Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a social entrepreneur. I began in the footwear business in a work study program when I was a kid at 15 years of age. It’s been decades since then, but I’m still in the shoe business. Only today I work with nonprofits, churches, schools and others to help them raise money, support micro-entrepreneurs and lower our collective carbon footprint with shoe drives. I also have a number of other businesses and independent brands under Elsey Enterprises.
I’ve written 7 books so far. My first one was, “Almost Isn’t Good Enough”, which was followed by the motivational book “Get Off the Couch: Grip & Rip and Break the Barriers Holding You Back in Life” and the “Not Your Father’s Charity” book series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is from the book series and it’s called “Not Your Father’s Charity: Dominate in Your School Fundraising for Success, As Easy as ABC.”
The reason I wrote it is simple. I see parents and schools in need of money. There have been countless cuts and pressures placed on schools. This, in turn, affects the quality of education for millions of students. So, I wrote my book to help parents, schools and school groups to think differently about fundraising. Good and solid fundraising goes beyond having families sell candy and cookie dough.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think so. My ultimate goal is simply to have my voice come through on the page and have a conversation.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy reading anything about disrupters. I like books about leadership and business. I am big on making things happen and books about those topics are a main driver for me.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’ve taken a break from writing new books. I have published a lot of books in these last two years. I want to focus on my business, Elsey Enterprises, and the shoe drive fundraising social enterprises I have, which are Funds2Orgs, Sneakers4Funds and Shoes With Heart. We’re growing rapidly and I want to keep working these businesses for success and social impact. That drives me and makes me get up every morning wanting to get right back to work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We use social media. I am a big fan of social media and I think authors have to not be shy about using it. Social is something that is aligned with who I am as a person because I believe in relationships and connections. So, social networking and social media are very big for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Period. Don’t sit around waiting for the perfect moment or inspiration. Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best piece of advice came to me when I was 15 years-old. I was told by a teacher that I would never amount to anything. I was a tall and awkward kid, as most of us are in those years. It was hurtful.
I told it to another teacher, Jackie Busch. She told me I could do anything. She simply believed in me and that’s the best thing she could have done. The best advice can come from anyone who simply believes in you. When you have that, you can do anything, and I did. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Busch wrote the foreword to my latest book. She’s remained a presence in my life for decades.
What are you reading now?
I’m all about customer service. I believe in it to the core of my being. I believe in excellence in service. And, I’m currently reading about customer driven companies.
I’ll give you an easy example. Yesterday I telephoned three places. Each time I was placed into an automated loop. No one picks up the phone anymore. I even called a nonprofit to donate $100 right then and there. You want to know what happened? The automated service hung up on me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, I think for the time being I am resting from writing. But, in the future, I want keep writing about leadership and motivation. Life is what you make of it. I care about seeing people achieve their dreams.
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’d bring the Bible. I would bring the book “Steve Jobs” and I would bring my book “Almost Isn’t Good Enough” to remind me that I can get off the island and I would just have to figure out how.
Author Websites and Profiles
Wayne Elsey Website
Wayne Elsey Amazon Profile
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