Why a 6-Figure Author?

Trust me. It’s not about the money. Here’s what I mean…

I published my first book in 2004, The Journey Toward Relevance. The truth is, I didn’t know what I was doing. No one was mentoring me on the finer details of writing, publishing, or marketing. Naively, I thought I’d sell a million books and make a million dollars.

Why?

So I could do this writing thing as a full-time gig. Sure I loved being a pastor and serving in a church, but even back then I felt the pull between my day job and my dream job. Every once in a while I’d get a phone call or an email to go speak somewhere about my book. I’d literally have to tell the caller or sender, “Hold on. I’ll have to get back with you. I need to check with my boss.”

Then I’d bring up the request in my next weekly meeting with my Senior Pastor. He was a very generous leader, but rightfully so, I’d have to “sell” him on the idea. I’d explain why it was a good thing to leave my “job” for a couple days to go and talk to groups of people who needed to hear the message behind my book.

Sometimes he let me. Sometimes he didn’t. Sometimes I’d have to “sell” other people on the idea too like my director, other staff members, ministry leaders, elders, etc.

We feel imprisoned when we need permission to do our passion. (Tweet This)

I Needed Permission to do my Passion

When I didn’t get permission, I’d squeeze in a speaking gig here or there on the front end or back end of a vacation. In those days our vacations weren’t that glorious. It probably meant Kelly and I visiting her family in Michigan or my family in Wisconsin. Still, it always felt like speaking invitations were a stressful experience because I had to defend my rationale for wanting to take them.

And then there was the actual writing of the books.

I am a father of three kids. They are each two years apart. Imagine having a 5 yr. old, 3 yr. old, and 1 yr. old and trying to write as well. Since I was absolutely committed to be the best employee and father and husband, that meant writing a total of 4 books in the “margins” of life. These books were written at 12 am or 2 am or sometimes even 4 am, in between feeding the babies.

I’m not complaining.

I loved those moments of bonding with my son and daughters. And since I was up anyways, I thought rather then go back to bed I’d crank out a thousand words of the next book that loomed over my head. After all, my traditional publishers weren’t about to let me miss a deadline.

I Needed to Find a Better Way

Needless to say, the pressure of being a pastor, a daddy, a husband, a doctoral candidate, an author, and a speaker wore on me.

I tried to do it all…AND because I wasn’t a 6-Figure Author I needed to do it all.

Writing books was only a part-time job. It paid some bills, but it certainly didn’t pay ALL the bills. And because it didn’t, I needed to keep my day job. This reality created a growing internal tension.

I found a way to make it work, until the day they asked me to be the next Senior Pastor. Don’t get me wrong, I worked for an amazing church on so many levels. The people were unbelievable and the elders were extremely kind. I seriously considered being the next Senior Leader.

He was the catch. The church wanted to identify me as the next Senior Pastor and then begin a 10-year succession plan. As a young man in my mid 30’s I knew this wasn’t in the cards for me.

Although I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I knew I didn’t want to sit on the bench for 10 years while in the prime of my life. And so I got incredibly focused. I told myself, I’d find a way to become a 6-Figure Author more out of necessity than out of desire.

 Becoming a 6-Figure Author isn’t about the money; it’s about the freedom. 

If I wanted to do what I loved full-time then I needed to provide for my family. I knew this meant replacing my income so I could pay for health insurance, mortgage, school, vehicles, food, clothing and the money required to start a business.

How a 6-Figure Author?

It’s been 5 years since I left my day job. Looking back, I wish I had a map or even a model. But I didn’t. Prior to leaving the church I had a ton of fear and it all centered around not being able to pay the bills and provide for my family.

David Branderhorst, my business partner today, told me I was a like a bird in a cage. The door finally swung open and I sat in the cage staring at freedom, wondering if I really wanted it after all.

I finally found my wings and a way to become a 6-Figure Author right out of the gate. I made three critical mental shifts. I also turned my books into 18 streams of income. We did this with Your Secret Name, then The Deeper Path, Day Job to Dream Job, and even my last book, a fiction one called Elixir Project.

This model worked so well, I began sharing it with other authors who also became 6-Figure Authors too. Fast-forward five years and today we have a Global 7-Figure Business. We’re helping hundreds of other authors achieve their financial goals so that they can have the freedom to do their passion full-time too.

You have a choice

What about you? Are you an author? Are you an aspiring author? Have you bought into the myth that you need to be a starving artist? Or do you believe it’s possible to write full-time?

