Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi everyone,

I run an online career counseling program called The Oxford Program (http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com).

It`s big business, if you consider every person that wants a better job/career to be a potential customer.

One of the things I`ve realized is that the business is greatly limited if I continue to try and wear all the hats. The business is still under-performing (under the radar) because I am not qualified to do copywriting, business development, PR, marketing, etc.

Problem is, I can`t afford to hire a person to do these things for me. I`ve always felt that, if the right person comes along with the know-how, contacts, etc., the business could take off. I can`t pay the person a salary to start, but, assuming success, there`s revenue to share.

Other than networking, is there a place where potential partners "advertise" their availability for certain ventures?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

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"Life is short. Love your work." Steve Bohler, MS The Oxford Program Founder/Head Coach http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com

I believe you just did, and this is a great place to look. 

As far as a specific site that caters to matching potential partners, not aware of any, but I`m sure there`s at least one out there somewhere.  If not, sounds like a great business idea!

There`s a forum on finding people, post there.  I`ve found some talent here at reasonable rates/deals.

Also, have you networked with others in your area in the same or similar business? Do they need your talent in exchange for a piece of their business.  Merger anyone?

 

Run a net search in any of the major services on "finding business partners", you`ll get quite a few hits.

Thanks "Burningreen"

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"Life is short. Love your work." Steve Bohler, MS The Oxford Program Founder/Head Coach http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com

Steve –

Welcome. I agree with Burnin’ Green that this is a great place to start. Good connections are being made every day in this community, and many are leading to co-ventures.

My advice would be to start by putting together a business/marketing strategy that identifies more specifically the reasons the business is under-performing, the opportunities for the kind of growth that you want, and specific strategies and tactics to get you there.

Then find the resources – whether a partner, consultants or employees- to help you successfully implement those strategies and tactics.

Now having said that, it’s possible that part of your partner search is looking for someone who can help you develop such a strategy.

Best, Michael

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Michael Zucker - Strategic Planning, Marketing & Communications info@zuckerconsulting.com · www.zuckerconsulting.com “Helping You Over The Hurdles – Keeping You Focused On The Finish Line”

Hi Michael:

I think, yes, part of my partner search involves someone I can brainstorm with about strategy.

Thanks for your reply!

Steve

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"Life is short. Love your work." Steve Bohler, MS The Oxford Program Founder/Head Coach http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com

Michael

A few thoughts -
1)  I`ve found that many of these services can be handled very inexpensively through elance.com.  Obviously that doesn`t solve the problem long term but might help in the short term.
2)  You may find an entrepreneur who has this background within http://www.AdvisorGarage.com - it has a number of entrepreneurs looking to work on something.
3)  Although I don`t use them, there`s also a site called the Go Big network where you may also be able to find someone.
4)  If you haven`t already - linkedin could help too by leveraging your existing contacts.

Andrew
http://www.AdvisorGarage.com
http://AdvisorGarage.wordpress.com

 

 

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Andrew PS - Here's a free report on creating your startup success. Free report

Michael,

You face a common dilemma among practitioners and entrepreneurs who don’t understand, or aren’t comfortable with sales and marketing (scary words right?). Simply put, this is a skill set that you must work on developing – without generating business, you can’t be in business (at least you can’t bootstrap a business).

A couple of ideas:

1. Read the book Creating Rainmakers

2. If I were in your shoes the first thing I would work on is developing relationships with HR managers at companies in your area that ‘might’ do layoffs. Read the business papers and keep up-to-date on what’s happening. When mid – large company’s fire or layoff people they frequently offer programs to help people get re-established. Your business would be a perfect fit.

Mark

PS - very nice web site!

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The Virtual Company Blog ●●●●● 2002 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year ●●●●● 2004 Inc. 500 ●●●●● Spare Bedroom to NASDAQ in Five Years ●●●●●

Thanks Mark!

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"Life is short. Love your work." Steve Bohler, MS The Oxford Program Founder/Head Coach http://www.TheOxfordProgram.com

Steve, I agree - nice website!

After having explored it a bit, it seems to me you have a natural pool of potential partners in your client list! (Or perhaps you`re thinking you need someone who is already doing the kinds of things you think need done? Don`t let your clients find out...)

Some of the things you mentioned (copy writing, PR, marketing) are pretty easy to farm out if you`re able to give clearly specifified requirements. But I suspect Zman`s point is right on- you`re really hungry to partner with someone who can help you craft and refine strategies for growing towards your vision ... and the strategies are what will drive the requirements for copywriting, etc.

If true, I still think you have a potentially rich pool in your own client base, but the community here at SUN is certainly a rich pool and is highly accessible. (To know us is to love us.) Browse, post, answer, ask, engage. Ultimately, invite.

Steven

PS - "While wearing my suit, carrying my briefcase and commuting with the masses into New York City one day, it became apparent to me that life as I knew and enjoyed it was completely gone." could have been lifted from my diary.