Despite all your best efforts, are you struggling to get enough of the right kinds of clients for your green, holistic, local or "conscious business"?
I want to invite you to come and join us for the “Radical Business Intensive”.
It’s a weekend long, content-rich, roll-up your sleeves, nuts and bolts workshop (worth $1693) on how you can grow your business and attract all of the right kinds of clients for whatever you want to pay (and without sacrificing your integrity).
Seriously. This is a pay what you can/want weekend. No big catch.
But this is not open to everyone.
Rule #1: You must apply to go. Applying does not mean you’ll get in (though most do). Each weekend has only 20 spaces and I screen carefully to make sure that only the coolest, locally owned, community minded, green businesses attend.
The Ten Really VeryFair Conditions of Your Invitation:
really very fair condition #1: You pay me nothing before you come. Other than a simple $100 post-dated deposit to hold your place, you pay nothing. The deposit is only cashed if you’re a no-show at the event. Otherwise it is returned to you - uncashed - on the Friday night of the weekend. There is no registration fee. No credit cards. No post dated cheques to pay for the event. Nothing. No funny catches here. You get to attend the entire weekend (valued at about $1700.00) and you don’t pay a dime until the last 7 minutes of the weekend. Seriously.
really very fair condition #2: Get over $500 worth of materials for FREE the second you enroll (whether or not you show up at the event). The split-second you enroll, you will immediately gain access to 17 detailed, example-rich, content dense and easy to use ‘Virtual Workshops’ representing not only the full content of the weekend but even more material than the weekend can realistically cover.
You will get about 500 pages of to-die-for material you’d normally have to pay hand over fist for. You will never be asked to pay for these. These are your gift for taking the time and risk to enroll. You get them so that you can “check me out” before you come. You get them so that you can immediately start to apply the content before you ever come and profit before you pay.
really very fair condition #3: The Green Grub and Gather - You will be taken out to dinner.On the Saturday night of the event, I will treat the entire group of 20 participants to a dinner of local, funky, cool, organic food. I will pay for food and you can pay for your drinks. It’s a fun evening and a great way to get to know each other outside of the confines of the workshop. Also invited will be other leaders in the local, living economy scene in your area. Plus you’ll get a bar of dark, organic, fair trade chocolate when you arrive on the Saturday morning. I know, I know. It’s unfair, blatant bribery . . .
really very fair condition #4: Pay what you can. So, how do you pay? At most marketing workshops you pay a good deal of money upfront to attend and receive the materials when you arrive. If you don’t like it you have to go through the extremely uncomfortable process of asking for your money back.
Being real: even if it’s awful, many people won’t ask for their money back. Not so here - absurd as it seems YOU decide what to pay at the very end of the weekend. You will get an envelope in which you will put whatever you want to pay. Seriously. If it sucked, you can pay me very little. If it was wonderful, you can pay more. There’s only a few small catches to this which I’ll explain later (but I think you’ll agree they’re charming and more than fair).
really very fair condition #5: Only cool businesses allowed. These trainings are open exclusively to businesses that are some combination of locally owned, community minded, green, holistic and otherwise conscious. I actively turn away those businesses that aren’t. You will feel excited arriving to know that you’ll be meeting 19 other inspiring entrepreneurs who share your values.
really very fair condition #6: SPECIAL BONUS: At the end of the weekend I will give you a mystery gift worth $79 as my way of saying thank you for taking the whole weekend of your time. But no, I’m not going to tell you what it is now.
really very fair condition #7: Invite friends to attend the Thursday and Friday nights for free.I welcome anyone to come to the first two nights ‘on the house’. No charge. No expectation of continuing with the weekend. They don’t get the materials, and, of course, this doesn’t guarantee them a spot at the weekend itself, but - if there are spots left - they’re welcome to continue on a join the rest of the weekend.
really very fair condition #8: The first five people to enroll win a 30 minute consultation worth $100.
really very fair condition #9: Only about 20 people allowed. Many marketing workshops led by the ‘marketing gurus’ are filled with hundreds of people. You’re lucky to shake their hand. I’d rather see you get my individual focus, attention and feedback. Why do I say ‘about’ 20? Sometimes I’ll take a few more. But it’ll be around 20.
really very fair condition #10: Monthly follow up calls. Roughly once a month following the weekend you’ll be able to participate in 90 minute, free coaching calls based entirely on your marketing questions. I charge about $100 per 30 minutes normally. And I would charge about $29/call if it weren’t for alumni.
