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

Ken Preuss · 11-08-2008, 04:40 PM

Hi everyone,

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

This is something I've been wanting to share here for a long time. Admittedly I never had the guts until now.

I'm not sure why except to say that there's a certain philosophy and tone here that is strong - almost a sense of folks being strictly set in "the ways of the Warrior". I suppose I never wanted to ruffle any feathers.

But that all changes right now.

What I'm about to share here comes from my own experience as a full-time entrepreneur over the past 8 years - some offline but mostly online.

I'm the first to admit my experience is far from ordinary considering I reached five figures a month within my first 60 days online. This is not to brag whatsoever as there have been plenty of ups and downs since and many difficult lessons learned.

I've sold incredible products but I've also sold horrible ones that provided no value whatsoever. I've been incredibly responsive to subscribers and customers but I've also had periods where I cared only about my own bank account. I've announced things I never followed through on and left people wondering if I gave a damn. If you are one of those people I admit my wrongdoing and apologize to you right now.

Yes I am human and have made many mistakes. However at key moments I've also tapped into something that is so powerful and so huge that during those specific periods I was able to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a month (yes, a month) effortlessly with joy and sheer ease.

That is the real reason for this post. To offer something profound I've learned and, well, see how it lands. Not only that, I know others here will have had experiences of their own and I know I can always learn more.

For some this will greatly conflict with your viewpoint, not only in terms of business but your worldview. You will resist the idea that this is remotely possible. For others it will make complete sense and you will see the seed of something you never thought possible for yourself.

I'm interested in your honest feedback whatever it might be. Here goes.

_______________________________________

The NEW Breed of Warrior: Six Figures in 6 Months

I have a bold statement to make. Ready?

You can create a six figure income - even a seven figure income - within the next six months with effortless ease.

Believe me? Probably not. Chances are good you fundamentally disagree with something in that statement. Even if it's the "effortless ease" part.

Let's face it. The bolded statement above reads like a hyped up headline, does it not?

One thing to consider is that all of us in this industry who have the "privilege" of getting to read a ton of headlines have developed an instinctive knee-jerk reaction that automatically says "NO" to statements like the one above. Haven't we? I know I sure have.

I'm keenly aware there are a ton of folks here who are just getting started in IM. Then there are some folks who have been working it for some time making a few bucks here and there.

There are also folks here who are quietly (well, some not so quietly

) earning low to mid six figures and in rare instances seven figures annually.

Wherever you fall on the spectrum, the above bolded statement is the new paradigm I'm presenting here - which is how you can do just that no matter where you are right now.

So here's the next question I invite you to consider:

Why is Oprah Winfrey fabulously successful and wealthy?

Please take a few moments right now to answer this for yourself. Maybe even jot down some thoughts in writing. Why is Oprah so successful? If you had to make a short list of the top handful of reasons she is successful and wealthy what would they be?

Got your list in front of you? Good.

Chances are high that "hard work" is at or near the top of your list. If there's one thing I've learned about Warriors over the last couple years it's that hard work is a badge on honor for the successful Warrior.

The majority of people here who have created nice incomes for themselves will tell you they work pretty massive hours. Not all of them do but most of them sure do. And to a certain extent I agree with the fact that it takes a ton of work.

But what if it doesn't? What if only ONE thing is required to have things literally take off for you such that success - both financial and personal - comes effortlessly?

If this "one thing" existed, what would it be?

To listen to IM'ers describe what they want and need to succeed, this is usually what you hear:
- "I just need a blueprint to follow"
- "Will someone please tell me the exact steps to take?"
- "What's the formula for making the most with X strategy?"
- "If only someone would just give the plan, I would follow it to the letter and be successful."

Isn't it true? As humans we are hard-wired to want to know "the plan". We always want to know "the right steps" to take to "get us there faster". Here's my question:

What if there's no such thing? Even more crucial, what if you discovered that no one has EVER become successful by following that path?

A bold statement, no? Indeed. I expect you want some proof as every savvy marketer does.

Ok, let's go back to the Oprah example. Think about her massive success both personally and financially.

Then ask yourself - did Oprah begin with a plan to:
- Have her own daytime talk show?
- Start her own production company?
- Have her own magazine?
- Become a huge philanthropist giving millions to various causes?
- Turn her name into one of the biggest personal brands in history?

The answer to every single one of these questions is.....NO!

Oprah had no plan in the beginning. None whatsoever. There were no "right steps" to take. Nada. Zippo. She was simply a local TV news anchor who had a commitment to something. More specifically she had a:

---> PLATFORM

A platform is what most people are completely missing. By platform I mean your vision or commitment on behalf of other people. Quite literally what you stand for on behalf of others.

As we all know politicians run on a platform. A set of principles that threads their communication and guides their actions both as a nominee and elected official.

The fact is EVERY successful person in the world - including the most successful entrepreneurs - have a platform as well. Not only do they have one, it guides their every step. In fact it does more than that....their platform creates their every step.

Consider this:

Consider that you don't need a plan of action. You simply need a powerful platform that leads you forward.

Re-read that statement a few times and really let it sink in. I'm dead serious, don't skip this. Digest that statement several times...

Is it starting to sink in? I mean are you really grasping it? Yes, yes it's ridiculously simple. Almost too simple to work right?

Therein lies the mistake we make. People like Oprah have been telling us how simple it is for a looooong time. But we're all amazingly stubborn about the way we believe and have decided the world works. So we don't receive the message when people like Oprah share it with us.

If we stopped living trying to be right we would see it plain as day right in front of our face. Heck I've been at this entrepreneurial thing for some time and made a lot of money.....and I'm just now getting it.

Do you think Oprah really had a plan? No way. All her actions and plans evolved out of her commitment to her platform - which in her case is a belief that people (especially women) can live better in every aspect of their lives through awareness and full consciousness.

All she did was turned her monologue (what she was saying to *herself* about what she was committed to on behalf of people) into a dialogue (she began *sharing* her platform with others).

That's it. Articulate a platform about what you're specifically committed to on behalf of which customers or niche, then take that monologue and turn it into a dialogue. In other words share it. Communicate it.

When you do this things begin to happen, not in weeks or months but in DAYS.

Do you see how amazingly simple that is?

What's great about when you do this is natural actions occur as a result. Why? Because those actions will have to occur in order for you to get your platform out into the world.

Every time you get frustrated because you don't know which skill to develop or what kind of site to build or what kind of product to create or promote........realize that you are doing it completely backwards. Which is exactly why you're frustrated.

Things like:
- Researching a certain industry to see what's being sold
- Identifying sites or individuals who share a commitment to something
- Thinking about possible products to sell or create and how to do that
- Setting up a website this way or that
- What to write on your website, autoresponder series or sales page
- Etc. etc. etc.

ALL of these things are what would naturally come out of a commitment to having your platform actually be a reality in the world. The answers for "what to do" and "how to do it" would reveal themselves as a natural result of your commitment.

IMPORTANT: The what and the how cannot come before articulating your commitment and platform - this is the wrong order. Yes we've all been doing it backwards most of the time, including me.

When you do it in the proper order the need for the "perfect steps to take" or the "perfect order" in which to take them totally and completely disappear.

Talk to ANYONE in any industry who started off struggling and became ultra successful and they all say the same thing:

"All of a sudden things started happening faster and easier than ever before. It was like 'where has this been all along?'"

Why do they say that? Because they accidentally (in most cases) stumbled upon the single key which is committing to a platform and allowed themselves to be led by that platform.

In summary, how is it possible to earn six figures in six months?

All there is to do is create a platform based on powerful commitment you have to a specific customer, then simply allow yourself be led by that platform.

That's it. That's how to do it. Not what you expected?

___________________________________

This is the new breed of Warrior I am proposing to you. The Warrior who creates a massively successful business in a seemingly backwards way - and has incredible fun in the process.

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

Dmitry · 11-08-2008, 05:11 PM

Interesting viewpoint. I however don't believe in an ultimate answer - for me it's as simple as "you just feel it"...

