How I Created A Product In Two Hours

by Harlan
57 replies
Last week someone emailed me and said, "Harlan, the number one product you should make is for people who procrastinate."

Last week I was at a yoga retreat.

So this morning, I got out of bed and selected a title: Procrastination Be Gone.

I went on the Scriptlance and posted a job to create a CD cover.

I had bids within minutes ranging from $30-50.

I selected someone who came in at $39 who I had worked with before.

Within an hour, they were done.

While they were working, I put up a quick sales letter. I mean seriously quick. I'll have to rewrite it later.

Then I created the product on Garage Band and am uploading it to Kunaki.

Hit my lists and KA CHING.

Sales already coming in.

All this work is exhausting. I think I need to go to bed.

Come on guys. You can do it too.

Peace,

Harlan
#created #hours #product
  • Profile picture of the author TimG
    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

    Last week someone emailed me and said, "Harlan, the number one product you should make is for people who procrastinate."

    Last week I was at a yoga retreat.

    So this morning, I got out of bed and selected a title: Procrastination Be Gone.

    I went on the Scriptlance and posted a job to create a CD cover.

    I had bids within minutes ranging from $30-50.

    I selected someone who came in at $39 who I had worked with before.

    Within an hour, they were done.

    While they were working, I put up a quick sales letter. I mean seriously quick. I'll have to rewrite it later.

    Then I created the product on Garage Band and am uploading it to Kunaki.

    Hit my lists and KA CHING.

    Sales already coming in.

    All this work is exhausting. I think I need to go to bed.

    Come on guys. You can do it too.

    Peace,

    Harlan
    Harlan,
    That's tooooo funny!!! By chance how much did you price the product for?

    Total investment for the product was some of your time, $39 for the CD cover - Any other associated costs (outside of a domain name)?

    Respectfully,
    Tim
    Signature
    Article Marketing Soldiers - The Best Selling Article Marketing Product On The Warrior Forum Is Now Looking For Affiliates! Make Over $25 Per Sale With This High Converting Product.

    Make More Money And Spend More Time With Your Family By Becoming A Scentsy Consultant - I Provide Personal Assistance And Help With Growing Your Business.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361175].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lance K
    Another thread to point people to when they ask if list building is really the way to go.



    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post


    Hit my lists and KA CHING.
    Signature
    "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
    ~ Zig Ziglar
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361207].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rob P
    What's Garage Band?
    Signature
    All the suffering in this world comes from trying to make yourself happy. All the happiness comes from making others happy. (GK Gyatso)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361219].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    Good post, albeit a slightly misleading one.

    Yes, anyone can create a product in 2 hours following those instructions, if:

    -you know how to find good service providers
    -you have specialized knowledge to package into a product
    -you know how to write decent copy
    -you have a responsive list

    We've all seen the WSOs and other products claiming how "I made $5000 in one hour", or stuff like that.

    Don't get me wrong - those numbers are definitely possible and doable, but what they often don't mention is the work that goes into making that $5000 hour possible.

    It's like, "Hey, I did a quick product launch and made $2 million in 1 day! It's easy - you can do it too, so why aren't you?" ...you know what I mean?

    Curtis
    Signature
    Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361242].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
      Originally Posted by CurtisN View Post

      Good post, albeit a slightly misleading one.

      Yes, anyone can create a product in 2 hours following those instructions, if:

      -you know how to find good service providers
      -you have specialized knowledge to package into a product
      -you know how to write decent copy
      -you have a responsive list

      We've all seen the WSOs and other products claiming how "I made $5000 in one hour", or stuff like that.

      Don't get me wrong - those numbers are definitely possible and doable, but what they often don't mention is the work that goes into making that $5000 hour possible.

      It's like, "Hey, I did a quick product launch and made $2 million in 1 day! It's easy - you can do it too, so why aren't you?" ...you know what I mean?

      Curtis


      I knew I shouldn't have walked away before hitting the submit button haha... beat me to it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361288].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      Originally Posted by CurtisN View Post

      Good post, albeit a slightly misleading one.

      Yes, anyone can create a product in 2 hours following those instructions, if:

      -you know how to find good service providers
      -you have specialized knowledge to package into a product
      -you know how to write decent copy
      -you have a responsive list

      We've all seen the WSOs and other products claiming how "I made $5000 in one hour", or stuff like that.

      Don't get me wrong - those numbers are definitely possible and doable, but what they often don't mention is the work that goes into making that $5000 hour possible.

      It's like, "Hey, I did a quick product launch and made $2 million in 1 day! It's easy - you can do it too, so why aren't you?" ...you know what I mean?

      Curtis
      True but it can still be done...

      -you know how to find good service providers
      WSO, Warriors for Hire, Odesk, RentACoder. I had Semmy from the warrior forum do my graphic for my DVD product with Kunaki and he did a great job and it worked like a charm just uploaded it to Kunaki. Price was under $40 so right in the $30-$50 price range mentioned.

      -you have specialized knowledge to package into a product
      Yes, that helps but you can also interview a person who has the specialized knowledge to package and sell.

      Find someone with a product so you can use it as a back-end to your own product so you can monetize your offer even more. Maybe that adds an 1-4 hours to the process but still a nifty work-around if you don't have the specialized knowledge to package into a product.


      -you know how to write decent copy
      Take a stab at it and ask nicely in the copywriting forum here for a critique to flesh out a decent copy.

