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

[tanya7zhou]

Originally Posted by Chuck Staff

Okay.


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

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

Chuck

I want to second that too. This is an important point. I hope someone will get this point and change the course of their life for better.

The best is yet to come to those who decides to stand on their very own platforms.

Taz

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by tanya7zhou

I want to second that too. This is an important point. I hope someone will get this point and change the course of their life for better.

The best is yet to come to those who decides to stand on their very own platforms.

Taz

Taz,

You are correct. The unfortunate reality is that all of us are conditioned to follow rather than lead. It all starts from a young age in school and develops from there.

Society trains us to draw inside the lines, think inside the box and follow the leader. The key to success is to simply choose to be a leader.

And I repeat, this is a choice that can literally be made in an instant.

Ken

[Chuck Staff]

Okay. This is cool.

Kind of a 'full circle' thing...

From an earlier thread, I had purchased Andrew Cavanagh's 'Offline Gold For Online Marketers' and downloaded his freebie: 'Offline Gold For Online Marketers - The Lost Forum Thread' (the Warrior Forum thread that started his whole Offline Gold series).

In the 'Lost Forum' report, speaking about offering IM-type solutions to offline businesses, I came across an 'Aha!' statement that jumped out and smacked me over the head: "So if you provide a hands off solution that gets them more customers with no time involvement on their part you have a winner on your hands."

Underlined. Highlighted. Sticky-noted. Comment in the margin: "Wow! USP?"

I like working with small, local businesses. I like teaching. I like being 'recognized' and 'acknowledged' for my 'Internet savvy' (Ego thing...). A great USP (for me) was hidden in there somewhere...

Hammered it. Worked with it. Re-wrote it. Played with it and came up with the USP for my business:

"Hands-off solutions for gathering more ready-to-buy customers".

Then came this thread...

Read it. Pondered it. Read a comment by the Andrew Cavanagh, himself. Posted a couple of comments of my own.

Very intriguing stuff...

And then it hit me...

My USP was also my 'platform'.

That's what I want to do. Help the little guy. Help the small businessman who is struggling to get more customers. Show local business owners how to use the Internet to build their businesses with a great ROI. Do local seminars and speak to small business groups about how to use the 'net to their advantage (and feed my ego at the same time).

That's what I want to do.

And if I make money while doing it, so much the better.

I think that's a 'platform'...

Thanks, Ken.

Thanks, Andrew.

To modify a quote from JayXtreme, "You guys rock!"

Chuck Staff
Palmyra, Virginia

[AndrewCavanagh]

Neat platform.

The quote is also very powerful.

I learned that small businesses were looking for hands off solutions literrally from my first client who said:

"I've had marketing consultants who've told me what I should do but what I need is someone who can do it for me. I simply don't have the time to do it myself."

This is true for most small business owners.

The really good news here is that small business accounts for over half the world's business turnover so you have a pretty big market you can sell to.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[Ken Preuss]

Love it Chuck!

Now......let that platform/USP lead you into massive action. Take the blueprint Andrew's given you (I've heard that product is amazing) and run with it.

Don't let anything stop you. Your platform and commitment are too important. These business owners need you.

You'll know your platform/USP is powerful enough when concerns about "the right thing to do next" disappear and you are engaged in fearless action.

Go get 'em,
Ken

[AndrewCavanagh]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

You'll know your platform/USP is powerful enough when you are engaged in fearless action.

Or fearful action but you do it ANYWAY.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh

Or fearful action but you do it ANYWAY.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Exactly Andrew... an important clarification and one that is probably more accurate.

Thanks,
Ken

[Greg Cooksley]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Taz,

You are correct. The unfortunate reality is that all of us are
conditioned to follow rather than lead. It all starts
from a young age in school and develops from there.

Society trains us to draw inside the lines, think inside the
box and follow the leader. The key to success is to simply
choose to be a leader.

And I repeat, this is a choice that can literally be made in
an instant.

Ken

Hey Ken,

I'm very late in reading this thread.....

Here's something to consider in light of your comment about how
school affects us.....

Some time ago, I attended a business breakfast where the speaker
was a man who was CEO of 18 different businesses and also had
started a school.

He shared that one of the things that school did for us was that
it diminished or crushed our creative spirit.

