In Conversation - Dixie Maria Carlton Top Five Tips For Non-Fiction Authors

"Don't just write a book. Write a book that's going to position you as an authority. So, write with authority. A lot of business professionals write books that are going to boost their credibility. A book is not going to just make you an authority automatically. So, you need to position yourself as a thought leader by integrating your book into your overall strategy, make it part of your ecosystem for your marketing and your entire business." Dixie Maria Carlton Top Five Tips For Non-fiction Authors1. Write with Authority2. Plan Before You Write3. Focus on High-Quality Production4. Leverage Multiple Platforms for Visibility Publishing 5. Use Your Book to Open Doors and Create Opportunities  TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:50  The importance of integrating the book into an overall strategy, making it part of your marketing and business ecosystem05:35  The trivariant framework, which helps in mind mapping and ensuring consistent content flow.15:30  The concept of "breadcrumbing," leading readers through the book to take specific actions.20:50  Dixie offers a free copy of "Start with the Draft" to listeners  Where to find Dixie?Website              www.indieexpertspublishing.com Dixie Maria Carlton Bio In 2001, Dixie Maria Carlton sold a company and decided to write a book. She got lucky! Amazon was only just really starting to gather steam, and her book found its way through an industry connection to a ‘co-author’ in the USA. She also ended up being personally coached by a publishing and marketing specialist – who at the time was working with Mark Victor Hansen, Brian Tracy, and Bob Proctor – on where those industries collided in the emerging self-publishing world. 20 books and a few awards later, Dixie has been assisting other top speakers from around the world to develop their expertise and publishing aspirations, while also developing her own professional speaking career. She has helped to publish nearly 200 books, many are best sellers, and they and their authors are award-winning high-profile experts in their respective fields, from Europe, USA, Australasia and the UK. She has represented many at international book fairs in Frankfurt and London, sold foreign rights, worked with respected literary agents and PR specialists, and is recognised as a pioneer in the world of Publishing 3.0. Dixie merged her own hybrid publishing company into a fresh new style of service with publishing production specialist Ann Dettori Wilson in 2019 and created Indie Experts. Together they work with top performing industry experts, entrepreneurs, rebels and trail blazers around the world, to ensure their publishing journeys become part of their overall ecosystem in business to create change, and raise awareness of important issues. Covering industries including IT, Security, Agriculture, Retail, Education Mountaineering, and medical fields, Dixie has worked with some extraordinary authors. Describing her work as ‘getting paid to deep dive into fascinating lives and topics’, she’s happiest helping others to develop their stories, and share them.

“ The work is never ending. In schools, there's always more work in terms of preparing lessons and being prepared and worrying about students and the support they might or might not be receiving at home as well.” Steve Francis Top Five Tips For Teacher Well Being1. Teaching is stressful because it is important work.2. It isn't a one size fits all solution.3. Teachers need to make informed choices to put in place boundaries that work for them.4. Fixing teacher well-being is NOT the Principals job.5. School leaders should focus their efforts on building a positive school culture to ensure their school is a great place to work. TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:27  Challenges and Importance of Teacher Stress Management 06:01  Maintaining personal boundaries and finding time for self-care activities like exercise.14:51   Limitations of top-down solutions and the need for teachers to make informed choices about their wellbeing.19:44  The significance of remembering names and using them to foster personal connections. Where to find Steve?Website                       https://happyschool.com.au/ LinkedIn                      https://au.linkedin.com/in/stevefrancisaus  Steve Francis BioSteve Francis works with staff in schools across Australia and New Zealand. As well as having been the Principal of a number of Queensland schools from a one-teacher school through to a large metropolitan school, he was Principal of an international school in Hong Kong. He understands the challenges and demands of working in schools.    Steve completed his Masters on stress in schools. This led him to develop the Happy School program. Almost 700 schools subscribe to receive Steve’s weekly articles and use them to improve staff well-being.    For the past five years Steve has been recognized by Educator magazine as one of the top 50 most influential educators in Australia.  Steve is passionate about keeping things simple and helping staff in schools get work – life satisfaction.

