The “BIG IDEA” Whose Time Has Come
Impossibility only defines a task’s degree of difficulty. Do you believe in that premise? I know I do …
The truth is, I only look for strategic alliance partners who believe that difficult tasks can be done immediately and seemingly impossible tasks take a little longer ;-)
The VSU Story: In the Spring of 2008, a strategic alliance partner of mine, who also shares the impossiblity premise above, chose me to help her execute a BIG IDEA. It was truly an idea “whose time had come” and one we had both independently thought about many years earlier.
The BIG IDEA was to find and secure a new and sustainable distance learning channel to teach micro- entrepreneurs (0 – 10 employees) how to boost their productivity and profits with practical, duplicable and low-cost tactics that are easy-to-implement regardless of economic conditions.
Deb Shaw is that strategic alliance partner and co-founder of VSU. For her, the BIG IDEA meant to democratize business intelligence and make marketing best practices available to all entrepreneurs … without having any bias to their ethnicity, creed or socio-economic status.
For me, the BIG IDEA meant to give convenient, virtual access of marketing and execution intelligence to these same micro-entrepreneurs who typically couldn’t attend seminars, teleseminars or continuing educations events.
As marketers, we both knew it was a simple idea. But as entrepreneurs, we knew it wouldn’t be easy to execute. (This blog post reveals the true story of how our BIG IDEA has come to fruition, and how YOU can participate).
The result of our BIG IDEA took the form of Virtual Seminar University – a virtual, distance learning platform with faculty in difference areas of expertise such as marketing, business development, negotiation, conflict management, cashflow management, website optimization and hiring, to name a few.
Our strategic plan was to target micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners who frequented B2B retail stores such as wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club, and teach them practical, no-nonsense tactics to grow their “top-line” revenue.
Typically, these B2B chains save their members money and thus help micro-entrepreneurs lower costs to fatten their “bottom-line” or profits. But what if they also became mini-universities that could teach their members how to boost their “top-line” or gross sales and have more discretionary income to come back to the store more often?
It doesn’t take much deep thinking to realize the “win-win” of the BIG IDEA. Micro-entrepreneurs win by getting access to new skills and tools to grow their businesses. B2B retailers win by creating massive value for their members.
Fast-Forward to Fall, 2008: The roots of the BIG IDEA that Deb and I had began to bear fruits as soon as she introduced it to the upper management of Sam’s Club.
Within a month, we found ourselves on a conference call with the CEO. Deb was in Bentonville, AR at the Wal-Mart headquarters and I was in my home office where I conduct all of my Teleseminars.
In less than 20 minutes on a conference call, the CEO and his Sam’s Club management team decided to give our idea a fair try, thanks mostly to the long-standing relationship Deb had built with Wal-Mart and its top vendors.
Our 3-Phase Marketing Plan: Like all of my other strategic plans this 3-phase plan has a high possibility of working because it is based on the time-honored, Socratic premise that “people support what they help to create.”
By first asking them what they want (Phase 1), and then giving them what they want (Phase 2), the “repurposed” content (Phase 3) becomes a perfect “message-to-market” match. As the ancient Chinese proverb says, “When the true leader’s job is done, all the people say, ‘We did it ourselves’.”
If you’re a “Thought Leader” or “Content Provider” on a topic you feel will appeal to Sam’s Club Members, then please keep reading because you may be eligible to become part of our VSU Faculty.
Here’s a brief overview of the 3-Phase Strategic Plan I designed for Sam’s Club and VirtualSeminarU:
Phase 1: Survey Sam’s Club members and “ask” them choose the seminar topics (multiple choice) is most important to them.
Click here to see a sample of Phase 1 in action.
Phase 2: After the “Ask” campaign survey results are evaluated, the next phase is to warm-up the acquired new list of students with weekly tips, which we’ve named, “The Tuesday Tip.”
Click here to see a sample of Phase 2 in action.
Phase 3: After the list is “warmed-up” for about 4-6 weeks, the Phase 3 of the BIG idea is to deliver semi-monthly Tele-Webcasts on the most requested topics.
At the time of writing this blog post, Phase 3 has not launched yet, but we are looking for new VSU Faculty Members who have content-rich presentations and agree to the following criteria:
- B2B tips that are practical, low-cost and duplicable
- No self-promotion or personal branding allowed
- Use of “plain language” without imbedded sales offers
- Pre-recorded, 40-minute TeleWebcast format
- Each lesson must go through Sam’s legal department
The target audience is Sam’s Club member who is a micro-entrepreneurs with 0 – 10 employees. The topics they have most requested from Phase 1 so far are: marketing, Internet, cash-flow and finance challenges.
