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Everyone says "build a business"...Doing What?

by Keith Boisvert
33 replies
After reading a recent post by Steve W. the topic of "building a business" came up. As always, one hears about spending your time effectively building YOUR business online.

The reasons are obvious as to the reasons behind this, but the underlying questions loom for most...HOW? Doing WHAT?

To some the thought of building a real business is overwhelming. Although the process itself is rather simple, knowing what kind of business can be downright terrifying.

"What if I spend tons of time building the wrong business?", "What if I spend all kinds of time and it fails?", are questions I know I asked myself.

Heck, I got to the point where I would consistantly talk myself out of an idea because I was afraid to waste my time on something that I couldn't properly guarantee would work. So I did nothing.

The fear of not knowing what to pick for a business was causing me to not do anything. I knew the HOW, but not the WHAT. I spun my virtual wheels for months on end.

In the end, my business picked me. We have all heard of the "do what you enjoy" mantra, and its true. I used to sit down and write down what I enjoyed, it just took me forever to piece my notes together to find the right thing.

In the end it comes down to passion. I tried tons of strategies, I learned as much as I could about everything so I had the confidence to start a business about whatever I wanted. Although this added to my dilema, it also opened up my options.

In the end, my business found me. Everyone stresses the business building aspect of IM, and I could not agree more, but not many talk about the process.

Looking for ways to make $$ is great, and I actually encourage people that have yet to make $$ online to go out and try multiple strategies as you will learn quickly. But short term success should be the fuel you need to begin building a business, otherwise you will be a pinball bouncing from one thing to another and ultimately be selling yourselves short.

Only you can tell you what your business will be. Once you have a strong educational base of the basics, ultimately your own twist on things combined with what YOU are passionate about will be the answer.

The next big system is not YOUR business, but just a strategy you might employ to help you grow your business. If you are buying anything and everything looking for a business, you will be dissapointed. If you buy something to learn and help grow your business, then it will be worth while.

My point is this, the "build a BUSINESS" phrase is dead on, but no one but you can determine what that business is...and you wont find that answer in any report...you will only find strategies to grow your business and the education to take it to the next level.

This is just an opinion, and I reserve the right to be wrong. Plus I just woke up and had to download some thoughts before my head explodes.(lol)

~keith
#alpacas #build a businessdoing #business focus #firetrucks #gary coleman #midgets #monkeys #success
  • Profile picture of the author Vince Runza Online
    As you can see, Keith's business of selecting really relevant keywords is booming! j/k

    When it comes to the learning phase of doing business, there comes a point where you have to pick something. That's the part many people sweat about. Don't sweat it! If it's wrong, you'll know fairly quickly.

    The easiest way to narrow down your focus is by identifying your main strength, your "core competence". Taking the one thing you do best and making it the main way you make money is the surest road to success.
    Signature
    "The will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win." -- misquoting Coach Vince Lombardi
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by Vince Runza Online View Post

      As you can see, Keith's business of selecting really relevant keywords is booming! j/k
      Actually I spent hours researching the keywords for this post. Do you realize how many people search for Gary Coleman AND alpacas? Those ARE my target audience.


      keith
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Keith, this post I'm about to make is going to bring the slings and arrows
        for sure, but this needs to be said.

        Internet marketers can be a bunch of sanctimonious, self righteous people.

        John Doe works 9 to 5. He has a decent job but could use an extra $500
        a month to help pay for that car payment. He doesn't need much more
        than that and certainly has no desire to start a REAL business.

        John Doe is a perfect candidate for some simple methods that could easily
        earn him that $17 a day that he needs WITHOUT building a REAL business.

        We need to get off of our freaking high horse and think that the only way
        to make money online is to build a REAL business.

        It is NOT the only way and it is NOT for anybody.

        Heaven knows, John Doe has no desire to start doing massive keyword
        research, setting up hosting, getting a domain, creating a product. Sh*t
        the guy hasn't got a clue what the f*ck to sell and can just about turn
        on his computer.

        And you want him to build a REAL business?