To illustrate, he went on to explain that when we started school
we all had a box of crayons (Crayola???) and we were allowed
to express ourselves in all the colours.

BUT, by the time we graduated we had been reduced
to only using a black or blue pen.....

He concluded his talk by handing out a box of 24 wax crayons
and encouraging us to find our creativity again......

I think this is a key factor why so many people need a blueprint
or a roadmap because their own creative juices have dried up....

Haven't you ever noticed how only a few people contribute to
brain storming sessions....They want everyone else to come up
with the ideas.....

The question is - how do you "expect" those folks to come up
with their platforms?

Something to chew on....

Regards

Greg

PS: Get your Crayons....

[John Henderson]

Originally Posted by Greg Cooksley

He shared that one of the things that school did for us was that it diminished or crushed our creative spirit.

To illustrate, he went on to explain that when we started school
we all had a box of crayons (Crayola???) and we were allowed
to express ourselves in all the colours.

BUT, by the time we graduated we had been reduced
to only using a black or blue pen.....

Greg, I won't talk too much about this for fear of derailing Ken's thread, but if you want to read more on this subject (the effect of mass education on children's minds) then enter "John Taylor Gatto" and "John Holt" into Google or Amazon.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Greg Cooksley

Hey Ken,

I'm very late in reading this thread.....

Here's something to consider in light of your comment about how
school affects us.....

Some time ago, I attended a business breakfast where the speaker
was a man who was CEO of 18 different businesses and also had
started a school.

He shared that one of the things that school did for us was that
it diminished or crushed our creative spirit.

To illustrate, he went on to explain that when we started school
we all had a box of crayons (Crayola???) and we were allowed
to express ourselves in all the colours.

BUT, by the time we graduated we had been reduced
to only using a black or blue pen.....

He concluded his talk by handing out a box of 24 wax crayons
and encouraging us to find our creativity again......

I think this is a key factor why so many people need a blueprint
or a roadmap because their own creative juices have dried up....

Haven't you ever noticed how only a few people contribute to
brain storming sessions....They want everyone else to come up
with the ideas.....

The question is - how do you "expect" those folks to come up
with their platforms?

Something to chew on....

Regards

Greg

PS: Get your Crayons....

Greg,

Thank you for giving me something very valuable to think about.

You are absolutely right. We've reduced our crayon boxes with 300 colors to pens with blue or black ink....and now to computers with only black text (with the occasional color thrown in for emphasis ).

It's becoming clear that I need to become skilled at helping people formulate a platform for themselves - the equivalent of handing them posterboard and a huge box of crayons and reminding them who they really are...

Thank you.

Ken

[lpstoops]

Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh

Or fearful action but you do it ANYWAY.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Well spoken. That was the largest hurdle for me when I branched out to the offline community. I understood there was a need, but I under appreciated my ability to offer them a service they were looking for. I believe there is an anxiety among IM-business owners, that if they pursue an offline crowd they have to deal face to face, which can be 'difficult'. I have found some to be crass and abrasive, and many to be utterly grateful that I was doing them this service.

Don't be afraid to take a step out to the unknown and risk a little.

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by lpstoops

Well spoken. That was the largest hurdle for me when I branched out to the offline community. I understood there was a need, but I under appreciated my ability to offer them a service they were looking for. I believe there is an anxiety among IM-business owners, that if they pursue an offline crowd they have to deal face to face, which can be 'difficult'. I have found some to be crass and abrasive, and many to be utterly grateful that I was doing them this service.

Don't be afraid to take a step out to the unknown and risk a little.

Two things you mentioned are critical components:

1) Appreciating the value you bring
2) Stepping out into the unknown

For those who go big and build 6 and 7 figure businesses, they have developed these two things as actual SKILLS as they are not inherent to most people.

Thanks for the contribution.

Ken Preuss

[tiger325]

I suppose its how you define "ease" but yes it can be done

[mudmat]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Two things you mentioned are critical components:

1) Appreciating the value you bring
2) Stepping out into the unknown

For those who go big and build 6 and 7 figure businesses, they have developed these two things as actual SKILLS as they are not inherent to most people.

Thanks for the contribution.

Ken Preuss

Nicely said and summarise there Ken! Thumbs Up!

