20 Quotes from the Business Books You Missed in 2014 | Inc.com

http://www.inc.com/john-brandon/20-quotes-from-the-business-books-you-missed-in-2014.html

20 Quotes from the Business Books You Missed in 2014

Few of us have time to read multiple business books each month. We might pick up a few books and make our way through them, but if your library is like mine, it's stuffed with those you want to read but never found the time. I'm here to help correct that problem. These quotes from five of the best business books of 2015 include four quotes from each one to give you a sense for what the author is saying. If any of them catch your fancy, investigate the book further.

Note: These quotes were provided by the site GetAbstract.com, which provides detailed summaries of books to save you time. The summaries also help you decide if you want to read the whole book (or you can use the summary to get the basic idea of the book you missed). Just search on the GetAbstract site for the book you want.

From The Butterfly Defect: How Globalization Creates Systemic Risk and What to Do About It

Authors: Ian Goldin and Mike Mariathasan

"Increasing connectivity means growing complexity."

"Societies ignore systemic risk at our peril."

"Environmental instabilities can trigger broader systemic risks in food systems, health systems and, as we see in the case of climate change, cities and nations."

"Resilience is a national and global objective."

From F.I.R.E.: How Fast, Inexpensive, Restrained, and Elegant Methods Ignite Innovation

Author: Dan Ward

"Faster, better, cheaper--pick two."

"The future will be surprising; prepare accordingly."

"You can't design anything without revealing your values."

"To finish early, start early."

From Hello My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick

Author: Alexandra Watkins

"Your brand name makes a critical first impression."

"Don't get locked into a name that you may outgrow."

"Invest...in a well-planned identity system from the start."

"If it's not spelled the way it sounds, scratch it off the list."

From Leadership Blindspots: How Successful Leaders Identify and Overcome the Weaknesses That Matter

Author: Robert Bruce Shaw

"Visionary leadership...comes with some degree of delusion that pushes an individual forward, but...contains the potential for his or her destruction."

"Mistakes often point to areas in which we lack self-awareness of a weakness or threat."

"A whole lot of us go through life assuming that we are basically right, basically all the time, about basically everything."

"A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world."--Sign in Caterpillar's executive offices

From Lead with Humility: 12 Leadership Lessons from Pope Francis

Author: Jeffrey A. Krames

"If you lead people, then they are your top priority."

"Francis lives on the frontier while still exercising power and living by a self-imposed code of radical humility."

"The frontier is not a place; it is more of a positive and broad-minded attitude coupled with courage and audacity."

"Francis does not see the world as a static place but as an ever-changing landscape."

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The 1 Essential Rule for Naming Startups | Inc.com

http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/the-1-essential-rule-for-naming-startups.html?cid=readmore

The 1 Essential Rule for Naming Startups

I've had a fair amount of experience in branding, both writing about it and actually doing it (in a Fortune 500 company). Over the years, I've come to the conclusion that there is only one truly important rule when it comes to naming a startup.

I call it the OMC rule, which stands for "Obviously Meaningful to Customers." To help you understand the value of OMC, I'll break it into chunks:

"Obviously"

A company name should not require a customer, investor, or employee to expend mental effort deciphering its meaning. If a company name requires an explanation, it's not following this part of the rule. Examples:

• Poiuyt Inc. ("It's the top of the left hand side of the QWERTY keyboard and it means that we think differently.")
• Calibrex5D ("We help companies work through the '5 Ds' of the engineering process; here's a 12 page presentation that explains this.")

"Meaningful"

There's a huge difference between being meaningful and just having a meaning. Anything can have a meaning, in the sense of a definition. For example, the word "ommatophor" has a meaning. However, it's only meaningful to a biologist. Or a snail, if it could talk.

For a company name to be meaningful, in addition to having a meaning, it must create a positive emotion. Here are some examples of company names that have meaning but are not meaningful (i.e., evoke no emotion):

• Market Consulting Inc. (OK, yeah, we know from the name kinda what you're all about but ... meh.)
• Analog Widget Corp. (Yes, yes, you make widgets. Thanks for telling me. But why should I care?)

