1723 – How to Write a Great Short Business Book with Mike Ulmer

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Writer, Publisher & Journalist of Catapult Bookwriting, Mike Ulmer.

Mike's journey from sports journalism to business storytelling is a fascinating one. After spending three decades in sports journalism, he transitioned into the business world.

He noticed a common thread among many people he interacted with in the business network - they struggled to tell their stories or present themselves effectively. This observation led him to develop a formula for writing great business books and assisting others in their writing endeavors.

Mike attributes much of his success to networking and word-of-mouth referrals. He believes that writing a book should be an enjoyable and adventurous process, and that every book is a journey of self-discovery. His book, "Show and Tell Writing," serves as a guide for those embarking on the book-writing process.

According to Mike, a great business book should have three key elements: a compelling proposition, a meaningful backstory, and practical tips for readers to apply the information. He also advocates for brevity, suggesting that 20,000 words are sufficient to convey a great story and provide valuable advice.

He encourages authors to challenge themselves to write just 200 words a day over 100 days, resulting in a 20,000-word book. This would typically translate to around 100-130 pages, depending on factors such as font size and visuals.

Key Points from the Episode:

Mike Ulmer's background in sports journalism and transition into the business world
The development of a formula for writing great business books and helping others succeed in writing
The importance of networking and word-of-mouth referrals in Mike's success
The concept of writing a book as a fun and adventurous journey of self-discovery
Coaching and guidance offered by Mike to aspiring authors
The book "Show and Tell Writing" as a guide for the book-writing process
The importance of a compelling proposition, meaningful backstory, and practical tips in a great business book
Mike's advocacy for brevity in book length, suggesting 20,000 words as sufficient
The power of storytelling and finding exceptional stories within ourselves
The significance of listening and asking the right questions to uncover profound truths in someone's life

About Mike Ulmer:

Mike Ulmer is a seasoned journalist with 30 years of experience, specializing in helping clients craft compelling business narratives through the medium of books.

Mike Ulmer has conducted over 10,000 interviews and written books on diverse topics, from digital marketing and millennials to sports like basketball and hockey, specifically the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. His expertise also extends to subjects such as writing, entrepreneurship, Canada, Inuksuks, horses, and medicine.

Mike has profiled legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Serena Williams, Sidney Crosby, and Mario Lemieux. His extensive sports coverage includes events like the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup finals.

Notably, he served as the in-house writer for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the organization behind major sports teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Marlies.

About Catapult Bookwriting:

Catapult Bookwriting specializes in assisting individuals in crafting and sharing their essential business narratives. With a focus on long-lasting impact, they provide comprehensive services to transform these stories into thought-provoking books.

These books serve as powerful tools, enhancing thought leadership and brand authority while also acting as guiding stars for social media strategies. Catapult Book writing distinguishes itself by creating concise yet impactful books, typically spanning 120-150 pages, ensuring that the message is communicated effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, they cater to the do-it-yourself crowd by offering a variety of helpful tools and resources, making the book writing process accessible to a wide range of clients, aiming to establish a lasting presence in their respective industries.