You have a choice and the choice you make will make you. In today’s podcast I share more on this topic. (Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)

I also invite you to join me in the FREE 6-Figure Author 5-Day Challenge. Here’s why…

Writing as a hobby or a part-time passion is a tough gig. I tried it for 8 years with my first 3 books. Then I discovered a system that helped me turn my passion into a full-time gig. I turned each of my next 4 books into 18 Streams of Income and 6-Figure Businesses. Join our FREE 6-Figure Author 5-Day Challenge facebook community and I’ll show you how.

You have a challenge

You can think about becoming a 6-Figure Author or you can take the first step toward becoming one. All it takes is one simple click. It’s FREE and it will connect you to a community, just like you.

Life change can happen in a moment. And when you prepare the for the moment, the moment is prepared for you.

Set Fire to your Business and Brand

==> 1. Feel the fire

In the beginning all we see is ourselves. We feel the heat from our own fiery trials. The majority stays here forever. But our breakthrough is just on the other side of awareness—when we realize the obstacle is the way.

==> 2. See the fire

Looking outward, we now see others in need. Their struggle feels strangely familiar. Our former pain will become their future cure. With courage and clarity we do deep work so we can create deep impact.

==> 3. Be the fire

By leveraging our hurts into a helpful framework, we open a new way and a new world. Through serving and storytelling, people embrace the solution and experience success. As we show up filled up, we set fire to our business and brand.

Does it work?

Do I want you to come too? Of course!

In fact, I believe if you don’t come you’ll waste years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t take my word for it though. Listen to the podcast  you’ll see what I mean.

• Learn cutting edge tips, tools, and tactics from industry-leading experts getting real-time results.
• Connect and collaborate with a global community of authors, speakers, coaches, and entrepreneurs committed to your success.
• Discover the clarity and courage you crave to craft an action-oriented plan that achieves your ultimate dream.

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”
—Ferdinand Foch

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)

We don’t get what we want, we get who we are.

If we want to attract excellent clients then we must strive for excellence ourselves. After all, we can’t lead others where we haven’t led ourselves.

In this episode I share how attracting excellent clients comes down to one word: GIVE.

G = Generosity
I = Initiative
V = Victor
E = Enthusiasm

Enjoy your gift for a limited time. 

In the second half of this episode I also give a gift, as much as I am legally allowed to give away. Just listen and you’ll see what I mean.

———–

To download the entire gift for FREE use this link:
https://bit.ly/2gBpQIE

And then select the Elixir Project Audiobook:
https://amzn.to/2gDHIlX

OR if you’re already an audible member, for a limited time the complete audiobook is $1.99 here:
https://adbl.co/2mtylYx

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher)

It’s been said that you should be choosier about picking a business partner than even picking a spouse. While I don’t necessarily agree with that I do know that business partnerships often begin on a napkin at a restaurant and end with a judge in a courtroom.

Choosing the right business partner is incredibly important. It can sink your future or solidify your present. In today’s episode I share how to pick an UNHACKABLE business partner.

U = Unique
N = Noble
H = Happy
A = Adept
C = Collaborative
K = Keen
A = Achiever
B = Believable
L = Learner
E = Electric

For additional content have you and your current or future business partner take the FREE Unhackability Assessment.

Or watch the FREE Unhackability webinar.

https://elixirprojectexperience.com

Although they literally fill stadiums today, in 2011 Twenty-One Pilots traveled to their first show outside their city. Guess how many people came to this unimpressive basement to hear them perform? Twelve people!

If you watch the clip from that show (see above), you’ll realize that Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun didn’t hold back. In fact, when playing in front of 12,000 people they embodied the same enthusiasm. And at the Grammy’s—the television season’s most-watched entertainment telecast—in front of more than 20 million viewers on February 12^th, 2017 they embodied the same enthusiasm. (By the way, they WON!)

The Secret is Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm isn’t a result of being on a bigger stage. Enthusiasm is what gets you on a bigger stage. Enthusiasm is the cause and not the effect. It’s the root, not the result. If you can’t get excited in front of 12 people then 12 thousand or 12 million aren’t going to do it for you either.

Enthusiasm literally means “God within” or “possessed by God.” It’s a rare quality today because it takes perseverance, stamina, and discipline.

Too many artists, authors, leaders, and entrepreneurs get “hacked” when their outward circumstances don’t match their internal vision. They throw in the towel or give up. They settle for being unenthusiastic. Success doesn’t mean not ever failing. Success means not ever quitting, even when you only have 12 people at your gig.

I used the word hacked for a reason. Just like phones and computers get hacked, people get hacked too.
Here’s what I mean.