"to Customers"

It's not enough to just be meaningful, though. To be effective the name must be meaningful to potential customers and, by extension, to potential investors and potential employees, too.

Here are some examples of names that would be meaningful to the people inside a company, but carry no emotional weight with outsiders:

• Optimal Associates. (Yes, you're an association that wants to optimal, but what does that mean to me?)
• The Smithson Group. (Yup, somebody named Smithson founded the company. Why should I care?)

Now that I've provided some bad examples, here are some examples of great startup names that ended up as huge companies. To make this easy, I'll put those names into three generic types:

Retro-Ironic Descriptors

These are longish names that describe the product or service but with an old-timey feel and a slightly ironic edge. Examples:

• The Cheesecake Factory
• Urban Outfitters
• Great American Cookies

Traditionally, it's been consumer companies that have used retro-ironic descriptors. Most B2B firms would probably consider them a bit too frivolous.

Emotion-Laden Actual Words

These are real words or combinations of real words that communicate meaning and also carry emotional overtones (i.e., are meaningful). Examples:

• Uber
• Life Is Good
• Oracle

Unfortunately, it's become almost impossible nowadays to find usable real words to name your company. By now they've mostly been snatched up, either as trademarks, URLs, or both. Never hurts to look, though.

Suggestive Neologisms

These are made-up words that attempt to capture both the meaning and meaningfulness of real words. Examples:

• Lyft
• Activa
• Integra

Unlike actual words, neologisms can usually be trademarked and have an available URL. However, neologisms have become so common that they can seem a bit bland.

BTW, once a firm has established itself, these rules don't apply. Apple, for example, was a bit of a head-scratcher when it first appeared. However, the Apple name acquired meaning (and meaningful emotion) after people used the products.

In other words, while Apple is today a fabulously valuable brand, if you're starting a new company, naming your firm "Avocado" or "Cashew" isn't going to be much help. If you follow the OMC rule, though, your company name can be a real asset.

If your startup name isn't OMC, don't despair. Eventually, your success (or lack of it) will create both meaning and meaningfulness to your customers, investors and employees. Whether you become a "Cisco" or an "Enron" is entirely up to you.

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12 Things That Successful Leaders Never Tolerate | Inc.com

http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/12-things-that-successful-people-never-tolerate.html?cid=readmore

12 Things That Successful Leaders Never Tolerate

By and large, tolerance is a good trait. The differences we encounter enrich our lives and organizations. But to attain a successful life and meaningful leadership, we must refuse to tolerate the things that deplete, and ultimately destroy, us.

Start by declaring these things intolerable in yourself and those around you--and see what changes as a result.

1. Dishonesty

Living an honest life allows you to be at peace with others and yourself. Dishonesty imposes a false reality on your life and those around you.

2. Boredom

Successful people are generally exploring something new. Life is too short for inactivity and staying in your comfort zone.

3. Mediocrity

It's easy, and a constant temptation, to settle for less. But what makes some people stand out is their willingness to make the hard choices that allow a life of greatness.

4. Negativity

Every negative thought keeps you from being your best. If you hear yourself complaining, out loud or to yourself, find a way to shut it down.

5. Toxicity

At work or at home, a toxic environment will literally make you sick. If it doesn't feel right, if it makes you tired or fills you with dread, cut yourself loose.

6. Disorganization

Clutter and disorder cause stress and affect your emotional and mental well-being. Get rid of what you don't need and keep everything else where it belongs.

7. Unhealthy anything

Unhealthy food, unhealthy relationship, unhealthy habits--choose what you do wisely. Remind yourself that you deserve better, and then give yourself better.

8. Regrets

We all have regrets, but you can't move toward your future if you're dwelling on the past. Learn from it, right any wrongs where you can, and leave it behind.

9. Disrespect

Relationships are at the heart of success, and respect is at the heart of good relationships. Disrespect--whatever the form and whomever it's directed toward--is one of the most destructive forces you can harbor.

10. Distrust

Distrust often arrives through a succession of little compromises here and there, so be watchful. Focus on building your own integrity and surround yourself with others who do the same.

11. Anger

We all feel anger, and in its place it can move you to action. But holding onto anger is paralyzing and accomplishes nothing. Learn to direct anger toward problems, not people, and then get over it.

12. Control

Don't worry about the things you can't control. Focus your energy where it can do good, and learn to let go of the rest.

Pay attention to the difference between the things that are truly positive in your life and the things you just let happen.

Remember, you are sum of what you tolerate!

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9 Toxic Employees You Should Fire Right Now | Inc.com

http://www.inc.com/peter-economy/9-toxic-employees-you-should-fire-right-now.html?cid=sf01002

9 Toxic Employees You Should Fire Right Now

An employee's most important job is to bring value to an organization--when that value isn't there anymore, it's in the organization's best interest to rid itself of the wasted seat and salary.

Great employees are enthusiastic about their jobs, go the extra mile, and are team players. They bring value to their employers, their co-workers, and their customers. And they're the kind of people you--and everyone else--want to work with.

Sometimes we are not so lucky when hiring and end up with a lot more than we bargained for (in a bad way). Remember this rule of thumb: Hire slow, and fire fast. When an employee isn't performing or acting the way they should, give them an opportunity to get their act together. If they can't, then don't hesitate to let them go.

Here are nine employees who need to be fired immediately.

1. The one who says, "Oh well, that's their problem"

Really? If you have an employee who says anything close to this, you really should consider firing them--and fast. There should never be a job or situation at work that is someone else's problem. Even if something crosses someone's desk that they normally don't handle, they should always make it their problem to find the right person to handle it as efficiently and effectively as possible.

2. The one who leaves work for an "appointment" as soon as the boss exits

This is the type of employee who really doesn't care about their job or their work. They're always looking for an opportunity to leave the office early, or to take advantage of the fact that the boss isn't around to see that they aren't there.

3. The one who everyone else complains about

If you have several (make that three or more) employees who complain about the same employee, there's probably a good reason behind the complaining. Instead of ignoring complaints about coworkers, really check them out. Where there's smoke there's often fire.

4. The one who is clearly unhappy

If no matter how you try, you still can't make one of your employees happy--they continue to complain about working conditions even after you provide them with their own office, or constantly complain about certain clients or coworkers--it's time to show them the door.

5. The one who always takes meetings off track

You know the one--he has a habit of becoming confrontational during meetings, throwing the agenda off track as others get drawn into the argument. If the employee isn't providing the value that he should be, then it's time to cut him loose.

6. The one who uses a company credit card to purchase personal items

And, check those expense reports closely. If personal spending continues after the employee is counseled against it, they need to go--and now.

7. The one who says, "That's not my job," or "This is stupid"

An employee who consistently demonstrates this kind of attitude is not an employee who deserves a job.

8. The one who constantly yells or loses their temper with clients and co-workers

This is not the way to conduct business in a professional way, and this employee could scare all of your customers and best employees away. If you have an employee who can't or won't control his or her temper, then you should immediately cut your losses and let them go.

9. The one who pushes his or her work off on everyone else

They are the ultimate delegator because they simply don't want to do their job. This is the employee who constantly complains about being overworked, yet actually accomplishes very little each day. If you have this kind of slacker at work, show them the door.

Sent from my iPad

40 free resources every designer should know

[design]
[Jennifer Cirpici]
JENNIFER CIRPICI<http://thenextweb.com/author/jennifercirpici/>
21 December '14, 01:00pm
Follow<https://twitter.com/JenniferCirpici>

Jennifer Cirpici is a Dutch graphic designer and blogger. This post originally appeared onOtherFocus<http://www.otherfocus.com/40-resources-every-designer-should-know>.

________________________________

Ever wondered where designers get their resources to help them succeed with a project? Here is a list of great resources including sites, PSD. files, actions, UI elements, mock ups, et cetera. Best of all, they are totally free and available for you to download.

Bookmark this post so that you can always look back at this great list that can help you succeed.

1. Fribbble<http://fribbble.com/>

Icons for your website, an iPhone mock up or PSD's for your landing page, Fribbble is the place to be.

[fribbble 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/fribbble.jpg>
2. Behance project template<https://www.behance.net/gallery/15523305/Behance-Tips-for-a-successful-portfolio>

Many of us struggle when posting a project at Behance<https://www.behance.net/>. How do we get it to make it look right? First of all, read this<http://www.ferencpetho.com/blog/behance-full-bleed-portfolio-image/> article - then download this nifty background template.

[behance 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/behance.jpg>

3. psddd.co<http://psddd.co/>

Another great site to get free PSD files, blurred background or UI elements.

[psd 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/psd.jpg>

4. COLOURlovers<http://www.colourlovers.com/palettes>

Struggling to get the perfect color combination? This is a site that I go to. It's perfect for some visual inspiration!

[colourlovers 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/colourlovers.jpg>

5. CG textures<http://cgtextures.com/>

A great site where you can download free stock images<http://thenextweb.com/dd/2014/05/15/53-free-high-quality-image-resources/>. From rocks, sky to trees. Very handy when it comes down to matte painting!

[cgtextures 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/cgtextures.jpg>

6. Subtle Patterns<http://subtlepatterns.com/>

In need of some high quality patterns? No need to look further, Subtle Patterns have a diverse gallery from around 400 patterns for you to download.

[subtlepattern 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/subtlepattern.jpg>

7. Webydo<http://www.webydo.com/>

Webydo lets you design a website for free - without code. Hallelujah!

[webydo 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/webydo.jpg>8. GuideGuide<http://guideguide.me/>

Guides can be a pain in the ass when it comes down to Web design, so here is a simple solution.

[guide 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/guide.jpg>

9. No more banding<http://nomorebanding.com/>

Often we experience banding when working with gradients within Photoshop. With this action, you can say farewell to them and make gradients look more smooth.

[banding 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/banding.jpg>

10. Gridzzly<http://gridzzly.com/>

Allows you to make your own grid paper that you can print! Handy for sketches or when you want to make some typographic images and need to be exact.

[grid 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/grid.jpg>

Next: Tools for icons, sizing and more

11. Makeappicon<http://makeappicon.com/>

This tool resizes and optimizes your icon designs into all formats needed for iOS and Android mobile app!

[makeappicon 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/makeappicon.jpg>

12. Perfect Effects 3 <http://www.ononesoftware.com/products/effects9free/>

Designed specifically for photographers. With Perfect Effects 3, you'll find intuitive and powerful tools that make it easy to add effects that can be difficult or time-consuming to create in Photoshop, Lightroom, Photoshop Elements or Aperture.
[effects 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/effects.jpg>

13. Cut & Slice<http://www.cutandslice.me/>

Use Cut & Slice to export your assets to different devices in seconds. Improve your workflow by just naming your layers.[cutandslice 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/cutandslice.jpg>

14. Layrs Control 2<http://madebyvadim.com/layrs/>

A free Photoshop extension of a collection of seven scripts that make tedious job easier.

[layrs 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/layrs.jpg>

15. Hexy<http://missingpixels.io/plugins/hexy/>

It's a pain to have to select layers, highlight pieces of text and open the Color Picker to simply grab the hex value of a particular color. Hexy allows you to use the Eyedropper tool to simply click on the color of the object you're after and copies it directly to your clipboard.

[hex 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/hex.jpg>

16. WhatTheFont!<https://www.myfonts.com/WhatTheFont/>

Seen a font in use and want to know what it is? Submit a screenshot to WhatTheFont to find the closest matches in its database.

[whatthefont 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/whatthefont.png>17. Typewolf<http://www.typewolf.com/>

Typewolf shows fonts in use on actual websites, as well as background info about the font and personal recommendations for similar fonts.

[typefont 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/typefont.jpg>

18. Size Marks<https://github.com/romashamin/Size-Marks-PS#install>

Size Marks is a helpful Photoshop script for Web designers and front-end engineers. This script converts rectangular marquee to labeled measurement mark.

[size marks show 40 free resources every designer should know]<https://github.com/romashamin/Size-Marks-PS#install>

19. Velositey Version 2<http://dandkagency.com/extensions/velositey-v2/>

Velositey lets you design a website within seconds in Photoshop, letting you pick from several templates and modules.

[velositey 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/velositey.jpg>

20. FontAwesomePS<http://creativedo.co/FontAwesomePS>

Search for an icon and click to create a new layer shape which you can easily edit.

[fontawesome 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/fontawesome.jpg>

Next: More Photoshop freebies

21. Liveshare PS<http://www.invisionapp.com/new-features/24/liveshare-ps-real-time-design-meetings-inside-photoshop>

With LiveShare PS you can now broadcast any Photoshop document to as many people as you want through an instant LiveShare meeting. If you make a change to your Photoshop document, the tool will instantly see your changes in the LiveShare meeting-you don't even have to hit the save button!

[liveshare 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/liveshare.jpg>

22. Photoshop Share plugin<http://www.layerhero.com/photoshop-share-plugin/>

Share your design instantly within Photoshop using Layer Hero's Photoshop Share plugin.

[share 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/share.jpg>

23. Prisma<http://www.codeadventure.com/prisma>

Ever missed the global color swatches from Illustrator in Photoshop? Prisma brings them consistently to all supported applications.

[prisma 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/prisma.jpg>
24. Free Lorem Ipsum Generator<http://www.layerhero.com/lorem-ipsum-generator/>

The best Lorem Ipsum generator plugin for Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver.

[Free Lorem Ipsum Generator 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/Free-Lorem-Ipsum-Generator.jpg>

25. Free Behance Presentation Builder<https://www.behance.net/gallery/16522285/Free-Behance-Presentation-Builder>

Helps you build your Behance portfolio presentations in a click with a free PSD File and PS Action.

[behancebuilder 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/behancebuilder.jpg>

26. Kaku<http://kaku.ps/>

A simple Photoshop plugin to translate your text layers to a different language.

[kaku 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/kaku.jpg>

27. Instagram Filters<http://friabrisa.deviantart.com/art/Instagram-13-Filters-PS-Actions-359911622>

A nice 13-filter pack that replicates the app Instagram for Photoshop.

[instagram filer pack 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/instagram-filer-pack.jpg>

28. VSCO Cam Effect in Photoshop Tutorial<http://gomedia.us/zine/tutorials/easy-to-accomplish-vsco-cam-effect-in-photoshop/>

Our friends at Go Media posted this stunning tutorial by Simon Hartmann, in which you can recreate a VSCO kind of effect within Photoshop. Have fun!

[vsco 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/vsco.jpg>

29. Social Kit<http://socialkit.madebysource.com/>

Social Kit by Made by Source covers images, profile pictures and ad banners for social media in a free up-to-date Photoshop plugin.

[social 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/social.jpg>

30. Mobile UI Blueprint psd files<https://dribbble.com/shots/1679085-Mobile-UI-Blueprint-freebie>

Free Mobile UI elements PSD files by designer Chrometaphore.

[mobileuiblueprint 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/mobileuiblueprint.jpg>

Next: The last 10 tools!

31. Free Images<http://www.freeimages.com/>

Previously known as sxc.hu, Free Images provides over 395,000 stock photos to download.

[freeimages 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/freeimages.jpg>

32. UI Cloud<http://ui-cloud.com/>

The largest user interface design database in the world, with over 46,608 UI elements to download.

[uicloud 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/uicloud.jpg>

33. Mock Up Zones<https://www.facebook.com/mockupzone/notes>

Mock Up Zones have great collection of free Mock Ups for you to download - from iPads, iPhones, business cards to shirts.

[mockupzones 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/mockupzones.jpg>

34. Macbook Air and Thunderbolt Display<https://dribbble.com/shots/1121719-PSD-Macbook-Air-Thunderbolt-Display-Freebie>

A stunning Macbook Air and Thunderbolt Display PSD's free for you to download by designer Jozef Mak.

[mac 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/mac.jpg>

35. Greyscalegorilla 3D Tutorials<http://greyscalegorilla.com/blog/tutorials/>

Met this guy while we both were a speaker at OFFF<http://www.offf.ws/#/> 2010 - he's a friendly and talented artist. His site is an inspiration for many 3D artists and full of wonderful tutorials.

[greyscalegorilla 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/greyscalegorilla.jpg>

36. Vray Materials<http://www.vray-materials.de/all_materials.php>

If you need free quality Vray materials for for example Cinema 4D, this is the site to go to.

[vray materials 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/vray-materials.jpg>

37. Blendme<http://blendme.in/>

This extension for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator searches thousands of assets, including popular icon packs, without having you to leave Photoshop or Illustrator.

[blendme 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/blendme.jpg>

38. AdobeKnowHow<https://www.adobeknowhow.com/>

Recently launched by Adobe, this site provides you free beginner courses for several Adobe programs.

[adobe 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/adobe.jpg>

39. Tuts+<http://design.tutsplus.com/>

A great site offering you free tutorials for several programs for you to learn. For beginners, but also for the professionals. You can never know enough.

[tut 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/tut-.jpg>

40. Pixeden<http://www.pixeden.com/free-design-web-resources>

Pixeden is a site not to be missed in this list and provides you a great collection of 'freebies' from mock ups, templates to text effects.

[pixeden 730x438 40 free resources every designer should know]<http://cdn1.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/12/pixeden.jpg>

If I missed your favorites, please share them in the comments below!

25 Must-Have Free Fonts for Entrepreneurs and Designers

OCTOBER 09, 2014

As an entrepreneur, I hear a lot of things said about good design<http://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/design>: Good design is simple. Or it's all about white space. Others say good design is understated or that it's hard to describe.

As a designer, though, I can tell you that while all these things are important, the main difference between well-designed pieces and poorly designed ones is something else entirely: having really good fonts.

Don't believe me? Take a look at what Squarespace's website would look like using Impact instead of its fancy, premium font.

Before:

[http://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/1412726334_1.jpg]

After:

[http://assets.entrepreneur.com/article/1412726352_2.jpg]

See the difference? Even with all the right spacing, simplicity and craft of the page design, the wrong font can leave the entire site looking amateurish.

Choosing the right fonts for a project is crucial. But when a premium font costs $60 to $200, it can be hard to justify the purchase. So what can you do?

Great fonts (like most excellent things on the Internet) are generally handcrafted by independent designers. Making a font takes an incredible amount of effort, which is usually reflected in the price tag. On rare occasions, though, kind and generous designers will give out a few fonts for free, as a way of advertising the rest of their collection. If you like any of the fonts below, please consider supporting their creators.

I've compiled the following list of 25 must-have free fonts for entrepreneurs, designers and anyone else looking to impress. Enjoy!

Related: Where to Find Free Photos and Never Again Pay for a Website Image<http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237060>

Langdon

[https://m1.behance.net/rendition/modules/59376319/disp/fd8c49404528320837e0287b1f2922df.jpg]<http://www.xlntelecom.co.uk/business-resources/download-the-free-langdon-font/?callwinid=78888&affl=awin&awc=5413_1412696695_d11b88c33f2b75c976cf7e84d9c09909>

Langdon<http://www.xlntelecom.co.uk/business-resources/download-the-free-langdon-font/?callwinid=78888&affl=awin&awc=5413_1412696695_d11b88c33f2b75c976cf7e84d9c09909> is a friendly, easy-to-read font that works well in headlines and combines nicely with cursive typefaces.

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Vincent

[Vincent]<http://dribbble.com/shots/868554-Free-Typeface-VINCENT>

With strong characters and some creative shaping, fonts like Vincent<http://dribbble.com/shots/868554-Free-Typeface-VINCENT>are perfect for businesses seeking that serious yet approachable feeling.

