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n/a |
 Posted - 05/12/2007 : 07:49:45
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I'm sick of it - because it harms the folks who are most hopeful about working online.
The Silly SCARE Tactics, I mean.
You know the ones I'm talking about:
"Listen up, Internet marketing is getting too competive these days"
"It isn't easy any longer - and you need deep pockets to survive"
"Things are getting more and more specialized and sophisticated - you can't compete"
"You need to be ahead of the pack - or get crushed in the stampede"
"It's getting too costly to acquire a new customer"
"You need to be multi-dimensional in your marketing"
"You can't manage if you're only 'online' - you MUST get off the Web"
"We're entering the era of consolidation. Get big, or get crushed"
... and on and on and on, ad nauseum.
And it's taking a toll - on the WRONG person.
* The frustrated 9-to-5'er looking for a break from the tedium.
* The job seeker fast losing hope after endless interviews, looking for something to do.
* The bored housewife (or house-husband) looking to supplement the family income in spare time.
* The recently (or soon to be) retired seeking to relieve the tedium of 'retirement'.
* The disabled or handicapped person who is out of the workforce, and searching for a way to replace that paycheck.
None of these folks are dreaming, drooling and dying for MILLIONS.
They don't want to be behind the next 6- or 7-figure launch.
Most want the extra $500 or $1,000 or $5,000 a month - without too much hassle.
They want to carve out their small NICHE - not build the next mega-EMPIRE.
And these serious, thoughtful, hard-working folks, with modest expectations and hearts full of hope, are getting the wrong message...
Because of the HYPE
From 10 years working online, I can tell you this -
It Was NEVER Less 'Competitive'
- And It Has NEVER Been Easier To Be Successful
Forget all those dreams about the 'good old days' - they weren't so good at all.
Think it's getting harder to build big lists? Remember, at least conversion is better now - because folks are more comfortable buying online.
Cursing your bad luck about the new anti-spam laws? Remember, there are 1,000 times MORE people to reach via email today.
Blaming the competition for making your life tougher? Yes, there are 5 or 10 times more 'competitors' - going after 100 times more BUYERS!
My point?
Don't let the 'negativity' get to you - this is a GREAT time to be alive, be in business, and 'get' the Net.
Do you need to be professional, courteous, considerate of your buyers, treat your business seriously, invest in your education, run a streamlined operation? But, of course!
Do you NEED those $700+ a month memberships, that $5,000 boot camp, that $25,000 mentoring program, those droves of outsourced staff in 12 different countries? Most likely NOT.
I'll share some numbers from my own TINY operation that'll prove my point.
In the last 12 months, my business attracted a total of around 600 new buyers. Together, they made around 1,300 transactions with me. My average retention rate of clients is over 65%. Many have multiple transactions each year. A significant number have been clients for over 5 years. My mailing lists have around 6,000 prospects at any given time.
I have 2 outsourcing helpers. No employees. A very tiny advertising budget. And an 'education' budget that's around 20% of my income.
Not very impressive, right?
WRONG!
These numbers translate into a lifestyle and achievement level that I could not have imagined before - and more important, a level of satisfaction and deep joy from helping other small business owners... than I could have with a multi-million dollar, multi-thousand client, multi-hundred employee organization.
Don't lose hope.
Don't give up on your dreams.
Don't get disheartened by the hyped up 'competitiveness' of the Web.
A lot of it - far too much of it - exists ONLY in YOUR head.
Decide upon your goals. Chalk out a winning plan. Take sustained, focused, positive action.
And sit back and laugh at the nay-sayers... at least, that's what I do 
All success
Dr.Mani
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Michael Oksa |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 07:54:28
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Hello Dr. Mani,
Now that's exactly the type of message everyone needs to see. The
'no hype' way is absolutely the next big thing. Some of us are already
doing it.
Your post is worthy of being a sticky IMHO.
WYES,
MO
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Steven Wagenheim |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 07:59:59
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Dr Mani:
YOU are MY hero!