“At the core of it, is the people, a lot of people want to talk about processes and tools, and that's great, but your project probably didn't fail because you used PMI version or Prince two's version, if you had weekly meetings or stand-up meetings. That's probably not why it failed. It's probably because the people were not set up for success from the beginning the whole way through to the end, and that's what my book is all about.” Dawn Mahan Top Five Tips For Successful Projects1.  Assume Nothing: Embrace Failure Stats to Challenge Your Blind Spots2. Welcome to Projectland: It's DIFFERENT Here3. Assemble the Power Players: The Leadership Roles That Make or Break your Project 4. Field your Dream Team: Recruit the Right Players in the Right Roles5. 3 Surprising Kinds of Stakeholders & How to Spot Them  TIME STAMP SUMMARY02:48  People as the core reason for project failure; importance of skill sets and clear goals.08:31  Benefits of separating project and operations teams for focus.14:28  Recruiting for skills and work styles; managing with the team you have.17:36  Managing external influences and communications. Where to find Dawn?Website                               https://www.projectguruacademy.com/  LinkedIn                              https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmahan Dawn MahanDawn Mahan, PMP is Founder of PMOtraining.com, a C-suite advisor, award-winning consultant, international speaker, inventor of ProjectFlo®, author of the bestselling book “Meet the Players in Projectland: Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People On Board” and has trained thousands of professionals around the world.

"Writing is not a solo sport.” Rhea Wessel Top 5 Tips for How to Find a Constant Stream of Story Ideas to Position Yourself As the Go- To Expert in Your Niche 1.  Know your thought leadership niche2. Frame Your stories3. Use AI for research and ideation 4. Practice free writing5. Try Chartifying TIME STAMP SUMMARY 01:53 Identifying your leadership niche, combining expertise, passion, purpose, and a unique viewpoint.06:12 Aligning the niche with the audience's needs and the commercial aspects of thought leadership.15:12  Free writing can be adapted to free speaking for those who prefer to dictate their ideas.19:10 Chartifying involves juxtaposing ideas to create new insights. Where to find Rhea?Website                 https://rheawessel.com/ LinkedIn                https://de.linkedin.com/in/rheawessel  Rhea Wessel Bio Rhea Wessel is an American writer and thought-leadership strategist who helps people grow their business by creating and publishing thought leadership. Offering fractional thought-leadership services, she and her team advise and train on ideation, messaging, AI writing and how to find and articulate your best ideas to become an IP-driven company. As a journalist, she wrote thousands of stories on hundreds of topics and was published in outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and BBC. Later, as a writer for companies, she has penned and edited thousands more stories across 30 industries.Rhea founded and leads The Institute for Thought Leadership, a B2B training and consulting company that helps clients take their ideas to scale with thought-leadership publishing, research and programs.Her first book, Write Like a Thought Leader, was published in 2022. Rhea’s next book, “Thought Leadership for Small Firms: How to use AI to punch above your weight” will be available in mid-2025. Rhea moves frequently between Frankfurt, Germany and Houston, Texas.

“People get caught up with digital and data and thinking, 'Oh, I've got to game the system. I've got to know the algorithm. But at the end of the day, remember that there's actually a human on the other end." Brendan Lee Top Five Top Tips For Improving Your Digital Ads Conversion Rates1.  Know who you are most going to be able to help2.  Speak specifically to that target audience3.  Talk about the problem they have that you will magic make go away4.  Offer something small of value to make a connection5.  The customer journey needs multiple layers TIME STAMP SUMMARY 01:01   Remembering that there is a human on the other end of digital interactions.06:33  Presenting the solution in a manner that suits the persona's personality type.11:45   The need to choose platforms that align with the persona.15:50   Wasting money on platforms that don't reach the target audience. Where to find Brendan?Website                  https://bedigitalgroup.com/ LinkedIn                 https://au.linkedin.com/in/bdanlee  Brendan Lee Bio Brendan is a strategic thinker and creative problem-solver passionate about driving growth for businesses of all sizes. With a background in marketing, sales and customer experience, Brendan excels in connecting high level strategy with actionable tactics that deliver measurable results.As a dynamic leader and innovator, he thrives on helping businesses navigate complex challenges, uncover new opportunities and create meaningful connections with their audiences. Known for his collaborative approach and practical insights, Brendan is committed to empowering businesses to achieve sustainable scalable success.

“You either grow within or you go without” TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:20 Taking responsibility for one's life and becoming the hero of their own story.05:10 The importance of standing for one's greatness and not clinging to limitations.08:05  Reframing beliefs with positive declarations and taking action to overcome setbacks and achieve greatness.13:00 Personal development and setting goals aligned with our desired identity.17:59 Using words that reflect our desired state and focusing on what we want to achieve. Dianna Kokoszka Top Five Tips For Becoming More1. Identify and Understand Your Current Story2. Define Your Desired Legacy3. Limiting Beliefs are the Invisible Chain Holding you Back from Reaching Your True Potential.4.  Implement Strategic Steps for Transformation to a new story, the one you truly desire to live.5.  The Words we Speak Help Predict Our Outcome and Our Future Where to find Dianna?Website               https://dynamicgrowthcollective.com/community                                  https://becomingmorebook.com/ LinkedIn             https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/  Bio Dianna Kokoszka Dianna Kokoszka is an Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author, Investor, and Mentor. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the business world, developing many leaders during her longevity.  Recognized as one of the top 25 business coaches in the U.S. as well as Entrepreneur of the year 4 times and businesswoman of the year 3 times plus nominated as best business Podcast through Women in Podcasting is living proof, she loves to add value to people.Dedicating over 14 years as CEO of Keller Williams Realty International MAPS Coaching and Training, she played a pivotal role in propelling the company to becoming the largest and most profitable coaching enterprise in the real estate industry. Growing gross revenues from losing 1 million per year to over 500 Million dollars. In addition, she helped take the company to the number one training company in the world 5 years straight placing them in the Hall of Fame for Training by T125.  She authored the program BOLD: Business Objective a Life by Design in 2009, when the economy and real estate industry were plummeting.  Over 175,000 salespeople, mortgage lenders, and leaders attended stating the course saved their careers.Kokoszka is an NLP practitioner, certified John Maxwell Coach, certified E-Myth consultant, a member of Strategic Coach, a board member of John C. Maxwell Leadership Foundation, and owner of Dk Businesses, and Dynamic Growth Collective.   Kokoszka has been mentored by Dr. John C. Maxwell for over 28 years and travels alongside John and his team to numerous countries, engaging directly with Presidents and Prime Ministers incorporating value-based training into their educational system. Kokoszka’s bestselling book “Becoming More - You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different” gives the reader a model to train their brain to a new way of thinking, doing having and giving, taking them from the current story of their life to living a new story.  A story of success in business, relationships, and life allowing them to leave a legacy they are proud of.

"If you can stand to have it done to 80% of how you would do it, you can have employees. And if you can't, then you should just stay a solopreneur." Eden Lovejoy Top Five Tips For Business Management1.  Is your business running you? 2. Delegation is not abandonment3. The matrix system for success4. Clarity drives productivity5. From overwhelmed to empowered TIME STAMP SUMMARY 01:38    Importance of creating systems to run business effectively05:22    Aligning decisions with company mission and values09:06   80/20 rule of delegation14:57     Importance of monitoring progress Where to find Eden?Website            https://edenlovejoy.com/                              https://www.yourvirtualgm.online/signupLinkedIn           https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenlovejoy Eden Lovejoy Bio Eden Lovejoy has reimagined the dynamics of business management for today's evolving workplace. She understands that employees don't want to be "managed"; they seek environments where their contributions are valued, impactful, and rewarding. Through her Virtual GM Matrix, Eden has created a system that shifts the managerial model from top-down to team-driven. This approach encourages employees to take meaningful roles in the company’s success, fostering ownership, accountability, and continuous feedback. In a business world where standard operating procedures and rigid directives often fall flat, Eden's method offers a fresh perspective. She teaches leaders how to delegate effectively and create a feedback-rich environment that inspires productivity and innovation. Eden’s mission is to empower business owners to attract passionate, mission-aligned team members and establish a framework that emphasizes accountability and results. With the Virtual GM Matrix, she’s paving the way for leaders to build businesses where both the team and the vision can thrive.Eden Lovejoy is transforming how businesses are managed with her innovative Virtual GM Matrix. Traditional management has often meant either hiring a dedicated manager or shouldering the responsibilities yourself, but the Virtual GM Matrix offers a third option—a comprehensive system that enables your team to step into the role of general management. This approach lets you focus on strategic leadership, while your team takes ownership, fosters engagement, and develops accountability loops, ensuring you're connected to daily operations without getting bogged down. Eden helps leaders move beyond working on their business and teaches them the power of working with their business to cultivate a collaborative, impactful, and energizing workplace culture.

