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[Help] What should my book be about?

by DaniMc
49 replies
Need some help here folks.

I've been posting here for awhile and some of you know me pretty well. Better than a lot of real life people I see everyday.

Based on that- if I write a book. What should it be about and what should the title be?

Thanks!
#book
  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    I foresaw you asking this question Dan!

    The answer hit me.

    But it will have to wait.

    Bye for now.

    Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    More power to you!

    I do get a kick of how everyone slams people for doing WSO's for $9 but there's no problem making a kindle book for 99cents.

    Whatever you write it on, make sure to mention how bad you had it in the past, I know you went through some pretty rough times.
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

      I foresaw you asking this question Dan!

      The answer hit me.

      But it will have to wait.

      Bye for now.

      Ewen
      Ahh the ad man builds suspense!



      Originally Posted by bob ross View Post


      Whatever you write it on, make sure to mention how bad you had it in the past, I know you went through some pretty rough times.
      Man, that is true. I went from preacher, to business owner, to flat broke, to the military, to intelligence work, back to business owner. LOL - it's been quite a ride.
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      • Profile picture of the author digichik
        Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

        Man, that is true. I went from preacher, to business owner, to flat broke, to the military, to intelligence work, back to business owner. LOL - it's been quite a ride.
        The above is the outline for one book.

        I can tell from your comments in various thread, your intuition is strong and you have the good sense to follow it. So now, what is that little voice of yours telling you to write about? I know it's telling you something... so just do what you've had the good sense to do this far, follow it and write.
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        • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
          Originally Posted by digichik View Post

          The above is the outline for one book.

          I can tell from your comments in various thread, your intuition is strong and you have the good sense to follow it. So now, what is that little voice of yours telling you to write about? I know it's telling you something... so just do what you've had the good sense to do this far, follow it and write.
          That's the thing - I can't see the forest for the trees.

          Ewen had a similar revelation in a thread last week. He finally figured out what he could write about and my reaction was "Duh!"

          Looking for a little crowd-sourced inspiration to help clear it up for me.
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          • Profile picture of the author TheBigBee
            Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

            That's the thing - I can't see the forest for the trees.

            Ewen had a similar revelation in a thread last week. He finally figured out what he could write about and my reaction was "Duh!"

            Looking for a little crowd-sourced inspiration to help clear it up for me.
            Based on what I have learned from you... If I were you, I'd title my book:

            "Now Hiring."
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            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              It would help if we knew;
              The purpose of the book.
              To sell books and make money on the books? To use as a lead generator to get clients? To get speaking gigs? As the first step to selling a big info product? To sell coaching? To become famous? To be able to say, at parties, that you are an author?

              What are you a real expert on? What do you love talking about?
              You'll get e-mails from readers with questions. Will you answer the questions? Will you know the answers? Can you talk intelligently about your subject for 10 hours? Do you get tired of talking about it?

              The most important question; Who are you planning on selling the book to?
              That's the answer that will give you the other answers. If I know who will be reading your book, I can give you great suggestions on title and subject. And the answer isn't "Whoever's interested". You must answer that question before you think about the subject or title.

              Plumbers? Internet marketers? Salespeople? Fathers? Comic book artists? Deep sea fishermen? You need to know this answer before you start.


              What else are you going to sell them? What upsells?

              One book or a series? A series on a related subject (or the same subject) will pay far more per book that just one book. All the books should appeal to the same audience.


              I wrote a book on local online marketing. It sells people into a service I sell. But it's a dead end. I won't be writing more books on internet marketing.
              I'm a salesman. I should write books on selling. That's why I'm here.


              Don't make my mistake. It isn't fun answering questions about a subject that you aren't passionate about.

              Give us some feedback on these questions, and I know you'll get the answers, from knowledgeable people, on what you should do.


              But a book on selling from Aaron? I'd buy it in a minute. A book on advertising or copywriting from Ewen? Same thing.

              But I don't know exactly where you are in the mix.

              Added; Hiring? How to sell to women, if you're a man? You have multiple talents, so you'll have to help us here.
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              • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
                Well you are tuned into women business owners.

                Secondly you are the guy who knows and loves internal processes.

                Most women's strengths are in soft skills.

                You could talk about it all day long if you had an ear to listen to you.

                And the lack of proper processes is causing these women turmoil.

                They want that resolved but don't know how to bring all the pieces together.

                They want peace and harmony in their business.

                So your book is about that.

                That's how I see it Dan.

                Best,
                Obvious Ewen
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              • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
                Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post


                I wrote a book on local online marketing. It sells people into a service I sell. But it's a dead end. I won't be writing more books on internet marketing.
                I'm a salesman. I should write books on selling. That's why I'm here.
                It serves it's purpose though,
                a lead generator for your business.