Hours for the weekend are as follows (unless listed otherwise):
Intro Evening (Thurs evening): 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Day One (often a Friday): 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Day Two: 10am - 6:30pm
Day Three: 10am - 6:30pm
My name is Tad Hargrave. Since 2001, I’ve been traveling around North America helping conscious entrepreneurs like you to attract more clients and increase their cash flow - without selling out or compromising their integrity.
The core of this work has been a little weekend workshop I created: The Radical Business Intensive.
Once I tell you a bit about it - I think you’ll understand why. Hopefully, if I explain it right and you think it’s a fit, I might even be lucky enough to see you there someday.
It’s very, very different than most of the marketing trainings on the market today.
Here’s a sneak peak at what participants have said about it (many of them were so inspired that they agreed to place their personal phone numbers in their testimonials - you can call them yourselves and ask if the weekend is for real):
“Tad is the real deal; he is a man leveraging his passionately held Green values by empowering others to make a difference. It might take me some time to absorb and fully appreciate the magnitude of the gift he brings. The whole experience has been powerfully inspiring, and I can’t wait to start applying what I have learned.”-Tarver, Polyconsciousness Institute, Toronto, Ontario, 416-897-6442
“Tad’s workshop far exceeded thoughts I had coming into it. He covered all areas of marketing thoroughly in an easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand manor. Not only did I learn so much invaluable information to help me and my small business succeed, Tad’s constant humour had me (and other group members) laughing out loud constantly. It was such a great experience and I definitely look forward to participating in any events he holds in my city in the future.” - Allison Greenbaum, Little Green Book, Toronto, Ontario
“One year after creating a business, I finally understand why the niche is so important and why I still have less than 20 customers. Nothing I read or heard got through to me the way this workshop did. I feel hugely empowered to move forward with clarity and confidence.” - Veronica Ciandre, 1900BREATHE, Toronto, Ontario, 416-652-3993
“When my friend, Michael, invited me to the free evening, I almost didn’t go, thinking it would be just a teaser with a sales pitch at the end for an education I couldn’t afford at the time. Much to my surprise and delight, the free evening was the real deal: content rich, fun, and truly helpful and the PWYC meant I could partake in something that I knew would be perfect for me. On short notice, I canceled all my appointments for the weekend and took the full course. I’m glad I did!” - Andrew Tay, Andrew Tay Design/Music/Media, Toronto, Ontario, 416-826-6082
“Good things happen to people with good hearts. Tad has a good heart and is a competent, fun professional who will make your time with him an excellent investment. I will keep in contact, look forward to obtaining his services in the future and will recommend him to my fellow social entrepreneurs.” -Viral Bhakta, Imaginize Global Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, 416-880-6171
seating is limited
“demystified the whole scary experience of money-making”
“Tad’s workshop is a godsend for me. I’ve just begun two small businesses that I feel a lot of passion for but I’ve been floundering. I have been terribly frustrated about not making enough money and even beginning to build resentment about it. Tad’s workshop demystified the whole scary experience of money-making for me. I feel armed with all the information I need to make my business a success, as long as I’m willing to apply it. I am tremendously grateful not only for Tad’s ability to make this information so accessible to me (while being entertaining and funny in the process) but especially because I would never have been able to attend without his PWYC policy.” - Gennie Brukner, Toronto, Ontario, 416-531-0288