        I'm so sick and tired of marketers pushing their "right way or no way"
        beliefs on people. And yes, I used to think this way until I REALLY listened
        to some of the people who would write to me and tell me that they're
        working 10 hour days and don't have a lot of time. All they want to do is
        make a few extra bucks a month.

        Is that so wrong?

        For crying out loud. Can we stop telling people what we believe is the
        gospel just because we have something to sell to them to do this?

        Now I know I'm going to hear bloody hell for this post but you know what?

        I don't give a sh*t.

        I'm tired of the self righteous crap that marketers throw at others.

        If somebody comes to me and says they need to make $20,000 a month,
        then yes, the NEED to build a real business.

        But if they tell me they just want to earn a few bucks, then for crying
        out loud...let them do it.

        It felt quite good to get that out of my system.

        Now you can all take your shots at me cause I ain't listenen.
        Signature
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        • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
          Steven,

          As far as sanctimonious and self rightous I will take your word for it since you know that area better than me.

          First off, I know that not everyone is looking to start a "Business" and may only be looking for part time income. HOWEVER, my post was not aimed at them but rather those that intend to either do IM full time, or grow something part time to full time.

          If you notice in my post my phrase
          This is just an opinion
          That means what it says. If you were calling me self rightous you could be further from the truth than imaginable. In 3+ years online I have done nothing more than help or offer advice. My way is not the only way, and I have never once said to "do" anything.

          So before you spout off at the mouth and interject some non relevant BS that has nothing to do with anything except for having yourself heard, think next time.

          Instead of ranting the way you did, why not either talk about those who are not looking for a full time IM career(which would be another post since this one isnt about that crowd), or interject with something positive?

          But to come on a thread, talk crap, then say
          Now you can all take your shots at me cause I ain't listenen
          is crap.

          My post was not intended to TELL anyone what to do, but rather to give some advice based on my experiences. Anyone who knows me knows that I have never ONCE talked as if my answers were the be all end all to their problems.

          I am glad you got your rant out of your system, and if belittling someone who offers OPINIONS is your way of making yourself feel good, then I hope it worked and you feel better.

          For someone who is such a great marketer and helps so many people, you can come across like such an ass.

          Again, I was addressing those interested in starting a business full time. Next time, if I offer any form of opinion, I will ensure to run it by you first


          ~keith
          Signature
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          • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
            Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

            Steven,

            As far as sanctimonious and self rightous I will take your word for it since you know that area better than me.

            First off, I know that not everyone is looking to start a "Business" and may only be looking for part time income. HOWEVER, my post was not aimed at them but rather those that intend to either do IM full time, or grow something part time to full time.

            If you notice in my post my phrase
            That means what it says. If you were calling me self rightous you could be further from the truth than imaginable. In 3+ years online I have done nothing more than help or offer advice. My way is not the only way, and I have never once said to "do" anything.

            So before you spout off at the mouth and interject some non relevant BS that has nothing to do with anything except for having yourself heard, think next time.

            Instead of ranting the way you did, why not either talk about those who are not looking for a full time IM career(which would be another post since this one isnt about that crowd), or interject with something positive?

            But to come on a thread, talk crap, then say is crap.

            My post was not intended to TELL anyone what to do, but rather to give some advice based on my experiences. Anyone who knows me knows that I have never ONCE talked as if my answers were the be all end all to their problems.

            I am glad you got your rant out of your system, and if belittling someone who offers OPINIONS is your way of making yourself feel good, then I hope it worked and you feel better.

            For someone who is such a great marketer and helps so many people, you can come across like such an ass.

            Again, I was addressing those interested in starting a business full time. Next time, if I offer any form of opinion, I will ensure to run it by you first


            ~keith

            Keith, this post wasn't directed at you at all, but you brought up the post
            that I had made and if you read that thread, you will know the people I
            am talking about.

            Sorry if you took this as an attack against you. It wasn't. I should have
            made that clear in my reply.

            The people I am taking my shots at know very well who they are.

