tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post2808930082533002367..comments2023-10-09T11:08:03.947+01:00Comments on Bright Marketing: 30-Day Growth Challenge - Son of the 30-Day Growth Challenge!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04641628859399373785noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-51942651297418082112011-06-18T17:24:55.408+01:002011-06-18T17:24:55.408+01:00Pay What You Want Business Consultancy
November...Pay What You Want Business Consultancy<br /><br /> November 23, 2010 | Posted by julian<br /><br /> The Pay What You Want business growth challenge<br /> is a radical approach by The Director’s centre, and just the kind of <br />ground breaking initiative Robert Craven, known as the entrepreneur’s <br />Guru, is justly capable of. The model is not of course new, and is a <br />traditional way many independent business consultants have underwritten new business, though it is much less used these days.<br />What is interesting is that Craven and his team at Director’s centre <br />have broadcasted the pilot scheme using social media, and especially <br />LinkedIn, now widely accepted as the No1 Business Social media network <br />in the UK. <br />Despite seeming a reckless or pointless move initially, upon reflection, the project for RC is a no-brainer. Why? <br />Craven has a proven method of delivering cost effective business transformation.<br /><br />‘Pay what you want’ clients who technically ‘fail’ the test…i.e. <br />cannot respond to the business support they are receiving, will at the <br />very least <br />(a) know that Craven can deliver, and (b) realise they are incapable of responding ‘to assistance’.<br /> As a result they will either abandon hope of a brighter future (which <br />is unlikely) or work diligently to get to the point where they can <br />accept help only to return to RC later – i.e. future ROI.. [Julian Rowe,<br /> Business Correspondent, Business Service Finder.]<br /><br /><br /><br />Craven’s successes will earn revenue. The failures will be future <br />ROI. The pilot scheme will be invaluable marketing exposure. In terms of<br /> credibility, there can be few better examples of ‘putting one’s <br />reputation to the test’. <br />It reminds me a little of Anthony Robbins twenty years ago, when he <br />was launching himself as a ‘success coach’. He went on National TV in <br />the States and took on other practitioners’ failures. He succeeded to <br />get people to change using NLP style techniques in twenty minutes. Doing<br /> it live on TV made him an overnight success. Robbins went on to coach <br />Gorbachev, Princess Diana, Andre Agassi, many top US Sports Athletes, <br />the US Military and most importantly of all, top financiers prepared to <br />pay him millions of dollars a year for the privilege.Juliannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-86209986886233763322011-03-25T16:58:41.098+00:002011-03-25T16:58:41.098+00:00It is great to hear how things are going. Please d...It is great to hear how things are going. Please do give me a call for a more detailled update.<br /><br />RCRobert Cravenhttp://www.robert-craven.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-71534811412301498112011-03-25T16:57:18.990+00:002011-03-25T16:57:18.990+00:00Just a brief update.
I found the time with you ...Just a brief update.<br /> <br /> I found the time with you interesting. It emphasised to me that I knew where I wanted the business to go and that the way forward was to promote the Practice in these difficult times.<br /> <br />I called a Directors Management meeting, and suggested that we have an event with guests this Spring to celebrate our 100 years of continuous business. We are now planning for the party in JuneHarchnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-31181439075198457042011-03-25T15:59:34.772+00:002011-03-25T15:59:34.772+00:00Thank you to Robert and the DC team for an inspira...Thank you to Robert and the DC team for an inspirational session - I came away with key action points and strategic direction for my business. It made a real difference to my design business. Highly recommended.Natalie Ganpatsinghhttp://www.creatrix.conoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-42791879936756601232011-03-24T09:53:58.042+00:002011-03-24T09:53:58.042+00:00Just a brief update.