Bravo!
Oh, and I saw your photo on John Reese's Traffic Masters site as a testimonial. You're a damn good looking guy. (don't get the wrong idea, I'm happily married )
Anyway, thanks for that dose of reality. Every word is so true. I am living proof of it. |
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Sam Rodrigo |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:01:01
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Dr. Mani,
Even a Sage couldn't have said it better...
Sam |
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tinkerbelljoe |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:07:30
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Wow...this is so true
Thanks |
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George Has |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:14:02
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| very true, I especially like the part about the membership sites, get rich programs, they are only confusing and will waste your time, I am not saying it is not good to get in one, but getting in many will just make you lose focus on the things you need to do, and you will become a reader and not a marketer. |
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Kelly Stone |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:14:26
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| This has got to be the most sensible thing I have read in a long time! |
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Keith Boisvert |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:14:51
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Agreed. I am actually writing a report now on that, kind of. Same message though. The internet is growing with leaps and bounds each day.
The competition factor: How many sites are actually of good quality in your niche?
Consolidation, get big or get crushed: I always believed that smaller companies have more flexibility and can adapt to change easier
Deep Pockets: Quality. Quality sells. PPC is not the only way to advertise
For every argument there is an opposing force equally as strong. I agree that NOW is the time to jump in and succeed!
Keith |
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n/a |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:33:42
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Great point, Dr Mani... thanks for sharing it.. agree... as Brian Tracy would say, there's never been a better time to make a million, than right now...
and that's more true than ever with the internet...
Now we're in the middle of the next "industrial revolution", and it's a golden time for those that compete effectively.
ken |
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Mary Gallivan |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:34:38
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Hi Dr Mani
I endorse what you say - it's so good to hear it!
I come under the category of 'The disabled or handicapped person who is out of the workforce, and searching for a way to replace that paycheck'.
I can't see me working again and did not set out to make millions(although it would be nice)
If nothing else I have determination even if I haven't got the technical skills do make my computer work as I want it to. I can see what others are doing but it takes me so long to learn HOW to do what they're doing.
Nevertheless - I'm still here and this sort of inspiration helps to keep us all going - even if we don't all make millions.
Thank you so much for that!!
Mary
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David McGimpsey |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:44:36
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| Fantastic inspirational post! I will print this and read it whenever I feel like giving up. |
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Paul_Evans |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:47:43
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Solid as usual.
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Kay King |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:48:42
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A serious dose of common sense! And much needed.
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Pete Egeler |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:58:40
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Amen, Dr. Mani!
For a long time I've felt that a person could do just as well by following the basics, putting forth a little effort, and NOT shelling out 100's of dollars for every "you gotta have this to be a winner" program that comes down the line.
I don't make big bucks with my marketing, but I do put a few extra dollars in the account every month. And, it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg.
Thanks for the insight.
Pete
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Raja Sekharan |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 08:58:48
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I think what those 'SCARERS' are trying to say is you can make an extra $700 through short bursts by hitting on opportunities. But those of you who are going to build a real business. You need to adopt a more better strategy that is bound to give results on the long run.
And as far as I know, Rich Schefren, John Reese were not trying to sell me anything and thats who told me something of the nature you are telling me.
Raja Sekharan |
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Erum Munir |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 09:08:25
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Definitely great to read a solid post that makes a lot of sense!
Plus a definite booster as opposed to all the negative claims about how all Internet businesses are doomed unless .... (add a hundred thousand reasons here lol).
Let's not forget that one man's competition will be another person's customer  So bring on the competition ... they will all be making purchases too. Isn't it great to always look at the positive side of things.
Dr Mani, Now all you gotta do is modify that to a great sales letter and sell an info product. It's a definite seller  |
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n/a |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 09:45:18
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Great post, loved to see that.
No more "Death of this and death of that garbage"
People who have to tell those kind of lies to make a sale will soon run out of lame-wad fake comments and stats to throw in people's faces. |
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David_Thompson |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 09:55:28
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Hey Doc,
as always man you are spot on,
there's too much of these tactics
going around and I'm sorry to say
it the guru's that are the ones behind
it this hype...