                If you were to write a book on selling,
                what are you going to offer to help them in their next step?
                Another business you are going to start up?

                Best,
                Obvious Ewen
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                • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
                  Originally Posted by TheBigBee View Post

                  Based on what I have learned from you... If I were you, I'd title my book:

                  "Now Hiring."
                  "Now Hiring. Now What?" LOL

                  Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                  It would help if we knew;
                  The purpose of the book.
                  To sell books and make money on the books? To use as a lead generator to get clients? To get speaking gigs? As the first step to selling a big info product? To sell coaching? To become famous? To be able to say, at parties, that you are an author?

                  What are you a real expert on? What do you love talking about?
                  You'll get e-mails from readers with questions. Will you answer the questions? Will you know the answers? Can you talk intelligently about your subject for 10 hours? Do you get tired of talking about it?

                  The most important question; Who are you planning on selling the book to?
                  That's the answer that will give you the other answers. If I know who will be reading your book, I can give you great suggestions on title and subject. And the answer isn't "Whoever's interested". You must answer that question before you think about the subject or title.

                  Plumbers? Internet marketers? Salespeople? Fathers? Comic book artists? Deep sea fishermen? You need to know this answer before you start.


                  What else are you going to sell them? What upsells?

                  One book or a series? A series on a related subject (or the same subject) will pay far more per book that just one book. All the books should appeal to the same audience.


                  I wrote a book on local online marketing. It sells people into a service I sell. But it's a dead end. I won't be writing more books on internet marketing.
                  I'm a salesman. I should write books on selling. That's why I'm here.


                  Don't make my mistake. It isn't fun answering questions about a subject that you aren't passionate about.

                  Give us some feedback on these questions, and I know you'll get the answers, from knowledgeable people, on what you should do.


                  But a book on selling from Aaron? I'd buy it in a minute. A book on advertising or copywriting from Ewen? Same thing.

                  But I don't know exactly where you are in the mix.

                  Added; Hiring? How to sell to women, if you're a man? You have multiple talents, so you'll have to help us here.
                  Thank you for giving me some things to think about. Those questions are very useful and I have copied them to my project book.

                  The part in bold above - those are your gut reactions for Aaron and Ewen...no gut reaction about me? Hmmm...I'm all over the place. I need to find a way to connect the dots. A common theme.

                  Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

                  Well you are tuned into women business owners.

                  Secondly you are the guy who knows and loves internal processes.

                  Most women's strengths are in soft skills.

                  You could talk about it all day long if you had an ear to listen to you.

                  And the lack of proper processes is causing these women turmoil.

                  They want that resolved but don't know how to bring all the pieces together.

                  They want peace and harmony in their business.

                  So your book is about that.

                  That's how I see it Dan.

                  Best,
                  Obvious Ewen
                  That is really, really insightful. I don't want to be the "women's business guy" - seems kinda weird. But, I could definitely go about things in a way that attracts people who are similar to me. I don't think it could go any other way.

                  You are right - I could talk about process all day. Processes seem so boring and academic - I can possibly talk about how strong processes can remove uncertainty from a business. I've seen it happen over and over.
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                  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
                    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

                    You are right - I could talk about process all day. Processes seem so boring and academic - I can possibly talk about how strong processes can remove uncertainty from a business. I've seen it happen over and over.
                    The processes are the the end solution.

                    First they need too understand why things aren't going smoothly first.

                    It goes against their natural talents.

                    The mechanics are not their strengths.

                    You be the only person who understands this.

                    First give understanding then resolution.

                    The success of the book, E Myth is a example of
                    this process in action.

                    And it has had a profound effect on many peoples lives.

                    First understanding and resolution.

                    Best,
                    Obvious Ewen
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                  • Profile picture of the author Wendy Hearn
                    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

                    You are right - I could talk about process all day. Processes seem so boring and academic - I can possibly talk about how strong processes can remove uncertainty from a business. I've seen it happen over and over.
                    I agree with Ewan that processes are the end solution. I feel you can help people with processes but that is the message that is weaved into the book not the main title of the book. From reading your posts, I would say that you're good at approaching what might be a difficult to understand concept from an easy and conversational manner. The listener almost gets swept along because they are engaged and enjoying it, almost without realising they are learning about something, in this instance, processes.

                    I'm highlighting the word 'remove uncertainty' here because I feel that's the key for your book.

                    Imagine how many businesses owners out there can understand the feeling of uncertainty about their business and would love to do something about it but may never consider finding out more about processes to help solve this problem.

