An easy-to-understand how-to guide to the single most important thing you can do in investing -- choosing and mixing your assets successfully.

You don't need to be an expert analyst, a star stock-picker, or a rocket scientist to have better investment results than most other investors. You just need to allocate your assets in the right way, and have the conviction to stick with that allocation.

The big secret behind asset allocation -- the secret that most sophisticated investors know and use to their benefit -- is that it's really not all that hard to do.

Asset Allocation For Dummies serves as a comprehensive guide to maximizing returns and minimizing risk -- while managing taxes, fees and other costs -- in putting together a portfolio to reflect your unique financial goals.

Jerry A. Miccolis (Basking Ridge, NJ), CFA(R), CFP(R), FCAS, MAAA is a widely quoted expert commentator who has been interviewed in The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and appeared on CBS Radio and ABC-TV. He is a senior financial advisor and co-owner of Brinton Eaton Wealth Advisors (www.brintoneaton.com), a fee-only investment management, tax advisory and financial planning firm in Madison, N.J. Dorianne R. Perrucci (Scotch Plains, NJ) is a freelance writer who has been published in The New York Times, Newsweek, and TheStreet.com, and has collaborated on several financial books, including I.O.U.S.A, One Nation, Under Stress, In Debt (Wiley, 2008).

Whether you want to break into this burgeoning industry, or you simply need to plan an event and don t know where to start, there s something for all would-be event planners in Event Management For Dummies. Packed with tips, hints and checklists, it covers all aspects of planning and running an event from budgeting, scheduling and promotion, to finding the location, sorting security, health and safety, and much more. Open the book and find: * Planning, budgeting and strategy * Guests and target audience * Promoting and marketing events * Location, venue and travel logistics * Food, drink, entertainment and themes * Security, health and safety, permissions, insurance and the like * Tips for building a career in event management

Save time, save money, and grow your business with more effective CRM CRM For Dummies is the small business leader's guide to managing customer interactions. Customer relationship management is a critical part of any business, and it encompasses everything from business strategy and HR to sales, marketing, events, and more. Solutions exist for businesses of any size, but how do you know which one is right for you? What features do you need? Do you have the people and processes in place to get the most out of whichever one you choose? This book is designed to help business leaders better understand effective CRM and identify the right solution for their business but it's about much more than software; effective CRM requires appropriate team structures, intradepartmental collaboration, and process efficiency. Packed with tactics and strategies that will save your company thousands of dollars and man-hours, these chapters answer the most pressing questions that will make the biggest impact on your sales. Building relationships with current and future customers is the critical point of business. This book helps you bring sales, marketing, and operations together to work toward that common goal, and shows you the tools and techniques that make your efforts more effective. * Define your market segments, buyer personas, and voice * Build an effective internal structure, and choose the right CRM solution * Optimize leads and conduct effective email marketing * Streamline processes, automate where possible, and employ analytics Your customers are the lifeblood of your company; you need to reach them, engage them, and retain them without wasting precious time or money. CRM For Dummies gets you up to speed on the latest, most effective CRM tools and techniques to help your business succeed.

Your one-stop reference for entering the global logistics environment Global Logistics for Dummies is an operational-level reference and overview for those manufacturers, businesses, product distributors, providers of logistics services, humanitarian and disaster relief responders and logisticians on both ends of a global chain who are considering entry in or have recently embarked on entering the global logistics chain/market. Easy to follow and packed with tons of helpful information, it serves as a springboard to larger texts for more detailed information. Beginning with an introduction to both the "whats" and "whys" of global logistics, the book sheds light on how global logistics demands the involvement of not only all elements of the logistics enterprise - e.g., design, logistics engineering, supply, storage/distribution, maintenance, transportation, returns/re-manufacturing, etc. - but also all elements of the business enterprise. In no time, it'll get you up to speed on the whole-enterprise logistics elements that should be considered in the decision to enter and excel in providing logistics end-items, goods, and services to a global customer. Deliver global disaster and relief logistics support Explore global manufacturing and distribution logistics Provide logistics services for foreign customers Adapt domestic logistics to foreign operating environments Written by a team of SOLE - The International Society of Logistics credentialed practitioners and academicians, Global Logistics for Dummies makes it easier than ever to succeed in this ever-growing field.