--David |
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Michael Francis |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:16:02
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Dr,
You are platinum.
There just trying to scare off competitors. They that put these messages out are scared because any one 16 kid in there garage can come up with a idea and compete with them on their level in no time due to the power of the internet and the networks that are out there that are readily and easily available to use. |
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kieljo |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:30:02
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Warriors,
What we should also be looking at is the fact that it's great to be a warrior as well. You can take the knowledge that you learn here and coupled with great copywriting and you can blow about 95% of your competition out of the water in any niche that you enter...
I think a lot of these doom and gloomers are also talking about competing in the IM area anyway. Of course, it's going to be hard when everybody has somewhat of a copywriting expereince and they are trying to sell to each other. On the flip side it's also hard to sell to this group because they are immune to these copywriting tactics to begin with but take these strategies to another niche and " OH baby watch out".
You are right...this is a great time to be in business...Rock on warriors!
John Kiel |
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AndrewCavanagh |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:48:15
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Couldn't agree more with you Dr Mani.
It really is pathetically easy to make money online today compared to 4 or 5 years ago.
And most of the scare tactics are poorly conceived and suppress sales response.
Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh |
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Brandon Tanner |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:53:50
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Nice outlook on it all, Dr. Mani.
The 'good ole days' of internet marketing are not long gone by any means. The 'good ole days' of internet marketing are TODAY and TOMORROW!
Like you said, YOU are the one who is ultimately responsible for whether you succeed or not. You can't blame "different" circumstances for that. You simply have to learn how to adapt to those circumstances.
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jezwalters |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:55:20
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Noooooo - Don't tell everyone. Now the competition WILL get harder.
Nice post Doc.
Jez |
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Richard Odell |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 10:56:44
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Dr Mani, many thanks your just the tonic I needed!  |
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mmurtha |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 11:00:37
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Hey Dr. Mani,
Great post and one that has been needed for some time. ;)
I think people honestly don't know what they are saying, or simply want to cut the competition down. If it's that later, I think they are barking up the wrong tree.
Thanks for the post!
Mary |
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vizmon |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 11:29:45
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Well said! Post of the month (so far) for me.
Chicken little and his gang gets an earful. |
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Paul Duxbury |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 11:47:29
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Probably one of the most sensible and meaningful posts I have seen in a good while!
If I can just add one line:
Celebrate each others success to engender community!
Thank you Dr Mani
Take care
Paul |
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Raja Sekharan |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 12:28:09
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Why is it that everyone here likes to hear what they want to hear? John Reese and Rich told the truth. I am not in conflict with what drmani is saying here but making extra [fill amount here> per month strategy is just like having a job. You're self-employed. You don't have a boss (in person). Your boss is circumstances. Whatever the bogey men told does affect even self-employed internet marketer.
Just my Humble opinion. |
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Carrie Buckles |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 12:42:37
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Thank you Dr. Mani.
Reading that was just what I needed today. |
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TimPhelan |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 12:46:26
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Dr. Mani, what I like about you is you say what you think and do it in a positive way. I think you read my mind here and yes I " know the ones I'm talking about"
You make very good points here and I notice you aren't even pushing a product while doing it. 
I agree, we are so lucky to be able to be around during this revolution. Being able to make a living at home has never been easier. That doesn't mean it is easy of course or that hard work isn't requiered.
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TheFasterWebmaster |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 13:01:58
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Great post. I saw a product the other day about preparing for Bird Flu. I was thinking "Great! Hope my wife doesn't see this offer!" She would buy seven of them, the poor woman. I blame our damn media and the world we live in... it's all about the fear and the scare. It sucks.
Erik |
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chris_surfrider |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 17:18:16
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Bump.
Great post, Dr. Mani.
Mere perception (which is usually incorrect, even if just in part) has ruined so many people because of their own fear based on some intrinsic, "might be" reality.
