Coffee's for Closers

16As Nike Says, ‘Just Do It’

‘Things may come to those who wait, but only the things that are left by those who hustle’.

—Abraham Lincoln

When I self‐published the first edition of this book, it was my dream to get it into WHSmith, which is one of the largest book retailers in the UK. I knew this was going to be a huge challenge, as I had no publisher helping me do this. However, I believe in this tagline of Nike, ‘Just do it’.

I came up with an idea and gave it a go. I called my local WHSmith in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, where I grew up. I spoke to the manager and explained I am an author and the local newspaper, the Borehamwood & Elstree Times, is writing an article about me, and I would love to get it into your store, where I can do a book signing and attract more customers. How would you feel about that? The manager was delighted and agreed to do it, and asked what dates would work, which I said I would get back to him on.

I then called the Borehamwood & Elstree Times and said, ‘I am doing a book signing in WHSmith in Borehamwood and would they like to come, photograph it and put it in their paper’. Again, they agreed and asked when I am doing this signing event, and I said I'll get back to them. I then organised a date on a Saturday that worked for them both.

The book signing was hilarious. I was given this little table, I invited my friends and family to come and I sold about 17 books. After they left, I was sitting there watching the world go by. A lady approached ...