                    I think your book could bridge this gap.

                    Wendy
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                  • Profile picture of the author dave147
                    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

                    You are right - I could talk about process all day. Processes seem so boring and academic - I can possibly talk about how strong processes can remove uncertainty from a business. I've seen it happen over and over.
                    Looks like it should be about processes then...

                    Business
                    Process
                    Improvement

                    By Dan McCoy

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                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

                    The part in bold above - those are your gut reactions for Aaron and Ewen...no gut reaction about me?
                    No. You talk intelligently about several things, and it's not as obvious with you.

                    A process book would have the advantage of appealing to an incredibly wide range of people. But my first question is "Who are you writing the book for?" You have to answer that question first. Everything will flow from that.

                    And whatever you do, don't use the word "Process" in the title. It's a bland nothing word that can mean anything. And it carries no benefit. What result are these people looking for that you provide?

                    A mistake most writers make is deciding what to write about...and then trying to find an audience for that book. It's far easier and more profitable to define your audience, define a solution they are looking for, and then write you book to solve their problem.

                    Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

                    It serves it's purpose though,
                    a lead generator for your business.

                    If you were to write a book on selling,
                    what are you going to offer to help them in their next step?
                    Another business you are going to start up?

                    Best,
                    Obvious Ewen
                    Ewen; The next step in my sales books (I'm at various stages of writing several) is to sell a high end coaching program for salespeople. The sales funnel is the same as the online marketing funnel (book-strategy session-high end service), but it's a topic I know, and can talk about for days.

                    But the online marketing service is sooo easy to sell. It's hard to give up. My heart just isn't in it anymore. And I still have several speaking commitments with that subject. So I may do both at the same time, just different clients.
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                • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
                  Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

                  Another business you are going to start up?
                  The one thing I have always found missing in the subject of business books is the stage between start up... and success (or middle stage). In other words, the stage where you have something that sells well and you need to hire people now but have no idea even where to begin. Then there is the financing aspect of going from startup to success. And also the customer service level you cannot somehow provide because you became too big too fast. I'm taking about businesses that tapped into something they know is a goldmine but need the tools to dig to the largest section of the mine. Something titled "Between Start Up and Success" or "Time to Fly"? Not sure.

                  Just know there is not a lot of help for women or anyone after that startup phase....in fact it has put me off the word startup cause it seems everything is about the startup portion of business.
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                  I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
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                  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
                    Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                    I'm a atheist. I absolutely have to hide that when speaking, or training salespeople. Because the contingent of atheist salespeople is minuscule.
                    I know exactly what you mean. I leave religion (and my lack thereof) completely out of the conversation. Especially, if you read my career path in my second post of this thread...it can be a touchy subject. Some people think atheists obviously have no morals, ethics, and cannot be good people LOL.


                    Originally Posted by RentItNow View Post

                    The one thing I have always found missing in the subject of business books is the stage between start up... and success (or middle stage). In other words, the stage where you have something that sells well and you need to hire people now but have no idea even where to begin. Then there is the financing aspect of going from startup to success. And also the customer service level you cannot somehow provide because you became too big too fast. I'm taking about businesses that tapped into something they know is a goldmine but need the tools to dig to the largest section of the mine. Something titled "Between Start Up and Success" or "Time to Fly"? Not sure.

                    Just know there is not a lot of help for women or anyone after that startup phase....in fact it has put me off the word startup cause it seems everything is about the startup portion of business.
                    That is a GREAT observation. I think I know the reason.

                    There are two types of people with money to spend on business information, training, and services.

                    The first group is those who WANT to be in business. They WANT to get started. We call these Wantrepreneurs. They usually have jobs or they just do a lot of dreaming. They will find whatever money they need to buy the next business course or book.

                    The second group is those people who did it. They made it happen. They are selling and making money. They also have money to spend.

                    People who are just actually starting, and need help, is a bad market because unless they are funding with their 401k, they are always broke. It's not a bad thing - it's just the reality.

                    Targeting these people would be a tough row to hoe. I know a group who has done a very good job of attracting wantrepreneurs and early stage startups - these people are not willing to pay even the lowest amount for products and services which would give them extreme amounts of value.

                    They just don't have two nickels to rub together.



                    .
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  • Profile picture of the author digichik
    Maybe you will find some inspiration in this post --

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...-80-money.html

    You commented that you used some of the language for a meeting and meeting went smoothly.