Multiply the effectiveness of your campaigns with marketing automation Marketing automation technology has been shown to dramatically increase lead conversions and average deal sizes as well as improving forecasting and customer segmentation. A subset of CRM, it focuses on defining, scheduling, segmenting, and tracking marketing campaigns. This friendly book demystifies marketing automation in straightforward terms, helping you leverage the tools and handle the processes that will enable a seamless integration with your CRM program. Learn to establish a buyer profile, assess your needs, select tools, create a lead scoring model, and much more. * Marketing automation is a next-generation, CRM-related tool for increasing lead conversions and improving forecasting and customer segmentation * This book provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the tools and technology, helping you evaluate your current processes, choose the appropriate tools, and follow best practices in making the most of them * Written by Mathew Sweezey, Marketing Automation Evangelist at Pardot (ExactTarget), a leading provider of marketing automation solutions * Covers working with the marketing lifecycle, evaluating your assets, integrating marketing automation with CRM and with other processes, nurturing your leads, and using marketing automation to reach buyers via e-mail, social media, and more Marketing Automation For Dummies is the ideal guide to get you up and running with marketing automation, putting your business on the cutting edge and enhancing your competitiveness.

Howdy, landlord! Get on the right side of the law with Dummies Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies contains all the resources landlords need to unpack the legal side of renting properties. Inside you'll find worksheets, templates, and friendly explanations that will help you find success. Once you have your property and your tenants, you'll need to make sure you operate within your rights, complete all the necessary admin, and handle taxes in an accurate and timely way. This book can help you do just that, with the latest paperwork, helpful details and examples, and a breakdown of taxes and laws. Plus, you can go beyond the book by accessing online documents that take your learning to the next level. Understand all the latest housing laws that pertain to your specific rental situation Find drafts of all the legal forms you'll need as a landlord Access easy-to-use tax worksheets and clear descriptions of tax rules without legal jargon Recognize your rights as a landlord and understand your tenants' rights This is the perfect Dummies guide for both new and experienced landlords who need a hands-on legal reference for all the laws surrounding rent, rental properties, and tenants.

The forms, letters, and other tools included in "Marketing Kit For Dummies," 3rd Edition enable readers to start a successful marketing program from the beginning. The expert tips and information presented in the book take some of the mystery out of marketing and explain, step-by-step, how to implement and execute a successful marketing strategy.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Run engaging, productive group sessions with practical guidance and expert advice Running Great Workshops & Meetings For Dummies delivers the tools managers need to facilitate engaging and rewarding group sessions. Written by two highly experienced leadership and coaching consultants, this book provides practical, hands-on instruction that can help you turn your meetings and training sessions around. Boost productivity by engaging attendees from the start, scheduling with time and energy levels in mind and keeping to a clear agenda. You'll learn the skills that will help you get the most out of every group session and discover which seemingly small details can have a huge impact on outcomes. The current global recession has increased the emphasis organisations place on skills development and training throughout the world. While specialised service organisations exist, many companies lack the means to outsource their training needs or invest in specially trained staff to get the job done. Running Great Workshops & Meetings For Dummies presents a solution by providing clear group leadership instruction with immediate applications to employees in any department. Regardless of the type of meeting, training session or workshop you're running, this book provides the information you need. * Learn to align outcomes and objectives, establish an agenda and schedule and manage pre-work for attendees * Discover how to connect with the group, establish expectations and set ground rules * Find out how to set the pace, manage challenges and objections and troubleshoot issues * Effectively evaluate the session, ensure accountability and maintain momentum Running Great Workshops & Meetings For Dummies provides practical advice you can put to work today.

A guide to stunning your interviewer with perfect answers to stumping questions

In today's competitive job market, a stellar interview lends you an edge over the competition, which can make or break your chances at a new career. "Answering Tough Interview Questions For Dummies, 2nd Edition" teaches you how to perform professionally and productively under stressful interview conditions.

