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carpediem |
 Posted - 01/30/2008 : 05:43:55
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Hi
This is my first visit and first post and I cannot stop laughing out loud seeing where I am in this wonderful online world.
I have been swamped by the info overload too.
I have lost money on pay per click campaigns too.
I have seminars, DVD's, Cd's Books ( well a library actually ) of everything you could imagine on the subject.
BUT ... what we all do wrong, is we do not focus enough on the "bit in the middle" - we focus on the dollars at the end - but you need to focus on the doing part first 
I have been trying to figure out this amazing all time best ever computer game - for three months now & I have some pretty good pieces so far ( not all of them but more than I started out with)
I struggled to learn to swim ( the genes simply are not there! ) anyway, when I discovered how to swim, I asked myself why didn't someone just tell me all I had to do is RELAX in the water!
I think it's the same with any new learning challenge, and this is nothing short of a complete career change. Learn some, do some, learn some more, do some more - pretty soon you get good at it and that's without the help of this amazing forum.
I'm off to "do some more right now"
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Greg Cooksley |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 10:16:40
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Hey Mike,
Is it possible to turn this thread into a pdf document?
Regards
Greg |
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DOMSGYM |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 10:47:38
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I have been reading these posts for a few days and have listened to Ken's first lesson. I have spent the last few days trying to think of some of my passions and my guineses. I have a lot of things I am passonate about but I am confused about how I turn those into a business? Is he saying to see an ebook about what I am passionate about, or to sell a service or product having to do with it? Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated!
thanks so much |
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n/a |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 11:10:01
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It's just easier to think of something if you have a passion about it or you will drive yourself nuts trying to think of the next BIG thing.
It's also easier to talk or wite about if you are interested in the subject or product. There is a lot of work to do so it had better be fun.
Lets say you may have a friend who is an expert at laying tiles etc. Get a video camera, shoot him laying the tiles and talking through it. Get it edited, research the keywords and build the page. Hire the camera if you cant affford one.
Maybe someone who is an expert dog trainer, horse jumper, an expert on the new iphone. Tips and Tricks via video. etc etc etc
It really is simple but so many make it sound hard. You just have to do it. |
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Mike Murphy |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 11:22:20
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quote : Originally posted by DOMSGYM
Is he saying to sell an ebook about what I am passionate about, or to sell a service or product having to do with it? Any advice and help would be greatly appreciated!
thanks so much
Perhaps Ken can elaborate, but I would say that nobody can tell you exactly how to monetize your passion. You can tell us here what your passions are and we can give some ideas if you like.
For example, one of my passions is music. I play guitar and write songs so I could write an ebook on guitar technique, recording, concert performance, finances for musicians etc. I could give online lessons or sell video lessons, offer guitar repair tips.
I could (and have) write radio jingles, write and record theme music for movies.
Do you see what I mean? It can go many different ways.
The ebook route is FAR from the only way do business. Someone recently told me to look outside of my passion and also to consider my strengths and areas of expertise. I loath the engineering business that I'm in, but I could certainly coach people on workplace wellness. I might think the biz stinks but at work I'm the guy with the lampshade on his head that people don't mind working with because we get our work done on time, under budget and it's correct.
I feel great about this thread because I believe that everyone of us that is stalling and not getting started has something great locked up inside of them. Feel free to share your passions and interests and see where the discussion goes.
Mike |
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Mike Murphy |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 11:27:52
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quote : Originally posted by Greg Cooksley
Hey Mike,
Is it possible to turn this thread into a pdf document?
Regards
Greg
Hi Greg,
Certainly! Any text can be made into a pdf document. Do you just want it so it's easier to read?
I would liek to compile it and offer it as a free guide but I wouldn't want it to be confusing to someone who hasn't been following the thread. I'm going to go through the whole thread and collect everyones names/usernames and see who is still with us or interested.
The we can see what everyones direction is. Not much point in having a launchpad if we're all launching in a different direction right? |
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Greg Cooksley |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 11:47:50
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Hey Mike,
As a pdf document it's easier to print out and refer back to, rather than trying to find someone's post somewhere in the middle.
I think your idea of the Launchpad is exceptional even if it just helps people to launch....
I would hope that everyone takes the information to heart and as a result launch in different directions.....
Regards
Greg
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n/a |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 11:48:39
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DVD, Audio, Ebook, Book, Resell, Affiliate, Seminars, Webinars, one on one, workshops, magazine, blogs, member sites and many more ways to sell your ideas or passions.
Be brave and start.
Start answerig questions in forums of your interest. Dogs, cats, phones, models, pilots, cameras, cars, football, golf, cricket, sundials, holidays, hotels, TV, music or whatever you like. Get to know what your target market wants and needs.
Learn something new if you like. Become the expert. |
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bechelle |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 12:01:30
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| I'm slow Mike, but I'm still in. |
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Dooberry |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 12:40:53
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I'm interested Mike,
Great thread by the way, it's got me thinking about things differently.
I guess the first step is to find out what the spending masses want! Or need! |
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JohnnySilvers |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 15:01:55
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I'm with Dooberry :)
Here's a real world example. In October last year I went to an offline networking group for very small businesses, micro entreprenuers, that sort of thing.
I explained that I was conducting a bit of market research. I asked them what their biggest challenges were with regards to sales/business development/cash flow. With every response I asked for an email address to give me the chance to share the results with everyone.
I did share the results then, in a subsequent email I said I would hold a one day masterclass to show people how to solve the commonest problem.
One meeting, some thinking time, a bit of writing, another email and I had $4000 in tickets sold for a one day seminar (you can tell I am not Eben Pagan in disguise lol).
Ask what they want, check you have listened correctly then offer them what they have told you they want...
This is not an IM secret/technique/trick just good business sense.
Oh and my $ 1 WSO will include offline stuff too (no guru competition in your home town ;)
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Scofz |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 15:17:03
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This thread ( and Forum as a whole) is awesome.
I am a newbie too, although I've had some notable success, it's only ever been as an affiliate. I hav e made some money making other people money - so it's just like a day job!
I have never considered solving someone's problem, I have never created my own product, so although I have made some money, this thread has made me realise that I haven't even really started. Thanks for the reality check, I needed it big time!
To Ken - I'm gonna check out your other thread
To Johnny - Count me IN to your WSO
Every time somebody posts on this thread, we move further in the right direction. Cheers ALL |
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n/a |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 16:36:45
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Jonny Silvers. That's just it. You have TO DO IT and you did.
Well done. It's a very fun way to make a lot of money. Those you hear making all the cash are the ones who are DOING IT. One of those a week and you have $400k per year. PLUS all the other stuff you can sell though the year. See how easy a million dollar business gets running.
I bet most would be happy with half that.
MAKE YOUR BOSS RICH...Be your own BOSS.
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n/a |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 16:37:05
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Jonny Silvers. That's just it. You have TO DO IT and you did.
Well done. It's a very fun way to make a lot of money. Those you hear making all the cash are the ones who are DOING IT. One of those a week and you have $400k per year. PLUS all the other stuff you can sell though the year. See how easy a million dollar business gets running.
I bet most would be happy with half that.
MAKE YOUR BOSS RICH...Be your own BOSS.
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n/a |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 16:37:28
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Jonny Silvers. That's just it. You have TO DO IT and you did.
Well done. It's a very fun way to make a lot of money. Those you hear making all the cash are the ones who are DOING IT. One of those a week and you have $400k per year. PLUS all the other stuff you can sell though the year. See how easy a million dollar business gets running.
I bet most would be happy with half that.
MAKE YOUR BOSS RICH...Be your own BOSS.
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DOMSGYM |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 18:52:07
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| I posted a little earlier about not being sure where to start (ebook, affiliate marketing, etc.) Some of my passions are traveling, sports, hiking, boating...I was wondering if anyone would be kind enought to give me some ideas to start with. I'm just not sure how much I should narrow the subject down. I have really appreciated all of your help on here. You have no idea how much it means to me! Thanks again |
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bechelle |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 19:52:21
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If these are your passions, where do you go to research them? Where are the forums that discuss them? Enter these forums and join in. Offer your knowledge and become a part of the community. Ask them what they want or need. They will narrow the niche for you.
Just an echo.
I've created a Wordpress blog, but it needs a lot of work. |
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plug |
Posted - 01/30/2008 : 21:58:18
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Hello to one and all,
I have been following this thread and Ken's other one for the past couple of days. I would have to say these have got to be some of the most informative and motivating threads by newbies I have ever seen. Most of the time when a newbie starts a thread it is only a matter of time before a guru makes a post, and it dies. Kind of "deer in the headlights" sort of thing. But this time it has been a newbie "call to action"!
I have checked out some of your blogs, and I think they are very good. They have given me some ideas and made me realize I need to do something, anything.
Looking forward to the WSO.
Keep up the good work and good luck to everyone! |
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Les Tatum |
Posted - 01/31/2008 : 07:35:48
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Hi all,
I have been reading this thread and I gotta say you guys and gals have the right attitude. You have already done more than 99% of newbies out there by just getting on here, starting something and doing it. Yes there are a lot of things you won't know how to do right out of the gate but the fact is if you read manuals 'till you know exactly what you are doing, you will never get started. There is simply too much information out there for any one person to read and process everything and a large portion is revamped, rehashed, and repackaged info that you may have already purchased. Don't get me wrong, there are some very good courses and manuals out there and some of the revamped info offers new perspectives or updated material so they aren't a bad thing but the reality is that if you can pick a direction to go and stick with it, learning all along the way, you will naturally learn on your own most of what you need to be successful in that area. Guides and step by step plans are great and by all means if you can find a great one in the area of marketing you want to go into, get it and get started but definately be choosy and don't buy every marketing plan that comes along, many of them offer much of the same info. You can easilly end up broke and overwhelmed as many others have and athough going through the info overload phase of newbiehood seems to be a kind of right of passage for those who stick with it long enough, the seemingly inevitable burnout it brings is completely avoidable if you can focus on your chosen area of business, learn everything you can about it, and ignore most of everything else.
I'm sorry for being so long winded but it is what it is, lol. I'm not really a newbie,of course all of us are newbies in some respect unless you have stopped learning. I have been at this online marketing thing in one way or another for 10 years and I have made some money here and there, nothing mindblowing, but i've had my share of successes and certainly my share of "learning experiences" (I don't like the F word) If I have learned anything worth repeating it is do not allow yourself to succumb to the information overload beast. I think this has a lot to with the reason so many people don't act on the info they get, they simply cannot wrap their head around all the different aspects of this business, they get frustrated and burned out and that J.O.B starts looking better again. Working for someone else stinks but sometimes it's easier to do what we know rather than struggle to make a dream happen. If you figure out what thing, or few things you want to focus on and actually stick with it and focus you are already on your way to good online money. You don't have to know it all, just the part that pertains to what you are doing. You will pick the rest up as you go by just being in the business, paying attention, and making connections.