    Make a list of some of the buzz words she uses to 'connect' with people, use those words for inspiration, and then write for the audience you naturally connect with -- women.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    "Processes That Saved My Business" - or something like that.
    (Credit to The Experience Pros Lists That Saved My Business: From the Best...Lists That Saved My Business: From the Best... - where Jason Kanigan happens to have a banner on their website and they don't just let anybody do that.)
    "Process Improvements that...
    "Processes, Measurements and Profits"
    "Profitable Processes" - 8 steps to... or 10 benchmarks for...

    Just kind of random title ideas for you.

    What do you most want to help people with?

    You wrote that you could talk process all day - go ahead and ramble on. But, take notes and turn that into your outline.

    It might be a "boring" topic to some, but it works for the Six Sigma folks and such.

    Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author misterme
    @Dan McCoy: How about you interview your stand out clients and feature their rags to riches stories? Kind of a "here's how others succeeded - you can too" or "25 lessons from blah blah blah" theme - with the sub plot being how you helped.

    @Ewen:

    The first, second and fourth of your posts

    Sounding more like Nostradamus

    Either that or Yoda.

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    • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      @Dan McCoy: How about you interview your stand out clients and feature their rags to riches stories? Kind of a "here's how others succeeded - you can too" or "25 lessons from blah blah blah" theme - with the sub plot being how you helped.
      These kinds of books are great. A modified idea of this I have been tossing around myself. But it wouldn't be clients but several ordinary people who have achieved ordinary but great success. To show that anyone can be successful and success isn't about being rich and famous. It can be owning a business. It can be driving your dream car (with a car loan). It can be landing your dream job even if the pay isn't much. It can be being number one on iTunes and winning a national TV show and record contract.

      BTW every single one of those is someone in or just outside my network that I plan to include in it if i do it. The last one I think people who know me will know who I am talking about. The dream car actually could be two people though I think people who know me will know which of the two I am talking about.

      The key point to this idea is there is success all around us. People simply limit themselves by thinking it is all (fame and fortune) or nothing (9 to 5 life). The truth is that most of the people with fame and fortune got there by getting to the points these people got to but took it even further because they didn't see any limit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    Dan if you haven't read The 4 Hour Work Week you should. It has some great parts on how he came up with the title. He did everything from testing via PPC to making up fake covers and going to a bookstore to test it.
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Wow. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the help and suggestions. You guys are really helping.

      Originally Posted by ewenmack View Post

      The processes are the the end solution.

      First they need too understand why things aren't going smoothly first.
      This is great. People with a problem only have that problem staring them in the face. They don't want to learn about processes - they want to fix the problem.

      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post


      It might be a "boring" topic to some, but it works for the Six Sigma folks and such.

      Dan
      You raise an excellent point. I am in the process of creating a system out of the work I have done. Something repeatable - like Six Sigma, only much more flexible.

      I should approach this in a way that leads to book #15 - I should create an entire system that will continue to expand. I can build my next 20 years on this.

      Originally Posted by Wendy Hearn View Post

      From reading your posts, I would say that you’re good at approaching what might be a difficult to understand concept from an easy and conversational manner. The listener almost gets swept along because they are engaged and enjoying it, almost without realising they are learning about something, in this instance, processes.

      I’m highlighting the word ‘remove uncertainty’ here because I feel that’s the key for your book.
      A very high compliment. To have you point it out is very rewarding. I have a long way to go - but I must be on the right track.

      Among the basic human needs are Certainty, Variety, Significance, Human Connection, Growth, and Contribution. I try to use as many of these as possible in my processes to make the business very fulfilling for the owner. It is important that Certainty is #1. That is always my starting point.

      Originally Posted by dave147 View Post

      Looks like it should be about processes then...

      Business
      Process
      Improvement

      By Dan McCoy
      I think we are on the right track!

      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      @Dan McCoy: How about you interview your stand out clients and feature their rags to riches stories? Kind of a "here's how others succeeded - you can too" or "25 lessons from blah blah blah" theme - with the sub plot being how you helped.
      That is an excellent idea. I should feature a few people, even if they weren't clients, who would confirm and agree with my philosophy. I have direct access to some very prominent CEO's and leaders. I should use that!

      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

      No. You talk intelligently about several things, and it's not as obvious with you.

      A process book would have the advantage of appealing to an incredibly wide range of people. But my first question is "Who are you writing the book for?" You have to answer that question first. Everything will flow from that.

      And whatever you do, don't use the word "Process" in the title. It's a bland nothing word that can mean anything. And it carries no benefit. What result are these people looking for that you provide?

      A mistake most writers make is deciding what to write about...and then trying to find an audience for that book. It's far easier and more profitable to define your audience, define a solution they are looking for, and then write you book to solve their problem.
      Excellent advice Claude. I think I am narrowing it down quite a bit just in the last 12 hours. And thank you for the compliments.

