On April 21st, 2020, I excitedly pressed the “launch button” for my newest book, CROWDFUNDED. The first day we sold hundreds of copies worldwide, becoming the #1 Best Seller in Crowdfunding — far exceeding my own expectations. When I started writing it a year ago, I was not planning to launch it during a global pandemic. But I feel that this is actually the best time to launch this book. Crowdfunding during COVID-19 won’t be easy, but hopefully this will make it a little easier.
The following is an excerpt from the book that I feel is fitting regarding crowdfunding during COVID-19.
I’m writing this introduction on March 31, 2020. I’m in my condo in San Diego under a state ordered “Shelter-in-Place” mandate. I had no plans of writing this. In fact, the book is set to launch two weeks from now. But I felt there was something more I had to say. Something very important.
These are extraordinary times. Times full of uncertainty. The entire world caught in the clutches of the Coronavirus pandemic. And it seems no part of life is safe. Cases and deaths rising at exponential speeds. Markets in freefall. Healthy businesses closing. Tens of millions losing their jobs.
Why would anyone launch a product now?
I mean, we are in the midst of a crisis. And fear seems to be as contagious as the virus itself.
I like to remind myself that in Japanese the word crisis is formed by two characters: the first meaning “danger” and the second, “opportunity.”
This is a time of great opportunity for you. That is true whether you are reading this during the midst of the crisis or ten years from now.
My greatest fear is that I miss an opportunity because I was too scared. That’s why I wake up everyday and remind myself that this day, like everyday, is an opportunity. You should too.
You may not know this, but crowdfunding was created during a time of crisis. Both Indiegogo and Kickstarter began at the beginning of the 2008 recession. It was a new, innovative way for creators and entrepreneurs to fund their ideas while the world was in turmoil.
Now it looks like we are destined for another global recession — the magnitude of which is uncertain. But what is certain is that crowdfunding is still here. Indiegogo and Kickstarter are stronger platforms than they were in 2008. The knowledge of how to launch a product using crowdfunding is now vast and deep.
This is your time to create. To launch that idea you’ve always dreamed about. To take control of your future in a time that feels out-of-control.
This is the book that will show you how. How to use crowdfunding to bring your idea to life. How to seize the opportunity in front of you.
I’m honored to be your guide.
All the best,
Mark Pecota
You can pick up your copy of CROWDFUNDED today on Amazon!
