From Chance Comment to Best-Selling Book: Unveiling the Power of Collaboration
Have you ever wondered how a simple comment in a Women’s Business Network (WBN) meeting could lead to the creation of a best-selling book in just over a year? It’s a remarkable journey that epitomizes the collaborative spirit at the core of the Women’s Business Network.
Our network is a vibrant tapestry of remarkable women, each possessing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. It was from this rich pool of wisdom that the idea for our book was born.
Sharon Louca, the founder of WBN, vividly recalls the moment of inception: “During one business networking meeting, when we were all sharing our knowledge and expertise, I flippantly suggested the idea of writing a book, and although it began in jest, it sparked a collective thought ‘Why not give it a try?’”
With this spark, a mission began to take shape. Sharon teamed up with writing mentor and fellow author, Shelley Wilson, to orchestrate the project. Their aim was clear: to create a valuable resource for women new to the world of business, one that would help them learn from the collective mistakes and experiences of the co-authors, enabling them to lay strong foundations for their entrepreneurial ventures. While the book was initially targeted at start-ups and new entrepreneurs, it offers valuable insights for women at any stage of their business journey because, let’s face it, there’s always something new to learn.
The book delves into a diverse array of topics, from the technical intricacies of business plans, branding, accounting, AI (artificial intelligence), and social media strategies to addressing the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, such as mindset and self-care. What makes this book truly unique is its compilation of business advice, personal stories, and case studies from 20 different women who have collectively spent many decades in the world of business.
Kat Byles, the author of “Creative Happy Work,” beautifully encapsulates the essence of our book: “My experience has been that for women to thrive, they need both the practical and emotional support that this book and the Women’s Business Network offers.”
The book made its grand entrance onto Amazon on Monday, October 16th. The Women’s Business Network celebrated this monumental achievement at a local Meet the Author event in Kenilworth on Saturday, October 21st, where they proudly exhibited alongside 24 other local authors.
The launch event served as an incredible opportunity for the co-authors to meet in person, many for the very first time. While strong bonds and friendships had been forged in the online realm, being able to give each other a warm hug and truly celebrate their collective success in person was nothing short of amazing.
We were delighted that Sandra Godley from BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire came along to the event and recorded a short interview with us for her show on 22nd October. You can listen to our interview here. Pictured here from left to right are Vicky Farmer WBN member, Sharon Louca, Sandra Godley, Shelley Wilson WBN member and writing mentor and Karen Heap the Meet the Author event organiser.
Whether you prefer a paperback copy or the convenience of Kindle, you can find our book on Amazon. Join us in celebrating the power of collaboration, knowledge, and the unwavering spirit of women in business.
So, what’s on the horizon now for WBN? We’re thrilled to announce that a Bootcamp, designed to complement the book, is in the works for early 2024. It will provide readers with the chance to meet and learn more about the various areas covered in the book. Register for updates here
