an experiment in flexibility: fire starter sessions

I’m speaking at a conference on Monday {March 23} about strategic creativity and the opportunity of current times. If there were ever times to innovate and experiment – these are the days. Structures are falling apart. New structures need to be developed. The new way of doing business has to be more flexible, more impermeable than the old way. The ol’ way done and gone broke itself. Kaput. The old way is based heavily on illusion-brokering. Posturing leaves one brittle. Flexibility increases strength. Organic is divine.

So I’m going to try an experiment, because this is part of what I think the new model needs to be…we need to create in a climate of experimentation. Fail faster. Just try it to see if it works. Forget market surveys. Bag policies. Stay real. And besides, I need to practice what I preach.

I have never been keen on bartering my services, or letting clients pay over time. I’ve had a fairly staunch policy that I do not do trades. But I’m shifting my aim from “money” to “abundance.” And abundance comes in all forms. Now, this is only an experiment. I feel a bit nervous about it…but that’s good. Here goes:

For one month, until Friday, April 24, 2009, I will be open to bartering services and products, and payment plans for my Fire Starter sessions. I reserve the right to decline offers (flexibility does not equate to being a sucker.) I will consider air miles, art work, chocolate, hotel reservations, gardening utensils, perfume oils, I dunno…maybe even chickens and bushels of apples. My rate remains fixed: $300 for a Fire Starter session. Any payment plans have to be fulfilled within three months.

And if you want to keep it simple, then just pay me $300 bucks. Cash is one form of commerce that will never go out of style.

And if you really want to be ultra cool and creative, you could donate 5% of your session “fee” in cash to Women for Women International or Kiva – which I usually do with every paid session.

Some economists call bartering and flex the “Love Economy.” Love doesn’t pay the bills, but it is an unlimited resource.

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OTHER GOOD-TO-KNOWS:

I’m speaking and moderating an entrepreneurs’ conference this Monday, March 23 in Seattle (The Crave Symposium.) It’s produced by Melody Biringer – who is truly innovative and practical. So the event aims to be USEFUL. If you can get your booty to Seattle, I very highly recommend it. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.

We’re also doing a Crave Symposium in Vancouver BC on Monday, March 30. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.

I have GROUP Fire Starter Sessions coming up in Vancouver, Seattle, Victoria, and Whistler. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.

My Fire Starter sessions rock. Testimonials in from the last three weeks:

“A Fire Starter session is one of the coolest things I have ever done for myself. I felt re-energized with a boldness and daring that I have not felt in quite some time. Your motivation mantras bring out the best and push the edge just a little bit further than my current comfort zone. A bit of tough love I needed to get back in the game. I am grateful for someone who is an adventurous advocate and wholeheartedly for my soulful success.”
- Alisa Barry, CEO, Bella Cucina, Atlanta

“I brought to you my half formed ideas and my dreams. All never spoken to anyone before. But you breathed life into them…all of them. I know which road to take and I see it so clearly now. You gave me extraordinary ideas in the first sentence you spoke. I know now what my first step will be. I feel so fortified.

You bring the fire that’s for sure, but you also bring the sun.
You know exactly where to part the clouds so that I’m standing in so much sunlight.”
- Trudy, Fashion Designer, New York

“Thank you so much for the awesome, completely inspiring Fire Starter session! You gave me the best idea in the first five minutes!“
- Jenny Levison, Restaurateur, Atlanta

“Thanks for giving me the gift of fiery communion. You have a gift that turns watery thoughts into deep, sweet wine.”
- Lianne Raymond, Life Coach, Courtenay, BC

“My Fire Starter Session is already the best investment I have ever made. Ever.”
- Sarah Bray, Creative Director, Virginia Beach

“Thanks so much for your inspiration, expertise and enthusiasm. I’m excited and motivated, which is what I was looking for.”
- Tanya Schoenroth, Interior Designer, Vancouver

“Thanks for everything. My head is really full now thinking about just how much revamping we must do, but it’s SO good to have some actual direction. Getting your insight will help so much and already gives me that needed distance to know some great ways to proceed.”
- EL, Book designer, North Carolina