I found the time with you i...Just a brief update.<br /> <br />I found the time with you interesting. It emphasised to me that I knew where I wanted the business to go and that the way forward was to promote the Practice in these difficult times.<br /> <br />I called a Directors Management meeting, and suggested that we have an event with guests this Spring to celebrate our 100 years of continuous business. We are now planning for the party in JuneHRnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-11976116041163337562011-03-22T21:54:19.405+00:002011-03-22T21:54:19.405+00:00These workshops give space in the brain to step aw...These workshops give space in the brain to step away from the day to day and take time to evaluate. Something that I certainly don't do often enough. Robert steers the conversation and discussion skilfully to ensure that attendees have their concerns addressed and I know that every person that I spoke to left with a mission objective. It's powerful stuff delivered quick sharp... Thanks so much for the time and energyWillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-19981204036722726222011-03-22T11:22:13.435+00:002011-03-22T11:22:13.435+00:00No hesitation in recommending the workshop. It was...No hesitation in recommending the workshop. It was constructed clearly, concisely and with real examples. The meeting was very thought provoking and very true to the concept behind the workshop. I found it very helpful to have a chance to see that the similarities of limiting beliefs and fears between the attendees considerably outweighed the differences – we are all in similar boats. The discussions were pertinent as the participants held so many similarities in concerns that it did not matter that there were a variety of different business there. In fact the variety help create new ideas and perspectives on my own situation.Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-38349242072648312962011-03-22T10:13:27.836+00:002011-03-22T10:13:27.836+00:00Steve
Thanks for your kind comments.
RCSteve<br />Thanks for your kind comments.<br />RCRobert Cravenhttp://www.robert-craven.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-69876104138162440652011-03-22T09:53:18.225+00:002011-03-22T09:53:18.225+00:00The workshop was a breath of fresh air. It was rea...The workshop was a breath of fresh air. It was reassuring to know that many business owners face exactly the same challenges. With some sage advice we have moved the business forward in a positive new direction to change behaviour for good, steve@onedeepbreath.co.ukStevehttp://www.onedeepbreath.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-33943750893297353482011-03-21T21:29:58.408+00:002011-03-21T21:29:58.408+00:00Sandy and Jono - thanks to your two as well..
RCSandy and Jono - thanks to your two as well..<br /><br />RCRobert Cravenhttp://www.robert-craven.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-82731132168315363572011-03-21T21:29:07.566+00:002011-03-21T21:29:07.566+00:00Josh and Trostski - thanks for your kind words.
RC...Josh and Trostski - thanks for your kind words.<br />RCRobert Cravenhttp://www.robert-craven.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-72324521918887751232011-03-21T18:40:15.914+00:002011-03-21T18:40:15.914+00:00I attended the first event with a "Squirrel ...I attended the first event with a "Squirrel Design Tree House" hat on and found it a truly inspiring and useful session, delivered and supported by two highly motivated individuals; but all in their own inimitable ways. <br />I have since been working with the DC on a completely different second start-up business (muggi.co.uk). Three months down the line we are selling all over the world, signing up distributors and retailers, throughout Europe and the States; "I truely believe that we would not be where we are today, with muggi, were it not for the help from DC and more importantly Martin Price" Pretty speedy Robert!Trotskihttp://www.muggi.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-33516782947211174932011-03-21T17:37:25.096+00:002011-03-21T17:37:25.096+00:00A shockingly effective morning that leaves you fee...A shockingly effective morning that leaves you feeling back in control with some incredibly useful action points to get cracking on. It is also a wonderfully stimulating experience to find so many other business people in the same room with the same business dilemmas. You definitely leave feeling clear headed and having a game plan on which to build. Highly recommended especially if like me you have never had any business guidance in the past, in fact it leaves you feeling enlightened and inspired.Joshhttp://www.letrentshare.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-11484995611862890172011-03-21T17:16:41.158+00:002011-03-21T17:16:41.158+00:00The "successful" pilot was back in Octob...The "successful" pilot was back in October. Of 13 attendees, all but one have agreed that their benefit warrants/warranted payment. <br /><br />Actually "successful" here is defined as they grew their business or will see business growth as a result of attending. One gent quoted an instant saving of £47,000 as a result of attending. Sounds too good to be true.