You’re finally ready. Something has pushed you to write a book about your experience, your methods, your way of thinking. But why does it actually matter? And why would someone want to read it?

People are often inspired by others who have overcome challenges or developed a plan of attack to help them out. They want to read stories that will show them that they can get through what they are going through, someone has been there before, and there might be a shortcut.

If that’s something you want to do with your book, then that’s perfect.

But it can be challenging to develop a book for your business and reveal your story. Here are a few ways that you can focus your book so you can reach your audience and inspire them.

1. Lessons learned – Whether good or bad, we all learn something from everything we attempt. This is an opportunity to share your experience and focus on what you would do differently, or even what you would repeat. Do’s and Don’ts can be incredibly powerful, and they will help your reader navigate the choppy waters of the same situation much easier. It’s tough being a pioneer, but someone has to make the maps!
2. How you thrived – If you’ve been through a tough situation, anything from building a business to a major lifestyle change to battling a disease, others love to hear how it was done. Better yet, they love to see that someone survived what they are going through and have somehow thrived. In many cases, this is the story that starts someone’s business or nonprofit. Take Karen Sciulli of Face2Face Healing, for example. I recently interviewed her about her journey for the summer issue of Inspiring Lives Magazine. She was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland and had major surgery because of it. The changes to her appearance prompted her to search for a support group, but there were none in the United States. So she started one with her doctor. Today, she runs the nonprofit Face2Face Healing, which is changing lives for the better. Maybe your story led you to where you are today, and that’s the perfect story for your book.
3. Something you developed to get you through – Have a system, a method, or a formula for success in your business. Maybe it’s a 9-step process for becoming more organized at home. Maybe a 3-step method to stop yourself from getting angry at your five-year-old’s seemingly insane antics. Whatever it is, you know it’s pure gold and it has been the key to turning your life or business around. That’s your story, my friend! That’s exactly how you can inspire others to reach the next level, avoid burnout, or just plain feel better. If you can talk about it BRIEFLY in your book, then you’ve got a great tool to inspire.

Notice, that I said the word “briefly” in number 3. For any topic, you have to be cautious that you don’t give away your entire tome of knowledge. Sure, you want people to be inspired. You want them to have a roadmap. But, you also want them to want more of you. So write the book in a way that your reader can apply the knowledge and possibly do it well by themselves, but make sure that it entices them to join your program or work with you one-on-one so you can show them exactly how it can help them the most!