Too many project management experts teach to certification exams from academic texts. Too few project management consultants are held accountable for the results of their projects.

I manage real-life projects. I have over ten years of experience managing projects as a corporate employee, and I continue to manage projects full-time in a corporate environment in addition to his work as a speaker, teacher, and adviser. I speak from experience.

I started Real-Life Projects, Inc. as a way to share that experience with others.

History of Real-Life Projects, Inc.

In 2001, I started my website alexsbrown.com That site gave me the chance to help people all over the world with their project management problems in a wide variety of industries. I found that I enjoyed writing and speaking, and became active in project management groups and conferences.

I created the site from the start as being completely free to anyone who wished to read it. When people asked for advice, I would not charge any fee, figuring that what I learned from them was more than enough payment.

In 2006, a reader approached me because he needed a scheduling class for his organization. He had spoken to other training organizations and could not afford their prices. We discussed his needs, and I could not take time away from work and family with no compensation at all. On the other hand, what I considered a fair price was about one-fifth the amount that the commercial training provider charged.

We agreed on a price and terms, and Real-Life Projects, Inc. was born.

The training went well, and I realized that I could help more people by charging a reasonable fee than by charging no fee. I am still devoted to the practice of project management and will provide free articles and advice through alexsbrown.com. Real-Life Projects, Inc. is a way to provide help and services to more people, and to generate income to support my not-for-fee speeches and classes.

The Inspiration Behind Real-Life Projects, Inc.

At the alexsbrown.com “about” page there is a quote from the Tao Te Ching Chapter 81: “The sage does not accumulate for himself. The more that he expends for others, the more does he possess of his own; the more that he gives to others, the more does he have himself.” When I first added that quote to the site, I felt that it was important to give my advice freely, and I had faith that somehow I would get great returns. In fact, I have developed friends, learned great lessons, and met many of my professional heroes, all through the website and speeches at professional societies. It is a central part of my career now, and has helped me in concrete financial ways, as well as in spiritual and emotional ways.

For Real-Life Projects, Inc. the quote has a slightly different meaning. I share information and I “possess” fees as a result. Some might say that the sage is now “accumulating”! I feel that the quote is just as relevant for Real-Life Projects as it is for alexsbrown.com. The fees are a way to live and provide for my family, and to help me give my knowledge and experience freely. In fact, the for-fee work has given me article ideas and experiences, giving me more information and ideas to share freely!

I see these two practices are complementary and supportive of each other. Real-Life Projects, Inc. supports alexsbrown.com with money and content. Many Real-Life Projects customers are readers of alexsbrown.com. Both are ways to share my experience with peers all over the world.

Ownership and Legal Information

Real-Life Projects, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation owned by Alex S. Brown, PMP. Alex is the President, CEO, and sole employee. The company was established in April 2006 and provides training, speaking, and consulting services.

I am not looking to hire anyone at this time, but I welcome business partnerships. Please contact me with any questions or proposals.