Last week I went to a book launch party for local business coach Meredith Liepelt. Her new book is titled Flourish! 10 Easy, Elegant, and Essential Marketing Strategies for Solo- and Micropreneurs.

It offers tips and advice on topics that every entrepreneuse should know, like defining your target market, putting systems in place, marketing collateral, and support teams. Check it out at http://www.richlifemarketing.com.

I’ve always wanted to write a book (there, I’ve said it in print!), and learned a couple of things from the book launch experience that I’ll share with you.

First, I’ll share what a book can do for you. A published book:

• Builds your expert status. Expert status builds trust and credibility, which are key elements to filling your business with ideal clients.
• Leverages your knowledge into multiple streams of revenue. It can be sold at speaking engagements, converted into a workshop or tele-seminar, or promoted as a bonus at others’ events.
• Doesn’t have to take years to complete, or be published through a traditional portal. Especially if this is new territory, consider an e-book or an on-demand self-publishing avenue. Today there are so many options for you to get your expertise into print.

And now for the fun stuff, the book launch party! Some of the things I learned from Meredith:

• Create an atmosphere of abundance! Make it fun, inviting, and relaxing. It’s a party after all!
• Have copies of your book for sale. Also make sure people know where to buy additional copies.
• Create video excerpts of the experience. A video-savvy virtual assistant asked many of us to say a few words about Meredith and the book. Great way to capture the moment and create future marketing materials at the same time!
• Find ways to support other local business owners in the process. The party was hosted at a tea company owned by another local businesswoman. So not only was the book promoted, but so was this other business! Get creative and support as many people as you can along the way.

As a side note, Meredith and I belong to many of the same organizations but just met a few weeks ago. I joined her mailing list on the suggestion of a friend, and then reached out and introduced myself.

The lesson here my self-employed friends – if there’s someone you want to meet, go for it! There is so much value in local connections, and even if someone has a similar business or target market you will be a better person and business owner for making the effort!