The NEW BREED of Warrior: Six Figures in Six Months with EASE

[Kirk Paulhamus]

Hi, Ken
Very deep and I beleave true to a certain extent. I beleave that you need to be a driven personality in other words it takes more that a platform, it takes a person that will do something with that platform. Figureing out what your platform is is not piece of cake eather.

[John Rowe]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

As someone who has created a platform from scratch to have it lead to six figures within a few months, I know this "works".

Ken, you created a platform that led you to six figures within a few months. It sounds like you are in a perfect position to teach your view. Why not talk about you specifically, instead of platforms in general, or Oprah, etc.

Instead of telling people that their current beliefs are keeping them from understanding what you're trying to teach them, just get specific.

Offering your personal, specific, real world, visible, example will likely clear up some of the confusion in this thread.

[CWreports]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

NOTE: Most people aren't admitting that we ALL do it in the wrong order. So they're reading into my post as meta-physical hyper-fluff. Wrong.

I'm convinced there is almost a science to this - and I'm committed to articulating the heck out of it. Ken

Ken,

You just go right ahead and continue to 'articulate the heck out of it'. I'm loving it.

You've made me think back on some of my own experiences when I was crystal clear. Just like you said; for the most part things just fell into place. What a high!!

Now I just want to understand this so I can get back to that position.

Carol

[Marcus-1]

Ken
There comes a time in all our lives that the spiritual self will not be suppressed or denied.
We are all spiritual beings and yet few of us come to that realization.
Thank you for sharing your insight. Some will hear/get your message immediately, some will wonder what it is your talking about.
I find that in life, the answers will come to you only when you're prepared to receive them.
A wise man said a long time ago........When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
God bless you and keep sharing your thoughts. I for one have enjoyed my Sunday, reading some excellent material.
Peace.
Tony

[tanya7zhou]

Originally Posted by Marcus-1

Ken
There comes a time in all our lives that the spiritual self will not be suppressed or denied.
We are all spiritual beings and yet few of us come to that realization.
Thank you for sharing your insight. Some will hear/get your message immediately, some will wonder what it is your talking about.
I find that in life, the answers will come to you only when you're prepared to receive them.
A wise man said a long time ago........When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
God bless you and keep sharing your thoughts. I for one have enjoyed my Sunday, reading some excellent material.
Peace.
Tony

Hey Marcus

what a great saying mate never heard that one before......"when the student is ready, the teacher will appear"

Oh yeh by the way.......We are spiritual beings in a physical body......That my friend is a true saying

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by John Rowe

Ken, you created a platform that led you to six figures within a few months. It sounds like you are in a perfect position to teach your view. Why not talk about you specifically, instead of platforms in general, or Oprah, etc.

Instead of telling people that their current beliefs are keeping them from understanding what you're trying to teach them, just get specific.

Offering your personal, specific, real world, visible, example will likely clear up some of the confusion in this thread.

John,

Thank you for the feedback. I see your point, and I will certainly be sharing more about my own personal experience.

However what I've found is people have their own gifts and skills that are entirely different from mine. Each person's business is as unique, well, as the people themselves.

My main niche has been real estate investing. 99.99% of people I've talked to and worked with are not in this niche. I can talk until I'm blue in the face but they struggle to relate.

In addition my main approach has been to stand up and become a leader in niches. Many people (translated: most people) I've come across are not interested in that approach.

So I guess I've extracted the main components of what I've done into something (admittedly) very broad.

Will I be honing and clarifying it over time? Yes, and I realize I will have to.

But in an industry as incredibly diverse as internet marketing it is my goal to have the core foundation for how to do this be something that is applicable to the greatest number of people.

Best regards,
Ken

[tanya7zhou]

Hey Ken

You are the answer you've been looking for

That is a powerful saying there. Many of us thinks the answer is far away somewhere unreachable or reachable if lucky.....but not so

The answer is near us.....infact the answer is in us......as a matter of fact the answer is us.

[ccmusicman]

Hey everyone...this is like my first or second post here, but I gotta say, that was VERY deep!

Loved it, in fact....But I do disagree somewhat, i think that some sort of planning is needed...at least, it does for me, otherwise I tend to run off and get distracted. Now, the plan isn't set in stone, it molds and changes as time goes on. Things move, things change, adapt, but I do start out with a big picture in mind and plan how I'm going to get there. Even if I never make it to "that exact point" i do think that I land close.

Good post though!

Rob

[jmorris18]

Hi Ken ,
I just wanted to let you know that I have sent you a PM. I look very forward to hearing from you when you have a free opportunity.

Thank you ,
Jason

[Sully Chaudry]

Just thanking you for a great post, always good to see experienced vets give mind changing advice.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Sully Chaudry

Just thanking you for a great post, always good to see experienced vets give mind changing advice.

Ha - I'm far from an experienced vet.

Just trying to take some absurdly powerful things I've learned to generate windfall revenues and bring them across to help other folks.

Obviously I'm still learning how to articulate it - but my commitment to helping people really "get" this is massive.

Thanks again,
Ken

[gjabiz]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Taz,


If you were crystal clear and convicted about what you wanted to be and for whom, would you allow strategies and techniques to bog you down? No. You wouldn't be worried about doing anything "right"...you would be willing to move and do anything to make your platform a reality.