I'm so glad you guys have decided to jump in and make it happen or at the very least have an extreemely valuable "learning experience" that will lead to something better in the future. I speak of focusbecause that is the only thing that has held me back in the online world, is trying to do too much all at one time and trying to learn it all and do it all. Sure I have learned a lot of valuable stuff on my own that saved me from having to pay someone to do it but I never really had that laser focus that it takes to get ahead. In the recent months I have decided on a few things to focus on and have gotten to actual work on it and am seeing results faster than I ever have before. Please don't fall into the trap, pick one or a couple money making methods that you are interested in and stick with it 'till it pays off and you can get it more or less on autopilot before you go on to something else.
I do mostly affiliate marketing right now by way of article marketing, blogging, and SEO and it is very easy to focus on. I have done some marketing in the money making field but there is just as much money to be made in almost any niche if as Ken said (I think, my appologies if someone else said it lol) you find out what people want and provide it to them. You have all heard it before, find a hungry crowd, find out what they are hungry for, and give it to them or in my case hook them up with someone that can give it to them at a cut of the profits.
Activities such as affiliate marketing can make some great cash and is making some people a ton of money but all in all it is more a means to an end. These activities should be a springboard to bigger and better things. For instance once you have been an affiliate marketer for some time and have learned what you can, start producing your own products on how to do what you do and sell them. If you have been participating in list building activities the whole time, you will have a sizeable list to market your new product to and get affiliates to sell it for you, then you become the guru. As long as your product is valuable info and not fluff people will buy it.
I'm terribly sorry this post seems more like a random rant rather than some intelligent help lol but it's 7:30 AM and i've been up all night doing the marketing chores so i'm kinda braindead anyway. But basically here's the secret, ready? There are no secrets! There is only providing a needed product or service to someone who needs it. The confusung part is there is a million ways to do that lol. Pick one and go for it as you are doing here. If anyone wants to contact me feel free to pm me and I will try to reply to everyone personally. If anyone is interested in article marketing and doesn't know where to start pm me and i'll help, I use a few fast producing techniques that makes money fairly quickly. Thanks for reading, hope I didn't bore ya too much, take care :)
Don't be afraid to have a "learning experience" just do it!
Les |
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Kens Project |
Posted - 01/31/2008 : 09:31:45
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There are so many great points being made on this thread by folks. Let me address one comment Mike made:
"Perhaps Ken can elaborate, but I would say that nobody can tell you exactly how to monetize your passion."
I can do better than that...I can teach people how to figure this out for themselves. Here's how.
Once someone is clear on their passions, geniuses and commitment to others, target markets naturally emerge. The target market that energizes you the most, the one that you could talk to or about for days on end and never get bored...this is your ideal target market.
The most powerful aspect of this is one very often overlooked. Ready?
You are most likely already a member or participant of your ideal target market.
In other words, you are one of them....which is exactly what they're looking for as they look to be led - someone who knows them, understands them. IS them.
It's at the point where you commit to this target market that you begin to look at strategy. Not one moment before this should strategy enter the picture! Very important.
How to monetize once you get to this point? It's much more simple than everyone wants to make it:
1) Get in tune with the current dialogue of your target market
2) Identify their greatest current want/need
3) Spend nickels to get a basic starting structure in place (website, autoresponder, blog)
4) Start leading them - figure out where they hang out and meet them there - don't wait to get it perfect, just move
5) Develop a strong starting relationship with them, then begin offering them *only* the highest quality products/services (affiliate to start if need be)
6) As soon as possible begin creating your own products/services (either built by you or by a partner who agrees to exclusivity with you)
7) Sell the value you offer with honesty and integrity - they will swarm you
If it were any more complicated than that I would tell you. It simply isn't.
Ken
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guamguy |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 00:16:04
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Hi Mike,
Hope you had a good sleep. I've also only begun in the IM industry starting on or around my birthday on Dec. 7. Here's what I've DONE and am I'm DOING:
1. Found out about WF (I forgot how).
2. Found out about 30DC and followed through with the challenge until about the 17th day of the challenge which was around December 20th.
3. Vacation and IM Info overload break from around Dec. 20th - 27th.
4. Found about Chris (Surfrider) Rempel's "Lazy Affiliate Marketer" ebook and bought it.
5. Read Chris's book and took action.
6. Finished creating my initial prototype website (I used Dreamweaver. What a learning curve!!! I lost most of my hair...) as per Chris's instruction although I haven't done exactly what he's said to do. I've gotta use my noggin too!
7. Launched my website it yesterday and started some 30DC SEO social marketing methods as well as the ones explained at Stompernet. 30 minutes after completing my first keyword phrase I checked google. Ranked 12th out of about 2 million pages.
8. No money showing yet at onedirect or clickbank.
9. Lots of work to do. Still have to finish Chapters 2 and on... from his Lazy affiliate book.
This is what I've done so far.
The way I've learned so far is that I try to find a plan of action quickly (while I have the momentum still). I like Ed Dale, Chris Surfrider, Andy Jenkins, Don Crowthey and all of Stompernet. These are the folks who've really captured my attention and where I've gotten most of my information.
I'm 34. It's time. MOVE!