With this handy guide, you'll learn to breeze through tricky questions and accentuate your most impressive qualities. This updated second edition features a ten-step guide to having a great interview, ten tips for projecting confidence, ten techniques for trouble-shooting your job search, 200 tough sample interview questions with detailed advice and model answers, proven strategies to combat nerves, and guidelines for perfecting your social media presence and handling questions that may arise from an online search. There is no need to enter an interview feeling unprepared with this guide by your side.Rob Yeung's holistic approach helps you make a positive first impressionShows you how to prepare to answer questions regarding your online presences (and how to avoid embarrassing search results)Provides essential preparation so that you can familiarize yourself with tricky questions before embarking on the stressful interviewing process

Whether you're an entry-level worker or a mid-level professional, "Answering Tough Interview Questions For Dummies" prepares you to blow the competition away with your poised and professional responses.

Your key to success in high-end investments Looking for help making smarter, more profitable high-end investment decisions? Why buy 13 books that cover each of the major topics you need to understand, when High-Powered Investing All-In-One For Dummies gives you 13 expert guides for the price of one? This hands-on resource arms you with an arsenal of advanced investing techniques for everything from stocks and futures to options and exchange-traded funds. You'll find out how to trade on the FOREX market, evaluate annuities, choose the right commodities, and buy into hedge funds. Plus, you'll get up to speed on using business fundamentals and technical analysis to help you make smarter decisions and maximize your returns. You'll also find ways to be as aggressive as your personality and bank account allow, without taking foolish or excessive risks. * Updated compilation is targeted at readers who already have a basic understanding of investing principles and who are looking for a reference to help them build a diversified portfolio * Offers a succinct framework and expert advice to help you make solid decisions and confidently invest in the marketplace The key to expanding your investment opportunities successfully is information. Whether you're just beginning to explore more advanced investing or have been dabbling in it for a while, High-Powered Investing All-In-One For Dummies gives you the information, strategies, and techniques you need to make your financial dreams come true.

Guide your sales force to its fullest potential With a proven sales management and execution process, Sales Management For Dummies aids organizations and individuals in reaching the highest levels of success. Although selling products or services is a central part of any sales job, there's much more to it. With this fun and accessible guide, you'll go beyond the basics of sales to learn how to anticipate clients' needs, develop psychologist-like insight, and so much more. Because few people go to school to earn degrees in selling, sales talent is developed in the field. Unfortunately, most training efforts fail to reach their objectives, in large part because of the absence of any kind of reinforcement or coaching. This book is your one-stop guide to managing an existing or start-up sales force to succeed in every area of sales from prospecting to closing. * Shows you how to reach your fullest potential in sales * Helps you effectively inspire great performance form any sales force * Demonstrates how to prospect, recruit, and increase your organization's income and success * Teaches you how to manage sales teams to greatness If you're one of the millions of salespeople or sales managers worldwide looking for a fast, easy, and effective way to get the most out of your sales force, the tried-and-true guidance presented inside sets you up for success.

A practical, hands-on guide to forensic accounting

Careers in forensic accounting are hot-"US News & World Report" recently designated forensic accounting as one of the eight most secure career tracks in America., Forensic accountants work in most major accounting firms and demand for their services is growing with then increasing need for investigations of mergers and acquisitions, tax inquiries, and economic crime. In addition, forensic accountants perform specialized audits, and assist in all kinds of civil litigation, and are often involved in terrorist investigations." Forensic Accounting For Dummies" will track to a course and explain the concepts and methods of forensic accounting.Covers everything a forensic accountant may face, from investigations of mergers and acquisitions to tax inquiries to economic crimeWhat to do if you find or suspect financial fraud in your own organizationDetermining what is fraud and how to investigate

Whether you're a student pursuing a career in forensic accounting or just want to understand how to detect and deal with financial fraud, "Forensic Accounting For Dummies" has you covered.

