Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Just the one, but I’m currently working on a new book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“You’re Going To Be Great At This!” came about because I was frustrated at the lack of books on sales that give an honest look at what selling is all about. I wrote a book that I wish someone had given me when I got started in the business.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like others the hard part is just doing the writing, so I started a blog and will use that content for the next book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oddly enough, I’m not influenced much by motivational books or other books on sales. I do like to read business books where I can find little nuggets of information that I can use in my own business or share in my writing. One of my all-time favorites was the original “Megatrends” by John Naisbitt. So much of what he predicted was accurate.
What are you working on now?
I’m trying to get my thoughts together for a follow-up to my first book. Before the pandemic, I had begun doing some small speaking engagements with schools, sales groups and civic organizations using the first book as a backdrop. A few audience members asked if I could expand on some of the talking points, plus they loved the “dumb stories”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy infusing humor, so I love making memes that touch on the subject of sales, selling, and working in the business. Pictures of people with my book are great too, and I post them on my website as well as other social media pages.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to do it yourself. I spent a couple of hours with a friend learning to edit photos, set my cover art and other things that saved me a ton of money.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A gentleman told me once, “If you offer a fair price and are honest, you’ll always be successful.” Notice he didn’t say the lowest price, but a fair price. The honesty thing is just a given.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Nickel and Dimed” by Barbara Ehrenreich. It’s an older book but the message still rings true today.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once we can get back to some sort of normalcy I’d like to publish my next book and start to speak to groups again. It’s always fun to tell some of the stories in my book and see the reactions from the crowd. Especially students who don’t realize that they can use basic sales techniques in their everyday lives.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I love biographies and autobiographies. “Born Standing Up” by Steve Martin and “Who I Am” by Pete Townshend are fantastic reads.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Castanes Website
Chris Castanes Amazon Profile
Chris Castanes’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile