Help for a fellow warrior about to get a real j.o.b.

Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

Last we PM'd, he was looking for a real j.o.b. and I think we would ALL like to prevent THAT!

We would? Maybe IM just isn't the right fit for him?

Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Dan's content is irregularly read by handfuls of people. Join the elite few by reading his blog: dcrBlogs.com, following him on Twitter: dcrTweets.com or reading his fiction: dcrWrites.com but NOT by Clicking Here!

Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520268].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

We would? Maybe IM just isn't the right fit for him?

Of course Dan.

Perhaps you would share some of your experience though so he can have one more shot at making that determination please?

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520286].message }}

Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

Perhaps you would share some of your experience though so he can have one more shot at making that determination please?

If he hates writing, how well is he going to enjoy running a forum? Content is king, and that content needs to come from somewhere. Now, if he has the passion for his niche, but doesn't enjoy writing, how is he going to express that passion in the forum?

If he actively participates in the forum, despite hating writing, how long will it be before he gets burned out on it? And, if he just stays in the background doing the nitty gritty of running a forum, where his passion really isn't being expressed, how long before he gets burned out on that?

That's where I see the problem. He doesn't like writing, but you're trying to steer him towards something that involves writing.

Why not start with product creation? Can he do instructional videos or interviews or something where he can talk about the sport rather than write about it? Then, expand into doing a forum later, when there is a budget to be able to outsource its management, so that your friend can continue to do what he enjoys and not get bogged down (and possibly burned out) by things he hates.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Dan's content is irregularly read by handfuls of people. Join the elite few by reading his blog: dcrBlogs.com, following him on Twitter: dcrTweets.com or reading his fiction: dcrWrites.com but NOT by Clicking Here!

Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520371].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

If he hates writing, how well is he going to enjoy running a forum? Content is king, and that content needs to come from somewhere. Now, if he has the passion for his niche, but doesn't enjoy writing, how is he going to express that passion in the forum?

If he actively participates in the forum, despite hating writing, how long will it be before he gets burned out on it? And, if he just stays in the background doing the nitty gritty of running a forum, where his passion really isn't being expressed, how long before he gets burned out on that?

That's where I see the problem. He doesn't like writing, but you're trying to steer him towards something that involves writing.

Why not start with product creation? Can he do instructional videos or interviews or something where he can talk about the sport rather than write about it? Then, expand into doing a forum later, when there is a budget to be able to outsource its management, so that your friend can continue to do what he enjoys and not get bogged down (and possibly burned out) by things he hates.

Thanks Dan, well thought out. Forums do take on a life of their own, quickly if they are successful. While Alan may be active here and rule the roost, he doesn't make the majority of the posts, the community does. That was the thought process.

Appreciate your input greatly.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520387].message }}

Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

Thanks Dan, well thought out. Forums do take on a life of their own, quickly if they are successful. While Alan may be active here and rule the roost, he doesn't make the majority of the posts, the community does. That was the thought process.

I would bet that, when the forum was getting started, he posted much more frequently than he does now. At some point, a forum can hit critical mass and the community will handle keeping things going.

In the beginning, though, is where a more hands-on approach is likely to be required.

Allen Says has 5,684 posts. Since I've been a member (2008), his postings have been few. For this year so far, he's had 46 posts. I would bet that many of his posts came at the start of the forum.

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Dan's content is irregularly read by handfuls of people. Join the elite few by reading his blog: dcrBlogs.com, following him on Twitter: dcrTweets.com or reading his fiction: dcrWrites.com but NOT by Clicking Here!

Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520505].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

I would bet that, when the forum was getting started, he posted much more frequently than he does now. At some point, a forum can hit critical mass and the community will handle keeping things going.

In the beginning, though, is where a more hands-on approach is likely to be required.

Allen Says has 5,684 posts. Since I've been a member (2008), his postings have been few. For this year so far, he's had 46 posts. I would bet that many of his posts came at the start of the forum.

Agreed. Your point is well taken Dan. It would take effort that directly involved writing to get things going. That's one of the reasons I was seeking input from fellow warriors about getting things established quickly.

He has no trouble posting so far in the WF, so much like someone that stutters when they speak can often sing beautifully, he seems to be able to post vs getting nauseous while writing.

