5 Ways to Transition from Author to Business Owner

I started out with my first book in 2016, Twenty Pearls of Wisdom, and I've grown into a multi six figure business and brand. By the end of 2018, I took one book, evolved my book into a business, and made $123,000 primarily using Instagram and Facebook, while working my 9-5 job. In this blog, I’m going to share with you five ways that I evolved from author to business owner.

#1. I studied marketing.

I implemented marketing strategies such as building my email list. I stopped creating graphics on my phone and learned how to use Canva. When my business could afford it, I eventually invested in professional graphic design services.

I also started building my email list as well as getting footage. Anytime I did anything (attended an event, spoke at an event, etc. I recorded myself and I shared it. Anytime I sold a book, I took a picture with the person who purchased my book, posted the photo of us together, and tagged them in the picture. Whenever I spoke at an event, I would film myself speaking (use this tripod from Amazon) and I would put clips of me speaking online Those grassroots efforts helped to create a build momentum for my business and brand.

I also purchased and read books on Marketing (Dan Kennedy is one of my favorites to read).

Marketing is the lifeblood of your business. You don't want to just simply rely on selling books one at a time. You want to learn how to market and how to build your brand.

#2: I became clear on my messaging.

What is it that you do? This is the first thing you should be able to clarify and explain in under 30 seconds without stumbling.

What principles do you stand on? Why do you do what you do? Who do you help? How do you help them? What type of transformation do you help people to get? Why? Why should someone purchase your book instead of someone else's? Why should someone spend their hard our money, you know, purchasing your products and your services.

Once I became clear on my messaging and connected everything into my core purpose and principles, I was able to establish myself as an expert in my field.

#3. I started creating products and services at higher prices.

You have to understand that when you have financial goals that you want to reach, your pricing needs to align with the goals that you say you want to reach. In order to offer high ticketed items with confidence, you must be clear on the value of your offer and the transformation that you provide to your clients.

#4.  I didn't quit. And I had to change my mindset.

Consistency is the key to the breakthrough. There were plenty of times I wanted to quit, plenty of times I didn’t know what to do, but you know what? I kept doing it anyway. I had to change my mindset from wanting overnight success to realizing that anything substantial was going to take time, and I had to “sit in the pocket”, take each moment day by day, and I had to understand that it was simply going to take time and that I had to be patient with the process.

Too many entrepreneurs want overnight success. Sorry, it’s not going to happen. If it does, chances are high that your moment will be short-lived (think about the guy who had his “moment” a few years ago from the viral “Patti Pie” video. He had celebrities imitating him and Wal-Marts all over the U.S. sold out of these pies. Yet, we don’t hear about him anymore).

Determine if you want a side hustle or a business. A business is going to take time to build. Period.

#5. I invested in coaching.

I knew that once I got to a certain point, I couldn't do it alone because I knew that my knowledge of business was limited. So, I invested in business and marketing coaching. I purchased and read books that could teach me what I didn't know. I see too many authors who publish their book, do a few events, and they remain in that space.

I knew I wanted to grow and scale, so I chose coaches who provided what I needed at the time, and they were not cheap.  I also invested in books, courses, seminars, and masterminds. You’re not going to learn how to make money for free. It will often take some form of mentorship, investment, and sacrifice.

It’s extremely important for you to know that you can literally use your book to grow your empire, but you have to be strategic and committed to the process. Don’t play yourself short. You can do it!!!

If you’d like to learn more about how to use your book to build a business, schedule your complimentary discovery call with Jasmine at workwithjasmine.com/apply .

**This blog contains Amazon affiliate links where Jasmine will receive an affiliate fee from your purchase of these items.