Heaven Lee has lived in Kansas City a long time, and she thought she knew as much as there was to know about her hometown. But when her longtime friend Stephanie Simpson starts a new business as a chocolatier after divorce, Heaven is surprised and delighted to find out that Stephanie is getting back to her family roots with her new enterprise. As it turns out, her mother was heir to the famous Foster's Chocolates fortune, a chocolate company that is a Kansas City institution. That is, until her brothers, Stephanie's uncles, swindled her out of her share lo these many years ago. Still, Stephanie is excited to be back in the family business, albeit in a small way with her own downtown chocolate shop, and Heaven can't wait to learn all about chocolate. She's got a restaurant to run, of course, and is always on the lookout for new ways to use traditional ingredients. The pair's excitement turns suscpicious, however, when a giant blimp advertising the 50th anniversary of Foster's is shot down almost directly on top of Stephanie's new store, it's pilot dead before he hits the ground. Is this terrible event a direct threat to Heaven's friend's new business? Or is it all just a big coincidence? Heaven suspects the former, and when her friend's livelihood, not to mention her life, is on the line, no one can stop her from getting at the truth. She'll figure out what's going on and be back in time for dessert in this smart, saucy entry in the Heaven Lee series from fan favorite Lou Jane Temple. Complete with many sinfully delicious chocolate recipes!

Price: $6.99 USD

“ MySpace Marketing is the quintessential low-down on guerilla marketing on the biggest social network on the planet. Marketers big and small need to learn how to connect with their target audiences via social media or get left in the dust. MySpace Marketing gives the grounding and the specific tips and traps essential for marketing success on MySpace.” –Mark Brooks, Editor, SocialNetworkingWatch.com   “An invaluable guide to the dos and don’ts of building and marketing to social networks–essential reading for the enterprise 2.0.” –Niall Cook, Author, Enterprise 2.0: How Social Software Will Change the Future of Work   “Social networking is the new PR and advertising–any business not starting to explore the online space will be left behind by the competition. MySpace Marketing gives a practical, step-by-step approach that any business can use for successful marketing on the popular site.” –Colleen Coplick, BuzzNetworker.com   “Social Networks like MySpace are critical to the future of marketing. With traditional tactics like advertising no longer effective, there is no better way to have prospects experience your brand.” –Paul Dunay, Global Director of Integrated Marketing, BearingPoint; Author, Buzz Marketing for Technology blog   “ MySpace Marketing is a practical guide for anyone involved in brand building. From starting with strategy (‘Is your business right for MySpace marketing?’) to the ins and outs of profile creation and audience segmentation, this book is an essential primer for small business owners and large brands alike on one of the biggest social networks.” –Scott Monty,The Social Media Marketing Blog, Global Digital & Multimedia Communications Manager, Ford Motor Company   “ MySpace Marketing takes a respectful look at the rich community of MySpace and instructs marketers on how to successfully become a part of that community. Part field-guide and part how-to manual, MySpace Marketing delivers a great read and solid advice.” –Kate Trgovac, Editor-in-Chief, OneDegree.ca   “I have read a lot of books on marketing on MySpace, but what makes MySpace Marketing stand out are the examples (mini case studies) of what actually works on MySpace. The examples of what type of marketing campaigns have been successful and what you can do to replicate that campaign are really insightful and provide me with enough information that I feel I could go and launch a successful marketing campaign on MySpace today.” –David Wilson, Social Media Blogger,   “Social media marketing doesn’t have to be a series of trials and errors. MySpace Marketing is one of the only resources I’ve seen that takes the guesswork out of how to

Price: $15.99 USD

The Learning Annex Presents Small Business Basics If you're a small business owner, you probably dedicate the majority of your time to the day-to-day activities that keep your company up and running. After all, why should you have to worry about taxes or other financial issues when you can hire someone else to handle them? The answer is simple: you, not your accountant or financial advisor, run the business. And if you truly want to be successful, you need to understand how your actions in business today can affect your bottom line tomorrow. If you want to make more tax-efficient financial decisions for your business, The Learning Annex Presents Small Business Basics can show you how. This accessible guide provides useful and authoritative advice that will help you save time and money throughout the year. Topics discussed include: * Organizing your business--from S Corporations and C Corporations to Sole Proprietorships and Limited Liability Companies * Income and losses--from business operations to the sale of business property * Business deductions and credits--from home office deductions and advertising expenses to rent and retirement plans As a small business owner, each decision you make is important. With The Learning Annex Presents Small Business Basics as your guide, you'll quickly discover how to make tax-savvy decisions that will improve your overall business.

Price: $21.95 USD

This is the eBook version of the printed book. The plain-English business guide to avoiding social media legal risks and liabilities—for anyone using social media for business—written specifically for non-attorneys! You already know social media can help you find customers, strengthen relationships, and build your reputation, but if you are not careful, it also can expose your company to expensive legal issues and regulatory scrutiny. This insightful, first-of-its-kind book provides business professionals with strategies for navigating the unique legal risks arising from social, mobile, and online media. Distilling his knowledge into a 100% practical guide specifically for non-lawyers, author and seasoned business attorney, Robert McHale, steps out of the courtroom to review today’s U.S. laws related to social media and alert businesses to the common (and sometimes hidden) pitfalls to avoid. Best of all, McHale offers practical, actionable solutions, preventative measures, and valuable tips on shielding your business from social media legal exposures associated with employment screening, promotions, endorsements, user-generated content, trademarks, copyrights, privacy, security, defamation, and more...   You’ll Learn How To •   Craft legally compliant social media promotions, contests, sweepstakes, and advertising campaigns •   Write effective social media policies and implement best practices for governance •   Ensure the security of sensitive company and customer information •   Properly monitor and regulate the way your employees use social media •   Avoid high-profile social media mishaps that can instantly damage reputation, brand equity, and goodwill, and create massive potential liability •   Avoid unintentional employment and labor law violations in the use of social media in pre-employment screening •   Manage legal issues associated with game-based marketing, “virtual currencies,” and hyper-targeting •   Manage the legal risks of user-generated content (UGC) •   Protect your trademarks online, and overcome brandjacking and cybersquatting •   Understand the e-discovery implications of social media in lawsuits      

Price: $23.99 USD

"Seelert's stories and wisdom demonstrate that the principles and practices leading to winning results in sports are highly transferable to the building of brands, businesses, and organizations. This book tells you how." — Jack Twyman , NBA Hall of Fame player, former ABC Game of the Week announcer, and former Chairman and CEO, Super Food Services Inc. "Seelert's comprehensive revelation of his leadership wisdom is priceless—especially the management of culture through innovative communications, fueled by rock-solid personal spirit and style. Read and succeed . . . it's that actionable. Bob's the real leadership deal." — John W. Luther , President, Luther & Company, Strategic Growth Consulting "I've never been at my best when working for a boss in the traditional sense . . . Authority is not my favorite cultural tool. I am at my best (maybe like you) when I have a coach and mentor. Bob Seelert has played that role for over a decade, providing me with counsel, guidance, perspective, and unconditional love and support. Oh yes, and wisdom. Lots of it! You'll find out what I mean when you read this book." — Kevin Roberts , CEO Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi "Bob Seelert entered Saatchi & Saatchi in early 1995 when the company was in flux and extremely unstable. In a few short years, he not only stabilized the business, he grew it into an even greater advertising powerhouse than it once was. If anyone is qualified to write about business turnarounds, it's Seelert!" — David Herro , Chief Investment Officer-International, Harris Associates LP "Spencer Stuart placed Bob Seelert into leadership positions at Kayser-Roth and Saatchi & Saatchi at times when success seemed impossible, but failure was not an acceptable option. In both situations, he achieved highly successful turnarounds, and his stories tell you why." — Thomas Neff , Chairman, Spencer Stuart USA "Bob Seelert and I worked together for twenty years, and I saw firsthand how the wisdom in this book enabled him to build businesses and organizations. For MBA students and other aspiring business leaders, this book will become their well-thumbed how-to guide for constructing a successful career." — Erv Shames , Lecturer, University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business andformer President and CEO, General Foods USA and Borden, Inc.