“Persuasion is not limited only to business. It's certainly not only limited solely to sales, and it's not also only limited to simply management in all walks of life, professionals use persuasion. Doctors need to persuade. Lawyers, in particular, need to persuade, and in fact, at home, parents need to persuade.” Paul Du Toit's Top Five Tips For How You Can Change People’s Minds and Influence Their Decisions While Building Trust.1.  The Friendship Key2. Money - does it really motivate?3. Reciprocity4. Using the right WORDS5. AuthorityTIME STAMP SUMMARY01:49  Creating common ground builds trust05:41  Productivity and motivation14:49 Analyzing the impact of specific words like "imagine" and "because"28:25  how people are hardwired to believe authority Where to find Paul?Website               https://congruence.co.za/                                  www.pauldutoit.net LinkedIn              https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldutoit/?originalSubdomain=za  Paul Du Toit Bio Paul du Toit is the author of 3 business books - the most recent being The Book of Persuasion - How You Can Change People’s Minds and Influence Their Decisions While Building Trust. His earlier books are You Can Present With Confidence, and The Exceptional Speaker co-authored with Alan Stevens. He a 27 year speaking veteran and Africa’s 1st Certified Speaking Professional this century. He has been inducted in to the Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame and the Southern African Educators Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in the founding of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa 20 years ago, serving as its president in 2006, and was the 2nd recipient of its Founders Award for service to the business of speaking. He runs Congruence Training specialising in communication skills. In between scuba diving and sampling fine red wine, he’s run the Comrades 3 times, completed 13 Two Oceans marathons and enjoys strumming his guitar. Although born in Cape Town, he lives in Johannesburg and has 2 grown up daughters, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 avo trees and one wife who lives with him and their vegetable patch in Sandton. 

“We are all living our legacy every moment of every day, choice by choice.”Kat O’Sullivan Top Five Tips For living your legacy on purpose1. Let go of the doubts that are keeping you from living the life you really want2. Ask yourself, what if “impossible” is just a story you are telling yourself?3. When “shift happens” embrace disruption as your BFF4. Confront limiting labels that can keep you and others stuck5. Embrace the reality that we are all LIVING our legacy NOW TIME STAMP SUMMARY01:31 Taking the first step towards what one wants, even if its the unknown.07:50 The transformational potential of disruptions in various aspects of life.10:33 Labels and being conscious of how they affect one's actions and decisions.13:50 Reflect on your actions and whether they align with the legacy you want to leave. Where to find Kat?Website                    https://katosullivan.com/ LinkedIn                   https://www.linkedin.com/in/make-magic-happen  Kat O’Sullivan BioKat O’Sullivan believes when shift happens, it’s time to make magic happen. Kat is a keynote speaker, podcast host, author, and coach. For over 25 years, she has helped individuals and organizations discover new possibilities, even when they feel impossible. She has worked across sectors — corporate, nonprofit, education, and privately owned businesses, providing a roadmap, tools, and support to bring those new possibilities to life.Kat O’Sullivan’s life had an unusual beginning. Being born in a secret city and the resulting secrecy factor in her early life made it challenging to show up authentically until, at 16 she convinced Bob Hope to sponsor her travels with Up With People. It was the catalyst for becoming a lifelong changemaker.In the middle of COVID, Kat and her husband packed up their lives and moved to Mexico. She continues to share her inspiring message as a speaker, podcast host, and an author. Her new book, From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility is for anyone facing a significant transition who has doubts about what else is possible in the next chapter of their life. It’s for anyone who wants to dream big, live boldly, and create a fulfilling life they will love. Kat is passionate about helping people move toward the future just waiting for them to say “Hell, YES!” to new possibilities.

“Whenever we pretend to be something we're not, we're generally not going to be very successful at it. So, you shouldn't try to be the loudest voice in the room. You shouldn't try to be the person who speaks up the most at a meeting, because that's not just who you are as an introvert.”Stacey Chazin Top Five Tips For Introverts To Become Powerful Leaders1.      Know and Own Your Strengths2.      Leverage Strategic Thinking3.      Use Deep Listening and Empathy4.      Command Attention Without Raising Your Voice5.      Surround Yourself with People Who Fill the GapsTIME STAMP SUMMARY 01:34   Identifying personal strengths and positive core attributes05:07  Challenging quick-decision workplace expectations08:28  Value of making team members feel truly seen17:30  Strategies for effective leadership Where to find Stacey?Website                         https://ifactorleadership.com/ LinkedIn                        https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-factor-leadership/  Stacey Chazin Bio Stacey Chazin, founder of The I-Factor: Igniting Introverted Leadership, is a dynamic leadership development coach and proud introvert, is rewriting the narrative on introversion. Having grappled with societal expectations that favoured extraversion, Stacey underwent a remarkable transformation. Instead of conforming to societal pressures, she embraced her introverted qualities, turning them into powerful assets that allowed her to thrive both professionally and personally. Now, as a fervent advocate for introverts, Stacey draws on her extensive corporate and non-profit experience, a master’s in organizational development and leadership, and certification as a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) practitioner to empower introverts, guiding them toward self-acceptance, fulfillment, and success in the workplace and beyond.