In this episode of Business Book Bites, we delve into the power of stories with Susan Payton, coach, consultant and the author of the bestselling book, The Business of Stories. Writing a book wasn’t on Susan’s radar, and then a culmination of things led to its creation. First off, she wanted to move from working one to one with clients – as a done-for-you service – into running group workshops and programmes. But she couldn’t work out how to turn her service into something that would work in a group setting. So, she realised she had to get her ideas out of her head and onto paper in order to teach it. This started as an e-book for lead generation, but she realised that it had to become a paperbackpaperback. She engaged a book coach, followed their process and successfully launched it. It immediately became a bestseller and this, alongside plenty of hard work, helped Susan to support more clients, scale her business, and create a six-figure business. In our conversation, Susan delves into the profound impact of storytelling in the business world and shares invaluable insights into the process of infusing personal narratives into impactful content. She provides compelling advice on ensuring that your book maintains your unique voice, the skillful intertwining of personal stories into your book, and the art of connecting with your audience through relatable storytelling.** Want the Business Book Bites Best Bits from all our episodes in series two? Go to www.librotas.com/bbb2 ** Highlights: ** Authenticity Matters: When writing a book, don't be afraid to infuse it with your authentic voice and personal stories. Let your readers hear your voice throughout the narrative. ** ** Weave Your Story: Showcasing real-life experiences and weaving them into your book can bring your teachings to life, allowing readers to connect with the content on a deeper level. ** ** Long-Term Promotion: Writing a book is just the beginning. Continued promotion and engagement with readers are essential for long-term success. Don't stop talking about your book, as it can lead to incredible opportunities and connections. ** Bio: Susan Payton is a coach, consultant and author of The Business of Stories. Released in March 2022, Susan’s book quickly became a UK and US #1 bestseller on Amazon in several business categories, including Marketing and Sales – even knocking Stephen Bartlett (Diary of a CEO) off the top spot. It got to #1 on Amazon again when the audiobook version was released, and it was a finalist in the Business Book Awards 2023. In a noisy world, where it’s getting harder and harder to stand out from the crowd and be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story. Her game changing framework helps entrepreneurs and marketers craft stories and narratives that launch businesses, build brands and create raving fans. Website: You can get a free copy of The Business of Stories at https://thebusinessofstories.com/my-book. Socials: https://www.facebook.com/susanpaytonUK/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanpaytonuk/ Time stamped overview: 00:00 Transitioning from one-on-one to group work.05:12 Following structure helped create a practical, helpful book.08:17 Author struggles but eventually finds clarity and satisfaction.11:14 Author achieves top book ranking through persistence.15:28 Royalty statement shows surprising global reach.18:53 Book focuses on emotional connection, actionable impact.21:15 Guidance and support improve performance, like coaching.24:15 Publisher pushback; author stands firm on voice. Discussion questions: What prompted Susan Payton to write "The Business of Stories"?What was Susan's approach to writing, publishing, and marketing the book?How did Susan promote her book successfully, and what were some of the hard work and strategies she used?What has been the level of success of Susan's book in terms of sales and reach?How does Susan use her book to align with her business and attract clients and opportunities?What significant tips or advice can Susan share for those thinking about writing, publishing, or marketing a book?How did Susan incorporate her voice and storytelling into her book to make it sound like her and create a conversational tone?Where can people get a copy of Susan's book, "The Business of Stories", and how can they connect with her on social media?What were some of the opportunities and speaking engagements Susan secured as a result of her book's success?What is the significance of weaving personal stories throughout a book, and what purpose does it serve? Keywords: book marketing, storytelling, business book, author, bestseller, entrepreneur, marketer, framework, writing process, book structure, business growth, story structure, storytelling workshop, book publishing, book ...