People will not make 5 to 6 figure if they fear of going out of their own comfort zone. They need to step into the unknown and try it (get your hands dity).

[Mavericks]

Hi, Ken Preuss

you are absolutely right. I know that because I was devoted to my platform since I was a kid. I wanted to be my own boss, and I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do!

Today I am 46 years old, I am owner of small factory for producing PVC and aluminum windows, doors, roll shutters, insulated glass, winter gardens etc.

After my vertebra surgery, I had "New platform" compatible with first one!
I started to think about Online business opportunities! I didn't know anything about Internet at all! But I knew I would work at home and make money online, how? At that time I didn't have idea!

Today, after a year and a half of struggling, I have several web sites, I have earned some money with AdSense, and still I am learning about making money online. I am sure that I will succeed!

I'll quote Napoleon Hill : "Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement!"

Everything started with an Idea then idea generated Passion and if You are Persistent about this idea and passion you will succeed! Yes, You can call that a Platform!

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by Mavericks

Hi, Ken Preuss

you are absolutely right. I know that because I was devoted to my platform since I was a kid. I wanted to be my own boss, and I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do!

Today I am 46 years old, I am owner of small factory for producing PVC and aluminum windows, doors, roll shutters, insulated glass, winter gardens etc.

After my vertebra surgery, I had "New platform" compatible with first one!
I started to think about Online business opportunities! I didn't know anything about Internet at all! But I knew I would work at home and make money online, how? At that time I didn't have idea!

Today, after a year and a half of struggling, I have several web sites, I have earned some money with AdSense, and still I am learning about making money online. I am sure that I will succeed!

I'll quote Napoleon Hill : "Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement!"

Everything started with an Idea then idea generated Passion and if You are Persistent about this idea and passion you will succeed! Yes, You can call that a Platform!

You are correct. Napoleon Hill's main thesis largely fits with what I'm saying.

Although the one distinction he didn't make is one I am making, which is that your "definiteness of purpose" must, must, must be directed toward others for this to work.

As I always say, the money you want is in their pocket. So if your commitment and platform are not defined in relation to other people, you will have a difficult time truly succeeding.

Ken Preuss

[Shlomi Khutoretsky]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Thanks for your comments Bryan. No worries, I took nothing you wrote personally.

I get that when you read my subject line you were expecting to learn how to earn six figures in six months. Consider that I actually gave you the answer but it wasn't what your conditioned mind expected or wanted it to be.

Let me ask you...when you went back through and re-read my post several times, what exactly were you looking for? This is vital because it comes down to our conditioning and beliefs about how we think things are supposed to be.

I'm not trying to be a guru - just sharing the tip of an iceberg that is immense.

I contend that if you could put a powerful platform into words (what customer you are committed to and what you are committed to providing them) and then allow yourself to be led by it rather than needing to have a plan or all the steps in place, you could earn six figures in six months with relative ease.

That's my thesis and I'm sticking to it for one reason - I've done it and many, many others have too.

Best regards,
Ken

this is the classic out of the box situation

[John Henderson]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Although the one distinction he didn't make is one I am making, which is that your "definiteness of purpose" must, must, must be directed toward others for this to work.

As I always say, the money you want is in their pocket. So if your commitment and platform are not defined in relation to other people, you will have a difficult time truly succeeding.

As the father of Bobby and Sahar Hashemi (the brother/sister team who founded the Starbucks rival "Coffee Republic") used to tell his children: "Don't chase money. Put together a business that helps people and the money will chase you."

[Mavericks]

I have not mentioned all his idea as we are talking about "main platform".
Certainly you are right about helping others. I didn't mentioned his 17 thesis about success and some of them are:

"No man can become a permanent success without taking others along with him!"

"The most successful people are those who serve the greatest number of people!"

"It is essential that you develop a Pleasing Personality - pleasing to yourself and others"

One of my favorite says
"Be very careful what you set your heart on, for you will surely achieve it!"

[fred67]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

There is no doubt in my mind people will call me an idiot. There's no doubt people will say I'm missing the boat. There's no doubt people will come up with numerous examples that are the exception, lists of reasons I'm dead wrong, and so on.

There will also be people who have major problems with this because it still doesn't provide the "ultimate answer" or "checklist" or "step-by-step blueprint" they want and believe they need to succeed.