(This is why earlier in the thread Chris Rempel - an ultra successful warrior - says it ends up being all about action in the end....he's right,

except that I'm pointing out the actual seed for the action.


Ken

Ken,

You've had either an epiphany or an illumination, where something you were doing, perhaps without full conscious awareness, suddenly, almost magically...exploded into your conscious awareness and you were able to see through the activity into the "matrix" (so to speak) of the I and O of it all.

The SEED is planted deep into the unconscious and in your case, it has sprouted into an idea that is taking root and one which you want to cultivate and protect until it has a chance to produce the fruit...and it will.

Now to advance the thread, if I can.

There is a lack of CONSCIOUS understandiing of how our world works, and we have to rely on the so called "social proof" evidence we see happening all around us...in success or money-making theories it is basically: "I'm rich, here is how I got that way, here are the STEPS YOU have to follow." And as you pointed out, this very basic model is skewed from the start because of the personal differences.

The seed, if I'm right, that you are nurturing rejects this social proof model and goes more to our deeper, more primal understanding of how things work...when we looked toward nature as a "model". Acorns drop from Oak trees. If left on their own, they become a forest, grow, decay, and get weeded out naturally.

There isn't a plan (albeit, a humanly CONSCIOUS one) for this to happen. The fields of flowers every spring show this "plan". The flower, the trees, the fruits have whatever they need within themselves for their growth, their life cycle and for their return to nature.

Man's consciousness, his awareness and his keen awareness of his differences with other people have kept the original seed hidden.

But, there can be understanding.

Now to take from the metaphysical to the practical...

There is one basic foundational building block of all wealth, or all commerce in fact...and that is the TRANSACTION.

The TRANSACTION is an exchange of VALUE. Money is a medium of exchange but not the only one, there also is barter and chattels and even ideas can be a medium of exchange.

There are 3 basic kinds of value. Perceived, Market and "Stored".

The "formula", which isnt a step by step HOW TO but a natural LAW of exchange goes:

To make more money...make MORE Transactions. Make your Transactions bigger, exchange more.. or give more VALUE to the person on the other side of the transaction and NATURE will offer a law akin to: water seeks its own level.

If what you exchange has a higer value than what the other side expected, then the natural (metaphysical) says, you'll get yours back and then some.

The business law is give great value, establish a lifetime value with the customer which will far exceed anything you have "given" away. Same law, different circumstances.

No two Oak trees grow exactly the same. And no two people enter this world with the same gifts and experience opportunities, even identical twins will have or develop separate interests and "gifts'.

I wrote a report called The Prospect as Product. The essence is this: When addressing a prospect or customer you must think and even say if need be:

It is not about me nor my products or services, it is ALL about you and your needs and wants.

Finding the "core" of who we are is not easy for most of us, sometimes it takes an epiphany, a defining moment, a tragedy even...or a hardship or just a moment of illumination for us to say...AH, that is what I'm all about.

The "core" as you call it, or the mission given to the new entity is wrapped in three areas
1) Heredity
2) Environment
3) Choices

And we must travel away from the influences of our childhood where all 3 were controlled and chosen for us to a mature conscious awareness where we acknowledge and recognize where our ideas and habits come from and then move to making choices which are in-sync with that inner "core" where you simply BE.

All that you do comes from simply BEing YOU. There is no need for plan, a goal, because every move you make is on the journey to the YOU being MORE of the YOU.

The practical concept, for those more inclined to want to KNOW What to DO, and HOW TO DO IT, is to find an area where you "feel" comfortable, where you even excel or get excited about...and this differs with each of us, and then to identify what the wants and needs are and as a broadstroke generalization...

Needs are at the base of the foundation of survival Needs=survival
WANTS are at the top of the pyramid of happiness (or the pursuit of happiness) WANTS = happiness

And a CONSCIOUS Observation and acknowledgement that many people will forego needs for wants (beer and cigarettes before paying the rent for example). Then,

You find a niche or group of people that you personally resonate with, that you have a rapport with and then you automatically KNOW what their wants and needs are and if you are operating from a "Platform", it all becomes automatic.

But, maybe, that isn't what you are saying at all, what do I know?

gjabiz

[blackbeltbob]

I agree with your post to a point.

I read another brilliant marketer brent hall say something similar and that is to take a position.

In other words if your a smoker vs non smoker.

Take the position or platform of a smoker.

They will die smoking and nothing can budge their belief systems.

So If I take position on Non smoker then that is my platform against smokers.

You see it all around if you look.

black vs white

good vs evil

christian vs atheist

rich jerk vs poor guy

educated vs non educated

internet marketer vs 9-5 job

So what your saying has already been established from the beginning of time.

Just take a position or platform and speak to that target audience.

Basically that is what social marketing and socail bookmarking is all about. They are taking a position and voting on it based on social mores and acceptance to the group.

[Amy Bass]

I can assure you that Oprah had a plan, sure she added more to her plan as she went along. She also hired people who had plans to help her carry them out.

[getmorebuyers]

Sometimes people will choose a product that they are passionate about and not necessarily what their targeted audience wants and that is where the wrong is committed. I believe in promoting something that is already selling no matter what the competition is like because you already know it is selling. Someone did the leg work for you. It is only a matter of finding ways to promote to a smaller audience.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Amy Bass

I can assure you that Oprah had a plan, sure she added more to her plan as she went along. She also hired people who had plans to help her carry them out.

Amy,

Please note: I never said she didn't have a plan. I said she didn't have a plan in the beginning.

All she had was a commitment to something bigger than herself - something she could articulate. And she simply began doing so as a local TV and radio anchor in a small market.

Out of the sharing of her platform came ALL the opportunities, and yes, all the plans, and yes, all the people to help carry them out.

Think about something. How many daytime talk show hosts have come and gone since Oprah's been on television?

Answer: A lot.

So the question is why has Oprah endured and they haven't?

After all, every one of those folks looked as good or better on camera than Oprah. Every one of those shows attracted guests. Every one of those individuals could run a show, interview people, etc. So why didn't they last the way Oprah has?

I won't lie, we could probably cite numerous factors. Ultimately the TV executives at those television stations would tell you that they weren't getting enough viewership nor advertising revenue from those shows.

My response is that viewership and ad revenue are by-products of an individual who has a massive commitment to something big that she is allowing to guide her every step....and the natural result is massive viewership and ad revenue.

Best regards,
Ken

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by getmorebuyers

Sometimes people will choose a product that they are passionate about and not necessarily what their targeted audience wants and that is where the wrong is committed. I believe in promoting something that is already selling no matter what the competition is like because you already know it is selling. Someone did the leg work for you. It is only a matter of finding ways to promote to a smaller audience.

I agree with you 100%. It's not enough to just be passionate about something.

Once you clarify your commitment and platform you must then become congruent with what your market wants. Otherwise you'll simply be passionate and broke.

To become congruent with what the market wants is actually not difficult. But that is a topic for another thread altogether.

For the purposes of this thread I am talking about the foundation that must be built before you decide what to sell.

Best regards,
Ken

[PotPie Queen]

Once upon a time I had a core desire to become a mom.

After I had my first child - and then my second, I had a platform of wanting to raise my children to be both strong and prepared (both mentally and physically) for life as adults. I also wanted to be an asset to my children. Above all, I wanted to survive it with the least amount of gray hair as possible...lol

There was not a single book, or plan, or blueprint that could have helped me map out my journey to get to my end goal. In fact, it is a constant work in progress.

Daily - hourly - I am reacting to their needs. In a way, they are my customers. I provide what they need (whether they like it or not..haha).

Every day, I release my "inner genius" to make decisions based on the moment. Now, I would call "inner genius" something different. I would call it "gut instinct" based on my platform.

When I follow my gut instinct, things become "easier". When I listen to criticism or what others think I should do - I get stressed and unsure.

Because of my inner genius/gut instinct, and based on the platform I have, I know what the right thing to do is for my market (ie, my children).

Am I always right? Of course not... I'm human

However, I could never follow someone else's plan or blueprint for raising children because that is THEIR platform and THEIR plan.

Ken, forgive me for appearing off topic, but I really have a point

I treat my online business in a similar fashion as I treat parenting.

I know where I am - I know where I want to be - but the space in-between cannot be detailed out in a generic blueprint or plan.

In essence, based on my platform, my customers tell me how to get there. I listen, I react...and I trust my "inner genius" (gut instinct) to provide my customers with what they need.

This helps me become an asset to my customers.

And, to me, this is the place where the backwards thinking comes in.

Many look at their customers as their asset and they give them what they want them to have.

But when you strive to be an asset to your customers, it's a win/win...and it does suddenly get much easier.

It's not magic.... it's a change in mentality.

Great post! Kept me up til 1:00 am reading this thread!


Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

[rafnie]

That's valuable information. I believe that if you focus everything on making a six-figure in six-month, you can make it happen. Just Do it!

[Cash Blasters Online]

I agree 100% and have sold 1000's of ebooks and Industrial shop equpiment. A platform that helps and supports other people's lives and creates a new found hope for people, who may not see the light of day. THis kind of hope can catch on like wildfire and changes lives and make you a very rich person in the process. Just think......Change a few lives and watch the world come knocking on your door. What was that old sunday school song......oh ya..This Little Light Of Mine, I'm gonna Let it Shine..........so shine brightly into other peoples lives and bring hope. And watch your bank accout grow also.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by PotPie Queen

Once upon a time I had a core desire to become a mom.

After I had my first child - and then my second, I had a platform of wanting to raise my children to be both strong and prepared (both mentally and physically) for life as adults. I also wanted to be an asset to my children. Above all, I wanted to survive it with the least amount of gray hair as possible...lol

There was not a single book, or plan, or blueprint that could have helped me map out my journey to get to my end goal. In fact, it is a constant work in progress.

Daily - hourly - I am reacting to their needs. In a way, they are my customers. I provide what they need (whether they like it or not..haha).

Every day, I release my "inner genius" to make decisions based on the moment. Now, I would call "inner genius" something different. I would call it "gut instinct" based on my platform.

When I follow my gut instinct, things become "easier". When I listen to criticism or what others think I should do - I get stressed and unsure.

Because of my inner genius/gut instinct, and based on the platform I have, I know what the right thing to do is for my market (ie, my children).

Am I always right? Of course not... I'm human

However, I could never follow someone else's plan or blueprint for raising children because that is THEIR platform and THEIR plan.

Ken, forgive me for appearing off topic, but I really have a point

I treat my online business in a similar fashion as I treat parenting.

I know where I am - I know where I want to be - but the space in-between cannot be detailed out in a generic blueprint or plan.

In essence, based on my platform, my customers tell me how to get there. I listen, I react...and I trust my "inner genius" (gut instinct) to provide my customers with what they need.

This helps me become an asset to my customers.

And, to me, this is the place where the backwards thinking comes in.

Many look at their customers as their asset and they give them what they want them to have.

But when you strive to be an asset to your customers, it's a win/win...and it does suddenly get much easier.

It's not magic.... it's a change in mentality.

Great post! Kept me up til 1:00 am reading this thread!


Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

Jennifer,

You completely made my day!!!

It is one thing to have the experience of this in a business setting (or any setting) and have massive success with it - I've done this so I know it's not just possible, it's really not that hard.

But it is entirely another thing to explain it in such a way that people really get it.

Your explanation and specific personal example could not have been ANY better. Wow.

Gee, maybe I should get your help in developing and articulating this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ken

[PPC Professor]

Thank you Ken and everyone here for sharing your viewpoints...

[PotPie Queen]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Jennifer,

You completely made my day!!!

So I can go to bed now? My inner genius is telling me that I am TIRED! hahahaha!

Ken, you're welcome. I got it right away. In fact, I'd like to thank YOU. Your original post is something that was stuck in MY mind for a long time...but I never could verbalize it.

In all aspects of life (not just business) if you strive to make yourself an asset you will generate wealth (and not just that money stuff).


Again, thank you for your post =)


Jennifer
~PotPieGirl

[NickMarks]

Anyone can become a success online. The key is to have a plan and take action!

[jocke]

Hi Ken,

What an interesting reading. to think I have been avoiding Warrior forum thinking that it will all be peoplpe or rather "gurus" selling you their puzzles with missing links aimed at driving you crazy!

I bet your platform is Motivation.

I will read this every hour for the rest of today so that I can fully absorb it.

When I started online, I lost so much money because I simply refuse to promote what I do not believe in, to me it is very important, I'll rather stave than to get money out of people on deceit, I will not be able to sleep, so you see I thought Internet Marketing cannot be for me, I have never seen anywhere that lies is peedled as IM.

I absolutely agree with you, one need to have faith (believe) in something to make it work, that is if you have a conscience, what a pity most Internet Marketers do not

Sometimes I wish there will be Government Regulations in this industry.

Thanks for the post.

Jocke

[Andyhenry]

Hi Ken,

You're right of course.

I think the thing that is clouding the issue for some people is the reference to 6 figures.

As you know, when someone believes a goal is out of their reach - their reality will provide any required evidence.

If you had said everything the same but said $6 instead - there would be very few arguments.

The truth is - it's just a number and either one is as likely as the other, but for many people reading your post, they will have mental barriers as soon as the 6-figure part was read.

I think you communicated your thoughts very well, and you probably expected people to react with 'well prove it by laying out a plan to getting a platform for me', since it's what they're already looking for - you just called it a platform - they'll take it whatever you call it - if you'll just do it for them.


Andy

[JayXtreme]

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

they'll take it whatever you call it - if you'll just do it for them.

lol @ this but so true

Peace

Jay

[gcjmarkets]

Wow, what a well thought out point of view. I understood what you were saying and I also understand how your headline flows with your post.

If you look at well known Internet Marketers Like Mark Joyner; I would venture to guess when he started out his plan wasn't to become one of the most influential marketers of his time (as I don't know him personally I may be wrong).

My guess is he operated of his own passion and skill which led him to where he is today. His "platform" would have led him down a very different road if he would have followed the norm. Go to school, get a good job, and minimize risks as much as possible.

I gathered from your post that there is no magic potion, or secret method to earning whatever amount of money you desire online or off. The secret is in deciding what you want to do and then taking the steps to make it happen ergo setting up a website, filling it with content your target market will respond to, and providing a service or offering a product that your target market will value.

In closing judging from the amount of thought and time you undoubtly put into this post, and also the amount of warriors who have responded; I venture to guess this topic may appear in your next e-book, audio, or video. If so in my humble opinion it would make for a good product.

Keep up the good work and thanks for the post

[Andyhenry]

Originally Posted by gcjmarkets

Wow, what a well thought out point of view. I understood what you were saying and I also understand how your headline flows with your post.

If you look at well known Internet Marketers Like Mark Joyner; I would venture to guess when he started out his plan wasn't to become one of the most influential marketers of his time (as I don't know him personally I may be wrong).

My guess is he operated of his own passion and skill which led him to where he is today. His "platform" would have led him down a very different road if he would have followed the norm. Go to school, get a good job, and minimize risks as much as possible.

I gathered from your post that there is no magic potion, or secret method to earning whatever amount of money you desire online or off. The secret is in deciding what you want to do and then taking the steps to make it happen ergo setting up a website, filling it with content your target market will respond to, and providing a service or offering a product that your target market will value.

In closing judging from the amount of thought and time you undoubtly put into this post, and also the amount of warriors who have responded; I venture to guess this topic may appear in your next e-book, audio, or video. If so in my humble opinion it would make for a good product.

Keep up the good work and thanks for the post

Mark's on Twitter - ask him and find out: Twitter / markjoyner

That's an interesting comment about putting the topic into a product and the assumed response. I thought it was a very thoughtful post - but I'd have no motivation to buy a product about it, so it's interesting to see you say that.

[Vince Runza Online]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

I'm convinced there is almost a science to this - and I'm committed to articulating the heck out of it.

