–> Almost Time for BEA–Will You Be There?
BEA is the largest book-industry gathering in the United States (though Europe has a far larger one, in Frankfort). Hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of authors, numerous educational events, chances to rub elbows with authors you admire (and perhaps make a contact that could lead to an endorsement).

–> Books and Bonuses
Two exciting books, both with bonus promotions including a bonus from me–the second one is only today.

–> How to Get Grassroots Marketing for Half-Price
Over 300 pages of solid information on lowering your marketing cost, boosting your return

–> Two Excellent Events in Europe

1] Responsible Business Summit – the biggest CSR conference in Europe. The conference is likely to sell out, so I recommend booking your ticket this week.

The Summit is taking place on the 13th and 14th May in London, and we are on course to bring together 450 CSR experts from throughout Europe. Speakers on corporate social responsibility, sustainability and business ethics, including:
* Jan Muehlfeit, European Chairman, Microsoft
* Ian Hudson, European President, DuPont
* Ingar Skaug, CEO, Wilh. Wilhelmsen
* Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor, The Economist
* John Imle, Former President, Unocal

2] A Rare and Special Treat: Your Chance to Learn in a Small Group with the Inventor of Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson–On the French Riviera

–> A No-Cost Way to Connect with Reporters Seeking Stories
My friend Peter Shankman, a very well-connected PR guy in NYC, has started a no-charge service called Help A Reporter Out. He sends queries from reporters a few times a day, and if there’s a good fit, you answer the journalist. And he gets some leads that never make it to Profnet/PR Leads. This should be a no-brainer–but don’t abuse it. Only answer if you’re approrpiate for the query, or else you’ll spoil it for yourself and everyone else . If you get one good lead in a year, it’s worth it. He has passed on leads from the NY Times and Washington Post, as well as lesser venues. Sign up at www.helpareporter.com

–> Just One Friend Who Wants to Give You Stuff
Warren Whitlock’s How to Be a Bestselling Author Course (how to strategically leverage interest in your book)

–> Which of Shel’s Books is Right for You?

–> Mark Joyner: Conversations with Bestsellers
This one you have to pay for. Internet marketing genius/bestselling author/philosopher of abundance and social change Mark Joyner has released a set of audio conversations with other bestselling authors on how to become one. Includes transcripts and various cool bonuses.

–> Also from Mark: the re-release of his infamous “Mind Control Marketing,” the book that built his reputation years ago as one of the most focused and creative marketers in the world. I confess, I haven’t read this one-but I’ve heard about it for years.

–> Facebook Teleseminar with Mari Smith
If you’re not on Facebook yet, you may be missing valuable business opportunities. If you are on Facebook, are you getting the most out of it for your business? Recently, The Blog Squad grilled Mari Smith about why you need to be on Facebook and how to use the social networking site to be smart about building your business. Now you can get access to the audio program from the live teleseminar for an investment of only $20.

–> You’re invited to join Foundercontact
Christophe Poizat, founder and chairman of the International Network of Social Entrepreneurs (INSE) has invited you to receive a free membership with Foundercontact. Foundercontact International Ltd is a web 2.0 online marketplace designed to bring entrepreneurs into contact with 3500 investors for seed, early stage, or growth capital. With members from 5 continents and 93 different countries, it opens up international business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Sign up at http://www.foundercontact.com/user/register

–> Hear and Meet Shel

–> Latest Additions to the Websites

–> Administrative Information
Subscribe, unsubscribe, back issues, etc.

–> Don’t forget to play our games, at the top of any page on FrugalFun.com– no fees to play, prizes to win, and you help me continue to bring all this good information to you.

Published monthly since September, 2003 by Shel Horowitz
16 Barstow Lane, Hadley, MA 01035 USA
413/586-2388

Two exciting books, both with bonus promotions including a bonus from me–the second one is only today:

1. Where’s Your WOW?: 16 Ways to Make Your Competitors Wish They Were You! , by Rick Frishman and Robin Spizman

Rick is an old friend and I have several of his books, including Guerrilla Publicity and at least one of his Author 101 books. He does good work. he’s also the CEO of one of the best known author PR firms out there. He and frequent collaborator Robin Spizman have teamed up again to do a great introduction to branding. It’s very accessible, understands that branding is about the user experience and not just the traditional branding tools like logos and slogans, includes lots of examples, and would be a great book to read first before delving into anything more technical on this somewhat challenging subject.