<br /><br />The results were all very posiitve for the indifiduals involved. It warranted us repeating the experiement ie it is worth our while to run the events... and delegates only pay what they want. SO, the crude conclusion is that the event works for the delegates (in terms of results). And that is the only thing that matters.<br /><br />RC<br /><br />PS good to see this thread starting up again.Robert Cravenhttp://www.robert-craven.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-29249361471173335522011-03-21T17:10:33.348+00:002011-03-21T17:10:33.348+00:00Seeing your email I thought I should add my commen...Seeing your email I thought I should add my comments<br /><br />Attended London event last montth and a bit like Jono saw benefits of attending.<br /><br />1) Robert energises you to take action<br />2) other people in the room energise you<br />3) Robert makes things seem very clear and explains the options and results<br /><br />I left very energised but the difiicult bit is delivering within 30 days. I probably failed to deliver on all my action point sbut did enough to take my busienss to a different space. For that I say thank you.<br /><br />SandySandynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-41314969338880980002011-03-21T16:51:01.215+00:002011-03-21T16:51:01.215+00:00OK - been, done it, got the T-shirt . Despite my c...OK - been, done it, got the T-shirt . Despite my cynicism it does/did work. Amazing that a couple of hours will get the juices flowing. And you are right it was a raw hot piece of red hot ginger.<br /><br />Why? We all need to be held more accountable. We all need to make the decisions and get on with it...Jononoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-1664395261735540042011-03-10T10:08:55.038+00:002011-03-10T10:08:55.038+00:00So what you are saying is that you can charge base...So what you are saying is that you can charge based on results. No change, no charge. Have I got this right?<br><br>And if I cock up then you get nothing. So how do you stop time-wasters and the like. Do you take any old business? What stops people from exploiting the system.<br><br>The pay what you want restaurant in your earlier post is clearly a nonsense and this looks like a similar project. I can't see why you are doing this?Jamiehttp://www.jamie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-76305736522128820262011-03-10T10:08:54.817+00:002011-03-10T10:08:54.817+00:00JamieNot sure if you can see this through the righ...Jamie<br><br>Not sure if you can see this through the right pair of specs. The challenge (as it says) is for both you and them to get YOUR business to deliver. You pay for results or for the experience, if you feel happy to do so.<br><br>Craven will interview you first to make sure you are happy and understand the process. This is a very different busienss model form boring consultancy. This is also a bit of a tease to help them find businesses who want to do things differently. <br><br>Based on what happened at the first event, I believe that other stuff started to happen. New realtionships and new opportunities will happen.Jamienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-81131985628379871242011-03-10T10:08:54.587+00:002011-03-10T10:08:54.587+00:00Could you provide some insight on the experiments ...Could you provide some insight on the experiments you have been doing and the results? I have never heard of this model before (but for music download).Stefanohttp://www.wbs.ac.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-78279522139366702272011-03-10T10:08:54.343+00:002011-03-10T10:08:54.343+00:00The thoughts that come to mind are the prisoner...The thoughts that come to mind are the prisoner's dilemma and multiple iterations. This model works best, I think, with some sort of social structure that dissuades free riders. <br><br>It also gets the buyer to set the price which is always something that good negotiators try to persuade the other side to do. That said if I can pay based on value.... But if the value is only achieved in 6 months, or 24....Denishttp://www.wbs.ac.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-998708380097367812011-03-10T10:08:54.182+00:002011-03-10T10:08:54.182+00:00Right, a few answers.The first 30 day challenge (f...Right, a few answers.<br><br>The first 30 day challenge (finishing this week) was/is an experiment (we call it market research). <br><br>It was a challenge to us (can we improve their profits in 30 days? will they pay us?) and a challenge to the delegates (will profits increase?)<br><br>Just because something is difficult to do doesn't mean that it shouldn't be done.<br><br>Yes you need to agree the ball park parameters and manage client expectations.<br>Yes sometimes benefits take a long time to materialise BUT clients will be hacked off if they cannot see/recognise the value you offer so you must demonstrate the value you add.<br><br>Some clients may not play the game? Here we enter a circular argument. Clients should not pay if they see no benefit.