Mike Alden - How Writing A Book Can Positively Impact Your Business

In this episode, Casey Adams interviews Mike Alden, the CEO of Alden Publishing and co-founder of Wicked Happy. They discuss Mike's journey in publishing and marketing books, the changes in the publishing world, and the success of authors. Mike shares his background and the impact of books on his life. They also dive into the lessons Mike has learned in business, including the importance of marketing and taking care of oneself financially. In this conversation, Mike Alden shares his experiences and insights on various aspects of business and personal growth. He discusses the mistakes he made in being too generous and overpaying people, as well as the importance of staying focused and not taking the eye off the ball in business. Alden emphasizes the difference in mindset between employees and business owners, highlighting the need for owners to be vigilant and have a top-level understanding of every aspect of the business. He also shares the story behind the creation of the brand 'Wicked Happy' and the importance of finding happiness and helping others. Additionally, Alden offers advice on publishing books and financing options for aspiring authors. Takeaways Self-publishing has become more accessible and viable for authors, allowing them to bypass traditional publishers. Success as an author is not solely determined by making bestseller lists, but by defining one's own goals and reaching the intended audience. Books have the power to spark change and influence readers, even if the impact is not immediate. Lessons learned in business include the importance of marketing, taking care of oneself financially, and learning from successful authors and entrepreneurs. Avoid being too generous and overpaying people in business. Stay focused and don't take your eye off the ball. Employees may not care as much about the business as the owner, so it's important to stay vigilant. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Full Circle Moment 01:17 Mike Alden's Journey in Publishing and Marketing Books 06:24 Changes in the Publishing World 08:26 Mike Alden's Background and Journey 15:07 Writing and Publishing the First Book 19:52 Success as an Author 20:43 Influential Authors and Books 25:06 The Impact of Books on Mike Alden's Life 36:19 Lessons Learned in Business 38:40 Being Too Generous and Overpaying People 40:30 Taking Eye off the Ball in Business 41:59 Employees Not Caring as Much as the Owner 42:28 Owner's Understanding of Every Aspect of the Business 45:48 The Genesis of Wicked Happy 53:27 Helping People and Finding Happiness 56:51 Publishing Books and Financing