            Please accept my apologies. You were the last person on this forum that
            I was referring to.
            Signature
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            • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
              Keith, this post wasn't directed at you at all, but you brought up the post
              that I had made and if you read that thread, you will know the people I
              am talking about.

              Sorry if you took this as an attack against you. It wasn't. I should have
              made that clear in my reply.

              The people I am taking my shots at know very well who they are.

              Please accept my apologies. You were the last person on this forum that
              I was referring to.
              Apology accepted. I was initially going to put my post in your thread but felt that it would not have been relevant there hence starting a new one.

              The only reason I brought up your post was because of the replies in regards to people telling others to focus in on a long term business, and not addressing the fact that its not always that easy to do that.

              I apologize as well for going off. I respect the advice and opinons you share on the board, which is why I got so pissed.

              All is well in the land of Warriors.

              keith
              Signature
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              • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
                Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

                Apology accepted. I was initially going to put my post in your thread but felt that it would not have been relevant there hence starting a new one.

                The only reason I brought up your post was because of the replies in regards to people telling others to focus in on a long term business, and not addressing the fact that its not always that easy to do that.

                I apologize as well for going off. I respect the advice and opinons you share on the board, which is why I got so pissed.

                All is well in the land of Warriors.

                keith

                Actually, I wish you HAD posted this there because it would have
                actually reinforced what I was trying to do.

                Building a business is hard work. And not only that, some people don't
                have a clue where to begin.

                BUT...they do know how to follow some simple "do this, do this and do
                that" instructions that just might help them pay off that car payment
                at the end of the month.

                Why does everything have to be all or nothing with marketers? Why can't
                some people just do this as a part time gig to make some extra cash?

                It's like the rich people looking down on the middle class because they
                drive a Honda instead of a Mercedes.

                It's just BS in my opinion.
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          • Profile picture of the author Ouroboros
            Nothing like a nice "warm" thread on these cool Autumn mornings...

            Steve
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            Need a Simple Product/Service to Market to Offline Clients? Sell Them DFY Custom Videos. https://www.fiverr.com/users/gigsiteguy

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        • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

          Keith, this post I'm about to make is going to bring the slings and arrows
          for sure, but this needs to be said.

          Internet marketers can be a bunch of sanctimonious, self righteous people.

          John Doe works 9 to 5. He has a decent job but could use an extra $500
          a month to help pay for that car payment. He doesn't need much more
          than that and certainly has no desire to start a REAL business.

          John Doe is a perfect candidate for some simple methods that could easily
          earn him that $17 a day that he needs WITHOUT building a REAL business.

          We need to get off of our freaking high horse and think that the only way
          to make money online is to build a REAL business.

          It is NOT the only way and it is NOT for anybody.

          Heaven knows, John Doe has no desire to start doing massive keyword
          research, setting up hosting, getting a domain, creating a product. Sh*t
          the guy hasn't got a clue what the f*ck to sell and can just about turn
          on his computer.

          And you want him to build a REAL business?

          I'm so sick and tired of marketers pushing their "right way or no way"
          beliefs on people. And yes, I used to think this way until I REALLY listened
          to some of the people who would write to me and tell me that they're
          working 10 hour days and don't have a lot of time. All they want to do is
          make a few extra bucks a month.

          Is that so wrong?

          For crying out loud. Can we stop telling people what we believe is the
          gospel just because we have something to sell to them to do this?

          Now I know I'm going to hear bloody hell for this post but you know what?

          I don't give a sh*t.

          I'm tired of the self righteous crap that marketers throw at others.

          If somebody comes to me and says they need to make $20,000 a month,
          then yes, the NEED to build a real business.

          But if they tell me they just want to earn a few bucks, then for crying
          out loud...let them do it.

          It felt quite good to get that out of my system.

          Now you can all take your shots at me cause I ain't listenen.
          Steve is right. The point here is there is no one Tao. no one way. You need to find what you enjoy and what works for you. If you want to build an mlm business and make $20000 per month, go for it! if you want to start making just some extra spending cash by promoting one thing as an affiliate, by golly, go do that. The important thing is that you ENJOY your time when you do it. that way, it won't seem like work and you will find yourself reaching your first goal faster than you though possible.
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        • Profile picture of the author Clark
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post


          I don't give a sh*t.

