Relevance of business books

Does anyone read books any more?

This is a question I am sometimes asked and my response is ‘Yes, if they are well-written and share knowledge that helps people solve specific challenges they are facing.’

And, business people are reading business books on a range of different platforms some, like me, still buy printed books (and proceed to tag them with Post-it notes), others download eBooks.

Whatever way you consume business books, they remain as relevant now as ever.

Another factor is that with the developing sophistication of self-publishing there are more books on specific topics available than ever before. Gone are the days when business books were published by a handful of mainstream publishers, universities and business schools.

Business leaders and those with specific, practical experience and knowledge can and now do write and publish their own books and many utilise their influence, networks and leverage to market their book.

So, just why are business books relevant and is writing and publishing your own something you should consider?

1. Credibility

A printed book still commands significant credibility. Over 81% of business people say they want to write a book but less than 1% do. It takes purpose, commitment, knowledge and insight to share your knowledge. It’s also more important now that you are a practicioner…you’ve done what you’re writing about and sharing. You’re authentic because you’ve lived it.

2. Relevance

Writing and publishing a book on your area of expertise is an effective way to develop or retain relevance in your sector. The process of writing a business book actually requires you to organise your thoughts, knowledge and insights into a cohesive, clear and concise overview. Having done this, you are then able to share this with the world in a way that’s interesting and relevant to your industry, customers and clients.

With so much emotion being shared as facts, writing and publishing a book ensures you’ll have relevance in your space and perhaps even beyond it.

3. Recognition

A well-written, quality book is an exceptional tool to help build or propel your profile. It gives commentators, journalists, influencers, the media and peers a reason to engage with you and for you to share your knowledge. It will deliver a level of recognition that cannot be achieved through a Blog post or PodCast alone.

4. Adaptability

Writing and publishing a printed book is a significant achievement, however, it’s not the only place where your words can live. Social media platforms, your own Blog, website, PodCast, online magazine and more, are all avenues where you can repurpose the content in your book with minimal effort and significant outcomes.

It also provides you with the opportunity to share your knowledge to a range of different audiences both online and in person. A business book is the ultimate door-opener, basis for a presentation to a small group right through to a large conference. It can be used as a ‘thank you’, ‘hello, this is me.’

And, you have other possibilities with an eBook version.

5. Connectivity

I’ve recently read Kevin Kelly’s book The Inevitable.

Actually, I am re-reading it, especially the chapter titled Screening. This is all about the way books will morph into highly connected knowledge sources – think of a Wikipedia page and then every page of a book, thousands of connection links to thousands more subjects, books and information.

A printed book will be the fixed, moment in time version, while the eBook (not now but in the near future) will become part of a world-wide interconnected library, accessible on someone’s phone forever. Your book will then become part of a world-wide repository of knowledge in your specific area.

Quality matters

Of course, all of the above only happens if you’ve written a high-quality book that genuinely provides knowledge and insight into the specific area you are operating in. The quality also extends to the internal layout and design and the quality of the printing.

You need the whole package to make your business book the best it can be, but most importantly what you write has to be relevant, provide unique insights and share real knowledge.

If you’re ready to start on your business book journey connect with me here.