I’m often asked some of the top things I’ve done to level up during my nearly thirteen years in business. While I could rattle off a number of decisions and strategies, one thing remains as the most important thing I did to go from respected local expert to in-demand industry leader. And given the title of this article, I bet you can guess what it was.

That’s right: I wrote a book. And then I wrote another one. Each time, a published book has been my ticket to media attention, a full client roster, and collaboration opportunities. But even more importantly—to me, at least—was how writing a book changed me and my business. I’ve seen it do the same for my clients. It can do the same for you.

If you’re a speaker, coach, or consultant, writing a book can contribute to growing your influence, impact, and income. Let’s explore how.

Writing a book transforms you from the inside out

Writing and publishing my first book back in 2013 and my second coauthored book in 2018 completely transformed both how I saw myself and how others saw me. Internally, I gained deeper clarity, new frameworks, and clearer language; this impacted how I carried myself, invested in my business, and pursued opportunities. I began taking bigger risks, hiring a team, and even investing in my wardrobe. Clarity of self is empowering.

Externally, all this newfound clarity and confidence contributed to crushing it at the opportunities I was given, which led to more opportunities. As a published author, people began to see me as an expert industry leader. I began to steadily grow an audience. I secured keynotes and opportunities I’d only dreamed of when I started my business as a side hustle back in 2009, teaching high school language arts in the Dominican Republic.

I’ve seen the same in my clients and students and as I’ve watched the journeys of colleagues. Writing a book is a deeply introspective journey, and it forces a person to sit with her thoughts for hours, days, weeks, and months. The process pushes boundaries and forces us to test our discipline and follow-through. And if you can emerge on the other side of the long and meaningful journey of writing a book, you’ll be profoundly transformed.

Writing a book helps develop clarity, frameworks, and niche opportunities

Many speakers, consultants, and coaches face how to differentiate in a noisy space. Perhaps you, too, struggle with being seen, attracting new clients, getting media attention, or securing opportunities. Most of the time, the reason for this is lack of clarity: of message, audience, and unique approach. In the book-writing system I developed, we dig deeply into your one reader and core differentiator, and then push for clarity in how they’ll be transformed through reading your book. We roll up our sleeves and wade through the muck and mud of ideation to arrive at a structurally beautiful book outline.

The bonus of this process is that most speakers, consultants, coaches, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs typically emerge with new frameworks, language, and marketing clarity they can immediately apply to their business. The book is a launching point—a catalyst for impact. It is the roots of a tree that continues to grow as long as it’s watered.

Here are a few examples of trees that took root and are flourishing.

• The consultant who developed an entire new framework for teaching and implementing her expertise while writing her book. After publication, she hit best-seller lists, potential clients lined up outside her digital door to work with her, she’s been sought after in the media, and she’s developed additional offerings—including a digital course—that have led to additional revenue streams.
• The speaker who put all his great content and ideas into a clear, energetic, compelling book . . . and went from ho-hum opportunities to a corporate keynote that paid for his entire book investment. Best of all, the clarity he gained transformed how he spoke, consulted, and coached, and impacted his future business decisions, leading to increased revenue (and more joy!).
• The phenomenal coach who struggled to find new client opportunities and decided to invest in herself and her dreams through writing a book . . . and developed clarity of niche, process, and language that has led to a steady stream of clients who deeply value her amazing work. She is now a thought leader in her industry and sought-after coach, consultant, and keynote speaker.

These are just a few of hundreds of examples I can point to over the years. Again, the book itself didn’t create the opportunities—the individuals did when they understood the power of intentional thought, defined a book that would strategically help them reach their business goals, and committed to the book-writing process.

For me, the power of authorhood can’t be overemphasized. I went from broke business owner to multi-six-figure entrepreneur with an incredible team. I get to work with some of the most amazing people on the planet helping them share their unique stories. And I get to do this all from Portugal, where my husband and I are living our dream of raising our kids abroad. I am confident none of this would have happened if I hadn’t taken the leap and achieved my dream of writing a book.

Get started on your book—and your dreams

If you’ve been thinking of writing a book, I have a challenge for you. Grab a piece of paper and a pen, set a timer for ten minutes, and respond to the prompt, “If I could write any book, what would it be about?” Let your ideas flow without judgment.

Sit with that ideation for a day. Make notes as inspiration arises. If you’re facing a nearly blank page, don’t stress. Trust that the book is within you and instead answer the question, “What could a book do for my life, business, and impact?” (And if you’re feeling extra-inspired, respond to both!)

Next, take action. Absorb everything you can about book writing and authorhood. Begin working on your outline. Create a realistic plan to accomplish your goal of writing a book. Find a coach or program.

Then, go all out and make that dream happen, because on the other side of writing and publishing your book are transformative growth and meaningful impact.

If you’re feeling inspired toward action, share one commitment you’ll make to achieving your goal of writing a book. I respond to all comments and want to cheer you on!