          It felt quite good to get that out of my system.
          The Colon clensing niche is very hot... you can pair that with the weight loss/fitness and self help industries to build a business network... I sh*t you not

          Just sayin'
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          • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
            1.
            a. The occupation, work, or trade in which a person is engaged: the wholesale food business.
            b. A specific occupation or pursuit: the best designer in the business.
            2. Commercial, industrial, or professional dealings: new systems now being used in business.
            3. A commercial enterprise or establishment: bought his uncle's business.
            4. Volume or amount of commercial trade: Business had fallen off.
            5. Commercial dealings; patronage: took her business to a trustworthy salesperson.
            6.
            a. One's rightful or proper concern or interest: "The business of America is business" Calvin Coolidge.
            b. Something involving one personally: It's none of my business.
            7. Serious work or endeavor: got right down to business.
            8. An affair or matter: "We will proceed no further in this business" Shakespeare.
            9. An incidental action performed by an actor on the stage to fill a pause between lines or to provide interesting detail.
            10. Informal Verbal abuse; scolding: gave me the business for being late.
            11. Obsolete The condition of being busy.
            Source - business - definition of business by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.
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        • Profile picture of the author Ewan Robb
          Love it, agree so much! its every bit as pleasing when you help some1 earn an extra £500 to pay their mortgage. If thats their goals and they reach it then great.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tuzic
      Banned
      hi,

      look at what you do est and try start a business around this, whether its article writing or buying & selling websites..whatever it is if your good at it you will enjoy it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fabian Tan
    The truth is that the majority of people do not know what they want.

    They don't know if they want to build a REAL business.

    They don't know if they want to stay at their day job. They are conflicted. They are not even sure if they are in the right job. Many people enjoy flick through the classified ads every week looking for a 'better' job because they think their job sucks.

    If they could build a real business and make more than what they do at their day job, they will probably do it. But they don't know that.

    Many people live their lives with no concrete goals and basically just drift through life.

    I don't think ANYBODY, if they are clear about what they want, would prefer working 10 hour days at a job they hate, than creating a successful business.

    Do you know the majority of people WANT to start a business but just 'haven't got down to doing it'?

    Fact: The world is full of people who are confused and in denial.

    Fabian
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author RCars Home Business
    Hi Keith,

    I think one needs to build a business around what you are interested in plus what seems to be the major issue in our society. For instance, I am a retired health administrator. I have tried to specialize in that. However, it did not succeed so I switched to the number one concern of our nation today - the economic crisis. Through my sponsored by PIPS I am trying to provide people credible home based business opportunities. Like you mentioned, one has to experiment. However, there is the need to take into account what the prospective buyers are most interested in or what their greatest need is.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by RCars Home Business View Post

      Hi Keith,

      I think one needs to build a business around what you are interested in plus what seems to be the major issue in our society. For instance, I am a retired health administrator. I have tried to specialize in that. However, it did not succeed so I switched to the number one concern of our nation today - the economic crisis. Through my sponsored by PIPS I am trying to provide people credible home based business opportunities. Like you mentioned, one has to experiment. However, there is the need to take into account what the prospective buyers are most interested in or what their greatest need is.
      Agreed. Being passionate about something and building a business around it is one thing, market demand is another.

      On the same note, I have seen many people start somthing as simple as a blog based off of a hobby turn into a business, or sold for obsene money.

      Experimentation is important as well, which adds to the confusion for most and the lack of starting anything.

      There is no one answer for all, it has to come from inside the individual, but that is the key...knowing that there isn't one product, system, or strategy that fits everyone...its more on how you apply those to YOUR goals.

      keith
      Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
        Actually, I wish you HAD posted this there because it would have
        actually reinforced what I was trying to do.

        Building a business is hard work. And not only that, some people don't
        have a clue where to begin.

        BUT...they do know how to follow some simple "do this, do this and do
        that" instructions that just might help them pay off that car payment
        at the end of the month.

        Why does everything have to be all or nothing with marketers? Why can't
        some people just do this as a part time gig to make some extra cash?

        It's like the rich people looking down on the middle class because they
        drive a Honda instead of a Mercedes.

        It's just BS in my opinion.
        Thats what so great about IM, it fits everyone. Regardless of your goals, there is something you can do. And who knows, sometimes the short term successes compiled together could spark someone to take it up a notch and go full time, or not.

        ~keith
        Signature
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

        Agreed. Being passionate about something and building a business around it is one thing, market demand is another.

        On the same note, I have seen many people start somthing as simple as a blog based off of a hobby turn into a business, or sold for obsene money.

        Experimentation is important as well, which adds to the confusion for most and the lack of starting anything.

        There is no one answer for all, it has to come from inside the individual, but that is the key...knowing that there isn't one product, system, or strategy that fits everyone...its more on how you apply those to YOUR goals.

        keith
        Thank you...I couldn't have said this any better.

        The key word there is "goals".

        Everybody's are different.

        My uncle, who ran a successful electronics business for years, is now
        retired. He wrote a book on finances and just wants to sell a few copies.
        He doesn't want to go through the hassle of "workiing" again. He wants
        something quick and easy. So I gave him something to do that takes him
        all of 15 minutes a day and let me tell you, in this crappy economy, he's
        making sales. Not a ton, but more than a lot of people who are beating
        their brains out trying to build that "real" business.

        Will they someday pass him? Of course they will if they keep at it. But
        it isn't what he wants. He wants to enjoy his retirement and sell a few
        copies of his book.
        Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author derekwong28
    Steven, I have run a "real business" in the form of an e-commerce shop and just "making money on the Internet" as I am doing now. I honestly could not see any difference in terms of earnings and durability. Except to say that I work far fewer hours now and enjoy it much more than when I was involved in a real business. In fact in the end, I hated that "real business"

    However, I would agree that if I ever want to make huge amounts of money with a short period of time, I would have to go into e-commerce again.

    -Derek
    Signature

    Do not get between a wombat and a chocolate biscuit; you will regret it dearly!

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    • Profile picture of the author naruq
      For Each individual it may be different. Individuals should ask themselves the question what would be a business where I can earn income, enjoy and is compatible to me?
      Signature

      Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

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  • Profile picture of the author visit_faraz
    Now, wait a minute here. I am a little confused.

    What do you guys mean about building a business?

    I have sites and I am doing affiliate marketing with these and am making a constant income now.

    So, would you guys call this a business or would you just call it umm, a short term or temporary thing?

    What am I supposed to be doing when I want to build a REAL business.
    Building sites?? selling affiliate products? or what?

    Sorry for being so thick headed but I just dont understand how to go about building a REAL business.

    bye,
    faraz
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by visit_faraz View Post

      Now, wait a minute here. I am a little confused.

      What do you guys mean about building a business?

      I have sites and I am doing affiliate marketing with these and am making a constant income now.

      So, would you guys call this a business or would you just call it umm, a short term or temporary thing?

      What am I supposed to be doing when I want to build a REAL business.
      Building sites?? selling affiliate products? or what?

      Sorry for being so thick headed but I just dont understand how to go about building a REAL business.

      bye,
      faraz
      That's just it Faraz. Everybody has their own definition of what a "real"
      business is.

      For some, what I do, is NOT a real business, even though I make 6 figures
      a year. Why not? Because I have put together a bunch of odds and ends
      to get to where I am. I do affiliate marketing, create my own products,
      do some service stuff, freelancing, etc. I have so many models, I'm all
      over the place. And yes, maybe it's not the most efficient thing in the
      world, but I enjoy it and it works for me. So who is to tell me that what
      I'm doing isn't a real business?

      Bottom line: Do what you're comfortable doing and don't worry about what
      other people think.
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      • Profile picture of the author richdirtygirl
        Mmm love this... heats me up...

        there is more to this gentlemen... much much more...

