When Hugh MacLeod was a struggling young copywriter, living in a YMCA, he started to doodle on the backs of business cards while sitting at a bar. Those cartoons eventually led to a popular blog - gapingvoid.com - and a reputation for pithy insight and humor, in both words and pictures. MacLeod has opinions on everything from marketing to the meaning of life, but one of his main subjects is creativity. How do new ideas emerge in a cynical, risk-averse world? Where does inspiration come from? What does it take to make a living as a creative person? Now his first book, Ignore Everyone , expands on his sharpest insights, wittiest cartoons, and most useful advice. A sample: * Selling out is harder than it looks . Diluting your product to make it more commercial will just make people like it less. * If your plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail . Nobody suddenly discovers anything. Things are made slowly and in pain. * Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether . There's no point trying to do the same thing as 250,000 other young hopefuls, waiting for a miracle. All existing business models are wrong. Find a new one. * The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours . The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content ever will. After learning MacLeod's 40 keys to creativity, you will be ready to unlock your own brilliance and unleash it on the world.

Price: $18.99 USD

Turn your hobby farm into a successful business No experience in farming? No problem! The Profitable Hobby Farm gives you all the tools you need to launch a thriving hobby farm business. Based on the author's expert guidance and the motivating experiences of other small farmers, it shows you how to blend strategy, marketing, and money management in order to prosper. The Profitable Hobby Farm provides sound, friendly start-up advice on a variety of topics essential to making an initial foray into a local foods venture. A must-read book for raising and selling local, sustainable foods Includes sample business plan, grant application, marketing and advertising plan, and other forms Lengthy resources section directs you to additional reading Also by Aubrey: Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business Whether it's growing heirloom tomatoes, raising free-range chickens for their eggs, or making organic wine or cheese, this book shows you how to turn your hobby into a profit.

Price: $19.99 USD

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan. This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it in the can. Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or an international buyer. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. In addition, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking. Stacey Parks has worked with hundreds of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets. Features include: Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors Ten ways to market your film for self-distribution Sales projections per territory Distribution resources listings Negotiation tips for distribution agreements Sample distribution agreements What you must know to get your independent film distributed Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work Website features sample distribution agreements, budgets, and more! New to this edition: Completely updated for modern distribution practices (broadcast, DVD, VOD, and other kinds of distribution deals) New coverage on crowd-funding, social media, film marketing, and deal memos Get the best inside distribution secrets from brand new interviews with an international cast of directors, producers, and distribution experts who share their experiences Companion website features helpful downloadable forms and templates, sample distribution memos, and a great resource section * What you must know to get your independent film distributed * Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out * Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work

Price: $24.95 USD

The only IT guide you need You're busy-very busy. You need reliable, practical answers to your IT questions, and you need them now. The Vest Pocket Guide to Information Technology, Second Edition is a handy pocket problem-solver designed to provide you with the quickest route to a solution. Practical, reader-friendly, and thoroughly illustrated, this updated handbook provides complete guidance for the complex, ever-changing world of IT to help you quickly pinpoint what you need to look for, what to watch out for, what to do, and how to do it. Written by two all-time bestselling accounting and finance authors, Jae Shim and Joel Siegel, this thoroughly updated Second Edition includes tables, forms, checklists, questionnaires, practical tips, and sample reports to help you avoid and resolve any and all IT dilemmas. A must-read for business professionals, financial managers and consultants, production and operation managers, accountants, COOs, CFOs, and CEOs, this handy guide helps you: * Select the best hardware for particular application needsStrategically use IT systems * Use the best software in planning and control * Select Sarbanes-Oxley compliance software * Prevent fraud through computerized security * Effectively apply Management Information Systems (MIS) * Use online databases to make business decisions * Use a decision support system (DSS) and an executive information system (EIS) to improve the quality of analysis, evaluation, and decision making * Understand emerging trends and developments in information technology * Harness marketing information systems to improve sales planning, sales forecasting, market research, and advertising * Evaluate and manage an IT project Your professional success depends on keeping abreast of the latest thinking and applications in information technology. The Vest Pocket Guide to Information Technology, Second Edition gives you all the information you need to make optimum decisions now and plan ahead for later.