Aspiring international real estate investors--expand your portfolio today! The real estate world can be a particularly difficult place to do business, and this book helps aspiring international investors of all skill levels avoid some of the pitfalls first-timers often make. Expert author Nicholas Wallwork opens your eyes to how accessible international real estate can be and provides an excellent introduction to some of the main strategies and nuances when investing at home or away. Investing in International Real Estate For Dummies covers expert strategies for investing in international real estate, going beyond the more obvious tactics like buy-to-lease and flipping houses. It gives you a solid roadmap for successful property investing that actually works in any market. It lays out checklists of tasks and offers step-by-step guidance and advice based on over a decade of in-the-trenches experience working in the international real estate investment sector. Learn previously unseen expert strategies Find out how to choose which countries to invest in Easily navigate your way around lease options Build an in-country network of reliable contacts Manage your new assets with ease How to build the mindset of a top real estate investor Looking to start or expand your international real estate portfolio? Everything you need is at your fingertips!

Find--and land--your first job! Finding a job can seem daunting, especially when it's a brand new experience. There's a lot to know, and often a lot of pressure. Written by the founder of AfterCollege.com, Getting Your First Job For Dummies is designed to take the stress out of the job search process and help you get an offer. In this book, you'll discover how to identify your talents and strengths, use your network to your advantage, interview with confidence, and evaluate an offer. Written in plain English and packed with step-by-step instructions, it'll have you writing customized resumes, conducting company research, and utilizing online job search sites, faster than you can say 'I got the job!' Determine what kind of job suits your interests and skills Write a compelling cover letter Know what to expect in an interview Effectively negotiate an offer Whether you're still in school or navigating the world as a recent graduate, Getting Your First Job For Dummies arms you with the skills and confidence to make getting your first job an exciting and enjoyable process.

Benefit from values-based leadership Values-driven organizations are considered by some to be the most successful on the planet. They have high levels of engagement, generate higher earnings, and are more profitable by having an inclusive, multi-tiered strategy. It's a win-win! In Values-Based Leadership For Dummies, you'll get a fool-proof plan for putting the principles of values-based leadership in action--which will inspire and motivate others to pursue what matters most. With many Baby Boomers edging toward retirement, the largest generation in history, the Millennials, will be taking over the reins and stepping into leadership roles. They've suffered through the difficult economic times and corporate scandals of the early 2000s and they want things to be different. Inside, you'll get the framework for adopting the principles of values-based leadership that will help Millennials--and any member of any organization--thrive: utilizing the tools of self-reflection, actionable grace, agility, and a commitment to lead responsibly. Establish leadership positioning and company culture steeped in values Foster employee engagement on all levels Inspire greater performance while creating real impact socially and economically Increase the ability to remain competitive and relevant during times of change Harness the passion and commitment of the millennial workforce Whether you're in an entrepreneur, entry-level position or a CEO, employees at any level can benefit from leaning into values-based leadership--and this book shows you how!

Want to follow in Warren Buffett's investing footprints? "Value Investing For Dummies," 2nd Edition, explains what value investing is and how to incorporate it into your overall investment strategy. It presents a simple, straightforward way to apply proven investment principles, spot good deals, and produce extraordinary returns.

This plain-English guide reveals the secrets of how to value stocks, decide when the price is right, and make your move. You'll find out why a good deal is a good deal, no matter what the bulls and bears say, get tips in investing during jittery times, and understand how to detect hidden agendas in financial reports. And, you'll uncover the keys to identifying the truly good businesses with enduring and growing value that continually outperform both their competition and the market as a whole. Discover how to: Understand financial investmentsView markets like a value investorAssess a company's valueMake use of value investing resourcesIncorporate fundamentals and intangiblesMake the most of funds, REITs, and ETFsDevelop your own investing styleFigure out what a financial statement is really telling youDecipher earnings and cash-flow statementsDetect irrational exuberance in company publicationsMake a value judgment and decide when to buy

Complete with helpful lists of the telltale signs of value and "unvalue," as well as the habits of highly successful value investors, "Value Investing For Dummies, 2nd Edition, " could be the smartest investment you'll ever make

