We were lucky to catch up with Cathy Fyock recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cathy, appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
As a book coach, I am not only helping my authors fulfill their purpose to change the world through their thought leadership and expertise, but I am also fulfilling my purpose in making the world a better place by helping smart and competent professionals step into their true brilliance.
When aspiring authors come to me, they often lack the confidence in their expertise or their ability to write, and suffer Imposter Syndrome in becoming all they are created to be. I offer them tools and exercises to help them understand that they are capable and, in fact, called, to share their stories.
What could be a higher calling?
Cathy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Like many individuals, I did not start out in my youth and chart my path to my current role. It was a series of stumbles, wrong turns, and missteps that brought me to my current role, for which I believe I am perfectly suited. Those struggling with their purpose or next chapter will find a collaborator in me as they work to fulfill their purpose.
As a book coach, I obviously help with the strategic and tactical elements of writing a book that paves the way for increased authority, but I also play the role of counselor, cheerleader, strategic advisor, and partner with my clients. When I work with clients one-on-one, I have the opportunity each week during the six-month engagement to provide encouragement, difficult feedback, and support.
I’m also a big believer in the power of community, and I have created many opportunities for fellow authors and aspiring authors to help one another on their journeys. Together we are stronger.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Before I become a book coach I was a HR consultant employed with a consulting firm, yet yearning to get back to my enrepreneurial role. I wanted a new chapter, and was pleased when I got a call from my chapter of the National Speakers Association to speak on the topic of writing a book since I had written several books very quickly (within six weeks). I was also asked if I would be willing to coach two chapter members on their book (pro bono) as a way to test my process, and I gladly agreed. I knew my process worked for me, but did it work for others?
As I began the coaching, one aspiring author asked, “Have you ever thought about becoming a book coach?”
“What’s a book coach? Is there a need?”
She assured me that many thought leaders and professionals (and especially speakers) want to write a book as a business growth strategy, yet don’t know where to start, or get stuck along the way. Interesting idea, I thought.
Fast forward to my presentation for the chapter. Many of my colleagues came up to me after the presentation congratulating me on my program, and they asked, “Have you ever thought about becoming a book coach?”
Now my answer was yes! That happened in spring of 2013, and by January 2014 I launched by book coaching business.
And what a pivot that was: from HR consultant to book coach.
What helped me successfully pivot? Writing a book about how to write a book!
That’s one of the many reasons I’m excited about my work as a book coach. A book is a powerful pivoting tool.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Maintaining a vibrant author community is an important value, so I’m always looks for strategies to keep in touch and look for ways to showcase the brilliance of my authors. Here are some of my strategies:
*I have a Hall of Fame on my website that features my “graduates”–those who are now authors. On their post they include their photo and the book’s cover, a brief description, and a link to Amazon. I also promote this Hall of Fame on social media.
*I offer “Alum Reunions” quarterly and invite all past authors as well as current aspiring authors to discuss ways they are leveraging their books to build their businesses and platforms.
*I follow my authors on social media and comment on and share their posts.
* I offer a Speaker Author Mastermind membership where authors can share ideas about launching and promoting their books.
* I feature my authors in my monthly newsletter, showcasing their achievements and new offerings.
* I make regular calls to past clients/authors to touch base.
* I offer discounts to my authors who return to work with me for subsequent books, and tailor my offerings to meet their needs.
* I recently developed a new “Pay it Foreword” program for authors to encourage their colleagues to write and participate in branded anthologies (where each person writes a chapter).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cathyfyock.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessBookStrategist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-fyock-973b735/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CathyFyock
- Youtube: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfF84MMY-P_aVGJUe7u40kA
