Project Input Requested

Hi SOWPUB Readers,

I will be leaving a 16 year career with a large corporation in 2 weeks to start my own business. I am a Human Resources Consultant and will be starting an employee training business (leadership, productivity improvement, employee motivation, etc.). The business is geared towards all businesses from small mom and pops up through large corporations. Although in business for myself I will be acting as an affiliate for a very successful, 35 year personal development company with proven programs.

Here's where input is requested. One of the programs is called Effective Personal Leadership. It is a goal setting program that I myself have completed and find very valuable. The program meets for 2 hours per week and goes for an 8 week period. If the participant follows through the program for the 8 weeks and completes all assignments he will have changed his entire outlook on success and will be in an incrediable position to achieve anything he sets out to do. This program is designed to be sold to business professionals and comes with a $1,500 price tag. Not cheap but definantly priced for the business world.

I can easily see this program being provided to individuals over the net and meeting as a weekly conference call for the two hours facilitation. Does this program seem doable as a stand alone program sold over the net to individuals wishing to apply its contents? Or should I concentrate on marketing to the businesses alone?

Mitch -

First... congrats on stepping out on your own. It's a very exciting time for you.

Anyway. I believe the answer lays within your post. Namely... I will be acting as an affiliate for a very successful, 35 year personal development company with proven programs.

They have PROVEN PROGAMS. Use those. Get your feet well and truly wet first. Then, AFTER you are working the program correctly and it is making you the money you desire, consider modifying it for the net. Not before.

I know this is the simple way and it may not "challenge" you to do it their way. But it is proven. So go with what is known to work.

Michael Ross.

Back to the basics....the ONLY way to know the answer is test, test, test...I've been in sales
for 32 years (just counted 'em yesterday...can't
believe i'm 51)...and unless someone tells me why
they bought something, I have no idea why they bought! I may THINK I know, but its just a guess.
So, take a couple of hours a day and put it on the
web. You say it has worked for you and you imply that it is good product. May want to come out with
a version priced for individuals...but test it both ways...
> I will be leaving a 16 year career with a
> large corporation in 2 weeks to start my own
> business. I am a Human Resources Consultant
> and will be starting an employee training
> business (leadership, productivity
> improvement, employee motivation, etc.). The
> business is geared towards all businesses
> from small mom and pops up through large
> corporations. Although in business for
> myself I will be acting as an affiliate for
> a very successful, 35 year personal
> development company with proven programs.

> Here's where input is requested. One of the
> programs is called Effective Personal
> Leadership. It is a goal setting program
> that I myself have completed and find very
> valuable. The program meets for 2 hours per
> week and goes for an 8 week period. If the
> participant follows through the program for
> the 8 weeks and completes all assignments he
> will have changed his entire outlook on
> success and will be in an incrediable
> position to achieve anything he sets out to
> do. This program is designed to be sold to
> business professionals and comes with a
> $1,500 price tag. Not cheap but definantly
> priced for the business world.

> I can easily see this program being provided
> to individuals over the net and meeting as a
> weekly conference call for the two hours
> facilitation. Does this program seem doable
> as a stand alone program sold over the net
> to individuals wishing to apply its
> contents? Or should I concentrate on
> marketing to the businesses alone?

Mitch ~

16 years with a large corporation tells me one thing, well it actually tells quite a bit more. But it tells me you're fitted a certain way, and have done things, a certain way for quite a few years.

I know many HR people and have worked with them extensively over the years. Now I'm making a summation, but I would have to say you most likely fit the HR corporate mold as well. Not a bad thing mind you!

You mention a "Proven Program" for thirty five years. I have an idea of what it is and have been approached a number of times to participate in a program similar to what you reference. I've always responded, I would be glad to "Speak" for half of the fee you want me to pay to attend!!! LOL

I do not know much about their "Selling" program. Certainly they will have some sort of training program for you in cold-calling, approaching prospects, follow-up, closing, etc. I would follow these very, very closely until; you have a *knack* for interacting with many types of individuals.

Once very comfortable with it, and earning a nice income, then and only then mess with the testing of other options and methods.

I have seen many come into sales, avoid a semi-canned presentation, and fail miserably. While others continue to use a pre-planned and REHEARSED presentation, make thousands of dollars! All with the very SAME product.

Don't mess with what works until you're extremely comfortable and confident in your presentations and selling skills. Selling a $1500.00 8 week program to an egotistical self-professed successful business owner is a tall order to begin with.

You'll need to create a desire and a "pain" that is greater than the pain of parting with $1500.00, plus 2 hrs a week for 8 weeks. Tough stuff! Being in the right city or marketplace is very important.

Take a few steps before you begin to run very fast. Become comfortable with the whole presentation, become the best "Expert" on your 'Product Knowledge' within the company. It can be the greatest thing you've ever done!

Best wishes to you. Email me privately if you'd like.

Success and Regards... Mike