What To Do Now: If you feel you meet VSU’s criteria and want to conduct a brief fact-finding interview, then please leave your Full Name, Contact Info and Topic in the Reply section of this post.
If you prefer a more private route, then visit www.AlexHelpDesk.com and submit a ticket with the General Questions radio button. Submit your Full Name, Contact Info and Topic and you’ll be contacted by one of VSU’s team members from the Faculty Development division.
Summary: Victor Hugo once remarked: “Not even all the armies of the world can prevent an idea whose time has come.” Virtual Seminar University (VSU) is such an idea because it provides distance learning for small business people, independent professionals and micro-entrepreneurs.
The triumph of this distance learning premise is driven by the profound technological change that started at the turn of the 21st century and has been accelerated by the Social Media Revoution.
I hope you submit your profile to become a VSU Faculty candidate and because you’ve read this far, my sense is you have the vigilence to do what it takes to be accepted. If you feel I’m speaking to you, then our paths will cross again on one of our forthcoming VSU Tele-Webcasts.
Please leave your Reply on this post.
Tags: alex mandossian, sams club
If you are a trainer or teacher in the B2B space, I strongly encourage you to submitting your topic and contact information so we can review it and find out if you’re a good fit as a VSU Faculty Member.
Your courtesy will be most appreciated,
~ Alex
Alex,
What an amazing idea! So often we think about ways to connect with small businesses, via seminars, local networking events, buying mailing lists and more. And yet, here is this treasure trove of business people right under our noses!
In addition, this is timed perfectly to help small businesses in a challenging economy. Of course, Sam’s Club really shines here in providing valuable, accelerated training to its small business customers.
The key, as you’ve identified is to make the information consumable. In working with many small businesses, many have all the tools and resources they need, they just don’t take action. The format you’ve outlined looks like it will help get those people get over the hump.
I look forward to seeing more from Virtual Seminar University and how I can play a part in helping bring effective, affordable PR to Sam’s Club members.
Marc Harty
30 Minute PR Guy
http://www.30MinutePR.com
Alex,
Thanks for sharing how Virtual Seminar University came into fruition and the true story behind it.
What an eye opening post and how you are so open about the details of how it works. This all ties back to your post on “Entrepreneurial Interdependence” that era that’s now upon us.
Let us know if we can help in any way.
– Pat & Lorna Shanks
http://PatAndLorna.com http://TheCoolestCouple.com
I couldn’t be more excited about this one.
Congratulations Alex on releasing yet ANOTHER fantastic program!
–Sean Patrick Simpson
Congratulations Alex!!
I remember when you first were going to meet with Doug. We had one of our 4am meetings and you told me to research the CEO of Sam’s club.
Now here we are, this idea has come to life and will inspire many others to pursue their own BIG IDEAS.
With Gratitude,
Dolan
Wow – what a great idea! I wonder, what about Costco too ;-)
Great idea and modeling taking something from concept to reality – also ‘go big or go home’ attitude. My expertise does not fit your current criteria or I would be pursuing the opportunity.
Wishing you much success,
Janet
So happy to see this project come alive! Very excited about it and about teaching small business people, independent professionals and micro-entrepreneurs how to gain more prospects, publicity, and profits through blogging with WordPress.
Cathy
http://www.TheWizardTeleseminars.com
Alex,
What a terrific idea and venue! And, most significantly, you’ve been able to take it from the idea phase to a real implementation.
I work at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs and have worked in a limited capacity with some of Walmart’s up and coming leaders. My business partner and I are also in the process of developing an Internet video instructional program using proven techniques on how to build teams fast. Many companies are going through change and reorganization and the ability to bring a team together and get them functioning at a high level quickly is becoming an essential management skill. While it’s not listed as one of the most immediate demand items it might still be of interest and value. If you would like more info please let me know. And best of luck with this amazing venture!
Great concept. They won’t open the door to one possibility
but maybe with many possibilities. My questions:
“Have you or a friend been laid off recently?”
“Would you attend a free job search discussion by
the top expert in finding your next job?”
“Do you or a friend need help finding the next job?”
“Would you like to find your next job…sooner?”
