Speaker - June 2012

IT’S A

HOW TO MONETIZE YOUR NEXT BOOK WITH THE LATEST MOBILE TECHNOLOGY BY JEFF HAYZLETT

or some, books may not be a
prime source of revenue in their
speaking careers and businesses.

However, writing a book is a great way to establish ourselves as thought leaders and subject matter experts and generate interest and exposure with media and our audiences. A published book provides a stamp of legitimacy driving our speaking, consulting and info-product businesses. Books are our currency, so how do we cash in on them?

One way is through SpyderLynk’s Snap Tag technology. I recently implemented Snap Tags to interact with my readers in a way I never had before. At the beginning of each chapter of my latest book, Running the Gauntlet, readers scan the Snap Tag with their camera-enabled mobile phones and watch a video of me introducing the chapter. I’ve even placed a Snap Tag on the facing page so you can see what I’m talking about. Go ahead, snap it … I’ll wait.

But videos aren’t the only thing you can do with these. They can be placed on your books or products to drive Facebook and Twitter follows, connect on LinkedIn, drive offers and promotions, and even set up a point of sale inside your book using SpyderLynk’s mobile wallet feature.

Imagine being able to sell your $399 online course directly from your book. Now that’s monetization.

The other huge benefit of Snap Tags is the ability to collect information about your readers. This is one of the toughest challenges we have as authors— connecting with the people who buy our books. Snap Tags offer an innovative way to know more about our audience. Data can be gathered about our readers, and we can track metrics to see which chapters are most popular. The data that I’ve collected from my book has shown me what’s popular, influencing content and topics in my speeches, ideas for future books and pitches with clients.

So let’s dive a bit deeper into what Snap Tags are and how they can benefit you as an author and speaker.

THE COMPELLING CASE FOR SNAPTAGS I call Snap Tags a sexier, smarter QR Code. QR Codes look like “digital vomit” on the page, but Snap Tags are more appealing and brand-friendly. A Snap Tag looks like a logo with a ring around it. But don’t let the simple appearance fool you; Snap Tags are capable of powerful stuff. Simple, but powerful.