Even though I won't let up for a single moment, I'm ok with differing viewpoints. Why?

Because we all create our own reality anyway. Your life and business will evolve exactly as you believe and decide it will.

No matter where you are with it, this is my proposal for what is possible for you, me and everyone else. Let me know what you think.

Humbly submitted,
Ken Preuss

I think your 'simplicity' approach is dead right.
You use 'Oprah' as an example. Richard Branson started off with his 'ideal' rather 'more' than the product. The 'Beatles' didn't set out witrh a game plan other than to enjoy making great music together. The fact that they 'did' blew them into the stratosphere. It was only 'then' they and any other example you'd care to use 'capitalised' on their Platform.

I think this is an excellent post for ANY up-and-coming entrepreneur to take as their 'Mantra'.

Cheers - Pete.

[luane]

Ken, thank you for sharing your heart and mind and convictions with passion and clarity. I have learned from my past year on this journey through internet marketing and this forum, that you (anyone) can achieve at least twice as much as they THINK they can. It most certainly begins with the right mindset which you described beautifully. I look forward to more, as someone suggested. As you use this passion to help guide others, remember that newbies are looking not only for the motivation and mindset, but a blueprint. They already have the desire and the drive, they just need a driver to help them get to the destination of their dreams.

[TimRobinson]

Great work Ken, I was on your previous list so got this message in my email and I've read it twice now

What you're in essence saying is find your purpose, write it down and follow through with it.

Once you have your purpose the world just becomes easier. You have a clearly defined reason for doing what you're doing and can relate everything you are learning back to that one purpose.

It took me a while to *get* that I needed a purpose and it was at that point my income really started to take off. While before I was reading a lot of strategy, researching niches, building sites and growing my lists, my income was still, to put it bluntly, horrible!

It was when I started to focus on one specific goal, one specific purpose and I could apply everything I learnt to moving towards that one purpose that my income started to soar and my life really started to come into alignment Everything just seemed to start going right.

I think the first thing every Internet Marketer needs to do is have one specific goal/purpose in mind and work on that one purpose, applying everything they learn to working towards it.

Thanks Ken!

-- Tim

[dsorr]

Don't know if this will come out the way it is spinning in my head, but
I'll attempt to grab some of the concepts and put them down here...

As to what makes one successful, there is an unbelievably vast sea of opinions.
For instance, my father-in-law (now deceased) was a painter. Yep, the
house kind, not an "arteest." By most people's standards he wasn't
overly-successful in the financial arena, though he had some really good
years, and he owned two paint stores over the decades and at one point
or another had trained most every other painting contractor in our county
in Florida. But, know what, he was one amazing man--built his business
with integrity and attention to detail, and his reputation reflected that.

What was his platform? Well, it was his "real life"--his family, his friends,
his ability to share hope with others (in the religious sense here), and
his general love for people. Yet, he was known as "Bob ___ the painter."

In other words, his business was well-known, well-respected, and
successful in probably every sense--except for monetarily. It made
a decent living, but there was no money river flowing into his life--despite
doing everything right--looking out for the best interest of his customers, etc.
He wanted to be the best painter there could be and to serve his customers
extremely well and for a fair price. And this he did.

To bring all of this together, what my point is--is this:
For some people, having a business, and running it well, fairly with integrity
and in the best interests of the customers while being fairly compensated for this, might just be a means to an end.
Their own "real life" might actually be their "platform," if you will.

For many of us, and I am speaking for myself, learning this IM business is
indeed a means to an end. My "platform" will never be business-related.
It is wrapped around my family and the goals I have for it.
But this just does not mean in any way would I ever attempt to carry on
business-offline or online-except with a view to serving my
customers' needs in an honest, helpful way, with the full expectation that
I should/will be paid fairly for that. But this just could never be my life's
"platform" That is reserved for a much higher purpose.
Does this make any sense to anyone else? (I hope this comes across
the way I am intending--just as an alternate view--not as criticism of
anyone else's belief system.)
Thanks for reading, either way. : )
Sharie

[vicone]

What you're in essence saying is find your purpose, write it down and follow through with it.

If your purpose shows OTHERS how they can achieve THEIR purpose, the path is smoother as THEY are the ones who have the money and THEIR MONEY will chase after you.