And once you start "feeling it" it all suddenly starts to make sense, all the particular steps start taking care of themselves, just like you said.

Maybe that's what you actually meant by a platform - your ultimate beliefs and understanding. It all starts deep down - then it materializes on the surface.

Ron Douglas · 11-08-2008, 05:25 PM

That's pretty deep Ken. What is your "platform" if you don't mind me asking?

Tina Tiano · 11-08-2008, 07:34 PM

Great post!! It reminds me of the saying "when the intention is clear, the method will appear". I don't remember who said that.

So now the trick is to determine your platform or true intention!!

lazavas · 11-08-2008, 07:51 PM

wow! interesting read!

MJ Schaefer · 11-08-2008, 07:58 PM

Hmm.

Very interesting post, that.

To a large extent I can understand where you are coming from, especially in regards to Oprah's lack of a "grand plan".

I had a similar experience several years ago. I won't go into detail about it, but I will say this: I had just about as grand-a-transformation as you can imagine. And it all started with a spontaneous decision to take a small action.

In hindsight, I know that I would have never undergone that transformation if I had planned it as the perfect A-Z solution. It all transpired as one change led to another; it was the most fascinating domino effect. No stage was ever planned -- the next step just always "came" to me and seemed a natural leap.

I can say that with a good deal of certainty, because since then I have been the guy you talked about in the post: the individual who looks for the perfect plan, but consistently fails. It actually floors me that you wrote this post, because I reached this epiphany myself only a few weeks back. It has made a profound difference to the quality of my life and my results.

I think you will have the hardest time successfully explaining what you mean by "a platform", but I think I understand full well where you are coming from.

A-Z planning does not work, because when we make that plan we are "Person 1". Change is a dynamic process, and I think what a lot of people don't realise is that it is not just our results that change, but also ourselves. Indeed, I would say that it is our own change that brings the results.

I assume that is why a lot of dieters fail. They look at it as "6 months to lose X lbs" and extrapolate the pain they feel on Week 1 for the next six months. That is a huge mistake, because the pain diminishes and the character strengthens in reasonably quick time. The great irony is that the person who can run for 10 miles and rattle off a full weights workout will find it an easier process pound-for-pound than the novice who is trying to run only a couple of hundred yards.

Anyhow, I digress. Very interesting post as I say, and I wonder if other people will "get it". Having a true bond with one's "platform" is essential...

Neil S · 11-08-2008, 08:12 PM

Interesting post but in the end I think you are simply calling the same bird by a different color. Platform, focus, determination, plan, ect.

I have not met a single person (perhaps you withstanding) in my entire life who told me they built a successful business with "effortless ease". Even if you truly love what you are doing it still takes a lot of work. Not to mention all the work and frustration it takes to find a "platform" but then to consistently create revenue is no effortless task.

Certainly when you develop a groove and system it becomes easier. But there is a lot of work leading up to that and hard work remains to continue it. It sounds wonderful in theory but I hope people do not think building a business is "effortless".

J.Knight · 11-08-2008, 08:14 PM

I ain't gonna argue with you dude.

It might not be possible, but if you could attempt to elaborate upon how to discover your 'platform' it would be helpful.

Is it about being an anomaly to your audience, and becoming their 'voice'?

nursewriter · 11-08-2008, 08:18 PM

Awesome post!

What is the difference between your platform and your passion?

Lucinda

cloudchaser22 · 11-08-2008, 08:20 PM

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?

Norma Holt · 11-08-2008, 08:27 PM

Ken, that is a very thoughtful and helpful post. If I may be allowed to add my comments in regards to Oprah. I think she did have a plan because she studied journalism and without that she would not have been in the right place at the right time to progress into television.

The other attributes that pushed her along were her willingness to share her personal experiences, as bad as they were. Her honesty, care for others and generosity took her the rest of the way.

It appears that she has never done anything to hurt anyone and no one has reported an unsavory thing about her. It all helps.

i enjoyed the read. Well done.

jamesdj1 · 11-08-2008, 08:30 PM

An excellent and very thought provoking post Ken.

