“I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” Steven Wright

Having written nearly a dozen books for Entrepreneur Media and at least a dozen articles for their website, entrepreneur.com, I have officially made the transition from humor writer in the 1990s to business writer today.

But it’s more than replacing a few punch lines with business-speak. While I enjoyed writing humor books and material for radio and TV,  I now find that I enjoy helping business owners improve upon their own success, or get started in business.

A book can be a very impressive business card that greatly enhances credibility. It can tell the story, or history, of the company, offer advice or crown you as an expert in the field. It can spread your business name (and your name) far and wide. After all, Amazon.com is international.

But don’t take my word for it.

Take Helen Irlen, for example, who runs the Irlen Institute in Southern California. In her book, The Irlen Revolution, she explains Irlen Syndrome (a visual processing disorder that affects millions and makes reading very difficult, especially for youngsters), and also discussed how her specially made filters can help people with symptoms from concussions and light sensitivity to brain injuries. She tells her story, provides expertise and introduces readers to something they knew nothing about that might help their children while learning to read. When I wrote the book with Helen, we had goals and we achieved each of them…and the book has brought many people to Helen’s website, some from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

When I worked with a successful financial planner, and trader, on his book, we wrote all about new strategies in a bad economy for handling retirement planning. He went against the grain, diverting from what the average financial planner might tell their clients. As a result, his expertise got him what he wanted… new clients.

Then there is motivational speaker Garrison Wynn whose book helped him double his speaking engagements and triple his fees.

The 25-year history of the L’Oreal Cosmetics plant in Franklin, New Jersey was captured in a small book that helped engage the various teams, unify their efforts and boost morale.

And how about Susan Freeman and her book Step Now.  I never met Susan, but found out that her new book was published in 2012 in hopes of branding her new coaching business. Once published, Susan was featured on two national television programs and a host of radio shows. She also created a six month coaching program based on her book and attracted 15 new clients.

Yes, there are various ways in which business books help authors reach their goals.

Personally, I enjoy the challenge of working with business owners, managers, or executives. The goal is not to put out yet another boring business book but to do something that highlights the author (that’s you, not me, I’m the ghostwriter, like the Wizard behind the curtain). Stories, anecdotes, real life examples, catchy quotes and even a little humor can make a business book more memorable. So, why not entertain and enlighten your readers all at once?

Are you ready to write a book?  You know you want to.