Price: $24.95 USD

WANT A RICHER LIFE?. BREAK ALL THE RULES. Renegade entrepreneur-and runaway success story-Christine Comaford-Lynch has lived the kind of life most of us can only dream about. From model to monk to multimillionaire, she does what she wants-and gets things done. Now, in ten outrageous life lessons, she'll show you how to make your dreams come true. Your way. Your rules. Rules for Renegades distills what Christine has learned as she succeeded (and failed) in business, built strong relationships (and some disasters), and evolved spiritually and professionally. If you want to become financially independent, she'll show you how to do it. If you want to build your confidence and self-esteem, she'll give you a crash course. If you want a meaningful life full of rich connections, she'll share her secrets. Ultimately, she lets you in on the greatest secret of all-how to build a fulfilling life while rocking your career. She has also filled her book with lots of cool free stuff: links to a sample business plan outline, tutorials on sales and marketing techniques, and tools to help you enhance your own power. You'll learn the surprising truth behind her most offbeat rules. . .: Everything's an Illusion, So Pick One That's Empowering.; Rock Rejection and Finesse Failure.; Learn to Love Networking.; Work Your Money Mojo. Rules for Renegades is not just the story of a remarkable entrepreneur. It's an amazing approach to life that breaks the rules-and makes life work for you.

Price: $24.95 USD

Have you ever been amazed by watercolor paintings that seem to spring to life before your eyes? Would you love to be able to paint with watercolors? Now, you can. Watercolor Painting For Dummies shows you the fun and easy way to create breathtaking paintings so beautiful you won’t believe you made them yourself. This friendly, guide gives you hands-on instruction and easy-to-follow, step-by-step exercises to help you master the basics. Filled with full-color projects and sample paintings, it shows you how to work with color and texture, practice composition, and make smooth changes. You’ll find out how to select the best tools, materials, and supplies, practice basic brush strokes, and use the three best common techniques: flat wash, graded wash, and rough texture. Discover how to: Select the right brushes, pigments, and paper Mix colors and work with white Create backgrounds and foregrounds Transfer your drawings to watercolor Avoid common watercolor mistakes Experiment with texture using salt, sponges, plastic wrap, and more Find your way around the color wheel Practice the principles of design Plan compositions using thumbnails Work with one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective Paint fabrics, shiny surfaces, and organic textures Paint landscapes, seascapes, animals and more Complete with strategies for improving your painting immediately and marketing and selling your work, Watercolor Painting For Dummies, is the resource you need to make your creative dreams come true.

Price: $24.99 USD

The first, most crucial step in making a film is finding the funds to do it. Let Louise Levison, who wrote the innovative business plan for "The Blair Witch Project," show you how. Whether you're planning a feature, short, documentary, or large format film, this unique guide teaches you how to create a business plan that can be presented to a potential investor. In jargon-free terms, the author leads you through every step. Each chapter concentrates on a different section of the business plan, including the industry, marketing, financing, distribution. There are supplementary exercises and spreadsheets on the CD workbook so you get comfortable crunching the numbers--no math degree required! The fifth edition contains completely revised and updated industry data, updated information on the market for short films, as well as a new chapter on nontraditional films such as documentaries. * Includes a CD workbook with forms, spreadsheets, and hands-on exercises * A sample business plan is included as a helpful reference * Learn how to develop business plans for features, shorts, documentaries and more

