Self-publishing a non-fiction book will help you build a professional platform that highlights your expertise in an area. A book signals that you are a pro at what you do, that you have knowledge and experience to share. It can help you grow your business by leading to consulting work, speaking engagements, conference presentations, and even new customers who come to you because you are an expert (as evidenced by your book). Or, perhaps, your competitors have published books, and in order to stay in the game, you feel you need one too. You may know your goods and services are far superior to those of your competitors. A book might be the piece of your marketing plan that tips the scales in your favor. A self-published book can facilitate the spread of information about the depth and range of your expertise.
A book can enhance almost any business because it helps drive sales of your products and services. Smart business professionals understand that a book can solve the problem of an undervalued business. A book can serve as a calling card to the world. It demonstrates that you know your stuff, that you have timely information and a unique view. It reveals that you offer services that no one else even begins to offer in the marketplace. It establishes you as a thought leader.
For all these reasons, a book can cement your expert status. Reviews and endorsements of your book will help confer your expert status. Press coverage of you book furthers its reach. As you publicize your book, you will receive more and more press coverage. A book adds another component to your platform. A book is something that a person can buy and download immediately. This tangible connection with clients will help them become part of a tribe following your expert advice.
Putting a book into the hands of your clients in effect makes them part of your sales force. They are able to explain to others what you can do. Engaging clients in this way is of great importance to a business person. Timely content will open doors for you in terms of consulting and speaking opportunities. A book isn’t always a direct money-making commodity, but the growth and opportunities it generates make it a worthwhile expenditure of your time and effort.
Need to see some examples of some recent successful self-published non-fiction books to understand more fully the business impact this kind of book? Check out the self-published award winners at the Author’s Digest site. Then ask: how can a book help me?