Ever have an amazing idea?
If you’re like most people then you started out excited, ready to implement that idea.
But then something happened. Chances are you and your dream got sidelined somewhere along the way.

Maybe you just got distracted or lost focus?
If you’ve experienced this, then you’re not alone.

And unless you find a solution then you’re destined to repeat the same pattern.
You’ll stay stuck and frustrated. You’ll lose enthusiasm and get hacked. 

Are you getting hacked? Take the FREE Unhackability Assessment below.

“I’m going to build my platform before I become an author.”
“Just like all those other big-time authors, I need a bigger following first.”
“I don’t have enough fans to publish now.”

These statements might sound wise or even prudent, right?
And you might have said them or heard other people say them.
But these aren’t justifications for delaying your dream of becoming an author.

It’s time to label them for what they truly are.

EXCUSES!

Stop comparing. Start creating. 
We need you and your message.

As an author of 7 books—spanning the past 13 years—and as a coach to over 300 authors I’ve gotten pretty good at smelling fear. The truth is I used to believe these same lies. When I first started, before I saw my writing dreams come true, I was scared and stuck. I didn’t know whom to trust or what to believe.

An author named Max took a couple hours and invested in me way back in 1998. He helped me believe that I could one day become an author.

Seems like many aspiring authors can relate to feeling stuck. They cling to the soundbites above so they can rationalize their tendency to procrastinate. Besides, they’ve heard that unless you have a big platform they don’t have a chance in the marketplace. Focusing on getting a bigger platform gives them the illusion that they’re being productive.

The truth is it’s a delightful distraction that keeps you from making your dream come true. 

In this post we’ll separate fact from fiction. We’ll unpack the real issues one at a time. Then you can decide for yourself if you need a bigger following before you write your book.

What is a platform?

While platform is a buzzword that strikes fear into would-be authors, the truth is many people toss around the word without having an accurate definition.

Platform is the ability for you and your message to be seen and heard. 

In the old days, people would stand on “soapboxes” and communicate their message. These raised platforms were often wooden crates originally used for shipment of soap or other dry goods from a manufacturer to a retail store. “Soapboxes” functioned as inexpensive and portable temporary platforms for street corner speakers attempting to be seen and heard at improvised outdoor meetings. Today our platforms are more sophisticated.

How big should your platform be?

I get this questions all the time.

Hey Kary, I don’t have a big platform. I don’t have a big following. Should I still write a book or should I focus on building my platform first?

The answer is start NOW…wherever you are!

You’ll be building your platform for the rest of your life. It’s true for everybody. Look at the biggest celebrities. Did you know the Pope has a twitter account? And Oprah Winfrey and her team are trying to increase her reach every single day. She is focused on getting more listeners, viewers, and touching more people around the world. Why? Because there are more people around the world who do not know about her.

The Pope and Oprah are still focused on building their platforms. Therefore, you and I will be building ours for quite a while too.

If you wait until your platform is “big enough” or until you have “enough followers” before you publish then you will be waiting for the rest of your life. It’s just another excuse.

How do I know this?

Because way back when in 2004, when I published my first book, I didn’t have a platform. But I wrote it anyway. And then guess what happened?

I gained readers. Then I wrote another book and got more readers and more media gigs. And then a few years later, I published again and then again. The point is I got started.

You have a dream inside you for a reason. Don’t let your story die inside you. If you do you’ll regret it. I meet people all the time who are full of regrets.

3 Ways to get a Bigger Platform

Don’t think I’m against platforms. They certainly help you spread your message by getting you seen and heard. But from the beginning, my strategy has always been both/and NOT either/or.

The most successful authors do BOTH. They write their books AND increase their platforms.

Also, don’t think getting a bigger platform is a one size fits all. There are 3 ways to get a bigger platform. Intuitive authors know this and use it to their advantage.

1. You can BUY a Platform

Investing money to increase your platform is usually classified as Interruption Marketing. According to Seth Godin, interruption marketing is communicating messages that interrupt customers while they are doing something of their preference.

Examples include advertisements on television, radio, or social media. Most businesses prefer interruption marketing because it’s faster, easier, and cheaper. Here are a few examples:

Purchasing email lists
Spamming (illegal)
Running ads
Placing flyers on windshields
Delivering free community papers to your door

Unfortunately, this type of marketing doesn’t work in the long run. For starters, think of the internet as one big, noisy room. Over time people naturally tune out these interruptions. Secondly, it requires more and more money to get people’s attention. Consider this year’s Super Bowl. According to Forbes, the cost of a 30-second spot is a whopping $5 million dollars, the equivalent of $166,667 per second.

