LOOK AT UNEXPECTED CHANGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY

You are going to have to work for it. If we use March 1^st as the starting date of the Covid-19 pandemic then today we are completing the first six month period of this life changing experience. Each of us has dealt with this pandemic in a different way. Good, bad, or indifferent, it has affected our personal and business lives and the final results have not been yet determined.

I do believe that part of the civil and political unrest has been fed by the virus. When activities are limited and the government hands out dollars for not working, it provides a venue, for those who don’t love our way of living, in which a few people can wreak havoc.

In the midst of all this, I am asking you to do something different to benefit yourself and your business. Marketing is still the number one challenge for small business owners. It has even become more important with the “social distancing” rules which have eliminated most of the personal touch opportunities.

What is the best way to gain respect in your industry and to build a solid relationship of trust with your customers and prospects? My suggested solution is for you to write a book. A book can help you become recognized as a thought leader and leader in your industry. I also believe that more referrals and a higher closing ratio will become a reality when your book is published; your prospects will be seeking you.

Everyone has at least one book buried inside of them. Here are a few things to consider as you embark on this adventure:

1. Find a topic; make it something you believe in and are willing to spend time researching. Within that topic find an angle with which to approach that topic. It can have something to do with your industry or a solution to a specific problem.
2. Allow yourself time, every day to work on your book. Remember the BizQuack 40% marketing rule. 40% of your time should be spent on marketing, and writing your book is part of the time.
3. Give yourself a deadline by which your book will be completed. I recommend a 6 to 7 month maximum time frame.
4. Consider the possibility of hiring an editor or a proof reader.
5. Start doing some research on the difference between self-publishing and finding a publisher. In either case you will be responsible for much of the marketing.
6. Start making notes on how you plan to market your publication. There is a lot of help available.

Use the public library, buy a few books and research the internet for ideas on how to begin and complete the process. There may be enough interest in our BizQuack Community to start a book writing group. Let me know.