Go to Google and do a search for mission statement. Every business plan has a mission statement at the very beginning: the reason for you being in business for yourself, rather than letting someone else define what you do for you.

Action plans, marketing plans, budgets, etc., are all the details of a real business plan. The linchpin or foundation of the plan is the short summary of why you are in business.

Ken, I think the name for your “platform” is a mission statement.

BTW, anybody have a great idea for a name for this round, wheel-like thingie I just invented?!

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

Hi Ken,
I think the thing that is clouding the issue for some people is the reference to 6 figures.

The truth is - it's just a number and either one is as likely as the other, but for many people reading your post, they will have mental barriers as soon as the 6-figure part was read.

Something I hadn't even considered...but keenly insightful on your part and I do suspect there is something to that.

I think you communicated your thoughts very well, and you probably expected people to react with 'well prove it by laying out a plan to getting a platform for me', since it's what they're already looking for - you just called it a platform - they'll take it whatever you call it - if you'll just do it for them.

Indeed, thanks for the reminder and reality check on that last point.

There is no question in my mind that "done for you" is gaining traction these days. This is an issue for me because my experience tells me individual success does not happen that way a vast majority of the time.

Thanks for making me think about this.

Ken

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Vince Runza Online

Go to Google and do a search for mission statement. Every business plan has a mission statement at the very beginning: the reason for you being in business for yourself, rather than letting someone else define what you do for you.

Action plans, marketing plans, budgets, etc., are all the details of a real business plan. The linchpin or foundation of the plan is the short summary of why you are in business.

Ken, I think the name for your “platform” is a mission statement.

BTW, anybody have a great idea for a name for this round, wheel-like thingie I just invented?!

Vince,

Alright, alright you made your point.

Two things:

1) Yes, a mission statement is perhaps the most literal way to describe what I've called "platform".

2) I suppose I am attempting to create my own vocabulary for this so as to have it be part of an eventual business brand....if that makes sense.

That said, I know there are many other facets I can articulate and for which I can come up with my own vocabulary.

Ken

[WritingMadwoman]

I've been reading this thread with interest and enjoying all the points of view.

Ken, I don't know how familiar you are with Oprah, but years ago I remember she used to be just like one of those many long-gone talk show hosts. She used to do "trash" shows like a few other well-known hosts that I won't mention...LOL

But she didn't feel good about it, airing junk just to make ratings. And she had a little talk with God (that's how she describes it when she mentions it now) and said "use me for a higher purpose". And then she just followed where she felt she was being led.

I still remember her official announcement that she would no longer be doing "trash tv" - there was a lot of talk that her show was going to tank big time. I for one was cheering her decision. It took major guts, and she has been richly rewarded for taking a stand and following her heart.

I get what you were saying in your OP and I couldn't agree more. I do think that some people (maybe different personality types) feel more comfortable with a solid step by step plan, but I've always been a "gut feeling" kind of person. In fact, when I do make specific plans I rarely end up where I thought I would anyway. LOL

Wendy

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by WritingMadwoman

I've been reading this thread with interest and enjoying all the points of view.

Ken, I don't know how familiar you are with Oprah, but years ago I remember she used to be just like one of those many long-gone talk show hosts. She used to do "trash" shows like a few other well-known hosts that I won't mention...LOL

But she didn't feel good about it, airing junk just to make ratings. And she had a little talk with God (that's how she describes it when she mentions it now) and said "use me for a higher purpose". And then she just followed where she felt she was being led.

I still remember her official announcement that she would no longer be doing "trash tv" - there was a lot of talk that her show was going to tank big time. I for one was cheering her decision. It took major guts, and she has been richly rewarded for taking a stand and following her heart.

I get what you were saying in your OP and I couldn't agree more. I do think that some people (maybe different personality types) feel more comfortable with a solid step by step plan, but I've always been a "gut feeling" kind of person. In fact, when I do make specific plans I rarely end up where I thought I would anyway. LOL

Wendy

Wendy,

I thought I remembered something about a "shift" Oprah made but didn't know exactly when or how it happened. Thank you for sharing that.

As you say, at that moment she began following where she was being led.

I am firmly convinced most human beings don't get that concept. We are too busy barreling through life making things happen. So the concept of "being led" by something is foreign to most.

Yet that's exactly what takes place for the most successful people.

Best regards,
Ken

[Clark]

Nobody mentioned that "The Platform" is a euphemism for a Unique Value Proposition -> UVP

In Search of a Value Proposition

The UVP has to be what you do and are and not just what you say and want and it must come before a well crafted plan otherwise, the plan will inevitably be misguided as it unfolds. That is where and when people "discover" their UVP then work it like they feel it with continued success.

If a new thread was posted with a simple question, "What is your UVP?" - I would venture to guess that less than 10% of the folks who respond could properly define it.

The proper definition of the UVP or "Platform" is the secret to success in business and in life in general.

Nice post Ken.. I hope it wakes some people up so they can realize their dreams through the discovery and realization their platform.

Cheers!

[Vince Runza Online]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Vince,

Alright, alright you made your point.

I think that's a very sensible attitude for you to have about me. No, really!

Two things:

1) Yes, a mission statement is perhaps the most literal way to describe what I've called "platform".

2) I suppose I am attempting to create my own vocabulary for this so as to have it be part of an eventual business brand....if that makes sense.