2. You can BUILD a Platform

Building a platform is effective, it just takes a very long time. I should know. My first book released in 2004 and I’ve been building my platform ever since. Examples of building a platform are:

Writing a blog
Launching a podcast
Shooting a video

When you build your platform you’re usually engaging in permission marketing versus interruption marketing. Notice the difference, also explained by Seth Godin:

Permission marketing is the privilege (not the right) of delivering anticipated, personal and relevant messages to people who actually want to get them. Real permission is different from presumed or legalistic permission. Just because you somehow get my email address doesn’t mean you have permission. Because I don’t complain doesn’t mean you have permission. Just because it’s in the fine print of your privacy policy doesn’t mean it’s permission either. Real permission works like this: if you stop showing up, people complain, they ask where you went.

3. You can BORROW a Platform

There is a much faster and effective way to getting a bigger platform. It’s not a result of buying or building. I increased my platform exponentially by BORROWING other people’s platforms.

Borrowing someone else’s platform means that they invite you on their stage. They extend their trust to you and promote you and your message. Over the years I’ve:

Stood on other people’s stages
Spoken on other people’s podcasts
Talked on other people’s TV stations
Written on other people’s blogs
Shared on other people’s radio stations

If I waited to get a big enough platform before I wrote any of my 7 books I would have been waiting forever. Thankfully I didn’t.

I wouldn’t have been able to buy or build a platform fast enough. Instead, I wrote my books AND borrowed other people’s platforms. Don’t get me wrong. Buying and building aren’t bad. However, they have limitations.

Buying a platform often costs a bunch of money.
Building a platform often takes a bunch of time.
Borrowing a platform doesn’t require time or money.

Over the past 13 years I’ve discovered how to have other people invite you onto their platform. Here are just a few examples.

I Want to Help you Like I Helped Them

I love to help aspiring authors. Over the years I’ve helped hundreds write, publish, and market their books. They all began just like me…scared and stuck. They didn’t know whom to trust or what to believe.

They clung to the soundbites floating around so they could rationalize their tendency to procrastinate. They heard that unless they had a big platform they didn’t have a chance in the marketplace. Today these people are authors. Here’s a picture of just a small amount of authors I’ve helped. They’re each holding their book. Many have gone on to do amazing things. They’ve spoken all over the world and helped many people. They’ve also increased their influence, impact, and income. (I’m the bald guy with a girl’s name in the middle.)

One aspiring author named Dalia asked me to help her get in front of a particular celebrity with 2 million followers. I shared my process with her and within days she was featured on this actress’ instagram account.

Enjoy my Free Author Training

I’ll never forget how Max invested a couple hours in me. To this day I still have his letter way back from 1998. He changed my life by believing in me. His encouragement convinced me that one day I could become a full-time writer. (See a picture of that letter below.)

As a result, I want to pass on what Max did for me and help you overcome your obstacles and help you achieve your dreams. I have a FREE training that has helped over 50,000 authors. There is nothing to buy in this FREE training. I give you nearly ninety minutes of solid content.

Since I believe in practicing 100% integrity, I’ll tell you up front that at the end of that training if you want more from me, there is a simple form where you can request more information. My FREE training even comes with a helpful interactive guidebook to help you on your author journey. I know you’ll enjoy it.

Most importantly…just get started. Stop delaying your dream and remember…I believe in you. 

Please comment below and let me know a little bit about yourself. What do you want to write about?

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher.)

Are you ready to sell your first online product or program?

Using our latest Elixir Project Experience launch, I share the backstory behind all of our Transformation Invitations (sales pages). Integrating these 6 tips will make yours a much smoother experience:

1. Pain
2. Proof
3. Picture
4. Process
5. People
6. Purchase

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher.)

(Listen to this episode via itunes, audioboom, or stitcher.)

What if you had a secret weapon that helped you become a superstar in your industry?

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you possessed a certain quality that made you an outlier?

Here’s the crazy thing…you do!

Regardless of your past failures or successes, you can implement this strategy and begin seeing results immediately.

– It doesn’t cost you a dime.
– It requires no advance training.
– It’s ridiculously simple.

Best of all it’s insanely easy to do.

In this episode, I reveal you can utilize a 2 second tweak that crushes the competition every single time.

For bonus content that will help you succeed even more check out the FREE Becoming Unhackable webinar.

===> Click HERE to become unhackable <===