Want to Write a Book? CEO Jerry Rollins Says This is a Must
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Our May guest is Jerry Rollins.
Jerry Rollins has experienced life’s up and downs in the dual arenas of professional hockey and business. After retiring from the world of sports, this former World Hockey Association defenseman catapulted into the world of business.
He is currently the CEO of Sage Executive Group, a peer advisory group which mentors business executives, guiding them to become the best in their fields. Jerry is passionate about leadership and sharing his knowledge with up and coming companies.
Tell us a little about your writing journey.
I have always been a voracious reader but not a good writer. I felt it was something challenging to accomplish.
Your history playing professional hockey is very interesting! And then you gradually transitioned into the business world. What made you decide to write a book?
After coaching many executives for years, many of them felt my story and learnings could be beneficial to others and they suggested I do so.
Your book, Enforcer to Entrepreneur talks about many important aspects of business. Could you talk a little about how you chose what topics to include?
I had hundreds of files with many different subjects. I used a mapping process to put them all on a board and then group them. I decided about 10 chapters would be a good number.
I enjoyed the fact that you explained the business terms rather than assuming your audience knows what they mean – for instance what a SWOT analysis is and why companies should do them. What would you tell new business owners who want to keep learning and growing their business speak?
In sports and business I believed that hanging with great people and constantly challenging yourself to get better and improve we’re important. Complacency is dangerous in business and sports.
There’s lots of sage advice interspersed throughout the book. What would you say is your favorite piece of advice when you advise businesses & leadership teams?
Win with class and lose with dignity.
Describe your writing and/or creative process.
I recognized that writing was skill where I needed some support so I hired a writing coach to mentor me and a publisher to guide me through the rest of the process.
Because of your history with hockey, you focus a lot on the “winning” aspects of business, which makes sense. After all, most of us in the business world want to be successful and make money! But I am wondering what are your thoughts on the people & general happiness aspects of business? After all, people are what make a business.
Happy employees = happy customers = winning business. I felt my employees were everything and by building great teams and working hard on culture we were able to get good results.
Life balance and caring about your people is not cliché, it’s how you win.
What was your biggest writing obstacle and how did you overcome it?
By having daily and weekly goals I kept myself focused and did not become frustrated. When I faltered (which happened often) I got back to my daily discipline.
What is the part of your published work or writing process you are most proud of?
I have received notes from people who read the book, telling me it inspired them to achieve and believe they could achieve more.
What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring writers?
Hire a writing coach/mentor.
What’s the best advice someone has given you about business?
Whales only get harpooned when they rise to the surface. This means to be in control of your public persona and not let your ego get out of control with success.
What’s your favorite part about business now that you have years of experience to think back on?
Developing people.
I still participate in a Facebook page of fellow employees form one of my companies from 20 years ago. They were like family and maintain contact and friendships decades later.
If you would like to purchase Jerry Rollins’ book, Enforcer to Entrepreneur , you can find a copy here.
If you know an author (or of an author) you would love to read an interview with, email me at rachel@capturingyourconfidence.com or submit a suggestion through the contact page!