      You can also do a sales letter video to get around that. Seems to me Harlan is talking about creating a quick product not creating the next #1 ClickBank best-seller. Audio/video is one of the best ways of creating a quality product quickly.

      Plus if it sells well doing this you can always re-invest the profits into having a copywriter really spruce up your copy for you.



      -you have a responsive list
      Yes, that's gold and if you don't have a list you can use the product you just created as a list builder. Build a list with it then create another 2-hour product to offer as a sale.

      So yes it's tougher if you're a newbie but the main nugget here is that there are ways to create a product relatively quickly if you just move.

      It might take you longer than two hours and you might not have a list to start selling right off the bat. But using the steps in the OP you could have an audio product done in a day so lets not dissuade peeps from giving it a shot.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363369].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
        Originally Posted by Alan Petersen View Post

        True but it can still be done...

        -you know how to find good service providers
        WSO, Warriors for Hire, Odesk, RentACoder. I had Semmy from the warrior forum do my graphic for my DVD product with Kunaki and he did a great job and it worked like a charm just uploaded it to Kunaki. Price was under $40 so right in the $30-$50 price range mentioned.
        What do I look for in a service provider? How do I use Odesk properly? How do I know if my service provider is even doing a good job?

        -you have specialized knowledge to package into a product
        Yes, that helps but you can also interview a person who has the specialized knowledge to package and sell.


        How do I approach potential interviewees properly? Who do I even approach? What do I say? What do I do afterwards? What do I have to offer them?

        Find someone with a product so you can use it as a back-end to your own product so you can monetize your offer even more. Maybe that adds an 1-4 hours to the process but still a nifty work-around if you don't have the specialized knowledge to package into a product.
        What's a back-end? How's the technical stuff work? Who do I approach and how?

        -you know how to write decent copy
        Take a stab at it and ask nicely in the copywriting forum here for a critique to flesh out a decent copy.
        You want me, a total IM newbie, to "take a stab" at copywriting?

        You can also do a sales letter video to get around that. Seems to me Harlan is talking about creating a quick product not creating the next #1 ClickBank best-seller. Audio/video is one of the best ways of creating a quality product quickly.

        Plus if it sells well doing this you can always re-invest the profits into having a copywriter really spruce up your copy for you.
        Forget sales videos - how do I create a video? How do I upload it? What do I say? Keep in mind that the professional sales videos we regularly see nowadays are all scripted, and the scripts are usually written, or at least tweaked, by top copywriters.

        -you have a responsive list
        Yes, that's gold and if you don't have a list you can use the product you just created as a list builder. Build a list with it then create another 2-hour product to offer as a sale.
        Where do I get traffic from? How do I build rapport with my list? I don't know anything - what am I supposed to say in each email?


        So yes it's tougher if you're a newbie but the main nugget here is that there are ways to create a product relatively quickly if you just move.

        It might take you longer than two hours and you might not have a list to start selling right off the bat. But using the steps in the OP you could have an audio product done in a day so lets not dissuade peeps from giving it a shot.
        Both you and Harlan have good points.

        My problem with Harlan's op is that he makes it seem waaay too easy.

        Let me paraphrase his op:

        "There was a demand, so I created the supply. I outsourced most of it, whipped up the rest myself. Sold it to my list and made tons of money. Why aren't you doing it?"
        Signature
        Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363423].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
          Yea the negativity here is annoying. I guess we just need to hire a real smart "Product Launch Manager" to save us.

          I'll answer here for the benefit of the newbies reading this. I don't want to get in a pissing contest with Curtis but I don't want newbies to be discouraged. My comments and responses to Curtis are in red in the below quote...


          Originally Posted by CurtisN View Post

          What do I look for in a service provider? How do I use Odesk properly? How do I know if my service provider is even doing a good job?

          Alan: Forget odesk just contact Semmy:
          View Profile: semmyw


          He does great graphics. If you use odesk just go to their learning center where they walk you through the entire process of hiring someone:

          Posting Your Jobs | Reviewing Candidates & Hiring | oDesk Help -

          How do I approach potential interviewees properly? Who do I even approach? What do I say? What do I do afterwards? What do I have to offer them?

          Alan: Since you're just starting out make your selection process realistic. It's
          very unlikely that Dr. Phil will agree to be interviewed for your new product.

          Check to see who is in your own network of friends and peers. It's a lot

          easier to get someone who is a forum mate to agree to an interview then
          a total stranger but don't let that stop you.

          I've interviewed total strangers. Just contact them.


          The key factor in locating possible interviewee candidates is that they

          have something to promote. As part of the interview you will give them a
          chance to promote their product which makes them a lot more receptive
          to being interviewed. This is also an important component to this system
          since you want to have a back-end product that ties in nicely with your
          own interview product.

          One of the best sources to find interviewee candidates is ClickBank.

          From e-books to software in various niches.You can easily
          search the ClickBank marketplace for your interviewee prospects since
          these are all people who have a product they are selling (making them
          excellent interviewee candidates).

          You're offering them a new promotional outlet for their own product. Some might blow you off, some might say no. Most will say yes.


          What's a back-end? How's the technical stuff work? Who do I approach and how?

          Alan: The product you're creating is the front-end. The product of your interviewee would be the back-end. So lets say you create your audio interview product and you sell it for $20. Once they order you redirect them to a download page where you promote the back-end product as an affiliate.