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Rex

[http://www.awwwards.com/awards/images/2012/05/rex_font_2.jpg]<http://fontfabric.com/rex-free-font/>

Sharp angles and a selection of three weights make Rex<http://fontfabric.com/rex-free-font/> a font that works brilliantly in logos and paragraph headings.

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Infinity

[https://m1.behance.net/rendition/modules/7633779/disp/8dc87584a16830f041641cb6a18fb9a2.png]<http://www.behance.net/gallery/Infinity/1126535>

Infinity<http://www.behance.net/gallery/Infinity/1126535> is a thin font with a friendly yet sophisticated feel. Understated fonts like these work brilliantly for startups in industries that involve consumer interaction, such as health and wellness companies.

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Adam

[http://i0.wp.com/theultralinx.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/c1efddffeac8786b634f6713feb5f435.jpg?resize=600%2C293]<http://www.behance.net/gallery/ADAM-Free-Typeface/13756975>

Modern, bold fonts like Adam<http://www.behance.net/gallery/ADAM-Free-Typeface/13756975> are easy to read and work well for website headings and navigation bars.

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Nougatine

[https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQLCa1t0CDfb5bPLA3EI29cCuXQCRWdGNySlwXgfK3UIGfGt-JbFELEDbgtzYYGIfqMWtt0_R-Wp06k4tT9R6BCPZUnBc2a9VHe3UAuUIHxTO1uUaCVYabyh2J2mRxOK07Xql/s1600/free_font_nougatine.jpg]<http://www.behance.net/gallery/nougatine-free-font/3481787>

Nougatine<http://www.behance.net/gallery/nougatine-free-font/3481787> is a unique, retro-inspired font that combines strong capital letters with some creative cut-out shapes.

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Silverfake

[http://fontfabric.com/wp-content/themes/unstandard/images/silver3.jpg]<http://fontfabric.com/silverfake-free-font/>

If you've ever looked for retro fonts, you know that good ones are few and far between. Silverfake<http://fontfabric.com/silverfake-free-font/> is the exception. Legibile but with an authentic retro feel, it combines nicely with modern, bolder fonts, such as Adam, above.

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Code Pro

[http://fontfabric.com/wp-content/themes/unstandard/images/codepro_07.jpg]<http://fontfabric.com/code-pro/>

Code Pro<http://fontfabric.com/code-pro/> is a designer's dream. It comes in lots of of weights (thin or heavy) and a variety of styles. The versatile font fits into just about any design, whether for the website of a tech startup or a restaurant menu.

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Raleway

[https://d22lct1myh0s5f.cloudfront.net/images/raleway-1.jpeg]<http://www.theleagueofmoveabletype.com/raleway>

Want to know a designer's secret? When aiming to create something that feels sophisticated, look for the thinnest font possible. Few are thinner than Raleway<http://www.theleagueofmoveabletype.com/raleway>.

Raleway is a popular font that comes in a myriad of sizes, ranging from hairline thin to bold black, making it a mighty useful font for a variety of company branding functions.

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Montserrat

[https://s3.amazonaws.com/FreebiesXpress/Blog/4-Top-Google-Fonts-Vol-2/Montserrat.jpg]<http://fontpro.com/montserrat-font-16367>

Montserrat is the ultimate modern font: It pairs brilliantly with stick-thin fonts like Raleway and looks beautiful when laid over a high-resolution background image.

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Droid Serif

[Droid+Serif]<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Droid+Serif>

Droid is the ideal font for long blocks of text: It's easy to read and has just the right mixture of soft and hard serifs to give it a unique personality all of its own.

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Domine

[http://fontpro.com/font-display/domine_35565.png]<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Domine>

Looking for a classic font that's like Georgia or Garamond? Domine<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Domine> is the perfect alternative. It's bolder than the typical paragraph font, making it suitable for big, eye-catching headlines.

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Franchise

[http://www.dafont.com/img/illustration/f/r/franchise.gif]<http://www.dafont.com/franchise.font>

Illustration (c) Weathersbee Type<http://derekweathersbee.com/>

Franchise<http://www.dafont.com/franchise.font> is a friendly, bold display font that looks great on the web, particularly in infographics.