Gil
P.S. You also need to know where to focus your energy and balance it out. I've got 2 young boys and I don't want to miss out on the wrestling matches. sleep is important too i guess...;) |
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Sid Kaplan |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 00:28:43
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I can't remember who asked but I created a PDF of this thread to tonight and you can download it here
http://toytrainsmania.com/WarriorThreadTopicID215232.pdf
For those that can print to pdf just go to the top of this page where it says Printer Friendly an print it to a file on your computer. If can't do that I offer the download. If I have time I will try and keep it updated.
Hope it helps.
Sid |
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nursehoney |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 04:17:51
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I posted this on this very forum several months ago and though it's lengthy, I hope it will prove useful to the folks on this thread. I feel your frustrations and your desires; it hasn't been that long ago that I felt them myself on a daily basis. But once I learned the lesson I'm about to share with you, I found my productivity increased tenfold.
"The Focus Post"
I found an affiliate program that I decided to promote. I go to their website to sign up. But wait...they want a URL...I try to sign up without it, thinking I'll go back later and fill in the URL (when I have one!) But no, the sign up won't go through without it. So I decide okay, I'll go ahead and get a domain name so I can complete the sign up process.
A trip to Godaddy and 20-30 minutes later, I found and bought what I believe is a smokin' domain name for that particular industry. Course, while I was there, I decided to go ahead and get another one I had picked out some time ago...I mean, I'm already there, might as well, right?
While I'm there, I notice that another domain name of mine that I bought a long time ago and have never done anything with yet, has expired. So a few more valuable minutes are spent zipping off an email asking what I need to do to get it re-instated. (Turns out it hadn't yet expired, so all that was completely wasted time)
Back to the affiliate sign up page, brand spankin' new domain name safely under my ownership, ready to sign up, then I read in their terms and conditions that they can refuse a site for any reason they deem appropriate.
So I'm thinkin'....hmmm....what if they won't approve my app with just a domain name and not even a single web page to show them. Maybe it would be better if I had at least a home page they could see.
So I'm off to my desktop to open up Nvu, which I only DL'd the other day and haven't even really looked at. Opened it up and stared blankly for several seconds before realizing that I had no freakin' clue where to begin.
Well, hey, no problem, I'm sure there are tutorials somewhere....a quick Google search and a couple of clicks later and I'm into an Nvu tutorial...I'm reading...and it mentions hosting...and I think, aw, geez, I'll need to get it hosted too...but look! ....conveniently, there's a link.."What to look for in a hosting company".
So off I go to learn about what I need to know before deciding on a hosting company. Finished that article and down at the bottom, whaddyaknow....a link to "Budget Hosting Companies"...well, c'mon, I mean I NEED to see them, don't I? After all, I don't want to spend a bunch of money for hosting if I don't need to, right?
By now, I don't even know how long I've been derailed from my original purpose. In fact, I didn't even think of it as being derailed....I was "working"....HAH!
I looked over the companies that were recommended, picked one and dashed off to THEIR website to read all about what they offered and all the features, etc. Sometime later I clicked back to finish reading the page that had recommended them in the first place.
I was all set to leave...and then....I saw a link at the top of the page that was so compelling, (or appealed so heavily to my greed) that I HAD to just 'check it out'. It said "Find out how I make $1000 a day with Google".
Well hell, I know there are people doing that....maybe this guy's got something to say that I need to hear. A few minutes later I'm knee deep in his Google Cash 3 sales page. Wow is he convincing or what!? Maybe I need to consider buying that book....I mean,it just seems like it's taking so long to start seeing income....the price really isn't too bad....I better see what some other folks have to say about it first.
Back to Google search for Google Cash reviews....scanned through a couple, but still couldn't decide....after all, you never know how many so-called 'review' sites are just affiliate sites. I need some honest opinions....hmmm...where can I go? Oh I know!
Off I go to a favorite forum, (this one) where I know if someone's had a bad experience with a product I'll find it there. So I do a search and find several threads that have discussed the book. And then a funny thing happened....
Someone (and I have no clue who, it doesn't really matter) advised against buying the book and suggested an alternative instead. It registered with me, but I continued reading several other threads...most were rather short, (thank god, or I guess I'd still be there), and then someone else advised against it and suggested a different book was a better choice. Again a little bell went off in my head, but there were only a couple more threads, after all.....by the end, no less than half a dozen people had made the suggestion that there was a better way.
Finally the light went on and I came out of my coma. I can't even tell you how many hours I wasted running back and forth in cyberspace, lying to myself that I was 'working', getting things done, doing research on stuff I needed to know. I had completely lost my focus...and an entire night of precious, valuable, irreplacable time went down the drain in the process. And for what? I didn't even accomplish the one thing I set out to do...the relatively simple task of signing up for an affiliate program.
So the next night I went scurrying back to my computer with renewed determination. I did some studying, read a couple of tutorials, added a module to one of my Squidoo lenses and finished writing several articles I'd been putting off. I came to the painful realization that I had no business trying to start promoting another affiliate product while I still had so many unfinished projects staring me in the face.
The reason I'm sharing this enormously embarrassing lack of focus is to hopefully keep others from making the same mistake. We have to spend time online in order to build our business, but on every page we're tempted by a never-ending supply of distractions.
Your focus on your goal, on the task at hand, on the very next step, must be laser sharp or a year from now, you'll still be surfin, and searching, and lying to yourself about how much real work you're doing and lamenting the fact that you've spent 'so much time' trying to make this thing work and still have little or no money coming in.