Thanks again.

Gary

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520528].message }}

Tina Golden 14 years ago

It's also a far different thing when you're writing about something you are passionate about. I doubt your friend will have a hard time posting a lot to his new forum.

Tina
- [ 1 ] Thanks
Signature

Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
Fast & Easy Content Creation
***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***
{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520539].message }}

ukcarl

14 years ago

Some people just arent cut out for IM, if Im honest I still work offline from time to time as a joiner but its self employed, for myself and pays well + I still enjoy it, for me its about never working for someone else thats just not an option for me, but if I can fit a kitchen in 3-4 days and earn £1000+ I think I'd be stupid not too, the fact is if your friend is making no money and has no other options then going back to work is his only option

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

**** Click Here For Free Google Adwords Training ****

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520306].message }}

Tina Golden

14 years ago

If he isn't making enough money to live on, then your buddy really does need to get a job. That's not to say he can't build his forum, too - it's not an either/or proposition, but you have to eat while you're building your online business.

For a forum, I would recommend promoting it wherever he can, of course, but his best bet is to hire a high quality paid posting service to get some activity started. Unfortunately, with forums it's a catch-22 because people are turned off by an empty forum or one that isn't very active so even though they would LIKE your site, they move on. You have to get some activity going on an ongoing basis until there is enough genuine members to carry the ball forward (yeah, that was an intentional pun...lol).

Tina

[ 2 ] Thanks
2 replies

Signature

Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
Fast & Easy Content Creation
***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520344].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

If he isn't making enough money to live on, then your buddy really does need to get a job. That's not to say he can't build his forum, too - it's not an either/or proposition, but you have to eat while you're building your online business.

For a forum, I would recommend promoting it wherever he can, of course, but his best bet is to hire a high quality paid posting service to get some activity started. Unfortunately, with forums it's a catch-22 because people are turned off by an empty forum or one that isn't very active so even though they would LIKE your site, they move on. You have to get some activity going on an ongoing basis until there is enough genuine members to carry the ball forward (yeah, that was an intentional pun...lol).

Tina

Thanks Tina, loved the pun.

Agreed he needs to support himself. I'm thinking of it more from an empowering vs sink or swim proposition.

You know, if I can help guide him a bit, he can work while he builds his empire kinda thing. Then he can live the life that many of us enjoy here.

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520367].message }}

depik

Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

If he isn't making enough money to live on, then your buddy really does need to get a job. That's not to say he can't build his forum, too - it's not an either/or proposition, but you have to eat while you're building your online business.

For a forum, I would recommend promoting it wherever he can, of course, but his best bet is to hire a high quality paid posting service to get some activity started. Unfortunately, with forums it's a catch-22 because people are turned off by an empty forum or one that isn't very active so even though they would LIKE your site, they move on. You have to get some activity going on an ongoing basis until there is enough genuine members to carry the ball forward (yeah, that was an intentional pun...lol).

Tina

Well said, Tina, it is always important to look at the realistic picture at times!

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520409].message }}

Mangozoom

14 years ago

I once started a forum about Sony PSP's ... anyway I had zilch knowledge but managed to convince a couple of geeky types to be Admins (not dissing forum Admins by the way).

Anyway these guys loved the power and position and really got things underway.

I recruited them from the official PSP forum ... bit sneaky really.

John

Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520299].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Thanks ukcarl.

Look folks, I GET it that he may not be cut out for IM, and I fully agree that not everyone is.

I'm just trying to give him a direction.

When I first learned to skydive, I sucked. After some guidance, I improved dramatically and had a lot more fun.

Not sure how this thread turned to a not everyone is cut out for it thread... when a newb posts for help, lots of folks jump in with their two cents. Someone that has 150 or so helpful posts deserves at least the same, don't you think?

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520341].message }}

jacktackett

14 years ago

Tina is spot on - it seems the ENTIRE IM market is aimed at people to quit their day job. And maybe that's not so - something to think about! Lots of people like various aspects of their day job - not all of it - but do you like all the aspects of your IM career? Also a little extra money goes a long way -even in the best of times.

Sometimes its just about earning a little extra.

