Become an Authority in Your Field: 14 Ways to Grow Your Business by Publishing a Book

No matter what kind of business you are in, there is no better way to become an instant expert than by publishing a book. Better than any business card, brochure, advertisement, website or blog, a book is a powerful tool that will open doors and lead to tremendous business growth opportunities.
Think about it from the consumer point of view. Let's say that you want to hire a personal trainer. You interview a trainer with typical credentials. He's friendly, says the right things, and his price is just right.

You interview a second trainer. He is also friendly and says the right things. At the end of your meeting he hands you a copy of his book "The Healthy, Wealthy and Happy for Life Program." He even autographs it for you.

Who are you most likely going to hire? (Did I mention that the author's rate is also higher than his competitor?)

Still not convinced? Here are 14 reasons why business owners who are authors have the leading edge:

1. Increased Credibility

Writing a book demonstrates your expertise in your subject matter. It is a form of mastery that can elevate your status in the eyes of your potential clients, peers, the media, and many other key contacts. The potential is truly unlimited.

2. Sharpen Your Competitive Edge Just as in the example above, there is nothing like a book to impress prospects and close deals. Give away books like you hand out business cards and your business is sure to grow.

3. Earn Higher Fees

If you are a service provider, such as a consultant, coach, graphic artist, doctor, therapist, financial advisor or other service professional, your book gives you a license to charge higher rates. It all comes back to that credibility factor. You are not just an average expert in your field, you are a published expert. Of course your rates are higher than everyone else.

4. Capture Hard-to-Get Appointments

Want to speak with the CEO, head of Human Resources, a political leader or some other unreachable contact? Send them a copy of your book along with a personal note. Odds are much better that your next call will go through. "This is Annie Author calling..."

5. Generate Referrals

Several years ago, a family law attorney sent copies of her book to marriage therapists all over town. Since therapists were often talking to her potential clients, she took a chance that the book might make an impression. Her practice quickly became the largest of its kind in her city.

6. Capture Media Attention

Open any newspaper or magazine and notice how each article includes quotes and advice from experts. Most often, these quotes come from authors. Tune in to any talk radio show, The Today Show, or even your local news programs. Authors are constantly in the spotlight. In fact, media professionals from print, radio and television frequently search Amazon.com for authors of books related to their needed subject matter.

7. Stand Out at Trade Shows

Your typical trade show booth won't be ordinary once you showcase your book and your work as an author. Prospects and potential alliance partners will be eager to meet the author.

8. Get Known Online

If you want to develop celebrity status and build a following of fans, there is no faster or more effective way to do that then by showcasing your author platform online. Share tips and resources through your website, blog and social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Host teleseminars and promote videos on YouTube. The Internet is an ideal place to capitalize on your author status and reach a global audience.

9. Generate Passive Income

As you become known online and build a following of loyal readers, adding information products such as ebooks, special reports and teleseminars can generate passive income--money you make while you sleep. Information products are quicker and easier to produce than a book, and they perfectly compliment your efforts as an author.

10. Develop Programs that Support Your Book

If you don't already have programs that support the theories in your book, you will want to have them available. Whether you ask them to or not, readers will call, write and send e-mail inquiring about how to implement the strategies in your book. Consider developing coaching programs, training packages and various products and services that compliment your subject matter.

11. Build a Team Around Your Brand

You can use your book as the foundation to teach others your system for doing what you do. You could develop your own certification program and recruit agents who deliver services under your brand, while they also promote your book and generate revenue for your business. For examples, check out Jay Conrad Levinson's Guerrilla Marketing Master Training program (www.gmarketing.com), Jim Horan's Consulting Team (www.onepagebusinessplan.com) or Michael Port's Book Yourself Solid Certified Coach program (www.michaelport.com).

12. Schedule Speaking Engagements

Commanding the attention of a room is a phenomenal way to grow your business. Authors are often invited to speak at trade association meetings, the local Chamber of Commerce, non-profit organizations, corporate functions, conferences and events. Once you have captivated an audience, wrap up your presentation with a special offer for consulting services, training programs or other package offering. Also, be sure to sell and autograph copies at the back of the room.

13. Become an Instructor

Authors are welcomed as instructors at adult learning programs like the Learning Annex and many colleges. The organizations will promote your classes through their catalogs and direct mail campaigns and that publicity can bring tremendous exposure and new business opportunities.