Of course, when it catches you, it becomes YOURS.

Ivan

[rosehill]

One day i am going to be like this guy. Wowa, he really knows his stuff. Good to be in company like this.. Glad i took my buddies advice.

thanks

rosehill

[sailingdom]

Originally Posted by cloudchaser22

I think I'm missing something here. When I think of "platform", I think of something you stand on. Can you clarify or give us more examples of what you mean by platform?

Exactly a Platform would be what you stand on and for, it isn't, per se, a Plan.

Then action would follow by then a plan starts to develop.

If anyone has ever tried to write a business Plan for a bank loan would know the majority of the Plan is claptrap[(Rubbish).

Oprahs Platform was her willingness to be open and honest about her experiences. The medium was TV as ours is the internet but her success came from her Platform.

[SylviaHeins]

seems like a tough thing about this proposition is that one must know oneself and be comfortable with oneself in order to construct the platform of which you speak.

[popeye4671]

Ken
Thank you thankyou thank you, I do believe Ive just had one of those epiphany thingies, Clarity has been achieved.

(This is meant with total sincerity and a complete lack of sarcasm.)

Danny

[TLTheLiberator]

I hear what you're saying and I think you're also saying that sooner or later the subject must at least have a working idea of what are the major online business models and declare an online business model right?

And...

Since we can eventually and simply purchase tons of visitors without doing a whole lot of work and quite inexpensively...

It could become quite effortless as soon as the subject gets over their little technical curve such as their new ability to slap up a page and put money links on the page and then get tons of visitors to that page.

Know that skinning the cat can be done.

The Internet Is The Modern Day Magna Carta.


Great Thread!

All The Best To You & Yours'

TL

[visit_faraz]

Thanks for the awesome post Ken.
This post really makes one think as to what are we working for.
Is it only for the money or something much bigger?

I will have to sit and think about my platform.

bye,
faraz

[TrudyB]

Nice thread, Ken. I love your enthusiasm!

[tommyp]

Hi, Ken

I can read everything you said (thank you by the way) and take it the way I understand it but never really know if I really get what you mean.

I want to use plain speech. All the mystical style stuff people get into isn't helping me.

Is what you are saying similar to what Eben Pagan says about creating your customer avatar (basically finding out what people want and taking the most common things, inject them into an avatar and market to that "person") EXCEPT what you are saying is that a person should make an avatar out of themselves FIRST and present that avatar to the world.

Then, as a result, those who can relate (because you can't please everyone and no one is liked by everyone) will be drawn to that avatar or personality and follow them.

Once having a following the marketer should listen to specific wants of those who follow and take those into consideration when marketing to them, which will be easier because since the crowd will relate to the marketer the marketer will be better able to relate to and understand them?

So, this would circumvent testing a market to see what people want (as the first step I mean - not that a marketer shouldn't do this after), even though we possibly may not be interested in, not passionate enough to learn about and not be an expert in this supposed market but instead we would market our passions and let those who may come to us.

In other words rather than looking for a niche we would make ourselves the niche.

Some scenarios:

1) So, for example if a person has trouble breaking from five figures to six figures a year and this is their goal and passion they would take their internal dialogue and ideas that they have about this and speak it (as long as they don't claim to have done so since this would be misleading people and then if they admit to not knowing how to do this why should people listen? I guess it could be possible that others would simply follow as long as they can relate hoping that together they could find answers but I don't know). They would then market solutions to these people.

2) Someone is really passionate about the environment and they communicate not necessarily in the way they people typically do but in their own way even if they have ideas about it that stray from the norm. People may be attracted to their particular set of beliefs on the issue and be drawn to them and then buying the marketer's recommendation on related products that the marketer has learned interests them.

3) Parents who believe in home schooling and are passionate about it and angry over the difficulties many families go through because they want to home school their children. Others who feel the same follow them and then are sold solutions.

Am I even close to what you are saying?

A lot of this is already common knowledge but I think the distinction you are making is to make ourselves the niche - the Star avoiding having to find a niche since it will be easier to profit by being ourselves and not just being ourselves but our own avatar that represents that particular aspect of our personalities? Leading by following? Capitalizing on people seeking a leader?

But then again that sounds like stuff I've heard before so I'm still unsure.