Charles Moldenhauer
executivejobcoach@gmail.com
This is a welcome game changer. Hopefully, there would be the opportunity of developing regular small mastermind groups that are virtually facilitated and given a curriculum of practical – techniques that can be used immediately with the opportunity to share their real life implementation.
We all know that greatest amount of learning takes place in the implementation process and the recycling of what has worked, would may be changed and finally what have we learned to reinforce strong technique and adjust to new where necessary- this makes a dynamic safe learning environment if we keep groups together.
Sorry to be long winded-you have a great idea that could offer a lot to company owners that get pieces of information which may never get applied.
Bruce
As a trainer/coach who works daily with Realtors and their marketing/lead generation strategies I understand the value of networking and B2B contacts. Your vision is exciting, Alex, and I thank you for sharing it. Let me know how I can help.
I love that quote. Being told something is impossible or can’t be done is one of those statements that motivates me to accomplishment. This is an awesome “Big Idea” and one I’m positive you will succeed with.
Providing such a great “win-win” is just another way you lead by example foster by the KLT Factor! Allowing entrepreneurs to be part of something like this will definitely provide a foundation for success sorely need in these “interesting” economic times.
Thanks Alex!
Excellent post.
Wow, Alex! Thank you for sharing your terrific, inspiring idea. I appreciate learning from you and sharing your wisdom with others.
It seems that any organization, especially non-profits, could benefit from Virtual Seminar University to achieve greater success. What a great way for everyone to “win” together… Let us know if we can be of support.
Alex, I LOVE your work.
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments.” ~Billy
Much love,
Ben
Alex,
How exciting for you, I can see this becoming huge. I may have to come work with you. I am currently a teacher and coach, not B2B but children. I have spent a lot of time online though and feel drawn to your vision.
I am sure we will talk soon.
I have a web site but it is for my dental business. Over the years I have used a Total Quality Improvement process to reduce costs, improve my profits, reduce the # of “critical errors” and “remakes” of a product or service. I now teach 4 days a week at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry teaching seniors clinically how to become great dentists. I create a safe,respectful,positive environment for learning where choice, trust and communication are essential. I am an informal student of Dr.Edwards W. Deming, Jack Canfield, Monty Roberts, and currently active with Denise from David Koons’ “Let Your Millionare Out” and Maritza Parra’s “Click and Grow Rich Online”. I have also been a student with Jack Canfield’s coaching program. I believe I am a person of worth and can add depth to your program. Barry Ceridan
From you we can all learn. We just need to implement.
Yes, yes, great idea. And agree that Costco is next.
Alex,
It’s always inspiring when someone leaps out in front of the pack, takes bold initiatives and brings them to fruition.
You (and Deb) have once again demonstrated your trademark tenacity by working through the various levels of a corporation (and all of the inherent bureaucracy which is usually part of the process) to ultimately achieve something remarkable.
I’m delighted to be part of the team helping to support this project and also looking forward to being considered as a possible member of the faculty. Delivering instruction and information to the masses of people Sam’s will generate, who are hungering for this knowledge (especially in our transitional economy) is really exciting.
This is especially important right now when you consider the fact that the majority of new jobs that will be created in the next several years are predicted to come from emerging entrepreneurs … who, not coincidentally, probably shop at Sam’s for business supplies.
What a great opportunity for everyone!
All The Best & Congratulations to You Both! … Tim
alex
congratulations on virtual seminar university. Its interesting that by having a key tursted relationship with the senior management of Sams allowed you to open the door and cement the relationship.
My topic would be to teach those entrepreneurs how to connect, build
trust, and develop relationships in business that allow them to recession proof their business.
Keep up the good work.
Larry
Great idea. I’ve been a micro-entrepreneur for 35 years and look forward to seeing if I fit your faculty profile. As long as I don’t have to go anywhere, and can continue to sit at home in my bathrobe or jeans, I can help with the Internet and marketing stuff.
There’s also a topic area that few ever think or talk about: Despite the natural instinct for small businesspeople to get very enthused about their ideas, they are ill prepared to confront rejection — not only by prospects, but ironically by their own friends and family! A subject area you may want to include and that I can also help with.
This is a FANTASTIC idea! This will be a valuable pillar to support small business owners and independent professionals as they set out there to conquer their world and fulfill their dreams. Personal Finance mangement and goal achievement are my specialities.
Hi Alex.