14. Hold Your Own Events

Authors like Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki and countless others leverage their notoriety and experience to host their own revenue-generating events and workshops. Events can range from half-day meetings in a rented office space to week-long events at a hotel or even on a cruise ship.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to leveraging your own book to grow your business. If you have ever considered putting your thoughts on paper, stop thinking and start writing. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can reap the rewards. Publishing a book is one of the quickest and easiest ways to build the business of your dreams. It is up to you to harness the power and make your dreams a reality.






Stephanie Chandler is an author of several business and marketing books including “The Author’s Guide to Building an Online Platform” and “From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur.” She is also founder and CEO of http://AuthorityPublishing.com, which provides custom book publishing and author marketing services for business, self-help and other non-fiction books. For hundreds of resources for entrepreneurs, authors and speakers visit http://BusinessInfoGuide.com.

9 Ways To Advertise Your E-Zine and Become Known As An Expert

Now that you've published an e-zine, you will need to get it in front of your target market. These nine effective strategies will help you get the most out of publishing your e-zine. These simple techniques can help you to grow a massive opt-in email list, become known as an expert and explode your sales!
1. Don't miss an opportunity to advertise your e-zine on the back of your business card. Here is the ad that I use: Web PuzzleMaster's "Winning Marketing Secrets" is a FREE semimonthly e-zine for small biz owners who want to double their sales this year. You'll get insider secrets and free resources to help you make money, save time and turn your website into a moneymaking machine, guaranteed! I conclude with my subscription address.

2. Use live networking events, seminars and public speaking opportunities to build your list. During networking events, be sure to have a conversation specifically about your e-zine with the people who you meet. Ask for permission to add them to your list. Don't assume that because you have some physical contact, their permission is implied. Speaking in public is a premium opportunity to get people in your audience to subscribe. One way to do that is through a drawing for a prize. In order to be eligible, they have to drop their business card in a bowl. Mention that everyone participating in the drawing will be receiving a complimentary issue of your e-zine called . . . Give some key benefits of your e-zine in a 25 word description. If you do not want to have a drawing, consider a sign-up sheet to collect their names and email addresses. Use an attention-getting headline along with your 25-word description and privacy policy on the top of the sheet.

3. Build your list when you exhibit at trade shows attended by your target market. Use a product giveaway as an incentive to collect cards. Include a sign next to the bowl that says something like . . . "Drop Your Business Card Here . . . for a chance to win a fabulous weekend getaway AND a FREE Subscription to our [Name of Your E-zine]."

4. Use fax broadcasts to build your list. Buy or rent lists of fax numbers to reach your target market. You can buy these from trade publications and mailing companies. Some companies will do the broadcast for you. If you receive a list, you can import it into a fax software program that sends your fax out in a batch. Be sure to become informed about regulations regarding fax broadcasting. Go to fcc.gov and search for "fax."

5. Consider publishing a small book or booklet to build your list. Giving away some free information that most everyone in your target market needs and wants is a way to promote your name and your e-zine. Give it a catchy title and advertise your e-zine along the bottom of every couple of pages with a big pitch at the end.

6. Promote your e-zine on radio. The fact that you publish an e-zine gives you instant credibility and gets you known as an expert. Radio stations are always looking for people who are interesting and have newsworthy information to communicate to their listeners. Many publicists work on a pay-for-placement basis that can get you into major markets. Don't overlook opportunities to be a guest on Internet radio shows. These are broadcast live on the web and are generally archived. Be prepared with a sheet that includes your contact information, bio and a list of 5-10 questions that you would like to be asked during the interview.

7. Become a guest on teleseminars that attract your target market. Some teleseminars are free to the audience but give you an opportunity to get your name known, sell your products and promote your e-zine. Some teleseminars cost participants a fee and sometimes you receive a percentage of that fee. Even if you don't, the publicity and exposure for you and your e-zine are invaluable.

8. Use any media opportunity to promote your e-zine! Consider working with a publicist for getting promoted in print magazines, subscription newsletters, newspapers and on television.

9. Advertise in publications of organizations and associations where you are a member. Consider becoming a member of organizations where your target market has a membership. Don't overlook the local Chamber of Commerce. Ask about feature member news opportunities and announcements where you can promote your e-zine.

Did you notice that most of these nine ezine promotion strategies are free? With the right amount of commitment and determination, you can make your business a huge success by using these nine methods. Make the growth of your subscriber list, your number 1 priority and watch your sales explode! Your success on the Internet is all about the marketing.