I'd just like to understand better.

Thank you.

[Andrei Rotariu]

I like your post....

But...

Oh no! Not the almighty "BUT"!!

firstly teaching is not something we are all gifted with.. You and i know what that means we'll let the warriors think a little about it.

But ill say this your 100% right in only 50% of that OP. We had a guy called Charles Kovess come and do a whole bunch of classes with my team at work. Most people thought he was a jerk to be honest. Mainly because he was a show off and he just simply didnt communicate well. His intentions where correct like yours are.

But as you said in the OP bro, "you only just began understanding this". From a spiritual perspective ill just say that sometimes its better to keep gifts to yourself.

So, where was i..? Thats right INENTION. Your intent is on the ball, your excited and want to share what you know. But its very very clear that humans DO NOT prosper financially without first being passionate and following their heart, learning lessons, building a foundation of knowledge, creating or learning a system, then mastering it, the taking action.

I never believe that anything is simply black and white. Yes there are those very rare cases. BUt for the most part its a mix. We are all different and all need to aquire certain pieces of data to build and move on. Not only do we need different pieces of info but we need to understand them and master them.

So saying all one needs is a platfrom, a voice, a passion. Is kind of like spitting in the face of many IM'ers here. a platform as you put it is simply pure energy. BUt this energy needs to be harnessed, formulated and moulded. An atom bomb is energy dispersed, if its not targeted and fixed it causes more devestation then anything. Hitler, he had a passion, his passion was art, his passion was life, his passion was his people. But he stopped there and forgot to go learn the rest of the lessons.

Do you see what im trying to say?

Passion is nothing without a foundation of knowledge that you can build your life onto. Perhaps this comes in the form of many life expericnes, perhaps it comes from 101 different films and books. Or maybe it comes to you in the form of a strangers voice...

After the foundational knowledge one would require guidance and a system, then they would need motivation and the strength to take action. Heck some might even need a priest or a psychologist along the way. Maybe these dont need to come in this order, as i said its never black and white and its always different for all of us.

The main thing to remember is that we are all at different levels of our lives. This means spiritually, intellectually, physichally and mentally. Some of us require the whole 99 pieces of the puzzle and some only require a handful.

BUt again a passion or understanding of ones 'platfrom' will only get you so far. I could spit out many examples say;

Michael Jackson, his passion was performing and making people feel good. But if you look at his history his parents had him take performance lessons since his mind was just barely developing!

Anthony Robbins, His platform is changing peoples lives for the better and making them reach levels of peak performance. But look into his life and you will find he attended seminars, read books and learned constantly.

Richard Bransons, paltform is action, adventure, thrill, big rides and big bank accounts. Did you know his mother and father used to drop him and his sisters off to find their way home in places they had barely visited when he was only young? Did you also know he used to sell bags of poo as a youngster? Experiences like these taught the youngster that life was an adventure park but at the same time he needed to use skills like retention, calculation, sales and navigation.

Lets mention Oprah. Yes HUGE platform, lots of passion mainly stemming from her tough early life. But did you know she lived and learned from a man who was a barber and businessman, her father? Did you know that she went to university? Did you know she learned many things along the way about the industry while she worked in small radio and television in Nashville?

Again i could go on...

I know exactly what your getting at. Believe me i do.

But giving this info out to people and yet denying the whole story can be like a detour in disguise for some. Think about it for a moment. My passion is spirituality, the beach, sex, money, food, tv, IM, dogs, music etc.

What if all i did was eat cheese burgers because they where my passion and my platform?

There are many levels, and YES the main level is the primary PLATFORM or passion. Where folk need to figure out what it is that makes them feel alive and happy to contribute to this planet. But then the journey barely begins and there is much more to do and learn.

Dont you think?

If a human follows their heart they will forever be happy. But the heart without the brain cannot beat.

[Andrei Rotariu]

Originally Posted by dsorr

Don't know if this will come out the way it is spinning in my head, but
I'll attempt to grab some of the concepts and put them down here...

As to what makes one successful, there is an unbelievably vast sea of opinions.
For instance, my father-in-law (now deceased) was a painter. Yep, the
house kind, not an "arteest." By most people's standards he wasn't
overly-successful in the financial arena, though he had some really good
years, and he owned two paint stores over the decades and at one point
or another had trained most every other painting contractor in our county
in Florida. But, know what, he was one amazing man--built his business
with integrity and attention to detail, and his reputation reflected that.

