Artist’s impression.
This is my 100th Small Business Owner blog post. (Yay!)
Shouldn’t I have a book deal by now?
That other bloke only did 100 tweets. Yet he has a book AND a TV show!
And all he did was write down what his father said!
What am I doing wrong?
Options
It’s easier to self-publish than ever.
Yet there’s something exhilarating about a global juggernaut doing all your legal, technical, editorial and promotional leg work.
At least, I imagine there is. (Most nights, actually.)
I could bundle my posts in a print-on-demand trice at www.lulu.com
But where would be the fun in that?
I could follow my Dad and back myself with a cash investment.
But would it sell? And stay for sale? And would I have to pay through the nose for more copies?
If all else fails, I could park my pre-loved content in some penny-pinching aggregation site.
But that would be too desperate.
Everyone has one
The web’s awash with books of every kind.
Many are free.
A disturbing proportion can be obtained by the mere act of following someone on Twitter.
My conclusion from sampling these offerings is this:
Just cause you can, don’t mean you should.
Write moves
Yet many pundits say a ‘product’ is the best way to supercharge your:
- Professional credibility.
- Passive income.
- Profile.
My short ebook has shown scant evidence of any of this. (And yes, I know I haven’t ZINGED it yet.)
So, would a longer bbook do more for me?
Write stuff
We’re fortunate to have some heavy hitters in our readership.
I know some of them have released books.
And I suspect others would like to.
So let’s club together and chat about:
Books: Should We? Why? How?
It’s bound to be a ripping debate.
(Let’s give it a hiding.)
The End.
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire
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Author
Naomi from MYOB
May 20, 2010 at 9:52 am
Congratulations on 100 posts Paul!! Fabulous effort. Love your work!!
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 9:55 am
Thank you very much, Naomi. Hats off to Megan, Adam (and lately you) for keeping my aim true. It is a so happy day.
Author
Naomi from MYOB
May 20, 2010 at 9:56 am
If I was a publisher, I’d give you a deal and publish your book
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:00 am
Thank you, Naomi. Few people know that exact line was in Elton John’s ‘Your Song’. Bernie Taupin cut it.
Author
Megan
May 20, 2010 at 10:14 am
Happy 100 blogs Paul – proud to have been a part of the first 80 or so! Here’s to many more.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:16 am
Many thanks, Megan. Your part was BIG and you played it perfectly. I’ll never forget.
Author
Brendan
May 20, 2010 at 10:29 am
Good on you Paul it is an achievement to write 100 meaningful, articulate and relevant blogs. Keep on going!
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:35 am
I really appreciate that, Brendan.
I had a celebratory tipple last night. After I’d done my Woo Hoos, I recalled Seth Godin has already clocked 3000 posts! And he does them daily. And he’s yet to write a bung one.
So I’ve still a way to go. Though it’s certainly wise to appreciate the little victories. Best regards, P.
Author
Stephen Hamilton
May 20, 2010 at 10:38 am
Congratulations Paul.
As someone who hasn’t written a book (yet), I don’t have too much to offer, but am interested to see what those who have done so have to say about it. Bring it on!
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:40 am
Thank you kindly, Stephen. I sure am feeling the love! I really hope our published pros pepper us with prose. Their wisdom could save us all a lot of time and tears.
Author
Winston Marsh
May 20, 2010 at 10:42 am
Congrats on the 100 Paul and may there be many more which become the source of untold wealth that has you and Fonnie retiring to the beaches of the world with oceans of money washing over your magnificent bodies.
To make that happen you gotta do something which your gentle, shy and retiring nature makes difficult for you! And what’s that I hear you ask?
Well you know that answer Paul! You gotta learn to sell, that’s S-E-L-L!
To quote Zig Ziglar (http://www.zigziglarstory.com/)people who can’t sell have skinny kids!
You don’t have to be brash, thick skinned or in people’s faces but just naturally enthusiastic to tell your story to the right sort of people.
As Frank Bettger so aptly put it “Show me a person who earnestly and enthusiastically tells their (sales)story to 4 people every day and I’ll show you a very successful (sales)person”.
That site of yours… the zing it lacks is enthusiasm for the product. And really how often have you earnestly and enthusiastically told people about what your e-book can do.
And do you have a go at finding four people of the right type to talk to each day, coz that’s a rider to Bettger’s comments… you gotta earnestly and enthusiastically tell your story to the right sort of people. No point trying to sell water to a drowning man, you gotta sell it to a thirsty man.
So, how about you tell the story to HR people or recruiters and watch how the will scramble to buy your book!
So now you just gotta work out how to get at those people… and for a blogger like you that shouldn’t be too difficult should it?
