Inside Strategic Coach Podcast with Dan Sullivan
Quarterly Book Production Process
Introduction
- Hosts: Shannon Waller and Dan Sullivan
- Topic: Process of creating quarterly books at Strategic Coach
- Context: Frequently asked process; example of unique ability teamwork
Origin of the Quarterly Book Project
- Dan Sullivan previously wrote 13 books before new process
- Belief in the magic of physical books even in the digital age
- Physical books still significant; only about 30% market share for ebooks
- Entrepreneurs see books as a magic tool; few complete them
- Main challenges: time-consuming, perceived as lonely task
- Public commitment: 100 books over 25 years to maintain growth and compound interest
- Initial process was lonely and grueling
- Shift to teamwork: Strategic Coach principles applied
Teamwork and Process Improvements
- Initially 10 members involved
- Significant reduction in Dan's time from 100 hours to 30 hours per book
- Continuous teamwork improvements
Book Topic Selection
- Topics based on workshop ideas and tested concepts
- Example: "Lifetime Extender", "Who Not How"
- Use of Impact Filters to develop and refine ideas
- Impact Filter structure: Purpose, Ideal Outcome, Worst Result, Best Result, and Mindsets
Moving from Idea to Book Outline
- Impact Filter creates 8 success criteria (mindsets)
- Use of a Mindset Scorecard to develop ideas further
- Scorecards contain four-column processes assessing different mindset stages
- Predetermined structure: Introduction, 8 chapters, Conclusion, Strategic Coach info (44 pages in total)
- Shift from writing full text to creating structured outlines with subheads
Recording and Transcription
- Interviews are used to flesh out content (Dan speaking freely off outline)
- Participants include Shannon (interviewer), sound engineer, and editor
- Transcriptions handled through Rev.com
- Content largely completed post-interview; Dan's involvement minimal after this stage
Editing and Refinements
- Adam (copywriter) drafts the content; Carrie (editor) refines it
- Alignment with predetermined book structure
- Real-time reviews and improvements
Visual Elements: Cartoons
- Importance of visual communication (cartoons in books)
- Process: Dan provides ideas, Haish (cartoonist) drafts and finalizes
- Two-page cartoon spreads for each chapter
- Emotional impact through color palettes (contrasting positive and negative scenarios)
Additional Content Forms
- Studio recordings for audio versions of the book content
- Video supplements summarizing key book concepts
- Team involvement in various production aspects (video, layout, scheduling)
Continuous Improvement and Learning
- Process evolves with new efficiencies and improvements
- Team-driven enhancements and feedback integration
- Flexibility with production schedule (e.g., Haish's injury scenario)
- Commitment to ongoing improvement and adaptation
Entrepreneur Impact and Audience Interaction
- Audience engagement helps improve book ideas and relevance
- Books serve as tools for practical entrepreneurial insights
- Emphasis on addressing one key idea in each book for clarity and impact
Final Insights
- Larger goal of writing 100 books brings better focus to each individual book
- Non-fiction books are more impactful when concise
- Collective effort of unique abilities leads to more effective results
Conclusion
- Podcast ends with an appreciation of the process and encouragement for listeners to adopt similar teamwork principles in their projects.
Feel free to reach out with questions or comments.