Podcast | Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal

Podcast | Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal

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Podcast | Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal episodes

  • #065 – Melissa Davies, Author of How Not to Act Like a Bleep at Work

    Melissa Davies, an internationally respected coach, trainer, and project facilitator, consistently delivers a deep level of cultural team training, leadership skills and professional development to all her clients.

    She believes in a hands-on approach guided by principals in effective communication and personal development, to build a level of trust and understanding for diverse communication styles and leadership needs.

    Ms. Davies has traveled extensively with clients throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East while her personal travels have taken her to other unique locations such as South Africa, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malta, and Nepal.

    Through her international leadership consulting and training, Ms. Davies has developed innovative professional development and training programs. Her key emphasis in leadership skills and effective communication successfully align management teams and company sectors to generate collaborative systemic solutions.

    Tips:

    • I’m a visual learner. I used a Mind Map on a big piece of butcher paper to outline my book. Then I used sticky notes to show my stories and chapters. This is very effective for me as it lets me move the notes around and appeals to my tactile side.
    • I thought about writing my book for four years. I wrote it in nine months.
    • I wrote a business parable so readers could see themselves in the context of the story. I wanted to show the character’s growth over time.
    • I wrote the story with three possible endings or ‘doors.’ The audiences in my training sessions are assigned one of these doors as part of a capstone activity; together they write the ending.
    • I wanted to hire a ghostwriter, but the person I chose refused and said the book should be in my voice. She helped me with the timeline and the themes. I had the stories that would fit into the themes.
    • I use the book in my training classes. The book is part of the course materials, which the client pays for.
    • There’s a big difference in terms of credibility between a 30-page PDF and a real book.

      • Book: How Not to Act Like a Bleep at Work (Paperback)
      Website: Wise Ways Consulting

      The post #065 – Melissa Davies, Author of How Not to Act Like a Bleep at Work first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

      21 min
    • #064 – Todd Cherches, Author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life

      Todd Cherches is the CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball LLC, an innovative New York City-based management and leadership consulting, training, and executive coaching firm. BigBlueGumball’s patented VisuaLeadership® methodology leverages the power of visual thinking and visual communication to equip, enable, and empower business professionals of all levels—from individual contributors to senior executives—to maximize their performance, their productivity, and their potential.

      Drawing on his unique and diverse background (which features many years of experience in the media and entertainment industries with such leading companies as Ogilvy & Mather, Disney, and CBS), Todd is known for his innovative approach to management training, leadership development, presentation skills, and executive coaching which leverages the power of visual thinking and visual communication.

      Todd is a three-time award winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU, a Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University, a TEDx speaker, and the author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster, May 2020).

      Tips:

      • In any language, we all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. Even Napoleon said (in French), “A good sketch is better than a great speech.”
      • The best presenters use images instead of text, and stories instead of statistics.
      • Any communication needs to begin with thinking about: Who’s my audience? and What’s my purpose? From there, you need to customize your metaphors, examples, and stories to make them relevant to your audience and to address their two “thought bubble questions”: What’s In it For Me? and Why Should I Care?
      • When it comes to communicating ideas by drawing, have we lost our ability…or our confidence? You don’t need to be a graphic artist to communicate visually. If you can draw a circle, a square, or a triangle – or if you can play a game of Pictionary or Charades – you have the capability to overcome “ICD” (“I Can’t Draw”) syndrome, and more confidently illustrate your ideas.
      • The foundation of any communication is getting others to “see” what you’re saying. Communicating visually – whether through the use of visual imagery, mental models, metaphor, or storytelling – will enable you to more effectively get an idea from your “mind’s eye” and into the head of another.
      • The rainbow-colored eye on the book jacket is meant to visually represent both diversity of thought and creativity. And the concept of “Flipping the Eye” reminds us to look inwardly at ourselves so as to reflect on who we are as leaders, as well as encouraging us to view the world from the lens of those whose perspectives are different from ours.
      • Even though all book launch events, keynotes, and workshops were canceled due to the pandemic, as it turned out – between social media and Zoom, and podcasts and webinars – you might be able to reach more eyes and ears globally to promote a book than you ever would have been able to in person.
      • To get endorsements, reviews, and promotional support from top thought leaders, the time to develop relationships with them is sooner rather than later…without any expectation of return. If you are genuine and generous in supporting and promoting the work of others, then when you do eventually need a favor, those people who already know who you are far more likely to be willing to return the favor.