BTW Frank Bettger wrote my favourite book (and an ongoing regular re-read of mine)”how I raised myself from failure to success through selling”. Its never been outta print and I’ll bet that your business book store has a copy.
Author
Winston Marsh
May 20, 2010 at 10:44 am
Let me correct that line… To quote Zig Ziglar (http://www.zigziglarstory.com/) “People who can’t sell have skinny kids!”
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:45 am
You are right, of course, Winston. As your namesake once observed, I’ve stumbled on the Truth, but picked myself up and hurried off as if nothing happened.
It’s true that I’m wildly enthusiastic about my clients’ messages, but lukewarm on my own. That’s why I want a deus ex machina publisher to come and wipe my botty.
But I think I may be in for a bit of a wait. Thank you, yet again, for telling me what I need to hear. Do you ever tire of me failing to take your advice?
Author
Susan Oakes
May 20, 2010 at 10:47 am
Congratulations Paul and you would know from your regular readers we enjoy the posts a lot.
Regarding the books, to me it is like any product. What do they want to read, in what format, price etc etc.
From a sample of 1 (me) I have bought ebooks and have not read them all.
It would be interesting to hear from others who have been succesful what they advise.
Looking forward to reading the next 100 posts.
Susan
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 11:00 am
Thank you, Susan, for your congrats and contributions. You sure have a knack of opening great lines of inquiry. Amazing to hear you’ve not read books that cost you actual money! Bring on the debate.
Author
malcolm owens
May 20, 2010 at 11:26 am
Hi Paul,
And thanks for 100 posts – I have enjoyed every one.
Clearly you deserve a book deal, as it would no doubt be a best seller. Perhaps you should send some of your stuff to publishers?
You have the skill, the credibility and a unique approach so go for it! I love your style it makes me think that I actually know you!
Looking forward to next 100, always an interesting and motivating pick me up when they come through.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 11:36 am
You’re very kind, Malcolm. I love knowing you’re out there, reading every one.
I failed utterly to flog my speculative fiction novel to publishers. But I suppose, 20 years on, I really should get over that disappointment.
My other problem is that most publishers now have a No Unsolicited Manuscripts policy. I need a literary agent, but can’t imagine one being interested in me.
So I’ve taken a build-it-and-they-will-come approach. It worked for that chap I mentioned above. It also worked a treat for Stuff White People Like. And I’m dead sure it’ll work for Things Bogans Like.
But will it work for me?
Author
Adam Finlay
May 20, 2010 at 11:42 am
I think if you continue creating value for others, the rest will follow Paul. Certainly, you create value for me. Keep them coming!
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 11:46 am
I’m happy to hear it, Ad. Or maybe the sheer mass of words will eventually attract interest. To be on the safe side, I’ll continue pulling out all stops on the value front. Thank you for all your comments and support, and for making me a better writer.
Author
Sonia Cuff
May 20, 2010 at 11:50 am
Well done Paul for lasting the distance so far!
I too have a book idea in my head, but it’s not moved high enough up the priority list to action it yet. It could be a full-on product, so that’s my little dream for now. Maybe in a few years time I’ll look back on this and be glad I made the time to do something about it.
Winno, you keep adding more reasons why I like you. Frank Bettger is truly a classic and one of my favourites too. A much easier read than How to win friends and influence people!
I have a friend who has self-published a book (on sexuality for teenage girls http://www.lvlup.com.au/ ). Her determination was amazing. The books aren’t leaping off the shelves yet, but go like hot cakes when she presents & speaks at schools, conferences etc. The speaking gives her credibility … so perhaps before you book deal, you should hit the speaking circuit!
-Sonia
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 11:58 am
Onya Sonia! (I so enjoy saying that; hope you don’t mind!)
You’re a ripper writer. You have an idea. It really is a case of just add water. Though the water is your sweat.
Your friend’s site is amazing. I’ve sent the link to a client who also speaks at schools and will dig it the most.
A speaking gig would fry my brain like ants on a parabolic reflector in Death Valley. But I definitely see the merit of your suggestion.
Just as robots aren’t the best for plugging oil leaks on the seabed, I realise I may have to put myself ‘out there’ if I’m to win.
Thanks very much for your ideas and support.
Author
Sarah Mitchell
May 20, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Dear Paul (I mean that),
100 posts is an amazing accomplishment but more so for you because they’re actually worth reading. I persevere in my own efforts and find inspiration from you.
I tried to write a book once. It was fiction and it fizzled after about 120 pages. I still think of the characters and wonder what they’re doing from time to time.
