Liam Sandford

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Writing my second book was a happy accident

Liam Sandford

I never meant to write a second book, not yet anyway. It was an accident. The plan was to document the process of writing my first book to make it easier the second time round, and if it went well maybe share with you as a subscriber to my email list.

Until I was told ‘you can’t give that away for free’. That was the turning point, I had documented my timeline and process in 3 months and decided to convert it into a book in another 3 months and here we are. If you want to write a book at some stage in your life you now have a clear roadmap on how to write, market and turn your book into a lead magnet for your business.

With a second book in two years I have been reflecting on the process and wanted to share some surprising learnings with you.

Relationship building pays off

For two years I have embedded myself in Twitter (X) spaces and made friends all over the world in the creator and entrepreneur spaces. This is what has enabled turning having a book into having a best selling book — the volume of eyes my books have got in front of is significantly higher because I have built relationships, and done so without any asks.

It’s common on social media to see people asking you to follow them or engage with their content but that is a meaningless ask. Rather than making asks of people, I helped where possible, I was simply present to get to know them.

Social media is a connection game — the more connections you have the more people care about who you are and what you do. Think of this as a process:

  • Connection first

  • Deepen the connection with time

  • Only ask if you have something important like a book launch

Surprising support from everywhere

There are some people you know will support you in your book launch — family, friends etc., but its surprising how much support you get from other places.

School friends I haven’t spoken to in years, former work colleagues, and even people I know of but haven’t really spoken to before. You will never know who will come out to bat for you when you launch something like a book.

I am grateful for everyone’s support.

Take time to enjoy it

I am guilty of not taking time to enjoy achievements as they happen. It is so easy to jump from one thing to the next without acknowledging the milestone.

2 years ago I hadn’t started writing my first book, and now I have two. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support network I have around me, and it is time to enjoy the milestone.

Often what can seem insignificant at the time can be a huge moment in life. Don’t let that pass you by. Acknowledge milestones as they come — create memories around the key milestones of your achievements.

Actionable takeaways

  • Relationship building creates opportunities for success. I wouldn’t be a best selling author without it.

  • When you don’t ask things of people you build up good will. When you do ask something after time has passed, you will be surprised who shows up.

  • Enjoy the wins. Don’t underestimate your achievements and make sure you celebrate them along the way.

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