In this episode, Casey Adams interviews Mike Alden, the CEO of Alden Publishing and co-founder of Wicked Happy. They discuss Mike's journey in publishing and marketing books, the changes in the publishing world, and the success of authors. Mike shares his background and the impact of books on his life. They also dive into the lessons Mike has learned in business, including the importance of marketing and taking care of oneself financially. In this conversation, Mike Alden shares his experiences and insights on various aspects of business and personal growth. He discusses the mistakes he made in being too generous and overpaying people, as well as the importance of staying focused and not taking the eye off the ball in business. Alden emphasizes the difference in mindset between employees and business owners, highlighting the need for owners to be vigilant and have a top-level understanding of every aspect of the business. He also shares the story behind the creation of the brand 'Wicked Happy' and the importance of finding happiness and helping others. Additionally, Alden offers advice on publishing books and financing options for aspiring authors.

Takeaways

• Self-publishing has become more accessible and viable for authors, allowing them to bypass traditional publishers.

• Success as an author is not solely determined by making bestseller lists, but by defining one's own goals and reaching the intended audience.

• Books have the power to spark change and influence readers, even if the impact is not immediate.

• Lessons learned in business include the importance of marketing, taking care of oneself financially, and learning from successful authors and entrepreneurs. Avoid being too generous and overpaying people in business.

• Stay focused and don't take your eye off the ball.

• Employees may not care as much about the business as the owner, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Full Circle Moment

01:17 Mike Alden's Journey in Publishing and Marketing Books

06:24 Changes in the Publishing World

08:26 Mike Alden's Background and Journey

15:07 Writing and Publishing the First Book

19:52 Success as an Author

20:43 Influential Authors and Books

25:06 The Impact of Books on Mike Alden's Life

36:19 Lessons Learned in Business

38:40 Being Too Generous and Overpaying People

40:30 Taking Eye off the Ball in Business

41:59 Employees Not Caring as Much as the Owner

42:28 Owner's Understanding of Every Aspect of the Business

45:48 The Genesis of Wicked Happy

53:27 Helping People and Finding Happiness

56:51 Publishing Books and Financing