Book Review: “How To Get Paid For What You Know: Turning Your Knowledge, Passion, and Experience Into an Online Income Stream in Your Spare Time” by Graham Cochrane

Mar 16, 2023

How did I get this book?

My friend Dave Tysoe messaged me after reading my review of “Do It: Speaking - 77 Instant Ideas to Market, Monetize and Maximize Your Expertise” by David Newman CSP. He had been following Graham Cochrane for a few years seeing his online business grow and develop. He suggested that I read his book.

He wasn’t the only one. My wife, Gen, near the same time, once again, told me that I should be compensated for book reviews. She’s been saying that for years. And, then within the week, my friend Tim sent me a message through Marco Polo after listening to some of my Bible Studies through Matthew at Calvary Fellowship from a few years ago. He wanted me to consider putting more material on the internet.

So, thanks to a generous gift card for Barnes and Noble from Azalea Baptist, I ordered it and it showed up a couple of days later. For free.

What is it about?

That’s the genius of the book’s title. It’s a systematic outline, a step by step process from discovering the idea to maintaining the online operation.

Graham does a superb job of detailing each step. He walks his reader through a process of discovering which items of a persons passions, knowledge and experience have an appeal to a wider group of people. He shows how to do the research. He details how to grow an audience. He describes what’s needed in a website. He reveals the mechanics of putting together products and launching them. He closes that section by demonstrating how to automate it all.

The book closes with a chapter on email, social media and paid ads and his suggestions for how to use them. The final chapter brings everything together into four core things that will drive the business into the future.

What did I think?

Well, I appreciated it. I haven’t come across something like this yet. I was surprised at how well he addressed my objections. His title is cheesy. But, his content is great. I’m planning to go back through the book, do the exercises, follow his recommendations and see what idea comes out.

It was a lot of fun to find out that he’s in Tampa. Graham, if you’re reading this, I’d love to go for coffee with you. I’ll let you buy! LOL.

If we go for a coffee, I’ll ask him about Substack. Because, I think Substack is doing a lot of what he’s describing. I’m glad I started writing here a few months ago.

Conclusion:

Graham makes a great argument for taking advantage of the opportunities in the “knowledge economy.” This is a great book for anyone that doesn’t like their current job or career. Or, it would help anyone that has a message or a cause they want to get out.

And, I appreciate my friend Dave, recommending it!

soon!

andy