I know because it's what I've done.
I hope this helps someone keep from making the same mistake.
Honey |
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Topgunmommy |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 10:39:27
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Nursehoney: boy can I relate! This week alone I've already spent over 50hours sitting at me computer trying to 'GET STARTED'.
Even in these threads I've overloaded with info.
There are so many different progams talked about here, and many terms I've never heard before!
Like: what is Cpanel and why would I need it if I already have both Outlook and yahoo mail?
I have a domain name, started a blog, and tried to creat a web page, and signed up for affiliate programs; but how do I connect them all? That's where I get stuck when I'm asked for URL'S, links, or other technical stuff I'm not quite sure what they mean. (interruption- just got an auto-call reminding me about Frank Kern's Mass Control about to be launched--great stuff, but I don't have any money--now where was I?) It's the technical how-to's that bogg me down and throw brick walls in front of me-- that's where I need constant help.
Does any one have a Dictionary-Glossary for newbies out there? |
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bechelle |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 11:07:07
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Topgunmommy,
I feel your pain. To my knowledge Cpanel is an easy to use template system to create webpages. It has been suggested that if your webhost uses Cpanel it will be easier to build your site.
How to tie everything together? I'm still trying to figure that one out. This may be a little time consuming, but it should be on the mark.
Use the search feature on this forum to find threads about the tech definition or problem you are having.
Just an echo.
Dana |
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JohnnySilvers |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 16:32:47
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Hi Everyone,
Sorry for not updating you yesterday (pesky day job!) and it was a long day. Spent most of last night (12am-3am UK time) listening in to a few of the pre-launch Mass Control teleseminars and webinars!
If you missed them, Frank recorded one! Check it out here: [url>http://masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=27 (and I guarantee that's the only link on the entire internet that points to Frank's blog without an affiliate link embedded in it!)
Anyway, tomorrow I'll be posting a sample of the videos I've been working on so you don't have to wait until the $1 WSO to start mining for markets full of cash wielding potential buyers...and let's face it, just by being here, we're already ahead of all those not smart enough to find the Way of the Warrior!
I know it will be useful but I must warn you the video is a rough cut, but I am sure you are interested in the information rather than my editing skills, right? :)
*Yawn*, need sleeeeep, will post link to video tomorrow.
Cheers
AJ
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Kens Project |
Posted - 02/01/2008 : 22:52:49
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Hey all,
I just want to remind everyone of something important.
Technical knowledge makes zero difference if you don't have:
1) An audience to stand in front of
2) Something interesting to say to them
3) Something valuable to offer them
4) The skill to make them want to buy it (marketing/sales)
Case in point....I've made amazing money in IM and have absolutely no clue what cPanel is. Nor do I ever care to learn.
Within a few months of starting in IM, I had already hired someone to handle most of the technical stuff for me.
So forget about all that crazy stuff. If you build the proper foundation and commit yourself to bringing real value to a specific target audience, you won't need to know 95% of it. Ever.
Ken
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nursehoney |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 03:23:14
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A very valid point, Ken. I had been online for over a year before I ever felt the need to learn much technical stuff. And frankly, part of why I do it is because I have a hard time letting go of things and letting other people do them...I'm anal-retentive that way...LOL!
But you're right...some of the top earners online will tell you they don't know a thing about building a website, SEO, etc...they've always paid someone else to do it for them.
The other reason I learned is because I just hated spending the money. I outsourced for the first time about two weeks ago.
If you haven't signed up for Ken's Project...I think you'll be missing out on something awesome that will hasten your ability to be successful online. <----NOT a paid endorsement...LOL!
Honey |
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Ken Nubo |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 07:49:04
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Ken post is PURE money.
What's funny is that his posts are the same material that another internet marketer ebook I bought (who won't be named) charge $47 for.