Price: $29.95 USD

The first, most crucial step in making a film is finding the funds to do it. Let Louise Levison, who wrote the innovative business plan for "The Blair Witch Project," show you how. This unique guide teaches you not only how to create a business plan, but also how to avoid common business plan mistakes, so that you can attract and secure an investor. In jargon-free terms, the author leads you through every step. Each chapter concentrates on a different section of the business plan, including the industry, marketing, financing, and distribution. Large format films, new media and shorts are also discussed. The included companion web site features supplementary exercises and spreadsheets so that you get comfortable crunching the numbers--no math degree required! The sixth edition contains completely revised and updated industry data along with updated information on distribution including online and foreign markets. Plus, new interviews and case studies with filmmakers will show you real-world examples of equity investors and markets. * Includes a companion web site with sample business plans, forms, spreadsheets, and hands-on exercises * Learn from real-world examples with new interviews and case studies. * Rock-solid guidance on how to develop a successful business plans for features, shorts, documentaries and more Please visit the companion web site Registration is required to access the companion web site. The pass code may be found inside the book.

Price: $29.95 USD

An easy-to-understand primer on the exciting world of import/export With significant changes in technology, expanding economies, and international trade agreements, the global marketplace continues to grow and change rapidly. The United States imports approximately $1.2 trillion and exports $772 billion in goods per year. Import/Export Kit For Dummies provides entrepreneurs and small- to mid-sized businesses with the critical, entry-point information they need to begin exporting their products around the world and importing goods to sell in the U.S. The bonus CD includes: a printable dictionary of international business and internet terms to help students and business people understand the international marketplace; sample distributor and agent agreement outlines; guidelines and checklists for developing a successful business and marketing plan; and the most up-to-date templates for pricing models, licensing, and shipping. New edition features an increased focus on global trade Details America's top ten trading partners and how to conduct business abroad Covers the most up-to-date trade regulations A bonus CD-ROM is filled with forms and tools to help make starting an import/export business easier and more efficient If you're an entrepreneur or small- to mid-sized business owner, Import/Export Kit For Dummies provides you with everything you need to know to ensure your business' growth and success.

Price: $34.99 USD

Green Construction is a specialized and skilled profession, and the author has extensive experience in this field. With this in mind, the reference is designed to provide practical guidelines and essential insights in preparing competent and professional looking ?Project Analysis Reports? and ?Project Status Reports?. The book also provides numerous tips on how to phrase the language of reports in a manner that is articulate and clearly understood by Real Estate Lenders and investors, as well as being an indispensable companion for both information and stimulus. Written in a conversational manner, this book will clarify the nuts and bolts of green construction, finance, and cost monitoring? as a profession, and will outline the many attributes required to being successful in this field. Moreover, it will scrutinize the mechanics of organizing monthly meetings, contractor payment certifications, budgets, change orders, construction schedules, code compliance, waivers of lean, and much more. Drawing on over 30 years of personal experience across the world - both as an employee and as an employer, the reader will learn how to plan and implement sound business strategies and form alliances in a global context. The book also offers important information and penetrating insights into the process of setting up and working as a due-diligence consultant. In a clear, practical style, it will be explained how to identify opportunities for business development and how to maximize return. It will also articulate how to meet new challenges as well as avoid many of the pitfalls along the way. For the individual professional, this guide provides useful information and tips to help secure a high paying professional position. The book will include amongst other things, up-to-date information on hundreds of useful contacts. Topics covered in this guide include: types of services offered, the consultant's role on the construction loan team, what the lender needs to know, and marketing techniques. The guide will also include a comprehensive appendix that will contain numerous sample letters (e.g. for marketing and certification), building loan agreements, AIA forms, lender/consultant agreement, closeout documents and much more. Likewise included will be an extensive list of useful references from a variety of resources, and much more. Indeed, this handbook will be the most detailed & comprehensive program on the market. It meets all the criteria of a major work and will provide vital and absorbing reading. Provides a detailed blueprint of how to conduct monthly meetings, investigations, understand typical client/consultant agreements, analyze contractor requisitions Includes sample letters, reports, forms and agreements for easy reference. Practical guidelines for preparing Property Analysis and Property Status Reports Includes a glossary of important terms, abbreviations and acronyms

Price: $89.95 USD