The advancement of technology has made more possible than ever before, but you have to change your way of thinking if you’re used to the ‘old’ way of doing things.
Laurie Wright is a woman on a mission to improve the mental health and emotional welfare of children around the world, one book at a time. As an author and consultant, she has the innate ability to give children and adults alike a confidence boost. During her tenure as a kindergarten teacher, Wright noticed students often exhibited learned helplessness. Parents struggled with finding the words to express emotional support or convince their children that they were capable. This time in the classroom served as the foundation in creating her first book, “I Can Handle It” in 2016.
Driven by the desire to help eradicate childhood anxiety, Wright has added seven books under the Mindful Mantras series as well as accessories to help children build emotional intelligence. In an industry where the average self- published book sells a few hundred copies annually, Wright sells several hundred daily and generates numerous positive reviews from parents, teachers, and counselors. Overall, she has independently sold over 100,000 books and earned Amazon bestseller status.
Born out of her passion for teaching and marketing, Wright also offers hands-on programs and consulting services for aspiring and struggling children’s book authors. Instead of winging it or feeling the pressure of figuring everything out along the way, she gives writers direction and a proven structure for success. Through courses like “Profitable Picture Books: How to Self-Publish a Picture Book,” she shares the blueprint for creating and selling children’s picture books in the competitive self-publishing industry. Wright has developed a solid reputation as a publishing strategist, giving authors the insight, systems and coaching to take their book projects to the next level. Her clients attribute their increased financial success to her commitment to forward-thinking marketing strategies and results.
Wright is currently working on the next books in The Mindful Mantras and her all new Courage Chronicles series. When she’s not crafting her next bestseller or helping authors do the same, Wright spends her spare time with her three children and husband.
Where did the idea for your books come from?
I taught kindergarten for 10 years, and was inspired by my students to write the first book in the series, ‘I Can Handle It’, as an effort to boost self-efficacy.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake up and exercise, and listen to podcasts or trainings while I’m doing so.
I’m at the computer by 10am, and work until 5. Productivity varies from day to day, but I have a running TO DO list, and set activities that are scheduled during the week, like my podcast interviews. I don’t think I have a productivity secret, except to be consistent and put the hours in, even when I don’t necessarily WANT to.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I often brew on them for a while; in the shower, on walks, watching my kids at the park. Then I talk it over with my husband, who often has a unique perspective, and sometimes my kids and my assistant. If I’m still interested, excited and think it’s feasible, I start outlining a plan.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Self-Publishing. I’ve been able to create a few businesses, support my family, and more! Love that the industry has changed this way.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I use highlighters in my paper planner to indicate personal activities, vs work, etc. At a glance, I can see exactly what’s on the agenda for the week and when. I can easily see big chunks of time for getting deep work done vs smaller pockets for answering correspondence, for example.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Get out of the box! There are so many possibilities when you expand your way of thinking, I wish I had realized that a long time ago.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That our children are in crisis NOW, and that they need emotional help NOW.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I use the Profit First system for money management. It’s meant the difference between being profitable or not. Each month, I divide up my income into different accounts, and therefore always have money for my taxes saved, money for operating expenses, etc. I cannot say enough good things about this system!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I hired an assistant this past fall, and without her help I wouldn’t be able to handle even half of what I’m doing now. She’s made it possible for me to branch out into different areas without losing momentum.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I signed a contract without understanding it’s full implications. Nothing too horrible happened, I just ended up feeling trapped in a deal that I knew wasn’t in my best interest, almost from the start of it. It was a GREAT lesson.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
If you have kids and limited working hours, consider starting a business running errands for other people. Getting groceries, dry-cleaning, etc. People would absolutely pay for that!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
My purchases lately have been bigger, so this is tricky! I’m going to have to share a purchase for about $250 – an Elgato Green Screen. It raises and stands up on its own! I can now use virtual backgrounds during meetings or interviews, instead of desperately trying to hide the mess of where I actually work, which is in my mud room.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Acuity Scheduling has changed and simplified my life! I use it to book interviews, consults and appointments, with no stress over time zones.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
‘The Slight Edge’ by Jeff Olson
He compares compound interest to your actions, personally and professionally, in an interesting, easy to read way. For example exercising 10 minutes every day is better, and will give better results, than one 60 minute workout a week. Putting in 10 minutes a day writing a book will get more results than one single session. I’ve gifted this book more than any other! It really hit home for me.
What is your favorite quote?
“Wash what is dirty, water what is dry. Love those who are hardest to love, because they need it the most.”
-Socrates
Key Learnings:
- The advancement of technology has made more possible than ever before, but you have to change your way of thinking if you’re used to the ‘old’ way of doing things.
- 9 to 5 jobs aren’t the only option, nor are they the best options.
- Writing as a career is achievable!
Connect:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.