One way to make some quick cash is to just find some of your junk in the house and sell it on craigs list or backpages. If its small enough you might try ebay, but I'm not too high on ebay anymore.

As for a forum - with all due respect for WF - perhaps your friend should check out other web site for sale forums and see if there's one already up and running that he could purchase and ramp up that way. I learned last night on an excellent webinare by Caleb that you can actually merge several forums hosted by vBulletin into one forum - what can I say - prepare to be assimilated ;-)

--Jack

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Let's get Tim the kidney he needs!HELP Tim

Mega Monster WSO for KimW http://ow.ly/4JdHm

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520379].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by jacktackett

Tina is spot on - it seems the ENTIRE IM market is aimed at people to quit their day job. And maybe that's not so - something to think about! Lots of people like various aspects of their day job - not all of it - but do you like all the aspects of your IM career? Also a little extra money goes a long way -even in the best of times.

Sometimes its just about earning a little extra.

One way to make some quick cash is to just find some of your junk in the house and sell it on craigs list or backpages. If its small enough you might try ebay, but I'm not too high on ebay anymore.

As for a forum - with all due respect for WF - perhaps your friend should check out other web site for sale forums and see if there's one already up and running that he could purchase and ramp up that way. I learned last night on an excellent webinare by Caleb that you can actually merge several forums hosted by vBulletin into one forum - what can I say - prepare to be assimilated ;-)

--Jack

Thanks Jack, I agree with Tina and with your thoughts - I'll share the purchasing idea with him.

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520388].message }}

John Henderson

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

How would you begin to build the traffic besides having your buddy create 5,134 accounts and auto-post?
How would you get exposure for it?
How would you prevent the traffic you get from thinking "crap, there's nothing here" while the forum was developing but only had a few posts?

If I'm not mistaken, it doesn't cost anything to open an account and create a basic social network at SocialGo -- SocialGO - Create Social Network, Build Social Networking Sites, Free Social Network Maker. I'd ask your friend to take a look at one particular SocialGo site that combines social networking and a forum around participants in a very niche sport: micro-light pilots.

Here's the story behind the site which also contains the link to the site itself: Featured Network: ‘TrikePilot’ | SocialGO Blog

I'm sure that after looking at the social networking section, the forum section and the photos and videos posted by members, he will get some inspiration and perhaps start to imagine how such a website could be applied to his particular sporting passion.

[ 1 ] Thanks

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520416].message }}

Rock Solid

14 years ago

I'd pay people to post in it, pay them .05 cents per post, .10 per thread started, have them post on a daily budget and advertise the forum to build it up so it has "life" Really wouldn't cost too much

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520420].message }}

Tina Golden

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Rock Solid

I'd pay people to post in it, pay them .05 cents per post, .10 per thread started, have them post on a daily budget and advertise the forum to build it up so it has "life" Really wouldn't cost too much

The only problem with this is that you will get a lot of junk posts that way. That's why I only recommend actual businesses that offer posting services. The best ones monitor the writers (so you don't have to) and ensure good quality posts and discussions. Most of the ones you pay a nickel or dime to post are going to post crap. Yes, a real service will cost a bit more, but it's much more controllable and valuable in the long run.

Tina

Thanks

Signature

Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
Fast & Easy Content Creation
***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520464].message }}

Caleb Spilchen

14 years ago

I learned last night on an excellent webinare by Caleb that you can actually merge several forums hosted by vBulletin into one forum - what can I say - prepare to be assimilated ;-)

Yes, That is very true Jack

Here's exactly a step by step of what I would do.

