I have great ideas, what to do with them?

by 16 replies
17
I came from a corporate background and now I am an independent contractor. I have seen many of my friends who are still stuck with their corporate job and I want to find a way to make them see the opportunities they are missing out there without sounding bossy.

Their options for finding a job are endless and with the internet, they can easily find options that fit their skillset and lifestyle. If anyone has suggestions on how to get my friends to see this I would really appreciate it, any suggestions you may have, even if you think that I should worry about myself, I would like to see why you think that?
#mind warriors #great #ideas
  • If you are successful, it shows. Some of your friends will be interested in learning what you do and you could offer to help them get started. Sell to clients/customers - not to friends. Not everyone wants to be 'independent' or an 'entrepreneur'.


    The people I've seen who were most dedicated to convincing others that what they are doing is 'best' - that 'jobs' are bad and on and on....were usually those just starting out in IM and overly proud of themselves....but not earning a living.


    Unless you are recruiting for an MLM - why do you care what work your friends do?
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    • I totally agree, not everyone wants to be entrepreneur, I know that, for one thing, that I don't want to be one myself, though I think in certain stage probably it will be the way to go, as away to spread the word and teach others what I do.

      The people that I know take things personal, when they see someone their age or younger and live in a nice neighborhood or has the privilege to spend more time with the family, especially when you already know how my life was before, it wasn't too bad and it wasn't too good, I had my shares of struggles, made definitely sacrifices and I want them to them to learn all the pros and cons, God had a hand on all of this and it was not just me, I am no one without God grace, but there was also a logic happening as well, not just the blessings or the wishful thinking.

      The funny thing is, I am selling anything to anyone and I am not getting anyone jobs, I want them to use same resources that I used and feel free to work on different projects for different companies as they see fit, this allows them a great deal of freedom and flexibility in their work. Yes, they are also at risk of being fired at any time if they do not meet the standards of the company they are providing their services to, but for those who thrive on variety and challenge, the independent contractor lifestyle can be very rewarding.

      It's not that I care what work they do presay, the thing is these friends were my classmate, work mates, we used to hang out every weekend, most of them just like me, married with a family, and I just feel like they are worth more than what they are getting from the jobs, some of them are bankers, accountants, lawyers, and with their skills, they can provide lots of services to small, medium, family-owned businesses, I am not asking them to leave their jobs, but the stress I keep hearing, made feel like, these people and their families deserve more than just the 9-5 job.

      I didn't leave my 9-5 job just like that, I kept it for 2 years while I am doing this safe transition to have this flexibility that I have now. I had the chance to be watching my baby girl growing every second, being here next to my wife while she is going through pregnancy, and so on. Just being there whenever I am needed.

      I am not even talking about passive in come like many "Gurus" who have the skills to generate this passive income, I just want them to learn how to do what they are doing but instead of doing it only for the company they work for, do it for other companies who cannot afford to hire companies like yours.

      Again, I just want them to lean that internet is not only FB and YouTube.
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  • Banned
    Interesting question. Thanks UltraOne. : )

    Firstly, I don't there there's anything wrong with having a "Corporate Job" ... Honestly, all jobs are important. I suppose my best advice is to show them that you're being successful and hopefully that will inspire them. "Lead by example", as they say. Ultimately, it's up to them to choose their path.

    2C
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    • Thank for sharing your point of view. Indeed, there's nothing wrong with having a "Corporate Job" and I believe all jobs are important. My friends who are classmates and workmates, we have known each other for decades, they see the internet as social media and YouTube and nothing more.

      Though, I am not getting anyone jobs, I want them to use same resources that I used and feel free to work on different projects for different companies and earn more money for their families, for sure it's up to them to choose their path, I just feel like it's time to know what they missing out there, I am not even going to ask them to leave their job, that will be insane. They just need how to do what they are doing at work but instead of doing it only for the company they work for only, they might as well do it for other businesses who cannot afford to hire companies like theirs.

      I know it's not easy, it took me 2 years to feel secured enough to do this safe transition to be independent contactor, so have more flexibility and this life balanced they want.
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  • Here is an interesting perspective for you... You are only as good as the people around you...I know a lot of people that have JOBS... but friends... each and every one of them - self employed - and successfully self employed at that.

    You want to show your friends the grass is greener on the other side... then you simply need to demonstrate it... and 1 maybe 2 might be game...but the majority... will sit right where they are at being comfortably numb.
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  • An old saying: men convinced against their will, are of the same opinion still.

    Best bet (maybe) let them come to their own decisions. Here is one way you could do this.

    Buy two copies of this book: THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield. Read it, study it, see if resonates with you, if it does, give the other copy away to one of those friends, without anything more than; "I read this and got alot out of it and thought you might like to read it too, if you do, let me know what you think"

    See, they will either self identify with the premise of the book or they won't. If they do, then it means they might be opening up to new ideas. If they say it isn't for them, leave them be and limit how much bitching you take from them about their corporate jobs.

    You will see that most of them, maybe like you were, are stuck in something Pressfield calls RESISTANCE.

    It is a cheap, simple way without imposing yourself on anyone, just a friend who found it useful and just paying it forward.

    Most attempts otherwise are resisted and when you read the book, you will know why.

    GordonJ

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  • I would suggest giving them a form of information like a demo, webinar, or a sort of presentation representing your skill. How could your company benefit their life? In this world, when someone is offered a promise, both sides expect a form of return. Regardless of what at a form of degree. Maybe try using email?
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    • That's a very good point. Thank you for sharing this. The thing is I am selling anything to anyone and I am not getting anyone any jobs, I want them to use same resources that I used and feel free to work on different projects for different companies as they see fit ty and challenge, the independent contractor lifestyle can be very rewarding, yes you can loose a project or two but who doesn't.

