BIO: Rick is an author of several books and performs one-man shows, bringing alive the stories in his books.

STORY: Rick spent $22,000 to produce his first audiobook and made just $500 in sales.

LEARNING: Accept that there’s most likely nobody who will buy your book. Figure out how to get your product to the market.

 

“The chances of you doing your memoir and anybody cares about it are almost zero.”Rick Gilbert

 

Guest profile

Rick Gilbert is the retired founder of PowerSpeaking, Inc, one of Silicon Valley’s most successful communication and training companies. Before founding PSI in 1985, Rick was a psychologist and held management positions at HP and Amdahl. Rick is an author of several books and performs One-Man shows, bringing alive the stories in his books. His latest book is an audiobook, Sharing Our Stories, featuring interviews with 65 people, including Gloria Steinem, Daniel Ellsberg, Chris Brubeck, Anna Eshoo, and Don Garlits.

Worst investment ever

It took Rick about a year and a half to put his audiobook together. Because he didn’t understand the technology of audiobooks, he hired people, including lots of editors, to help him with it. Rick ended up spending $22,000 on that book. Over six months, Rick sold 50 copies, only selling at $10 each. So for his $22,000 investment, he made 500 bucks.

Lessons learned

• If you still want to write your book, accept that there’s most likely nobody who will buy it.

Andrew’s takeaways

• You may have a great idea, but it remains a hobby, interest, and passion if you haven’t figured out a way to get it to the market. You’ve got to figure out how to get it to the market to sell that idea.
• Start bringing your product to the market now. Write a chapter, share it, see what happens, and you’ll grab the marketplace before you make the entire investment.

Actionable advice

Do your homework so that you’re aware of what you’re getting yourself into.

No.1 goal for the next 12 months

Rick’s goal for the next 12 months is to stop worrying about the future and live in the moment.

 

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Connect with Rick Gilbert

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Website
• Book

Andrew’s books

• How to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock Market
• My Worst Investment Ever
• 9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Transform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 Points

Andrew’s online programs

• Valuation Master Class
• How to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock Market
• Finance Made Ridiculously Simple
• Become a Great Presenter and Increase Your Influence
• Transform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 Points

Connect with Andrew Stotz:

• astotz.com
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube
• My Worst Investment Ever Podcast

Further reading mentioned

• Michael Gerber (October 1988), The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It.
• Eric Ries (September 2011), The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses.
• Adele M. Scheele (September 1996), Skills for Success.
• Ulysses S. Grant (October 2009), The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant.