New and confused

Hey there,

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about.

I first started on this forum in 2009 and got my feet wet. I took some risks, met some business partners, started some SEO services and what not. I tried some joint venture product launches with some struggles. Some times were good but for the most part it was a struggle. I eventually gave up that account because I wanted to move into a different direction. Now even though I know I still have a lot of room to grow, I still feel like I know a lot.

The key is product creation. This can be anything from making your own apps, Wordpress Plugins or starting an actual service. Because at this point. How many times can someone recycle something that has the same amount of information and sell it to unsuspecting newbies.

I highly advise you to learn about Wordpress as much as you can. It's easy to install and I just see it getting bigger and bigger. Even with all of the competition. Right now I build websites on the side and promote my Mobile App Builder service for other businesses owners.

Also, try to find something that you can possibly incorporate some of your hobbies or interests into. It will make everything you do a little less grueling.

You're absolutely right to be skeptical. There's a lot of BS and hype floating around and I'm glad to see you haven't been taken in.

In my opinion, however, you're asking the wrong question. It's not about the method. It's about the business model -- and you can't buy a business model, you have to discover one that works for yourself.

Methods come and go. Moreover, a method that works for one business, in one niche, for one set of customers at one point in time may not work in another. Whatever you do, don't fall into the method trap.

Instead, think about starting an online business -- because that's what IM is after all -- just like you would any other business. Think about what it is that you personally (or you and your team) can do that people can benefit from, something that you do better, faster, or cheaper than anyone else, and something that you can monetize. In other words, think about your value proposition and your competitive advantage. Start with that and then -- and only then -- think of the methods you can apply to make it happen.

Don't get me wrong, methods are important. There are methods for traffic generation, methods for monetization, methods for selling on a digital format, and methods for accounting. But unless they fit into a larger business framework -- and unless you've thought about whether they're relevant to your talents to your customers to your niche -- you'll likely find that even great methods won't work like you hope they will.

So my advice is to think of a business idea. It doesn't need to be grandiose, but it should be an area where you can truly make an impact -- even if it's a small impact. After that think about how you'll make it work and then and only then open your wallet, once you have a good idea about how to make it happen. The chances still are that you'll fail -- probably 95% of people do -- but at least you'll increase your odds by being focused and determined. And if and when you do succeed, it'll be all the sweeter.

Find people that you respect online, who are transparent, real, genuine, and not full of bullshit.

It's easy to spot the bullshit.

Once you find that person, make them your mentor. Study what they do. Reverse engineer what they do to get results.

Join them in their business or invest in their coaching services.

That is what I would do if I had to start all over again.

Successful internet marketers have a blueprint that works. Join them and do whatever they do to get results.

Trying to figure everything out on your own in the beginning is a waste of time in my opinion.

Learn email marketing and then affiliate marketing. It's what I suggest for newbies for low cost of entry and best chance of success.

Trial and error is the best way to do it. Don't rely on other's experiences. Just because someone was successful with something doesn't mean you will be too. Find out what you are passionate about and then look at it from a marketing perspective.

You got that completely wrong there buddy. If someone is selling a "done for you business" service it means he's going to set it up for you for a fee and also show you how to run the show. In any business there's the initial setup and then the maintenance part. When someone says "100% done for you" it means he/she is going to set up the system for you and also show you the exact steps required to run the system. How you run the system will determine how much you walk back home with.

So, what you pay for is initial setup and consultation on how to run the system.

For the seller it's just another income stream. Since he already has the experience and knows everything about the system he's selling, he sells consultation services which offers him higher ROI compared to the system itself.

So, there's nothing fishy going on actually.

Best of luck

Hi, Stephen.

You're right: the industry, not merely what you have seen on WF, is rife with misleading claims when it comes to moneymaking products. Let me see if I can add to the advice already given.

These are the steps I often advise beginners take when entering the industry:

1. Find out which methods appear to work for others;
2. Determine which ones you can do and might, at the same time, interest you;
3. Selecting one method for now, research it using free resources;
4. Put together a business plan;
5. Take action.

You can do all of the above and the research will not cost you a cent. Taking action will of course cost money in many cases.

Now, if in the future, or at any stage really, you feel that you need more information to better optimize your method, you have several options:

1. Dig around the free areas of net;
2. Purchase relevant information;
3. Hire a coach or mentor.

Using this approach, the idea is to choose a method that you can do and that you want to do, but only take action after proper research and planning. When you feel you have fully-optimized the method, you can then choose to continue doing it alone, automate aspects with software, or outsource the work.

Whatever you choose to do, you should however consider repeating the above process for another method. Rinse, repeat. You will then disperse your activities across numerous planned systems and thus limit any risk of one mode of business taking a nose dive.

Tom

i agree....forget everything else and learn email marketing. you will have a real business that does not depend on google. email marketing is so easy and you will make money.
i recommend a coach:
use you credit card to pay so you can get your money back if things go bad

You need a business, not a method.

"Methods" are for idiots who think it's a good idea to buy a $7 ebook teaching how to harvest traffic from Craigslist for promoting Amazon.

Look at something you like and just do your best to identify the leaders (or the mid tier businesses if you can't compete with the top). What are they doing? How you can replicate the actual product/service and maybe put your own spin on it?

I am in the Direct Sales niche. When people were new to the concept of making money on the Internet, the great majority of seekers wanted to make millions from doing nothing.

Now it seems that almost everyone believes that they will have to work their asses off for years on end before paying enough dues to start seeing some gain.

You don't have to do that.

Remember, you will always get what you 'expect'.