Price: $24.95 USD

Make every day a WOW day for your customers, your staff—and your bottom line!. “In your hands is a manifesto on how Zappos completely blew away the standard of delivering a consumer-centric experience and a revolutionary company culture. Joseph helps us all understand how to achieve a little more of that Zappos magic.”. —Eric Ryan, method cofounder and person against dirty. “If you’re looking for an inspirational path for creating a likable, trustworthy, and wow! organization, you’ve hit the mother lode.”. —Guy Kawasaki, former chief evangelist of Apple and author of Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions. “This book provides a roadmap to a successful business by taking inspiration and examples from one of the most innovative, progressive companies of our time. Don’t just read it; use it.”. —Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder and author of HAWK —Occupation: Skateboarder and How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO. “Thanks to Joseph Michelli, you can learn exactly how Zappos hit it big and how you can too. By using the five principles Joseph has distilled, you can supercharge your efforts and start down the path to legendary success.”. —Mark Sanborn, President, Sanborn & Associates, Inc., and author of The Fred Factor and You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader. “Often, business owners look at media darlings like Zappos with their mouths agape, full of awe but unable to take action. For those eager to do more than watch, Joseph Michelli deconstructs the Zappos story and makes it attainable.”. —Seth Godin, author of Poke the Box. About the Book:. ZAPPOS. The name has come to stand for a new standard of customer service, an amazing online shopping experience, a great place to work, and the most impressive transformational business success story of our time. Simply put, Zappos is revolutionizing business and changing lives. Now, Joseph Michelli, author of the internationally bestselling business books Prescription for Excellence and The Starbucks Experience , explains how Zappos does it—and how you can do it in your industry. The Zappos Experience takes you through—and beyond—the playful, offbeat company culture Zappos has become famous for. Michelli reveals what occurs behind the scenes at Zappos, showing how employees at all levels operate on a day-today basis while providing the “big picture” leadership methods that have earned the company $1 billion in annual gross sales during the last ten years—with almost no advertising. Michelli breaks the approach down into five key elements: Serve a Perfect Fit —create bedrock company values; Make it Effortlessly Swift —deliver a customer experience with ease; Step into the Personal —connect with customers authentically; S T R E T C H —grow people and products; Play to Win —play har

Price: $25.00 USD

aaaa ten years before the creation of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney struggled with, failed at, and eventually mastered the art and business of animation. Most biographies of his career begin in 1928, when Steamboat Willie was released. That first Disney Studio cartoon with synchronized sound made its main character--Mickey Mouse-an icon for generations.But Steamboat Willie was neither Disney's first cartoon nor Mickey Mouse's first appearance. Prior to this groundbreaking achievement, Walt Disney worked in a variety of venues and studios, refining what would become known as the Disney style. In Walt Before Mickey, 1919-1928, Timothy Susanin creates a portrait of the artist from age seventeen to the cusp of his international renown.After serving in the Red Cross in France after World War I, Walt Disney worked for advertising and commercial art in Kansas City. Walt used these experiences to create four studios-Kaycee Studios, Laugh-O-gram Films, Disney Brothers Studio, and Walt Disney Studio. Using company documents, private correspondence between Walt and his brother Roy, contemporary newspaper accounts, and new interviews with Disney's associates, Susanin traces Disney's path. The author shows Disney to be a complicated, resourceful man, especially during his early career. Walt Before Mickey, a critical biography of a man at a crucial juncture, provides the "missing decade" that started Walt Disney's career and gave him the skills to become a name known worldwide.

Price: $35.00 USD

Master the business modeling and analysis techniques that help you transform data into bottom-line results. For more than a decade, Wayne Winston has been teaching corporate clients and MBA students the most effective ways to use Excel to solve business problems and make better decisions. Now this award-winning educator shares the best of his expertise in this hands-on, scenario-focused guide—fully updated for Excel 2010! Use Excel to solve real business problems—and sharpen your edge! Model investment risks and returns Analyze your sales team’s effectiveness Create best, worst, and most-likely case scenarios Compare lease vs. buy, and calculate loan terms See how price, advertising, and seasonality affect sales Manage inventory with precision Quantify the value of customer loyalty Calculate your break-even number and ROI Maximize scheduling efficiency Express “home-field advantage” in real numbers Project company growth, predict election results, and more! Plus—introduce yourself to PowerPivot for Excel Your companion web content includes: Downloadable eBook Hundreds of scenario-based practice problems All the book’s sample files—plus customizable templates Customer Service Note : We are sorry for the inconvenience, but the code for accessing the eBook version of this title was accidentally left out of the first printing. However, the code is available for buyers of the first printing by contacting O'Reilly Media, the official distributor for Microsoft Press books, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800-889-8969. All subsequent printings include the access code and instructions inside the book.