        • Book: VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life (Amazon Hardcover/Kindle/Audiobook)
        Website: Todd Cherches – VisuaLeadership®

        The post #064 – Todd Cherches, Author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

        27 min
      • #063 – Peter Montoya, Author of The Brand Called You: Make Your Business Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace

        Peter Montoya’s business acumen, inspirational journey, human behavioral insight, and decades of real-life experience have helped him to become one of the most sought-after speakers and coaches in the United States.

        He speaks thoughtfully and passionately about the need for transformational leadership development in today’s world, and truly believes that all people and organizations have a special role in perpetuating the survival of our species, our civilization, and our planet.

        Tips:

        • Having a co-author is like being in a marriage. You need to have open lines of communication.
        • When you have an issue with a co-author, don’t’ let it fester. Ask, “What can we do about this?” And then have a constructive conversation.
        • When you have a writing partner, you always feel like you are doing more work than they are! When the other person isn’t doing what they promised to do, you have to hold them accountable and find ways to make sure that won’t happen again.
        • The best anti-procrastination cure I’ve found is to schedule your writing time in your appointment book for two hours. During that time, you can’t do anything else but either write or stare at the screen. I guarantee you will start to write.
        • Personal brands are more attractive than corporate brands. We want to see people succeed.
        • I plan to make my book a Wall Street Journal best seller by offering my book for 99 cents to my 1.2 million followers on Facebook. You need about 10,000 orders to make the list.
        • I am constantly nurturing my Facebook followers by posting and engaging with them. I definitely have relationships with them.
        • To market my new book, I will trade my services for books sales. In other words, I’ll ask a company to buy 10,000 copies of my book instead of paying my speaking fee.

          • Book: The Brand Called You: Make Your Business Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace (Amazon Paperback/Kindle)
          Website: Peter Montoya – Leadership Development, Keynote Speaker & Best-Selling Author

          The post #063 – Peter Montoya, Author of The Brand Called You: Make Your Business Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

          17 min
        • #062 – Carolyn Strauss, Author of The Code: A Man’s Rules for Living Life, Having Fun, and Getting Dressed

          Carolyn Strauss has studied and worked with some of the foremost experts in the world on gender communication, transacting in the marketplace, and voice dialogue.

          Through years of continuous practice, study, and learning, Carolyn brings unmatched expertise to serve her clients.

          Her passion to create workplaces that support team members, the executive suite and the goals of the business is evident, and she communicates her hard earned knowledge to each of her clients with a keen sense of humor and an engaging delivery.

          Tips:

          • I am a great starter and a great finisher. I needed to find a co-author who was a great middler.
          • Working with a co-author gives you a sense of accountability. You know who does what and when.
          • It’s important to have an audio book because executives like to listen when they drive. It’s an amazing way to learn things.
          • Have a clear vision of what you and your co-author are creating together. Create an outline that shows who needs to do research.
          • Find comparable books you want to model your book on – format, size, length, how many chapters, what works and what would make the reader want to continue reading.
          • Find a co-author you know, like, and trust.
          • Find a co-author who is different than you. I find the funny side of things. I needed to find someone who could give it weight.

            • Book: The Code: A Man’s Rules for Living Life, Having Fun, and Getting Dressed (Amazon Paperback)
            Website: Carolyn Strauss – Top Speaker on Sales, Persuasion, and Execution

            The post #062 – Carolyn Strauss, Author of The Code: A Man’s Rules for Living Life, Having Fun, and Getting Dressed first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

            20 min
          • #061 – Bonnie Budzowski, Author of Does My Business Need a Book?

            Bonnie Budzowski, principal of Gravitas Press, works with entrepreneurs, consultants, business owners, and executives who want to write a book to establish themselves as thought leaders.

            As a coach, Bonnie helps clients create a strategy to develop a book that will serve as a powerful marketing tool.

            As a project manager and publisher, she leads a team to manage the details of getting the book completed and out into the world, enabling the author to focus on serving his or her clients.

