Why Entrepreneurs Write Books: EO Authors Share Insights for World Book Day

As an entrepreneur, you may have considered writing a book. After all, you started and scaled your business with a significant level of success. You have taken risks, made mistakes, and grown from both. You have something to contribute to your industry or the cultural zeitgeist — or both.

As we recognize World Book Day, EO member authors explain why they felt writing a book was their next best leadership strategy, and share their experience around publishing.

First, some facts. Up to 86 percent of businesses grow after their founder publishes a book. Leaders report increased media exposure, paid speaking gigs, strategic partnerships. Simply put: 72 percent of entrepreneurs said publishing a book led directly to new business opportunities.

“If you're wondering whether authoring a book is worth it, here's the truth: The return on investment is bigger than most people imagine. And I’m not talking about royalties,” says Winnie Hart, an EO Houston member and author of both Stand Out as a Thought Leader and The Daily Thought Leader. “I’m talking about reputation. Opportunity. Influence. Access.”

Helene Smuts, an EO Cape Town member and author of Ditch Mediocrity, had never thought of herself as an author. Her EO Accelerator mentor was impressed with her skill set and suggested she share it with the world, challenging her to write a book and give a TEDx talk. So, she did both.

“Here’s the thing: Your message needs to be heard by someone,” Helene shared. “Don’t keep it locked in your head.”

Winnie agrees. “Write the stories. Capture the lessons. Share the truth you’ve lived,” she says. “Because someone out there needs to hear exactly what only you can say.”

So where do you start? We asked EO member authors to share their experience:

What motivated you to write a book? Did it stretch your comfort zone?

“I was motivated to write a book because I kept having the same conversation with CEOs of companies from $3 million to $50 million USD in size, and I wanted to help more people than I could on a one-to-one basis.” — Carolyn Lowe, EO Iowa, author of Business Growth Do's and Absolute Don'ts

“With my business in decision making consulting, I always thought it would be good to write a book as a practical guide for business leaders, but it always seemed too hard. Then, one day a speaker at my EO Forum introduced us to a “Key Person of Influence” program that included a one-day publishing workshop. I was astonished: At the end of one day, I had a book title, 10-chapter outline, and a complete plan!” — Paul Gordon, EO Sydney, author of Hard Decisions Made Easy

"My book didn’t just build credibility, it created new revenue streams and opened the door to long-term partnerships."

— Heléne Smuts, EO Cape Town

“The whole process stretched me. It started as a ‘get out of your comfort zone’ challenge. The hardest part was structuring my thoughts in a way that made sense. I wanted people to know exactly what their next step is. And yes, I worried that if I gave everything away, people wouldn’t need my services anymore. Classic scarcity thinking. Turns out, the opposite happened.” — Heléne Smuts, EO Cape Town

In what ways did publishing a book influence your credibility, visibility, or thought leadership?

“Being a published author has been valuable for my credibility as a consultant, and more recently, as an educator in decision making. My book is recommended reading for an MBA unit I lead.  It also supports my visibility and credibility as a keynote speaker and guest lecturer. The biggest impact is on my day-to-day consulting work and in business development.” — Paul Gordon

“Your book can open doors you didn’t know existed; your book works for you even when you’re not in the room.” — Winnie Hart

“Since publishing my book, I’ve become a global speaker, a TEDx speaker, and I’m regularly invited onto panels, TV, and radio interviews to share our work around building high-performing teams. The real win? We’re helping more leaders and teams. It didn’t just increase my credibility; it massively increased my confidence.” — Heléne Smuts

What did you learn about yourself during the writing process?

“I realized the real value wasn’t in the book — it was in who I became while writing it.”- Winnie Hart

“The most surprising thing was that I actually finished it and stayed on track with my other business and family commitments. I learned that with discipline and committing to two hours every Friday, I could hit my deadline.” — Carolyn Lowe

“I learned that when I set my mind on something, I finish it. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if I feel out of my depth.” — Heléne Smuts

“My publisher advised me not to hedge my language, such as saying “in my opinion” or things like that. So, I learned that I was not used to being unequivocal; I confronted my fear of being ‘out there, on the record’ with clear opinions and strong statements.” — Paul Gordon

How did writing a book change your business, your brand, or the opportunities that came your way?

“Being able to say ‘author of…’ in an email changes how people respond. You get more replies, more invitations, more opportunities to speak. My book didn’t just build credibility, it created new revenue streams and opened the door to long-term partnerships, from leadership training into full culture development work.” — Heléne Smuts

“Though hard to measure, it has certainly increased our credibility as a business and elevated our brand trust. I’ve won more speaking opportunities, and referrals are better qualified if the client has read my book. The other big difference: Writing the book made me get really clear on our methodologies, frameworks, and ways that we work— which gave the whole business much more clarity and focus.” — Paul Gordon

What would you share with entrepreneurs who are considering writing a book?

“Do it! There are great resources available to help you take the first step. I recommend working with a publisher who supports the writing process or a writing ‘coach’ to keep you on track and help with editing. I also recommend narrating an audiobook version.” — Paul Gordon

“Just start. Seriously. I didn’t worry about grammar or perfection. I knew I’d get an editor to help with that later. So, I removed the pressure upfront. I focused on getting the ideas out, not getting them perfect. You don’t have to do everything yourself.” — Heléne Smuts

What would you do differently?

“I would ignore my imposter syndrome a lot earlier. I would build excitement around the book properly. Do a real launch. Talk about it more. Instead, I did it quietly and hoped it would spread organically. If I had my time again, I’d own it louder. Time to write a new book and do it right.” — Heléne Smuts

“If I did it again, I would have a podcast before writing the book and direct people from the podcast to buy on Amazon.” — Carolyn Lowe, EO Iowa

“I’m not sure I would do much differently; I was very happy with the process (about three months writing, three  months review, and three months final copy editing / publishing) and very happy with the product. They say there is a “book in everyone” and from my experience, it’s true! Now to write the next one.” — Paul Gordon

Are you an EO member who has written a book? EO is compiling a list of member-authored titles. To add yours, email your book title and a link to content@eonetwork.org.