        Tommy G, needs extra money... but only wants to watch sports on tv.
        Genna P, would like to work from home and take care of her newborn.
        Carl J, is an artist and would like to be able to make a living of his passion.
        John S, is a salesman and knows in his bones he would do much more with the right product instead those fat and ugly encyclopedias.

        There is more to that because the "so that" game was not used to this niche yet (I'm on it...).

        Everyone would do himself/herself a favor trying to build a business.

        The thing is: the building of the business is unique to each one.

        In practical terms, it means to have a biggest picture in mind while attacking the next target (hum... I'm talking as a warrior already... makes me remember last year Halloween party... ). That weeds out a lot distractions and help you take decisions.

        Hum... I had a loong night last night and need to wake up... any takers?

        LOL

        RDG :p
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        • Profile picture of the author Kevin Flask
          Keith,

          I have to thank you for starting this thread. All the points you
          have made are exactly what I have been struggling with.

          I have the necessity to earn more/extra money. But I know
          intuitively that building a business for the long term is both
          practical and wise.

          My choice is to build a business for the long term. Something
          that allows be to be full time at home and be flexible enough
          to accommodate my interests and needs.

          The necessity stems from struggling to rub two nickles together
          at times. So a plan to at least alleviate some of the pressure
          would help a lot.

          But that is not what I want to do. It would take an awful
          lot of time and resources to build something with a strong foundation,
          but that is what would be best to do.

          The problem I find is there is a lot of conflicting information. Mostly
          from opinions of what would be an intelligent approach to starting
          a business.

          I have seen this posted before in the forum - Only you can
          decide what it is you want to do and only you can
          choose your business model and strategy... and you shouldn't
          follow someone else's model because it may not be right for you.

          OK. I can agree with that but..........

          Where can I learn what types of models and strategies are successful
          without me spending all my time learning on my own? I understand the
          importance of learning, don't get me wrong. My point is, if I or someone
          else doesn't know where to start, then how can someone learn to build
          a solid foundation?

          I just wanted to validate, from my perspective (disclaimer ) the points
          you have mentioned.

          All the best,
          Kevin
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          • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
            Originally Posted by Jestem ja View Post

            Keith,

            I have to thank you for starting this thread. All the points you
            have made are exactly what I have been struggling with.

            I have the necessity to earn more/extra money. But I know
            intuitively that building a business for the long term is both
            practical and wise.

            My choice is to build a business for the long term. Something
            that allows be to be full time at home and be flexible enough
            to accommodate my interests and needs.

            The necessity stems from struggling to rub two nickles together
            at times. So a plan to at least alleviate some of the pressure
            would help a lot.

            But that is not what I want to do. It would take an awful
            lot of time and resources to build something with a strong foundation,
            but that is what would be best to do.

            The problem I find is there is a lot of conflicting information. Mostly
            from opinions of what would be an intelligent approach to starting
            a business.

            I have seen this posted before in the forum - Only you can
            decide what it is you want to do and only you can
            choose your business model and strategy... and you shouldn't
            follow someone else's model because it may not be right for you.

            OK. I can agree with that but..........

            Where can I learn what types of models and strategies are successful
            without me spending all my time learning on my own? I understand the
            importance of learning, don't get me wrong. My point is, if I or someone
            else doesn't know where to start, then how can someone learn to build
            a solid foundation?

            I just wanted to validate, from my perspective (disclaimer ) the points
            you have mentioned.

            All the best,
            Kevin
            Kevin,

            I hear you, and trust me, I know your frustration. Unfortunetly the answer to your question is clouded. A business can be whatever you want.

            I understand the need for some immediate cash and encourage learning techniques. They are edcuational AND help relieve some $$ pressure. I would be willing to bet though, that as you develop small systems that work for you and are immediate, that you can then take that knowledge and apply it to something with a strong foundation.

            Ultimately, although if your goal is a business, then a foundation is not poured overnight. It takes time and experience...gained from trying different things. As you "experience" success in the systems you try, that will kind of push in a certain direction.