            For well over a decade, Bonnie has partnered with diverse clients to achieve their dreams of becoming an author. Some of their success stories are detailed in Bonnie’s book, Does Your Business Need a Book: Six Reasons the Answer Is a Resounding, Yes.

            Tips:

            • A thought leadership book has new or engaging content. It adds a contribution to the conversation.
            • What is your definition of success for the book?
            • Thought leadership books today tend to be between 30-60,000 words or 150-300 pages.
            • The biggest mistake I see is when people write books from their own perspective instead of from the reader’s perspective.
            • The best authors look at their audiences and say, “How can I solve that problem?”
            • To find the sweet spot for your book, forget what you know and figure out will your target audience pay to know?
            • Stop thinking about writing a book. Start thinking in terms of chunks you can write and string together.

              • Book: Does My Business Need a Book? (Amazon Paperback)
              Website: Gravitas Press

              The post #061 – Bonnie Budzowski, Author of Does My Business Need a Book? first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

              20 min
            • #060 – Nina Durfee, Author of Say It Simply: 8 Easy Steps to Turn Readers into Clients

              For more than 20 years, Nina Durfee has assisted lawyers and judges with her instinctive editorial eye, drafting, editing, and proofreading legal documents and correspondence, knowing full well that a misplaced comma can change the meaning from innocence to guilt.

              She has authored multiple books, and her work has been showcased in a variety of publications, including Writers’ Journal.

              Tips:

              • Know what your main point is.
              • Be clear. Concise. Compelling.
              • Focus on the WHAT, not the HOW.
              • When I go to networking meetings, I hold up my book when I introduce myself. That leads to new business and requests to speak.
              • I didn’t write my book to get on the New York Times bestseller list. I use the book as a do-it-yourself guide so people can write a book and then hire me to be their editor.
              • The biggest mistake I see: People over explain or say the same things over and over.

                • Book: Say It Simply: 8 Easy Steps to Turn Readers into Clients (Amazon Paperback/Kindle)
                Website: Say It Simply

                The post #060 – Nina Durfee, Author of Say It Simply: 8 Easy Steps to Turn Readers into Clients first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

                19 min
              • #059 – Dr. Gail Hayes, Author of The Power of a Woman Who Leads

                When looking for an internationally recognized Executive Leadership Coach, communicator, and award-winning author who ignites the atmosphere with contagious enthusiasm and a passion for purpose, you have but to look directly at Dr. Gail Hayes.

                She has unique ability to help her clients “untangle” challenging communication lines and see solutions.

                Although she has lived and spoken on three continents, she is quick to let others know that her favorite place on earth is wherever she and her children (who are also her business partners) can laugh, love, and serve others.

                Tips:

                • My formula for writing a book is: Identify a problem, Purpose (what’s behind this?), and Destiny (what needs to be done?).
                • A book is a key to open the door.
                • People love to hear from experts.
                • Coaches should self-publish to have more control over your work. If readers give you an insight to your book, you can change it quickly.
                • I put my book in people’s hands. I ask them for their feedback.
                • People read my books and pass them along because I include a test. 12 questions to identify their leadership style. They see their style and want to find other people’s styles.
                • I write non-fiction that reads like fiction with stories that are related to their own lives. People see themselves in these stories.

                  • Book: The Power of a Woman Who Leads (Amazon Paperback/Kindle)
                  Website: Handle Your Business Girl

                  The post #059 – Dr. Gail Hayes, Author of The Power of a Woman Who Leads first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

                  21 min
                • #058 – Milo Shapiro, Author of Public Speaking: Get A’s, Not Zzzzzz’s!

                  Milo Shapiro has been coaching and running corporate classes in public speaking skills since 2004. He meets San Diego clients both in person and remotely (ie: Zoom).

                  His interactive programs use improvisation games, story sharing, and even “Simon Says” to wake up the house and make an impact through his uplifting blend of play and information.

                  Milo’s program on improving our personal relationship with risk and failure has been called “a wake-up call for America” that leads us in seeing and changing how we limit ourselves when we attempt to be perfect.

                  Attendees recall lessons better when learned through fun like this; they’ll leave eager to return for more.

