Can you make a living writing business books, or must you go on the speaking tour and start a consulting business? There is a disconnect somewhere.
Several years ago, I considered starting a technology consulting company and invited a consultant, in a different field, to lunch to discuss his life and career. He was open and gave a lot of good advice, but the one that caught me off-guard was, “You have to write a book. It makes you credible” or words to that effect. He then gave me an autographed copy of HIS book.
I admit, I wasn’t ready for that advice. Have I longed to write a book on a topic of interest … sure. Is it on my long-term goal list … you bet! But as a requirement for a consulting business … hmmm. So to be a successful business book writer or a successful consultant, you must do both. And let’s not forget about the speaking tours, which requires a book to sell, also. This seems like a vicious cycle. To write, you must speak … to speak, your must write … to consult, you must speak and write. I’m starting to get dizzy.
Since then, I see this advice on a lot of business blogs, and it make me wonder. Most business books are self-published and therefore not marketed by a large publishing house, so this limits the exposure and the sales. This requires people like Phil Gerbyshak and Lisa Haneberg to promote their books on blogs, websites and word of mouth, giving away as many books as they sell. By the way, the profit margin in giving away books is pretty low. (You have to give away a lot of books to get into the black 
)
I have not started the consulting business, yet. I’m still thinking about this book I need to write. It’s not that easy considering the subject, the layout, the cover, the self-picture for the back cover. Decisions decisions.
[tags]writing, inspiration, motivation, Phil Gerbyshak, Lisa Haneberg[/tags]
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Jef (1 comments.) // Dec 21, 2006 at 10:10 am
In my humble opinion, you should not write a book just because it is a good move for your career. You should write a book because you are passionate about a certain subject and about writing and because you want to share your knowlegde or experience.
I know this sounds idealistic, but I don’t like books that are obviously written as commercial strategy. You can feel it in the layout, marketing, writing style of the author etc.. . and that turns me off
I am not saying a book cannot be a good strategical and commercial thing, but you also need the passion and urge to write. Then you can enjoy both the writing and the commercial effects afterwards
2 Larry Hendrick // Dec 21, 2006 at 10:15 am
Jef, thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I agree completely. That is the reason for my turn-off, which didn’t come across very well. I think whether it’s a book, a blog site or my podcast, it must come from a passion for the topic.
Now sometimes that will lead to all the above, but I agree it is contrived for any other reason.
3 Dave J. (64 comments.) // Dec 21, 2006 at 11:30 am
Two independent consultants I know both did some sort of white paper. I think that’s enough.
They did a survey of local businesses related to their area of expertise. One is a web designer and he sent emails to local companies’ customer service and measured the response time, if any.
Oh, and BTW, blogs and podcasts outrank books IMHO!
Now can I make a crack about the value of the advise of a consultant? In this case the crack would be validated.
4 Larry Hendrick // Dec 21, 2006 at 11:48 am
Thanks Dave for your input.
White paper, you say… I have written one for my company, but no others, and YES to blogs and podcasts, yet, I fear you may be in the minority.
5 Phil Gerbyshak (8 comments.) // Dec 30, 2006 at 6:45 pm
I don’t think it’s necessary to write a book to get into the consulting world. Passion is the potatoes my friend. Focus on what you’re passionate about, and do that. Don’t write a book just to write a book, Jef is right.
What you may want to think about is putting together some sort of product (or multiple products) based on your writings and your podcasts. That would be valuable, in my opinion. Think a workbook, with an audio guide from you, helping us to work through our challenges with motivation.
If I can help, let me know.
6 Larry Hendrick // Dec 30, 2006 at 8:13 pm
Thanks Phil. I think your right about ‘focus on the passion’ and do that. Passion may not carry the whole enchilada, but combined with desire and inspiration, the day is won.
Have a super New Year and I’ll holler for that help … one of these days.
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