          You easily do this with PayPal. They have a comprehensive manual that shows you how to do this for free:


          https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...manual-outside


          Edit your audio with Audacity (it's free):

          http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

          They offer awesome, step-by-step guide for free:

          http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/


          As to who to approach I answered that in the part of how to find someone to interview.



          You want me, a total IM newbie, to "take a stab" at copywriting?

          Alan: Yea why not? Better than sitting on the sidelines. If you can afford a copywriter go for it. But like I said you can write your copy then ask for help right here in the copywriting forum. A lot of people are happy to help newbies.

          Forget sales videos - how do I create a video? How do I upload it? What do I say? Keep in mind that the professional sales videos we regularly see nowadays are all scripted, and the scripts are usually written, or at least tweaked, by top copywriters.

          Alan: We're not talking about "product launch" hyped up stuff here. Just fire up your web cam or flip video. Google is your friend. You'll find a lot of videos showing you step-by-step how to upload and embed videos. I use Screenflow:
          http://www.telestream.net/screen-flow/overview.htm

          Where do I get traffic from? How do I build rapport with my list? I don't know anything - what am I supposed to say in each email?

          Alan: There is ton of information here and in the War Room on how to get traffic. Best advice I can give on building rapport with your list is not pitch them to death. Offer quality and good information.


          Both you and Harlan have good points.

          My problem with Harlan's op is that he makes it seem waaay too easy.

          Let me paraphrase his op:

          "There was a demand, so I created the supply. I outsourced most of it, whipped up the rest myself. Sold it to my list and made tons of money. Why aren't you doing it?"
          My problem with you is that you make it seem waaay too hard. So between your posts and Harlan this can be done. It won't be as easy as Harlan says if you're a complete newbie but it won't be as hard as Curtis says either.

          So lets get busy. Lets get positive.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363544].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
            Originally Posted by Alan Petersen View Post

            Yea the negativity here is annoying. I guess we just need to hire a real smart "Product Launch Manager" to save us.
            Was this really called for? Let's leave personal attacks out of this, shall we?

            And what part of my posts were negative?
            Signature
            Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364974].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    Originally Posted by Harlan View Post

    Last week someone emailed me and said, "Harlan, the number one product you should make is for people who procrastinate."

    Last week I was at a yoga retreat.

    So this morning, I got out of bed and selected a title: Procrastination Be Gone.

    I went on the Scriptlance and posted a job to create a CD cover.

    I had bids within minutes ranging from $30-50.

    I selected someone who came in at $39 who I had worked with before.

    Within an hour, they were done.

    While they were working, I put up a quick sales letter. I mean seriously quick. I'll have to rewrite it later.

    Then I created the product on Garage Band and am uploading it to Kunaki.

    Hit my lists and KA CHING.

    Sales already coming in.

    All this work is exhausting. I think I need to go to bed.

    Come on guys. You can do it too.

    Peace,

    Harlan


    Well, first.. congratulations on your new product!





    But, let me play devil's advocate here and say:

    1. You didn't just spend 2 hours on creating this product.. you obviously have a past history that you've had to learn from, plus any expertise that you've managed to obtain on the subject, and that took time. None of that is accounted for in your 2 hours.

    2. A person without a list wouldn't start seeing sales immediately, unless they were already well versed in PPC or something maybe..


    So, while yes, it can be that easy for someone with an expertise that is in demand, that has a list, and the available knowledge on how to execute this plan and market the product.... your post is kind of misleading newbs into thinking it's as simple as booting up Garage Band and "making a product" and 2 hours later they'll see sales (which is definitely not the case)


    Not trying to be a pessimist, I'm just trying to bring some perspective for the new people.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361285].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      Originally Posted by mr2monster View Post

      Well, first.. congratulations on your new product!


      But, let me play devil's advocate here and say:

      1. You didn't just spend 2 hours on creating this product.. you obviously have a past history that you've had to learn from, plus any expertise that you've managed to obtain on the subject, and that took time. None of that is accounted for in your 2 hours.

      2. A person without a list wouldn't start seeing sales immediately, unless they were already well versed in PPC or something maybe..


      So, while yes, it can be that easy for someone with an expertise that is in demand, that has a list, and the available knowledge on how to execute this plan and market the product.... your post is kind of misleading newbs into thinking it's as simple as booting up Garage Band and "making a product" and 2 hours later they'll see sales (which is definitely not the case)


      Not trying to be a pessimist, I'm just trying to bring some perspective for the new people.
      I'm not trying to be a pessimist, I'm just finding an excuse for everyone who hasn't done it.

      And anyone - even a newbie could do it. And see sales once an ad gets approved by Google or Facebook.
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2361430].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Murphy
    Oh man...love the pot stirring action going on in here!

    Why are people missing the point so badly.

    Harlan removed the mental roadblocks and made it happen. I'm a bit daft, but I believe that's the whole point of the thread.

    Excuse: "I'm not Harlan Kilstein...he gots great skillz"
    Solution - You're you and you know stuff others don't. You know stuff that can be sold...you just don't realize it.

    Excuse: "yeah but we don't know where to find the tools and services"
    Solution: Yes you do...Harlan just TOLD you. Don't have a Mac? Fine...do a Google search for Audacity and get recording.