                  Tips:

                  • You can tell only so many stories in your keynotes. I thought I should write a book that included my many others stories that also had life lessons. We can learn and grow from a story.
                  • If you want people to take you seriously, being a published author gives you credibility that can lead to speaking, coaching, and job offers as well as pre-convincing the people you do speak to that you have expertise.
                  • I found other books on my topic were boring! I wanted to make mine fun and interesting. Be playful. Using humor makes a difference.
                  • I first created a list of all the chapter topics that I wanted that would be interesting and fun. Then I created a Top Ten points list to go with each chapter heading. Then I went back and wrote about each of those points in detail.
                  • I self published my book because I knew my sales would mostly be from my speaking engagements in back of the room sales. Plus I wanted the book faster than I’d likely find a conventional publisher.
                  • People heard my speech and asked, “Is it appropriate for teens?” That inspired my next book especially for teens.
                  • I had teens to proofread my book to see if they understood all of my references and changed ones that they didn’t understand or relate to.

                    • Book: Public Speaking: Get A’s, Not Zzzzzz’s! (Multiple Retailers)
                    Website: Improventures and Public Dynamics

                    The post #058 – Milo Shapiro, Author of Public Speaking: Get A’s, Not Zzzzzz’s! first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

                    21 min
                  • #057 – Tamara S. Raymond, Author of Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career

                    Tamara S. Raymond is a certified leadership development and career coach/strategist committed to professional, career and leadership development for adults and emerging leaders; as well as guidance for teens in determining their career paths.

                    Tamara’s 15-year professional tenure has featured leadership, career and executive coaching; corporate management consulting; serving as an HR subject-matter-expert and organizational change leader; educational speaking; and authoring Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career (Morgan James Publishing, New York, NY, November 2017).

                    Tips:

                    • I wanted to make a difference for young people. The book helps me make an impact.
                    • I wanted to write about the things I wish I had known or if only someone had told me.
                    • I hate writing. I spoke my book. I recorded my ideas and thoughts. It helps me stay in the creative space without worrying about punctuation and grammar.
                    • I made sure I had a recording device easily accessible so I could record my ideas and add information later.
                    • My advice is, “Do not do the journey alone. Get an editor.”
                    • Be sure to look at the amount of energy and effort the publisher will put into your book.
                    • The key is to just get started.

                      • Book: Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career (Amazon Paperback/Kindle/Audiobook)
                      Website: Innovative Management Consulting

                      The post #057 – Tamara S. Raymond, Author of Careering: The Pocket Guide to Exploring Your Future Career first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

                      19 min
                    • #056 – Lisa Levy, Author of Future Proofing Cubed

                      Lisa Levy is the Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting.

                      Lcubed elevates organizations in adapting and transforming quickly for achieving their strategic goals. Lcubed clients include American Express, Honor Health, Freedom Financial Network and The Salt River Project and range from enterprise-level to medium sized organizations.

                      A nationally recognized authority on organizational change management, Lisa has contributed as a guest expert on numerous media outlets including NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX. Lisa is the soon-to-be author of the upcoming book, “Future-Proofing Cubed: The Definitive Guide to Improving Productivity, Refining Process and Bolstering Profitability in Today’s Disruptive Business Environment” and a frequent speaker at conferences for business executives across the country.

                      A resident of Phoenix, Arizona, Lisa is an avid technology enthusiast and Porsche performance sports car driver who sits on the NAU College of Business Information Systems Advisory Council and enjoys spending time with her family and hound dogs – Danny and Ottoman.

                      Tips:

                      • I reached out to strangers on LinkedIn. I asked to hear their stories. People were generous with their time. 90% of the people gave me 30 minutes to tell their stories.
                      • I didn’t write a single word. I talked my book. I hired a transcriber and edited and edited and edited. I asked “How can I make this more readable?”
                      • I started recording my presentations and facilitations. That became the framework for my book.
                      • The foundation of the book is best practices.
                      • It started reading like a textbook. No one wants to read a textbook. I made it more readable by adding my personal experiences – successes and failure – and stories from experts.

                        • Book: Future Proofing Cubed (Amazon Paperback/Kindle)
                        Website: Lcubed Consulting

                        The post #056 – Lisa Levy, Author of Future Proofing Cubed first appeared on Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal.

                        20 min

                      About Podcast | Write Your Book in a Flash Podcast with Dan Janal

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                      Discover how successful people just like you have grown their businesses and made more money by writing books.