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Ron Douglas |
 Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:20:08
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First of all let me say, this post is not to brag but to say thanks to this forum for teaching me so much over the years.
I've been at this since 2001, but without much success in the first few years. My business really started to take off once I joined this forum in 2004.
Warriors like Allen, Paul Myers, Willie Crawford, Dr. Mani, Kurt, Mr Unconventional, Brian Kumar, John Delavera, Mike Filsaime, Russell Brunson, Vondre Whaley, Fabio Marciano, Doug McIsaac and many others (too many to name) have had a big impact on my success whether they know it or not.
I also want this post to inspire Warriors who are just getting started. Stick with it - you're in the right place on this forum. Once you have that "light bulb moment" in this business, you're set to make money for the rest of your life. There are very few people who stick with this for 3+ years and don't make money.
So yes, my business has finally surpassed 1 million dollars in gross sales.
Sounds like a big number, right? Not really. You should be either saying to yourself:
"so what, I'm going to do that and more"
OR
"ok, been there, done that"
Here's why:
- I don't do a million dollars per year like some Warriors. It's taken me several years to reach this milestone.
- I'm talking about gross sales. I don't have a million cash in the bank, although I'm living very comfortable.
But on the flip side:
- I've reached this milestone at age 33 and I'm just getting started.
- I do what I love to do for a living. I'm able to support a wife and two young kids in a beautiful house and neighborhood in Long Island, NY.
- I've done this all in niche markets outside of the make money niche.
- I'm not a big name marketer. Some of the guys I mentioned above would probably laugh at me if I tried to do a JV with them.
What I do well is niche building. I've developed a niche building system that any Warrior can do. Once you get it going there is a huge domino effect and launching new profit centers becomes as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.
My system is based on that fact that finding a valid niche is like find gold. Each of your niche sites should have at least 7 revenue streams, if not, you're leaving money on the table. And you should not explore new niches until you've maximized one. Heck, you only need one to make a living.
No, I don't have a WSO coming about this. Although I probably should.
The truth is, I've never done a WSO. I've never had a big launch with JV partners. I've only written about 3 or 4 articles over the years. I've only attended 1 seminar (because it was free). I don't have 100 websites with different pen names. And I'm not an SEO expert.
But, my business makes money and leverages the motivated efforts of others. I could take off the rest of this year and the bills would still be paid without dipping into savings.
I'd like to hear from other marketers who have exceeded 1 million in sales also. Feel free to brag to inspire others.
If people start posting, I'll tell you a little more about my system.
For now, this is just to say thanks to the Warriors and to tell newbies to stick with it.
I'm off to drop my daughter at her YMCA swim lessons and I'll be back to post more.
Peace,
Ron "Million Dollar" Douglas (always wanted to say that)  |
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Topgunmommy |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:28:02
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Congratulaions Ron
I hope it doesn't take my that long.
But you're right --this is the BEST place to learn
Debra From Canada |
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PSM |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:28:13
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Nice one Ron! one million dollars is awesome, now aim for 10!
Steve |
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Daniel E Taylor |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:31:44
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| Congratulations, mill dollar doug |
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mikefilsaime |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:32:04
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| Great Job Ron! (Nice post too) |
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Melanie Crouse |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:32:54
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That is great, Ron! I am greatly inspired to hear that you have had such success outside of the IM arena. I would love to hear some of your insights and advice to others who are into other niches.
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Trent Brownrigg |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:35:39
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Congrats Ron! And great post.
Very inspirational and shows that it can be done with hard work and patience. |
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James Dyson |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:38:25
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Congratulations Ron, this is awesome, inspirational stuff for all Warriors
James |
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bzzyb |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:43:07
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Ron that's awesome, congratulations!
Can you explain what some of the revenue streams are that you mention, without giving away too much? Just as examples for the rest of us.
SueC |
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Jacqui |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:44:27
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Congratulations Million Dollar Ron! That is a HUGE achievement, especially considering your age. You should be very proud of your accomplishment.
quote : If people start posting, I'll tell you a little more about my system.
Post
Post
Post
Post....
I'd be thrilled to hear anything you are willing to share.
~Jackie |
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Steve Diamond |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 12:51:32
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| Congratulations and thanks for an inspiring post! I for one would certainly like to hear more about what you mean by the domino effect, new profit centers, and how you leverage the efforts of others. |
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affenpinscher |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:01:57
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Wonderful job. You also clearly have your priorities in order.
I'd love to hear more about what you do.
Congratulations. |
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reubenrock |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:10:26
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Wow, congrats on the success! I've been at it part time for 2 years and have done well. If you stick with it, you really will get somewhere.
Great post!
Best of luck!
Reuben D. Rock |
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astenberg |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:11:29
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Thanks for the inspirational post.