      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      Dan if you haven't read The 4 Hour Work Week you should. It has some great parts on how he came up with the title. He did everything from testing via PPC to making up fake covers and going to a bookstore to test it.
      I read it years ago but remember very little - I wasn't in the right frame of mind at the time. I think I will get it back out.

      *****************************************

      Yesterday, I was chatting with a group I lead about a workshop series entitled "Getting to $1 Million" - a business series for small business owners who have revenue but haven't made the leap to the $1m benchmark . I got the idea from helping a client two months ago. We pulled the info for all their competitors. They are all doing $3.5 - $6million annually. This company, now just over a year old, is at about $300k.

      So, we grabbed a conference room with a large whiteboard and I showed them the path to $3.5million with their current business model. They didn't realize that although $300k is less than 10% of $3.5mill - they were already 17% of the way to making $3.5mill a reality.

      They just hadn't seen the numbers that way. They didn't think it was even possible. I just came from their office today and they are on fire.

      In my mind - I can envision a book titled "Getting to $1 million" - I think it could really make a difference. Of course the next book would be "Getting to $5 million" which is an entirely different undertaking.

      It helps create certainty for the future. It is a goal that most small business owners can envision. And, I believe it would be profitable for me to create "Million Dollar Strategy Sessions" for $1,500. We meet early in the morning - lock ourselves in a room, and don't come out until we have their plan in place. If we can't make it work, they don't pay.

      So, with your help, maybe I have it.

      "Getting to $1Million"
      A simple plan to create certainty and growth in your business

      It needs a little work - but you get the idea. Thoughts? Suggestions?
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      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post


        In my mind - I can envision a book titled "Getting to $1 million" - I think it could really make a difference. Of course the next book would be "Getting to $5 million" which is an entirely different undertaking.

        It helps create certainty for the future. It is a goal that most small business owners can envision. And, I believe it would be profitable for me to create "Million Dollar Strategy Sessions" for $1,500. We meet early in the morning - lock ourselves in a room, and don't come out until we have their plan in place. If we can't make it work, they don't pay.

        So, with your help, maybe I have it.

        "Getting to $1Million"
        A simple plan to create certainty and growth in your business

        It needs a little work - but you get the idea. Thoughts? Suggestions?
        I love the title.

        The subtitle can use a little work. Maybe "The Simple Proven Plan To Grow Your Small Business- This Year!"

        Or maybe "The Simple 5 Step Plan To Grow Your Small Business -This Year!"


        Is this going to be just for local clients? Or are you hoping to sell the book nationwide and do Webinars?

        May I suggest that the book has them ask for a "strategy session" where you ask them questions on the phone and pitch your "Million Dollar Session"? I know it would be successful, and long as you get enough books out there.
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        • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          I love the title.

          The subtitle can use a little work. Maybe "The Simple Proven Plan To Grow Your Small Business- This Year!"

          Or maybe "The Simple 5 Step Plan To Grow Your Small Business -This Year!"


          Is this going to be just for local clients? Or are you hoping to sell the book nationwide and do Webinars?
          I've used up all my Thanks today so the button is gone - but Thanks!

          I definitely like Simple Proven Plan.

          Honest-to-goodness, my vision is to be in 10 major metro markets 24 months from now with this business.

          I have another business which is poised to do the same thing.

          The plan really isn't that big to me now. I can see it like I see this computer sitting on my desk. It is already a reality.

          While the book isn't essential for this to happen, I think it is a natural part of the progress that should occur.
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          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

            While the book isn't essential for this to happen, I think it is a natural part of the progress that should occur.

            Dan; A book, a real book, not just a Kindle book....(although it should be on Kindle too) is the single best way to position yourself as the expert. As a lead generation tool, it can't be beat. Even giving it away (with a small shipping fee) will get you clients.

            And websites, blogs, videos...selling (or giving away) your book is better than just a free report. A book has intrinsic value, gives you credibility, and will make you a profit. The perfect media.

            My funnel (I'm building now) is;

            Internet media, video, PPC Facebook ads, & Amazon sales page...leading to...

            My book......giving away a ....

            Strategy session...and the purpose of that is...

            Selling my Local Profit Geyser program for $5,999.

            A webinar (90 minutes) selling my strategy sessions is also used. The Webinar is basically my book, but less content filled. I'm creating the webinar now. I'm thinking of testing; Book to Webinar to Strategy Session to Service.

            I'll see if that converts better than just book to Strategy session.

