Let's Talk About Money

The value of money depends on your values.  If you view material items as value then the money to buy them is important.  Consequently, you will will think about money during negotiations.

Perhaps it is a good time to talk about money in Business English.

To start, I always write my ideas without advertising.  I do not view readers as a source of revenue.  There will never be advertising on my blog and I will never ghostwrite for a blog which advertises my ideas.  Also, I will not lend my name to an organization for revenue.  I will not create materials or resources for the benefit of a company for resale.  I will also continue to monitor the industry and push the field forward free-of-charge.  In short, I will provide ideas for free.

My goal is simple:  I would like eliminate the market for experienced learner coursebooks.  This is a relatively simple goal.  Publishers already understand that experienced learners have specific needs which they cannot profitably fulfill.  This places me in conflict with certain organizations and individuals which seek to make money from this part of the value chain.  Perhaps I can explain why I seek to eliminate this revenue stream.

First, I believe that hourly rates are too low for the value we deliver.  In some cases that is due to inexperienced trainers, but mostly it is due to poor communication by the institution.  Even when the institution does it right, they keep the margin and the trainer is employed below value.  I recommend by-passing the institution if your situation allows it and taking on customers at a higher rate.  However, you should also consider the value of the contracts for long-term value and professional development.  Be careful before you burn your bridges, but have the torch in hand.

Second, if you think there is money in Business English publishing, you are wrong.  There is no market for specialized English course books.