Understand that most people who aren't aware of the so-called "limits" will never be effected by them.
And even IF they actually exist, then it's simply a matter of adaptation.
The fundamentals will always work, both then, now and in the future.
Practically ALL of the "scary" reports you mentioned have an underlying agenda, not to mention a bias from the writer, who will always have a different idea of what "success" means to them, and not necessarily others.
On top of that - and as most of us know - fear creates controversy (and conversation), which creates interest, which turns into traffic, which then eventually turns into CASH for the instigator by way of popularity, branding, list-building and obviously, sales.
So the next time you start getting worried, take a deep breath, look around you, and ask yourself if what you were just "taught" ACTUALLY applies to the real world of internet business...
* Effective selling will always require the basics of "AIDA" - video, text or otherwise.
* The success of any given thing will always depend on the amount of demand for it, followed by the sales process and traffic generation efforts - which should be leveraged (affiliates, viral, SEO)
In terms of traffic, realize that for every strategy that "dries up", two more will take its place. Things move fast online, all it takes is to stay on top of it.
* If you're doing even the most BASIC "IM 101" stuff like list-building and leveraging affiliates, subscribers and your client base effectively, then your business will only grow. That's the only path it can possibly take if you're serious about delivering for your customers.
See - reality isn't scary at all.
Be careful that perceptions - especially your own - don't distort your view of reality, which can be as simple as double-checking your own stats and sales to verify any alleged "trends".
The numbers don't lie.
-Chris |
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Mohsin Rasool |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 17:30:39
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Hi Dr Mani,
Thanks for another great post!
Lol lately we are missing some great posts from you.
Thanks for two great posts recently, this one and other in adsense forum called I AM IN ATTACK MODE!
God bless you,
Mohsin |
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Kevin Riley |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 17:34:28
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What? You mean the sky isn't falling?
I've been building businesses since 1977. I wish we'd had half the opportunities then that we do now. Make that even 10% of the opportunities that are available nowadays.
IMO it has never been easier to make a decent living. It's just about obscenely easy.
Way to go Dr Mani -- another Hall of Fame post
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Rod Cortez |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 19:25:36
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Definitely a Hall of Fame post. No matter what the doom sayers have been saying for decades there's always someone out there who makes it starting from scratch. Always. Great post Dr. Mani.
Rod
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n/a |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 20:43:02
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| I've always said that when I see people entering IM, welcome and give them congrats. The Internet is a vast, vast place, there are plenty of places to go to make money. I think that it's easier than ever to make money online. Some tactics may come and go, but in the end there are so many different ones to choose from. |
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Steven Wagenheim |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 20:50:04
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To further illustrate what Dr Mani is saying, and this really doesn't have anything to do with Internet marketing per say, I was just working on a web page and I needed a javascript close window code. I should know this by heart by now but I don't use it often and my mind went blank.
Now, years ago, I would have had to dig into my Javascript book, which I still have, and look up the code and type it in. This would have taken at least 5 to 7 minutes between finding the right page and entering the code.
Today, it's this simple.
1. Go to Google (5 seconds)
2. Type in javascript close window code (5 seconds)
3. Check out the first site in the results which just happens to have the code in the description itself. Copy it (5 seconds)
4. Paste it into your Dreamweaver or whatever HTML editor you're using (5 seconds)
Done.
Today, you can find just about anything you want online and for free. All the hundreds of dollars in web design books that I bought? No need today. Just go to w3.org. It's all there. Need PHP code? Go to php.net. Need help with MySQL? Go to mysql.com.
All of these sites and thousands more are mouse clicks away.
The trouble today, is people are spoiled. We get so much instant gratification from just about every phase of our lives that we expect that same instant gratification from our businesses. That's why we have so many people falling for these get rich quick schemes. Those who realize that building a business takes time and a solid work ethic are the ones who are successful.
It really has never been easier than it is today. Do you realize that one article can bring you 100 visitors to your site in 1 day. If you have even a 1% conversion factor that's a sale a day on almost zero expense.
