How we broke 82-yr book launch record

NEW BENCHMARK Right photo: “Entrepreneurship: The Four-Gate Model,” authored by Josiah Go(rightmost), Calel Gosingtian (leftmost) and Chiqui Escareal-Go (in red), became the No.1 entrepreneurship, business and nonfiction book of National Bookstore in October. Also in photo: Chinkee Tan (in red).

NEW BENCHMARK Right photo: “Entrepreneurship: The Four-Gate Model,” authored by Josiah Go (rightmost), Calel Gosingtian (leftmost) and Chiqui Escareal-Go (in red), became the No.1 entrepreneurship, business and nonfiction book of National Bookstore in October. Also in photo: Chinkee Tan (in red). —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Decades ago, the metrics of success for a business book launch were relatively simple. Selling 200 copies in a single night was considered an achievement. Key activities included writing dedications, signing books and taking photos.

Times have changed. On Oct. 11, we launched “Entrepreneurship: The Four-Gate Model”, coauthored by myself, anthropologist Chiqui Escareal-Go and JCI Manila president Calel Gosingtian at Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong. We wanted to use this opportunity not just to launch a book but to create a transformative experience that would resonate with attendees and set a new benchmark in the industry.

READ: Becoming the ‘voice of enterprise’ to create opportunities

Four-step process to innovation

We applied the Mansmith four-step process for game-changing innovation: challenging the status quo, identifying pain points, brainstorming strategic solutions and ultimately aligning our approach with an evolved business model.

Step 1: Challenging assumptions

The practice of innovation begins by questioning the long-held beliefs that dominate any industry. The traditional approach to book launches has often been formulaic, emphasizing author-centric activities. We chose to challenge these assumptions and redefine the focus. We confronted five core assumptions:

This mindset shift allowed us to see the book launch not as a standalone event but as the start of a continuous learning experience.

Step 2: Pain hunting

No innovation is complete without a clear understanding of the pain points and barriers that could hinder success. We took a hard look at the challenges that typically accompany book launches, especially on a Friday night in Manila, where traffic, unpredictable weather and competing social commitments can discourage attendance.

Some specific pain points identified included:

Step 3: Strategic brainstorming

Addressing these challenges required a fresh perspective and a willingness to experiment. Here’s how we reimagined the book launch experience:

Step 4: Evolving or aligning the business model

Perhaps the most significant transformation came in how we aligned the business model of the book launch with our broader goals of community building and sustained engagement.

The result

The outcome exceeded our expectations. We set a new benchmark by achieving sales that were over 11 times the old norm, breaking National Book Store’s 82-year history with the highest-ever sales quantity during a business book launch. Remarkably, the book became the No.1 entrepreneurship book, the No.1 business book and the No.1 nonfiction book in the month of launch, despite being available mostly only at the book launch store and launching just five days before the store cutoff. More importantly, we went beyond our promise by donating over 5,000 books to public school students across seven schools, more than doubling our initial commitment.

This achievement wasn’t just about the numbers; it was a testament to the power of challenging assumptions and embracing innovation. By redefining what a book launch could be, we turned it into a catalyst for community-building, learning and sustained engagement.

The key lessons in the book launch are:

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this journey. —CONTRIBUTED 

Josiah Go is the chair and chief innovation strategist of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. The book Entrepreneurship: The Four-Gate Model, officially endorsed by Go Negosyo and JCI Manila, is available at all branches and online stores of National Book Store nationwide. Email info@mansmith.net to join the free Entrep Rescue Q&A.

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