Since 1999, Ruth Kuttler has helped small businesses, professionals, authors, speakers, retailers and entrepreneurs to establish an effective Internet presence through strategies that can generate five and six-figure monthly incomes. Ruth is a highly skilled designer, marketing pro, business consultant and project manager. She specializes in the production of Internet marketing systems that Generate Quality Leads, Convert Prospects to Loyal Customers and Automate Sales! Ruth is "the Web PuzzleMaster,” and creator of "Winning Marketing Secrets" E-zine. Get her FREE SPECIAL REPORT, "10 Simple Secrets for Making your Website into a Selling Machine!"

9 Ways To Advertise Your E-Zine and Become Known As An Expert

Now that you've published an e-zine, you will need to get it in front of your target market. These nine effective strategies will help you get the most out of publishing your e-zine. These simple techniques can help you to grow a massive opt-in email list, become known as an expert and explode your sales!
1. Don't miss an opportunity to advertise your e-zine on the back of your business card. Here is the ad that I use: Web PuzzleMaster's "Winning Marketing Secrets" is a FREE semimonthly e-zine for small biz owners who want to double their sales this year. You'll get insider secrets and free resources to help you make money, save time and turn your website into a moneymaking machine, guaranteed! I conclude with my subscription address.

2. Use live networking events, seminars and public speaking opportunities to build your list. During networking events, be sure to have a conversation specifically about your e-zine with the people who you meet. Ask for permission to add them to your list. Don't assume that because you have some physical contact, their permission is implied. Speaking in public is a premium opportunity to get people in your audience to subscribe. One way to do that is through a drawing for a prize. In order to be eligible, they have to drop their business card in a bowl. Mention that everyone participating in the drawing will be receiving a complimentary issue of your e-zine called . . . Give some key benefits of your e-zine in a 25 word description. If you do not want to have a drawing, consider a sign-up sheet to collect their names and email addresses. Use an attention-getting headline along with your 25-word description and privacy policy on the top of the sheet.

3. Build your list when you exhibit at trade shows attended by your target market. Use a product giveaway as an incentive to collect cards. Include a sign next to the bowl that says something like . . . "Drop Your Business Card Here . . . for a chance to win a fabulous weekend getaway AND a FREE Subscription to our [Name of Your E-zine]."

4. Use fax broadcasts to build your list. Buy or rent lists of fax numbers to reach your target market. You can buy these from trade publications and mailing companies. Some companies will do the broadcast for you. If you receive a list, you can import it into a fax software program that sends your fax out in a batch. Be sure to become informed about regulations regarding fax broadcasting. Go to fcc.gov and search for "fax."

5. Consider publishing a small book or booklet to build your list. Giving away some free information that most everyone in your target market needs and wants is a way to promote your name and your e-zine. Give it a catchy title and advertise your e-zine along the bottom of every couple of pages with a big pitch at the end.

6. Promote your e-zine on radio. The fact that you publish an e-zine gives you instant credibility and gets you known as an expert. Radio stations are always looking for people who are interesting and have newsworthy information to communicate to their listeners. Many publicists work on a pay-for-placement basis that can get you into major markets. Don't overlook opportunities to be a guest on Internet radio shows. These are broadcast live on the web and are generally archived. Be prepared with a sheet that includes your contact information, bio and a list of 5-10 questions that you would like to be asked during the interview.

7. Become a guest on teleseminars that attract your target market. Some teleseminars are free to the audience but give you an opportunity to get your name known, sell your products and promote your e-zine. Some teleseminars cost participants a fee and sometimes you receive a percentage of that fee. Even if you don't, the publicity and exposure for you and your e-zine are invaluable.

8. Use any media opportunity to promote your e-zine! Consider working with a publicist for getting promoted in print magazines, subscription newsletters, newspapers and on television.

9. Advertise in publications of organizations and associations where you are a member. Consider becoming a member of organizations where your target market has a membership. Don't overlook the local Chamber of Commerce. Ask about feature member news opportunities and announcements where you can promote your e-zine.

Did you notice that most of these nine ezine promotion strategies are free? With the right amount of commitment and determination, you can make your business a huge success by using these nine methods. Make the growth of your subscriber list, your number 1 priority and watch your sales explode! Your success on the Internet is all about the marketing.






Since 1999, Ruth Kuttler has helped small businesses, professionals, authors, speakers, retailers and entrepreneurs to establish an effective Internet presence through strategies that can generate five and six-figure monthly incomes. Ruth is a highly skilled designer, marketing pro, business consultant and project manager. She specializes in the production of Internet marketing systems that Generate Quality Leads, Convert Prospects to Loyal Customers and Automate Sales! Ruth is "the Web PuzzleMaster,” and creator of "Winning Marketing Secrets" E-zine. Get her FREE SPECIAL REPORT, "10 Simple Secrets for Making your Website into a Selling Machine!"