“This is a superb workshop that I would recommend highly to my own clients, as well as to other artists and social entrepreneurs. It gives a roadmap for growing socially conscious and holistic businesses -through effective, creative and ethical promotion methods and strategies.” - Katie Curtin, Katie’s Club, Toronto, Ontario, 416-656-6455
“I was resistant to exploring marketing strategies in the past, and I am excited to try out what I have learned. I thoroughly LOVED his workshop. I think Tad is one of the best, workshop leaders I’ve ever encountered! He is down-to-earth, funny, warm, generous, and full of resourceful information. I could go on and on. I am so impressed!! Can’t rave about him enough! And I will rave...” - Erica Ross, Expressive Healing, Toronto, Ontario, 416-538-8408
“I had a live project to move hundreds of used computers to grow the ISP business of Toronto.FreeNet. In a couple of days Tad’s entertaining RBI workshop took the mystery out of structuring the “the offer” for a smaller but hungrier crowd. Thanks Tad!” - Ken McCracken, Toronto Free-Net, Toronto, Ontario, 416-204-9257
“Tad is a brilliant, humorous, gifted and entertaining presenter with a love for both his clients and his dedication to greening Mother Earth.” - Dianne Knight, Dianne Knight Consulting, Toronto, Ontario
“Attending this marketing workshop may end up being the smartest business decision I have ever made”
“I knew I didn't have enough time or money to attend a formal marketing conference, but I also knew that I had never been trained in marketing - and our sales weren't close to where I wanted them to be. So when I heard about Tad's weekend "Pay What You Want" marketing workshop for progressive/green businesses, I jumped at the chance. And it exceeded my expectations! Not only did I come away with a couple dozen specific actionable ideas and a tool chest full of strategies, but I also had a very good time. I wish I could remember jokes the way Tad does! Plus, his card tricks were so good that they continue to haunt me. I would attend another workshop if only to have another chance to figure out how he does it. Attending Tad's marketing workshop may end up being the smartest business decision I have ever made. If you have any questions about it feel free to call me - (509) 522-9400.” - Keith Swanson, Thundering Hooves - Pasture Finished Meats, Walla Walla, WA www.ThunderingHooves.net
seating is limited
“I barely thought of my practice as a business let alone one I would market.... all that has delightfully changed with Tad’s influence. I feel inspired, enabled, and focused in a whole new way. Tad’s knows what he’s doing and does it with generosity, passion and magic (literally!) Run don’t walk to the next RBI!!! If you’d like to know more about my experience I’d be happy to take a few minutes to share it with you - 780.485.4976.” -Sarah Barrett, Edmonton, Alberta, www.mannakind.com
“I am very stingy with my time because the school is so demanding and my dog needs quality time. After Thursday I was very confident of a very worthwhile ROI, so I made the commitment, and I am so glad I did. Several elements of I will use immediately - others will take more time. If you’re thinking about coming to this event, feel free to call me at 780.491.0574.” -Maryhelen Vicars, Edmonton, Alberta, MH Vicars School of Massage Therapy www.mhvicarsschool.com,
“This is the best marketing/business teaching I have attended. The only event I attended before turned me off because I couldn’t relate to it. This makes sense to me & I really appreciate the heart, time, and effort put into the work. His love, passion & delightful humour in coaching enhanced the learning process. Thank you, I look forward to growing in a new way. I’d be happy to take a few minutes to share my experience with people curious about attending your weekend Tad - have them call me at (780) 990-7946.” - Susanne Downing, Edmonton, Alberta, Inner Heart Wellness
“I was listless, directionless, and confused as to how I could be so unmotivated with my own business.”