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Dosis

[http://il.static.1001fonts.net/d/o/dosis-font-3-big.png]<http://www.1001fonts.com/dosis-font.html>

If you're running a tech startup, you may have a hard time finding solid fonts to suit your purposes. Most tech fonts have a way of feeling too harsh for today's projects. Dosis<http://www.1001fonts.com/dosis-font.html> breaks the mold. With softer, rounded corners, it is a great alternative to traditional tech fonts. And it works well in nontech projects, too.

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Abel

[http://turbo.designwoop.com/uploads/2012/05/5-Google-Web-Fonts-Abel_1334647288001.png]<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Abel>

Abel<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Abel> is a nice mix between a tech font and a modern display face. Although only one weight of font is available, Abel can be a good choice for headlines and paragraph text.

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Odin Rounded

[http://absolutfoundry.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Odin-image-2.jpg]<http://absolutfoundry.com/fonts/odin-rounded/>

Odin Rounded<http://absolutfoundry.com/fonts/odin-rounded/> is a Norse design-inspired retro font that works surprisingly well in tech-oriented projects.

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Lintel

[Lintel Free Font]<http://www.dafont.com/lintel.font>

Lintel<http://www.dafont.com/lintel.font>'s thin, strong features make it well-suited for high-end tech and fashion startups.

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Hagin

[http://fontfabric.com/wp-content/themes/unstandard/images/hagin04.jpg]<http://fontfabric.com/hagin-free-font/>

Try Hagin<http://fontfabric.com/hagin-free-font/> in your next retro-themed project. It can create bold headlines and its unique serifs set it apart from most classic fonts.

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Weston
[Frameless]<http://fontfabric.com/weston-free-font/>

Weston<http://fontfabric.com/weston-free-font/> simultaneously evokes a 1930s movie poster and a Wild West "most wanted" alert. Mix it with a cursive font or a thin, modern typeface.

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Roboto Slab

[https://s3.amazonaws.com/FreebiesXpress/Blog/4-Top-Google-Fonts-Vol-2/Roboto-Slab.jpg]<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Roboto+Slab>

Roboto Slab<http://www.google.com/fonts#UsePlace:use/Collection:Roboto+Slab> is the font with a million uses, for both headlines and paragraphs. Heck, it even looks good in off-line publications.

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Aleo

[http://webneel.com/sites/default/files/images/manual/fonts/27/aleo-free-font.jpg]<http://fontfabric.com/aleo-free-font/>

Aleo<http://fontfabric.com/aleo-free-font/> is one of the most versatile free fonts I've ever encountered. It comes in six styles, all available in italics, so designers will have an easy time finding the right match for just about any project.

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Lora

[http://cyreal.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/lora-promo.png]<http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/lora>

If you want your startup to be taken seriously, try Lora<http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/lora>. It has a classic vibe and is incredibly legible even in very small sizes.

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Lato

[http://dawgeared.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lato.gif]<http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/LATO>

Lato<http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/LATO> works hard for startups in pursuit of that friendly yet sophisticated aura. It pairs nicely with just about any serif font, such as Aleo and Lora.

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Calendas Plus

[http://www.calendasplus.com/images/muestra%20calendas%20plus-01.png]<http://www.calendasplus.com/index.html>

Calendas<http://www.calendasplus.com/index.html> is reminiscent of classic fonts like Garamond and Georgia but possesses a bit of a unique personality of its own.



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Farrerons Serif Light

[https://cdn.myfonts.net/s/aw/720x360/135/0/69199.jpg] <http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/tipo-pepel/farrerons-serif/light/>

Farrerons Serif Light<http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/tipo-pepel/farrerons-serif/light/> is an interesting typeface. For blocks of texts, it works as a reliable, legible font. In headings, it gives off a more creative vibe. Consider giving it a try in your next off-line print project.

Looking for more free, premium fonts? Check out Google's well-curated list of free fonts available via its Google Fonts<http://google.com/fonts> project.