10 Lessons Learned Writing My First Business Book [Infographic]

When I became an entrepreneur way back in 2004, the idea of writing my first business book to help budding entrepreneurs was always a huge, but distant goal that loomed in the back of my head whenever I sat down to plan out my long-term targets at the end of each year.

When I started blogging and podcasting in 2010 it became something that I thought more about, as my ‘work’ grew in popularity, and I came into contact with more like-minded entrepreneurs. Little did I know it was going to be the catalyst for my author dream to become a reality.

By the end of 2012 I received my first publishing offer!

I ended up not going with that initial offer, but it did make me re-think my goal of writing my first business book a little more seriously. Was I finally ready to put in the work and make it happen? Not too long after getting that first offer, I was introduced to a literary agent, and got straight to work on our first proposal. After sending the proposal to 16 publishing houses, I received four more offers – a buy-in rate of 25%… not bad for a first time author!

The rest, as they say, is history… We recently celebrated the second anniversary of Virtual Freedom, and I wanted to share some of the lessons I learned during my journey to getting published to anyone out there who might be planning on writing their own book in the future.

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In addition to this infographic, and staying on the same subject, you might want to listen to this episode of YoupreneurFM, where I delve into writing a book is one of the easiest and fastest ways to build a profitable online brand.

To take things to the next level, I strongly suggest that you also check out this episode of the podcast, too. This was a real goodie, where I’m joined with my good friend and New York Times bestselling author, Jay Baer to talk about how we can market our book all the way to the bestseller lists and beyond. It’s gold. Trust me.

One thing is for sure… writing a book aint easy! And it’s aint for everyone! But, if you’re focused on getting your word out into the world, it’s still, in my opinion, the best way to do just that and there are so many benefits to writing my first business book that I haven’t even touched on here – perhaps I’ll cover that on another infographic in the future!

Did this infographic help you? If so, please consider sharing it and be sure to tweet me and let me know your biggest takeaway!

For Blog Readers ONLY: ‘Virtual Freedom’ AudioBook Bonuses Unleashed!

virtual freedom audibleToday is a special day for me, as I’m excited to announce that Virtual Freedom is now available on in both AudioCD and Audible Download versions, via Amazon!

The on-going success of the book continues to put a smile on my face, and when my publishers told me that the audio rights had been snapped up, I was over the moon.

To celebrate the launch of the audio version of the book (which I know a lot of you have been waiting for!), I’ve put together a handful of bonuses, if you go ahead and purchase your copy by the end of August – so, no rush, you’ve got the whole month to act.

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3 Cities, 400+ Guests & Plenty of Memories – The ‘Virtual Freedom’ USA Book Tour

cd signingWhen I finished writing my book, Virtual Freedom, I was happy with the outcome. I’d worked hard on the manuscript, and even though I learned a fair few lessons along the way, overall, I knew that I had produced the absolute best book that I had inside of me on the subject of working with virtual staff.

I also knew that following its release, many people would buy it. Read it. Review it and (hopefully) tell others about it. All this has happened and I’ve been floating on cloud nine since its launch in April, as I continue to ride the wave that its initial launch has created.

However, nothing could prepare me for what I would experience as I came face-to-face with the readers of the book, as I went on my US Book Tour. I was excited to speak at events and do signings at three different US cities this past month.

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10 Lessons Learned Writing My First Book

virtual-freedom-is-comingWe all have a book in us.

Ever heard that? I had, a lot.

In late 2011 I got offered my first book deal. I turned it down. I wasn’t ready. I was busy doing other ‘stuff’. I simply didn’t know enough about the topic. Who would buy a book written by me, anyway…?!!

You name it, I came up with every excuse under the sun to NOT write the book.

Then in late 2012 I teamed up with a literary agent, and put together my first ever book proposal document for a project entitled ‘The Freedom Factor’ (what was I thinking…!!!?). After a few name changes, Virtual Freedom was born and sent out to 16 publishers.

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The ‘New Business’ Manifesto

New Business Manifesto

Throughout the course of a normal week, I’ll receive hundreds of questions from small business owners and startup entrepreneurs on the subject of starting and growing companies in today’s incredibly fast moving business world.

A lot of the time they are via our Facebook Community, and I’ll reply there directly. Sometimes its on Twitter, and some times via email. Bottom line: I freakin’ love hearing from you – regardless of how you reach out. So, please don’t stop!

One thing that I really love is the fact that the large majority of these messages come in from people that have already taken and finished my free training course, the ‘New Business’ Bootcamp, giving them a great kickstart in the process!

But, growing a business in today’s market is not just about learning how to blog, podcast, how to utilize online video, or work with virtual assistants (to name a few of the subjects tackled in the bootcamp). It’s also just as important to have the right mindset, than it is to have the skills!

We need to encapsulate EVERYTHING that we should ALL be about, in regards to changing the way we startup, market and build our businesses in today’s economy, so I bring to you, the ‘New Business’ Manifesto!

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