Often when things just seem to flow almost without effort I consider myself as "being in the groove" and not really knowing what my platform is BUT...

one thing that is clear is when I'm "in the groove" I'm putting others first and things almost magically fall into place.

I look forward to you expounding on this perhaps even giving some concrete examples from your successes and failures.

chris_surfrider · 11-08-2008, 08:37 PM

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

Bryan · 11-08-2008, 08:54 PM

Hi Ken,

You write with conviction and communicate eloquently, but with all
due respect, I found what you were saying was very vague and
offered no answer to making a six figure income in six months
with ease with as you had mentioned in your headline.

Yes, having a platform would be great... but you forgot to mention
that it usually takes most people many years to develop a "powerful
platform" and many times it takes trying times that cultivate a person's
character to become truly successful.

You seem to be convinced that developing a powerful platform
comes easy but you offer no real insight how to achieve it or
six figures in six months with ease.

I went through your post three times to give you the benefit of
the doubt, and I believe the best part of your post was the subject
line.

Did anyone else find it ambiguous or was it just me?

Nothing personal Ken, just don't think the post measures up
with the headline. Perhaps you should be a politician or possibly
and IM Guru. -- You have a way with words.

Peace,

Bryan

Ken Preuss · 11-08-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan

Hi Ken,

You write with conviction and communicate eloquently, but with all
due respect, I found what you were saying was very vague and
offered no answer to making a six figure income in six months
with ease with as you had mentioned in your headline.

Yes, having a platform would be great... but you forgot to mention
that it usually takes most people many years to develop a "powerful
platform" and many times it takes trying times that cultivate a person's
character to become truly successful.

You seem to be convinced that developing a powerful platform
comes easy but you offer no real insight how to achieve it or
six figures in six months with ease.

I went through your post three times to give you the benefit of
the doubt, and I believe the best part of your post was the subject
line.

Did anyone else find it ambiguous or was it just me?

Nothing personal Ken, just don't think the post measures up
with the headline. Perhaps you should be a politician or possibly
and IM Guru. -- You have a way with words.

Peace,

Bryan

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

JayXtreme · 11-08-2008, 11:30 PM

Wow..

I just got up, it's 5:30am and this is very deep for a sunday morning, but I have to agree..

If you find your focus, your destination or defining goal, you will come to find the flow much easier..

If that is helping people with a certain problem, or getting involved in peoples lives in a way that is truly helpful.. it matters not. What matters is your vision guiding you into the necessary action..

Bravo ken, Bravo..

Peace

Jay

p.s. You rock dude!!!..

Ken Preuss · 11-08-2008, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayXtreme

Wow..

I just got up, it's 5:30am and this is very deep for a sunday morning, but I have to agree..

If you find your focus, your destination or defining goal, you will come to find the flow much easier..

If that is helping people with a certain problem, or getting involved in peoples lives in a way that is truly helpful.. it matters not. What matters is your vision guiding you into the necessary action..

Bravo ken, Bravo..

Peace

Jay

p.s. You rock dude!!!..

Thanks Jay. Every time I see a post of yours I love what you share, so your nice comments are greatly appreciated.

Ken

Ken Preuss · 11-08-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Douglas

That's pretty deep Ken. What is your "platform" if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks for asking Ron.

My (newly clarified) platform is helping internet marketers, coaches, speakers, trainers and authors create wealth effortlessly by unlocking their inner genius and allowing it to lead them in the building of a six to seven figure business.

Ken

Guess what the first action that came out of my platform was? Yep. Writing and sharing the OP on this thread.

PaulSchubert · 11-09-2008, 12:05 AM

Ken... Very nice post. The difference between your thoughts and ideas, and several of the responding posts, is evident by your experience. Don't stop with this one post, consider continuing this with a more detailed thought provoking plan. I would use this as a starting synopsis, and create an entire plan from start to finish. Right now people need hope and direction, You appear to have the ability to convey a sense of direction for those who need such. I applaud your efforts.