What was his platform? Well, it was his "real life"--his family, his friends,
his ability to share hope with others (in the religious sense here), and
his general love for people. Yet, he was known as "Bob ___ the painter."

In other words, his business was well-known, well-respected, and
successful in probably every sense--except for monetarily. It made
a decent living, but there was no money river flowing into his life--despite
doing everything right--looking out for the best interest of his customers, etc.
He wanted to be the best painter there could be and to serve his customers
extremely well and for a fair price. And this he did.

To bring all of this together, what my point is--is this:
For some people, having a business, and running it well, fairly with integrity
and in the best interests of the customers while being fairly compensated for this, might just be a means to an end.
Their own "real life" might actually be their "platform," if you will.

For many of us, and I am speaking for myself, learning this IM business is
indeed a means to an end. My "platform" will never be business-related.
It is wrapped around my family and the goals I have for it.
But this just does not mean in any way would I ever attempt to carry on
business-offline or online-except with a view to serving my
customers' needs in an honest, helpful way, with the full expectation that
I should/will be paid fairly for that. But this just could never be my life's
"platform" That is reserved for a much higher purpose.
Does this make any sense to anyone else? (I hope this comes across
the way I am intending--just as an alternate view--not as criticism of
anyone else's belief system.)
Thanks for reading, either way. : )
Sharie

Yes it does. Basically what i said above. In a very different language

[fight_prof]

Sounds like following your passion really. Good post. I have been promoting niches other than the one I am passionate about, and have been able to write high viewing articles, etc. I did this as a test, to see how much desired content I could make in a niche I am not really interested in. Now, I think it's the time to do it the other way.

Good post.

[TLTheLiberator]

Originally Posted by Matthew Connors

Hey Ken

I read your post a few times (im a skim reader) and i signed up and read your pdf.

You have made some extremely valid points in both. I dont want to breach your copyright or spoil your party here, but you make two extremely valid points that everyone who is new absolutely must know.

Firstly all the techniques andd strategies in this forum and every where are just that. They are not the business, just tools for the buusiness.

Secondly being at the top of the MLM is crusicial to success.

If you guys want more explanation you will need to sign up as i dont want to be accused of ruining Kens chances of people signing up. Its worth a read.

So, Ken are you advocating MLM?

Just want to know.

TL

[Ken Preuss]

Wow....was not expecting to see this post here. It's been a while. Ha.

GoinDeep - you are 100% correct. A platform is not enough. But in my experience it is the seed for everything else. As you say, on top of a platform you must then have a business model, a systematic approach and relentless action.

TL - I am personally not an advocate of MLM. Matt is simply pointing out one of the distinctions I make about that the realities of that model.

Ken

[qubex]

Ken,

Your inspirational post hit a nerve. I understand the simple concept, having heard it explained many times before, but until now I didn't actually GET it. Understand?

I believe that many IM's choose to focus only on niches that others are finding successful - I do this all the time. Oftentimes, I find myself spending too much time trying to come up with content.

Ken, I want to extend a sincere thankyou. You've opened my eyes and mind to a different way of thinking. Excuse me while I go and find my "platform"...

Cheers,
Curtis

[bdkfreedom]

Thanks for the insight! Tough to digest what exactly you are saying at first but after reading it a couple of more times it is seeming to make perfect sense!

[Ken Preuss]

Originally Posted by tommyp

Is what you are saying similar to what Eben Pagan says about creating your customer avatar (basically finding out what people want and taking the most common things, inject them into an avatar and market to that "person") EXCEPT what you are saying is that a person should make an avatar out of themselves FIRST and present that avatar to the world.

Then, as a result, those who can relate (because you can't please everyone and no one is liked by everyone) will be drawn to that avatar or personality and follow them.

Once having a following the marketer should listen to specific wants of those who follow and take those into consideration when marketing to them, which will be easier because since the crowd will relate to the marketer the marketer will be better able to relate to and understand them?