That said, I know there are many other facets I can articulate and for which I can come up with my own vocabulary.

I heartily encourage you to do so. Make no mistake -- I'm not busting on you for reinventing the wheel. Frankly, you made me go back and look at my own "platform" and revise it according to your criteria! That mission statement was deficient for more than one reason -- it also failed to mention the benefits I would be delivering to prospective customers.

I'm also one of the readers of this thread that thanked you for it and rated it 5 stars...

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Clark

Nobody mentioned that "The Platform" is a euphemism for a Unique Value Proposition -> UVP

In Search of a Value Proposition

The UVP has to be what you do and are and not just what you say and want and it must come before a well crafted plan otherwise, the plan will inevitably be misguided as it unfolds. That is where and when people "discover" their UVP then work it like they feel it with continued success.

If a new thread was posted with a simple question, "What is your UVP?" - I would venture to guess that less than 10% of the folks who respond could properly define it.

The proper definition of the UVP or "Platform" is the secret to success in business and in life in general.

Nice post Ken.. I hope it wakes some people up so they can realize their dreams through the discovery and realization their platform.

Cheers!

Great point Clark. Something to note about UVP or Unique Value Proposition:

It is entirely about other people. In other words your personal value in relation to what you can provide others.

Let's face it. Most of us got into this wealth-building thing for our OWN reasons. We watched the late night infomercials and got seduced by people sipping Mai Tai's on their yacht waving checks for $5K, $10K, $20K into the camera...

---> And THAT is what we wanted. Heck, we still do right?

The problem? There is a perpetual misconception about how checks like that get produced in the real world - which is *only* by one means:

As a by-product of specific value offered, sold and delivered to OTHERS.

The longer you make your Unique Value Proposition solely about yourself, the longer your bank account remains empty.

Great post Clark.

Best regards,
Ken

[Cord Conway]

Interesting post. When someone is one fire, crowds will gather to watch him burn.

More, than passion, more than determination -- a mission. A mission that you will actually pursue, no matter what. Do that and you will burn and your glow will be seen for miles.

There has to be constant action as well. Oprah didn't get rich and famous sitting around waiting for things to fall into place.

Cord

[lpstoops]

Originally Posted by chris_surfrider

Passion (platform?) makes it EASY to progress and stay motivated.

Which then leads to the inevitable actions which must take place prior to TRANSactions.

Which is where the money gets made.

So whether that's Oprah landing a TV network deal or a beginning marketer launching his first well-performing product - it still comes down to action and re-action.

-Chris

Very intelligent post. Passion and platform are interchangeable. If you (all marketers) have a passion for what you're doing, then you'll succeed to the standard of your passion. I think the original post makes a great point, you need to keep in mind the needs of your target market before getting involved, or eventually you discover you need to know their need before you can offer them anything. Find a niche you're passionate about and launch your platform with a product that actually meets the needs of your market.

[Andrew Maule]

What's really interesting about this is it's just a variation really on what people have been saying for a long time. "Never give up", "Keep trying", etc. and things of the likes. It's a great post, this clarifies a lot, gives a much better direction to people I think. There is no "plan" you can follow, since every decision puts you in a new place where you have to make decisions on your own, not by the rules of a book or guide you're following. Having a platform, or an end goal that you keep making decisions to get towards is what I think of it as, it's like a maze, some turns are wrong, some are right but if you keep going you'll get to the end, etc. Great post.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by mrsleep99

What's really interesting about this is it's just a variation really on what people have been saying for a long time. "Never give up", "Keep trying", etc. and things of the likes.

To an extent, yes. But it goes so much further than that.

If we're being completely honest, all the rhetoric like "never give up" and "keep trying" simply does not work for 99% of people.

People continue to fail. People continue to struggle to make money, online or otherwise. People continue to settle for making a few bucks a month from their efforts when they have the ability to make thousands a month from their efforts while providing tremendous value at the same time.

And I don't care what anyone says - all it takes is a simple but crucial shift in approach and things completely turn around. How do I know? I've lived it.

I've by no means made as much as the big guys....but this thread has helped me realize I need to share more specifics about my own experience with this so it can be clear to people what's truly possible for them.

This is not theory - this is the real deal. It's the difference between people succeeding wildly or settling for scraps.

Ken

[mythriver]

Very interesting read! I would like to add that in terms of marketing strategies, Oprah found her Niche, i.e, women as her target market. A niche is a unique place or position or thing in the market place for which one is specially suited to fill or supply. Every entrepreneur, in my view, has a vision or plan, written or not written of what he/she wants to accomplish. In your case it is the Platform, although you have not made it clear what it is exactly. Finding a niche or platform is one of the basic steps in developing your business.


To your success!

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by mythriver

Every entrepreneur, in my view, has a vision or plan, written or not written of what he/she wants to accomplish.

That's the problem. Most do not. That is why most folks fail.

And despite what people say it has nothing, nothing, nothing to do with a lack of action.

Think about it. People have no problem taking action.

- They go to the store
- They fill up their car with gas
- They make a list of errands and get them done
- Etc. etc. etc.

A lack of action is not the issue. It's the lack of a vision that inspires the action that's the issue.

The interesting thing is it doesn't have to be written down. I just has to be clear and it has to move you into action.

The thing most people won't admit is money is not a strong enough motivation for action. That's why there is a lack of action. Not because they didn't know "what to do".