PAS

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulSchubert

Ken... Very nice post. The difference between your thoughts and ideas, and several of the responding posts, is evident by your experience. Don't stop with this one post, consider continuing this with a more detailed thought provoking plan. I would use this as a starting synopsis, and create an entire plan from start to finish. Right now people need hope and direction, You appear to have the ability to convey a sense of direction for those who need such. I applaud your efforts.

PAS

Paul,

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for your gifts of clarity and guidance.

Best regards,
Ken

Tsnyder · 11-09-2008, 12:19 AM

Ken...

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe what you're saying goes
to the heart of the most powerful phrase ever written...

"As you BELIEVE, so SHALL it be done unto YOU"

That phrase obviously comes from a particular religious text
but it's true regardless of one's religious affiliation or belief.

Success depends greatly upon belief...

Belief in yourself
Belief in your talent and ability
Belief in your product or service
Belief in the truth that what you offer provides great benefit to others

That belief comprises your platform.

Belief has the power to manifest desired results by ordering your
steps toward the end result. As you said, those steps may not be
apparent at all in the beginning... or even along the way... but they
will appear if you just get out of the way and let them.

Excellent post!

Tsnyder

Joshua Uebergang · 11-09-2008, 12:28 AM

Seems to reflect Robert Fritz's The Path of Least Resistance. Have a vision, know your present reality, and make the fundamental choice to have that vision. Your creative process in circumstances will guide you to that vision. You don't know how or can't predict it.

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua Uebergang

Seems to reflect Robert Fritz's The Path of Least Resistance. Have a vision, know your present reality, and make the fundamental choice to have that vision. Your creative process in circumstances will guide you to that vision. You don't know how or can't predict it.

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

Ken

Adam Kenzington · 11-09-2008, 12:49 AM

Maybe I'm a little dense, here, BUT...

Could you be obscure a little more clearly?

I'd like to hear a definition of your meaning of "Platform".

Not a definition of YOUR platform, which is obscure in itself.

"My (newly clarified) platform is helping internet marketers, coaches, speakers, trainers and authors create wealth effortlessly by unlocking their inner genius and allowing it to lead them in the building of a six to seven figure business."

I'm not trying to be confrontational, here, I'm trying to wrap my brain around what you are saying/meaning.

When you say "Platform", do you mean your "Intention", or maybe, chase after what gives you the most satisfaction/fulfillment?

Please be more specific in defining platform for us.

And please don't cop out on us here and say we have to discover that for ourselves. I'm not looking for some Airy-Fairy, metaphysical response, just a Clarification of Terms.

"Unlocking their inner genius"...What does that mean, exactly? That's very broad and sweeping. A more focused definition would be helpful.

Thank you for any clarification you can offer,

Adam

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Kenzington

Maybe I'm a little dense, here, BUT...

Could you be obscure a little more clearly?

I'd like to hear a definition of your meaning of "Platform".

Not a definition of YOUR platform, which is obscure in itself.

"My (newly clarified) platform is helping internet marketers, coaches, speakers, trainers and authors create wealth effortlessly by unlocking their inner genius and allowing it to lead them in the building of a six to seven figure business."

I'm not trying to be confrontational, here, I'm trying to wrap my brain around what you are saying/meaning.

When you say "Platform", do you mean your "Intention", or maybe, chase after what gives you the most satisfaction/fulfillment?

Please be more specific in defining platform for us.

And please don't cop out on us here and say we have to discover that for ourselves. I'm not looking for some Airy-Fairy, metaphysical response, just a Clarification of Terms.

"Unlocking their inner genius"...What does that mean, exactly? That's very broad and sweeping. A more focused definition would be helpful.

Thank you for any clarification you can offer,

Adam

Adam,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still working out the verbiage of this so I appreciate the chance to clarify.

Please note my definition of Platform in the original post:

Platform - your vision or commitment on behalf of other people.

I've gone on in the thread to clarify further that your platform is what you are committed to providing to a specific customer or niche.

Most people have no clarity around this whatsoever. They are just in IM to make money. I contend it doesn't work that way.

I contend you only make money as a result of being clear on a powerful stand you are taking on behalf of a customer - a stand that you communicate through every word. This stand (or platform) then guides your every action and determines "what to do next" at each step of the journey.