Are your sales presentations stuck in the 20th century? Sales Presentations For Dummies rises to the challenge of guiding you through the process of engaging and persuading busy buyers in a world that's constantly bombarding them with sales pitches. Motivating today's buyers to pull the trigger on a new deal requires a certain set of skills, and this straightforward text guides you through what you need to know to create and deliver compelling presentations. Pulled from examples and experiences of thousands of actual sales presentations, the information in this innovative resource offers the tools and tips you need to keep your leads engaged from hook to call to action. Today's business landscape is competitive. When your sales presentation is being compared to countless others, it's important to stand out for all the right reasons. Instead of using dated sales approaches,, update your understanding of the art of selling and create compelling, engaging presentations that hook audience members from the beginning. * Leverage a proven, blockbuster formula that engages audiences in any industry * Use the power of storytelling to connect with prospective clients and soften their resistance to your sales pitch * Understand and apply customer insights to ensure that your solution is top-of-mind in purchasing decisions * Update your professional skill set to encompass today's most motivating sales tactics Sales Presentations For Dummies brings your sales style into the 21st century and connects you with the skills you need to excel in today's complicated business landscape.

The easy way to get started in stock charts Many trading and technical analysis books focus on how to use charts to make stock trading decisions, but what about how to actually build a chart? Stock Charts For Dummies reveals the important stories charts tell, and how different parameters can impact what you see on the screen. This book will explain some of the most powerful display settings that help traders understand the information in a chart to find outperformance as its beginning. Stock Charts for Dummies will teach you how to build a visually appealing chart and add tools based on the type of trading or investing decision you're trying to make. It will also introduce you to the pros, cons, and best practices of using three key types of charts: Candlesticks, Bar Charts, and Line Charts. Build and use technical chart patterns Increase profits and minimize risk Track and identify specific trends within charts A unique guide for beginning traders and investors, Stock Charts for Dummies will help you make sense of stock charts.

Use Adobe Analytics as a marketer --not a programmer! If you're a marketer in need of a non-technical, beginner's reference to using Adobe Analytics, this book is the perfect place to start. Adobe Analytics For Dummies arms you with a basic knowledge of the key features so that you can start using it quickly and effectively. Even if you're a digital marketer who doesn't have their hands in data day in and day out, this easy-to-follow reference makes it simple to utilize Adobe Analytics. With the help of this book, you'll better understand how your marketing efforts are performing, converting, being engaged with, and being shared in the digital space. Evaluate your marketing strategies and campaigns Explore implementation fundamentals and report architecture Apply Adobe Analytics to multiple sources Succeed in the workplace and expand your marketing skillset The marketing world is continually growing and evolving, and Adobe Analytics For Dummies will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Give your business the edge with crowd-power

Crowdsourcing is an innovative way of outsourcing tasks, problems or requests to a group or community online. There are lots of ways business can use crowdsourcing to their advantage: be it crowdsourcing product ideas and development, design tasks, market research, testing, capturing or analyzing data, and even raising funds. It offers access to a wide pool of talent and ideas, and is an exciting way to engage the public with your business.

"Crowdsourcing For Dummies" is your plain-English guide to making crowdsourcing, crowdfunding and open innovation work for you. It gives step-by-step advice on how to plan, start and manage a crowdsourcing project, where to crowdsource, how to find the perfect audience, how best to motivate your crowd, and tips for troubleshooting.

* Pick the perfect franchise opportunity for you * Become a commercial or social franchisor * Must-have training and legal information online Buy, own, and operate a franchise If you want to be your own boss and stand on the shoulders of franchise giants, this accessible guide makes it easier than ever before. For franchisees, it takes you from the first steps of prospecting for a franchise to getting it up and running successfully. For prospective commercial and social franchisors, it explains how to determine if a business is franchisable and discusses how to properly design and develop a franchise system that you can grow and support. inside * Evaluate franchise opportunities * Become a successful franchisor * Join the growing social franchise sector * Build your brand * Grasp important legal issues * Plan for future expansion * Keep the cash flowing

People who can't or won't negotiate on their own behalf run the risk of paying too much, earning too little, and always feeling like they're getting gypped. Negotiating For Dummies, Second, Edition offers tips and strategies to help you become a more comfortable and effective negotiator. And, it shows you negotiating can improve many of your everyday transactions-everything from buying a car to upping your salary. Find out how to:* Develop a negotiating style* Map out the opposition* Set goals and limits* Listen, then ask the right question* Interpret body language* Say what you mean with crystal clarity* Deal with difficult people* Push the pause button* Close the deal Featuring new information on re-negotiating, as well as online, phone, and international negotiations, Negotiating for Dummies, Second Edition, helps you enter any negotiation with confidence and come out feeling like a winner.