As a beginner to the Warrior forum it's really nice to hear about the success others are having.
I've just recently had that light bulb moment and I hope to one day be making a similar post. |
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Theresa Allison |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:27:00
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Great post Ron. I love to see posts of encouragement this like one. Would love to hear more about your system when you have time to share.
Theresa |
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Richard Odell |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:28:51
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quote : I've only written about 3 or 4 articles over the years.
Ron - you will definitely have to post more - there are poor souls here wearing they're fingers away in the vain hope of a pay off! [:P>
Richard  |
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DavidSaaf |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:35:20
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| Yes, Ron come on please... We are curious :) |
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Jeff Williams |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:36:09
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| Congratulations Ron! Great post, btw. I love to hear these real world success stories. So, of course, I'd like to hear about your niche building strategies. |
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tomw |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:40:56
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Excellent post, Ron and congratulations!
A true success story!
No legups. No JV's. No BS! Just good honest hard work!
You're a true inspiration.
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Greg Cooksley |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:54:07
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Hey Ron,
Huge congratulations to you.....
Well done...threads like this are really great, it proves that it can be done!!!
All the best for the next $10 million...
Regards
Greg |
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Steve Porcaro |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 13:59:01
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Ron congratulations on your success!!
I have subscribed to this thread to see you post your techniques. however I am sure that they will reveal the basics that we have seen before. That is not to say they are not welcome.
What I mean to say is they are the basics, with hard work, consistency and focus. Never letting failure or obstacles stopping you from your goals.
You have built a business and should be proud.
Excellent thread!! |
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P_Wes |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 14:14:26
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Congratulations Ron.
I would be curious if you would care to expand on how your business "leverages the motivated efforts of others"?
Best wishes for you next million. |
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Travis Wade |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 14:19:18
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Congrats Ron. I always love these type of posts. Keep at it man. The 10 million mark is just around the corner.
-Travis Wade |
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zapseo |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 14:57:00
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Congratulations!
As for Ron's niche -- he didn't put it in his sig, but I'm pretty sure that's
where I saw it the other day -- so I won't say (but I wouldn't be surprised if
you googled his name, you might find it!) -- but is a niche which has broad appeal
and where there is a LOT of free stuff given away.
Actually, maybe it's better that you hear the description that way -- it will
help you get around some mis-conceptions you may have about the niche. Sorta
like the drawing exercise in "drawing on the right side of the brain", where the
author has you draw something up-side down.
Incidentally, I know of 2 other well-known warriors who are successful in the
"same" niche -- depending upon how far you define "same".
Congrats!
Live JoyFully!
Judy Kettenhofen |
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ChazMoore |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:01:19
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Great Job!!!!
Now go for 20 million. It's not that far off.
Congradulations.
Chaz |
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ecoverartist |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:04:30
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*listens intently at all of Ron's secrets*
I'm waiting! :) |
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roulettered56 |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:18:59
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Wow, well done mate.
SYSTEM:
:) |
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terryd |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:27:13
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Awesome post and well done, love reading stuff like this.
Terry |
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Ron Douglas |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:47:51
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WOW! I wasn't expecting this type of response.
Well, I guess I can't leave my Warrior buddies hanging...
I'm a little uncomfortable with the spotlight after hiding in my niches for so long, but I'll try my best.
I don't want to make this a dense and long winded thread, so I'll post a few tips at a time for free. If it gets to the point where people want step-by-step details that require me spending the time to write 50+ pages, I'll have to turn this into a report or something. I haven't decided yet.
I suggest that you subscribe to this thread if you don't want to miss what I'm going to say. Ok, that's starting to sound a bit salesman like, but it's just that I've been developing my niche building system for 7 years and I'm very passionate about it.
It's like when they asked recoding artist Nas why he's never been able to top the first album he did when he was 19, he said "it's because I spent 19 years writing it."
Ok, pardon the Hip-Hop reference - but if this was going to be my first solo album in the IM market, I'd call it (drum roll please):
"The Niche Colonize Method"
What the heck is that? Besides a term that I just made up - it's the system I've developed which allows you to start out with a small niche idea and turn it into a huge asset with long term business revenue. As I mentioned, it's a system that leverages the motivated efforts of others to create a colony of benefactors who build your niche for you.
No, I'm not just talking about affiliates - although they are a big part of it. I'm also talking about user-generated content, list building, community building, digital and physical products, viral marketing, a little mass control and a few other things.
Is this an original system I've developed?
Well, yes and no. It's been inspired by the true experts here everyday in this forum. However, most of it is from personal experience. You'll find that theory is just that - theory. It means nothing until you put it in play and tweak it to match your own style and results.
There are many ways to make money online. Each person swears by his own way and thinks any other way is crazy or not for them.