As far as my own platform, it is my belief that every person has untapped genius within them that can be discovered and used to provide tremendous value to others - namely their customers - while earning a massive income for themselves.

Platforms by their nature are somewhat broad, but can certainly be more specific. How it translates to the audience can always be adapted later (e.g. marketing message).

What matters most in the beginning is that your own platform speaks to you and moves you into action. Make sense?

Note that my platform has two elements in it:

1) A defined audience or customer - in my case internet marketers, speakers, authors, etc.

2) A powerful commitment on behalf of that audience

Hope this clarifies,
Ken

PaulSchubert · 11-09-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Kenzington

Maybe I'm a little dense, here, BUT...

Could you be obscure a little more clearly?
Adam

Adam... What is the purpose of being more clearly obscure? My educated guess is that you had an entirely different meaning than that which you posted in the opening sentence. I am asking, because you seem to be leading in an interesting direction, but your message is a bit confusing. I would like to see where you are headed with your thinking. Please repost and clarify your opening question.

PAS

Joshua Uebergang · 11-09-2008, 01:21 AM

Ken,

Amazon.com: Path of Least Resistance: Learning to...
I wrote a review on the book in my blog. Here's some brief parts:

The core behind what Fritz teaches is that human behavior, like physics, flows along the path of least resistance. Just as water flows through a river along its path of least resistance, so does human energy. Though the path of least resistance can take you to where you do not want to go, as it so often does; it can empower you to effortlessly take you to your desired destination.

Fritz says we fail to change because we fight our habits with willpower, positive-thinking, affirmations, and other similar self-help techniques. We also try to remove what we do not want instead of creating what we do want. When you are able to change the structure of your behavior by making primary and fundamental choices to behave in a way that is consistent with your vision, while acknowledging your present reality, you create lasting change.

...

Once you have made a fundamental choice in alignment with your vision, while knowing your present reality, you will create what you want with less effort. Your new path of least resistance will lead you to where you want to go so that you cannot but get the future you envision. People, processes, and circumstances align themselves once you decide to become the creative force in your life.

Paul M · 11-09-2008, 03:06 AM

Ken,

Am I missing something or is this just a very deep and long winded way of saying....
Find your prospects [target market] Focus on them, there needs and wants....
build your business to tend to there want and needs instead of your own.

Most people who are new to this business tend to come here asking how they can
make money...How they can benefit from this business. Am I right in saying they
should be building and focusing there product/service for there prospects and not
themselves.

Should there question be...how can I add value in my target prospects life?

My guess is the platform your talking about is your market/prospects.

If am wrong, correct me ken

Interesting thread anyway. Different

-paul

lexilexi · 11-09-2008, 04:13 AM

I'm a bit puzzled by this and was left scratching my head. You say that a platform is the key requirement, but you also say that you made money at times when you only cared about your own bank account. What was your platform at those times?

I think there are a complete subset of "inner assets" that are required by a successful warrior: mindshare, skills, determination, focus... etc... and of course, having a passion is the thing that drives you to obtain these things.

And I think it helps greatly if your passion includes others, because as Napoleon said "It is literally true that the best way to success is to help others to succeed".

Ah, the old "we create our own reality" thing. It's funny.. I don't remember choosing to be born.

Paul M · 11-09-2008, 04:37 AM

"Ah, the old "we create our own reality" thing. It's funny.. I don't remember choosing to be born"

No, that was your parents choice of reality.

Your own reality didn't start till you were old enough to understand an
allowed to make your own choices in life. Before that point your reality
was chosen for you by others.

Of course we can all be victims of circumstance, but at some point maybe
not by yourself but by your parents or other peoples choices, created those
circumstances for you.

Everything can be traced back to a choice made somewhere by someone.

-paul

Iain Ainsworth · 11-09-2008, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p1a1u1l1

"Ah, the old "we create our own reality" thing. It's funny.. I don't remember choosing to be born"

No, that was your parents choice of reality.

Are you sure about that?

Could be that we choose our parents? :-)

____________________________________

Excellent post Ken - very thought provoking and insightful.