      I am not even talking about passive in come like many "Gurus" have the skills to generate this passive income, I just want them to learn how to do what they are doing but instead of doing it only for the company they work for, do it for other companies who cannot afford to hire companies like theirs.

      I liked the idea of the presentation, my only problem is, these are my buddies, they are not used that kind of talk with me. I guess in certain point, they will ask me where to start, and I don't mind to do so, again I am not selling, I just have several jobs at the same time and I can enjoy my weekend.

      Thanks again, this was very helpful.
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  • People in middle management and who work at large corporations...want to do that. It gives them the security and "ladder to climb" that they want.

    Giving up a secure, steady corporate job with great benefits...for what they will see as a very risky change....is going to be a hard sell. Hard enough that i would look for clients elsewhere.
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    • Banned
      I know I've mentioned it before ... However I love the "Definition" of Success being: "The progressive realisation of a worthy ideal." That can be everything from The Pizza Delivery Boy ― who loves meeting up with his Dad for pizza and wants to share all that happiness by delivering pizza ... Or maybe the single Mom who has decided to me a World-Class Mom.

      As I said before .. There are no unimportant Jobs ... Just unimportant People. (Kind of.)

      2C
      P.S. When you can demonstrate that you're successful online ... That should interest most People.
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    • I agree with you. Thanks for sharing this with me. It is a risky change indeed giving up a secured job with all the benefits they are getting. It took me 2 years to feel secured enough to do this safe transition to be independent contactor, so I can have more flexibility and this life balanced we are all looking for.

      I just want them to learn how to do what they do but instead of doing it only for the company they work for, do it for other companies who cannot afford to hire companies like theirs.

      It will take some time, maybe it will take them even longer than me, but while they are waiting, they will make enough money that will help them to decide which route they choose to take.

      Thanks again Mr. The Man With No Name, if only I know your name so I can thank you!
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  • You mentioned (2) things that struck a chord that has a common theme these days...

    (1) You were able to transition safely away from corporate and still have a sense of security, so you didn't just dive head first into the deep end of the pool.

    (2) You mentioned the privilege of being home with your daughter and being able to be there and watch her develop and grow.

    I don't know the angle of your strategy or business model that you are trying to share with other corporate friends or associates - but as many said, they may have no interest in making such a transition such as yourself...

    Rather, from a heightened perspective view, perhaps you should frame your mindset to focus on audiences - corporate or edgewise - that you can share your journey - and align those who would benefit from saving on daycare or who want to be home with their child, and then go after professionals and the likes who are seeking to escape the mediocre or the confines of say the corporate cubicles.

    Lastly, I am far better at giving advice than implementing some of it, but I too agree the "Resistance" is stronger the more you push forward... I see it as Newton's Law of Motion - to apply force to one object receives equal resistance from the other... so where you may see the "transition" as a positive - others might be scared to death they would suffer, lose, or go backwards... all key points in marketing your message - to try to ease their fears!

    People here have been doing that for me here on/off for a few years now, and it's really just now starting to sink in - whereas the mind is finally starting to truly appreciate what advice I was receiving, and am becoming more knowledgeable of the areas I tried to ignore... like resistence, fear, insecurity, etc... and I was (semi) self-employed oflline for most of my working life...

    The online environment to me was so vast, so expansive that it still excites me, but it also terrified me coming from smaller venues, arenas, and more localized comfort zones.

    Godspeed!
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    • Thank you for comment, it was really satisfying and straight to the point.

      Indeed I took my time to evaluate things and putting in consideration the pros and cons before I take a leap of faith and answering the "What's in it for me?" kind of question.

      Being independent contactor makes me has the freedom to work with several companies providing pretty much the services that I have used to provide in my long career with corporates with different niches, using set of skills I was able to develop along with way, which I am grateful for each company I have worked with, but when you realize that there is a cap I cannot pass, you start to question things.

      You are right, they may have no interest in making such a transition such as myself.

      Thanks again, I really appreciate your thoughtful insight.

      Regards,
      Adam
  • You need to present them with real proof of making money . Some people with testimonials etc .Because a lot of people dont think that a living can be made on the internet
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    • Thank you for sharing with with me, I agree with you that probably I need to set down them and show them a real proof of making better income, and that's up to them to decide what's best for them.
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  • I wonder why do you need to make your friends to abandon this corporate background?
    Were interested in their wishes, maybe they are okay with such conditions and they live their lives happily. They don't need to be persuaded to leave this corporate atmosphere as they feel at ease, don't they?
    I always stand for the independence and the right of freedom for all the people in the world. If your friends want to stay at this place and they don't want to move further then leave them alone. Your life doesn't imply the only couple of friends, it implies many acquaintances and personal development. You are the creator of your own life and if you have decided to leave this corporate environment, why you need to drag them... I don't except the fact that I am not immersed in your relationships with your friends, maybe you always support each other and stand for each, correct me if I am mistaken, but it's my opinion.
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    I have great ideas, what to do with them?

    I came from a corporate background and now I am an independent contractor. I have seen many of my friends who are still stuck with their corporate job and I want to find a way to make them see the opportunities they are missing out there without sounding bossy. Their options for finding a job are endless and with the internet, they can easily find options that fit their skillset and lifestyle. If anyone has suggestions on how to get my friends to see this I would really appreciate it, any suggestions you may have, even if you think that I should worry about myself, I would like to see why you think that?