Subverting Proprietary Economics (FSOSS 2008)

subverting proprietary economics emma jane hogbin emma@hicktech.com www.emmajane.net

About this talk ● In small-town Canada we have seen an increase in the quot;cottage industryquot; as retirees cash out of urban centres and move to the country. These micro- enterprise businesses often have only the owner (and their partner) as staff. Although the businesses offer a huge range of services, they have one thing in common--very small budgets. ● Individually these businesses can rarely afford expert technical support and services and as a result they often end up experiencing vendor lock-in in the worst possible ways. ● By combining the idea of a LUG and a Chamber of Commerce, it is possible to subvert the proprietary economic model and gain new clients in the process. In this presentation Emma Jane Hogbin you show you how to convert businesses to FOSS by creating a sustainable, technology focused, business network. ● Pulling from experiences with her own client user group, she will show you how to: create self-sufficient clients that still pay you money; manage expectations (client budgets and contractor time); attract new clients by distinguishing yourself from your competitors; define and achieve success; and spread the ethos of free and open source software into the business world.

Why this talk? The 100 Mile Client Roster. Alternatives to B2B discounting. Coopetition is healthy and helps industry. FOSS needs to use open business models. We are in business to serve.

Give your best service away FOR FREE.

my definition of success: communities of all kinds are enabled to maintain vibrant and productive interaction using FOSS tools and open business practices

1 my community...

jack o’ lantern: 2040 feet

2 vibrant and productive interaction...

HICK Tech is the rural and modern technology conference

12,619 hookers

3 using FOSS tools and open business practices ...

documentation author

documentation team

Drupal drupal.org/user/1773 Photo: morten.dk Legs: walkah

what’s your definition of success?

who are the people in your neighbourhood?

www.gingerpress.com

www.coffinridge.ca

www.trilliumhealingarts.ca

www.memorygardenretreats.com

www.shanejolley.com

www.dickhibma.ca

community.everus.ca

And more businesses are coming on board

Identify businesses that ... 1 ... have growth potential (even if they don’t know it). ... can revolutionize an industry. ... are already leaders.

Be a business coach 2 Choose interesting businesses. Encourage radical dreaming. Say “no” often. Ask lots of questions. Help people to develop their story.

Manage expectations 3 Be clear about “free” and “paid” work. Always have time for people that matter. Fire annoying clients.

Charge appropriately 4 Never discount. Ever. (Not even for notforprofit organizations.) Give things away for free! Recognize the value you bring to projects.

Promote selfsufficiency 5 Training materials Free help nights Charge for urgent and complicated work.

Give your best service away FOR FREE.

Free help nights enable ... ... businesses to talk about the software they use with other “technophobes.” ... businesses dream bigger. ... me to look like a rock star. ... me to write fewer small invoices.

What’s your free help night?

Thank you! emma@hicktech.com www.hicktech.com

Subverting Proprietary Economics (FSOSS 2008)

by Emma Jane Hogbin on Oct 24, 2008

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Subverting Proprietary Economics (FSOSS 2008) — Presentation Transcript