(Incidentally, once you’ve read Where’s Your Wow, you might want to get more into customer experience as branding, and my own Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First would be a good follow-up. Remember that you can add Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World for half price for the time being.)

2. Arupa Tesolin, who also wrote the intuition book Ting, contacted me out of the blue to tell me about Spark – Raise Your Mind to the Power of Infinity & Create Anything. I requested a review copy and was completely enchanted. A combination of beautiful writing and cool creativity exercises.

She writes,

This spark marks the energetic beginning of the creative process and opens up a space where grand things unfold and the universe becomes a play of invention and possibility…You’ll learn powerful strategies that spark the process of creating no matter what you think or feel or what your current situation is, how to break through the barriers that hold you back from being free to create, and how to magnify and magnetize the things you want so they come rushing towards you like bees to a flower. Even teams and groups can use this book to develop vision and use their creative power to innovate.

Buy Spark TODAY at your favorite major North American retailer for Special Launch Gifts (valued at $600+) including an Author Direct link to Spark Launch.

Why Attend Book Expo America?

BEA is the largest book-industry gathering in the United States (though Europe has a far larger one, in Frankfort). Hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of authors, numerous educational events, chances to rub elbows with authors you admire (and perhaps make a contact that could lead to an endorsement).

By attending BEA and the events around it (this will be my 13th straight), and sometimes having a book at one of the co-op exhibits, I’ve been able to leapfrog my publishing career. Among other things:

• Initiated a book deal by having a conversation with a publisher in his booth! Yes, Grassroots Marketing: Getting Noticed in a Noisy World was actually sold because I walked the floor of BEA (you can click here to get Grassroots Marketing at half-off right now with the purchase of any of my other marketing books, by the way)
• Sold rights to one of my books for India and Mexico
• Made direct contact with agents and editors who expressed interest in books by my wife, my clients, and/or myself
• Met people who later became clients or vendors (or both)
• Been offered speaking gigs
• Developed in-person friendships with industry gurus such as Dan Poynter, Fern Reiss, and John Kremer (who have all since endorsed at least one of my books)
• Gotten autographed copies of cool new books (Studs Terkel’s publicist actually traded me Studs’ latest for one of mine, when we were autographing in neighboring booths several years ago)–however, this alone would not be a reason to attend; it’s just a fringe benefit that you should not let dominate your precious time on the show floor
• Learned an awful lot about the publishing business

I’ve attended most years as a journalist, and all my reports are online here. The first six articles on that page are all from BEA 2007; older material is farther down the page.

Incidentally, I’ve never taken a booth. I walk the floor, and attend both educational events and parties.

Pre-BEA Seminars

If you’re planning to attend Book Expo American(an extremely good idea), you should definitely attend at least one of the seminars. I published my first book over 20 years ago, and I still get good stuff. This year, I’ll be at PMAU on Wednesday May 28 (in the Advanced Track) and Rick Frishman’s seminar with Mark Victor Hansen, Brendon Burchard, Barbara DeAngeles, David Hancock, Alex Carroll, and an editor panel on Thursday, May 29.

I believe that a good live seminar is especially helpful to people starting out, but still useful (in different ways) to those with experience. I live my whole life in learning mode: books, teleseminars, and a least a few live events every year. If you attend the Frishman seminar, definitely come up and introduce yourself. We might or might not cross paths at PMAU, which has a dozen or so tracks at once.

Volume 5, #8

–> Positive Power Spotlight: Superquinn
I learned about this innovative and very customer-focused Irish supermarket chain in Stephen M.R. Covey’s book The Speed of Trust (reviewed elsewhere in this issue), where he’s quoted: “Genuine listening ability is one of the few true forms of competitive advantage…Listening is not an activity you can delegate.”

–> Another Highly Recommended Book: The Speed of Trust
by Stephen M.R. Covey with Rebecca R. Merrill

–> How to Get Grassroots Marketing for Half-Price
Over 300 pages of solid information on lowering your marketing cost, boosting your return

–> Two Excellent Events in Europe

1] Responsible Business Summit – the biggest CSR conference in Europe. The conference is likely to sell out, so I recommend booking your ticket this week.

