Emma Wimhurst
Emma Wimhurst is a successful businesswoman, motivational public speaker,business turnaround expert and author. She has been defined as: “the original kitchen sink entrepreneur”.
In fact, Emma grew a start-up cosmetics company to a business with a multi-million pound turnover in just four years.
Emma now applies the approach she used to build her cosmetics business to her work with all the businesses she helps to succeed – or boom!
BOOM! – which is the title of Emma’s book – enhances her consultancy and business mentoring work. It’s also succeeding in its own right.
I spoke to Emma towards the end of May about her success as a businessperson who writes.
What did you want to achieve with BOOM?
I wanted to introduce people to the seven disciplines I think are really important for business success. These principles help people to control, grow and add impact to their business.
I wanted to write a colourful book, a book that’s easy to read, but still has substance. I’ve been put off by a lot of business books I’ve seen. I wanted to use a different approach. I also wanted to make an impact.
I’ve developed the seven disciplines over a number of years. I used them to build my own start-up business. I use them in my mentoring work and when I speak, as well as in the book.
Why did you choose BOOM! as the title for your book?
BOOM!
I wanted a short title, a one-word title.
BOOM is about energy and impact, but the boom on a boat is the place from where you control progress and set the direction you’re travelling in.
BOOM is explosive, but it’s also about control. That’s why it’s a good title.
What made you decide to self-publish?
I had a conversation with a publisher, who was interested in the work, but I wanted to get the book out quickly, so I decided to self-publish. I set up my own publishing company: Diva Publishing, and published BOOM! towards the end of 2009.
Self-publishing’s not a bad thing to do.
When you self-publish you’re in charge. For example, I chose the cover design and the book layout. I got what I wanted because BOOM! is my book.
I aimed to sell the book myself when I spoke and to have it available on Amazon and also via my websites. BOOM! is part of my portfolio. It’s part of what I do.
However, I have now been approached by the publishing industry. BOOM! is being promoted by publisher Harriman House. This means I’ve got access to their distribution network, even though I’ve self-published..
Why is BOOM! important to you?
It’s part of my story.
I inspire, motivate and enable people to transform their business from a whisper to a boom.
That’s what I do. I’m passionate about what I do.
I didn’t realise how much of an impact BOOM! would have on me. I’m pleased with the success, the sales, the revenue and so on. The impact BOOM! is having on people is very important to me, too. Lots of people have told me they’ve enjoyed it. There’s been a lot written about it. I never imagined this would happen.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of writing a business book?
I’d tell them to sort out their own brand – their personal brand – before they do anything else.
Think about it.
Brand is really important. People identify with a brand. If you think about me, I’m very colourful. I’m often referred to as “the lady in red”. BOOM! is colourful, too.
If you’re interested in writing a book, create a brand that’s honest and reflects you. That’s the first thing to do.
That’s my advice.
——————————
You can read a review of BOOM! by Dee Black, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, here. You can also subscribe to Emma’s blog on the same web page and sign up for BOOMbytes! – weekly inspiration from Emma.
About Margaret Adams
