We recently connected with Taurea Avannt and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Taurea, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The primary challenge many authors face in making their books profitable is their struggle with marketing themselves effectively. It’s a common hurdle for business owners too. Many are misled into thinking that achieving titles like “Best Seller” is the pinnacle of marketing. In reality, it’s more about building your brand than actually getting your book into readers’ hands.

Having a recognizable brand is important, but if no one knows about it, it’s like shouting into the void. You could have an amazing book, but if it’s hidden away, it won’t do much good.

My goal is to shift authors’ focus from chasing titles to making a real impact. It’s not about the labels; it’s about how many people are reading your work, how many lives you’re changing, and how many platforms you’re using to share your message. Once you understand that, the recognition and financial rewards will follow naturally.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey mirrors that of many entrepreneurs, I reckon. I spent over a decade dabbling in various businesses, hence the term “trypreneur.” I never fully committed, just dipped my toes in and hoped for the best. It wasn’t until I witnessed my father’s battle with cancer that I had an epiphany. I realized I didn’t want to keep dabbling; I wanted to dive in headfirst, make things happen, and achieve success.

So, I packed my bags and headed to Atlanta, diving into the world of network marketing. Surprisingly, I found significant success, even becoming the top earner in the entire industry. But amidst the monetary gains, my greatest achievement was understanding people better. Turns out, cash isn’t the biggest motivator; it’s recognition.

However, I knew network marketing wasn’t my final destination. In 2012, I penned a self-help book, and it changed everything. Despite my success in network marketing, some folks still weren’t keen on what I was doing. I needed to establish influence and value in the market. Becoming an author was the answer, though I didn’t realize it at the time. As soon as I published my book, doors began to open.

You’d think my network marketing company would be thrilled, right? Wrong. I was sidelined and accused of trying to steal the spotlight. It became clear that many didn’t grasp the power of being an author for any business owner. That’s when I made it my mission to educate others on not just how to become authors but why it’s crucial and how to leverage it.

Now, fast forward to today, and we’ve assisted over 6000 speakers and coaches in becoming authors. It’s been a true blessing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You can’t compel people to achieve success; it’s a lesson learned through experience. Let me share a particular instance. I had a client whom I recognized as having immense potential, and I was genuinely invested in her success. I went the extra mile, offering her specials and discounts, and providing personalized attention. While she made progress in some areas, she struggled significantly in growing her business and turning a profit. She seemed reluctant to fully commit to the coaching process.

Unfortunately, life threw some curveballs her way, and she had to discontinue our coaching relationship. However, after parting ways, she astonishingly claimed that she deserved payment for being my client. She believed that her perceived growth warranted compensation, despite still being far from her desired level of success. I attempted to clarify the support and opportunities I had provided, but she interpreted them as a sign of my dependency on her, rather than her dependency on me.

It was a painful realization that despite my earnest desire for her success, I couldn’t want it more than she did for herself. Additionally, it taught me the importance of treating all clients equally, without offering special treatment based on perceived potential. This experience fundamentally altered how I approach working with clients moving forward.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Geez, my business has gone through quite a few changes. Initially, my aim was to assist individuals in the network marketing industry in understanding how becoming an author could benefit their home-based businesses. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much interest in that direction. The network marketing world has a funny way of pushing you aside, doesn’t it? So, I had to switch gears and rethink my target audience. Reflecting on my own expertise, I realized I fit more into the category of a speaker and coach. That seemed like a more promising group to focus on.

The easiest folks to reach? Well, it’s you, of course. After collaborating with thousands, I began noticing a pattern among my previous book clients. While they successfully launched their books, within just 90 days, their success seemed to dwindle. I didn’t dive into this book journey just to have people become authors; I wanted to illustrate how to achieve genuine success. Hence, another shift was in order.

Enter the Book Profits Club, my latest endeavor. This club is tailored to assist speakers and coaches in leveraging their books to secure more stage opportunities, attract more clients, and increase their media presence. It’s not just about being an author; it’s about being an author who truly impacts lives. That’s the ultimate mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.10kbook.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/visionavant
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/visionavant
• Linkedin: www.Linkedin.com/in/visionavant
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/visionavant
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaureaAvantVision
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@visionavant

Image Credits
RhaynaCPhotography