What Caleb Would Do:

I would buy a keyword domain name, with the name of the sport, and perhaps community or forum in it. There are differing opinions about putting the word "forum" in the domain name, but I've never had a problem with it.
Then I would set it up with some Hosting (I don't know who the top-of-the-line is right now), and install the VBULLETIN software. I believe its the easiest, although it comes with a price tag. There are a few vBulletin resellers, and you can often find licenses for sale cheaper on forums (always check to make sure they are legit).
I would then set up the forum sections, with important parts of the sport. Maybe categories for each team or section? And probably a General Discussion section as well, for people who just want to have a chat.
I would then add a nice theme to the forum, that would be based on sports, vBulletin has a ton of free themes on there add on site, which is where I usually find the themes from.
Since I don't have a member base yet, I would go around and purchase forums, that are related to sports, and that sport. Then using the vBulletin IMPEX system, I would import the database into my forum, clean it all up, so that the sections were together properly. Then I would e-mail all the members to announce it, so members from that forum, could move on over to my new forum, and check it out. NOTE: In this step I would usually remove the other forum; and just redirect it to my forum domain name. This step is easy to repeat, and you can buy a bunch of databases, and do it over, and over. This way your building a member count, and bringing in active members, without spending hours hiring (and money) forum posters.
Now, I would add advertisements to the sites, and sticky threads, offering "Tickets" (if applicable) to the sports event. The tickets would link to say "StubHub" or another ticket retailer with an Affiliate Program. I would also, do the same for team-related gear, in the other sections, via a sticky thread. I wouldn't do it in an advertising way, more of a "support your team" check out the merchandise. I wouldn't use adsense or anything like that. I would prefer an ad free site, that just has those links . But, of course everyone has an opinion.
Now, at this point, if the forum is running well, I would usually flip it. But, if he's someone that wants a good income, and has built up the forum by importing forums, then you can go out and advertise that you are selling sticky threads in each section. Dependent upon your traffic, you can get a LOT of money, for that prime ad space.
Throughout this whole time, I would be an active member of the forum, and I would be posting daily!.

Now, everyone who read through that realized, I missed the getting traffic part which is why:

Getting Traffic:

It's more then just the traffic you'll get from people from the imported forums, you can easily nab traffic with a keyword, like 'sport' forum. So, you should do your own kind of backlinking techniques to rank for that. There are many threads on the Warrior Forum that explain this

Kinda hoping that helps!

Caleb

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520424].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Thanks Caleb, excellent thoughts and much appreciated.

Gary

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520431].message }}

Caleb Spilchen

14 years ago

My comment on Forum Posting Services:

I think that you can never be guaranteed to get quality at a .10/post price tag. You don't know who you're hiring. However, I don't trust the agencies either. I would rather, pay for databases, and hope that members come over (Which they usually do), and then go from there. That way I have members, I don't have to keep paying, who actually want to post on my forum.

An interested member, is always better then a paid one.

Caleb

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520586].message }}

JohnMcCabe

14 years ago

Tina stole most of my thunder, but I hope this adds a residual rumble or two...

If the existing forums around this sport suck, are there quality, popular blogs or websites?

If so, your friend may want to approach the owners of those sites about doing an interview about their own expertise in the sport. Or, if they can't or won't, can they introduce your friend to someone attractive who might?

Since the American football season is coming up soon, I'll use that as an example. Potential interviewees might include players, coaches, team officials, broadcasters, writers, bloggers, not to mention related people like those into fantasy football or football betting. If these people have something to promote, they may also be active members of a new forum.

Especially if the existing ones suck.

If they have products to promote, your friend might work out JV deals on top of things.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520963].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Tina stole most of my thunder, but I hope this adds a residual rumble or two...

If the existing forums around this sport suck, are there quality, popular blogs or websites?

If so, your friend may want to approach the owners of those sites about doing an interview about their own expertise in the sport. Or, if they can't or won't, can they introduce your friend to someone attractive who might?

Since the American football season is coming up soon, I'll use that as an example. Potential interviewees might include players, coaches, team officials, broadcasters, writers, bloggers, not to mention related people like those into fantasy football or football betting. If these people have something to promote, they may also be active members of a new forum.

Especially if the existing ones suck.

If they have products to promote, your friend might work out JV deals on top of things.

Awesome John. Thanks very much for sharing.

Gary

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2521027].message }}

sbucciarel

Banned 14 years ago

I would never discourage someone who hasn't succeeded in IM to look for a real job. In fact, quite the opposite. Who will support him and family if he has one while he is kicking the wheels of IM?

Rather, I commend him for taking stock of his situation and doing something about it. A real job doesn't have to mean the end of learning IM, but people do need to make money to pay bills, keep a home, buy food, etc.

