254: Building a Successful Business as an Author with Sharon Woodhouse

Becoming a published author can be a mysterious, daunting, and unclear path. It can also be a great entry point into a successful career in entrepreneurship, and here today to talk about how she helps authors on this journey is Sharon Woodhouse, the owner of Conspire Creative. Sharon has worked in publishing for decades, and her work as a coach and consultant for authors sees her helping them build small businesses, find their true value offer, and set up sustainable futures doing what they love.  This conversation is packed with many exciting and eye-opening insights into a greatly under-discussed topic. Our guest shares some important reality checks for aspiring writers, the state of the publishing landscape right now, and busts some myths about the industry along the way. We also explore the idea of meaning-making in the current economic and intellectual climate, along with monetizing intellectual property, and some amazing tips for authors to keep building and improving. Tune in now for a potentially life-changing conversation on your “finding brave” path to growth as an author and entrepreneur.    Key Highlights From This Episode: A look at Sharon's inspiring resume, career journey, and values. [01:36] Exploring the most significant challenge that authors face. [03:26] The life of a book and the evolution of an author's relationship to their work. [05:52] Common myths about authorship. [09:43] Confronting the difficulties around outreach and building a following. [18:08] Dealing with external negativity and a lack of understanding. [23:38] Unpacking the concept of “defensive entrepreneurship” and monetizing intellectual property. [27:55] Systematization and building on your vision for a business. [35:24] Final words of encouragement from Sharon about the possibility of success. [37:16] Where to find and connect with Sharon and her business online.  [37:47]   For More Information: Conspire Creative Sharon Woodhouse on LinkedIn  Sharon Woodhouse on Twitter  Conspire Creative on Facebook A Profitable Author Life You Love Webinar A Profitable Author Life You Love Facebook Group   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sharon's Coaching Company, Conspire Creative, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook Website for A Profitable Author Life You Love Webinar and its Facebook Group Previous FInding Brave Podcast Guest, Octavia Goredema The E-Myth Revisited, by Michael E. Gerber   Are You Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level FAST? JOIN “THE MOST POWERFUL YOU” 8-WEEK COACHING AND TRAINING COURSE WITH KATHY STARTING MAY 10TH! Hi folks! Kathy here…I’m thrilled to share that I’m offering a new session of my 8-week coaching and training course The Most Powerful You starting May 10th! 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In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we’d so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy’s digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible.  Kathy’s Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy’s TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy’s Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz   ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer   Quotes: “Writing a book and what motivates you to write a book are just so different from the bulk of what comes afterwards” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:04:01] “You have this thing to say that you're sharing with the world. What does it need? Where does it need to go?” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:07:12] “Sometimes what you want from your book changes as you go, because you've put yourself into it, you're expanding your horizons, you're committing, and all of sudden new opportunities come along that you didn't even think were possible.” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:08:20] “Most authors want to make money from their books, but they are reluctant to admit it.” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:14:02] “Everyone wants to make a living off what they are good at, and what they love, there is no shame in that.” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:14:11] “Some people think you are self-employed because you can't get a job!” — @SharonWoodhouse [0:26:31]   Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube! Don’t forget – you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!