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Passion vs. Profit - Authority Sites - NHL Hockey OR Pro Sports Jerseys OR Both ?!?!

by jordorules
11 replies
Hello Fellow Warriors,

I've been thinking about this for a while now and thought I'd bring my dilemma to you all in the likes of hopefully you can help me solve it.

I have a passion for both NHL Hockey and Pro Sports Jerseys (NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA) as I like all pro sports really.

I'm knowledgeable about NHL Hockey and also Pro Sports Jerseys (there are a lot of fakes out there and knowing how to spot them is getting harder and harder as the counterfeiters improve their unscrupulous copyright infringements).

I can talk NHL Hockey all day long and say with Pro Sports Jerseys. I love both.

The issue is with both is there really aren't that many affiliate programs that pay much beyond 5%. So I guess I'm asking you is:

1. I could do one site for NHL Hockey and one site for Pro Sports Jerseys instead of choosing one or the other? OR would I be better of going with something I'm really not that passionate about (or at least not as much) and making more money?

2. Would I build up such a following that the 5% wouldn't be much per sale but I could actually make up for it in volume?

3. Am I falling into the trap of "doing my passion but not getting paid well for it" syndrome?

4. Isn't my time better spent with some other venture that I have a reasonable interest in and have a great possibility of % of profit per affiliate sale?

5. With the NHL Hockey site I'm limited to just NHL Hockey where as the Pro Sports Jerseys site I could appeal to NHL Hockey, NFL Football, CFL Football, MLB Baseball, NBA Basketball, NCAA College, FIFA European Football so it would really be more of a GLOBAL audience. OR would you just do both rather than choose one of the other?

6. There are many affiliate programs for both really (could use Hats, Sports Apparel, Fan Gear, Soccer Jerseys : Lids.com for accessories to jerseys) but they pay 5% which is peanuts. Are there anyone else out there making a go of it with low paying affiliate programs? There are all kinds of complementary products that could be added but all of them pay 5%.

7. The format for both websites would be forum open discussion and be a community build on comradery and knowledge sharing.

8. I've always dreamed of doing a business related to NHL Hockey and Pro Sports Jerseys it's just unfortunate the pay is so poor (5%). That said I would be able to align myself with very trusted affiliate programs (NHL.com, Lids.com, and many others - could even offer training products that are offered in ClickBank). That said even with the jerseys at 5% from NHL.com where people KNOW they are getting an authentic jersey or NFL MLB NBA or whatever the sport happened to be they wanted a jersey from if I did even 10 sales a day world wide I could still make decent money at 5% commission as most pro jerseys are in the $300 range or more. So that would be $15 x 10 sales a day = $4,500 USD a month. Not to mention all the accessories that go with jerseys. As far as NHL Hockey site is concerned I could sell equipment, jerseys, gear, caps, training products / information, etc.

I do have other websites I'm currently building so it's not like these would be may sole source of income but they ARE my passion but I just don't want to be careful I don't go to far into the realm of passion and sacrifice income which I did read somewhere that you must be careful of that. Not to over do it with a passion just because it's your passion or you can really do harm to yourself.

Like I said I have other ventures I'm doing that are more income producing than passion but I'm wondering if I should invest my valuable time I could be using to promote these income producing sites for these two passion producing sites.

The good news also is once I did get my NHL Hockey website to a certain point I could start an NFL Football site. Same issues in that it's only 5% commission or so but then again I'm doing what I love and I know the content inside and out. So rolling out MLB Baseball and NBA Basketball and even NASCAR Racing and Formula 1 Racing would be a breeze. Also I could have affiliate links to online gaming as well which pay well.

I guess ultimately what I'm asking here is am I over looking something or could this be even bigger than I'm thinking at first? OR could I be screwing myself in the end by following 'too much passion'???

So the advantages are:

1. Trusted Affiliate Programs
2. Uber Passion
3. Many Complementary Affiliate Products
4. Sub Niche Possibilities (NHL Enforcers)
5. Global Market For Both (NHL Hockey and Pro Sports Jerseys)
6. Pride In My Field And Happiness

Disadvantages are:

1. Low Pay Affiliate Programs For Main Products Such As Jerseys And Equipment (5%) - Although Sports Betting And Training Products (ClickBank) Pay Very Well (50% and up)
2. Lost Opportunity Cost Not Working On Higher Paying Affiliate Program Authority Websites
3. Technically Not Evergreen Niches (Nobody Buys Hockey Gear Or Jerseys When They Don't Have A Job)

Thanks for your input Warriors. I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.

Respectfully,

J
#authority #hockey #jerseys #nhl #passion #pro #profit #sites #sports
  • Profile picture of the author jordorules
    Any insights on this would be appreciated. Thanks J
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  • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
    Banned
    Originally Posted by jordorules View Post

    7. The format for both websites would be forum open discussion and be a community build on comradery and knowledge sharing.
    That's particularly funny. Never owned a forum, have you? Go read some of the comments over at NHL.com and then decide if you'd like to run a sports related forum. Be forewarned - your hair might fall out.

    It's a thankless job, more work than you can imagine and 99% of forum owners quit in disgust in under a year. I saw the stats once on a 'forum' forum. lol

    I've done it in the tropical fish world. A total waste of time and effort and absolutely nothing to show for it.

    I hate to pee on your parade, but if you do it, you'll hopefully live long enough to say those words that I hear quite often. "Damn, Frank - you were right!"

    I would never lie to you. I know it's the opposite of what you have been led to believe, but unfortunately, for many people, when they take something they love more than anything in life and then turn it into a job, in no time at all they begin to hate it - and the choice they made to do it.

    Yes - this is where folks pipe up and say, "Not me. I still love what I do." Unfortunately the people that would agree with me are too embarrassed to admit their mistake. Would you? Of course not. You can't blame them, at all. And of course, there are always exceptions. That's why the stat is 99% and not 100. lol

    Cheers. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author jordorules
    Thanks BigFrank I appreciate your input.

    So sounds to me like your saying that just because I have a passion for both these niches doesn't mean they will be successful especially as a forum format (there would be a store as well of course and a blog). I must admit I'm a little confused from the perspective of RULE #1: In order to create an authority website you must do something that your passionate about or else you won't do it well because you won't want to do it at all. I realize its a very very fine line to walk but isn't this in direct conflict of RULE #1? Or are you merely referring to the forum delivery method?

    Or is the point to focus on the potential profits FIRST and then fit it as to whether your passionate about the niche SECOND? It's better to build an authority website in a niche your not entirely passionate about but still delivers in terms of profitability than it is to focus on a niche your entirely passionate about yet the profitability is a bit of 'taking a chance' on it?

    Or maybe your just not big on the forum idea and are not commenting on the niches although you did say so many people start a niche they love to do and fail miserably. And I do agree with you about this as I've heard it time and time and time again. Passion doesn't guarantee success. So maybe I should just walk away and focus on niches that I like (but don't love) and that are proven to deliver profits based on established time tested demand.

    Then there is the argument of re-inventing the wheel which so many say is what you must do to make it big (creating your own product or eBook or at least your own unique spin on a product). Then on the flip side of the coin where I've heard many of the pros say "sell what people want to buy" and don't re-invent the wheel but instead copy what is already working (selling).

    Man I'm a little confused I must admit. Is it just the two schools of thoughts battling against one another? Is it just personal preference? Am I over thinking this?

    Love to hear more BigFrank and from the other two heavy weights I know of on this forum Jason K and Claude.

    I appreciate the education bigtime!

    Thanks J
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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      Originally Posted by jordorules View Post

      Thanks BigFrank I appreciate your input.
      It's early. We'll see how you feel, later.
      So sounds to me like your saying that just because I have a passion for both these niches doesn't mean they will be successful especially as a forum format (there would be a store as well of course and a blog). I must admit I'm a little confused from the perspective of RULE #1: In order to create an authority website you must do something that your passionate about or else you won't do it well because you won't want to do it at all. I realize its a very very fine line to walk but isn't this in direct conflict of RULE #1? Or are you merely referring to the forum delivery method?
      Rule No. 1? Really? Who's rule might that be? Some IM guru? Spare me.

      There are two sides to every coin and as soon as you begin to start following rules (except for my extremely small number of them) you are a dead man. The only rules you follow in business are the ones that you develop for yourself, after doing all the pertinent research in any given discipline. Ever notice how I never quote any one, except myself. That's because I have almost no regard for the cacophony of uttering from others when I can listen to the melodic tones of my personal precepts based upon my own lifelong observations. I hear a symphony! Oh, wait. It's just me. :-)
      Or is the point to focus on the potential profits FIRST and then fit it as to whether your passionate about the niche SECOND? It's better to build an authority website in a niche your not entirely passionate about but still delivers in terms of profitability than it is to focus on a niche your entirely passionate about yet the profitability is a bit of 'taking a chance' on it?
      Apparently you have me confused with someone that you surmise has all of the answers. Giving you answers is neither my job, nor my place. My singular goal is to get you to ask yourself the proper questions, over and over again until your inner-self reveals the correct answers for you. If anyone tells you that they have an answer for you, run - fast. What they have is their answer for you based upon what they believe about themselves and their own place in the world. What the hell does any of that have to do with you and your quest? Here's an answer for you. Absolutely nothing.
      Or maybe your just not big on the forum idea and are not commenting on the niches although you did say so many people start a niche they love to do and fail miserably. And I do agree with you about this as I've heard it time and time and time again.
      Was just giving you a heads-up on forum life. No different than someone warning you about rattlesnakes before going on a dessert hike. lol
      Passion doesn't guarantee success.
      Nope - and neither does hope, belief, prayer, investment of time and money, strong work ethic, mentors, coaches, intelligence, good manners, friends, nor anything else for that matter. Nothing guarantees much of anything in life. It's a crap shoot. Certainly all of things can help you achieve your goals, but even employing all of them could leave you a dried-up carcass of a man.
      So maybe I should just walk away and focus on niches that I like (but don't love) and that are proven to deliver profits based on established time tested demand.
      I couldn't say and neither should you, today. I'm going to assume you are a young guy and although you are in a rush to acquire fame and fortune, you would do yourself a world of good if you would take some time to evaluate your life and try to determine what it is you truly want. Many folks drift to an IM path because they believe the streets are paved with gold. No one, when they are telling their tale of achieving riches, mentions the potholes, dangerous curves ahead or the deep ravines you can wind up in, where it takes days for anyone to even notice that you flew off the road. Many people make it. Most, don't.
      Then there is the argument of re-inventing the wheel which so many say is what you must do to make it big (creating your own product or eBook or at least your own unique spin on a product). Then on the flip side of the coin where I've heard many of the pros say "sell what people want to buy" and don't re-invent the wheel but instead copy what is already working (selling).
      Well, there goes both sides of that coin I mentioned previously. I'm told if you flip it 100 times, you'll wind up with pretty close to a 50-50 outcome. So - where does that leave you? Which question does that answer?
      Man I'm a little confused I must admit. Is it just the two schools of thoughts battling against one another? Is it just personal preference? Am I over thinking this?
      Dunno. Probably just not thinking about it in a way that will result in any answers that will help you make a decision.
      Love to hear more BigFrank
      I'm going to need to put you on a subscription. This is work. I don't work for free. You want a friend? Get a dog.
      and from the other two heavy weights I know of on this forum Jason K and Claude.
      There you go, again. Half-right. lol
      I appreciate the education bigtime!
      Not an education. Just some observations and points to ponder. I never tell anyone to follow my lead. No one but me would have ever been able to endure my life, for this long. I was smart in one regard. I created the perfect existence, for me.
      Thanks J
      I live to serve - at the lowest rates possible without debauching myself.

      Cheers. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author jordorules
    Thanks Frank. I think lol. Ya I'm going to stick with time tested proven niches even if I'm not that passionate about them. It's a roll of the dice but at least I have the fact time tested proven niches actually are profitable. I'd give up some passion to ensure profits.

    I agree with most of what you say but I think it needs a qualification on the point where you say most do not make it. Because most people aren't serious about what they do. They don't think it through and dive into 6 inches of water head first and wonder why they end up in a wheel chair the rest of their life. I'm not like most people. I'll make it work but I don't think my personality type is one of re-inventing the wheel. I'm more the type to take something that works and make it better.

    I've been a successful broker all my life buying and selling things as well as financial services products. Did I invent the new product? Hell no. I merely found what is in demand and went to work hard to develop my game plan and executed it with ferocity.

    So in short. With regards to inventing the latest eBook or doing something new is not for me. Sure it may make one the big bucks IF it works out but to quote you Frank "that's a big IF".

    "Sell what people want to buy." - Brad Richdale

    I'm not interested in trying to create something from thin air and HOPE to God it sells. I know many of you on this forum are the opposite and think that is the only way to make money but I guess it comes down to knowing yourself and your own comfort levels.

