Professional Development

I just wanted to send a quick update.  It’s been a little while since I sent an update on my titles.  I finally have an agreement in place to publish 2 of my previously written books.  I really like the eBook format and after quite a few downloads  with literally no marketing, I think I did pretty well.  This is far short of the 1M goal (hint hint), but at least it tells me there is an interest in my content.  This time around I want to do things a little different.  I am actually going to market all of my books through distribution channels and do the whole Author marketing appearances (as I should have).  There is an update to my flagship book “Preparing for Success”.  I added some more interviews to the book along with some really good references I have discovered over the past year.  I also had the marketing guys revamp the cover for the relaunch (as seen on the left).  So, you will see it repackaged with a different look to accompany the revision.

For starters, one of the books on the distribution list is titled “Starting A Business From The Ground Up”.  Oh, I love the subtitle  The Layman’s Guide to Entrepreneurship.  I wrote this book specifically for those with an interest in starting a business.  I always get self-help questions about getting-started and doing getting-started speaking engagements.  So, about a year and a half ago I started putting my tid bits into book form.  Look for this in the upcoming months.  If you are a self-starter and ready to hit the ground running with a new business, this one is for you.

I am also releasing a book written for my technical audience.  professionally I pride myself on my technical strengths as much as my knowledge of business management.  After years and years in working in the Defense and Aerospace world I became really good at systems and product design.  Imagine a world without innovation, new technology, gadgets, etc..  Well, there is a science behind the madness.  The domain area is called Systems Engineering.  For those that are not familiar it is the aspect of things working together technically to form a system.  My book outlines best practices for designing cool things.  When I first started drafting this book in 2009 I thought it made sense to title it as such “Design Cool Things”.  If you are a technical person and interested in turning an idea into a gadget, here you go.  No need to pay me an arm and a leg, this book will get you started (then pay me an arm and a leg for my help).

Lastly, I received some request for audio books.  Well, I didn’t think there was a market but apparently there is.  I answered the call.  I have begun some audio excerpts in podcast format (and mp3).  These will be added to my new site.  Oh, the new site is nearly complete.  The blog will remain here but it will be a link from a the new website.  Readers will be able to download directly from this site as well as listen to my books as well as other related books from the site.  Once the audio aspect of this site is working it will be launched.  This is a lot for one update, but I wanted to share as much as I could when it became available.  If you haven’t signed up for my mailer, take a quick second to locate it on the right side of the blog.  I will often send links to other Authors titles when they forward me free book promotions.  So, make sure you register so you can get your hands on the free stuff as well as staying up to date on new releases from me.

Darren Johnson

www.darrenjohnson.org | wwww.facebook.com/johnsodd | www.twitter.com/dwallstreetguy