Podcast Summary: The Entrepreneur DNA – Episode 53: How to Write a Book That Will Transform Your Brand and Business | Chandler Bolt

Release Date: January 6, 2025

In Episode 53 of The Entrepreneur DNA, host Justin Colby engages in a transformative conversation with Chandler Bolt, the founder and CEO of Self Publishing.com. This episode delves deep into the strategic advantages of authoring a book for entrepreneurs and business professionals, offering actionable insights on how to leverage publishing to elevate one's brand and business.

Introduction to Chandler Bolt and Self Publishing.com

Justin kicks off the episode by introducing Chandler Bolt, highlighting his expertise in guiding over 8,000 individuals across nearly 100 countries to become bestselling authors. Chandler emphasizes the shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing, stating:

“We exist because the traditional publishing model is broken... People are seeking a better way.”
[04:33] Chandler Bolt

Chandler shares his personal success story, having published seven books himself and thousands more through Self Publishing.com, ultimately building a thriving business that has generated approximately $70 million over the past decade.

The Power of Writing a Book for Entrepreneurs

The conversation pivots to the significance of writing a book as an entrepreneur. Chandler underscores that while 81% of people dream of writing a book, less than 1% actually do, making authors part of an elite group.

“A book is the ultimate leverage, right? Because you do work once you create this book and then this book goes on to impact thousands, tens of thousands, millions of people.”
[02:07] Chandler Bolt

He elaborates on how a book can serve multiple functions: attracting customers, training employees, onboarding clients, and acting as a silent salesperson that continuously generates leads and referrals.

Who Should Publish a Book?

Justin and Chandler discuss the ideal candidates for authoring a book, primarily focusing on business owners and entrepreneurs who aim to scale their operations from one-on-one interactions to one-to-many engagements. However, they also acknowledge that individuals outside traditional business roles—such as coaches, motivational speakers, and even fiction writers—can significantly benefit from publishing.

“We help tons of non-business owners write and publish books... But I figure for most people listening to this, it's... how do I scale?”
[07:32] Chandler Bolt

The Self-Publishing Process: Eight Milestones

Chandler introduces the structured approach Self Publishing.com employs, breaking down the process into eight key milestones:

1. Mind Mapping
2. Outlining
3. Rough Drafting
4. Editing
5. Cover Design
6. Formatting
7. Launching
8. Strategic Integration into Business

He emphasizes the importance of starting with a mind map to organize ideas and illustrates how a robust outline leads to a more efficient writing process.

“There are eight milestones... the first four are what I call the more writing method.”
[12:49] Chandler Bolt

Leveraging the Book for Business Growth

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on utilizing the authored book to drive business success. Chandler outlines three primary strategies:

1. Generating Leads: Offering the book for free to attract potential clients.
2. Increasing Sales: Incorporating the book into the sales funnel to boost conversions.
3. Boosting Referrals: Distributing copies to past customers to encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

Chandler shares a compelling example where a client generated significant revenue by sending copies of their book to previous customers, accompanied by personalized notes, thereby enhancing relationship-building and referral rates.

“This book's out there selling for us all day, every day... it's bringing back leads, sales, and referrals.”
[19:08] Chandler Bolt

Building Brand Credibility and Authority

Justin and Chandler discuss how authoring a book solidifies an individual’s brand, establishing them as authorities in their field. They cite prominent examples like Russell Brunson and Grant Cardone, who leveraged their publications to catapult their personal and business brands to new heights.

“A book is one of the best ways to build a brand. If you think about... it's a step in that ascension path that adds massive value.”
[24:25] Chandler Bolt

Chandler points out that a book creates an intimate connection with readers, positioning the author as a trusted expert, which in turn facilitates easier sales processes and increased business opportunities.

Overcoming Barriers to Writing a Book

The duo addresses common obstacles entrepreneurs face when considering writing a book, such as time constraints, imposter syndrome, and the perceived complexity of the publishing process. Chandler reassures listeners that self-publishing has become more accessible, with platforms like Amazon democratizing book distribution.

“You can't get published if you don't get started. The opportunity cost is tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars... by not publishing a book.”
[44:28] Chandler Bolt

He encourages taking the first step by engaging in mind mapping and attending the upcoming masterclass, emphasizing that the real investment lies in the long-term benefits overshadowing the initial time and financial commitments.

Upcoming Masterclass and Additional Resources

Both hosts promote an upcoming free masterclass scheduled for January 15th, designed to guide participants through the book-writing and publishing journey. This session promises live Q&A, additional training, and a free copy of Chandler’s latest book, providing a comprehensive start for aspiring authors.

“Visit self publishing.com forward/DNA to register for a free one hour masterclass... gonna gain actionable tools to write, publish and share your book with the world.”
[09:41] Chandler Bolt

Conclusion: Embracing the Authorial Journey

In closing, Justin shares his personal journey of publishing a book, contrasting his initial lackluster experience with his recent success, which saw his book become a number one bestseller on Amazon within 24 hours. This transformation underscores the efficacy of Self Publishing.com's methodologies and serves as a testament to the potential impact of authoring a book.

“It's drastic difference in the two, but it's still encouraging for you to understand you can still write a book and get the thing going.”
[38:52] Justin Colby

Chandler reinforces the message by highlighting the tangible business growth that can result from strategic book publishing, urging listeners to seize the opportunity and invest in their entrepreneurial future through authorship.

“Self publishing as entrepreneurial publishing. You're betting on yourself.”
[37:05] Chandler Bolt

Key Takeaways

• Authorship as Leverage: Writing a book amplifies an entrepreneur’s reach, authority, and business opportunities.
• Structured Process: Following a clear, step-by-step publishing framework enhances efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strategic Integration: Leveraging the book within business operations maximizes lead generation, sales conversions, and referrals.
• Brand Building: A published book solidifies personal and business brands, establishing credibility and trust.
• Overcoming Barriers: Accessible self-publishing platforms and expert guidance make authoring feasible despite common challenges.
• Actionable Resources: Engaging in masterclasses and utilizing comprehensive support services can streamline the publishing journey.

Notable Quotes

• Chandler Bolt: “A book is the ultimate leverage, right? Because you do work once you create this book and then this book goes on to impact thousands, tens of thousands, millions of people.”
  [02:07]

• Chandler Bolt: “We exist because the traditional publishing model is broken... People are seeking a better way.”
  [04:33]

• Chandler Bolt: “You can't get published if you don't get started. The opportunity cost is tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars... by not publishing a book.”
  [44:28]

This episode serves as a compelling guide for entrepreneurs contemplating authorship, illustrating how writing a book can be a pivotal move in scaling their business, enhancing their brand, and establishing enduring authority in their respective fields.