Thanks for reminding the universal truth, Ken! |
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andypclarke |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 08:57:16
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quote : Originally posted by foolsfortuneTime to show how very green I am! 1. I have signed up to be an affiliate for 3 internet marketers. How do I create a landing page and how do I get people to go to that page to see what it is I’m offering? I would assume 3 different affiliates would mean 3 separate URL’s and landing pages right? Example of a landing page http://www.mindfireinc.com/info/landing_page_example.html2. Need to read up on SEO but do you mean to take the site(s) from step 1 and optimize those or is this something different altogether? 3. Short report. No problem. Just need to find a topic and go for it. 4. Flagship report. Cool. A little longer with more content than the other report and not necessarily on the same topic right? 5. The list of subscribers comes from the page with the free report yes? We create a landing page where the reader has to fill in their name and email in an opt in box (Aweber.com or other) to get the free report. They get the report, we get their name and email. After filling out the info they are taken to a thank you page that offers them the flagship report correct? 6. What are some good backend products? A longer report with some cd’s created from teleseminars, videos, audio of us reading the book for them etc.? 7. I create my membership site from this income or I create a membership site based around this same niche? So there are people who make loads of dough doing nothing more than affiliate marketing. While it’s not for everyone, I think it’s worth a shot. The 3 people that I have signed up as an affiliate for are all marketing Internet Marketing products if that makes any sense. Actually one is selling musical instruction material as well. Sorry I still sound lost. It’s just because I AM still lost! I hate so sound like a wimp that needs hi hand held, but the more I learn the more confused I become because it all seems so broad. I need to find ONE thing to start with and go from there. I’ve already signed for these affiliate links so why not start there? They are all internet big wigs which mean lots of affiliates, but it should also mean that their items are selling. Am I looking at this the wrong way? Thanks for the guidance. Mike
quote : Originally posted by foolsfortuneTime to show how very green I am! 1. I have signed up to be an affiliate for 3 internet marketers. How do I create a landing page and how do I get people to go to that page to see what it is I’m offering? I would assume 3 different affiliates would mean 3 separate URL’s and landing pages right? Example of a landing page http://www.mindfireinc.com/info/landing_page_example.html2. Need to read up on SEO but do you mean to take the site(s) from step 1 and optimize those or is this something different altogether? 3. Short report. No problem. Just need to find a topic and go for it. 4. Flagship report. Cool. A little longer with more content than the other report and not necessarily on the same topic right? 5. The list of subscribers comes from the page with the free report yes? We create a landing page where the reader has to fill in their name and email in an opt in box (Aweber.com or other) to get the free report. They get the report, we get their name and email. After filling out the info they are taken to a thank you page that offers them the flagship report correct? 6. What are some good backend products? A longer report with some cd’s created from teleseminars, videos, audio of us reading the book for them etc.? 7. I create my membership site from this income or I create a membership site based around this same niche? So there are people who make loads of dough doing nothing more than affiliate marketing. While it’s not for everyone, I think it’s worth a shot. The 3 people that I have signed up as an affiliate for are all marketing Internet Marketing products if that makes any sense. Actually one is selling musical instruction material as well. Sorry I still sound lost. It’s just because I AM still lost! I hate so sound like a wimp that needs hi hand held, but the more I learn the more confused I become because it all seems so broad. I need to find ONE thing to start with and go from there. I’ve already signed for these affiliate links so why not start there? They are all internet big wigs which mean lots of affiliates, but it should also mean that their items are selling. Am I looking at this the wrong way? Thanks for the guidance. Mike
Oh my friend how you remind me of myself.
Stop worrying about what you can't do and don't have like I did for so long.
Stop worrying about "missing out"....there is more than enough opportunity for EVERYONE to make it....the reason they don't is they (me included) do what you're doing....what about this, or what about that, or what about this one....Ooooh here's a new thing I wonder if this is better?
We become obsessed with what we MIGHT miss out on so we buy everything just in case....and get confused, frustrated and POORER.
You said it yourself....
"I need to find ONE thing to start with and go from there"
Here it is....go and have some fun.
Best thing to do - unsubscribe from all the email lists you joined(you can always join again), stop reading sales letters, buy NOTHING more until you've made at least $2000.
You have to understand that good emails and sales letters are designed to make you buy whether you want to or not....so if you don't read them...nothing lost.....well you might say nothing gained either....REALLY....well what have you gained so far reading all these emails and sales letters? Every post you make seems to head in a different direction!
Just frequent this board. Use the search facility and most IMPORTANT - DO IT!
I'm not trying to be harsh just saying STOP. THINK. DO....Do....DO...
My suggestion...sign up to aweber ($20) and spend a few days going through their training videos so you know what to do etc.
Start a blog about your music etc, don't worry about what it looks like or if it will make you money - this is your blog to the world about you and your interests. Start making some posts (daily if possible), what you like, what you've found that's interesting, some of your music your favorite bands, etc etc promote it through the hundreds of free web 2.0 sites (squidoo, digg, youtube etc etc etc where you can make bookmarks, posts etc pointing back to your blog. Write some articles at Ezine Article's (I personally think they shouldn't be identical to your blog posts) and others Article sites recommended on this board.
IT means WORK....It means LEARNING this stuff yourself to start with (unless you have money to pay others - which at this point I wouldn't suggest).
There are so many affiliate and other possibilities in your field it boggles the mind, music sales, posters, instruments, DVD, games, music tutorials, mp3 players, mp3 recorders, ipods and of course adsense and adsense alternatives etc etc etc
Put a simple data capture page on the blog, offering something free,related to your site (Top 10 Places To Buy Your Ipods or whatever). Just think of what people who be interested in your site want. You can create a free pdf report using www.openoffice.org (like Microsoft Office) you can create free videos using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker, you can make free audio's with audacity and a simple headset.
Again search on the web for free tutorials, forums etc on the subject. You do NOT need more than google to search and this forum to make at least $2000.
Forget the making millions by tomorrow....just have fun with your blog and whilst doing this start researching possible business models, plans etc as so well written of in this thread.
Here's the thing - there's no pressure - you're having fun, but whilst you are having fn you are learning to blog, make search engine friendly posts, use web 2, make videos etc. The confidence you'll get from your blog will be more beneficial to you and your progress than you think....you'll KNOW you can do it.
To start a blog search for free wordpress tutorials or something similar and get a basic search engine friendly blog.
There are tons of places to teach you how to set up a search engine friendly blog. If you aren't too tight with money register a domain and get someone to do it for you....there are some here on the forum who will do just that....
Even this thread could make you even more confused because everyone has a different idea....that's why I suggest doing something for fun first....you'll get confidence.
BUT......and it's a BIG But......
....you will get NOWHERE thinking and "researching" and watching MORE videos and reading MORE Emails and SALES LETTERS....you have to DO something.
You wouldn't expect to be paid at a job to "surf" the web, read emails, attend forums, etc....so don't expect to be paid doing these things for your self?
