Business Boot Camp, Anyone?

I love the term "BOOT CAMP". Sign me up.

I am in the process of starting a blog at seattleorganizingworks.info but truly do not know where to start. I would welcome this teaching tool. I am not much of a creative writer and dread the writing process. Perhaps a group that holds one another accountible is just what I need to launch this next organizing product.

Sounds cool, Dominic. I think one of the core issues with many indie businesspeople is deciding on a focus and seeing it through, so the workshops could be centered around each person finding their individual focus and committing to it.

Joe Hage has been coaching me this week about identifying my target community and I have been resisting because frankly it is challenging. I did not realize how important it is to my business to stay focused. As an indie business person I tend to look for business from wherever it comes, but that can certainly deplete resources and now I also realize that it has been zapping me mentally.

I think it's a great idea- our programs function on a similar basis.

One thing I've seen, though, is that a lot of Indies, because of the love they have for their business, and because of what Elizabeth says just above, is that picking a target market is HARD work.

It's brings up a lot of emotions, and can be very vulnerable. it requires you to plant a flag and say "THIS is what I stand for."

Because of the process with that, you might need to allow for additional time.

For our six-month program, and now for our upcoming one-year program, we spend the first five weeks in an intensive on working with target market alone, because that's the missing piece for so many people.

After that, the systems and strategies can go in.

It can, of course, be easier than that. But I've watched people struggle to put marketing systems in place, because they haven't yet settled into the target market itself.

This is a good idea. I've seen similar things proposed here (I think) but they tended to revolve around the idea of checking in daily at an appointed time to make sure that folks are accomplishing the tasks they set out for themselves.

This seems different though because it's an attempt to train ourselves to learn tools we need to run our businesses well. I like this idea a lot and would be interested in taking a part.

My issue tends to be time management and motivation. I know my ideas, and I know how to communicate (it's what I do), but doing it all without being distracted by all the Web has to offer, that's where the rub is for me.

It's funny how these kinds of "accountability group" ideas have been tossed around in the last several months but I don't know if anyone followed through. That alone highlights the existing serious need for this. Dominic, you might be the one making it happen this time. :) You might make Biznik history (if you already haven't!). :)

I agree with Dominic on this one, mostly because it is a factor that seems to be prolific in the start-up crowd I am used to dealing with.

Great ideas are actually like pennies in a slot machine, you only notice the one that makes you a winner.

Unfortunately I see a lot of folk put a few coins in the slot and stop progressing to the goal of winning, simply because they are not seeing immediate reward and impact.

I often refer to the lack of progress as an inherent fear of success, or the unfortunate pain of being lost due to having no destination.

(But hey, I am a hypocrite! My business changes every other month along with the technology)

I was in an accountability group with some biznik ladies until recently when biz ventures took them in different directions. I loved having the group and miss the weekly meetup.

I would love a new group!

My challenge is that I work a 9-5 doing the same things I do in my own business. When I get home to take on my other work, I am beat and can't seem to get motivated and focused.

I'm all for a boot camp to boot me in the butt and get me motivated and focused on the ultimate goal...

Independence!

Hi St. Olafer, I definitely want to go to bloggers bootcamp. I have made one attempt at a blog, but I have not consistently worked at it, bloggers block I guess. I do have writing I want to post, I just need the proverbial boot! Is it possible to have this in an daytime setting as opposed to the evening thing? If everyone is independent can't they schedule time for a business event anyway?

Roberta

This sounds like a great idea! I've been on my own for a month and while I have managed to get dressed everyday (barely) and stay social with meetings I feel a little adrift and spend all my time working on client stuff and none of my time on my own business. Count me in!

Right on, Dominic!

Blogging is a key part of my marketing efforts and I'm stalled. Because of the nature of my work, regularly scheduled day or evening sessions would work for me.

Do it and we will come.

John