I'm starting off by making a case, but if you really just want some nuts and bolts of how this 'school for self-employment' works, skip down to that heading. You can also scroll to the very bottom to hear the full show we did on this topic.
WHAT
If you are reading this, then you have a desire to be self-employed, or at the least, generate some of your own income (read the last post 'Forget self-employment').
WHY
1) You want more freedom in your life, 2) You want more purpose from your work - to work at something you really care about, and 3) You want all your work to add up to something (an asset) instead of at the end of your days you've just traded your time for a paycheck (listen to the show link at the very bottom for more on 'renting vs owning your work).
WHO…
…are you to think you can be different than the majority who have a traditional j-o-b? We have to admit that most people (even your loved ones) will think you are being 'risky' to pursue free agency. Only until you become successful at it of course, then they'll either brag about you or be jealous. But you have to get to a point of believing you are not only capable of being a free agent, but that it's a necessity for you to be fully whole. If you feel 'called' to 'ministry' most everyone will support you. If you feel called to be married or a parent, it's all good. Even being 'called' to be an artist or athlete gets a good reception. If you know you'll never be very satisfied as an employee, and/or you have a desire to truly create or pursue something that you build, then you've just gotta get comfortable and committed to your pursuit of free agency as a viable calling on you.
HOW
Well, that's the biggie now, isn't it. Type in 'self-employment' or 'entrepreneur' or 'small business' into a search engine and you won't find anything that gives you much peace, comfort or direction. Why? Because the media loves 'big.' The focus of self-employment is on big business and wealth. You'll quickly read about business loans, venture capitalist, angel investors, overhead, payroll and plenty of other focal points that…MISS the point.
It's a HUGE disservice and dramatically misses the truth. The vast majority of full-time, successfully self-employed people have no employees, no offices and...while making far above the national average of annual income, they aren't millionaires sipping umbrella drinks on their yachts.
It would be like typing 'lose weight' into a search engine and all that was showcased were supermodels and pro athletes. That's not even the goal or expectation, you just want to lose weight!
The point is...there aren't great resources for pursuing free agency, which is why most folks end up trying to do it alone, or they latch on to scams or franchises or network marketing companies and all the other misguided attempts to help them achieve what they are ill equipped to pursue.
A REAL SCHOOL FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Talking about weight loss, have you noticed that the most successful methods are not just systems, but communities? Weight Watchers, Curves, even the new P90X, they are more like communities and movements than mere manuals. That's important.
Also, they don't just focus on the exercises or eating, they put equal emphasis on motivation and belief and…personal development.
So to realistically guide you from zero to success in the pursuit of self-employment, you must have:
- Step by step curriculum to inform you
- Community to aid and encourage you
- Personal development to empower you
And folks, those above bullet points don't exist in any one cohesive place for pursuing self-employment. Which is why myself and some other key free agent rock stars and advocates have created Free Agent Academy. I never went after this because I thought it was a good business idea. I did it because I fervently believe in the power and necessity of self-employment, and there is a distinct lack of relevant resources to really help people.
WHEN
Well, that's up to you. It's a process that is not quick. Again, just like major weight loss. The sooner you want to realize a different reality for you and your life, THAT should be motivation to start today. Or you can put it off for the holidays, the first of the year, then Spring break, then summer, then vacation, then the start of school and…hey, you'll be right back here next year in the exact place you are now.
So today, what can you really do? If you are ready to commit, truly, you can become a member of Free Agent Academy. Here is what will happen:
JOIN
Go here and join. If you are at the very beginning, you'll come on at Foundation level. It's $95 per month. It needs to be significant. I want you committed to your pursuit. If you just want hype, there are plenty of late night infomercials to entertain and con you.
We do give you a guarantee. Within the first 30 days, if you feel FAA is just not the place for you, let us know and we'll refund your money.
AUDIT
The first thing you'll do is fill out a 41 question new member questionnaire. You can actually see them here so you'll know what you are getting in to. It should motivate you or scare you off. Either is great. Jonathan Pool is our Professor of Idea and he will complete a personal 'Audit' with you to review your information and status and discuss where you are in the process. This allows us to know you and feel confident in serving you.
COMMUNITY
Along with the questionnaire, you'll fill out a personal profile and join our community. You'll have access to all our members, professors and a lot of information and excitement. It's flat out fun and immensely motivating.
COURSES
You'll then start in on our courses and curriculum. You'll begin in the YOU group and the "Discover My Best Focus" course. This will hone in on your key strengths and weaknesses. Upon completion, you'll move on to the IDEA group and the "Find Your Best Fit" course. This will go deep into who you are what what you have to offer and result in your 'Idea Filter,' which is literally the best thing since sliced bread. Those two courses alone will open up a whole new world to you. Next you take your idea and dive into the BRAND group and the "Branding Course." This sets the stage for what your business will look, feel and act like. People DO judge a book by it's cover, and they'll judge your business by your branding and positioning. Next, the ROADMAP group to develop your "Simple Strategic Plan." If you can work it out here on paper, you can work it out in real life.
These four courses don't exist out there. You surely won't find them in an ivy league MBA program, or the latest, greatest internet marketing schpeal. You'll find them here, and it's why we are literally creating successful free agents.
What comes next is diving into Marketing and your Online presence. This is where most of the focus is, and as you can now see, it's puting the cart before the horse in a big way. It's a tree without roots.
Got questions? Let me know. Leave a comment here or email us about joining.
HOLIDAY SPECIAL
January will soon be here and you'll be looking at another year of life as you know it. You'll feel the tug of making resolutions and some little changes. Maybe you'll buy a book and get inspired.
OR...change your course now. Make sure when January 1 hits and when you hear folks talking about their little New Year's resolutions...you are in a different league. Join Free Agent Academy now and guess what, you'll be living a different life when the holidays roll around next year. That's it. That's the special offer. Join now and instead of the holiday's wearing you out and you hitting January feeling stressed to make some resolutions, you can rest in peace that you are already resolved and already a many steps into the process and your free agency!
INFO AND REGISTRATION PAGE - CHECK IT OUT - SEE IF YOU'RE READY
Free Agent Underground Show - How Free Agent Academy Works