I can coach on Retirement Plans for these types of companies
from the Solo 401k to a One Man Defined benefit plan. We can show the small business owner ways to have big business benefits when it comes to Retirement Savings.
We can also show how to use self directed IRAs and 401ks to access capital for business formation….
Email me for further contact information.
I teach a different sales paradigm that works particularly well for people who don’t see themselves as sales people (but of course they are if they’re in business for themselves). I teach it to real estate agents now–calling it The Way of Real Estate. This content transfers well to the webinar format. It’s powerful, practical, and profitable. Let’s talk more about what you have in mind and see if it can work for you.
I love a good idea.
- Linda Schneider
Alex, what a great success story, thank you for sharing it with us. You’re truly in line with what you’re here to do and doing a wonderful job sharing it with passion and enthusiam. If I can be of any assistance on this project please let me know, I’d love to share as well.
In Peace,
Joshua Aragon
http://www.TheLifeMeaningCoach.com
Hi Alex,
I love what you are doing, and your perceiving what is needed now! Certainly the time has come! Would love to look more closely at the proposed curriculum, and submit content for TeleWebcast Micro-Entrepreneur TeleWebcasts. What platform are you using?
All the best,
Sheryl Sever
Alex,
Another great idea…
As someone who helps local businesses market online I know firsthand their need to stay on top of the marketing game.
And it is not easy for them while running their business!
Miami
http://miamiphillips.com
http://webwidewizards.com
Alex,
Congratulations on making this happen!
I would love to contribute to this amazing project.
As a Sam’s Club member myself, I’m confident the information in my latest course “Seven ways to successfully promote your business on the internet…with or WITHOUT a web site!” (http://www.7promotips.com) would be perfect for the Sam’s Club audience.
I will submit contact info through the help desk.
Looking forward to seeing this be a huge success for you!
Marty M. Fahncke
Alex,
I get a lot of my inspiration from you and agree wholeheartedly with the belief that “the seemingly impossible just takes longer to accomplish”…love it!
Please contact me about providing virtual seminars on:
#1. Preventing Staff Burn Out
#2. Reducing Employee Injuries and Work Comp Claims
Looking forward to working together to help small businesses around the world.
Irene Diamond
Congratulations, I used to be a Sam’s club member, maybe I should renew.
Alex, this is sure to be a home run. Sounds like an opportunity for coaches like me. I am currently looking for channels to extend my reach, contribution and impact. Through my work as The Effectiveness Coach® I am passionately focused on supporting and resourcing small business owners, *micro entrepreneurs” (I just learned what my micro niche is called–finally) and independent professionals in the area of personal and team effectiveness–for the micro-biz, everyone is on the team and they need to hit the bulls-eye. Just hitting the target is not good enough. I feel strongly that these are the people who will lead the economic recovery and I intend to play a significant role. Enthusiastically, Bob
Congratulations Alex..and Deb!
Always great to lift the curtain and see how it all came together! Great idea
whose time has come in this “value driven “market.
Kudos to showing us the key to the treasure chest-again!
http://www.newprimetime.com
Alex, it’s wonderful that Deb and you have been able to make this happen and offer others the opportunity to possibly join your team! Thanks for the opportunity!
Warmly,
Ron Hudson
Holy cow, Alex! I had this exact same idea last fall. Living in Bentonville, Arkansas (home of Wal-Mart and Sam’s) I guess it’s no surprise. I am an avid shopper at Sam’s Club, and the idea came to me while at Lowe’s on a Saturday morning, when I came upon a live DIY class for shoppers. I thought to myself, “there needs to be something like this for business owners” and immediately thought of Sam’s, where they have Business Memberships across virtually every SIC and Business Member-only hours. I then thought beyond live classes to providing a B2B portal for Business Members only.
Moving Sam’s Club from just a discount philosophy to a philosophy of value through educational partnership would increase new membership as well as retention.
Anyway, I’m glad to see that you got in! You must have been the one that was “already in the works”. Who did you meet with besides Doug McMillon?
This is so cool. I am very interested in being a part of this. Let me know what you need.
As the marketing-PR agency for an entire village of business owners, every micro-entrepreneur we met was hungry for this type of information.
