“Anti-Sell” a book that helps freelancers navigate the tricky world of marketing has been recognised as one of the best Small Business books of the year, at the 2020 International Book Awards (IBA) and the eLit Book Awards.
Written by Steve Morgan, owner of Caerphilly-based Morgan Online Marketing, Anti-Sell aims to support freelancers who struggle with the typical sales process, supporting them with the tactics and tips they need to generate leads, network and grow their business – without the stereotypical ‘hard sell’.
Along with the top prize in the ‘Sales’ category at the IBA, the book also won Gold in the Business/Career/Sales category of the eLit Book Awards 2020, two Silvers medals at the 2020 Global Ebook Awards and ranked in the top five of Amazon’s Small Business Sales & Marketing best sellers list.
Author Steve drew on his own experiences as well as those of the freelance community, including Welsh ICE, where he is based. Steve said: “Anyone who has worked as a freelancer or who has been self-employed on a solo basis will know that one of the most difficult aspects of freelancing is sales. It’s something that I know I initially struggled with, and being part of a number of freelance communities, it was a story I heard time and time again.
“People start their small or lifestyle businesses because they have a skill or a trade; they are accountants or solicitors, carpenters or electricians. What they are usually not is salespeople. They know what they are doing and can provide an incredible service with years of experience, but many have not had to network or sell before. It can be a steep learning curve, because at the end of the day, no matter how good you are at your job, if you don’t have any customers, you aren’t going to earn anything.
“I quickly learned that people don’t want to become a schmoozy salesperson, doing their best Gordon Gekko impression. The best way to sell isn’t some gimmick, it’s about getting involved in communities, working with people who can recommend you and showcasing your expertise by supporting others. Most freelancers find that they create the sales they need to survive, not by spending hours cold calling or emailing on a wing and a prayer, but by organically creating interest by doing what they do.
“That’s why the book has been so popular – because it was written by the collective experiences of the very community it supports: freelancers.”
Whilst there is no sequel planned, the book has gone on to create its own community online, at anti-sell.com, where freelancers can engage and continue to get sales advice and support.
