How to Go From Nobody to Notable
Revenue Track Turn: #1 - Use a Mini Book to Conquer the Credibility Climb
The Revenue Track is the journey your customers take from discovering you to becoming loyal fans and achieving their desired outcomes. It’s made up of four key turns, each representing a critical stage where you guide them toward deeper trust, engagement, and results.
Let’s start with the first turn: the Credibility Climb.
Why Credibility Comes First
Credibility helps customers decide whether they will engage with your business. Before they buy from you, they need to believe you understand their problem and can help them. If they don’t see you as credible, they will hesitate to trust you.
When potential customers first encounter your work—through a post, conversation, or referral—they instinctively ask:
“Does this person understand my situation?”
“Can they actually help me?”
“Why should I listen to them?”
A mini book answers these questions by showing that you know your audience’s challenges and that you’ve thought deeply about how to solve them. It also makes you stand out by offering tangible value, which reinforces trust.
How a Mini Book Builds Credibility
A mini book is more than just a written product. It is a tool that establishes trust by showing expertise, providing solutions, and offering readers something of real value. Here’s why it works so well:
Solves a Specific Problem A mini book focuses on one clear problem your audience faces. This targeted approach lets readers know you understand their challenges and have the insight they need. By zeroing in on one issue, you show that you are tuned in to their needs.
For example, if your audience struggles to take their first step in a new career, your mini book can guide them through that exact transition. When people see how effectively your book solves their problem, they are much more likely to want to work with you further.
Shows Your Expertise Writing a book demonstrates that you have put in the work to deeply understand your field. A mini book, even a concise one, carries more weight than other forms of content because it represents effort and thoughtfulness. Your audience will see it as proof that you know your subject well.
Offers an Accessible Starting Point A mini book is a simple way for someone to engage with your expertise. It is low-cost and low-pressure, which makes it an easy way for potential customers to start their journey with you. They can explore your ideas without a big commitment, which builds trust over time.
Using the POWER Promise to Build Trust
At the heart of a strong mini book is the POWER Promise. This is the promise you make to readers about what your book will do for them. It helps you focus your content and ensures your audience knows what to expect.
The POWER Promise has five parts:
P – Problem: Identify the challenge your reader faces.
O – Offer: Present the solution your book provides.
W – Words: Use a clear, engaging title that draws readers in.
E – Expectation: Make sure the subtitle sets realistic expectations for results.
R – Reveal: Design a cover that reflects the theme and tone of your book.
Your POWER Promise shows readers that you understand their struggles and that you can help them take action. It’s not just about what the book says but how it is framed and presented.
How Mini Books Compare to Other Tools
Many tools can help you build credibility, but a mini book offers a unique combination of depth, focus, and accessibility. Here’s how it compares to other methods:
Social Media Posts Posts are helpful for visibility, but they don’t create lasting trust. They are often forgotten quickly. A mini book is a permanent resource that people can reference repeatedly.
Resumes or Credentials A resume shows your background, but it doesn’t give potential customers value upfront. A mini book demonstrates your knowledge by solving a problem for your audience, which builds deeper trust.
Courses or Webinars These formats require a larger time or financial commitment. A mini book is a simpler way for customers to experience your expertise without a significant investment.
A Real Example of Credibility in Action
When I wrote The Independent Adjuster’s Playbook, my goal wasn’t to become well-known. It was to solve a problem for a small, underserved audience: independent adjusters trying to break into the industry. By addressing this specific challenge, the book built trust with thousands of readers. Many of those readers became loyal customers, generating more than $700,000 in revenue for my business.
This shows the power of credibility. A mini book doesn’t need to be flashy or broad—it just needs to solve the right problem for the right audience.
Your Mini Book as the Starting Point
Your mini book is the foundation of your credibility. It is the first step in showing your audience that you are the expert they’ve been looking for. When potential customers see your book and the value it provides, they are more likely to trust you with their time, money, and attention.
Action Step: Start Building Your Credibility
To begin climbing the Credibility Climb, take these steps:
Pick a Problem: Identify one clear, meaningful challenge your audience faces.
Define Your Promise: Craft a POWER Promise that frames your book around the problem and solution.
Publish Your Mini Book: Don’t wait for it to be perfect—focus on getting it into your audience’s hands.
Share It Widely: Use social media, email, and conversations to spread the word.
Credibility isn’t a one-time effort. It’s built over time, with consistent effort and valuable content. Your mini book is the cornerstone of that effort, helping you prove your worth and start strong on the Revenue Track.
If you need help writing your mini book check out my books Mini Book Model and Mini Book Straitjacket to see how easy it can be to conquer the credibility climb.