Today’s episode will get you all “shook” up! It is all about the power of becoming a published author. Becoming an author is one of the three things that has changed my life the most. I wrote my first book, The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide, in 2012 and it has opened so many doors and propelled my career in numerous ways. My guest today, Mike Capuzzi, is a seasoned business owner turned author turned expert marketing strategist. He specializes in helping people of all industries around the world write books, particularly his trademark “shooks.” We talk all about creating the content, marketing your book, and leveraging your expertise. Even if you don’t want to become an author, this episode is full of useful tips for direct response marketing vs. branded marketing, selling by helping, becoming an elevated influencer in your industry, and other tools to get your name and business out there.   Key Takeaways: [:52] How books changed Kris’s life and the books she has available. [13:14] More about Mike and his role in the child care industry. [14:43] What exactly is a direct response ad? [17:20] What is a “shook” and how does it help Main Street Businesses? [21:12] What other industries has Mike helped with creating a shook? [22:57] More on the POWER of books. [25:07] Discussing the Choosing a Child Care Center shook. [28:06] What are some of the main ways our clients are using this shook? [30:39] What about claiming authorship of a marketing tool that you didn’t necessarily write cover-to-cover? [34:18] Mike’s program is so fast and simple that you can get published within weeks.   Quotes: “It is designed to elicit a response.” — Mike “A key differentiator with direct response marketing is that it’s measurable. And if it’s measurable, the good news is you can adjust when needed.” — Mike “If people are engaging with your advertising or marketing, by default they’re going to want more from you. They want information, they want the next step, and if you don’t make that offer for them to get that next thing, then shame on you!” — Mike “A ‘shook’ is designed to be read in about an hour so it gives the reader the opportunity to finish it and then hopefully take that next step.” — Mike “One of the things that these prospective clients are looking for or want is peace of mind. And in my opinion, a properly designed book, a properly written book, can really go a long way to creating that peace of mind, creating that trust, bringing down the stress level, and really positioning the person whose name is on the cover as the authority.” — Mike “The power of books is real!” — Kris “It’s like a calling card that opens doors but it’s way better than just a business card. It’s an actual book that has value and people will want to work with you just by the fact that you’ve got your name on the cover of a book.” — Kris “If someone’s listening to this, honestly, they could have their paperback copies in their center within a month of listening to this. It’s that fast.” — Mike   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide The 77 Best Strategies to Grow Your Early Childcare Program - FREE! Rock Star Stories: Success Secrets of Preschool Leaders Around the Globe, by Kris Murray Child Care Millionaire Mike Capuzzi Find this exclusive offer HERE from Mike Capuzzi to create your shook today!