    Excuse: Having "Do no work and make money" in your sig loses my respect
    Solution: Then go work your bag off and make money. Let Harlan (and MANY others) leverage the time and skills of others so that he can use his time to explore other business opportunities and profit streams.

    One of my favorite sayings of all time...

    "You can make excuses and money at the same time" - Stephen Pierce

    Stop questioning and start doing.
    Signature
    Guitar PLR - New MONSTER Guitar Video PLR Pack![LIMITED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363424].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
      Originally Posted by Mike Murphy View Post

      Oh man...love the pot stirring action going on in here!

      Why are people missing the point so badly.

      Harlan removed the mental roadblocks and made it happen. I'm a bit daft, but I believe that's the whole point of the thread.

      Excuse: "I'm not Harlan Kilstein...he gots great skillz"
      Solution - You're you and you know stuff others don't. You know stuff that can be sold...you just don't realize it.

      Excuse: "yeah but we don't know where to find the tools and services"
      Solution: Yes you do...Harlan just TOLD you. Don't have a Mac? Fine...do a Google search for Audacity and get recording.

      Excuse: Having "Do no work and make money" in your sig loses my respect
      Solution: Then go work your bag off and make money. Let Harlan (and MANY others) leverage the time and skills of others so that he can use his time to explore other business opportunities and profit streams.

      One of my favorite sayings of all time...

      "You can make excuses and money at the same time" - Stephen Pierce

      Stop questioning and start doing.

      I'm not making excuses (and I'm not seeing anyone else that is either), I'm pointing out that he's oversimplifying things.


      Like it or not, newbies aren't just able to whip out a product and make some sales in 2 hours.


      I could do it (and do), but I've also been in the game for the better part of 5 years now. If you told me to do it when I first got in, I'd have many of the same questions as Curtis posted.



      ...and people blame newbies for not knowing what to do or not taking action... It's posts like THESE that confuse the hell out of them, making them think that they should be able to just whip up a product in 2 hours and make some sales... and when they can't, they wonder what they did wrong.. and call the whole thing a scam because someone built up unreasonable expectations.




      I could say: I wrote a song in 4 minutes on the piano just now. I sat down, I slammed out some basic chords for 4 minutes and voila... song complete. Go out and do it, there's nothing stopping you.

      That would teach would be songwriters absolutely nothing. Sure, they could sit down and beat up a piano for 4 min, but it would do them absolutely no good if they didn't know what a chord was, or even where to find out..

      By "forgetting" to mention that I have 15 years of learning piano under my belt, and THAT is why I can write a song in 4 minutes, I would just be bragging and misleading people to believe it was easier than it really is.

      And that pretty much sums up this post.



      It's not about excuses... it's about setting realistic expectations.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363499].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    There are 2 ways of looking at post. First, if the OP wrote it for motivational stuff. Then, everything is good. But if you want to tell me, that you did all stuff with in 2 hours. I bet the quality of the product must be suffering. 99% of the time, i cant get designs for my site with in 2 hours.

    Personally, I wont even accept anybody's bid for atleast 2 days. I give workers enough time, to post their bids.

    Atleast, it will help some newbie to take action. But it will be long and tiresome journey for him.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363455].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363472].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
        Talk in a microphone? Whats the connection between content and phone? You think having a microphone increase speed?

        To speak anything, you need ideas. For ideas, you need to do some research. If i am creating a product, i will make sure, i put something out, which got value. I will give it some time to develop.

        If i am putting a name under the product, it should be of high value. How many products you have seen from Milke hill from last one year? I bet they can hire 100 writers with everyone having their own microphone and stuff. why do they release one or two products in a year? QUALITY.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363496].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    what kind of quality we are looking here? This give very wrong signal to newbies here. It give them signal, the quality of content you are providing hold no value.

    Slap together anything and just push it to your subscriber list.

    Newbies, take very very good care about the quality of your product. Specially, ebooks. If you can create good quality in 2 hours. Fine. But, please respect your customers, those who are spending money. Its your duty to "overdeliver" them.

    Trust me, if your product is good. You wont need to worry about traffic.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363481].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
      Originally Posted by ankur sharma View Post

      I agree, i completely agree he can make good product in 2 hours. But 2 hours? He would have doubled the quality of his product, if he worked 4 hours or at least a day.

      Another misconception.


      Quality is NOT directly proportional to the time it takes to create something.


      Experience, knowledge, ability, etc. have far more to do with that. Harlan could probably whip out a pretty high quality product in 2 hours if he has the experience, ability and knowledge to make it happen....


      i.e. If you took someone like Frank Kern or Eben Pagan and put them in a room and gave them 2 hours to make a product. Then also took a newbie and gave them 2 hours as well. My bet is Kern's product would be way better simply because he has the experience, knowledge, and ability that the newbie lacks..



      That doesn't even take into account the customers definition of "quality". Is quality determined by content? Design? Function? Combination of each? etc..
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363578].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
      Originally Posted by ankur sharma View Post

      I agree, i completely agree he can make good product in 2 hours. But 2 hours? He would have doubled the quality of his product, if he worked 4 hours or at least a day.
      Don't take it so literal. So it takes you and me 4 hours. Or a day. Heck, 2 days. That still pretty cool.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363582].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by ankur sharma View Post

      I agree, i completely agree he can make good product in 2 hours. But 2 hours? He would have doubled the quality of his product, if he worked 4 hours or at least a day.
      And?????????
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363937].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
    There are two types of roadblocks that block the road: mental roadblocks and physical roadblocks.

