Many leaders believe publishing a book will instantly grow their influence—but it won’t. Real influence comes from solving problems, serving others, and earning trust. Without a clear message, audience, and strategy, a book becomes just paper. True leadership always comes before authorship.
-- What Most Leaders Get Wrong About Influence
By Michael Stickler | Publisher, Leadership Books
Many leaders, pastors, executives, and consultants—bright, driven individuals with meaningful stories—believe that publishing a book will solve their influence problem.
They assume a book will change everything.
It won’t.
Leadership is not defined by writing a book. It’s defined by having a trustworthy message—one that others truly need to hear.
The Visibility Mirage
The world insists on building a platform or brand. So content is created. Books are self-published. Posts, launches, podcasts, and speaking engagements follow. Still—nothing gains traction.
The reason?
Visibility has been mistaken for value.
Modern tools—self-publishing, digital media, reels, webinars—allow for widespread presence without meaningful impact. A book can be printed, five copies sold, and the title of “author” claimed. But without clarity and resonance, the market delivers a sobering truth.
Authors often invest deeply in writing, hit “publish,” and are met with silence.
No audience. No demand. No impact. Just costly inventory.
This occurs because the essential step was skipped: developing a message that meets real needs—one that is earned through service.
Influence Isn’t a Microphone
A book alone does not create influence.
Leadership precedes authorship.
Genuine credibility is built behind the scenes—when results are not visible, applause is absent, and perseverance is required. That is where influence is truly earned.
The most impactful authors never began with the goal of being authors. They started by solving problems, discipling others, growing ministries, serving markets, and creating lasting value. The book simply became a vehicle for that mission.
Across public speaking, Christian media, and content creation, action leads to influence—not the reverse.
The Self-Publishing Setup
Self-publishing can succeed—for a few. For many, it’s used to shortcut a process that requires intentional groundwork. While gatekeepers can be bypassed, foundational effort cannot.
To effectively sell a book, the starting point must be audience-building. A clear message must be defined. Engagement in real marketing is essential. That is the difference between a hobbyist and a true leader.
Without strategic planning, there is no platform—just paper.
At Leadership Books, author services have been structured to prevent such pitfalls. This isn’t merely profitable—it’s responsible. Publishing without a strategy is equivalent to launching an untested product. Success might happen by chance, but the odds are slim.
What Real Leaders Actually Do
Effective leaders do not wait for permission. They take initiative. They learn from mistakes. They listen, refine, and persist. In time, their clarity becomes magnetic.
Some turn a single story into six-figure consultancies. Others rebuild ministries that outlive their founders. Sustainable momentum is built not by doing everything, but by doing the right things—repeatedly.
That’s discipleship. That’s church growth. That’s meaningful innovation.
Not flashy—but effective.
Stop Waiting for a Platform
A larger platform is not required to lead. Leadership means stewarding what is already present—better.
It requires message refinement. Stronger delivery. Saying less, but saying it with weight. That’s how communication grows. That’s how businesses develop. That’s how leadership inspires.
Before publishing, teaching, or presenting at events, one question must be asked: Is this the kind of leadership worth following?
If the answer is yes, the message is ready to be shared. If not, the time to start refining is now.
About the Author
Michael Stickler serves as the publisher of Leadership Books and provides guidance for authors, speakers, executives, and ministry leaders committed to growing influence without compromising core values.
He is also the author of Invisible to Viral, a practical guide to building a meaningful platform, one clear message at a time.
Claim a free copy at InvisibleToViral.com (just cover shipping).
Contact Info:
Name: MICHAEL STICKLER
Email: Send Email
Organization: Leadership Books, Inc
Address: 1489 West Warm Springs Road Suite 110, Henderson, NV 89014, United States
Phone: +1-702-605-4359
Website: https://LeadershipBooks.com
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