Penning Success - 5 entrepreneurial lessons from being an author
Jolien Demeyer
Want to enable 1,000,000 companies to make smarter marketing decisions through data-driven insights, and help 1,000,000 female founders to achieve more in their life #JustDoIt #FemFuel
Lesson 14 of the FemFuel Fempreneurial Journey
Throughout my career, I've been privileged to encounter awe-inspiring stories of women who not only went big but also embodied a distinct entrepreneurial spirit.
These stories are not just tales of success; they are blueprints of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. This is the 14th lesson, Entrepreneurial Lessons From Being an Author
This week, I’m sharing a pivotal experience that intertwines the art of writing with the entrepreneurial journey. Writing a book has taught me invaluable lessons that apply directly to building and growing a business. Here are my five key lessons I’ve learned from being an author that can help you navigate your entrepreneurial path.
As you know, I wrote the book "Think Big Scale Fast!" It's all about scaling up a marketing company by focusing on the 4 Ss (after the famous 4 Ps of Kotler). These 4 Ss stand for:
And yes, there's an extra S = Smile: Having fun in everything you do. Doing things with passion is key.
Now, here are the five lessons I learned from being an author in my entrepreneurial (or fempreneurial) life.
Lesson 1: Print the Cover First ??
When you want to write a story, whether it’s about your life, your business, or any narrative you wish to share, the first step is to define what you want to write about. This is what the cover of your story represents.
Creating your cover helps you visualize the final product. It serves as a daily reminder of why you’re putting in so much effort. Hang it on your wall to stay motivated, especially on days when progress seems slow. In your entrepreneurial journey, visualize your end goal. Whether it’s launching a new product, reaching a sales milestone, or establishing your brand, create a visual representation of that goal. This will keep you motivated every day.
Lesson 2: Picture the Audience ??
Authors write for a specific group of readers, just as entrepreneurs build products for a specific group of users. When crafting each chapter of my book, I constantly thought about my readers—who they were, their interests, needs, and pain points.
Similarly, as an entrepreneur, you need a clear picture of your target audience. Define their demographics, interests, and pain points. This understanding guides your marketing strategies, product development, and customer interactions. Knowing your audience ensures your efforts are aligned with their needs and desires.
Lesson 3: Have the Next Chapter in Mind ???
Writing a book requires a clear roadmap. Knowing where the story is headed, the key events, and how it all ties together ensures a coherent narrative. Before starting, outlining the main content helps maintain a structured approach.
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In business, always have a plan. Know your starting point, critical milestones, and ultimate goal. For instance, if you’re launching a new product, map out each phase from development to marketing to sales. This roadmap will guide your efforts and keep you focused on your long-term vision.
Lesson 4: Inspiration Not There Today? Write Anyway! ??
There were days when inspiration eluded me, and writing felt like a chore. But consistency is key. Even writing a few paragraphs daily kept the momentum going.
As an entrepreneur, you will face days when motivation is low. Progress requires consistent effort. Set small, achievable daily goals. Whether it’s completing a few tasks, making calls, or brainstorming new ideas, ensure you do something every day. This consistent effort will accumulate over time, leading to significant progress.
Lesson 5: Think 25 Years Ahead ???
Once my book’s first draft was complete, I reviewed it to ensure it would stand the test of time. I removed any content too tied to the present day and added elements that would remain relevant.
In business, think long-term. Ask yourself, “What value will my product or service provide 25 years from now?” Focus on building something sustainable and timeless. For example, if you’re developing a tech product, ensure it’s adaptable to future advancements. This forward-thinking approach will help you build a lasting legacy.
So..
Writing a book and building a business are journeys filled with challenges and rewards. The lessons I learned from being an author have profoundly impacted my entrepreneurial path. By visualizing your goals, understanding your audience, planning your journey, maintaining consistency, and thinking long-term, you can navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence.
Keep pushing forward, aligning your efforts with your long-term visions, and ensuring every step you take is intentional and impactful.
Ready to keep creating and growing? Let’s do this together! ????
Comment your thoughts and experiences below! ??
This is a series of posts, each uncovering a lesson I learned from entrepreneurship
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CEO at JO Group, cluster of companies founded in 1998 with core businesses in digital transformation and EU project consulting.
2 个月Amazing ??
Design and Marketing Leader.
2 个月Impressive achievement! It’s fascinating how the creative processes like writing can provide such rich insights into business practices
Manager of Faithful Executive - Leader in Interim management
2 个月Congratulations on your book!
Sales Director | Head of Sales | B2B | Leadership | Coaching | Mentoring
2 个月Great insights, it has always been an ambition of mine to write a book.