So decide on ONE thing and DO it
.....or you'll still be in this position in months and even years to come - I KNOW - I did it and here's the bitter irony.
When I decided enough was enough.
I didn't open my email for a week. Sat and learned how to put up a website....which I did for a charity using xsitepro....created my first movies....with my $20 web cam, made some horrible posts to digg etc, posted some absolutely terrible videos (now deleted).
...and they love me. They have traffic, have donations coming in from the internet, people subscribing to their Update Newsletter.
It gave me the confidence to move on. It showed I knew enough to get started and certainly more than most other people out there who thought I was a genius! (well to them I was). I just DID IT.
SO I then went and did the same for myself - I KNEW I Could do it....just now I was doing it for me. This was a while back but it showed....I didn't die by not reading my emails. Opportunity didn't "ride into the sunset" never to be seen again because I missed all these "last chance", "once in a life time opportunities".
Your post is so familiar.....how can I make x amount.....well we don't know your skills, interests, objectives NOTHING....you just want money, probably because you've spent so much BUYING all this other "stuff".....right!
Anyway.....ACCOUNTABILITY is the missing ingredient I believe. We'll do it for a boss but not for ourselves. By doing this project for someone else I was accountable and more likely to do productive things rather than "surfing" "researching etc".
So find a local charity or friend with a local business and build them a blog or website - or post on this forum what you intended to do with your fun blog (above) and have members keep you accountable - and this helps you develop good working habits to concentrate on what NEEDS to be done rather than what you WANT to do.
Finally en excellent free report from a genuine star (in my opinion) in the IM world Paul Smithson on managing your time...
http://www.xsitepro.com/realreason.html
Forgive me if what I say doesn't apply to you but it did to me.....and seems to apply to so many others as well. This post is a little disjointed but felt I had to say something.
FOCUS on the IMPORTANT things(marketing) that NEED done and not what you WANT to do. Don't worry about what you MIGHT miss.... Do what you can with what you already have.
Go do it.
Andy Clarke
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Mike Murphy |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 09:43:12
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No offense taken at all Andy and I think you hit the nail on the head. Actually I KNOW you hit the nail on the head because oddly enough just last night I was surfing around just as you described and I caught myself and said "you're doing it again man...."
I had shut everything down on the pc and just had the desktop to look at and it had a photo that I took on vacation displayed. My "ah-ha" happened and I felt a bit dumb because I had overlooked something that I absolutly love, am knowledgable about and can help others with.
Next I went and unsubscribed from the mailing list of several guru ding-dongs and decided to write a book about said passion. Next i thought "why do it yourself" and bought an excellent PLR book from a fellow Warrior that I can edit and add my own experiences to.
Now all I have to do is edit the book and I'd like to have someone make me a new cover and header graphic. Pretty excited and I can't believe I overlooked it.
So here's question. With this book, should I have it as my backend product and give something else away like a related article?
I hadn't jumped on aweber just yet because I didn't think I should drop $20 when I had nothing to market yet.
I've got the blog going and quite enjoyed learning to set it up. I don't mind paying someone to do things for me as long as I spend that time doing something useful.
Thank you so much for this post Andy and I hope people take a serious look at it. I'm printing it out and sticking it beside the monitor to keep me from sidetracking.
Must go edit.
Thanks
Mike |
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Sid Kaplan |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 11:20:14
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Now you've got it Mike!! Find something you are passionate about, love to do and want to help others with. It doesn't matter if you start from scratch or with a PLR book as your base if you make a better product out of it. If you are passionate about it your efforts will grow.
And Andy - thanks for turing the light on for many people.
All the best.
Sid |
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Topgunmommy |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 11:40:20
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thanks Ken, Andy, Honey, (and Mike for starting this)
your right I need to focus on just one step at a time. This week my main focus has been this forum, reading threads, (not threats, sorry Ken about that typo I made about your Project in another post-- but it got a good laugh).
I have to admit I've strayed all over, reading email for 2 emails, watching all of Frank's videos twice (but I think that was wery worth while of my time), etc. Just last night I click someones link here for "freemoney" (I have zero cash flow right now), and was up until 2am sending emails to 'craigslist' clients about Superbowl tickets still for sale on ebay. Time will tell if I was wasting my time!
Ok, so I need to focus, focus, focus! I know what my passions/genius's are, not sure how to make contact to start a list yet, but I need to find one way of communicating with my target audiance.
Does any one know of a forum dedicated to aviation enthusists?
In the mean time I'm better go back to my new web site & domain and figure out how to connect them!
I'll check back in here later today.
Thanks again everyone.
Debra From Canada
ps: has any one checked out that short movie in my link below? What do you think of it? |
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Greg Cooksley |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 06:48:37
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Hey Andy,
As Mike said, you hit the nail on the head in more ways than one...thanks for taking the time to contribute...
Regards
Greg |
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Bancroft |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 01:49:12
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Hey guys,
I'm mostly a lurker here, but having seen the same question asked several times in several places, I've decided to put in my 2 cents.
There are 2 basic schools of thought when it comes to making money on the 'net.
1. Follow your heart
2. Do whatever makes money by constantly learning the new cool tactic that works until it doesn't.
Either of these alone will likely leave you broke and discouraged. Following your dream could very well mean promoting a product or site with absolutely no market to speak of (no money for you)
Trying to learn the latest and greatest thing sends us right back where we started, 'ok what's step one?'
