There are countless reasons, actually
In an earlier post, 4 reasons to consider writing a business book, I included an infographic highlighting some of the biggest success stories in business book (self-) publishing. Of course, few achieve that kind of success, but for mere mortals, a different kind of success can be achieved. And the best news is, a best selling book is not required.
Studies show that professionally written business books generate instant authority, credibility and trust. They help market your business and your brand in a
way that nothing else can. Of 200 business book authors polled by RainToday.com:
- 76%
reported that their book helped them close more deals
- 94%
reported that their book helped them generate more leads
- 94%
reported that their book helped them improve their brand
- 73% of those who used ghostwriters to write their books said they would be “very likely” to hire them again.
Personal credibility: Having a book published makes people
think you’re smarter and more expert. I don’t know if you get the same
effect through self-publishing, but it’s certainly been true in my experience of
having books published with traditional publishers. As soon as my first
book came out, at the end of 2006, you would think by the way others responded
to me that I’d suddenly gained 20 IQ points. It was almost disorienting –
I knew I was the same person, but previously closed doors magically opened, and
people I knew wouldn’t have paid much attention to what I said before were
suddenly listening hard. It was (and still is) enormously helpful in
establishing initial connections with potential clients and business partners.
Business credibility: If you’re running a business and
you publish a good book, your business gets a halo effect from your rise in
credibility. Being associated with a business book and its author gives
an enterprise legitimacy in the eyes of the world. Being considered more
legitimate simply makes it easier to get things done. In my experience,
it also gives a lift to everyone who works in the organization – it becomes a
source of pride and esprit de corps.
Brand clarity: Having a book or books that lay out
the key intellectual property or the core models or principles of your business
really helps potential clients understand what you’re about and how you can be
valuable to them. It can also help your own staff be clearer about who you are
and what you’re offering. People have often been surprised when I’ve said
this – they question whether it’s really a good idea to put your ideas out in
public for anyone to see (and, by implication, steal). But our experience
has been that the ideas in a book quite often whet people’s appetite for more
in-depth knowledge or consulting.
Wondering what your story is? If you've struggled in business but ultimately triumphed in the end, you have a story to tell. If you've developed a unique business or a business skill that would inspire others or that's in high demand, then you have a story to tell. Perhaps it's time to share it with others.