    Harlan may have removed the mental ones, but worded his post so that it seemed like there weren't any physical ones.

    I don't have any problems with anything that's been said really...just what hasn't been said.
    Signature
    Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363495].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
    I agree with mr2monster. You cant simplify things so much. Sometimes, its good to be realistic.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363508].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    Originally Posted by Jodie Mitchell View Post

    Great post Harlan, very motivating for newbies like us who are slogging away at it. Great stuff!
    I gave you a thanks because you "get it" I said it In another thread, "it's almost like some of us have a vested interest in making this stuff look hard.

    Sometimes it can be very hard. However, sometimes lightening strikes a pine and it really is very easy.

    George Wright
    Signature
    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2363917].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Venturetothetop
    Im sorry, i state my case again, I really do not care what is being sold or the method, I simply hate the words 'Do no work and succeed' in marketing.

    I think it has breeded a generation of marketers who truely believe you do no work.
    Trust me, I work very little, but Im thinking and working on new plans all the time.

    Maybe it's a wording issue - but anyone who uses those words loses my respect, regardless as to how great their method is as it is simply not true. (Harlem admits himself, that he has to do some work by commissioning others, so there is work)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364862].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Fladlien
      Interesting Harlan as I just did the same thing last week. I noticed a powerful hook of proof about a technique I was using that I didn't realize was so powerful.

      So I fired up camtasia and recorded JUST the audio of it - came out to about 2 hours of audio, and I did it all in one take.

      Then wrote a quick sales letter in under 30 minutes and emailed my list and sold like 5k in less than 2 days.

      All for what amounted to a couple hours of work. And that product is still bringing in sales.

      So yeah, you could come up with reasons why someone like Harlan or I could do it... which is not very productive... or you can find ways how you can do it, too.

      Example - my first product I ever created was about how to write articles fast. I had no list. No name. Nothing.

      I wrote a 7 page ebook on it - it had a typo in the first sentence! It took me about 1 1/2 hours to write the ebook. Then I wrote the sales copy (it was my first sales letter ever!) and when I was done, I was so nervous I sold it for $4.

      Put it on a WSO and sold several hundred copies, raised the price and sold several hundred more and make like 2k in 2 weeks.

      The was my first success EVER selling digital products - my first product created, my first sales letter, my first traffic... everything.

      Figure out a way to make it work for you or make excuses. Your choice.
      Signature

      Co-creator of WP Twin. Perhaps the most expensive yet most reliable wordress cloning tool on the market. We've definitely been used more successfully than all other options :)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364879].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
        First thing. Harlan's experience does make things "faster". He knows what to do.

        OK then. And there are a ton of DETAILS iffin you want to make this thing a big deal on the Internet.

        But to the "gist" of Product Creation in very SHORT periods of time (whatever that means to you)...here's MY 2 or so hour deal.

        Last Saturday morning I used Yahoo Messenger to talk to a guy in Sri Lanka. We spoke for over an hour, however, had we known going into it what the topic was, we would have been prepared to ask better questions.

        Writing out questions should take you ten to twenty minutes.

        Who are you? Why should I listen to you? What are you going to tell me? Tell me! Let me ask questions as they come up. Summarize. End.

        Basic and simple formula for talking to anyone and for recording INFORMATION.

        Now, I like to record onto a Sony Digital recorder BECAUSE I have my Dragon Naturally Speaking software trained to convert it into a document while I wash the dishes (or whatever else I need to do).

        BUT, Audacity FREE version would do the job.

        Talk for ONE hour or less. I like to aim for 50 minutes, it gives you time for intro and summary if you want to add one.

        So, you THINK for 15 minutes about the questions you want to ask. You CONTACT the person and start recording.

        Then, I wouldn't touch a thing UNLESS there was a mistake made, and just push a button and convert the file to a wav and also a MP3 file.

        There's the product. One hour and a half. Now, that leaves half an hour for marketing.

        Well, I'd spend 5 minutes changing my sig file here at WF.

        I'd link it to a "sales" page, which would be a 10 minute job. HEY, I just interviewed ___________ about ___________. It is available for download now. Click here.

        NOW then, any Warrior who doesn't have a PayPal account can't be serious in my opinion, unless, of course it is unavailable in your country.

        But add 30 minutes for setting up a PayPal account.

        Anyhow, any NEWBIE can create a NEW information product in 2 hours.

        Who wants to test it out?

        Here's my offer. I'll work with TWO noobs. Total beginners or a Warrior who does not have an Information Product to sell.

        YOU can Interview ME on a wide variety of subjects (I'll let you choose). We'll do it on a Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon you'll be selling the product.

        NO promises or guarantees if any will sell, but, you'll go through the experience and have PROOF that what the OP said is true for you. IT can be done in 2 hours.

        So, if you are a newb and are interested, email me at gjabiz@yahoo.com. That way I have time stamps on the emails and will go on a first come first served basis, fair enough?

        Anyone who sends a PM will be automatically eliminated because you can't follow simple directions.

        You don't need to be an experienced Guru like Harlan, you just need to WANT to do it.

        gjabiz
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364979].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Lance K
          If you're serious, email Gordon NOW!!!

          He's not a chest thumping guru type, but he could be if he wanted to.

