What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
The Termite Effect – 25 Common Business Mistakes and Their Hidden Consequences
The book offers practical strategies how to avoid them as well as arming the reader with solutions for fixing those that may already exist within their business. To help reinforce the message, the pages are filled with supplemental exercises and numerous recommended readings from other experts.
Tell us something about yourself.
I spent most of my career in Corporate America in the financial industry. Throughout those years, I started and operated several small businesses from online gaming to residential real estate to website development. Finally, in 2009, I founded Clarity Coaching, a business coaching practice that caterers to business owners and entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. It was both through my own experiences as an entrepreneur and my coaching encounters with my clients that I came to write the book.
What inspired you to write this book?
Part of it was personal and part of it was altruistic. Like lots of people, I wanted to write a book for a long time. It was on my long-term goal list. I also saw a need for an easy-to-read, practical guide to identifying, avoiding and fixing some of the most common business mistakes.
How did you choose the title?
By accident. During a conversation with my editor, the comment was made that the damage done by these mistakes are often not seen until the damage has already been done just like…termite damage. Both of them eat away at your foundation (the foundation of your business or your home).
What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?
None. I self-published with LightningSource because they gave me the most flexibility and I did not have to wait months on end for my manuscript to be evaluated and “maybe” get published in the end.
Do you have any writing rituals?
The only ritual that I had was I blocked 30 minutes a day to write. I would not allow myself to go to bed until I spent at least that amount of time writing. Some days it was a waste of time and a real struggle. Other days I wrote for hours.
Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?
I learned that I like to write. I now Tweet and blog regularly.
What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? Why?
Any small business, marketing, leadership, sales, or outside-the-box book because they help me grow as a business coach and give me food for thought to help my clients. I also read any and everything by David Balducci and Vince Flynn because I am enamored with great storytellers who can develop deep characters and verbally paint a picture. I also have gone through a phase of reading everything I can about the Founding Fathers.
Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?
Yes. I am actually working on a 2nd Edition of The Termite Effect. I want to blow out the content in some places and tie all the mistakes together more coherently. I am also working on a book about living a regret-free life (completely unrelated to The Termite Effect).
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
PLEASE STOP SAYING, “I ALWAYS WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK!” Just do it!
Who is the perfect reader for your book?
Business owners, entrepreneurs, sales professionals and managers.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
www.TheTermiteEffect.com
www.Clarity-Coaching.biz