“This weekend was amazing. I was listless, directionless, and confused as to how I could be so unmotivated with my own business. With Tad’s help I just reevaluated myself and figured out what originally drew me to start my own business, and why I thought it was important to continue. I’m reinvigorated, empowered, and passionate again. Just taking the time to think about my business without feeling guilty for not doing business, was really important for me as a person, as well as someone who provides a service. Thank you so much!!” - Jayme Nelson, Edmonton, Alberta, Active Citizens Television, (780) 887-3492
“I only wish I could give you what I think you are worth. I have taken other courses but did not follow through with what was taught. Your approach is more human and humane so I truly hope that this time I use what you have taught me. I really enjoyed myself and have a sore stomach from laughing so hard!” - Lynda Walsh, Edmonton, Alberta, Pre Paid Legal, (780) 966-2067
“I am a brand new entrepreneur, totally new to marketing. I was totally impressed with the total dedication Tad has to the conscience economy and empowering people who are like minded. It is so rare to find someone who truly puts people first, especially in regards to the economy.” - Carole Grenier, Calgary, Alberta, Sage Coach, (403) 210-1370
seating is limited
“Thanks so much for this weekend! It was very much needed and great timing for me, you’ve made marketing a less intimidating process for me, and the ideas are realistic and low cost. Plus you’ve made it into a fun process and I love you and your sense of humour, and the lightness you brought to it!” - Martina Sirm, Calgary, Alberta, GoDDess Gr00ve, (403) 517-9427 (Business), (403) 541-1012
“This was probably the most useful information I have ever received about marketing - because it makes logical sense, is broken down into easily do-able steps, and I will actually do it!” - Vicky Blaine, Calgary, Alberta, Inner Space Home Styling, www.innerspacecalgary.com
“A huge concern for me is the lack of integrity and negative impact business has had on our lives. Tad not only addresses and readdresses these issues, and how to integrate them into our own business ventures, but he lives the solution.” - Shaun Friesen, Calgary, Alberta, Free Zen Design, www.freezen.ca
“This was the absolute best thing I could have done for me and my business at this time. I have learned, not only new processes to implement regarding Mike + Hubs, but also had it reinforced that I am actually doing some things right. Just reading the workshop on finding your niche had me think of new advertising strategies since I’m did identify it. I also realized that I (my store - we’re one in the same haha) am a hub - beginning one, but a hub none the less. I enjoy supporting other people/business and hooking them up with other people.This whole weekend was fun easy to understand and made the whole marketing idea less scary and demystified.” - Barb Fehr, (403) 245-5236, Calgary, Alberta, www.janedoemarketplaceandcafe.com,
“The information that Tad shared has tied together many loose ends in my marketing. This is significant considering I’ve taken courses from many big marketing “Gurus” like Dan Kennedy and I know Tad’s clear presentation will have a strong impact on my business. And I’m happy to talk to you about it - (541) 434-0318.” - Joshua Parker, Eugene, Oregon - Future Tech Today, http://www.radiationreport.com
seating is limited
“Everything in this workshop was relevant -- if not now, in the future development of my business. Tad gives excellent examples backed up by sound theory and experience. For people who want to be highly successful without sacrificing integrity, taking this workshop will put you on the right track. I’d give you a 10 for content, delivery, amusement. Please tell people they can call to talk to me directly as one of your ‘fans’ at (541) 345-9454. Thanks for your high energy and your good work.” - Lynne Swift, Eugene, Oregon
“I was intuitively pursing many of the methods covered in a haphazard way. After this workshop I have a much clearer understanding of what I’m striving for, and how to get there in a systematic approach. I’m happy to share my experience - just call me at (541) 914-0417. ” - Jason Waligoske, Eugene, Oregon - Inyan Inc., http://lifeforcefood.org
“It pisses me off that often those of us who are doing good, can have a hard time making ends meet. It also really burns up my friend, Tad Hargrave, and the good news is that he knows how to address this challenge. He’s a heart-centered, creative, funny, powerfully inspiring man who puts all his amazing energy into teaching us how to build our businesses. NOT HOW TO “PROMOTE”, or “SELL” or “NETWORK” or do any of the kinds of activities that feel so against my grain. I am a psychotherapist – my whole being is tuned in to be sensitive to others. It’s always felt so false to crank myself into some other “promotional” mode. I hate turning myself into a salesperson! This isn’t healthy for me or for my practice because I am my instrument in my work, as so many of us are. So I heaved a huge sigh of relief when I met Tad and learned that we can grow our businesses by staying authentically ourselves, acting in integrity, and learning how to think more creatively and “out of the box”. Yes, I’ve just stumbled upon another “Tad descriptor” – he’s definitely out of the box!” - Christina Ponieki, Hakomi Practitioner, Calgary, AB
“I have struggled with my marketing plan for at least a decade, and the few, unskillful marketing tactics that I employed were either disappointing or seemed to draw individuals who only wanted to take advantage of the a discounted price and had no intention of ever returning. This left me feeling used and I assumed that my work must suck because no one was returning. I was delighted when the pre-workshop homework identified that my marketing was likely tainted with low self worth. Tad showed me how to align my marketing with my increased awareness of the value of my business. If you have any questions about Tad’s weekend training at all please call me at (780) 483-8275.” - Sheryl Watson, Edmonton, Alberta
Because it’s not just about ‘more information’.
