After 42 Years I May Finally Finish!
Just before Christmas 2023, I put aside the book I was working on to start a new one.. I got to write a biography for an amazing and sharp-witted 96-year-old woman I call an American treasure. I asked to write her biography and promised her I'd have the manuscript ready by her 97th birthday on June 15, 2024. A self-imposed deadline of about six months.
The more I learned about her, the more I felt her story needed to be told. I wanted to give her a gift that let her hear from others how special she was. Those six months turned out to be incredibly rewarding. We live at a time when we are not very nice or respectful to each other. Those six months with someone who only wanted to do something nice for others allowed me to think that there might still be hope for us as a people. Normally, you don't expect biographies of unsung heroes to sell well, but because she touched so many lives, "The Elsie Blumenthal Fetterman Story" became a best-seller for me over the next six months.
I was taken by surprise that this book was quickly outselling every other book I had! I shouldn’t have, she is such a remarkable woman and I’m so proud to be able to share her story with the world.
Even though every other book was put on hold to write this one, it deserved to be done first.
Now, as I am catching up on other books in the works, I want to tell you about the one I’ve been working on for 42 years!
The book I put on hold for Elsie's biography was one I'd been working on and off for over four decades—a comprehensive business guide. I've had experience in nearly every business department: sales, marketing, purchasing, manufacturing, mergers & acquisitions, and even a bit of finance, both domestically and internationally. I've worked my way up from entry-level positions to field supervisor, executive VP, CEO, and president, and I've even served on a board of directors. I know many people with some of these experiences, but I don't know anyone else who's had them all. (And the scars to prove it!) My earliest notes for this book date back to June 1983, almost 42 years ago.
I'm fully focused on finishing this business book, which has the working title of "The Total Business Survival Kit." It's aimed at new and seasoned managers in various industries to help them become better leaders in today's challenging business environment. With so many previously ‘here forever’ brands and retailers falling by the wayside and increased global competition alongside a far more demanding and less forgiving customer base, you must be at your best every day.
I've already completed sections that break down the traditional Business Plan and bring it back to life, piece by piece. A good business plan serves the company's management and stakeholders as a working document and attracts potential investors. My will chapters cover over fifty additional elements beyond the traditional plan. The book also has two financial sections: one for current financial managers and one for non-financial managers.
Non-financial managers need to understand finances because it helps them make better decisions and manage resources more effectively. Knowing the basics means they can create and stick to budgets, communicate well with finance teams, and avoid legal issues. It also helps plan for the future, run efficient operations, and adapt to changes. Financial knowledge makes managers better at their jobs and contributes to the business's overall success.
I'll keep sharing updates on the progress of this book. If I continue to keep it on the front burner, it should be ready for publication by mid to late next year.
Yes, 42 years is a long time!
As I continue to put words to the page, more research, and finally publish this book, I hope you will enjoy reading my other offerings!
Take a minute to shop in the Bookstore, I promise there is something for everyone there!