          This is an amazing offer for a beginner. Just make sure to do your research about Gordon and his areas of expertise before hand so you get the most out of it.

          Originally Posted by gjabiz View Post


          Here's my offer. I'll work with TWO noobs. Total beginners or a Warrior who does not have an Information Product to sell.

          YOU can Interview ME on a wide variety of subjects (I'll let you choose). We'll do it on a Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon you'll be selling the product.

          NO promises or guarantees if any will sell, but, you'll go through the experience and have PROOF that what the OP said is true for you. IT can be done in 2 hours.

          So, if you are a newb and are interested, email me at gjabiz@yahoo.com. That way I have time stamps on the emails and will go on a first come first served basis, fair enough?

          Anyone who sends a PM will be automatically eliminated because you can't follow simple directions.


          You don't need to be an experienced Guru like Harlan, you just need to WANT to do it.

          gjabiz
          Signature
          "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
          ~ Zig Ziglar
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365127].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Harlan
        Originally Posted by Jason Fladlien View Post

        Interesting Harlan as I just did the same thing last week. I noticed a powerful hook of proof about a technique I was using that I didn't realize was so powerful.
        I hate punks like you who get everything faster than I did.

        I hate smart alek kids like you who take action and produce a whole slew of products faster than I did.

        I hate Internet Marketers with no sense of fear or failure who plunge in and build success after success with products.

        Good going Jason.
        Signature

        Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
        Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
        http://overnight-copy.com
        Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
        Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365237].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Originally Posted by Venturetothetop View Post

      Im sorry, i state my case again, I really do not care what is being sold or the method, I simply hate the words 'Do no work and succeed' in marketing.

      I think it has breeded a generation of marketers who truly believe you do no work.
      Trust me, I work very little, but Im thinking and working on new plans all the time.

      Maybe it's a wording issue - but anyone who uses those words loses my respect, regardless as to how great their method is as it is simply not true. (Harlem admits himself, that he has to do some work by commissioning others, so there is work)
      To many, the words in red above are just as repulsive as the ones you are taking issue with. Let's face it. It's all a matter of perception and attitude.

      I have a very dear friend who, before he died, made great money and never "worked" a day in his life. He played every day and would have played for free but people just insisted on paying him. Yes, he literally played, he was a musician. He loved what he did so much that it was never work to him. He just sat at his keyboard and collected money for playing. Do you not respect him because he never worked?

      Now Harlan and others (including yours truly) just set at their keyboards and WORK or PLAY it just depends on attitude.

      Admittedly a lot of it has been WORK for me, however, when I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea that just pops into my head from nowhere and type up a 2,000 word report upload it and sell $1,000 worth of it, this is not work. Not even as you say "VERY LITTLE WORK." I too play the keyboard.

      George Wright
      Signature
      "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2366968].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author King Shiloh
    Banned
    Success is made when preparation meets an opportunity. No matter how this internet marketing picture is painted to look so easy some people will still find it extremely difficult.

    I think that's the beauty of it. What is hard for the goose could be easy for the gander.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364908].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Harlan
      If I outsourced everything, I would have been done faster but I'd be waiting for the outsourcers to do the work.

      When I did The Hypnotic Secret, my goal was a week.

      It took about twice that because of one of the outsourcers. I should have fired them.

      I learned my lesson.

      My advice for outsourcing:

      Fire fast.
      Signature

      Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
      Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
      http://overnight-copy.com
      Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
      Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364947].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    Originally Posted by ankur sharma View Post
    I agree, i completely agree he can make good product in 2 hours. But 2 hours? He would have doubled the quality of his product, if he worked 4 hours or at least a day.
    I've got a product that I started in 1977 and it's still not done. Wait until you see the quality of that puppy when it's finished !!!
    Signature

    Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364949].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author czilbersher
      Originally Posted by Scott Ames View Post

      I've got a product that I started in 1977 and it's still not done. Wait until you see the quality of that puppy when it's finished !!!
      Scott, not so sure how well a remix of Captain & Tenille show tunes is going to fly in 2010. Good luck with your product anyway.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364959].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
        Originally Posted by czilbersher View Post

        Scott, not so sure how well a remix of Captain & Tenille show tunes is going to fly in 2010. Good luck with your product anyway.
        Hahahahah!


        Muskrat Susie, Muskrat Sam
        Do the jitterbug out in muskrat land
        And they shimmy
        And Sammy's so skinny
        Signature

        Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364984].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ankur sharma
      Originally Posted by Scott Ames View Post

      I've got a product that I started in 1977 and it's still not done. Wait until you see the quality of that puppy when it's finished !!!
      Lol, i bet it will be amazon best seller. Dont believe me? List it and watch yourself
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2366865].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author czilbersher
    I completely understand the PROCESS part but am completely lost on the PRODUCT part. I had to Google 'Garage Band' and 'Kunaki' to figure out what you're selling: A physical product (CD-ROM) which contains some type of sampled or recorded music.

    Your topic is 'Procrastination Be Gone' so my mind is reeling trying to figure out your product: Did you compose a little ditty on beating procrastination and burn that to CD? Not sure I'd spend $45 bucks on that, although I have no doubt you have an amazing singing voice. That said, any further insight you can provide would help quelch my curiosity.