    I also read on here somewhere that a member was actually making good money on niches he really had no interest in so possibly this theory is a little over rated.

    Go with what your comfortable with or roll the dice is what it comes down too.

    Don't confuse me asking advice on a forum where we IMers all trade advice for me wanting a friend. I have dog and he's all I need in terms of love and companionship. I'm trying to figure out my business ideas here and many minds are better than one.

    I appreciate your answers but many of your answers where 'answerless' which maybe is the entire point.

    You certainly are an enigma Frank as it's almost more confusing after reading your answers than before lol.

    It's not rocket science and I think even you said that before. Either invent a niche and hope it sells or pick an existing niche that is in demand, market like crazy, learn more, market like crazy, examine your system, market like crazy, make the changes you need to make, market like crazy, test throughout. All I'm asking is for advice on the first step (invent a niche or promote existing niche). The rest I am more than capable of doing myself with help from others on this forum and my own research and testing.

    Maybe I picked up the wrong idea here on WF that inventing a niche is the 'right way' to do it. There is no right way that much is clear. Well not true. The right way is what is right for you as the individual based on your comfort level.

    Another Warrior said somewhere that inventing your own product is a very very tough thing to pull off. I wasn't so much inventing my own product but more putting a new spin on an existing market(s).

    Thanks.

    J
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      Originally Posted by jordorules View Post


      "Sell what people want to buy." - Brad Richdale
      and a thousand other salesmen. Do you think he came up with that first? All by his lonesome?

      I'm sure that more than a few 6th century Persian rug merchants would take offense to that claim.

      Never quote anyone other than yourself unless they are paying you to advertise for them. lol

      Cheers. - Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by jordorules View Post

    I'm knowledgeable about NHL Hockey and also Pro Sports Jerseys (there are a lot of fakes out there and knowing how to spot them is getting harder and harder as the counterfeiters improve their unscrupulous copyright infringements).

    Write an ebook on how to tell "authorized" jerseys from all the counterfeits. Then offer it for sale on all the thousands of pro and college sports-related sites and blogs.

    Steve
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    Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
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  • Profile picture of the author jordorules
    Thanks Steve, Good idea but my thinking was to give away that information for free and monetize the website with affiliate programs so those that appreciated the value I provided them for free would purchase their chosen products through my monetized website. I honestly don't think an eBook of that subject matter would sell. I could be completely wrong but I have to roll with what I feel in my gut.

    Frank you've helped me out and I appreciate it but I detect your in an exceptionally argumentative mood today which is all good. I disagree with quoting and of course I realize Brad Richdale didn't invent that but it's where I first heard it so to me he gets the credit. You mean to tell me you've never learned from another person being quoted?? lol come on I don't buy it.

    Appreciate the input.

    J
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
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      Originally Posted by jordorules View Post

      Frank you've helped me out and I appreciate it but I detect your in an exceptionally argumentative mood today which is all good.
      That's funny. Not at all. I'm in a great mood. My mood has little to do with my output as I try to be reasoned in what I state, even if it appears over the top.
      I disagree with quoting
      That's your right, but actually I was being facetious.
      and of course I realize Brad Richdale didn't invent that but it's where I first heard it so to me he gets the credit.
      I'm sure he appreciates it.
      You mean to tell me you've never learned from another person being quoted?? lol come on I don't buy it.
      Sorry. rarely in life have I heard a quote that struck me as worthy of repeating. Quoting others is a particular brand of intellectual laziness and an admission that if you had to, you couldn't find your own words to convey the same message. There is only one person that if I had to, I would quote because of us sharing the almost identical perspective on life, the people I encounter and all of their foibles. That person is Yogi Berra. Here's one, just for you. "If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else."
      Appreciate the input.
      Pay me.

      Cheers. - Frank
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      • Profile picture of the author jordorules
        Originally Posted by BigFrank View Post

        "If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else." - Yogi Berra
        I never thought you where in a bad mood just argumentative. J
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        • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
          Banned
          Originally Posted by jordorules View Post

          I never thought you where in a bad mood just argumentative. J
          I am only argumentative when I am in a bad mood. Arguing is a major time waster, but if I need to pummel someone back to the stone-age, I prefer to be in a pissy mood. Otherwise, it just seems like work, not fun. :-)

          Cheers. - Frank
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