            I hope that gives you some ideas.
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            • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              Dan; A book, a real book, not just a Kindle book....(although it should be on Kindle too) is the single best way to position yourself as the expert. As a lead generation tool, it can't be beat. Even giving it away (with a small shipping fee) will get you clients.
              ...
              My funnel (I'm building now) is;
              ...
              I hope that gives you some ideas.
              Yes that does give me some ideas. 6 years ago I happened upon a landing page for a book called "The Untethered Soul" - The landing page was so well done I clicked through to Amazon and bought the book. It was excellent. I haven't forgotten that moment and plan to do the same with mine.

              You just gave me an excellent idea for the book. My near-term plan is to indoctrinate consultants into my system and put them in the field.

              They should have the book as a tool to build our credibility and help them sell.

              Webinars - I know they can work, but it's just not my style. I like to be face-to-face in person. I like people. Maybe at some point, I will change my mind about webinars but not in the foreseeable future.
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    • Profile picture of the author Wendy Hearn
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      Dan if you haven't read The 4 Hour Work Week you should. It has some great parts on how he came up with the title. He did everything from testing via PPC to making up fake covers and going to a bookstore to test it.
      If you want to test via PPC, I think facebook newsfeed ads would be a good place to test because then you can put the title and cover in front of your target audience.

      The reason I'm suggesting facebook is one of my clients is an author and we do really well just selling the book straight from the ad.

      It's also the first thing I will do to test my title and cover. You could then get them to join your mailing list for when it's released.

      Wendy
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  • Profile picture of the author Bayo
    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

    ...if I write a book. What should it be about and what should the title be?
    Thanks!
    It Should Be About

    If you want to increase your chances of success, write on something you're familiar with or know a lot about. It's how I got started in writing and creating personal development and other information products ranging all the way from self-help, personal development into into management and leadership consulting - all based on my first-hand experience and after that, based on what I'd helped people resolve for free or for a fee as a coach or consultant.

    In my opinion, nothing beats our personal experience.

    Note: Discussions around identified needs, target market, marketing and promotion etc all could go into their own separate posts in order to do them justice.

    Title

    Take a look at titles that are already available in the area you're potentially going to write your book on. There's bound to be books already written on anything you can come up with, but no one has yet written from your unique perspective.

    See which titles ones interest you because if a title doesn't really interest you, it's likely that the content won't either and if you're going to be writing or creating similar content and you're not motivated, it's going to be difficult to stay focused and keep any form of momentum going.

    Hope this helps.

    BAYO
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by Bayo View Post

      If a title doesn't really interest you, it's likely that the content won't either
      This is very valuable insight. I have found that I learn more when I TEACH something.

      Honestly - if I want to figure something out - I envision myself giving a seminar about it. I learn more through that process than from anything else.

      That is why my time at WF and with customers is valuable. Every time I help other people with their problems, I get tons of revelation from the process.

      Writing a book about where I want to go next would be a sure fire way for me to get there.
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  • Profile picture of the author jeffsolochek
    Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

    Need some help here folks.

    I've been posting here for awhile and some of you know me pretty well. Better than a lot of real life people I see everyday.

    Based on that- if I write a book. What should it be about and what should the title be?

    Thanks!
    Write a book on a subject that you know well enough then give away the first chapter to new signups. then sell the remaining chapters.

    Write something unique without having to reinvent the wheel. You could take a popular subject and do a spinoff. when you finish writying it send out a press release. To help you market the book team up with an IMer who has a nice list and let him interview you. In the interview you send people to your web site.
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  • Profile picture of the author misterme
    @Claude and @Dan: a suggestion.

    In your books, at each chapter end, a question for the reader to answer. A question which, by the end of the book as you're getting to your offer, has the reader already having written the answers you need, now needs to simply copy it over to your online application? And/or by answering those questions has sold themselves on hiring you?
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      @Claude and @Dan: a suggestion.

      In your books, at each chapter end, a question for the reader to answer. A question which, by the end of the book as you're getting to your offer, has the reader already having written the answers you need, now needs to simply copy it over to your online application? And/or by answering those questions has sold themselves on hiring you?
      Misterme; Do you have an example of a book where you've seen this idea? It sounds interesting, but an example would save me some brain power.

      I appreciate the suggestion. Claudius
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      • Profile picture of the author misterme
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        Misterme; Do you have an example of a book where you've seen this idea? It sounds interesting, but an example would save me some brain power.
        No. I thought of it myself. It was an idea.

        Could be it's already been done.

        But I'll make up an example.

        You set it up telling the reader that at the end of every chapter there's a question or two to answer and how doing so will help them better understand how to implement whatever the book's to teach them.