Price: $35.99 USD

How to Strategically Evaluate Czech Republic. Perhaps the most efficient way of evaluating Czech Republic is to consider key dimensions which themselves are composites of multiple factors. Composite portfolio approaches have long been used by strategic planners. The biggest challenge in this approach is to choose the appropriate factors that are the most relevant to international planning. The two measures of greatest relevance to books are “latent demand” and “market accessibility”. The figure below summarizes the key dimensions and recommendations of such an approach. Using these two composites, one can prioritize all countries of the world. Countries of high latent demand and high relative accessibility (e.g. easier entry for one firm compared to other firms) are given highest priority. The figure below shows two different scenarios. Accessibility is defined as a firm’s ease of entering or supplying from or to a market (the “supply side”), and latent demand is an indicator of the potential in serving from or to the market (the “demand side”). Framework for Prioritizing Countries. Demand/Market Potential Driven Firm. Relative Accessibility. Accessibility/Supply Averse Firm. In the top figure, the firm is driven by market potential, whereas the bottom figure represents a firm that is driven by costs or by an aversion to difficult markets. This report treats the reader as coming from a “generic firm” approaching the global market – neither a market-driven nor a cost-driven company. Planners must therefore augment this report with their own company-specific factors that might change the priorities (e.g. a Canadian firm may have higher accessibility in Canada than a German firm). Latent Demand and Accessibility in Czech Republic. This report provides a detailed overview of factors driving latent demand and accessibility for books in Czech Republic. Latent demand is largely driven by economic fundamentals specific to books. This topic is discussed in Chapter 2 using work carried out in Czech Republic on behalf of American firms and authored by the United States government (typically commercial attachés or similar persons in local offices of the U.S. Department of State). I have included a number of edits to clarify the provided information. Latent demand only represents half of the picture. Chapter 2 also deals with micro-accessibility for books in Czech Republic. I use the term “micro” since the discussion is focused specifically on books. Chapter 3 is a stand-alone report covering a proxy trade indicator that I have authored. Often, the amount of trade flowing into and out of a country is a strong indicator of trading partners, trade openness, and related latent demand. Chapter 3 is purely statistical in nature and covers printed books, pamphlets, maps, and globes excluding advertising material. Although international trade for printed books, pamphlets, maps, and glob

Price: $195.00 USD

How to Strategically Evaluate Italy. Perhaps the most efficient way of evaluating Italy is to consider key dimensions which themselves are composites of multiple factors. Composite portfolio approaches have long been used by strategic planners. The biggest challenge in this approach is to choose the appropriate factors that are the most relevant to international planning. The two measures of greatest relevance to printing and publishing are “latent demand” and “market accessibility”. The figure below summarizes the key dimensions and recommendations of such an approach. Using these two composites, one can prioritize all countries of the world. Countries of high latent demand and high relative accessibility (e.g. easier entry for one firm compared to other firms) are given highest priority. The figure below shows two different scenarios. Accessibility is defined as a firm’s ease of entering or supplying from or to a market (the “supply side”), and latent demand is an indicator of the potential in serving from or to the market (the “demand side”). Framework for Prioritizing Countries. Demand/Market Potential Driven Firm. Relative Accessibility. Accessibility/Supply Averse Firm. In the top figure, the firm is driven by market potential, whereas the bottom figure represents a firm that is driven by costs or by an aversion to difficult markets. This report treats the reader as coming from a “generic firm” approaching the global market – neither a market-driven nor a cost-driven company. Planners must therefore augment this report with their own company-specific factors that might change the priorities (e.g. a Canadian firm may have higher accessibility in Canada than a German firm). Latent Demand and Accessibility in Italy. This report provides a detailed overview of factors driving latent demand and accessibility for printing and publishing in Italy. Latent demand is largely driven by economic fundamentals specific to printing and publishing. This topic is discussed in Chapter 2 using work carried out in Italy on behalf of American firms and authored by the United States government (typically commercial attachés or similar persons in local offices of the U.S. Department of State). I have included a number of edits to clarify the provided information. Latent demand only represents half of the picture. Chapter 2 also deals with micro-accessibility for printing and publishing in Italy. I use the term “micro” since the discussion is focused specifically on printing and publishing. Chapter 3 is a stand-alone report covering a proxy trade indicator that I have authored. Often, the amount of trade flowing into and out of a country is a strong indicator of trading partners, trade openness, and related latent demand. Chapter 3 is purely statistical in nature and covers printed books, pamphlets, maps, and globes excluding advertising material. Although international trade for prin

Price: $195.00 USD