Fear of failing, not knowing what to do, all of those reasons are garbage. When you have a strong enough vision and commitment those things disappear.

Ken

[John Henderson]

Ken,

I enjoyed reading your opening post. Could I give you my interpretation of your point of view to check that I've understood you correctly? Here goes:

At the moment, there are some prospective IMers who come to the WF asking "I want to make money from IM. What should I do?". This is an impossible question to answer -- it's like being a taxi driver who asks the passenger where they want to go, only to be told "Take me somewhere else" or "Take me somewhere better than here". What on earth does the driver do then?

Then there are IMers who take the tried and tested routes to making money. They get hold of the plans that made money for other people and faithfully execute them. These are the taxi passengers who say to the driver "Follow that cab".

But what you are suggesting is that the new breed of Warrior should have a 'platform'. In other words, they should get into the cab with a destination in mind. And once they know their destination, the planning of the route that joins 'here' to 'there' can be created with confidence and with clarity. And this is where the "ease" that you speak of comes from.

Okay, that's my interpretation. I hope I've got some of it right, and that I didn't stretch the taxi analogy too far -- otherwise I'm gonna look pretty foolish right now.

So, what concrete steps can we take for establishing our 'destination' or platform? Well it obviously must be something that we're passionate about and can commit to. But is there a method for taking a well intentioned but vaguely defined idea and defining it more clearly, so that a plan of action can come from it?

As an engineering graduate, I was taught that the design process begins with a "needs analysis". That's a fancy name for writing down on paper what you think the problem is that you're solving. It basically takes the form of a list with as many items that you can think of: "The product needs to have...", "The product needs to do...", "The product needs to be...". This can also be expressed (perhaps as the step before the needs analysis) as a list of items that begin "The customer wants to see...", "The customer wants to feel...", "The customer wants to know...".

This exercise takes place before any attempt is made to define a possible solution or create a plan of action and is intended to discipline the design team to make sure that they focus on the customer's needs and wants rather than their own desire to use this cool new colour scheme or that cool new technology.

Of course, design teams get it wrong sometimes. But my point is that there are already some processes for defining that initially vague, hazy idea of a "platform" or "mission statement" or "UVP" -- and these could help you as you try to form your own ideas about how a plan can be derived from a platform.

Sorry for the long ramble. I hope that there was something good in there!

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by John Henderson

Ken,

I enjoyed reading your opening post. Could I give you my interpretation of your point of view to check that I've understood you correctly? Here goes:

At the moment, there are some prospective IMers who come to the WF asking "I want to make money from IM. What should I do?". This is an impossible question to answer -- it's like being a taxi driver who asks the passenger where they want to go, only to be told "Take me somewhere else" or "Take me somewhere better than here". What on earth does the driver do then?

Then there are IMers who take the tried and tested routes to making money. They get hold of the plans that made money for other people and faithfully execute them. These are the taxi passengers who say to the driver "Follow that cab".

But what you are suggesting is that the new breed of Warrior should have a 'platform'. In other words, they should get into the cab with a destination in mind. And once they know their destination, the planning of the route that joins 'here' to 'there' can be created with confidence and with clarity. And this is where the "ease" that you speak of comes from.

Okay, that's my interpretation. I hope I've got some of it right, and that I didn't stretch the taxi analogy too far -- otherwise I'm gonna look pretty foolish right now.

So, what concrete steps can we take for establishing our 'destination' or platform? Well it obviously must be something that we're passionate about and can commit to. But is there a method for taking a well intentioned but vaguely defined idea and defining it more clearly, so that a plan of action can come from it?

As an engineering graduate, I was taught that the design process begins with a "needs analysis". That's a fancy name for writing down on paper what you think the problem is that you're solving. It basically takes the form of a list with as many items that you can think of: "The product needs to have...", "The product needs to do...", "The product needs to be...". This can also be expressed (perhaps as the step before the needs analysis) as a list of items that begin "The customer wants to see...", "The customer wants to feel...", "The customer wants to know...".

This exercise takes place before any attempt is made to define a possible solution or create a plan of action and is intended to discipline the design team to make sure that they focus on the customer's needs and wants rather than their own desire to use this cool new colour scheme or that cool new technology.

Of course, design teams get it wrong sometimes. But my point is that there are already some processes for defining that initially vague, hazy idea of a "platform" or "mission statement" or "UVP" -- and these could help you as you try to form your own ideas about how a plan can be derived from a platform.

Sorry for the long ramble. I hope that there was something good in there!

John,

I will come back later and have a lot to say about your post. It was dead on in many respects and served to forward the conversation, which is a rare gift here. Thanks.

Ken

[John Henderson]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

I will come back later and have a lot to say in this spot about your post. It was dead on in many respects and served to forward the conversation, which is a rare gift here. Thanks.

Thank you for those kind words, Ken. It's reassuring to know that I wasn't too far off the mark!

[tanya7zhou]

There is an old saying that says "Your gift will make room for you" This is where most people fail. They are scared to meet face to face with their passions, paradventure, not many people will like what they are passionate about. Hence they go further to look at something they think will please people and make them money in the process.

They then find themselves in too much trouble when push comes to shove, because nothing comes naturally to them to solve any problems. Those task ends up being burdens and they are not happy people.

Without prolonging the time, I want to point out that anything that you're passionate about, you will never complain about the time, or feel tired doing it. Somehow, you contain super energy in your soul to do the imposible with your passions.

