Becoming an entrepreneur can seem intimidating at first. However, numerous factors inspire individuals to take the plunge. Understanding these motivations can help explain why so many choose this path.

Find my podcast wherever you listen to audio!

If you have authored a book, there’s a good chance you have already attracted a following. The data from your book sales should indicate the presence of readers, but have you had the chance to engage with them directly? Perhaps you’ve received a few reviews on platforms like Amazon.

You might have also hosted a book signing event at a local bookstore. That’s a significant accomplishment! However, consider the turnout—how many fans were there to support you?

This is not meant to critique your achievements. Having six reviews and a dozen attendees can indeed be commendable. As a point of reference, during my last live stream on YouTube, I averaged 62 concurrent viewers, received 79 messages during the broadcast, and garnered thousands of views over time.

Have you ever had fans recognize you and approach you? I have, and they can be quite surprising. For example, one fan once said to me, “Jon, my wife loves you! Could you stay for a moment? She’s just over there. I’ll go get her. Here, my son Zach will keep you company.” This is an example of the type of interaction that can occur.

Cultivating a fanbase can inspire authors to venture into entrepreneurship. Engaging with your fans, both online and in person, not only feels rewarding but also motivates you. You gain valuable insights into their preferences and opinions.

The more you interact with fans, the more inspiration you can find for your next writing project or, from an entrepreneurial perspective, for your next business initiative.

You might be an author who has written a nonfiction book on topics like history or business, or perhaps you delve into fiction, crafting stories in the realms of romance or science fiction. Regardless of your genre, connecting with your audience is essential; they are integral to your writing journey.

If your goal is to impact the world through your book, aligning yourself with your fans is vital. When you support them in return for their support, you foster meaningful relationships that can endure over time.

Engage with your audience by discussing relevant subjects, such as the intricacies of warp drive versus wormhole travel or hyperspace travel, similar to discussions held in my other ventures. You might also consider creating an online course that shares your knowledge, just as many successful entrepreneurs have done. Additionally, if you have a sizable following interested in historical political evolution, akin to the work of Heather Richardson Cox, you can provide valuable insights that resonate with their interests.

Take an active role in advocating for your fans. By listening to them and learning from their experiences, you contribute to mutual growth. Although you may encounter challenges along the way, supporting your audience is a commendable effort.

Establishing a shared purpose with your fans is key. Be a figure they can rely on and respect. Collaboration with your audience is essential to become that influential person within your community.

Success in writing is seldom a solitary endeavor. Together, you and your fans can create a supportive network. Indeed, some may become so close that they feel like family.

Waiting for someone else to come and improve our lives is not a solution. You have the potential to be the driving force your supporters need. Collaborate with them to bring about positive change.

Become the individual they trust and admire. Whether you’re writing fiction or providing business insights, focus on serving your audience—even if that means teaching them niche skills like how to repair antique socks.

Perfection isn’t a requirement, but effort is essential. You don’t need to travel back to 1964 Mississippi to advocate for voter registration, as many have done remarkable work for causes like this. If they can act, so can you.

Engage with your supporters and make your voice heard. Strive to make a difference in your community.

Start by identifying individuals who inspire you and who believe in your mission. Build a community of supporters who know, like, and trust you. Now is the time to foster connection and create something significant together.

We can explore the strategies and resilience that have enabled many entrepreneurs to cultivate a dedicated community of supporters. However, I will provide those examples in other contexts. If you identify as an introvert or as someone on the autism spectrum who prefers limited social interaction, there’s no need to worry. Tools like live streaming and podcasting can serve as effective alternatives.

As an author, you’ve already conquered the challenge of writing a book, demonstrating significant personal strength. Transitioning to entrepreneurship follows a similar path.

If you’re unsure how to create a podcast or record videos, don’t fret—we’ll go through it together. Becoming an entrepreneur is akin to writing; often, the apprehension you feel is primarily mental. With the right guidance, you can master these skills as well.

One of my key strengths is simplifying complex concepts so they are easy to understand. I aim to demystify technical aspects, not by doing the work for you but by helping you grasp the underlying principles. You already possess the courage and resilience necessary to grow into an entrepreneur with a loyal following.

Becoming an entrepreneur isn’t that difficult once you understand what motivates authors to do so. It’s fun and worthwhile. Your audience needs you, and you need them.

• 7 Troll Types to Beware of and How to Defeat Them

• Previous: How Authors Use Bluesky to Build Community
• Next: How to Begin Growing an Audience from Scratch