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Books:
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This is a compendium for beginner or veteran covering what to consider, possess, or create for a successful practice, with specific examples and templates to incorporate. -
"Breaking Through Writer's Block: Every Business Letter and Template You'll Ever Need for A Thriving Professional Services Practice." -
Alan's most definitive work on a subject he's become passionate about: blending life, work, and relationships into a holistic, fulfilling existence. -
Alan's only book written expressly for internal change agents, human resource professionals, trainers, and others who want to become more effective in internal change initiatives. -
This sixth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" provides the wisdom Alan has gleaned from his own practice--and from other veteran consultants--to help overcome both persistent problems and the challenges of reaching the next level of success. -
This is the first and most likely the only book that Alan Weiss will ever write on the methodology and techniques of consulting. This fifth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" is crammed with the detailed approaches Alan uses in all major aspects of consulting. -
The fourth book in "The Ultimate Consultant Series" from Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer focuses on the acquisition of new business, of more concern for consultants today than ever before. -
This is the third book in the seven-book "The Ultimate Consultant Series." It contains everything Alan knows about value-based fees, a concept he pioneered over a decade ago.
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The Art of Business, the Business of Art
I’m at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe outside of San Diego for one of our Private Roster Mentor Summits. This is the second time we’ve been to this facility, and today there was a large art fair on the grounds.
My wife liked the ceramics displayed in one booth, and I asked the artist if she would ship. “Well, I usually don’t…” she whined. “I’ll give you our Fedex account number,” I suggested. The piece cost over $200, would probably break in our luggage, and Fedex could insure it. “I guess,” said the artist, vaguely. My wife said she’d return after looking around some more, which she did.
I had given my wife a credit card and returned to our room. My wife returned not long thereafter without having made the purchase. “She doesn’t take credit cards!” said my wife. When I started looking through my wallet for the cash, my wife said, “Forget it, it’s not worth it.”
How can you be in business, take an entire day to display your work, and not be prepared to ship or accept credit cards? (All you need to do is make an arrangement with any of the numerous nearby artists who did accept plastic.) This woman is engaged in a hobby and avocation, but not a business and occupation.
Are you prepared to provide the normal and expectable support that a typical business provides? Or, are you just painting pretty pictures?
© Alan Weiss 2007. All rights reserved.
September 11th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Taking credit cards may actually require more planning than simply arranging with neighbors. Credit card agreements typically require the merchant to affirm that the account will only be used for their own business.
September 12th, 2007 at 9:51 am
I wouldn’t be surprised if they couldn’t process the transaction because they didn’t have change for a $50 or $100 bill…
You said it correctly, they are engaged in a hobby and not a business!