book and adding your product to Amazon, you are tapping into the second-largest search engine in the world.
As readers discover your book, I’ve found that they often become interested in exploring other facets of your business. This increased visibility can not only boost book sales but lead to new consulting clients, speaking engagements and media interviews.
This experience of cascading opportunities is quite common. Over the past 20 years, I’ve helped thousands of other authors experience these results. I believe that if you have passion, a clear message and the desire to serve readers, your book can transform into a movement.
Generating Leads And Expanding the Customer Base
A well-crafted book can also serve as a powerful lead-generation tool. You can attract potential customers and nurture relationships by offering valuable insights and solutions to readers’ problems.
Be mindful though; it’s important to include a call-to-action within the book, such as a free resource or a special offer that can encourage readers to engage further. This helps lead to a steady stream of qualified leads and conversions, ultimately fueling business growth.
Leveraging Books For Speaking Engagements
As an author, you become an attractive candidate for speaking engagements. Many event organizers actively seek out authors to deliver keynote speeches or participate in panel discussions.
In fact, I’ve found the abundance of opportunities due to my books are often more than I can handle. This is a good problem to have. When this occurs, you must establish a filter for what constitutes as a yes. Perhaps you agree to invitations that include a desired location, a minimum audience size or a brand match with your personal or professional mission and vision.
My books have allowed me to secure speaking opportunities at conferences, industry summits and corporate events. These engagements can generate additional income, allowing deeper connections with diverse audiences and network expansion.
Building A Personal Brand
Books are a powerful tool for shaping and strengthening your personal brand. Through the writing process, I’ve found that authors gain greater clarity, competence and confidence. It allows them to hone their unique voice, values and expertise. This, in turn, resonates with your target audience and helps you differentiate yourself from competitors.
Opening Doors To New Opportunities
Publishing a book opens doors to many exciting opportunities. From media interviews and guest blogging to partnerships with influential individuals and organizations, books can be a catalyst for expansion and collaboration. These opportunities have not only contributed to the growth of my business, but they have also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
From establishing authority and credibility to amplifying reach and generating leads, books offer immense potential for greater success. By harnessing the power of publishing, authors and entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities, connect with wider audiences and establish themselves as leaders in their respective industries.
If you’re ready to take your business and brand to new heights and unlock your full potential, I encourage you to consider the power of publishing. Publishing as a business leader frees up your time to make a lasting impact through your words rather than through constant time commitments, enabling you to invest in others more effectively. This can allow you to scale your impact.
Embrace the opportunity to share your knowledge, insights and experiences with the world through the written word. Even better, leverage your book into multiple streams of influence and income.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here