        Say the chapter's on problems businesses face and how you solve those problems. So at the end of the chapter, the reader's asked:

        1. What is the biggest problem you're facing in your business right now:

        _______________________________________________

        2. Check off which strategy you learned about in this chapter you feel would best help take care of that problem:

        [] dssddm uui mm,m jk jhjj
        [] ghjghkj reurt hlhlkhj sdsd
        [] lklk reuyer dfjfoi hd sdkj

        ...and now by the end of the book, your "would you like me to help you with that?" would be perfect.
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        • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
          Originally Posted by misterme View Post

          No. I thought of it myself. It was an idea.

          Could be it's already been done.

          But I'll make up an example.

          You set it up telling the reader that at the end of every chapter there's a question or two to answer and how doing so will help them better understand how to implement whatever the book's to teach them.

          Say the chapter's on problems businesses face and how you solve those problems. So at the end of the chapter, the reader's asked:

          1. What is the biggest problem you're facing in your business right now:

          _______________________________________________

          2. Check off which strategy you learned about in this chapter you feel would best help take care of that problem:

          [] dssddm uui mm,m jk jhjj
          [] ghjghkj reurt hlhlkhj sdsd
          [] lklk reuyer dfjfoi hd sdkj

          ...and now by the end of the book, your "would you like me to help you with that?" would be perfect.
          Brilliant!
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      • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        Misterme; Do you have an example of a book where you've seen this idea? It sounds interesting, but an example would save me some brain power.

        I appreciate the suggestion. Claudius
        Grant Cardone uses the "question at the end of the chapter" style of writing though not to build to a sales funnel per say. So if you want to see a version of it in action you can read one of his books.
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

          Grant Cardone uses the "question at the end of the chapter" style of writing though not to build to a sales funnel per say. So if you want to see a version of it in action you can read one of his books.
          Are you suggesting I buy a sales book? Do you have any idea how much they cost?! Do you have any idea how many beers that is?:rolleyes:

          I have two of his books, I appreciate the heads up.
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          • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            Are you suggesting I buy a sales book? Do you have any idea how much they cost?! Do you have any idea how many beers that is?:rolleyes:

            I have two of his books, I appreciate the heads up.
            Which two? I have 10X and Sell or Be Sold. Enjoyed both.

            He honestly reminds me of a blow hard version of myself. What I would be if I didn't keep my ego and hyper nature in check. Which makes me wonder if I should stop keeping them in check.

            Quite a few do review sections after chapters. Grant was just the one I could think of since I just for done with Sell or Be Sold a few days ago.

            And since you buy physical books I can only image what the library looks like in your home.
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            • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
              Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

              He honestly reminds me of a blow hard version of myself. What I would be if I didn't keep my ego and hyper nature in check. Which makes me wonder if I should stop keeping them in check.
              Yes - let it out! Be the best damn Aaron Doud you can be. It's you man...let it fly!
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            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

              Which two? I have 10X and Sell or Be Sold. Enjoyed both.
              And since you buy physical books I can only image what the library looks like in your home.
              Aaron; It's those two books. Yeah. I have one bedroom converted. I had custom bookshelves made (out of hickory) that line every inch of wall space. and a wall of books at my store (in my office). My most prized possessions. I read an hour or two every evening. It isn't enough. Right now, I'm watching a video series by Frank Kern called High Paid Adviser.
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              • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
                Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                Aaron; It's those two books. Yeah. I have one bedroom converted. I had custom bookshelves made (out of hickory) that line every inch of wall space. and a wall of books at my store (in my office). My most prized possessions. I read an hour or two every evening. It isn't enough. Right now, I'm watching a video series by Frank Kern called High Paid Adviser.
                I knew I recognized your webinar funnel. I took the same course awhile back. It has to be, dollar for dollar, the best course I have ever taken. Especially the first three videos.
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by misterme View Post

      @Claude and @Dan: a suggestion.

      In your books, at each chapter end, a question for the reader to answer. A question which, by the end of the book as you're getting to your offer, has the reader already having written the answers you need, now needs to simply copy it over to your online application? And/or by answering those questions has sold themselves on hiring you?
      Excellent idea. Wow that is great.

      I've seen books with questions at the end of the chapter. Phrasing those questions to lead the reader to the conclusion they need to hire me? Genius!

      Of course - you would never want to outright mention it. With some thought, it would be easy to hide language in the questions and through the book that lead to that end.

      Sneaky.

      I've thought about it some more. I don't think businesses under $1 million are my real target. They are tighter with cash and much less clear on their business.