            To me, my first obstacle was belief. Even though I READ that people made money online...I didn't so I had to see for myself. Once I confirmed I could do it, I moved on and tried many things. Those things that I tried helped me know what was out there and how it could work for me.

            Once I was comfortable and confident that I COULD do it...then I set out to establish a business. I didn't give up my little ventures at first as they brought in $$ and I learned a ton from them.

            Rushing into anything is most likely wrong, when it comes to a business. BUT, as I stated, business is a mindset more than anything. Its all about goals and working towards them.

            Short term projects and successes will be the fuel to keep you moving towards an ultimate business goal. I wish I could answer more clear, but I can't.

            I can say that for me, it happened when I wasn't looking. I used to sit down and focus on "what type of business to run" and all I did was get frustrated. When I took a few steps back, looked at my situation from an outsiders view...then it hit me like a brick.

            I know this ramble doesnt answer your question, and I am sorry, but there really isn't a definitive guide...and the timing is important as well.

            In the meanwhile just continue to try things, learn and have fun making some extra cash. Yes, IM can be very fun, and the more you enjoy it, the more you will make.

            keith
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          • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
            Originally Posted by Jestem ja View Post

            Keith,

            I have to thank you for starting this thread. All the points you
            have made are exactly what I have been struggling with.

            I have the necessity to earn more/extra money. But I know
            intuitively that building a business for the long term is both
            practical and wise.

            My choice is to build a business for the long term. Something
            that allows be to be full time at home and be flexible enough
            to accommodate my interests and needs.

            The necessity stems from struggling to rub two nickles together
            at times. So a plan to at least alleviate some of the pressure
            would help a lot.

            But that is not what I want to do. It would take an awful
            lot of time and resources to build something with a strong foundation,
            but that is what would be best to do.

            The problem I find is there is a lot of conflicting information. Mostly
            from opinions of what would be an intelligent approach to starting
            a business.

            I have seen this posted before in the forum - Only you can
            decide what it is you want to do and only you can
            choose your business model and strategy... and you shouldn't
            follow someone else's model because it may not be right for you.

            OK. I can agree with that but..........

            Where can I learn what types of models and strategies are successful
            without me spending all my time learning on my own? I understand the
            importance of learning, don't get me wrong. My point is, if I or someone
            else doesn't know where to start, then how can someone learn to build
            a solid foundation?

            I just wanted to validate, from my perspective (disclaimer ) the points
            you have mentioned.

            All the best,
            Kevin

            And therein lies the crux of this whole problem.

            Everybody is going to have a different idea of what is a "solid" foundation
            but the truth is, there are many things you can do online to earn money.
            How much money will depend on what model you choose.

            Nobody could possibly list all the things you could do to make money online
            because there are just too many.

            Here is just a very small sample:

            Sell ebooks
            Sell physical products
            Sell your skills (such as copywriting, programming)
            Take surveys
            Participate in focus groups
            Put up Adsense sites
            Do CPA
            Create a forum such as this one. (Bet Allen makes a killing here)

            I could go on and on and list a hundred things you could do off the top
            of my head...all of which would be valid.

            And then, there is the list of ways to get the word out about your
            "business" unless of course you're taking surveys or participating in
            focus groups. Then there is no promotion involved. You just keep an eye
            out for the opportunities.

            The problem is, what you're looking for, doesn't exist. Not really. Sure,
            you can buy somebody's "method" in the form of a home business course,
            such as Nitro Marketing Blueprint, but that is just ONE method. It may or
            may not be right for you.

            So instead of looking for a list, why not look to see what other successful
            people are doing and emulate their model, if you can.

            Now, in some cases, this is easy. You can follow their whole process by
            looking to see where and how they advertise, opting into their list and then
            following their offers through the funnel process.

            In other cases, it's not easy because some people are into so many
            different things (like me) that you can't possibly figure out their whole
            business model.

            Pick something. Anything that you feel comfortable with. If you don't know
            anything at all, then get one of those courses. Do some research on it
            first to see what the feedback is on it. If it's good, then there is at least
            a decent chance that it's going to help you.

