Similar to a book filled with regrets, how about mistakes? I was at a networking event with a friend of mine when we decided to co-write a book on the mistakes people make when networking. Why? I had already written two books on networking and when we attended this particular event, we both noticed people making all kinds of errors so we started taking notes to make our point and then wrote a book that others might benefit from. Books that inform — sell! Make no mistake!

So, we left the event, put our thoughts together in a Google doc that we shared, and within 30 days the book was written, published, in print and on bookshelves everywhere. I designed the covers in a few hours (I’m fast). I ‘m proud of this book. The mistakes we noted in the book included some of our own lessons that we learned the hard way. The title? 51+ Real Networking Mistakes To Avoid When Networking! We talked about mistakes people make before, during and after a networking event. Every time we go networking, now, we take copies of our book and we always sell out. I call that success!

The book also gave us a great topic to speak on to any willing group wanting to hear what we learned from our experiences and mistakes we made. What industry do you work in? What mistakes do people make where you work? Make a list of them and write a book about them. Once your book is finished, use it to support and promote presentations, seminars, workshops, etc. You’re certain to make a few book sales (and maybe pick up a few clients) when you speak. Again, like the regrets book, people today are inundated with what to do, how-to, positive tips and tactics and more. What’s not covered are MISTAKES people make. Keep the old saying in mind, which is, people are motivated more by LOSS than they are GAIN.