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If You're Looking For Real Credibility And Recognition... READ THIS!

by sal64
11 replies
Hi Folks,

I've been meaning to start this thread for a while now and it's been cooking away in the back of my head, so here goes...

There's been a lot of threads on here about trust, credibility and other stuff.

Posters have canvassed the ideas of photo avatars, number of posts etc and valid reference points when it comes to evaluating the cred of fellow warriors.

So today I want to take this one step further by sharing something that has worked for me in the real world... something that is rarely if ever mentioned on here.

Now before I begin, I have to state that this won't apply to everyone due to their business model. However, if you have a business where you are an expert or deal with direct customers, then this is a sure fire way to get instant cred, brand and position in your market.

7 Years ago I wrote a book. In my pre GFC life, I was heavily into real estate and fixer-uppers... so I wrote a book about it. The original inspiration came from reading The One-Minute Millionaire. This by the way, is how I discovered the magical world of info-preneurship... But that's another story.

What does this have to do with you?

Ok, I sold over 10,000 copies of my self published book without it ever hitting retail stores.

When I spoke on stage, it positioned me as an instant expert and I was able to sell thousands of home study products starting @ $997off the back of this book.

The book also became an awesome calling card in my real estate business. Once again, people would google my name and find out that I was an author. Woo hoo.

Bottom line: More sales and more business.

Now I know that not many have ever considered a book... and I suspect that the 2 main reasons are that firstly, you don't know what the heck to write about and secondly, the cost factor. But with print on demand and services like create-space, the latter should no longer be an issue.

Back in 2007 I was invited by my then coach to co-run (is that a word?) his automatic best seller mentoring membership site. He is a multiple NY Times best selling author BTW. So I know first hand that the above 2 challenges are correct.

Ok so back to business...

If you fall into one of the following categories, then a print book may be a great idea for you: coach, sales, speaker, offline marketing, fitness etc.

I won't keep this too long, so if there is interest I'll happily answer questions and add to the thread.

A print book holds more value and weight that a digital free report. For some reason, there is a certain prestige that goes along with being a "real" author.

It doesn't have to be another War and Peace... it can be only 50 pages. Ideally, it provides information and combines it with sales copy.

Picture this...

You run an offline consulting business. Your competitor follows the same old road to the sale.

Then you walk in and make your presentation. Oh and by the way Mr Biz Owner... here's a complimentary copy of my latest book "How To Get More Sales With You Very Own Website... Guaranteed".

Now put yourself in your prospect's mind and figure out the rest.

Sal
#credibility #read #real #recognition
  • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
    Originally Posted by sal64 View Post

    I won't keep this too long, so if there is interest I'll happily answer questions and add to the thread.
    Dang it, the title said all I'd have to do for Real Credibility And Recognition was read this thread.

    But now it looks like I'll have to be a published author.

    False advertising, I want a refund...

    j/k


    But I would like to know how self publishing works. At least the Cliffs Notes version. For instance, is there a set-up fee and/or any minimum initial printings or minimum subsequent runs (minimum = number of units)?

    Thanks,

    ~Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

      Dang it, the title said all I'd have to do for Real Credibility And Recognition was read this thread.

      But now it looks like I'll have to be a published author.

      False advertising, I want a refund...

      j/k


      But I would like to know how self publishing works. At least the Cliffs Notes version. For instance, is there a set-up fee and/or any minimum initial printings or minimum subsequent runs (minimum = number of units)?

      Thanks,

      ~Bill
      https://www.createspace.com/ <-- That's Amazon's in-house POD publishing system. There is no cost to use their system, and you get a free listing on Amazon's website. The only upfront cost you have to pay for is a proof copy (about $10 I think).

      They also offer an option to get your book into other online bookstores, physical book stores, schools, and libraries.

      Also, see this: https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin. Creating a kindle version of your book is always a good idea, and free to do.

      Finally, check out Smashwords. That service let's you publish your ebook (for free) to multiple third-party services, like B&N Nook, Apple iPad/iPhone, Sony Kobo, etc. More info here: Smashwords - How to Publish on Smashwords
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  • Profile picture of the author sal64
    I went the long road by paying for a print run of 12,000 copies at the time... at about $1.50 each. Back then, POD was like $7 a copy.

    Now here's the thing...

