Which is a LOT!
And I am SO hungry to learn it! But how?
A friend recommended I not go through the Washington Cash program. So of course that is what I am doing--after checking it out of course. Saturday I went to a workshop entitled Preparing for Business, which was actually an orientation/introduction to the program, and I applied to be in the program. I think I will be accepted.
The program is aimed at helping low income people to create businesses that will get them out of poverty. Poverty means earning less than $30,000 a year for one person. Hey, I qualify! The program teaches business basics, how to think about starting and running a successful business. It covers things like:
* figuring out what problem you solve for people (that's been a hard one for me lately), and who you want to serve (create for)
* how to get from the idea of how much money you want to make to how you really get there.
*marketing
* communications,
*cash flow
*book keeping
*creating a business plan that actually helps you build a business.
The classes are one Wednesday a week with an optional Thursday "lab" for one on one work with a mentor.
And just in case this program doesn't teach me what I need to know, I also signed up for Mark Silver's class on "Opening the Money Flow". Mark focuses on building business from the heart, business that serves people. It is expensive, but I am that committed to learning.
This is the year I build the structure for my business. This is the year I learn Business Think.
Good luck! The program sounds so interesting and well structured. I hope it works, it is not easy but it is possible, even though there are so many difficult moments. I think that following such courses is also a very good way to build connections, to create a network with other people who share our interests. It takes a lot of patience and confidence. But, as a friend of mine told me: "You have no choice". Sounds hard, but in fact it was helpful in getting rid of (almost all) doubts.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a lovely Christmas. Mine was not so good, the path to peace is long and uphill. But it feels good to be part of this creative network. I also wanted to let you know that I followed your advice to have postcards made from my watercolor with Lao Tze's quote. If you are curious you can see them here: http://www.zazzle.co.uk/metamorphosis_1_postcard-239269544114889302
It is just another small step, but a step forward nonetheless.
I wish you a happy and successful 2011.
Barbara, thank you for your encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI AM looking forward to the people I will meet through the Washington Cash program. Living on an island can be isolating at times; I miss the wonderful diversity of people in the city.