Millions of Americans own their own businesses, and millions more dream of doing the same. But starting your own business is a pretty complicated matter, especially with all the legal issues and paperwork. This updated edition of the top-selling small business resource is chock-full of information, resources, and helpful hints on making the transition from a great idea to a great business. If you've got a great idea for your own business, you need the kind of straightforward advice you'll find here the kind of advice you'd normally only get from business schools and MBA courses. Small Business Kit For Dummies, Second Edition covers all the basics on: * Recent tax law changes * Balancing your finances * Hiring and keeping employees * Effective management strategies * Accounting fundamentals In addition to the basics of business, you'll also find top-class advice on more advanced business basics, like business plans, the ins and outs of contracts, and using the Internet to expand your business. For entrepreneurs large and small, this comprehensive resource offers authoritative guidance on all your biggest business concerns, and offers unbeatable advice on such topics as: * Choosing your business structure from LLCs to S corps * How to develop and write a standard business proposal * Going public, issuing stock, and keeping a stock ledger * Raising capital and understanding securities laws * Bookkeeping standard practices * Tax basics for small businesses * Handling the paperwork for new hires * Designing employee compensation plans * Working with independent contractors and consultants * Patent and copyright protections * Dealing with the Press In addition, the book includes a CD-ROM full of helpful resources forms, contracts, and even sample versions of the most popular software for small businesses. With Small Business Kit For Dummies you'll find all the tools you need to get your small business up and running and keep it running for years and years to come.

The easy way to take control of project timelines, resources, budgets, and details Project manager, meet your new assistant! Once you discover Project 2016 you'll be amazed at how efficient and effective the project management process can be. Written by an expert author who knows project management processes backward and forward, this friendly, hands-on guide shows you how to get started, enter tasks and estimate durations, work with resources and costs, fine-tune your schedule, set baselines, collect data, analyze progress, and keep your projects on track. How many times have you heard people in the office mutter under their breath, 'These projects never run on time?' Well, now they can! Project 2016 For Dummies shows you how to use the latest version of Microsoft Project to create realistic project timelines, make the most of available resources, keep on top of all those pesky details, and, finally, complete your project on time and on budget. Easy! * Fully updated to reflect the latest software changes in Microsoft Project 2016 * All-new case studies and examples highlight the relevance of key features of Microsoft Project 2016 * Exposes the correlation between what project managers do and how Microsoft Project 2016 supports their work * Covers working with calendars, using and sharing resources, budgeting, gathering and tracking data, and more If you're a time-pressured project manager looking to make your life and your projects easier, Project 2016 For Dummies shows you how to get things done!

Get your business off the ground with a killer brand and get the sales you want!

It's a great time to be an independent retailer! Whether you're a novice or seasoned professional, this practical how-to guide shows you how to start and run your business in today's marketplace -- from your original dream and the day-to-day operations to establishing a connection with customers and increasing your sales, both on the Web and at a brick-and-mortar shop.

Get lessons from real-life experience -- the author shares his expertise in retail business (from his mistakes to his triumphs) and reveals what it takes to be successful

Master all the basics of launching and growing a retail business -- from writing a business plan and finding a great location to hiring and keeping great staff

Meet and exceed the expectations of today's consumer -- discover how to create positive shopping experiences, provide top-notch customer service, and earn customer loyalty

Spread the word without going broke -- find out how to differentiate your business, generate word-of-mouth advertising, and plan effective sales and promotions

Bonus CD Includes

Forms, templates, and samples to simplify your business, from managing employees and inventory to tracking financial performance, creating sales and marketing tools, and adding signage to your store

See the CD appendix for details and complete system requirements.

Open the book and find:

The 10 keys to retailing success

How to design stores that work

Where and how to buy merchandise

The best ways to make your business memorable

Expert tips for building your Web site and selling online

Advice for handling legal and accountingissues

In-the-trenches, proven management practices

A crash course in the art of selling