The Summit is taking place on the 13th and 14th May in London, and we are on course to bring together 450 CSR experts from throughout Europe. Speakers on corporate social responsibility, sustainability and business ethics, including:
* Jan Muehlfeit, European Chairman, Microsoft
* Ian Hudson, European President, DuPont
* Ingar Skaug, CEO, Wilh. Wilhelmsen
* Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor, The Economist
* John Imle, Former President, Unocal

2] A Rare and Special Treat: Your Chance to Learn in a Small Group with the Inventor of Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson–On the French Riviera

–> Rick Frishman is a busy guy; he’s got two things going on that you want to know about.

First, his newest book, “Where’s Your Wow! 16 Ways to Make Your Competitors Wish
They Were You” (co-authored with Robyn Spizman). I haven’t seen this book yet but I’m eagerly waiting for my copy. I have several of their other books and like them all. Big launch party on April 22 with tons of bonuses, etc.: http://snipurl.com/24mvy (page isn’t ready yet–check back on 4/22).

And second, Rick is organizing a big one-day conference just before Book Expo America. He writes,
“Hold the date Thursday May 29. Author 101 University is coming! It will be at the Westin at LAX for one day. This is the day before BEA starts in Los Angeles. This will be an amazing event that will be very exclusive. Only 200 people. I will bring a Publishing Panel of editors, agents and editors. Mark Victor Hansen, David Hancock, Brendon Burchard, Alex Carroll, and the amazing Barbara De Angeles.”

I’ll be attending this event (as well as the Advanced Track at PMA-U the day before). If you’d like to go, *please write to me privately* at this link –I’ll have a registration URL and I think a special offer in a couple of days.

–> A No-Cost Way to Connect with Reporters Seeking Stories
My friend Peter Shankman, a very well-connected PR guy in NYC, has started a no-charge service called Help A Reporter Out. He sends queries from reporters a few times a day, and if there’s a good fit, you answer the journalist. And he gets some leads that never make it to Profnet/PR Leads. This should be a no-brainer–but don’t abuse it. Only answer if you’re approrpiate for the query, or else you’ll spoil it for yourself and everyone else . If you get one good lead in a year, it’s worth it. He has passed on leads from the NY Times and Washington Post, as well as lesser venues. Sign up at www.helpareporter.com

–> Just One Friend Who Wants to Give You Stuff
Warren Whitlock’s How to Be a Bestselling Author Course (how to strategically leverage interest in your book)

–> Which of Shel’s Books is Right for You?

–> Mark Joyner: Conversations with Bestsellers
This one you have to pay for. Internet marketing genius/bestselling author/philosopher of abundance and social change Mark Joyner has released a set of audio conversations with other bestselling authors on how to become one. Includes transcripts and various cool bonuses.

–> Also from Mark: the re-release of his infamous “Mind Control Marketing,” the book that built his reputation years ago as one of the most focused and creative marketers in the world. I confess, I haven’t read this one-but I’ve heard about it for years.

–> Facebook Teleseminar with Mari Smith
If you’re not on Facebook yet, you may be missing valuable business opportunities. If you are on Facebook, are you getting the most out of it for your business? Recently, The Blog Squad grilled Mari Smith about why you need to be on Facebook and how to use the social networking site to be smart about building your business. Now you can get access to the audio program from the live teleseminar for an investment of only $20.

–> You’re invited to join Foundercontact
Christophe Poizat, founder and chairman of the International Network of Social Entrepreneurs (INSE) has invited you to receive a free membership with Foundercontact. Foundercontact International Ltd is a web 2.0 online marketplace designed to bring entrepreneurs into contact with 3500 investors for seed, early stage, or growth capital. With members from 5 continents and 93 different countries, it opens up international business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Sign up at http://www.foundercontact.com/user/register

–> Hear and Meet Shel

–> Latest Additions to the Websites

–> Administrative Information
Subscribe, unsubscribe, back issues, etc.

–> Don’t forget to play our games, at the top of any page on FrugalFun.com– no fees to play, prizes to win, and you help me continue to bring all this good information to you.