You’re making it available to them on an affordable and accessible basis – that’s why I’m interested in learning more about VSU. Thanks for making this opportunity available, Alex! Here’s my contact and topic information:
Barbara Rozgonyi
publisher: http://www.wiredPRworks.com
presentations: http://www.slideshare.net/wiredprworks
@wiredprworks on twitter.com
voice/text: 630.207.7530
Topics: becoming a subject matter expert, LinkedIn 101, social media mastery, online reputation management, wired branding, accelerated marketing, creating communities by networking online, wired writing
Yes I teach innovative blogging for atfter school matters in Chicago (Board of Education).But I’m also considering approaching Borders, Micro Center or such places to try reach / teach folks how I use google.I have formed unique system that allows me to help folks create a topic related blog, and then create a small trusted network from that blog while using free google tools, hence….www.howiusegoogledaily.blogspot.com. I’m not sure but I think that I could be a decent fit for VSU faculty. And I might be over reaching as well. Either way. I’m grateful to have been asked. So thank you!
I’m interested in discussing being a faculty member.
My name is John McDermott
You can contact me at
jjm (at) jkintl.com
I have over 25 years training experience and have taught multiple Internet topics, most recently the majority of my classes have been related to computer security, so I am interested in Internet topics.
There is more information about me at my (sadly neglected) blog http://www.johnjmcdermott.com
Alex, as usual…YOU DA MAN! Awesome post!
Hi Alex,
I LOVE this idea and would love to be a part of it — I can definitely teach copywriting and Internet marketing.
What I especially love about this idea is it really is an idea whose time has come. We are in the age of entrepreneurs and this is exactly what we’ll need to move forward.
Please let me know what I can do to help!
Hi Alex,
Great post and great idea…. Look forward to hearing more…. :o)
Regards,
Philip J. Mutrie
http://www.52OnlineBusinessTips.com
http://www.ExtremeWealthStrategies.com
We have left our Lifelong eLearning Distance Program link and want to be considered as an integral part of this exciting “Big Idea.”
And, when the Podcast Version of this is released ;-)
Proud of you Alex.
Paul
As a former teacher, I love teaching. I am very interested in helping business owners learn to improve their writing skills, whether putting together blogs or improving their websites. I think that this is an incredible idea and will prove to be a win/win situation for everyone involved.
Hi, everyone! My name is DeBorah Beatty. The business side of my seminar business is at http://www.livinginleftfield.com. I specialize in teaching solopreneurs and micro-entrepreneurs to create profitable relationships. As half of what used to be called a Mom and Pop myself, I know intimately the challenges that face business owners with no employees or just a handful of them. If those entrepreneurs want to take their businesses to the next stage (off the kitchen table and out into the world), I have several tips to share and techniques that will save them beaucoup bucks in the beginning stages!
DeBorah Beatty
Living in Left Field
Topics: Using social networking as a PR strategy, Setting up shop without a budget, creating a support network, making the move from kitchen table to boardroom table, creating an empire when it’s just you.
Alex,
another one of your insightful thoughts that become a reality, would love to know more about how this will work.
expansive thinking, nutrition for our brains !!
Clever, Alex! It was fun being on the faculty for Teleseminar Secrets and I’d love to be involved with this project. -Michael Angelo Caruso, http://www.EdisonHouse.com, 248.224.9667.
Hi
How about testing it to see how it works. Let us agree on the idea, the process, and see what comes out;
and test it.
The only way for me, and
do so in Bulgaria, where I am from.
K S Guenov
PS Some challange, right?
Hi,
i have facilitated f2f and distance learning for many years.
• 2006 – 2007 – Developed and trained-the-trainers global “Accelerator Program” for Entrepreneur’s Organization’s(EO). 12 modules in four topics – Strategy; Money; People; Sales, Marketing & Revenue, delivered quarterly in one-day sessions to groups of emerging entrepreneurs. In the first year, 30 of 150 “Accelerators” built their businesses to over $1M. 100 jobs were created by the 150 “Accelerators.” EO has now rolled out the program globally.
I am currently delivering 4 teleseminars to small business. The topics: Cash Flow, how to get referrals to grow your business fast; Dealing With Difficult Employees and Leading Your Business to High Growth. Each of these comes with PPT and a Playbook.
I am author of Leadership for Einstein’s: How To Bring Out The Genius in People.
Great concept.
would love to participate
Dr. Jim Sellner, PhD., DipC.
Dear Alex,
Kudos to you for offering a valuable service with the capacity to reach so many people. Should interest for other topics expand, I would love to be involved.
Appreciatively,
Marilyn Stannett
Way to go Alex…
This is Great idea…I think all need this kind of info and practical help
to break free from that old way industrial thinking pattern..