Oprah, she is doing what she is passionate about. If you look at her, you can tell, she is not tired or wasted but happy. Look at somany Internet Marketers, they are not happy, why because they are forced to do things by product creators that do not come naturally to them.

My point, do what comes naturally to you, and you become a happy person. In the process you get rewarded. Yes I agree, you can outsource those tactics you are not passionate about and get the money. Money here will be your driving force not your passion. But the key is, you are still outsourcing to those who are passionate about what they are doing.

So everybody should identify their platform. To me Platform here is your Passions, Talents and Natural born gifts. People like Paul McCartney they are standing on their platform. That is why they have been rewarded greatly. Could you imagine if Mr Mccartney when he was 19 decided to stand on another platform, eg being a politician, he would have failed and all hell could have broken lose!

If you are not on your Platform, you will face problems, get frustrated, get depressed, etc. Life will become unreasonable, boring, a pain, you name it.

If you are not standing on your own platform, you are standing on somebody else's platform.....

Get the hell away from somebody's Platform and stand on Yours. If you do, you'll be happy and feel fulfilled.

God bless

Taz

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by tanya7zhou

There is an old saying that says "Your gift will make room for you" This is where most people fail. They are scared to meet face to face with their passions, paradventure, not many people will like what they are passionate about. Hence they go further to look at something they think will please people and make them money in the process.

They then find themselves in too much trouble when push comes to shove, because nothing comes naturally to them to solve any problems. Those task ends up being burdens and they are not happy people.

Without prolonging the time, I want to point out that anything that you're passionate about, you will never complain about the time, or feel tired doing it. Somehow, you contain super energy in your soul to do the imposible with your passions.

Oprah, she is doing what she is passionate about. If you look at her, you can tell, she is not tired or wasted but happy. Look at somany Internet Marketers, they are not happy, why because they are forced to do things by product creators that do not come naturally to them.

My point, do what comes naturally to you, and you become a happy person. In the process you get rewarded. Yes I agree, you can outsource those tactics you are not passionate about and get the money. Money here will be your driving force not your passion. But the key is, you are still outsourcing to those who are passionate about what they are doing.

So everybody should identify their platform. To me Platform here is your Passions, Talents and Natural born gifts. People like Paul McCartney they are standing on their platform. That is why they have been rewarded greatly. Could you imagine if Mr Mccartney when he was 19 decided to stand on another platform, eg being a politician, he would have failed and all hell could have broken lose!

If you are not on your Platform, you will face problems, get frustrated, get depressed, etc. Life will become unreasonable, boring, a pain, you name it.

If you are not standing on your own platform, you are standing on somebody else's platform.....

Get the hell away from somebody's Platform and stand on Yours. If you do, you'll be happy and feel fulfilled.

God bless

Taz

Brilliantly stated. Could not have said it better. There's not a single word to add or take away from what you wrote.

I hope everyone here takes time to digest this for themselves.

Ken

[Chuck Staff]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Wow Joshua. I'm not familiar with it. Is that a book? If so I need to buy that sucker immediately.

Ken

I, too, was intrigued by the book quoted... A little research at AddAll.com shows it MUST be a powerful book -- original list price: $12. Used copies now sell on Amazon for $32 - $72 depending on condition...

One reviewer wrote:
"The Path of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz is by far the most valuable book in my collection of over 5,000. I know of no book I can recommend more highly... ...If you think about it, "being yourself" is an essential aspect of personal power. Being yourself means becoming the best you can possibly be. It means expressing your personal power creatively and constructively. It means doing what you need to do in life and doing it your way... ...Listen to Rush Limbaugh: (Regardless of your politics, he IS very, very successful and wealthy)... ..."My big break in life and in business came in 1984 in Sacramento. This was the first time... that I was allowed to be myself. So simple, yet so crucial, and I have learned much from this realization... Folks, you will never be your best doing it someone else's way... I am convinced that you have absolutely no idea how good you can be - at whatever you want to do. You don't know because you are trapped in situations where you either can't or are afraid to be yourself." (The Way Things Ought to Be by Rush Limbaugh.) The result Limbaugh focuses on is very precise: "My success is determined by how many listeners I have." This is result-consciousness - the key to personal power!..."


I've already ordered my copy. Found one cheap on eBay.


Chuck

[Chuck Staff]

Okay.

The quote in my previous post was waaaay too good to pass up (and being buried in my rather verbose reply, I'm afraid that's what would happen).

At the risk of being repetitive, I'm going to re-post the quote and take some editorial license by breaking it up into bite-sized, easier to digest pieces...

It may even be a better example than the Oprah example...

Listen to Rush Limbaugh: (Regardless of your politics, he IS very, very successful with the most listened to talk radio show in history and he is certainly very wealthy...)

"My big break in life and in business came in 1984 in Sacramento. This was the first time... that I was allowed to be myself.

So simple, yet so crucial, and I have learned much from this realization...

Folks, you will never be your best doing it someone else's way...

I am convinced that you have absolutely no idea how good you can be - at whatever you want to do.

You don't know because you are trapped in situations where you either can't or are afraid to be yourself."

(The Way Things Ought to Be by Rush Limbaugh.)

The result : Limbaugh focuses on is very precise: "My success is determined by how many listeners I have."

This is result-consciousness - the key to personal power!..."

Chuck