Well today I decided on the publisher for my book. I'm working with a short time frame (about 4 months) for a 250 page manuscript that will include artwork, cover design and formatting. Out of the day, that was the easy part.
I find that dealing with employee issues consume more time that one expects, but in the long run, it's worth it. One thing I have found in dealing with employee issues is that you have to leave the ego at the door and examine the process. In my instance, a team was having issues in such a way that one person would do a task a certain way and another person would follow a different set of rules. Both individuals got to the same result but one with less efficiency. I asked the members of the team to process map the work that needs to be done, then look for inefficiencies in the process. We will convene later in the week to discuss the results of their findings.
From this aspect, I have stepped back and let the team be the leader on improving the process - yes that is called delegating and it's one thing that a true entrepreneur has a hard time letting go of. But I will point out again that a CEO can't and won't know everything. I understand the overall objectives of what needs to happen and how it needs to happen but letting the team put the process in place that will be efficient for all team members is the best approach. Not only does this empower the team but it frees up my time to focus on business matters that need my attention.
My follow-up meeting with my writer is scheduled for Wednesday via conference call so I'll report on how that goes. As for the cover design, I'm thinking a light purple or dark blue. As I perused through the business section I noticed a lack of these colors and hope that will make my book stand out; enough to get that 2-5 second look.
And no, please don't think I going about this by hoping that someone will pick up the book from a book store. I already have my advertising team working on press kits and my marketing director working on a list to send "free" copies to certain key individuals in fortune 500 companies that will create a "need to have" as well as working on speaking engagements for the book release. Assuming that all goes well, we will also have book signings along with that (that is if the book sells, if it doesn't then we just keep moving along with what we do best).
Darrin Brillhart, CEO
Cybercomm Technologies
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