            That is really the best advice I can give you unless somebody has better.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by visit_faraz View Post

      Now, wait a minute here. I am a little confused.

      What do you guys mean about building a business?

      I have sites and I am doing affiliate marketing with these and am making a constant income now.

      So, would you guys call this a business or would you just call it umm, a short term or temporary thing?

      What am I supposed to be doing when I want to build a REAL business.
      Building sites?? selling affiliate products? or what?

      Sorry for being so thick headed but I just dont understand how to go about building a REAL business.

      bye,
      faraz
      I suppose, again, this is up to the individual. IF affiliate marketing is your goal, then I would say you are already building a business.

      If affiliate marketing is something you enjoy, then it appears you are heading down the right path. Having and building a network of sites that produce steady income is most certainly a business IMO.

      keith
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  • Profile picture of the author visit_faraz
    Very well said, Steven.

    I will just keep doing what I do best.
    It just seems that we are creating useless stress for ourselves when we try to do things the "right way" and it seems that everyone has his own version of the "right method" .
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  • Profile picture of the author awnings
    Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

    My point is this, the "build a BUSINESS" phrase is dead on, but no one but you can determine what that business is...and you wont find that answer in any report...you will only find strategies to grow your business and the education to take it to the next level.
    Very insightful, I never thought the phrase like that before. But it is so true, when you build a business, you create a new business--your business.

    I've not created my own business yet, but it is goal. And my philosophy is that when you create a business, it already has an edge over the money-making strategies talked about in this thread: it is unique and in sense indispensable (at least to prospective clients). Uniques businesses I believe can be more valuable, because they are not created from a cookie cutter and thus cannot be outsold easily.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by awnings View Post

      Very insightful, I never thought the phrase like that before. But it is so true, when you build a business, you create a new business--your business.

      I've not created my own business yet, but it is goal. And my philosophy is that when you create a business, it already has an edge over the money-making strategies talked about in this thread: it is unique and in sense indispensable (at least to prospective clients). Uniques businesses I believe can be more valuable, because they are not created from a cookie cutter and thus cannot be outsold easily.
      Exactly. For me, the "offline" niche was a natural, I just had to piece all of my experiences together. I had owned small businesses, ran small businesses in a operations manager role, I had web design and graphics experience. all of those things alone told me nothing. Then I got into IM and begin studying traffic generation, SEO, marketing tactics, copywriting etc.

      Then one day, when I stood back and looked at all of those experiences combined...it all made sense. BUT I needed all of those to make what I do know work. If anyone of those were missing, I might not of seen it. I am no pro at for example, copywriting and SEO, but I know enough about it to know when I am over my head and need to outsource. So by learning a little about a lot, I was able to focus my energy where I needed to for ME.

      And yes, every business is unique. Actually, that should be a pre-requisite of a business. Not to say groundbreaking...but different with your own twist to stand out above the others for one reason or another.

      keith
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  • Profile picture of the author moodyresources
    For us building a business was finding some area we could make a start with and then simply adding to it. We started online with an ecommerce store, built it up and then sold it for 3x what we paid for it.

    We work on digital products, but really have gravitated to ecommerce and setting up one store after another in a quality way. We use affiliate products stores and dropshipping.

    You just have to decide what it is you really want in your life and then decide how bad you want it.
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    NEW KILLER BONUSES! YES! You Can Now JOIN The Other Thriving Warriors I've Helped! Say "Yes" To Success Today.
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    • Profile picture of the author awnings
      Originally Posted by moodyresources View Post

      You just have to decide what it is you really want in your life and then decide how bad you want it.
      It couldn't be said better. I think that being successful means sticking to what you love to do--so that you don't regret it later in life. I'm starting up my own business slowly, and it's the passion that keeps me going. I think I would be depressed and hopeless if I couldn't go after this dream.
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  • Profile picture of the author Clark
    Build Systems first, then you'll discover your business will build itself auto"magic"ally via multiple drip-fed revenue generating units.
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