As we mentioned when we announced our Small and Special conference focused on passionate small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, a good chunk of our inspiration came from a single book. That book is Small Giants, Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham.

While the conference speaker roster is limited to founders of small passionate businesses who are making a success of themselves, we were immediately willing to make an exception to get Bo himself to come talk at the event. Bo’s schedule didn’t allow it this time. And then on a lark we suggested that Bo convince his publisher to give us free copies of his book for every attendee of the event. We were almost laughing when we suggested this as we knew it was unlikely. Bo laughed too but passed it on to his publisher.

Much to both of our surprise and delight, the kind folks at Penguin said yes. And as a result, every attendee at Small and Special will receive their own copy of Small Giants courtesy of Penguin (and Bo Burlingham). Thanks Penguin. These books can be autographed. Not by Bo himself of course as he won’t be attending, but I’m sure one of your fellow attendees would be happy to do the honor. ;)

We try not to do the hard sell on this blog, but we can’t help but pointing out the following two numbers. A ticket to Small and Special costs $25 (plus the $0.99 service charge from EventBrite). The cover price of Small and Giants is $14.95. You could pay Amazon $10.40 but then you’ll pay for shipping. Alright… not to get too detailed but hopefully you get the point. Buying a ticket to Small and Special is a kickass deal. Well… we think so, and hopefully you will too.

Head over to the Small and Special website to get your ticket now before we run out.

And if you just can’t attend the conference, go buy your own copy of Small Giants, Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham. Of all the books I read before we founded Jackson Fish Market (and there were many), this was the single most inspiring and influential of the bunch.