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How to write a novel to support your brand by Sharon Lechter

Sharon Lechter is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, international speaker, licensed CPA, Chartered Global Management Accountant and, most importantly a mother and grandmother. A life-long education advocate, she is the founder and CEO of Pay Your Family First, a financial education organisation. Regarded as a global expert on financial literacy, she has served as a national spokeswoman and Presidential advisor on the topic. In 2015, Lechter joined the global initiative of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020) as its chief abundance officer. Set to speak at The Best You Expo 2017, here she shares her insight into how content can boost your brand

People often come to me for help in reaching their, ‘I want to write a book’ goal. The latest statistics show that approximately 86 per cent of consultants say they want to write a book. In reality, about one per cent actually follow through. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s greatest writers. One of my most recent books, Think and Grow Rich for Women, and my current work with the Napoleon Hill Foundation have added an even larger dimension to my experience. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in how to write a novel, a business book, or a self-help book.

 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is about the importance of having an outline. Staying focused on your intended readers and what value they will get out of your work is important. By focusing and having an outline, you easily lead the reader through an experience that as a whole accomplishes your goals.

 

Which of course brings up another question: What is the purpose of your writing? Are you writing for your business and you plan to use your work as an extended business card? Are you writing to position yourself as an authority? Are you learning how to write a novel in hopes of having a best-selling book in a certain genre?

 

Your writing serves a purpose, for you and for your readers. Getting clear on the expectation of the book you are writing will lead you to better decisions relative to your outline, your title, your visuals, how you publish and distribute.

For example, many of the clients I work with use their book to share their unique perspectives and business offerings. Consultants are experts at this. And, their books are critical assets in their branding toolbox, which they can feature on their website, distribute electronically, or have as giveaways at speaking engagements. Being published increases their credibility and positions their expertise. After all… they wrote the book on it.

 

So if you are thinking of writing a book, think about the job that your book needs to do for you and then focus on an outline that leads readers through an experience that is both relevant and meaningful. Authentic sharing of information and impact is the highest honour you can give to your readers.

 

 

After all, in the words of Ernest Hemingway: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

 

 

 

For more advice from Sharon Lechter visit sharonlechter.com.

To find out more about The Best You Expo visit thebestyouexhibition.com

Sharon Lechter

Sharon Lechter is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, international speaker, licensed CPA, Chartered Global Management Accountant and, most importantly a mother and grandmother. A life-long education advocate, she is the founder and CEO of Pay Your Family First, a financial education organization. Regarded as a global expert on financial literacy, Sharon has served as a national spokeswoman and Presidential Advisor on the topic. In 2015, Sharon joined the global initiative of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020) as its Chief Abundance Officer. EBW2020 and its sister company MintHER are dedicated to providing the tools and mentorship to support women entrepreneurs in reaching their greatest success around the globe. Sharon has been a pioneer in developing new technologies, programs and products to bring education into children’s lives in ways that are innovative, challenging and fun, and remains committed to education – particularly financial literacy. In 1989 she joined forces with the inventor of the first electronic 'talking book' and helped him expand the electronic book industry to a multi-million dollar international market. Since 1992, she has dedicated her professional life and directed her entrepreneurial efforts in the creation and distribution of financial education books, games and other experiential learning products. In 1997 Sharon co-authored the international bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, along with 14 other books in the Rich Dad series. Over 10 years as co-Founder and CEO she led the Rich Dad Company and brand into an international powerhouse. In 2008 she was asked by the Napoleon Hill Foundation to help re-energize the powerful teachings of Napoleon Hill just as the international economy was faltering. She has released three bestselling books in cooperation with the Foundation, including Think and Grow Rich-Three Feet from Gold, Outwitting the Devil and her latest project, Think and Grow Rich for Women, released in June of 2014. Sharon has also released Save Wisely, Spend Happily, in cooperation with the American Institute of CPAs. Her financial literacy board game ThriveTime for Teens, an innovative experiential and fun life and money reality game, has gained recognition with coveted awards including a Mom’s Choice GOLD Award, Creative Child Magazine’s 2010 Game of The Year, Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Product and a five-star rating from WTS Toy Reviews. Sharon is recognized globally as an expert on the topics of financial education and entrepreneurship. She is the co-author of Your Financial Mastery, a financial education college curriculum and recipient of the 2015 Excellence in Financial Literacy Education “Book of the Year” award presented by the Financial Literacy Institute. In 2008 Sharon was appointed to the first President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. The Council served both President Bush and President Obama advising them on the need for financial literacy education. In 2009 Sharon was appointed to the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission as a national spokesperson on the topic of financial literacy and was reappointed in 2014. A committed philanthropist, Sharon also gives back to world communities as both a volunteer and benefactor. Sharon serves on the national board of the Women Presidents’ Organization, and the national board of Childhelp, a national organization founded to prevent and treat child abuse. Sharon is also an Instructor for Thunderbird School of Global Management for both its Artemis Program and its partnership with the U.S. Department of State and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program. Sharon was the driving force behind the passage of Arizona SB1449 in June of 2013, a bill that requires financial literacy concepts to permanently be incorporated into economics standards and created a separate statue for those concepts. Sharon’s contributions have been recognized globally. Childhelp has honored Sharon and her husband, Michael, as recipients of the Spirit of the Children Award. Sharon and Michael were recognized as an Arizona “Power Couple,” and Sharon was also named as a Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. She was honored with a 2012 Positively Powerful Women award for Philanthropic Leadership, by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of 2013’s 25 Dynamic Women in Business, and by National Bank of Arizona with the 2013 Woman of the Year award and Arizona Business Magazine as one of the 50 most Influential Women in Arizona Business. In 2015 Sharon was honored by Florida State University’s Women for FSU with a Gift of Wisdom Award, Women Presidents’ Organization with the Mary Lehman MacLachlan Economic Empowerment award and by the National Financial Educators Council as the Financial Educator of the Year for 2015. Sharon was also honored with the prestigious 2015 International Profilo Donna Award by Profile Woman.

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