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Would you like to find out a bit more about how Data Means Business came to be?

Barry Green joined Jason Foster on the Hub & Spoken podcast to share how – and why – they wrote the book.

Data Means Business with Barry Green and Jason Foster

Jason Foster and Barry Green recently released a brand new book “Data Means Business.” In the book, they deep-dive behind the scenes of successful businesses that harness the power of data, by deconstructing their processes in simple, easy to follow text.

One Big Message

Jason & Barry felt that there was a gap in the market for a book that was consumable by a business leader audience, but with enough depth for the data leaders and professionals to get real value out of it too.

Synergise strengths

When you have two experts collaborating, avoid writing separate pieces and stitching it together. Instead, use your synergy to bounce ideas around and improve each other’s work. By doing this you’ll find that ideas and concepts come to life faster.

It is also interesting to note that despite having multiple people comment on the same topic, their previous experiences and knowledge means they will inevitably describe it from a different angle. Combining different perspectives helps to give a varied approach to topics and allows for a fuller, more in-depth discussion.

Use analogies to simplify complex topics

We all know that using analogies can be a powerful way to illustrate your point and make it memorable. But what does this have to do with writing?

The answer is simple: everything. Analogies are an integral part of language, so they’re essential when you want to communicate effectively on paper. And the best analogy is one that has a clear connection between two things, which will help readers see how two concepts are related in their own lives. Analogies are particularly important when you are trying to break down complicated concepts in data.

Analogies don’t just happen -they take time and creativity- but once you find the perfect match for your message, you’ll be able to educate a larger audience because of their universal nature.

Leverage your network

If you are on an active lookout for someone to collaborate with on a bigger project, start by searching around your own network first. If you haven’t found the perfect someone to collaborate with inside your network, there are plenty of opportunities to meet other people interested in similar topics.  Trade shows and conferences are an easy way of meeting like minded people who can become some of your closest allies.

For those of us who are savvy online, you can reach out and form connections on LinkedIn, or other forms of social media. If you are open and willing to broaden your network, you never know who might become your new business ‘running partner.’

Writing a book in under a year

Writing a book is difficult – and writing one in under a year can seem almost impossible. In the podcast, several tips were given on how to reach big goals in a short timeframe.

• It can be easy to give up halfway or take an extended break, creating a set timeline will keep you on track.
• Becoming an author is a high-level creative process that requires a lot of attention and mental power. Therefore, it is important to take the time to step back and review your work every so often.
• Hold yourself accountable. Even if you want to keep your special project under wraps, you still need to keep yourself accountable in trying to reach your goals.
• Be mindful with time. Use your time wisely – if you are spending hours staring blankly at a screen there is no point in being there. Vary up your schedule, revise old text or shift your focus completely so you can be productive in the moment.

To summarise

Coming up with a book concept and seeing through the process right through to publication in under a year can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right people to work with and some grit and determination it is fully possible to create a bestseller – even if writing doesn’t come naturally to you.

Find out more about the book, and download part one for free.