Thank You!!
Hi readers posters big idea generators far n’wide … this short sentence means so much to folks who need to be helped in there first few months getting to grips with how the internet works then works well for there own website sharing sites …
For me, the BIG IDEA meant to give convenient, virtual access of marketing and execution intelligence to these same micro-entrepreneurs who typically couldn’t attend seminars, teleseminars or continuing educations events.
As marketers, we both knew it was a simple idea. But as entrepreneurs, we knew it wouldn’t be easy to execute. (This blog post reveals the true story of how our BIG IDEA has come to fruition, and how YOU can participate).
All my best to you and yours
Phillip Skinner
Hi, I normally don’t follow you on any type of commitment level. I don’t unsubscribe because I enjoy your intelligence and your delivery.
This idea appears to be very innovative and merits some early attention. It is quite cool that you are not asking for financial investors. Your search is apparantly for people who think your way, and for contributors who can add depth to your future consultation team.
If I am way “off base”, excuse my assumption.
I have been, and always will be on a continuous mission to accumulate as much Internet marketing savvy as is available, and then turn around and teach it. I offer some articles on EzineArticles as my limited resume, and for your perusal.
I would be honored if you might consider me to assist your team.
Bernie Dippoito
My business partner, Bob Burg would be happy to be part of your Big Idea. As you know from working with him before, Bob is the bestselling author of Endless Referrals and The Go-Giver.
His topics include:
Winning Without Intimidation – Positive Persuasion
Endless Referrals – Network your everyday contacts into sales
Go-Give Your Way To Greater Success (Or Go-Give Your Way Out of Tough Economic Conditions)
Feel free to contact me about it.
All the Best,
Thom
Thom Scott
Managing Partner
Burg-Scott Communications, Inc.
Just new 2 this blogging caper & keen 2 start a conversation with people who believe that climate change is real & that business as usual is not an option. What better place 2 start than with people who claim 2 b entrepreneurs.
How r u guys going 2 use all the wealth u r accumulating? I would highly recommend Chief Seattle’s wisdom 2 u all
Yours 4 a fairer planet
Tony
Alex, I can help people get their books written and published, having written 29 books (so far) published by W.W. Norton, HarperCollins, John Wiley and Sons and many others. I was on Oprah with one of my books (Do One Thing Different). I speak in very simple terms and can pack a lot into a short teleseminar. I think business people would be interested in this topic.
Just did a teleseminar yesterday on “How I got a literary agent in one day (and you can too!)” at http://www.thevirtualnation.com/teleseminars.htm.
Bill O’Hanlon
http://www.billohanlon.com
Excellent Idea Alex! I am sure this will be a hit!
Alex, we would love to be part of this initiative. As far as I know, no-one is going to bail out the micro-entrepreneur and independent professional, so we’ve made providing guidance and coaching to these folks our “pay it forward” focus. We’re at marketingmasters.ca, .and we have a host of ready-to-go programs we’ve been testing and perfecting
Topics: how to market like a pro without spending yourself into the poorhouse
plan marketing so it pays back
avoid wasting money on the wrong target
differentiate and dominate
build an image customers will pay for
create sales tools that work
generate retail traffic
create ads that work like crazy
get and keep customer loyalty
use referrals to get a steady stream of new business
build local PR that drives business
We are testing these right now:
8 ways to become a customer magnet
The simple change that instantly turns any ad, letter, web site or brochure into a money magnet
(you can see we’re big on magnetism right now!)
Hi Alex,
Mike Koenigs and I have developed a product that puts high-powered survey expertise in the hands of micro-entrepreneurs; the core information could be adapted/encapsulated easily for use by VSU.
We also have a new social media blog; from my 20+ years of academic research on social networks and Mike’s expertise in using video for SEO, we can offer micro-entrepreneurs not only succinct information on harnessing the power of social media but also a unique perspective on building their own social networks to maximize the potential of both the business and personal sectors–something our research shows micro-entrepreneurs need badly.
Best of luck on this awesome venture!
Jeanne
Hi Alex,
Congrats on another great idea “whose time has come”!
One thing that all micro-entrepreneurs need from VSU is virtual assistance (pun intended!). Learning how to hire and work with virtual teams is an essential skill vital to small biz success. (aren’t you the guy that doesn’t know how to put up a web page?) :)
Would be happy to contribute to the success of others in this way.