So, this would circumvent testing a market to see what people want (as the first step I mean - not that a marketer shouldn't do this after), even though we possibly may not be interested in, not passionate enough to learn about and not be an expert in this supposed market but instead we would market our passions and let those who may come to us.

In other words rather than looking for a niche we would make ourselves the niche.

tommyp,

I chose this quote from your post for two reasons:

1) You framed the concepts from my OP in a unique way

2) The way you framed them speaks to you - this is the real key

Everyone is always wanting to look outside themselves for the answers. Yet none of the answers exist outside of us.

The only thing that exists outside of us are the realities of human behavior and market behavior. Do these things need to be understood to be successful online? Absolutely.

But the foundation for success in my own personal experience comes when you understand who you want to be for others, then match that with the existing realities and behaviors of the marketplace.

Does this mean you don't have to test or research markets? No. In fact you will always be researching and testing. It's a natural part of the business.

For example, I'm on a whole bunch of subscriber lists watching what successful marketers are doing, what products they are promoting, what campaigns are being rolled out further, what campaigns are not, etc. This is research and I'm constantly doing it. To me it's plain old fun.

As far as testing the market to see what people want, it is important to remember that people in any given niche have core fundamental wants. The marketers selling products and services that speak directly to core wants are making the most money. Solve or fulfill your market's core wants as completely as possible and you will write your own ticket.

My point is this: the platform is the foundation. Your platform brings together your own passion, genius and commitment such that you will put forth the effort that most people are not willing to put forth.

BUT if your platform doesn't have a direct connection with the realities and behaviors of your market (those whose wants and needs you are committed to fulfilling) you will never have the success you seek.

Ken

[Eric Stanley]

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

What I am about to propose to you is both highly lucrative and highly dangerous.

Love the Ocean's Eleven reference!

[Nathan Hangen]

If I am correct, I believe Ken is talking about creating a brand. This is one of my favorite parts of the new breed of entrepreneur, and is evidenced by one of my favorite people: Gary Vaynerchuk.

Chris Brogan also talks about this and his platform is giving, giving, giving.

I agree completely. The personal brand is the new business model that will eventually replace the corporate monsters that are failing at the moment... at least in part.

I'm really interested in hearing more of what you have to say.

[Joshua N. Rabon]

[red]Anybody who agrees with you Ken should get this [/red]

FREE DOWNLOAD: Turn Every Sale Into Residual Streams of Income

It's the best tool I've seen for doing what you said. It's Ben Mack's "Legend Platform" workbook.

That's a link to a free version. It was first in his $197 product called "Think Two Products Ahead" that now sells for around $15 on Amazon.

I hope it's OK to use red, I know this is an old post (just found it myself) and I feel very strongly that this makes creating a Platform, like Ken suggests easy, easy, easy. If using read in a post is taboo, I apologize.

Thank you for making this excellent post Ken.

[AfteraDream]

One of the best posts ever here!

[Mark McClure]

Ken,

Good to see a few other Warriors mention Fritz's book...

He has an interesting take on commercial "Self Help" as basically being a sham, a con. See what you think of his ideas around "creative tension" and "primary and secondary choices".

On "purpose" as you've introduced it... I went on an UK Outward bound course in 1989 instead of a sun and sand holiday (it was a real blast, highly recommended). Years later I came across the "belief statement" of Kurt Hahn, one of the founders of Outward Bound:

“We are all better than we know. If only we can be brought to realise this, we may never be prepared to settle for anything less.”

Now that is rocket fuel in the right brain (literally!)
I suspect many 'successful' people 'get this'.

[JohanFourie]

Thanks for sharing!

[Bruce NewMedia]

Joshua, thanks for the link. That is powerful info, as is the post by Ken.
_____
Bruce

[stuppy]

wow, nice sharing, great

[Bryan Zimmerman]

Ken thats probably one of the best posts I've read in a long time. Just reminds me that if you truly believe not only in yourself enough, but also what you are doing enough than the sky is truly the limit. Thanks for the reminder.

[holidayhabitat]

My problem with this platform issue is. where do you start ? I have the desire, but lack direction. I don't even know where to start to find my "Platform" or "Direction". How do you find that niche. I have a wife and three children, and want to create a future where they will never have to worry about money again. How do I start? I am new here and am still trying to understand. I am not afraid of hard work as long as I know that it's not in vain.