<br>In this model, with a number of attendees at a workshop, it works because those who benefit will pay (and those who don't see the benefit will not pay). Back to the circle. It is up to the consultant to 1) demonstrate value and 2) and to filter attendees so that they have people who "get it" in front to them.<br><br>Results: The first 30 day challenge is about to be up (Thursday) so can't give final results yet but it should more than wash its face in terms of new contracts, leads, testimonials, referrals, proposals and work added to the pipeline as well as the "dividend" promised to date. Can't really give a final result for some time yet.<br><br>More importantly the benefits to clients attending have been remarkable and I use the word remarkable advisedly. Boosts to turnover and profitability have surprised all concerned. Because of confidentiality I am not able to say any more than that right now<br><br>Will keep you posted.Robert Cravenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04641628859399373785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-76532686445685765462011-03-10T10:08:54.027+00:002011-03-10T10:08:54.027+00:00PWYW Consultancy - Sounds very interesting. I have...PWYW Consultancy - Sounds very interesting. I have heard of restaurants who have done this successfully where customers simply pay what they thought the meal was worth, but this is a slightly different model to yours in that there is a wealth of benchmarking available to customers for them to base their judgement on (We all know what a pizza costs and what we can expect for a £30-£40 a head night out). Can you explain how the concept works? I understand the principle of PWYW, but do you have any parameters/guidelines? How do you guard against blaggers? Is money taken in advance? Against what criteria are clients judging the worth of your work? etc, etcJonohttp://www.linkedin.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-50088024478127136492011-03-10T10:08:53.856+00:002011-03-10T10:08:53.856+00:00Of course the concept has legs and what a great id...Of course the concept has legs and what a great idea. You will only take up a consultancy where you are convinced that you can show growth in thirty days and that by geting those legs of yours under the table they will refuse to let you go on day 31. The very best of luck to you and have a great Christmas.<br><br>Tim MTim Mhttp://www.linkedin.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-23733612855528137732011-03-10T10:08:53.682+00:002011-03-10T10:08:53.682+00:00I do a lot of work with a social enterprise and so...I do a lot of work with a social enterprise and so most of the work I do is on a "pay what you can afford" basis. This is slightly different to "Pay what you want" but there are similar issues.<br><br>I've found that it's the setting of ballpark figures and good communication that are important to making this work correctly. Otherwise clients will just keep on waiting for you to send them that final invoice, or they'll lose interest half-way through the project and have no reason to pay you because they're unhappy with the results.<br><br>Profit and Loss predictions become a little less stable depending on the amount of work you're doing. If you're doing fixed-scope jobs of similar sizes (ie. workshops) then you'll soon be able to average out your profits for future predictions, but with larger or variable scope projects that's not so easy. For this reason I've not gone completely down this route, but all invoices and quotes for my services are sent out with a note attached describing the final amount as a suggested amount only.<br><br>Sometimes people will ask for a reduction because they are low on funding. Other times people will understand that this suggestion means we're using any extra to provide cheap/free services to others and so will increase the amount they pay (usually asking for a new invoice).<br><br>In theory I can see "Pay what you want" vs. "Pay what you can afford" will increase the quality of service you provide. But actually I'm not sure that it will, since if you're not already providing excellent quality of service you'll be losing customers to your competitors. In any given job there are four variables: quality, scope, speed and cost. Since reducing quality should never be an option that leaves scope, speed and cost to juggle with. To take cost out of this equation means there's no restriction on how much time and effort you put into the job in order to make the customer happy, and that strikes me as very dangerous unless you can be sure you're going to get paid an acceptable amount. <br><br>AliceAlicehttp://www.linkedin.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313427840293019864.post-30975366714296296512011-03-10T10:08:53.521+00:002011-03-10T10:08:53.521+00:00Coca Cola recently announced that they would pay m...Coca Cola recently announced that they would pay market research agencies according to the value provided in their work - a very similar concept, I think. <br><br>Nigel LNigel Lhttp://www.linkedin.comnoreply@blogger.com