I’d be willing to bet you've probably read some books on business and marketing. You might have even gone to a seminar. But ideas are not the problem. More information is not the answer. You're already overwhelmed as it is.
I'd be willing to bet money that you have a stack of unfinished books somewhere in your home. My guess is that you're overwhelmed as it is.
More information isn’t going to change that. That includes this weekend.
This weekend, in and of itself, obviously isn’t going to turn everything around. Let’s be very clear about that. This weekend is no cure-all or magic-bullet. I wish it was - but it isn’t. It works for some people more than others. Who knows why.
I don’t know - but I do know a way you can find out. Why don’t you download (at absolutely no cost or obligation to you) my roughly 195 page e-book, “The Way of the Radical Business.” All you have to do is go to the following link. You don’t even have to give me your email.
Give it a read over and if it feels like it’s all a lot of review then this weekend may not be a fit. You may just need to implement the stuff you already know.
In fact, this letter is going to be filled with a lot of bold claims. But I think you will agree with most - if not all - of them.
Let me start with this one: you are, right now, unknowingly and unwittingly self-limiting the amount and quality of clients you get, the amount of money you attract and the amount of happiness you’re experiencing in your business.
How does that happen? I’ll tell you more in a moment - but for now let’s be honest about something.
You started this business of yours not because you wanted to become a gazillionaire. You started it to make a difference and do well for yourself.
You were sick of the 9-5 rat race. Tired of working for the man in jobs that weren’t in alignment with your values - so you started to plot your escape.
I bet you stayed up late that night. You had so many ideas - the seed of your current business had been planted.
Oh - you probably told all of your friends and I bet there were a few giddy moments.
Maybe you got your logo, website, business cards and brochures - and you proudly hung out your shingle.
Or maybe not as many as you’d hoped.
Or maybe not the right kind of people.
You discovered that it was harder than you thought it would be to get clients.
And, despite all of your intelligence, integrity and intentionality to manifest a better, happier and more profitable life . . . it wasn’t working.
Being real, business can be hard. You may have heard that 95% of businesses go under in the first ten years. If you’re feeling like it’s a struggle - you’re not crazy.
I know that for many of you, there’s the pressure of debt growing higher and higher and the feeling like there’s a million things you have to do - without the support to do them all.
You’ve got lots of ideas but only so much time.
And some of you have put in so much time but it’s still not working and you find yourself saying to yourself,
“How can I put all of my heart and soul into something that feels so right, that’s doing so much good and yet nothing happens? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing? How can I put in so much effort and nothing happens? I put ads everywhere, I email me list and yet there’s NO response. I put out brochures I spent a fortune on and NO response? And then sometimes, when I’m doing nothing, a flood of business comes. Does it even matter what I do?”
I know that many of you have sort of, ‘lost money trying to make money’. You’ve sacrificed a lot to get to where you are now. And the most frustrating and confusing thing is - you don’t know what to do to fix it. You don’t know where to go from here. You don’t see a clear relationship between your own actions and the results you’re getting.
o Find it hard to fit marketing into your schedule?
o Avoid networking, writing and speaking?
o Think small about what your business can achieve?
o Start a marketing plan and then abandon it?
o Complain that business is slow and the economy is to blame?