I keep thinking I’ve probably got enough material to write a book. I keep thinking I should sit down and plan one out. I keep thinking I should set a publishing date and work towards that goal. But I also keep thinking I’m not sure anyone would read it and why go to all the trouble if I’m not going to make any money from it? As most self-employed people will recognise, time spent on my own projects is stolen from normal sleeping hours.
I did participate in a crowd-sourced book called, “Communicating for Profit: 70 Tips for Coaches, Consultants, and Service-Based Businesses from a Collection of Experts”. I keep thinking I need to write a media release and let people know about it. I had 150 copies of it printed and keep thinking I need to get something about it on my website. I keep thinking I should, at least, take them with me to speaking gigs. I’ve still got every printed copy and the publisher is asking me did I want to do another one with my own circle of contacts. (Well, do we? We need 14 “experts” to do a book.)
Sonia is right, one great way to get exposure and gain influence is to get on the speaking circuit. I’m finding it to be a marvelous way to grow my writing business.
In the meantime, I keep thinking.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Dear Sarah (and I mean THAT!),
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. You sure have been doing a lot of thinking. Surely we can move some of those copies for you. Why don’t you bung something on your site so we can tweet the daylights out of it?
I’ve seen a couple of those collaborative books. Everyone does a chapter, so it’s only a small fraction of the work (and cost). I seem to recall one guy has done rather well out of the concept.
Maybe we should do ‘MasterProf’. We’ll start with 50 small business owners and vote off one each week until 14 remain. Then, the ones who’ve lost have to buy all the books that don’t sell! That’d sure put a spring in your game!
It’s a real pleasure to have you here, Sarah. Keep on thinking. And doing!
Author
Angela den Hollander
May 20, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Hey congratulations! 100 posts is a phenomenal achievement, especially as you not only post, but loving manage your posts; comment on the comments and participate with your readers – go you.
I’m standing firmly in the ‘yes to publishing’ camp. Many reasons, I love to write, I love to read, I love to share, I love books, beautiful books, easy to read while lying on my bed or in the bath; not such a good thing to do with an iPhone, one slip would be very, very bad.
If your only reason for publishing a book is the credibility and instant ‘expert’ status, just add water, then there’s probably a lot of easier paths to choose. A good book, one that will get read, referenced and remembered needs to come from the heart and takes a lot of work, as someone who’s working on one right now I can testify to this.
We’ve probably all got some of those “oh you’re following me on Twitter, here have a crappily produced, flimsy pseudo-book that a ghost writer in India cobbled together for a pittance”. Bet you haven’t read them.
But I’m always reading good business books, especially if the author manages to incorporate a bit of humour and personality, The Four Hour Work Week comes to mind, that was a refreshing change in a sea of worthy but dull business titles.
Go Paul, do it, I’ll buy it.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Welcome back, Angela, and thank you. Once again you’ve been generous with your thoughts.
Someone else raved about the The Four Hour Work Week. I really must check it out.
Is there any chance you can tell us something about your book project?
Author
Joanna Maxwell
May 20, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Paul, congratulations on reaching 100! And you are seriously one of the best writers I know, so the fact that you aren’t a best-selling mainstream published author, while 1%*(%$$ and ?”:)&%@!! are, is one more piece of evidence that world is NOT a just place.
That said, I agree with Winston. You have to do all the running to sell yourself and your book idea. You have to spoonfeed agents and publishers, you have to do all the hard work for them. There are too many good bloggers out there now to expect to be discovered any more – and Australia is such a small market, it’s not easy.Rhonda Whitton’s (Aussie) book, ‘A Decent Proposal’ is a great and simple guide to writing a winning book proposal – I recommend it. Good luck!
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Cor, am I having a good day or what?! That’s high praise, Joanna, given what you do. Thanks a LOT!
This blog certainly seems the place I get all my wake-up calls. If you want something done right …
Thanks also for the book recommendation. Another real good one for my list.
BTW, folks, if you haven’t seen Joanna’s debut movie performance, you really must. It’s a ripper: http://bit.ly/bS1peq
Author
Angela den Hollander
May 20, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Testing adding an image – getting very technical
ps. still laughing about ‘MasterProf’, perhaps ‘Survivor Small Business’?[img]http://ecoda.com.au/images/Angela_den_Hollander.jpg[/img]
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Today we’re playing for immunity AND reward. Wait for my go.
Nice piccie!
Author
Cheryl C. Cigan
May 20, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Congratulations on reaching this huge milestone. And I bet you’ve got words stacked up in your brain just waiting to find their way here.
I think you should do a book. Everything you’ve written is golden – evidenced further by your inclusion in The Purple Cow. Symbolic of what is to come for you!
During the many years my bookstore was open I met many authors and many who said, “I should write a book someday.”
Another friend in the publishing industry clarified this perspective:
“Cheryl, every book was meant to be written, not all were meant to be published.”
