First Word

When I open my presentations, I ask two questions: “How many of you throw away books in the trashcan?” I follow up that question with the next one, “How many of you throw away brochures in the nearest garbage can?” The second question provides the audience’s a-ha moment. Most people feel value when they buy or are given a book. A book has weight. It has pages. It has merit. It conveys the perception of knowledge and expertise and time and money to publish. A feeling of guilt or at least a sense of environmental responsibility overcomes the desire to toss all that time, money, expertise, and most importantly “paper” into the garbage can. On the other hand, how many flyers, tri-fold brochures or one-sheets create such a moral or ethical dilemma that you actually feel guilty to throw it away? I’ll be honest. I’ve thrown away countless brochures. I even curse when someone shoves a flyer under my car windshield wiper because now I have to find a garbage can so I’m ...

Nothing can enhance your credibility and promote your business better than a book. A book is 10 times better than a brochure -- and depending on who creates your brochure and whether it's full color or not, a brochure can actually cost more money. Yes, I have had some business owners show me brochures that cost them $10 a copy just to print it up. A book can cost anywhere between $2-$3 a copy. Here are three reasons you should write a book about your area of expertise in business: Credibility = Expertise = Speaking Gigs The fact that you wrote a book makes you an expert. "An expert?" you cry. Yes, a book makes you an instant expert. You knew enough to write the book, right? Well, what do experts get asked to do? Share their expertise with others. You will automatically get asked to speak to groups about your book. Speaking Gigs = Exposure = Opportunities When you get up in front of a room to speak, what happens? People focus on you. They learn more about you and you...

Some clients but not all are surprised when I say this, “Did you know that having a book is better and even costs less than a full-color brochure?” Some color brochures can cost up to $10 a copy while a standard-sized book can cost anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 a copies, depending on the page count and quantity ordered. Here are three very good reasons you should consider writing or having a book ghost written for your business. Speaking opportunities – a book makes you an instant expert. Yes, even if its mere perception, people believe those who have written a book are now experts on whatever subject and will ask you to come speak to their groups, organizations or associations. Speaking equals cash in the door . The opportunity to speak in front of a group equals more business. You are perceived as an expert in your business, and people will want to know more about your business and ask for meetings, which often leads to more business and more cash in the door to sustain b...