    Thanks for the motivational post, BTW. I got your point.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364955].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lance K
      Originally Posted by czilbersher View Post

      I completely understand the PROCESS part but am completely lost on the PRODUCT part. I had to Google 'Garage Band' and 'Kunaki' to figure out what you're selling: A physical product (CD-ROM) which contains some type of sampled or recorded music.

      Your topic is 'Procrastination Be Gone' so my mind is reeling trying to figure out your product: Did you compose a little ditty on beating procrastination and burn that to CD? Not sure I'd spend $45 bucks on that, although I have no doubt you have an amazing singing voice. That said, any further insight you can provide would help quelch my curiosity.

      Thanks for the motivational post, BTW. I got your point.
      He use a piece of Mac software named "Garage Band" to simply record an audio file about ending procrastination.

      He then sent the audio file and graphics to a company named "Kunaki" to have his CDs duplicated and orders fulfilled.
      Signature
      "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."
      ~ Zig Ziglar
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365007].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Usher
    Being Mr. Negativity as always, anyone, yes anyone, can create a product in 2 hours but they will need the infrastructure and knowledge built up over several years to capitalize on it.

    You can't build a list of thousands in 2 hours, and you can't learn copyrighting in 2 hours. Heck yes, they'll be those shouting "outsourcing" etc etc .. but you need money to make money and most newbies are not in a position to outsource.

    Sometimes, the experienced marketers tend to take what they have for granted and assume we all have the same methods and devices at our disposal. This is simply not the case.

    Jeff
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364962].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Jeff Usher View Post

      Being Mr. Negativity as always, anyone, yes anyone, can create a product in 2 hours but they will need the infrastructure and knowledge built up over several years to capitalize on it.

      You can't build a list of thousands in 2 hours, and you can't learn copyrighting in 2 hours. Heck yes, they'll be those shouting "outsourcing" etc etc .. but you need money to make money and most newbies are not in a position to outsource.

      Sometimes, the experienced marketers tend to take what they have for granted and assume we all have the same methods and devices at our disposal. This is simply not the case.

      Jeff
      Yep, so you may as well not even try, right?

      Come on, give me a break!

      I bet you could get one heck of a list AND not have to write great copy to get a solid list in 2 hours - using the same technique Harlan is talking about.

      INSTEAD of selling the first "2 hour product", give the thing away in exchange for opt-ins.

      Let's face it, you don't need to have a golden pen and know all of the secrets of sales letter persuasion to give a good porduct away. All you really need to do is communicate what it is, that it's NOT a crappy throw-away product and that people can get it for free.

      That's my thinking anyway.

      All the best,
      Michael
      Signature

      "Ich bin en fuego!"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365181].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Harlan
        Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

        Yep, so you may as well not even try, right?

        Come on, give me a break!

        I bet you could get one heck of a list AND not have to write great copy to get a solid list in 2 hours - using the same technique Harlan is talking about.
        Michael, congrats. You actually get it.

        By the way, the first copy I wrote for the product didn't convert very well so I spent another hour doing copy after it was selling and that copy is seriously converting to my lists.

        Now remember this isn't a launch so I have a product to sell for years!

        But it's all about taking action.

        And all those people who think "well only Harlan can do it...."

        Nonsense.

        I don't have half the skills some of you guys have.

        I just take action.
        Signature

        Harlan D. Kilstein Ed.D.
        Free NLP Communications Course at http://www.nlpcopywriting.com
        http://overnight-copy.com
        Get Fit In Four Minuteshttp://just4minutes.com
        Learn how to build a Super Site Without SEO http://supersiteformula.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365219].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Tom B
          Banned
          Good lord people. lol

          It is pretty easy to see the spirit of the message.

          You do know one of the main problems with new people, right?

          Well, they never get started because they think this stuff is way harder then it is.

          It isn't that hard.

          Who said they need to write copy like Harlan. I can't write copy as good as him but still seem to make sales.

          A good offer or just a product on a hot topic will get sales.

          Now we are being timed in regards to product creation quality? Surely 2 hours the product quality must be terrible. haha

          I can create software in an hour. I bet it is far better than most software products out there.

          So maybe it takes longer for someone to do this. IT IS A LEARNING PROCESS.


          The more they do it the better they will get and the more money they will make.

          People do make it sound a lot harder and people in this thread are doing the same thing.

          We are not talking about making a full time income here. We are talking about one product, that is it.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365243].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364997].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kamran
      For me, the take away from this thread: create the salesletter before the product, that way I will be more focused when creating the product and deliver exactly as I promised as the salesletter will act like a product outline. I heard of this technique before from another marketer but never really put it to action.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365045].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rchudej1
    Seriously, if you're going to bash, give excuse for why you can't do something please get off the forum and start doing something to make it happen!

    Focus on "I think I can. I think I can." then start doing it until you KNOW YOU CAN. Then say "I KNOW I can." Then start doing something positive.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2364999].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    There are two things to see here.

    First, Harlan's completely right. You can get out of bed and have a product up for sale in a couple hours. What kind of product and how much you sell it for depends on your experience. How many copies you sell and how fast depends on your infrastructure.

    Second, yes, you need experience and infrastructure to make that happen. And if you don't know how to put those together, it might seem like a massive undertaking... except it's not. Kunaki isn't hard. AWeber isn't hard. Clickbank isn't hard. If you know JACK SQUAT about these things, all you have to do is write down all your questions and start finding out the answers. You'll have the infrastructure within two weeks. Then bite the bullet and do something. You'll screw it up. Do it again; you'll screw up less. Do it again. And again. And again. And eventually, you'll not screw it up.