Published monthly since September, 2003 by Shel Horowitz
16 Barstow Lane, Hadley, MA 01035 USA
413/586-2388

This post (along with about 300 other articles) is available exclusively to subscribers or to members of the Clean and Green Club. If you are a subscriber or Club member, please login at www.thecleanandgreenclub.com/members If you are not a subscriber or member, please visit www.thecleanandgreenclub.com

This post (along with about 300 other articles) is available exclusively to subscribers or to members of the Clean and Green Club. If you are a subscriber or Club member, please login at www.thecleanandgreenclub.com/members If you are not a subscriber or member, please visit www.thecleanandgreenclub.com

–> Nature Classes
Can you tell the difference between a white oak and a red oak–before the leaves grow in? Would you enjoy tracking beavers or coyotes through the woods? Would you like to understand the ecosystem you live in, and your role in it? Do you want to know how to grow the perfect tomato for your climate?

–> A New Way To Have More Frugal Fun–No-Cost Games on FrugalFun.com
Want to win cool stuff? Tired of surfing through content and want a break? Here’s something you’ll want to look at. To play, go to any inner page of FrugalFun.com (not the home page) and click on the game banner at the very top.

–> Which of Shel’s Books is Right for You?

–> Hear and Meet Shel

–> Latest Additions to the Websites

–>Administrative Information
Subscribe, unsubscribe, back issues, etc.

Published monthly since May, 1997 by Shel Horowitz
16 Barstow Lane, Hadley, MA 01035 USA
413/586-2388

This post (along with about 300 other articles) is available exclusively to subscribers or to members of the Clean and Green Club. If you are a subscriber or Club member, please login at www.thecleanandgreenclub.com/members If you are not a subscriber or member, please visit www.thecleanandgreenclub.com

–> How to Get Grassroots Marketing for Half-Price
Over 300 pages of solid information on lowering your marketing cost, boosting your return

–> A Rare and Special Treat: Your Chance to Learn in a Small Group with the Inventor of Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson–On the French Riviera

–> This Month’s Tip: Marketing on Web 2.0 Sites, Part 2: Social Networking Strategies
Four easy and effective ways to connect on social networks

–> A No-Cost Way to Connect with Reporters Seeking Stories
My friend Peter Shankman, a very well-connected PR guy in NYC, has started a no-charge service called Help A Reporter Out. He sends queries from reporters a few times a day, and if there’s a good fit, you answer the journalist. And he gets some leads that never make it to Profnet/PR Leads. This should be a no-brainer. If you get one good lead in a year, it’s worth it. He has passed on leads from the NY Times and Washington Post, as well as lesser venues. Sign up at www.helpareporter.com

–> Just One Friend Who Wants to Give You Stuff
* Warren Whitlock’s How to Be a Bestselling Author Course (how to strategically leverage interest in your book

–> Which of Shel’s Books is Right for You?

–> Mark Joyner: Conversations with Bestsellers
This one you have to pay for. Internet marketing genius/bestselling author/philosopher of abundance and
social change Mark Joyner has released a set of audio conversations with other bestselling authors on how to
become one. Includes transcripts and various cool bonuses.

–> Also from Mark: the re-release of his infamous “Mind Control Marketing,” the book that built his reputation years ago as one of the most focused and creative marketers in the world. I confess, I haven’t read this one–but I’ve heard about it for years:

–> Hear and Meet Shel

–> Latest Additions to the Websites

–> Administrative Information
Subscribe, unsubscribe, back issues, etc.

–> Don’t forget to play our games, at the top of any page on FrugalFun.com– no fees to play, prizes to win, and you help me continue to bring all this good information to you.

Published monthly since September, 2003 by Shel Horowitz
16 Barstow Lane, Hadley, MA 01035 USA
413/586-2388

Shel Horowitz’s Monthly Frugal Fun Tip, April, 2008
Vol. 11, #11

Can you tell the difference between a white oak and a red oak–before the leaves grow in? Would you enjoy tracking beavers or coyotes through the woods? Would you like to understand the ecosystem you live in, and your role in it? Do you want to know how to grow the perfect tomato for your climate?

Lots of places to get a naturalist education, and many of them quite inexpensive.. Look into the offerings from…

• Audubon and other nature centers
• State and national parks (many of their ranger programs are really good, and often cost nothing other than park admission)
• Museums
• Garden centers
• Lifelong learning/adult education programs
• Eco-villages and intentional communities
• Local farms
• Specialty retailers

I’ve taken many of these workshops or classes over the years–and as a result, I know more about my world.