It is a unique triumph for us to present a travel book that helps you communicate without words! All you need to do is point at the icons contained in this inventive little book; and youll be able to speak a foreign language and be understood. Encased in a sturdy clear plastic jacket for easy travel.From the Trade Paperback edition.
#1255952 in eBooks 2013-03-26 2013-03-26File Name: B00A1O25KI
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Thorough Resource for any Creative Looking to Start a BusinessBy Angela"When Talent Isnt Enough" is a well-written; informative and thorough resource for any creative looking to start their own freelance practice. I bought this book because Kristen was kind enough to interview me and include a few quotations from our conversation. I was completely blown away by how well she managed to cover just about every point of running/owning a freelance-based operation in only 214 pages. The book is packed with useful information and I only wish it had been in existence when I started my own business years ago.Kristen openly shares her own experiences as a successful freelance writer while including stories and quotes from other freelancers. Throughout the text she peppers in call-outs for business successes; must-read resources; newbie mistakes and short QAs. All of these elements are well organized and come together to form a piece that is highly informative; engaging and authentic.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A great choice for those taking the plungeBy CK WendelRecent changes in our regional economy have fueled the growth of people working on their own either out of necessity; out of fear of losing onersquo;s job; or early retirees who are well positioned (both financially and with experience) to start their own small company.The internet age allows those with creative skills to work with potential customers anywhere in the world and more on their own terms. Think of a graphic designer who wants to be home with their kids and now has time to work virtually from a computer; supplying professional contract work to a company located elsewhere. This phenomenon is more prominent in northern Michigan where the flexibility of the virtual workplace allows people to live where they want to and not tied to commuting daily to a larger urban center; thus breathing new life into our villages and smaller schools districts.In the recently released book When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough; author Kristen Fischer explains why this enviable world of freelancing may not for everyone. According to Fischer; and with apologies to the fellow writer Marsha Sinetar; the popular adage of ldquo;Do what you love and the money will followrdquo; is essentially a myth. Crucial for a creative business to excel are basic business skills and a well-designed system to make it all happen. Effectively laying out both of these concepts is the heart and strength of When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough.According to Fischer; running a business requires skills that nothing to do with that creativity that attracted the freelancer to working on their own in the first place. Marketing; creating new opportunities (sales); bookkeeping; filing taxes; and writing contracts are also imperative to long-term success. Therefore; creativity is not enough.Also at the opposite end of this independent entrepreneur mindset is the fact that for freelancers; customers still have to come first. Combine a creative personality that cannot deal well with criticism of their work with demanding clients and the results can be disastrous. What the creative entrepreneur thought they were escaping by not having a boss is replaced by a set of new bosses called customers. Fischer recommends clearly clarifying project expectations so the freelancer and the client know what to anticipate. A simple contract is another business piece that goes a long way towards protecting both parties from misunderstandings and losses. A number of customer service strategies that Fischer explains produce a collaborative and professional relationship for both sides.Setting up the business correctly in the beginning summarizes another section of the When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough. All the needed components of organizing the business the right way are well covered. Knowing what you as a entrepreneur can do well compared to what expertise has to be contracted out to others is vital. Fischer also recommends writing a scaled down version of a business plan (or a ldquo;business blueprintrdquo;).Itrsquo;s not easy to present a thorough list of best business practices without boring an audience to death; but When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough brings it together nicely. Finances; pricing; markups; legal structures arenrsquo;t always exciting topics to discuss but somehow Fischer pulls off the trick of making dry topics relevant and interesting.When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough with its easy to read (but not simplified) style and relatively short 223 pages is solid primer for the aspiring small scale entrepreneur. Though geared to the creative ldquo;solo prordquo;; author Kristin Fischer digs deep to answer every question and concern that those starting out may have. Fischer is herself a successful freelance writer; yet she knows enough to add quotes and short summaries from a variety of other artist; designers; and writers who have stumbled along the way but were ultimately successful on their own. Learning from their mistakes (and Fischerrsquo;s) makes When Talent Isnrsquo;t Enough a great choice for those taking the plunge.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Lots of great informationBy Miss BertIf you are a freelance artist and need to understand how to promote your business; muddle through the mystery of paperwork; taxes and how much to charge clients; this is an excellent book. Its filled with great resources and websites and practical advice to make sure you dont forget anything really important when running your own business.