Idea to first book in 4 months – Helen Monaghan's story

I wouldn’t be able to do the work I do, helping others to write and create their life changing books, without the people who want to write them, my clients!

As it’s been a while since I shared a success story, this week I’d like to introduce you to Helen Monaghan, a rising star, inspirational role model and brilliant author. She has achieved so much in the short time she has worked with me – having published her first book last week – and I’m delighted that she’s agreed to share her story with you.

So let her inspire you to write and publish your own book!

Helen, tell us about you and your business.

I am a finance coach who believes that our relationship with money reflects the relationship we have with ourselves and others. My business helps other business owners to improve those relationships by focusing primarily on the one they have with their finances.

I encourage them to look at their beliefs and behaviours, then align these with logic and their reason for having a business. I also believe that our business reflects everything that is going on in our life and we can only improve our lives by taking notice of the feedback our business is giving us through our financial and non-financial information. 

What inspired you to start writing your books?

Initially it was because I got frustrated at how most business books would give advice on how to get more money and/or clients yet failed to show how this can be integrated into our lives. To me there was a major misalignment with beliefs, values and purpose. It was as if you had to leave your heart and soul at home if you wanted to run a successful business.

I also got upset when I came across businesses who had something amazing to give to the world, back away from success. I realised it was because of their perception of money and what they thought it meant to be successful. 

What have been your biggest successes since you started working with me? How has developing your books supported this success? 

Writing my books has helped my business to naturally excel. As I talked about the books and shared more insights with others I found myself getting more enquiries which converted to sales. I believe this was because I was talking about what makes my business different and I also believe that when we talk about what we are passionate about, we naturally draw people towards us who believe the same.

I have had many success since working with Karen and they include the following:

1. I have published my first ebook within less than 4 months of working with Karen.
2. My business now stands out a little more.
3. Writing the books have encouraged to me to be courageous and talk openly about how my business is different from others.
4. Talking about my books at networking events (and in social settings) has raised an interest in me and my business. It has opened up conversations, friendships and led to an increase in clients.
5. I am focussed on what I really want my business to achieve.
6. I have been writing whilst running a business so it has encouraged me to adopt better time management practices and processes.
7. Developing my books has helped me to shape my sessions with my clients. I still go with the flow; focussing on what the client needs but it allows me to have a template to work with.
8. Writing the books has given me a template that I can use to create courses.
9. I had many books I wanted to write but Karen helped me to see the journey of each book and the order in which they should materialise. This has allowed me to focus on one book at a time. I still have ideas for the others, but I am able to take a note of my thoughts and then come back easily to my current book.
10. It has inspired my clients and other budding authors to tell the world what they are passionate about.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to other budding business authors?

You have to want to write a book and grow your business. It will require time, discipline, determination, patience and bearing your soul. It is challenging yet the rewards are worth it. You will gain clarity on what you do well and how you stand out from everyone else and you will reach those who you want to help.

Karen and others will support you but you must want really this to happen as you will have to do the work.

It is important to enjoy the process. I am passionate about my business and what I write about but early on I got a little stressed by it all. I had given myself tight deadlines and although it helped with discipline, it was not helping with an important value of mine, which is being present and going with the flow. If you are running a business, writing a book, managing a home (and likely a family) and juggling other projects; go easy on yourself and trust that it will all come together. Karen helps with this message ;-).

The one mistake I made at the beginning was because I had been writing professional financial reports for my clients and academically reports for my psychology assignments, I assumed the writing style should be the same for a professional business book. I was wrong because there was no me in it; it was emotionless. Karen told me to show more emotion and I am glad she did. Your book is about what makes you different from everyone else. That can only be done by writing about you and your business. You must tell the reader about what makes you passionate about the issue you are writing about, otherwise your book will be no different to the thousands of other business books out there.

How can people find out more about you and your books?

My books encourage the reader to engage their head, heart and soul in any decision. My first book “12 Steps to Improve your Cashflow” is available to buy on kindle through amazon or alternatively you can get a free pdf copy via my website at www.hmcoaching.co.uk/ebook-cashflow. My second book “Successful Business Minds” will be published in December 2015 and available to buy via my website and via kindle on amazon. Sign up at my website to get updates at www.hmcoaching.co.uk/bookupdate.

Helen Monaghan, Finance Coach, HM Coaching Ltd

Website: www.hmcoaching.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)131 448 1097

Email: hello@hmcoaching.co.uk