5 Ways to Use Your First Book to Expand Your Reach

     

It wasn’t that long ago that everybody started saying, “You need to write a book!” But surveys continue to report that while 80% of us admit that we’d like to write a book, only 2 or 3 of us do.   

I understand. Writing a book takes work. But I also know that we all have something valuable to share. There are people who need your knowledge, wisdom, expertise, and ideas to help them improve the quality of their lives. So, if you’re still on the fence about writing your book, here are 5 additional ways your book can help you expand your reach and help even more people than you ever dreamed of. 

Turn your content into a workshop or seminar: People love this format! If they didn’t, PBS wouldn’t use it as one of their go-to fundraising strategies. The great thing about workshops and seminars is that you already know the content. All that’s required is for you to figure out how much content you can cover in the allotted amount of time.

Turning your book into an online course (or courses): Online learning is a growing industry that makes perfect sense. How are we supposed to continue to grow and evolve as human beings beyond school if we don’t have access to opportunities to grow and evolve? As an expert, you’ve already done the hard part of pulling all your content together. With online learning, you break down your material into bite-sized chunks of meaningful content people can access according to their own schedule.

Building your email list: The research is in, and it’s proving that email is still the best way to build relationships that lead to sales. I know how “markety” that sounds, but if you don’t tell them about your stuff, they won’t know it exists. And you have to remember what you’re selling. Initially it might just be your book, but as you expand the ways you utilize the content of your book, you’re also expanding the reach of your expertise, and all the ideas, knowledge, and information people can use to improve the quality of their lives!

Speaking about your book: You just never know whose life you’re going to change, but the more you do to promote your book (courses, workshops, seminars, etc.) the more likely you are to meet people whose lives you will influence for the better. You don’t have to start big either. Build your confidence up by starting locally first.

Take advantage of the internet: In some ways, the internet is still a bit like the Wild West—there are a lot of opportunities for people willing to do a little mining. You probably already know people who host webinars, are podcasting, and/or have active blogs. In reality, they need you as much as you need them. They need interesting people/experts to introduce to their audience, and you need someone to help you get your message online.

Obviously, each of these avenues takes work, but you don’t have to do them all at once. Pick one and see it through. Once it’s in place, pick another one. And remember, it’s not like you have to create new content each time. Your content is all in your first book! 

What’s truly amazing about zeroing in on specific opportunities is that you’re very likely going to figure out what your next book (or course or webinar or whatever) will be about along the way. And, as always, I’d be happy to have a conversation with you about all the possibilities.