Now that I have been blogging for more than five years, it seems like I have always known a big group of smart, creative entrepreneurial world-changers.
I forget what it was like when I first started, transplanted from San Francisco, cloistered with a new baby in my suburban Mesa, Arizona home, feeling alone and like the only freak in the neighborhood.
I was a weirdo with big ideas but no clue how to execute them.
It was in that state of mind that I came across gapingvoid.com for the first time.
I am a sucker for great writing, and I found it there. And I loved the “cartoons on the back of business cards,” squiggly sketches with lots of attitude, wisdom and heart.
When I read the series How to be Creative (which later turned into Hugh’s first bestselling book, Ignore Everybody), I felt my heart leap. I was no longer alone — there were people out there who also felt fierce joy in the creative process, and self-righteous indignation against “The System.” And who had every faith that talented, opinionated, quirky freaks could and should change the world.
I was in love.
And it was due to such love, and connection with people like Hugh MacLeod, that I pursued my own work with vigor, and stood by my convictions, and came out from behind the curtain of powerful mentors and spoke in my own voice.
Today, Hugh releases his second book, Evil Plans.
It is filled with great advice like:
- The market for something to believe in is infinite
- Create your own global microbrand
- Make art every day
- Remember who you really are
- Treat it like an adventure — an adventure worth sharing
- A good customer base is the best marketing plan there is
It is a great book. Although my cubicle days are 15 years behind me, I need reminders to keep fresh and keep growing.
I have watched Hugh turn his free art into a thriving online gallery (designed by my own web gurus at Out:Think), proving that you can make meaning and build community, and give a significant amount of value away for free, AND make a good living.
So if you are feeling stuck, or need a creative boost, or want to finally get on track with your big idea, or forget who you really are, buy the book right here.
You will not regret it.
I love you Hugh, thanks for inspiring my own Evil Plans.
This book ROCKED. Hugh does a marvelous job in the boiling-down of the entrepreneur’s stream of conscious. There is nothing (and your book proves it too) better than common sense. I loved it!
Hi Pam,
I’ve come across Hugh’s work a few times and really like where he comes from.
Thanks for the write-up, it’s definitely going on my list.
You’ve got a great blog here by the way!
Hi Pam. Love Hugh’s work and can’t wait to read his new book.
I’m also enjoying your Ethical Selling program. I love your “sales is a marathon not a sprint” concept. I resist the idea of sales, but I love the idea of forming relationships in watering holes. Much more do-able! Thanks!
If it’s available as an ebook, I’ll see if I can download it to my phone. Thanks!
Hi Pam. I’m enjoying your site. I got here because you left a comment on Gaping Void. Funny how that works. I’ve been a fan of Hugh’s for a long time. I don’t mean to be picky, but I just thought I’d mention that Hugh spells his name MacLeod. Keep following the dream.
Dear Pam, I love your writing voice and writing style and the choice of words and I think I am now in love :)! Talk about being a sucker for good writing….I am it and you articulate your thoughts and ideas so well here that I am bound to return. Thank you for the promotion of this book. While I do not exactly live the cubicle life anymore {big grin!}, I know many of my friends can benefit from it. A million thanks for what you do, dear Pam.
Hi Pam:
I love the details you shared in this post…I could really picture your life before transformation. I think I’m in the category- the one with the ideas and now figuring out how to execute. But you bring to mind how all of us have to start out upon our entrepreneurial journey somewhere. Thanks for sharing details about Hugh’s 2nd book. I read the first one and was very impressed. I’ve got another one to add to my list. Thanks for all the work you do Pam!
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