Author #15:
David Hooper, radio host, marketing guru and author
David Hooper is a marketing expert and talk radio host based in Nashville, TN. He is the author is several books, the latest of which is “10-Day Money Makeover – Simple Steps to Create More Money and Financial Prosperity Using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).”
1. Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is called “10-Day Money Makeover – Simple Steps to Create More Money and Financial Prosperity Using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).” I was inspired to write this book after working with some very successful people and noticing how they approached earning money.
Working primarily in the music industry, I’ve seen a lot of “starving artist” types. The difference between them and the people who are making a lot of money (or otherwise having success) is always much bigger than just the music they create. Seeing that again and again took me down a path of writing about “wealth mindset” and this book is the fifth one I’ve done on the subject.
2. How did you get started as a writer?
I started my company in 1995 and the writing I did at that time was primarily “business communication” such as press releases, promotions, advertising, and sales copy.
Nashville has a huge publishing industry, mostly Bibles and religious material. My uncle is a graphic designer and was doing a lot of art for books. He invested in a short-run printing company can told me, “You should think about doing a book.” So I did. That was 2000 and the book was marketing advice for musicians. It did well, so I kept at it.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
There isn’t a typical day, but there are activities that I do on a consistent basis. One of them is promotion and marketing. Without those, you could have the best book in the world and it would never be read, because nobody would know about it.
I have a number of business ventures other than books, including hosting a weekly syndicated radio show. To get everything done, you have to be organized, so I spend a lot of time doing that. Not all my time, but more than most people. Without a plan, there is no telling where you’ll end up. So we plan out everything and have a “system” for tasks which happen with every project.
For example, each book we release needs certain things—editing, layout, cover design, etc. I have a staff in place to help me with these things. Same for the radio show—booking guests, production, editing, etc. It would be impossible for me to do it all within the limited time we have.
Outsourcing tasks as well as great planning enable me to have plenty of free time, which I feel is an essential part of the business. What I do requires creativity, so I do what I can to make sure I’m able to be creative when needed. That means taking plenty of “downtime” for myself., often during the middle of the day. For example, I spent two hours at the gym today, between work projects. Things like this help me to keep from getting burnt out.
4. Describe your desk/workspace.
I have two rooms in my home that are 100% dedicated to work. One is a typical office room with a big desk, computer, phone, etc. The other is a “planning room” with no electronics.. This is where I go to read information on new marketing strategies, plan my schedule, develop new products, and learn about how to create a better business.
5. Favorite books (especially for writers)
“1001 Ways to Market Your Books” by John Kremer
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
I also suggest looking at any junk mail (email or postal) to get a feel for what gets people to take action. This will help you to write in a way that gets people to take action.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
My first recording session was when I was in elementary school. I sang on an album for kids.
I put out a comedy album in 1998. I got a job as a phone psychic for Miss Cleo and pranked people who called me, pulling jokes and getting them to chant pop songs with me. Strangely enough, that was my introduction to all the “new age” stuff that I write serious books about now.
I subscribe to Cosmo, Glamour, Esquire, and Maxim because they help me write to average people.
7. Favorite quote
“Talk doesn’t cook rice.” – Chinese Proverb
8. Best and worst part of being a writer
The coolest part is having a voice.
Not sure there is a “worst” part. A lot of people I’ve talked to say marketing, but I’m a marketing guy, so I love that!
9. Advice for other writers
Get out and connect with people. Ask questions and find out about how they live. The more you know about people, the better you’ll write to them.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
I think this is the first time I’ve ever had writer’s block.
Where can people buy your books?
You can get any of my books at Amazon. http://www.musicmarketing.com/ is my blog and has recordings of my radio show.
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