    And then you'll be able to get up in the morning, drop a product in two hours, and put a few thousand bucks in your pocket. Day in. Day out. All you need is an idea.

    But right now, go get the answers to those questions, and start screwing up.
    Signature
    "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365023].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      And therein Mr. CD lies another answer to the question "How can I create a product in 2 hours, give or take." Did you do that on purpose or was it just a wonderful case of serendipity?

      George Wright

      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      There are two things to see here.

      First, Harlan's completely right. You can get out of bed and have a product up for sale in a couple hours. What kind of product and how much you sell it for depends on your experience. How many copies you sell and how fast depends on your infrastructure.

      Second, yes, you need experience and infrastructure to make that happen. And if you don't know how to put those together, it might seem like a massive undertaking... except it's not. Kunaki isn't hard. AWeber isn't hard. Clickbank isn't hard. If you know JACK SQUAT about these things, all you have to do is write down all your questions and start finding out the answers. You'll have the infrastructure within two weeks. Then bite the bullet and do something. You'll screw it up. Do it again; you'll screw up less. Do it again. And again. And again. And eventually, you'll not screw it up.

      And then you'll be able to get up in the morning, drop a product in two hours, and put a few thousand bucks in your pocket. Day in. Day out. All you need is an idea.

      But right now, go get the answers to those questions, and start screwing up.
      Signature
      "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2366810].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

        And therein Mr. CD lies another answer to the question "How can I create a product in 2 hours, give or take." Did you do that on purpose or was it just a wonderful case of serendipity?
        A lot of the advice I write other people is the advice I'm giving myself.

        I sat around for months saying "one day I will figure out how to put videos on Amazon S3."

        And one day, I did. Do you know what it took?

        Three searches, a download, and ten minutes.

        I have a list as long as my arm of things that I'm going to do "one day," and that list seems like it will take forever. I procrastinate. I look at the list and think it's this huge job. And then I go read fake motivational posters or post on the forum or whatever and I don't get anything done.

        This stuff isn't hard. It doesn't take forever. Just grab something off the list and go figure it out. When you're done, grab something else. The pieces come together. Hell, the product creation thing seemed like a massive undertaking when I first started, and it's not. It looks that way when you have to climb the wall, but the wall isn't that high and it isn't that hard to climb.

        I am the damn poster boy for analysis paralysis. I spend most of my life in it. Stop whinging about how hard it looks and how tough it is to get started. I know it's no picnic; I'm not partying my arse off over here. I'm in the same place and doing the same things and giving you the same damn advice I need myself.

        Because the game changes, but the rules don't.

        Harlan gets up and stretches and drops a product in a couple hours that drops a shedload of cash into his pocket by the end of the day.

        Over time, you'll get the shedload of cash, and you'll get your product creation down to a couple hours. But for right now, just drop a product. Anything. Free stuff. Giveaway list-builders. $7 reports. Hell, $4 reports. You don't have to charge $47 for everything. And every single one you drop is a couple dozen names on your list. A couple dozen customers.

        Maybe you don't make thousands of dollars overnight. Can you live with a couple hundred at the end of the week? It's better than nothing. You'll get better at it. But right now, just learn the rules and play the game and worry about the big leagues when you have the fundamentals down.
        Signature
        "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2367094].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dave Lianelli
    Harlan, great post there. Seems your post caused another jar of negativism to open... (really, they're even more worse than jars of SPAM)

    At least I now know of a 'Product Launch Manager' not to hire.

    -Dave
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365251].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kevin AKA Hubcap
      Let me put my .02 into this discussion.

      I think people are are intentionally disregarding the "spirit" of this post which to me is:

      stop thinking so much and start doing

      Not that thinking, research, learning is bad.... its definitely not but you reach a point where purely reading without putting what you learned into action becomes an academic exercise. The best way to learn this stuff is to:

      read-->act-->evaluate-->repeat

      This way you learn what works and what doesn't for you instead of having a bunch of theories swirling around in your noggin.

      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      I didn't see where the OP directed this post at noobies yet many assume it to be. True, someone totally new to IM won't be able to do this but many with a few weeks experience under their belts can.

      Again, stop reading and researching so much and start selling products. The feedback you get from your efforts is worth more than all the ideas of the guru's combined because its based on your business.

      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      There's a tendency to label those who point out potential shortcomings in a plan as "negative".

      Why????

      It makes sense to identify both the strong and weak points. I'm former military so maybe I'm a bit biased but we always had a plan and contingencies. The contingencies weren't there because we were "negative". They're there to deal with a situation that may be unlikely but may occur.

      It's easy to look at a plan and say this is all going to work but IMO that's a bit naive. Knowing the weak points is just as important as knowing the strong.

      Just my .02

      Kevin
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365395].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CurtisN
      Originally Posted by Dave Lianelli View Post

      Harlan, great post there. Seems your post caused another jar of negativism to open... (really, they're even more worse than jars of SPAM)

      At least I now know of a 'Product Launch Manager' not to hire.

      -Dave
      Sigh...

      I agree with Harlan, for crying out loud.

      Not liking the personal jabs here guys.
      Signature
      Curtis Ng (blog) - Product Launch Manager
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2365398].message }}

Trending Topics