So, as Dr Mani says, ignore the doomsayers. They're just afraid that you're going to cut into THEIR profits with a Tom Mix pocket knife and some cat gut.
And today, you can just about do it. |
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n/a |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 22:24:59
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Many of us have heard, read or seen someone expounding on the 'Abundance Mindset' philosophy.
As I see it, this means there is enough to go around for EVERYONE.
And in essence, this is a mindset - nothing else.
I've been in a situation where I've felt almost desperately frustrated at how little success I've personally experienced with my online selling, as compared to others who started much later than myself.
It was a 'negative' mindset, one conditioned by the kind of 'scare tactics' that permeate many 'viral' reports these days - and is the essential reason I stopped reading the newspaper some 4 years back, except to scan headlines once a week or so, just to stay in touch.
The shock that shook me out of that rut was given by Paul Myers. He very likely doesn't know it. I once wrote to him around 4 years back, saying I was thinking about selling out my online business and giving up. He replied, offered some suggestions, said it was my choice in the end, and asked to let him know if I did decide to sell - because he was interested in buying!
That was the shock... because I figured if Paul thought what I had was valuable, maybe I'm just not seeing it!
And I wasn't. I did. Today, it's a lot different.
It was a MINDSET.
One that said: "You have everything you need ALREADY. You just don't know it yet, haven't seen it yet."
To me, that's the essence of the 'Abundance Mindset'.
One of Mark Victor Hansen's books that isn't very widely mentioned is called "Cracking the Millionaire Code". In it, he takes the reader through an audit - of their assets... starting with their body.
Eyes. You've got eyes. Can I buy them off you for, say, $5,000 ? Would you sell? No? How about $10,000 ? Or $25k? Still no?
So you've got TWO of them. Value: At least $50,000
And he goes on. PROVES to you that what you have as parts of your body are worth over a MILLION dollars already - you just haven't appreciated it... yet!
Then, he goes on to help you value your connections, your network, your knowledge and experience, your values and society, your government and business environment, your age and health, your attitude and perceptions... and shows how there are MONEY CONNECTIONS all around you.
The analogy he uses is perfect. There are radio waves all around - but you don't feel them. Until you stick an antenna into the air, plug it into a radio, and tune in to the waves - when they become sound you can hear. Pictures you can see.
The waves haven't changed. You have - by tuning in!
When I first got on this forum, I heard a lot about the 'money connections' and 'million dollar dealmaking' that's going on. And didn't believe it.
Today, having made many of these 'connections', and having a better sense of the kind of folks who lurk and follow this forum, I understand that claim was UNDER-stated!
It's ALL perception.
Change yours today to be POSITIVE - for your business.
Protect it from outside CORRUPTION.
Copywriting is powerful enough to try - but even the best copywriting can't do it - unless you let it happen to you
All success
Dr.Mani
P.S. - Thanks for all the wonderful comments posted. I've learned a lot from it.
P.P.S. - Chris, a special thanks for that great post. If any Warrior hasn't read some of Chris' other articles, I specially recommend this one called "The Narrow Read" - it is paradigm shifting! http://www.crlongboards.com/insight_article.htm |
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Eric Louviere |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 22:57:59
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Dr Mani... question, a serious one... Please let me know if it's true or not.
I need to know if it's ok... Clarify please... are you saying I can actually
fire my computer back up now - that I can actually get back to work - that
the Internet is back and open for business again? Whooo Hooo! For a second
there, I thought I had to go dust off my resume. LOL!
~Eric's Back! |
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dwooding |
Posted - 05/12/2007 : 23:30:11
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quote:
The analogy he uses is perfect. There are radio waves all around - but you don't feel them. Until you stick an antenna into the air, plug it into a radio, and tune in to the waves - when they become sound you can hear. Pictures you can see.
The waves haven't changed. You have - by tuning in!
Well said. Thanks.
Dave |
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STOP With The 'Stupid' Scare Tactics!