Writing a business book can seem like a monumental task, but if you look closely, the process is surprisingly similar to playing poker. Both require strategy, a keen sense of timing, and the ability to read the room. In poker, the stakes are high, and in the world of business books, the reward is often the same—impact, authority, and credibility. So, how exactly is writing a business book like playing poker Write a business book? Let’s break it down.
1. Starting with a Strong Hand
In poker, your hand is critical to your success, but it’s not everything. Similarly, when writing a business book, your foundation is key. Before you even start typing, you need a solid idea, a compelling message, or a unique perspective. You’ll need a “hand” that is strong enough to hold the reader’s attention and provide valuable insight.
But just like in poker, the hand you’re dealt isn’t always perfect. You might need to tweak your ideas, refine your message, or reassess your approach. In both poker and book writing, your ability to work with what you’ve got is just as important as the initial starting point.
2. Knowing When to Hold and When to Fold
In poker, you have to decide when to stay in the game and when to fold. The same principle applies to writing a business book. There will be times when your idea doesn’t quite work, or the content starts to feel off-track. Knowing when to push through and when to step back and reassess is a vital part of both poker and writing.
Sometimes, you’ll face a creative block or encounter feedback that requires you to make tough decisions. Do you change your strategy, scrap part of your book, or start from scratch? Just like in poker, it’s important to weigh your options, analyze the situation, and make an informed decision.
3. The Bluff and the Hook
In poker, a successful bluff can win you the pot, even if you don’t have the best hand. In writing, the equivalent is the hook—the opening line, chapter, or story that convinces the reader to keep going. Your “bluff” is the element that draws your audience in and keeps them guessing.
A great business book doesn’t always reveal everything upfront. You need to entice your readers with promises of value, whether that’s practical advice, compelling case studies, or a fresh perspective. Much like a poker player who knows how to bluff, a good author knows how to keep their reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover more.
4. Playing the Long Game
Poker is a long game. It’s not just about the next hand, but how you manage your chips, your emotions, and your strategy over time. Similarly, writing a business book is a long-term project that requires persistence and patience. You might not see the results of your hard work immediately, but the long-term rewards are worth it.
As a business author, you have to play the long game in terms of your credibility, networking, and building your brand. Every chapter you write, every piece of advice you give, builds your reputation. Like poker players who endure ups and downs, successful business authors maintain resilience, keep refining their craft, and don’t give up when the going gets tough.
5. Reading the Room
In poker, being able to read your opponents is essential. You need to understand when they’re bluffing, when they have a winning hand, and when they’re likely to fold. In writing, you need to read your audience. You need to know who you’re writing for, what they need, and what will resonate with them. Are you writing for entrepreneurs? Managers? Startups? The more you understand your audience, the more likely your book will be a hit.
This ability to read the room comes through research. The most successful business books often start with a deep understanding of the audience’s pain points, needs, and desires. If you want your book to make a real impact, you’ll need to ensure it speaks directly to your readers in a way that feels personal and relevant.
6. Risk and Reward
Poker is about taking calculated risks. Sometimes, you’ll have to bet big, and other times, you’ll need to play it safe. Similarly, writing a business book involves risks: you’re putting your ideas out there for the world to see, potentially exposing yourself to criticism, but also the possibility of great success.
A well-placed bet in poker can pay off massively, and the same goes for writing a business book. If you take the time to craft a message that speaks to your audience in a meaningful way, the payoff can be huge—whether in terms of thought leadership, opportunities, or sales.
7. Luck Doesn’t Hurt, But It’s Not Everything
In poker, luck can play a role, but relying solely on luck is never a winning strategy. The same goes for writing a business book. While timing or the current business climate might give your book a boost, it’s not enough to rely on luck alone. A successful business book is crafted with skill, strategy, and a deep understanding of the topic.
Luck may get your book on a bestseller list, but consistent, high-quality content is what ensures its lasting success.
Conclusion
Writing a business book, like playing poker, is all about strategy, timing, and reading the room. It requires a solid foundation, calculated risks, and the ability to adapt and evolve along the way. The rewards can be immense, but only if you’re willing to play the long game and navigate the highs and lows with resilience. So, as you embark on your business book journey, remember that like poker, success isn’t just about the hand you’re dealt—it’s about how you play it.