Thanks
1 reply

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2520991].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

I would never discourage someone who hasn't succeeded in IM to look for a real job. In fact, quite the opposite. Who will support him and family if he has one while he is kicking the wheels of IM?

Rather, I commend him for taking stock of his situation and doing something about it. A real job doesn't have to mean the end of learning IM, but people do need to make money to pay bills, keep a home, buy food, etc.

Thanks Suzanne. I know that he will appreciate your support of his desire to be able to pay the bills and to keep pushing forward!

Gary

Thanks

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2521033].message }}

TheMagicShow

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

All,

I'm asking your help for a fellow warrior.

I've had several discussions with him about his path in marketing.

(I'm NOT coaching him for profit, just sharing friendly exchanges of business ideas)

---
He started asking about off-line stuff and we've run the gamut. Most recently we've discussed article marketing or building an authority site.

He filled two whiteboards with info on his passion, but hated the writing process.
Last we PM'd, he was looking for a real j.o.b. and I think we would ALL like to prevent THAT!

---

His passion is in a sporting category, and very niche based. He lights up when discussing it via PMs - you can tell almost feel his excitement!
He mentioned that the forums for this niche sucked.
There are tons of options for monetizing the forum (products, videos, instruction, etc.)
Search numbers are reasonable for topics and for exact matches on "sport name forum".

---
So... to help a fellow warrior and keep him from getting a job:

If you were to start a niche forum from the ground up, just you and only you:

How would you begin to build the traffic besides having your buddy create 5,134 accounts and auto-post?
How would you get exposure for it?
How would you prevent the traffic you get from thinking "crap, there's nothing here" while the forum was developing but only had a few posts?

I'm intentionally NOT using his name or his sport to keep him anonymous, 'cause he doesn't know I'm asking. (and no, this isn't the old line with the shrink about "hey doc, I have this friend").

Thanks Warriors! Let's help our brother please.

I don't see why getting a real job, is such a bad thing. He needs instant, reliable income and a real job provides that. We all love the IM lifestyle, but it may not love you back and make ya broke and miserable.

Help him find a real job and he should do the Im stuff on the side till he makes consistent profits and then can consider IM his real,fulltime job!

Cheers,
Magic!

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

" You can either give a man a fish and feed him for a day OR teach him how to catch a fish and it will feed him for a lifetime"

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2521048].message }}

Gary King

14 years ago

Originally Posted by TheMagicShow

I don't see why getting a real job, is such a bad thing. He needs instant, reliable income and a real job provides that. We all love the IM lifestyle, but it may not love you back and make ya broke and miserable.

Help him find a real job and he should do the Im stuff on the side till he makes consistent profits and then can consider IM his real,fulltime job!

Cheers,
Magic!

Hi Magic,

Not trying to say that having a job is a horrible thing. He is currently planning on just what you said and paying the bills while he continues his online efforts.

Would you by chance have any input about how to launch a forum from scratch? That seems to be his most likely path to move toward that full time IM place.

Have a great day!

Gary

Thanks
1 reply

Signature

===========================

OFFLINERS! Warning: Unless You Know These Pricing Secrets, You are Leaving THOUSANDS on the Table. Get Your Free Report Now.

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2521075].message }}

TheMagicShow

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Gary King

Hi Magic,

Not trying to say that having a job is a horrible thing. He is currently planning on just what you said and paying the bills while he continues his online efforts.

Would you by chance have any input about how to launch a forum from scratch? That seems to be his most likely path to move toward that full time IM place.

Have a great day!

Gary

I personally have not launched a forum, but I know others that have, grown their forums by advertising to their lists and using a signature in their, forum profile on a huge forum such as this one.

Your pal can go to a huge forum, that is related to his niche, provide value and attract the members of the forum to his own forum.

[ 1 ] Thanks

Signature

" You can either give a man a fish and feed him for a day OR teach him how to catch a fish and it will feed him for a lifetime"

{{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2521091].message }}

Help for a fellow warrior about to get a real j.o.b.

Trending Topics

How did you turn it all around?

A healthy fascination for Hollywood...

Any thoughts on golf's latest phenom...Scottie Scheffler??

What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?

best high quality crypto traffic.