Best of luck,
Howard
Congrats Alex,
You deserve the opportunity ahead of you…lets swing for the fences on this one.
Ive had a course for entrepreneurs sitting in my archives that we were going to rebrand/relaunch as
“The Ultimate Entrepreneur Kit: ROI- ASAP”….
id be happy to donate this to the millions of entrepreneurs that need not only inspiration but simple strategies for getting profitable NOW.
Its time for the entrepreneurs of the world to turn this economy around with massive, focused action.
You’re the best and i look forward to co-creating this with you and your team.
Jim Bunch
I am a mental wealth (MW) multi-millionaire passionate to so enrich others by giving away as much of my wealth as I can. Mental wealth millionaires have accumulated the proven wisdoms most certain to create a joyous fullfilled life experience. I have become a MW through my privileged opportunity to learn from thousands of individuals who allowed me to share their journey during my practice of psychiatry. I also credit my collection of wisdoms to knowledgable mentors during my education, including psychiatry training at Johns Hopkins. I have learned that the same mental skills that make us MW millionaires are the very same new way of thinking Einstein told us is the oe solution available to us if we choose to create permanent world peace. As an experienced lecturer with great content rich material and a leader of a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote mental wealth and world peace, the Sam’s seminar series is an excellent means to serve everyone’s interests. Unlike material wealth millionaires, MW millionaires love giving away their wealth because they realize it is a tripple win — the receiver (often a loved one) gains, the world a safer kinder place, and the MW millionaire is clearly enriched. I am a thought leader eager to conribute to your series and hope you will give consideration to my request to participate. Don Pet
Alex – I love the concept!!! Definitely the BIG IDEA that can provide the tools, skills and confidence to business owners and entrepreneurs to navigate in these uncertain times. This is such a “give” to our world and the entrepreneur space. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are going to be the key to turning our great country around.
This is a win-win for all involved! Keep up the great work, innovation and energy.
Let me know how I can support you!
Mel
htttp://www.BusinessSuccessSensei.com
htttp://www.MelAbraham.com
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alanna
http://www.craigslistsimplified.info
We’ve done some work with Costco…they sold a ‘Career Kit’ we put together. So this is interesting.
My personal expertise is Branding & Positioning, but I co-lead a social network of 2,600 entrepreneurs at http://www.48days.net. Then I host weekly teleclasses/webinars to a couple hundred paying members on business topics.
Our overall subscriber audiences is over 100k between newsletter subscription list and podcast.
Eager to hear more on this opportunity,
Thanks,
Kevin Miller
Thanks Alex! Brother, You never could keep a Secret…Thanks again for sharing the JOY of Knowledge Distribution. We are a Tribe of travelers, 100K+ strong. Our Business is to Market and Evangelize the Goodness and Pure JOY of Travel, Adventure and Culture. We feel the ability to distribute this kind of experience to networks of Families is Your True Blessing. We have been using the standard ‘Conference calls’ and website training model for our people. Your Idea’s can ramp up our reach and Synergize our God Given Gifts widely distributed among us. May we use your Big IDEA? [ I've already blabbed all your TSSecrets to the whole team ] Make room for a few more Travel Buddies next class!
THANKS ALEX! May GOD continue to Bless You & Yours!
Your Travel Buddy, Greg Snead of Detroit!
http://www.AskAboutYTB.com
http://www.SneadsTravel.com
Well done Alex and Deb,
I’m happy to offer our services and content especially my work from The Power of YOU! These micro business are especially in need of the know how to blend their professional and personal lives more congruently.
Love to help any way I can.
Hi Alex,
I love this idea and speak on sales – telephone and face to face. Specifically how to secure more referals to eliminate cold calling and how to sell more to your exisiting customer base.
Colleen
An often ignored marketing topic is inside marketing. Instead of marketing outside to prospects and clients, the business could market inside to its employees. We have had great success with using this to increase production, employee retention, and solidify a team mentality by rewarding the behavior and outcomes that we desire. And it can easily be done with very little cash out of pocket.
Another thing that could be useful is a forum for the participants of these classes so that they could post questions and have other participants, and possibly VSU Faculty Members as well, help them with advice & answers.
I believe this is a good thing you’re doing and I can see where it could really make a big difference for those businesses that take advantage of it.
Frank Duran
Alex,
Congratulations.
VSU is an alert response to the perpetual need for people and enterprises to wonder, learn, change, and grow to match the realities and challenges of making a longer-lived society more able, compassionate, and genuinely abundant .