9 Ways To Advertise Your E-Zine and Become Known As An Expert

Now that you've published an e-zine, you will need to get it in front of your target market. These nine effective strategies will help you get the most out of publishing your e-zine. These simple techniques can help you to grow a massive opt-in email list, become known as an expert and explode your sales!
1. Don't miss an opportunity to advertise your e-zine on the back of your business card. Here is the ad that I use: Web PuzzleMaster's "Winning Marketing Secrets" is a FREE semimonthly e-zine for small biz owners who want to double their sales this year. You'll get insider secrets and free resources to help you make money, save time and turn your website into a moneymaking machine, guaranteed! I conclude with my subscription address.

2. Use live networking events, seminars and public speaking opportunities to build your list. During networking events, be sure to have a conversation specifically about your e-zine with the people who you meet. Ask for permission to add them to your list. Don't assume that because you have some physical contact, their permission is implied. Speaking in public is a premium opportunity to get people in your audience to subscribe. One way to do that is through a drawing for a prize. In order to be eligible, they have to drop their business card in a bowl. Mention that everyone participating in the drawing will be receiving a complimentary issue of your e-zine called . . . Give some key benefits of your e-zine in a 25 word description. If you do not want to have a drawing, consider a sign-up sheet to collect their names and email addresses. Use an attention-getting headline along with your 25-word description and privacy policy on the top of the sheet.

3. Build your list when you exhibit at trade shows attended by your target market. Use a product giveaway as an incentive to collect cards. Include a sign next to the bowl that says something like . . . "Drop Your Business Card Here . . . for a chance to win a fabulous weekend getaway AND a FREE Subscription to our [Name of Your E-zine]."

4. Use fax broadcasts to build your list. Buy or rent lists of fax numbers to reach your target market. You can buy these from trade publications and mailing companies. Some companies will do the broadcast for you. If you receive a list, you can import it into a fax software program that sends your fax out in a batch. Be sure to become informed about regulations regarding fax broadcasting. Go to fcc.gov and search for "fax."

5. Consider publishing a small book or booklet to build your list. Giving away some free information that most everyone in your target market needs and wants is a way to promote your name and your e-zine. Give it a catchy title and advertise your e-zine along the bottom of every couple of pages with a big pitch at the end.

6. Promote your e-zine on radio. The fact that you publish an e-zine gives you instant credibility and gets you known as an expert. Radio stations are always looking for people who are interesting and have newsworthy information to communicate to their listeners. Many publicists work on a pay-for-placement basis that can get you into major markets. Don't overlook opportunities to be a guest on Internet radio shows. These are broadcast live on the web and are generally archived. Be prepared with a sheet that includes your contact information, bio and a list of 5-10 questions that you would like to be asked during the interview.

7. Become a guest on teleseminars that attract your target market. Some teleseminars are free to the audience but give you an opportunity to get your name known, sell your products and promote your e-zine. Some teleseminars cost participants a fee and sometimes you receive a percentage of that fee. Even if you don't, the publicity and exposure for you and your e-zine are invaluable.

8. Use any media opportunity to promote your e-zine! Consider working with a publicist for getting promoted in print magazines, subscription newsletters, newspapers and on television.

9. Advertise in publications of organizations and associations where you are a member. Consider becoming a member of organizations where your target market has a membership. Don't overlook the local Chamber of Commerce. Ask about feature member news opportunities and announcements where you can promote your e-zine.

Did you notice that most of these nine ezine promotion strategies are free? With the right amount of commitment and determination, you can make your business a huge success by using these nine methods. Make the growth of your subscriber list, your number 1 priority and watch your sales explode! Your success on the Internet is all about the marketing.






Since 1999, Ruth Kuttler has helped small businesses, professionals, authors, speakers, retailers and entrepreneurs to establish an effective Internet presence through strategies that can generate five and six-figure monthly incomes. Ruth is a highly skilled designer, marketing pro, business consultant and project manager. She specializes in the production of Internet marketing systems that Generate Quality Leads, Convert Prospects to Loyal Customers and Automate Sales! Ruth is "the Web PuzzleMaster,” and creator of "Winning Marketing Secrets" E-zine. Get her FREE SPECIAL REPORT, "10 Simple Secrets for Making your Website into a Selling Machine!"

Profitable Home Business: The First Steps to an Online Home Business by Janice Sharman

Statistics indicate that "home-based businesses" are the fastest growing portion of the U.S. economy; and since the U.S. sets the global business trends, it means that most of the computer literate world will soon follow this trend. It has been predicted that in the next decade, up to 75 percent of the world's working population will work from their own homes.