You have a clear vision of what you want (and business is good) . . . but you know you’re capable of a lot more. You’re dedicated to giving extraordinary service to your customers and your community. Your business is a success because you’re very good at what you do.
It is not because you’re excellent at articulating the unique value of what you do. It’s not because you’re a great marketer. In fact, most of your growth has come from word-of-mouth.
You know in your heart, mind and gut that if you could clearly articulate the essence of what you do to more of the right people, you would have all the business you could handle - and more - but you don’t know how to do it. You need some help.
You want to attract more clients and cash-flow but you want to do it in non-pressuring, non hype-filled ways.
Again, let me start off by saying this: You aren’t crazy. You aren’t alone.
If you’re lost in a new city, it’s a lot like starting a new business or trying to take an old one to the next level.
The answer is NOT to become more positive and just focus on what you want. That’s helpful, but it’s not the answer.
The answer is NOT to just ‘try harder’. More effort will just get you lost faster.
The answer is to get a MAP. To understand where you are in relation to where you want to be. Only then will you be able to get there. If you’re smart, you might find a local who knows the way.
Having said all that: let me tell you - from years of experience - what I honestly think you might need to take your business to the next level - whether you get it from this weekend or not.
Eight resources I suspect you need to grow your business (whether or not you get them from my workshop - make sure you find them):
1. Proven Material: I’d have a lot of nickels if I got one for every time they told me that they learned marketing at University and it was useless in the real world. But where do you find stuff that works?
There’s so much material out there.
After all, if you do a google search for “Marketing Consulting” you’ll find that there’s about 14 million listings. Sales consulting is a bit better at 11.4 million. And what of “green business marketing consulting”? 1.62 million. Where are you supposed to start? It’s overwhelming.
How do you know what’s good?
The material you will learn at the RBI is not theory. It’s not abstract pontifications. It is carefully handpicked material gained over the past five years of reading dozens of books, attending countless workshops (many of which cost me thousands of dollars).
I’ve done this all so that you don’t have to.
Many have people have paid many thousands of dollars for the same materials.The corporate elite pay hand over fist for this material. No joke. The thousands of dollars they pay per hour for marketing coaches is based on the same material you will be learning.
But, you won’t really believe me on this or really “get it” until one of two things happen: first - you actually apply it and the money starts flying into your bank account or second - you go to another marketing training where you pay $2000 upfront and . . . it’s all the same stuff. If I had a nickel . . .
2. Tough Questions:you will have the opportunity to ask yourself some tough questions about your business.You may have some uncomfortable moments that cause you to squirm a bit. We will raise up questions that speak directly to the root of many of the problems you are facing.
They may not “feel good” now but the answers you come up with will feel wonderful. If you’re up for sitting with some uncertainty in order to take the next step in your business then this may be for you.
3. Expert Guidance: You need direct, honest and clear feedback on your marketing. You need someone you can ask questions to about YOUR business and get some candid reflections. You need honest feedback on what you’re offering and how you’re offering it. It all starts: before you even show up to the weekend, you will send me a one page description of your core, bread and butter product and service. Which I will tear to lovingly dissect, deconstruct and help you rebuild to be irresistible. I will have you write down your target market on an index card which I will review and critique. I will be with you all weekend to hold your hand, answer your questions and give you direct feedback on your plans.
4. Examples: You don't need more theory. You need to hear examples of how those theories have worked for real people in the real world. Dozens of them. You need stories and case studies. You need to hear and read so many that the principles become living, vivid principles you can easily imagine applying to your own situation.
5. A Clear Diagnosis: You need an overarching understanding of why your marketing has or hasn't worked in the past. You need to know where you're strong and where you're weak. Where you're on track and where you're off track. You need a MAP. You need a tour guide.
Again - this starts before you show up to the weekend: you will be given a copy of my core business diagnostic, “The Horrible Hundred”. This 20 page beauty has earned me rave reviews from clients over the years. Inside of thirty minutes you will know exactly where you’re strong and where you’re struggling.
6. Safe Space: while you will almost certainly experience moments of discomfort, you won’t ever,