Your words need to be immortalized in print. Ink on paper. On my table, in my hand, being passed to friends who need to read what you write.
Congratulations again, Paul. Glad I met you this side of celebrity!
Cheryl
http://www.known.org
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Thank you, Cheryl, the cheque is in the mail!
Actually, I couldn’t afford to buy such generous support.
I do indeed have a string of ideas ready to be written. Every time I get one down, another two seem to spring up. It’s exciting.
If I can just parlay that Purple Cow into a golden one, I’ll be laughing.
You say the nicest things. We may even set up a Nicest American Person Award! It’s an honour knowing you; thanks again.
Author
Joanna Maxwell
May 20, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Paul Hassing and his Golden Cow, I can see it now.
Author
Mike Boyle "the Sales Cat"
May 20, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Paul
Well done on the 100 blog posts; great job.
I have read all the above and scratch my head in wonder.
As somebody who is about to launch a self published book Friday in Melbourne, i say if you have it publish it. With the help of the genius that is Paul Hassing i have written a book that may help the 95% of the population that struggle with Sales.
My wife and i drafted the book in the style of a story book. We had it locally designed and printed in Melbourne.
No publisher, no experience, no script, no background in book publishing just a powerful belief in who we are and what we believe in.
The media channels to present your messages today are amazing be it blog, book, youtube or email but to use these well you have to stand for something first.
I stand for all who sell to reach their potential and love selling like i do
if you want a copy email me at Banjar Group
thanks Paul
Mike ‘The Sales Cat’
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Great to hear from you, Mike. Your book is a revelation and I was dearly hoping you’d drop by with a comment.
I’ve never seen anything like what you’ve done. And the way you pulled it together at such speed suggested very deep knowledge of the topic.
I know many of our readers will be curious. What’s the best email for them to use to get a look at your firstborn?
Also, may I ask what you hope this book will achieve?
Author
Mike Boyle "the Sales Cat"
May 20, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Paul
The book is a collection of 20 years of experience of leading, coaching, training and guiding sales people.
We have discovered that very few are in the space of the sales cat! That means the rest of us try very hard and maybe never get it quite right.
Therefore this book is aimed at the 95 % of people that just need some great tips to grow their sales effectiveness, the cats. This book is not for the sales cats.
It has 9 lives……..sorry lessons, to guide people to better selling. I hope that all that read it will realise their true potential and release their sales power. I hope to create business people who sell!
You can email us at mike@banjargroup.com.au and we will send you one!
Cost? Up to you. we ask you to donate to our charity school of St Judes instead.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 20, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Great summary, Mike. Your passion fairly drips from your words. It’s such a great story. And the design quite different. I heartily recommend all our readers hit you up for a copy. And your pricing scheme is inspired! Many thanks for expanding.
Author
Lorraine
May 20, 2010 at 10:45 pm
One hundred posts is a HUGE achievement. Warmest congratulations, Paul.
As it happens, I’m struggling to finish a second short eBook just now. (Why is it so tough to churn out one’s own work? Lack of deadline? Paycheck?)
I plan on making the book a free download. I trust its ROI will be:
* Helpful handbook for small biz clients and prospects
* Thought leadership
* Expanded permission based list
* Lead generation
You’re right. “The web’s awash with books of every kind.”
And rarely does an ebook include the original thought, sourced material and pure heft to command purchase price, IMHO. But this doesn’t mean eBooks lack value. For new and niche audiences, it’s helpful to provide a marketer’s own spin on common wisdom and best practices.
Author
Paul Hassing
May 21, 2010 at 7:00 am
So nice of you to wing your way here, Lorraine!
I’m sorry to hear it’s a drama (but relieved I’m not the only one who suffers Own Trumpet Angst Syndrome).
Please drop us a line when your book is ready to rock. As anyone who’s clicked your smiling face will know, you’re an intelligent and relevant writer of the first water.
Thank you very much for your views (and for using the phrase ‘pure heft to command’ – great stuff)!
Author
Fontella Hassing
May 21, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Paul,
Congratulations on 100 posts. I’ve just finished reading all the comments above. So it seems you can write after all! As you know, I have a very difficult time assuring you of your gift (not for lack of trying). I’m most hopeful that you will trust in and believe all the well deserved praise you’ve received above.
Fonnie
xo
Author
Paul Hassing
May 21, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Thank you, Fonnie. You are so unreal! Your support means everything to me, as do you. I promise to pay more attention to what you tell me. Looks like it’s in my interests to do so! Love, P.
Author
Paul Hassing
December 20, 2011 at 7:35 am
And here’s how you REALLY do it:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/12/subscription-update.html
4300+ posts and counting …