    Being an author isn't such a huge deal. Basically all you need is a print version of a free report with a bit more meat.

    When I was coaching others, they were like "I don't have anything to write about". But for the purposes of this discussion, you book can be quite raw.

    It does not have to be an autobiography of massive scale.

    Essentially it's a lead generation tool.

    Your book can be:

    A system explained

    A book about your story

    A basic info product.

    The funny thing is that people spend thousands on ghost written ebooks, but never consider a printed version.

    Way back then, I decided to publish a version of my book for the US market via iUniverse. and hey it sank without a trace. Back then, I knew nothing about marketing either. Write it and they will buy was my belief.

    However, I did get an invitation to contribute on a For Dummies book on Foreclosure Investing.

    And now we have kinlde... so you can test a book before printing it. Awesome.
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  • Profile picture of the author hodari
    For those in the offline marketing field a physical book should be a no-brainer. I can only image how many phone calls or emails some brick and mortar owners get. It seems that book would get past one of their flags.

    Think local with the books too. Word get out you have a book that prestige value goes up a bit.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Agree... in fact in any market where you are selling yourself, it should be a no-brainer.

      I think that too many people look at it and are restricted by the low cost-low overhead of digitial book production.

      And yet...

      Tell someone that you wrote and ebook and then tell someone you wrote a real book and see the difference in responses.

      If I tell someone I am an IM'er, their eyes roll... but tell them I am an Author and they want to be friends.

      People have this perception that if you have written a book, then you must be super intelligent.

      And on another note...

      They guy who coached me sold thousands of ebooks first. When he then approached publishers, it was a no brainer for them because he had a proven demand for his product.

      Originally Posted by hodari View Post

      For those in the offline marketing field a physical book should be a no-brainer. I can only image how many phone calls or emails some brick and mortar owners get. It seems that book would get past one of their flags.

      Think local with the books too. Word get out you have a book that prestige value goes up a bit.
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  • Profile picture of the author ProScribe
    Great Post, as a ghost writer I would definitly agree with you that one of the main reasons that people have a book written is to provide credibility within their industry. A fair portion of my clientele get a book written for just that purpose.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    I published a book recently so I agree.
    Publishing a book is a good reputation builder.

    The only catch is don't expect royalty checks to
    be huge unless you're J.K. Rowlings or Stephen King

    You only get a small portion of the list price.

    Still, it will definitely be good for your rep.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Great work, Mary!

      I also don't view it as a money maker.

      So if you break even, you're doing ok.

      The key is the back end as well as a captive audience that you can continue selling to.

      Sal

      Originally Posted by Mary Wilhite View Post

      I published a book recently so I agree.
      Publishing a book is a good reputation builder.

      The only catch is don't expect royalty checks to
      be huge unless you're J.K. Rowlings or Stephen King

      You only get a small portion of the list price.

      Still, it will definitely be good for your rep.
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      Internet Marketing: 20% Internet - 80% Marketing!
      You Won't See The Light Until You Open Your Eyes.
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  • Profile picture of the author BrainCopy
    With the resources that we have here, it should make the process tons easier.
    It's super cheap and skies the limit. I actually in the process of doing this for my
    new start up company that's about to launch in couple of weeks.

    Best Regards,
    Anthony La Tour
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  • Profile picture of the author officer_iron
    I really like that idea. Even if you don't have the time or capability to write a book, it's a great idea to "control" what will come up if someone Googles your name. You could even create a professional blog optimized for your name that could reap the same benefits.
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    • Profile picture of the author sal64
      Originally Posted by officer_iron View Post

      I really like that idea. Even if you don't have the time or capability to write a book, it's a great idea to "control" what will come up if someone Googles your name. You could even create a professional blog optimized for your name that could reap the same benefits.
      Very valid points.

      I have a relative in Argentina whom I hadn't contacted for ages.

      She emailed me to my website - not private - because she tracked me down on Google... where she found copies and reviews of my book.

      These days, don't underestimate the power of Google. People WILL google your name more often than you think to check out your cred.

      So, a book? Yes.

      A blog with your name.com? Oh yeah. Even if it only serves those seekers.

      Sal
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      Internet Marketing: 20% Internet - 80% Marketing!
      You Won't See The Light Until You Open Your Eyes.
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