ShareThis1 |
I'll explore hosting a local version of my "Workflow 101" full-day workshop that I put on for companies. |
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I'll test this by exploring what's possible, what interest there is (both in hosting and attending), and go from there. |
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If the planets align and the thing comes together, fantastic. If I learn that it's too difficult to host, or if there's not enough interest, that's OK too; it's all data. |
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I have some new people I'd love to work with on this - a self-employed coach and an event planner. They both "get" TTL, so that's fun too. Plus I'm curious how this will turn out. I'm not too concerned about the logistics, but I'm looking forward to learning what interest we can uncover. Applying 4HWW ideas like local "they will come and build it" ads before it's fully together. |
Tags gtd, training, workshop, productivity, continuing ed, getting things done, seminar, workflow
Comments & Observations
Matthew Cornell I love how using the TTL language of "experiment" changes the perspective of trying new things, and lightens it up. In this case I've proposed to Umass Continuing Ed that they host it "as an experiment." For me, using this word makes the proposal feel less scary. My hope is that it lowers their perception of risk. We'll see!
Apr 27, 2010
Matthew Cornell Putting out lots of seeds, which is a tasty part of experimenting, as long as I'm not attached to the outcome. "I wonder what will come back..." is the idea.
Apr 28, 2010
Matthew Cornell Things are happening with the university contact, which gives me some pleasure. I'm celebrating by sharing it with friends, and with a nice walk with my wife. Of course I'm careful not to be attached to its working out a certain way, but I'm enjoying it in the moment.
Apr 30, 2010
Matthew Cornell Spoke to my University contact yesterday, and I now understand why she wants to delay this - there's another on-line option in play, and she doesn't want them to compete. So the status is I'll wait to hear back from her about whether there's a conflict, then move on by seeking another venue. I got some good thinking from her re: pricing, though. YNK!
May 12, 2010
Matthew Cornell OK, we are on for one at the end of August with Umass's Continuing and Professional Education (http://www.umassulearn.net/). Sweet! This removes a major barrier to experimentation: The venue, registration, and payment. I'm positively curious what kind of marketing works best, who I might partner with to reach their audience, and who and how many folks eventually sign up.
May 18, 2010
Matthew Cornell It's time to decide on a title, which is hard for me. Partly because I'm not 100% clear on what my audience is struggling with. Also, I'm not sure how important this decision is. Ideally I'd do an A/B test where I pick two different titles and see which gets more results. But I don't have the energy for that, nor will the registration system support it. Decision: I'll use this: "Productivity 101: How to work smarter, get control, and do more with less"
Jul 02, 2010
Matthew Cornell I'm seeing the pros and cons of working with a large organization. While they have the infrastructure in place for registering, and the venue, the red tape has been impacted my plans - needing three letters of recommendation, for example. Still in play, though! I'll start promoting after next week's vacation, assuming the workshop page is live on their site.
Jul 08, 2010
Matthew Cornell OK, after plenty of trying to make it work, my contact and I decided it was too late for this time around. I was thinking this, but felt uncomfortable bringing it up with her after all the effort. I was willing to give it one more try, but I was relieved when she brought it up herself. No burnt bridges is important. On the plus side, I had not started any marketing, but I've kept my plan in case someone else wants to host it. Also, I'm exploring an on-line version with folks at the Donahue Institute
(http://www.donahue.umassp.edu/) which would, ironically, go up on the same site as this would have been on. Good experiment, though I wish it had gone to completion.
Jul 09, 2010
Brock Tice Hey, write me down for a letter of recommendation if you ever need it in the future.
Jul 21, 2010
Lizzy Seems like you have a lot going on already, probably good to take the pressure off.
Jul 23, 2010
Matthew Cornell Brock: Much obliged!
Liza: My thinking exactly.
Jul 24, 2010