Like for instance, I think writing a thousand articles yourself, hoping to get some love from the search engines, is not for me (didn't want to say crazy). I don't want to bash article writing demons like Steven Wagenheim, but I can't work 14 hour days anymore. Call me a slacker, but if I don't get away from this computer for a few hours each day I'll go bonkers.
I also can't depend on another man to make me money. I can't get a JV to save my life. I'm an introvert and not nearly as smooth as Mike Filsaime. He can walk into a room, demand attention and amaze you with how much he knows. I can barely think of what to say and come up with 20 things I should have said 2 hours after the event is over.
I met Mike for the first time at the first annual NY Warrior Lunch, before his legendary Butterfly Marketing movement. I told him I was having success in my niche and was thinking about entering the IM niche. I asked him what's the best way to do it. He didn't say "forget about it, it's too crowded" he said "you have to establish yourself as an expert at something."
That stuck with me. And I focused on doing that in my niches. Now if, for some crazy reason, I finally decided to enter the IM market, I can say I'm an expert at niche building.
How do you establish yourself as an expert? Find out what people want, grab attention, and provide it to them. Think about it this way - if you have a website and people are subscribing to your newsletter, you're already perceived as an expert for that niche. All you have to do is tell them you are and back up your claim.
"Ok, get to the tips already Ron!"
Tip #1 - you need to have a strategic end goal in mind whenever you do anything.
You've heard that before, but think about it - why are you building a list? Why are you writing an ebook? Why are you writing articles? Why are you trying to get traffic?
"Ah, to make money Ron." Wrong - Incomplete!
Your answer should be to gain market share in your niche and to make money from those people and everyone they recommend to your site for years to come.
What are you going to do with those people after they've opt-in or bought your product? How are you going to treat them?
They are the life-blood of your business and you should treat them like they're going to be with you for years.
Don't take customers and visitors to your site for granted. Like Jay Abraham says, you have a fiduciary responsibility as their expert provider (for your niche) to make available to them as many products as you can.
And the beauty of it is once you have a relationship with them, they will tell you what to sell to them - over and over.
Why split your time between many niches when you can roll out products over and over to the one you're already established in?
Fish in a barrel.
Tip #2 - you have to control your traffic
I stole this from Allen who said it in a post years ago, but it's so true. Don't just let people see your offer and leave - give people something to do.
People are out there bored to death. They're sitting at their desk right now with work to do. However, they're surfing the Net looking for something that interests them to pass the time before 5pm. Be their provider. Give them a forum, a social network, a blog, a newsletter, videos, something to keep them in your "hive." And once you do that, they will join the colony and build your empire for you.
That's it for now, give me some feedback and I'll try to do better for you with the next post.
Ron
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n/a |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 15:51:29
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Great post Ron. Wish some other Millionaires would have posted also just to add to the atmosphere and maybe inspire more inspiration.
I would be interested to hear what you have to say tho....Call it Advice from a Millionaire if you like. |
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Willie Crawford |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:02:29
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Way to go Ron. You are a master at niche
marketing, and at connecting with your
customers. I've watched and learned from
you for a while
Willie |
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Alican Yenidogan |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:06:56
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Ron, thank you for sharing your "one million milestone" with us. Great posts, keep them coming I'm sure everyone is happy to read your posts and congratulations..
Alican Yenidogan |
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Ron Douglas |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:10:05
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quote : Originally posted by Willie CrawfordWay to go Ron. You are a master at niche marketing, and at connecting with your customers. I've watched and learned from you for a while Willie
And I thought I was happy when Mike replied. That's a huge compliment from a true veteran in this game. |
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dlrsuperman |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:13:22
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| Very happy to hear of your success. You know what you're doing! Keep at it and best wishes for an even more prosperous 2008. |
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rondo |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:25:22
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Congratulations Ron. I've always thought your site was an excellent example of niche marketing.
Andrew |
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jerrymoore |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:26:28
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Congrats on your great success Ron. Thanks for sharing that.
Jerry |
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Kate Carpenter |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:40:44
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I'm subscribing, too, hoping to learn more. Your post inspires us all to keep on truckin'! Oopps, I think I just dated myself!
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Danno |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:48:25
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| Wow, what an encouraging post! Keep up the great work .. you are an inspiration. |
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Doug McIsaac |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:55:15
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Congratulations for your success and for this great post.
As I've told you privately. Your ability to connect/communicate with your niche is uncanny.
I'm confident that the next million will come a lot faster than the first.
Doug |
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Jasmine_Hawkins |
Posted - 02/28/2008 : 16:57:29
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| Nice post! Thanks for sharing! And congratulations on your success! :) |
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| Topic |
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Warrior Makes a Million Dollars