      I think the title should be "Getting to $3 Million" - That would bring me the right kinds of people.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Angel Capital Summit 2012 is presented by RVC Academy | Rockies Venture Club

    People at these kinds of events and organizations have keen interest in solid processes
    and want to and can build businesses to the levels you're talking about.
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    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

      Angel Capital Summit 2012 is presented by RVC Academy | Rockies Venture Club

      People at these kinds of events and organizations have keen interest in solid processes
      and want to and can build businesses to the levels you're talking about.
      It's funny you bring that up. I was part of a coaching session at the beginning of this year prepping people for the ACS. It was 8 weeks long. We had great success.
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      • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
        Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

        It's funny you bring that up. I was part of a coaching session at the beginning of this year prepping people for the ACS. It was 8 weeks long. We had great success.
        Good you're already in those circles and running with the big dogs.

        Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    The kindle app for my iPhone is a godsend. I used to not read as much because it was hard finding time to sit down. And I hated taking a book with me. But I always have my iPhone on me. So i just read whenever I have 10 plus minutes of time.

    I may get physical versions of a lot of the digital books I love down the line. But for now reading on my iPhone works great.
    __________________________________________________ ______________________
    And Dan I am starting to let it fly more. I relate to Grant a lot. He's what I could be if I just got out of my own damn way. Well maybe more Grant plus a mix of Zig. Zig is a bit too calm for me and Grant's ego is far bigger than I believe I could ever have. But while Zig inspires me with what he says I find that Grant inspires me by who he is and how he got there.

    And part of me, a large part, thinks one day I will (and should) follow their lead. I've been doing it for years on a smaller scale. I just never pictured doing it on that scale until recently.

    And it's the people here I have to thank for that.
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    • Profile picture of the author misterme
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      He honestly reminds me of a blow hard version of myself.
      Oh, he's not a blow hard. He just talks a lot, boasts, swaggers and is very, very pleased with himself.

      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      I relate to Grant a lot. He's what I could be if I just got out of my own damn way. Well maybe more Grant plus a mix of Zig. Zig is a bit too calm for me
      Especially these days.

      What? Too soon?
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      • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
        Originally Posted by misterme View Post

        Oh, he's not a blow hard. He just talks a lot, boasts, swaggers and is very, very pleased with himself.
        "Blow hard: may have been the wrong term to use. Though I am sure he gets called that by fans and haters.

        He is a man who truly loves himself and what he does. And he not only wants to share it with the world but IMO he truly feels it is his duty to share it with the world.

        You can even see how he wants to share his religion. But considering how negative people feel about his faith it is not surprising that he does it much more subtly. But there are time especially in Sell or Be Sold where he is clearly talking about it.

        Not even sure in today's world that someone like Zig, who spoke about his faith openly, would be accepted. Talking about religion is looked down upon these days. If Christians (majority faith in the US) can't get away with it there is no way a Scientologist would be accepted for doing it.

        EDIT: And not too soon. Humor helps us heal.
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

          "Blow hard: may have been the wrong term to use. Though I am sure he gets called that by fans and haters.

          He is a man who truly loves himself and what he does. And he not only wants to share it with the world but IMO he truly feels it is his duty to share it with the world.

          You can even see how he wants to share his religion. But considering how negative people feel about his faith it is not surprising that he does it much more subtly. But there are time especially in Sell or Be Sold where he is clearly talking about it.

          Not even sure in today's world that someone like Zig, who spoke about his faith openly, would be accepted. Talking about religion is looked down upon these days. If Christians (majority faith in the US) can't get away with it there is no way a Scientologist would be accepted for doing it.

          EDIT: And not too soon. Let's not talk about some of the jokes I made in the weeks following 9/11. Trust me I know too soon. And it doesn't stop me.
          Sales trainers mix religion regularly with their message. Nearly all salespeople are religious, and talking about your beliefs (if you are a Christian) just positions you for that audience. A great audience to market to, by the way.

          I'm a atheist. I absolutely have to hide that when speaking, or training salespeople. Because the contingent of atheist salespeople is minuscule.

          I would guess that scientologists in sales training have the same problem. But Christians? I would be shocked if a sales trainer said he was anything else.


          Originally Posted by misterme View Post

          Especially these days.

          What? Too soon?
          Ha! in fact...Double Ha.
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  • Profile picture of the author dbrwn
    If you're going to write a book, then why not write on a topic that you're passionate about? That makes more sense now doesn't it?

    Other people really can't decide what you willing to write about,b ut they can give you ideas on what to write on. Take those ideas and compile them into a list of possible topics and then narrow the list down to just a couple ideas that you can work with.
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