Keep me in mind as a vision guy with hard-nosed convictions, pointed questions, and imaginative suggestions about the how, when, and why to use
the gift of longevity–extended human vitality and ingenuity–as a transforming resource, rather than
as an excuse to quit contributing to the wealth and the well being of the world around us.
What’s ahead is what really matters to all of us.
Carl Atkinson
Alex and Deb,
Simply: Congratulations!
Perfect concept. Perfect audience. Perfect timing.
And a perfect way to make a much needed
and much appreciated contribution to the
entrepreneurial audience.
Rock on!
Jay Aaron
Strategic Visionary / Visionary Strategist
http://JayAaron.com
Founder: http://www.Twitternars.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/newthoughts
So short and so true: “BIG IDEA”. Unfortunately I’m a “have been” and now, at my 76, I only try to learn to tru to direct some of my children to the new ways of doing business.
Hi Alex,
I have written an e-book called “How Generation V will impact your business” which you can download for free by joining my linked-in profile. I am currently in the process of turning that into a book on how people can quickly and easily turn those BIG Idea’s into cash machines using online strategies. I believe my global branding experience and market knowledge makes me an ideal candidate to contribute to this concept and I look forward to exploring the possibilities with you. I currently reside in Sydney, Australia and bring a wealth of international experience to the table too.
Azhar
Alex,
Awesome concept. And there has never been a better time. The experts are already predicting that 2009 will be a banner year for start-ups in the US. Many smart people who lose their jobs will CREATE new ones.
Let me know how I may help.
Doug Smart
http://www.TakeTheGambleOutOfHiring.com
As always, Alex, a FABULOUS idea! Small business owners are the key to economic recovery, not bailouts of big businesses that have been poorly managed.
Thanks for creating another tool to help the “little guy” grow and prosper.
Tammy
Weight Loss Coach
http://www.TensDiet.com
I am excited to participate as a faculty member with this project. Alex, you continue to be an amazing value creator!
Several topics for consideration, probably the one with the greatest perceived need by this audience is “Computer Viruses — What You Need To Know.”
Hi Alex,
I would love to participate. My topic could be any of the following:
Outsourcing to Freelancers: Tips, Techniques, Templates
How to Outsource Marketing
How to Manage Marketing
How to Manage PR
How to Manage Website Design
How to Manage SEO
How to Manage PPC
How to Manage Copywriters
How to Manage Graphic Design
In fact, we’re launching free email courses on the “How to Manage” topics listed above. Those will be available in early April at http://www.proresource.com/judysblog.
Hi Alex.
This sounds like a wonderful idea. I am sure that my friend Mark was right when he said that we should look at impossible more as I’m possible.
Great idea, I love the concept and will be happy to help anyway I can.
Have a great day
Jerry
Alex, I think I’m going to have to start calling you Picard – you have such an uncanny ability to “Make it so”.
You continue to inspire me – congratulations to you and Deb.
Lou
The idea is the transformation.
Peace and profits,
Tia Dobi, Marketer
P.T. Barnum in a skirt producing intelligent creative to sell your stuff
See Tia on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tiadobi
Alex,
I would be delighted to do a class on organization and time management.
Regards,
Barbara
Alex,
Innovative approach. I would be interested in helping with a class in the area of executing business strategy. Thanks.
Regards,
Mark
Greetings,
I stumbled upon the VSU yesterday and feel excited about the opportunity to contribute. My wife, Jori, and I are Certified Trainers and Mediators with the Center for Nonviolent Communication and have been offering a Conflict Resolution class through NVC Academy since last year. We would enjoy the opportunity to see if what we offer could be a match for the Conflict Resolution portion of VSU.
Thanks,
Jim
Hi! What a Great idea & I’ve been searching all over the web for how to get involved as a business communications expert/author/content provider. Please visit my web site at http://www.JoyHuber.com to learn more about me & my business & you may contact me at Joy@ManageDifficultPeopleNow.com or 402-560-1861. I’m esp. interested in providing content in the Negotiation/Conflict Management section. My mission is to help people improve their communication skills so they can achieve better results in business & life! I look forward to hearing from you & learning more! I’m a Big Fan Alex! Thanks!!
Joy Huber
http://www.JoyHuber.com
402-560-1861
I’m fascinated by the diverse range of views and opinions. Who’s your “go to” guy?
ar credit repair…
I will add this website to my stumble upons!…