I spent more time coming up with complete title of The Zebra Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Mastering Career Skills That Make You a Standout Professional than writing the entire book.

7 months for the title.

6 months to write the entire book (really 5, because I spent a month polishing).

True story.

Why?

I wanted to get in…

• Something unique (and avoid generic leadership-y titles like The Leadership Code yawn).
• Short main title (2-3 words only).
• A metaphor people will understand.
• Ability to coin, copyright, unique URL for the title, etc.
• Ongoing books in a series (for future offsprings).
• Tell them what’s inside (of course).
• Demonstrate there’s a framework (but didn’t want to be wordy).
• Make a promise as to what will happen when they read the book.
• Be specific about reader avatar (title needed to include something about the “who”).

So, it shakes out…

• Code = Takes care of the item on methodology inside.
• Guide = It IS a guide, but I could have used the word “system” here instead.
• Mastering the Career Skills = It’s really about this and there are detailed lessons inside.
• Standout = This is what will happen to you and picks up zebra metaphor.
• Professional = The book is genuinely for white collar professionals even though anyone can read it.

Don’t even get me started on the number of sleepless nights I had thinking about the cover design.

Wondering what gives with my analogy?

Seconds baby. Seconds. As in S-E-C-O-N-D-S.

That’s what YOU have to make the impression.

You don’t actually think you get your entire resume to make an impression???

Uh, heck to the NO.

Your career profile, the executive summary of your ENTIRE professional life if you will, is your billboard.

It’s your title and subtitle.

It’s your ONE and BEST chance to get them excited.

To entice them to review the rest of your glorious resume which substantiates everything you CLAIMED in your career profile.

Just like The Zebra Code.

I enticed you with the title and subtitle.

Then, fulfilled my promise on the 352 pages that sit inside the cover.

You get 2 paragraphs and then the remaining 1.875 pages to make good on your promise.

It happens in seconds.

Or 2 paragraphs.

If you'd like to build a great career and lead a rewarding life, check out some of these other places where I share my teachings:

1. Check out the milewalk Academy, my coaching and training site, for freemiums and premiums.

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3. Grab any of my four books related to interviewing, hiring, goal setting, and career development. All can be found on my Amazon Author Page.

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--Andy