We have had some great interactions and stimulating topics in the Everyday Entrepreneur Community. One such question or nagging frustration that was brought forward by a member was: " I am tired of being asked to submit creative samples or proposals and having the potential client treat it with indifference or take it to another competitor to get it done."

This is a common problem with creative industry in general. They ask for you to put in time and effort to produce something, then take the creative "IP" and give it elswhere. In brief there is one way to weed out the serious inquiries from the thieves.

Charge a modest up-front fee for creative work, that if accepted can be deducted off the total project. That way you as a creative person are compensated for time and effort, the client percieves a greater value to the work itself, it helps to build a stronger committment in the client, and you STOP GIVING AWAY YOUR WORK!

A serious client will value this, but be warned. If you decide to employ this concept for your business, be prepared to fight all the inner instincts and fear of losing an opportunity. Would you rather be gainfully paid for the two or three good projects? Or would you rather fool yourself by being busy with all these exciting proposals...I think you understand what I am getting at here.

Join in: "Mastering Relationship Selling" September 16-17 Edmonton Alberta!

Enjoy your day!

James

Comment (0)

Hey there,

Well its two days after our official Everyday Entrepreneur Commuity launch. Though it was 32C outside it most likely was 40C inside..the wine was good though..

The evening progressed with positive up swing, the speaker was good and sincere though perhaps a little flustered because of all the other details and dynamics swirling round inside his head. (Speaker was me so I can say this with a good accuracy..lol) Even with all the little behind the scenes hiccups the social energy in the room was fantastic!

As a main facilitator, it was of great interest to me to look over the room several times to get a good feel for where people were at. Like an attentive matradee I felt a deep sense of satisfaction that our community was reaching the intended levels of interaction and relationship building through out the evening.

I know it will take time to build, I believe as the founder of this community that we can accomplish some incredible things for our common goals going forward. Our vision is strong but easy to digest. We have four foundational purposes that will drive us forward.

Tired today, but satisfied. We still need to grow in numbers to accomplish some foundational goals but it is rewarding when you see it in action.

With a deep sense of pride and purpose, we press on. Why? Because our community is worth it!

Enjoy your day!

James

Comment (0)

As many of our readers know, we are working to launch The Everyday Entrepreneur, A Community of Business. This is a real adventure because it encompasses all the ingredients of a new start-up that is dependant upon people who are as difficult to settle down as a herd of cats!

We have been working to build a launch party on May 18th 2010 to celebrate the birth of a new vision. Trust me, it IS like a new birth with all its pains and labor. Can you relate?

One of the big issues is working to start something without being burdened with a pile of debt. I think this has been my Achilles heal or my sanctuary in my own business life. Starting with no debt is a tremndously slow process. Oh sure it would be great to have everything and all the convenient tools to start with but when there is a lack of ability to produce...all the fancy toys and gidgits will not save you from the interest rate and the due dates.

You may be thinking "Well James, get with it, my business could not have started without taking on a certain amount of debt.." I agree, to a point. However, many people will start a new business without the proper plan matched with the appropriate amount of effort. A local business coach colleague once said to me: "James, the hardest issue most start-up entrepreneurs face is not getting the product made or the service well shaped, its getting them to actually go out and meet as many new people to build business. Sales...they don't like to do the actual act of SALES. If you can find a way to get them to cross the chasm between their business and their potial clients door knob, I will attend your workshops."

Well, I had to agree with my friend. A shoe string budget is a strategy that is meant to make us hungry enough to perform and hold our efforts accountable. If we can't master it at this stage then our standards for success will be set very low.

Another mentor of mine stated very plainly, "In business, nothing happens without sales". Did you read that clearly? If you do not consider yourself to be in sales then becoming an entrepreneur may not be the right path for you. Consider this concept carefully.

If you build it..they will need to know about it!

Enjoy your day!

Comment (0)

Hey there,

Just wanted to report on The Everyday Entrepreneur, A Community of Business. You have no doubt figured out that this is a reeeaallly important project for us. It is so important that it is planned to become a full time emphasis for Infusion Corporate Culture. We are culture busilders and this is a great way to dispaly our talents and serve others at the same time.

Throughout the past two weeks we have had alot of interest which results in alot of meetings and aaallllooott of coffee. It has been great. We have interviewed many who have agreed that our format and our vision is something that people get really sink their teeth into when it comes to business building within a community setting.

I want to report that our May18th 2010 formal launch is a go and that we are looking to have as many as will come to be present. We already have plans to expand a new chapter! Our web resource centre has been started and our marketing materials are in process.

Please have a look at our new image:

Things are happening! Don't miss out!

Comment (0)

Hey there,

I hope all is well in your world today. It is Monday and it usually means that we need to close off or face the issues we left open last Friday. Personally, I am not ready to do all that but yet I can still hear the nagging voice that says: "C'mon! FIX ME!"

Well, its now the end of the day and it hasn't yet hurt me enough to pay the right kind of attention to it. IS that bad? Perhaps I need a place to get some well thought out and constuctive feed back.

The Everyday Entrepreneur is for you. Build business, build strong relationships, find solice with fellow work-warriors.

Enjoy your day!

James

Comment (0)

The Everyday Entrepreneur
      A Community of Business

Q: Who are we?
A: The Everyday Entrepreneur is based upon the work of Infusion Corporate Culture Inc
     You can get a great profile of our philosophies and work at: www.canadabusinesscoach.com

Q: What is the purpose?
A:  To provide an innovative atmosphere for dynamic business growth and continued business health.
      By providing:
 - Consistant meeting schedule
 - Inspirational strategy and experience for the journey ahead
 - New business contacts with regular invitations going out
 - Provide ongoing support for members in the process of building new business
 - Active innitiatives to create future opportunities

Q: What is my commitment?
A:  We ask only that you have a positive attitude to build ethical business and strong relationships with us.
 - We meet twice a month
 - Freely invite those whom you believe would contribute and would be active participants
 - We have a modest membership fee that is structured to keep this community and its resources
    accessible to you
 - Lend your experience and expertise to those who follow in your footsteps

For more information please contact us via email :  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
       Thank you for your attention.   

Comment (1)

The Everyday Entrepreneur April 20th Edmonton AB

A Community of Business

Would you like to develop your business with people you can trust?
How do you find the right partnerships to build business with that possess a proven integrity?
You find this within a strong community with strong relationships that could last a lifetime.

You are invited to attend our community networking FAQ event to find out more about how
The Everyday Entrepreneur can assist you for your future business health and growth potential.

Come join us

April 20 2010
4:00pm - 5:30pm

10545 81 Ave
(Christian City Church Edmonton Meeting Facility)
Edmonton

Please R.S.V.P. to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
*If you have questions regarding The Everyday Entrepreneur please contact us with the above email address
   

Comment (0)

Hi there,

Occasionally we get the pleasure of conducting workshops and mountain retreats for private corporate groups. On March the 1st we will be engaged in a new workshop created to support the hospitality industry regarding HR staff motivation.

If you have a special group or team and would like to know more about our retreat services or customized workshops please send your questions to:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Someone will respond as soon as possible.

Book now for summer and fall retreats to get your team engaged and moving forward!

2010 will be awesome!

Going forward with you,

James

Comment (0)