Let me propose a bit of a compromise. If you have a passion or a hobby, do 15 minutes of research first to see if any one else is doing it and making money.
Mike- regarding your guitar site idea, there's an IMer out there (sorry his name escapes me) selling a course to marketers about how he did 3.2 million in a few years selling a book on playing the piano.
Bottom line, if there are other sites similar to your idea ranking for keywords related to your idea, you're on the right track.
Step 2. And this is going to be novel...build the site, create the product etc... We all have this uncanny ability to sit back and say "yeah I can pick the product and build the site, but then where am I gonna get traffic?..."
Unless you do it, you'll never find out. There's no big massive secret to driving tons of traffic that everyone's keeping from you. The only secret is, you can't drive traffic to a site that isn't there.
So once the site is built, let's say you've decided to focus on how to play guitar for beginners. Here's a quick course on traffic.
I'm not going to get into any high level SEO stuff here, but bottom line is, create something users will like, and the Engine's will take notice.
So, write articles, squidoo lenses, myspace pages, Craigslist ads (there's a way to do this right) about learning to play the guitar. I'm not going to stress keyword relevance here because I shouldn't have to.
And as for the free e-book you'll be giving away to build your list, write it. It's your site, and they're there to here from you. Write something they're going to want to read. Or if you're adventurous, don't give away info at all. Give away a physical gift that they have to opt-in for. Give them a set of premium strings and a pick (whatever's relevant to your site) Either way, give them something of value without asking for money and the list is going to be more responsive.
***Quick trick for insta traffic: Write a high-quality e-course about your chosen topic. It should be a reasonably sized high-value course pertaining to your niche. Then put it up on a nice looking landing page with no opt-in box and no buy button, just a direct download link. Then send some e-mails out to your competetion and ask them to have their lists take a look at it, nothing sneaky, but you want some testimonials for your sales-letter when you sell this thing for $$$. "check it out, no opt-in, not selling anything, what do you say?" Assuming you thought far enough ahead to have afollow-up product to sell, you can simply add these new users to your own list when they e-mail you with comments/testimonials.*****
Okay, well I've ranted for at least 4 cents worth now and I'm getting kinda tired. I hope someone got some value from what I was offering. If not, simply pm me all relevant hate-mail, and I will respond accordingly.
Hope to talk with you all again in the future. Have a good one-
Steve Gunn |
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bechelle |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 02:25:28
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Thanks Steve,
"Let me propose a bit of a compromise. If you have a passion or a hobby, do 15 minutes of research first to see if any one else is doing it and making money...Bottom line, if there are other sites similar to your idea ranking for keywords related to your idea, you're on the right track."
I may have read this a million times before, but it just sank in. Why do my "aha" moments come when I'm dead tired and overworked?
I really need to build my own website and the next lesson in my textbook is "Creating a Web Page Using Word" How funny is that? My host is Hostgator and they have Cpanel and templates so I just need to jump in there and get it done.
Dana Parr |
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nomeous |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 22:18:12
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Steve Gunn:
Thanks for the tips about no opt-in and no sales in exchange for testimonials. Great stuff. I have just recently started "digging in" to the internet thing. I feel like a babe in the woods. I have been kind of lurking around for a couple of months, trying to learn as much as I can.
I finally got off of my actionless duff this last weekend and built a basic website, got hosting, and named it. It doesn't have a definite focus yet (i.e., products) but it does provide a couple of general services.
I really just wanted to create a physical "landing place" for my current and future work. Anyway, if anyone would like to check it out and give me a few pointers, the address is in my sig file.
Thanks 
Joel
P.S. Don't worry, there is no opt-in page or anything to buy yet! |
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Katherine Fey |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 12:18:09
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WOW!
I was offline for 5 days and you guys took this thread to a whole new level!!! I am so impressed.
My goals for this week:
1. Catch up on the Warrior Forum
2. Post to my blog
3. Write one article For Mike to consider cross-posting on his blog (http://immikemurphy.com/)
4. Ghost write one article for another newbie.
What are you all doing this week?
Kate |
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Oosha |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 23:50:00
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Mike, what an inspiring thread!
I'm a freelance writer and all of what I earn online currently is from writing. It was a couple of years ago that I ventured into IM and gained enough knowledge and understanding on the various nuances, although I couldn't put my knowledge to much use. I had to concentrate on writing, in order to earn enough to be able to quit my job, which I did recently.
I have big plans for 2008 and am all set to succeed at IM.
Ken, your posts are invaluable, not only from the newbie perspective. Johnny, very kind of you to offer a newbie WSO...looking forward to it.
Mike, I'd love to join you guys and it's certainly a good idea for all of us to follow one direction to see where it takes us. We can always try out other stuff too ... one at a time. A group thing makes it easier to learn and clarify any doubts we may have.
Why don't we lay out an action plan..a weekly one perhaps?
Usha |
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Mike Murphy |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 23:50:21
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Welcome back Kate! Ok fellow newbs, where does everyone stand? What have you done since your first post in this thread? What have you got started on?
I realized a passion that I had kind of left beside, dug it back out, jump started it and have a book just about ready to release on it.
I will be getting a cover, header and squeeze page done this week and hope to have the book up and ready for selling by the middle of next week.
Hope all is well with everyone else. Let's hear your success or where you're stuck....it's the reason for the launchpad idea after all.
Thanks
Mike |
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Newbie Launchpad - where to start?