Today, joining me is Leif Babin. Leif is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as President, COO, leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor. In this episode, we will chat with Leif about how he launched one of the most successful books ever published.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Leif served thirteen years in the Navy. During his last tour, Leif served as Operations Officer and Executive Officer, was again deployed to Iraq for a second time with Special Operations Task Force. He is the proud recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart. Upon his active duty departure, Leif co-founded Echelon Front, a premier leadership consulting company that helps others build their own high-performance winning teams.
Leif served with Jocko Williams, another author, in sustained combat regions as Navy SEALS. They talked and realized there was a real need for leadership training in companies. “Everything we learned in combat applied to any team in any organization and any situation.” As they started working with companies, many of their clients and followers were looking for a reference manual. “We wanted to get the message out about leadership from Navy SEALS that can humbly speak about this, reflect well on the SEAL teams, and pass these lessons onto others.”
“We launched the Echelon company in 2012, and our book was published in 2015.”
He had talked with people and found out he didn’t want to go with a ghostwriter because once they had given over their story, they completely lost control of the end product. Leif notes two examples of fallen servicemen who were written about as “bravados.” However, in reality, they were two humble men who gave their lives for our country.
On writing their story, “We didn’t want to write a memoir, we wanted to write something that talked about leadership lessons learned and gave the application of those leadership lessons learned so that people could take and implement them in their professional and personal lives.”
Listen in to find out how Leif and Jocko decided to tell their story when they co-authored their book, why you shouldn’t let your ego get in the way, and how Leif and Jocko marketed their book.
Show Notes
[03:38] How Leif decided to write his book and his process of creating Extreme Ownership. [07:34] His experience shopping for a literary agent and sending out their proposal. [10:30] Why Leif decided to write this book himself instead of hiring a ghostwriter. [13:51] The daunting process of pitching publishing houses. [18:33] Co-author process pros and cons for Jocko and Leif. [21:43] How the two authors were able to keep each other’s voice when editing the other’s manuscript. [23:25] Marketing their book and how many months before their sales started to climb. [27:01] When Leif decided to send an advanced copy of the manuscript to the press. [30:26] Publicity elements authors want to consider when marketing their book. [31:46] When did their book make an impact for their business? [34:34] Why Leif feels it's more important to be an Amazon Best Seller than be on the New York Times Best Seller list. [35:01] How his book has increased and expanded his business. [43:48] Stories of readers loving the concept of dichotomy. [46:56] Leif’s advice to upcoming authors.Links and Resources
Visit Self Publishing School Online SPS Free Training Course Circle of Profit Author Advantage Live 2020 for Writers Leif Babin - Echelon Front on the WebSPS 026: How I Built the Largest Success Training Company in the World Using My Book with T. Harv Eker
SPS 025: You Are a Writer, So Start Acting Like One with Jeff Goins
SPS 024: From Self-Published Author to Front of Store Placement with Eileen Wilder
SPS 023: How to Use Books to Book Yourself Solid & Grow Your Speaking, Coaching & Training Business with Michael Port
SPS 022: Behind the Scenes of Multiple NYT Bestsellers with Daniel Decker
SPS 021: Using Books to Grow My Blog, Following & Online Business with Crystal Paine
SPS 020: How to Punch Worry in the Face with Mitch Matthews
SPS 019: How I Self-published My Way onto the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List with Pat Flynn
SPS 018: Scaling Up Your Business Using Books with Verne Harnish
SPS 017: How I Went From #1 NYT Book Launch to $5.1M Product Launch with Jeff Walker
SPS 016: My Exact Process for Writing 16 Books with Joanna Penn
SPS 015: How to be a Writing Machine with Steve Windsor
SPS 014: Before Book” vs. “After Book” with Brian Tracy
SPS 013: Beyond the Bestseller with Hal Elrod
SPS 012: How I Built an E-Book Business of $3,000-$4,000/Month with Lise Cartwright
SPS 011: How To Start Blogging For High Profile Sites with Dorie Clark
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SPS 009: Eliminating Distractions & Practicing Deep Work to Finish Your Book with Cal Newport
SPS 008: Creating a Thriving Business, Blog, and Raving Fans with Ruth Soukup
SPS 007: How to Turn Pro as a Writer with Jeff Goins
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