As more and more people think about starting a home business it is imperative to know the areas you need to research when starting your first online business. Here are a few basic guidelines:

1. Evaluate your talents and skills. Start by evaluating your areas of expertise. What are you good at and more important what do you enjoy doing? Do you have good communication skills? Are you creative?

Do something you enjoy doing and are excited about. Remember, this home business is going to be your means of support, so you should choose a niche that is exciting to you. If you are having fun with your home business, you will be more likely to stick with it through the rough times. If you are passionate about your business, your excitement will show and it will not be difficult to get your customers enthusiastic about your products or services.

2. Do your market research. Before you start your home business, do a thorough research of your market and your competition. A good guide would be to ask yourself these questions: What product or service are you planning to sell? - Who wants your product or service? Who will be your "typical" customer or client? - What are the particular trends in the industry of your choice? - Is there a need for your product or service? Is your niche already saturated? - How will you market your business? Research the effectiveness of various types of marketing techniques. - How will you set yourself apart from your competition?

3. Research your competition. Who is your competition? How and what are they doing? What aspects of their business can you improve on? It is very likely that they have made mistakes along the way - learn from their mistakes. If you can find a service your competition does not offer where you can solve people's problems, web visitors will most likely use your business as opposed to that of your competition.

4. Design your website. Your website should be unique and must effectively describe your services or products. Create a website that is easy to navigate with clear and precise instructions and full of valuable information.

It is not difficult to build a website today. You can use easily available resources and tools, like low-cost website templates, free or inexpensive authoring software and affordable programs that will show you how to quickly and easily build and design a website.

People surf the internet searching for information. If your website is a good source of useful, well-written information, it will attract a wealth of visitors that are targeted to your website's theme.

5. Get your business listed free in the search engines. Search engines like Google, Yahoo, AOL, Alta Vista are great ways to drive lots of customers to your website. It would be savvy to learn basic "search engine optimization," as search engines are one of the primary sources of getting targeted visitors to any website.

Learn how to build and market your home business at a pace that is comfortable to you. Don't be in a hurry. Allocate time to obtaining a proper online home business education and marketing training before you launch your website; it will help you to avoid many of the pitfalls made by the majority of home-based business newcomers and help to fulfill your dream of building a successful and profitable home business.

Janice Sharman, enjoys helping independent thinkers fulfill their dream of making money online with their own profitable home business. If you can follow 3 easy steps, you can get your own custom website, autoresponder (email follow-up software) and pre-written email marketing campaign professionally designed and installed and ready to pull in profits for you in 24 hours or less! See details at: http://www.profits4sure.com/3-steps.html

The Marketing World Is Changing! by Jessica Swanson

In the last five years marketing has changed tremendously. With the onset of the internet and now social media sites, the marketing world has literally turned upside down.

Interestingly enough, marketers were not the ones to initiate these changes. The change was set into motion by consumers.

Consumers became tired of aggressive, directive and interruptional marketing tactics. They became tired of companies telling them what to buy and how to spend. Consumers wanted to take part in the buying decision.

Here are seven reasons why free marketing is literally taking over the world:

1. Traditional Marketing Is Losing Its Effectiveness. Research suggests that traditional marketing will be 1/3 as effective by 2010. That means TV commercials, radio ads, newspaper ads and other "traditional' types of advertsing don't work as well as they did several years ago.

2. Marketing Is Now Interactive. Traditional advertising is not interactive. However, consumers are now interested in communication and interaction with the companies that they do business with.

3. Marketing Is Based On Relationships. In order to be effective, you must develop relationships with your customers before you do business. That's right...relationships first, business second!

4. Marketing Is Informational. Your customers are interested in learning about you and your company. You need to supply them with valuable resources and information to help them trust you and want to do business with you.

5. Marketing Is Not Just For "The Expert" Anymore. Traditional marketing was so expensive and complicated that you needed specific training in order to launch an effective marketing campaign. Now, anyone can break into the world of marketing. Although there is still a learning curve, it isn't nearly as steep as it used to be.

6. Free Marketing Allows You To Establish Yourself As The Expert. There is no better platform than free marketing to establish your knowledge and expertise. Even better, there are hundreds of places to tap into that will automatically establish this presence for you!

7. Grow Your Business Without Spending A Dime. Gone are the days of spending hundreds and thousands of dollars marketing your business. You now can be just as effective, if not more effective, without spending a single penny. What could be better than that?

Change is in the air! Marketers are now able to effectively and efficiently grow their small businesses on a shoestring budget. And, what is better than FREE in today's economy?