Hi everyone, I would love the help of the millionaire mind here (and the fastlane kind, no less.)
I am proud to say that I have done extensive research (on both the niche and the customer) that created a really great self-published book in the rainwater harvesting niche. In the past year, it has sold 10,000 copies, and while I am looking to scale sales into specialized retail, I have a few concerns.
It's not very CENTS. Especially control and entry.
I was a wee entrepreneur when I started this publishing venture, and only in hindsight do I realize that only publishing more books on Amazon is a very crowded space. Also, 99% of the sales occur on Amazon.com (I know MJ has a similar situation, but I can't tell if this is diversified enough.)
I am looking to diversify by scaling the book into places like Tractor Supply Co. (Been networking with some marketing folks at TSC and Home Depot.) My current "industry" is technically the publishing industry, and I am writing a 2nd book, but I am curious if my chosen industry should transform from the publishing industry to the rainwater harvesting industry.
Assuming I complete 2 books, I could diversify into video courses and products (like rainwater harvesting kits, probably with my branding, but affiliate). I am unsure when to do this. I like focusing on 1 thing at a time (right now it's securing a Tractor Supply Co. deal), so maybe after that? Would you poll the audience and see what needs they have next?
I also need a mini-rant. I work full-time and have been for the past 4ish years, waking up at 5 am and sometimes working after work and making the husband angry (heh). With all the stuff going on, i.e., podcasting, blogging, writing books, marketing, ads management, accounting, bookkeeping...it's enough to pull my hair out and not feel overwhelmed/see the light at the end of the tunnel. This niche is also not my passion, one of interest, and one that ebbs and flows with super high high's and low "what the F*ck am I doing here" low's sometimes. Maybe I shouldn't focus on the light at the end for now...
I feel inspired by entrepreneurs I'm reading in UNSCRIPTED who successfully secured national retail deals, which my brand could certainly benefit from...but that's all that keeps my head above water sometimes.
When I get the emails and the comments and reviews, it feels amazing to know I'm helping real people with real challenges in their lives. These days it just feels like more giving than receiving sometimes.
I am proud to say that I have done extensive research (on both the niche and the customer) that created a really great self-published book in the rainwater harvesting niche. In the past year, it has sold 10,000 copies, and while I am looking to scale sales into specialized retail, I have a few concerns.
It's not very CENTS. Especially control and entry.
I was a wee entrepreneur when I started this publishing venture, and only in hindsight do I realize that only publishing more books on Amazon is a very crowded space. Also, 99% of the sales occur on Amazon.com (I know MJ has a similar situation, but I can't tell if this is diversified enough.)
I am looking to diversify by scaling the book into places like Tractor Supply Co. (Been networking with some marketing folks at TSC and Home Depot.) My current "industry" is technically the publishing industry, and I am writing a 2nd book, but I am curious if my chosen industry should transform from the publishing industry to the rainwater harvesting industry.
Assuming I complete 2 books, I could diversify into video courses and products (like rainwater harvesting kits, probably with my branding, but affiliate). I am unsure when to do this. I like focusing on 1 thing at a time (right now it's securing a Tractor Supply Co. deal), so maybe after that? Would you poll the audience and see what needs they have next?
I also need a mini-rant. I work full-time and have been for the past 4ish years, waking up at 5 am and sometimes working after work and making the husband angry (heh). With all the stuff going on, i.e., podcasting, blogging, writing books, marketing, ads management, accounting, bookkeeping...it's enough to pull my hair out and not feel overwhelmed/see the light at the end of the tunnel. This niche is also not my passion, one of interest, and one that ebbs and flows with super high high's and low "what the F*ck am I doing here" low's sometimes. Maybe I shouldn't focus on the light at the end for now...
I feel inspired by entrepreneurs I'm reading in UNSCRIPTED who successfully secured national retail deals, which my brand could certainly benefit from...but that's all that keeps my head above water sometimes.When I get the emails and the comments and reviews, it feels amazing to know I'm helping real people with real challenges in their lives. These days it just feels like more giving than receiving sometimes.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
