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. 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.