There is a book by Wayne Dyer called 'You'll See It When You Believe It!' which is along similar lines.

Thank you for an inspiring read.

kazoo · 11-09-2008, 05:18 AM

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the post - very insightful

I may be new to IM and don't know anyone personally who has made that much within 6 months however I do believe that it's possible.

Although I don't know about the "with ease" part - maybe you've forgotten just how difficult it was for you when you first started? or were you already quite well-equipped?

Kaja

Alminc · 11-09-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

The majority of people here who have created nice incomes for themselves will tell you they work pretty massive hours. Not all of them do but most of them sure do. And to a certain extent I agree with the fact that it takes a ton of work.

But what if it doesn't? What if only ONE thing is required to have things literally take off for you such that success - both financial and personal - comes effortlessly?

Making money ALWAYS takes a lot of work unless you are a thief.
( but even thiefs have to plan their actions step-by-step and
they need to work at night while other people sleep...so they actually WORK

)

BUT, you don't mind working a lot if you love what you are doing
and it doesn't feel like a prison.

That's why it is very important to know yourself.
YOU are your own 'platform'.

Steve Steinitz · 11-09-2008, 06:05 AM

Mr Preuss,

What a powerful 'meta-post' and what wonderful writing.

Myself and others struggle with niche selection or, more fundamentally, finding purpose. Your 'platform' concept seems to make those pursuits less nebulous, more concrete and actionable. Also, I'm seeing a kind of going-against-the-grain-to-provide-value embodied in the idea of a platform. Maybe that's just me.

I've set up a couple of dozen sites, most of them because they mean something to me. They are far from successful. I going to plant a 'Platform' section in the outline (OmniOutliner) that I use to keep bits of information about each site, and see what grows.

Thank you,

Steve

Matt James · 11-09-2008, 07:37 AM

By platform do you mean...a purpose?

Anbelle · 11-09-2008, 08:40 AM

Universal Truth: You have to thank first and then you can ask. You help others first and you get what you want for yourself. It works ! If only we all would remember that. And put it in action. You seem to be doing just that. Super ! I am trying...

AndrewCavanagh · 11-09-2008, 09:38 AM

Very nice post.

For a long long time I've been telling people you only have to do 4 things:

# 1: Decide what ultimate outcome you want your clients to get from their interaction with you.

# 2: Work out what the first step is your clients have to take to reach that ultimate outcome.

# 3: Work out the next step and so on...right up to that ultimate outcome. Work out exactly how to get your client from 0 to that ultimate outcome step by step.

# 4: Then help them to do it.

There are your products, your support, your marketing process...everything is right there in working out what you really want your clients to get from you.

And the key to working that out is knowing what you really stand for.

I love your post because it goes beyond trying to use pay per click or product creation or the latest trick to get rich and deals with the real issue...being of genuine service to others.

That is the greatest key to wealth and to leading a fulfilling life.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Nick Brighton · 11-09-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p1a1u1l1

Ken,

Am I missing something or is this just a very deep and long winded way of saying....
Find your prospects [target market] Focus on them, there needs and wants....
build your business to tend to there want and needs instead of your own.

-paul

My sentiments exactly. I enjoyed this post, but ultimately all I can muster is that you let your audience lead you, and then provide upfront value as a result of helping them. This then creates a powerful feeling of reciprocity and it's easier to find money flowing into your life as a result of people wanting to "give back" to you.

This is marketing 101.

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Brighton

My sentiments exactly. I enjoyed this post, but ultimately all I can muster is that you let your audience lead you, and then provide upfront value as a result of helping them. This then creates a powerful feeling of reciprocity and it's easier to find money flowing into your life as a result of people wanting to "give back" to you.

This is marketing 101.

Nick,

In theory I see your point, but certainly not in practice.

The monologue most people have is mired in wanting to know what to do and how to do it. What steps to take, which direction to go.

My point is we always want to do it backwards.

The percentage of people here who are truly letting an audience lead them is virtually none. There are many pretending they are doing so, but they are not fully committed nor clear about what value they want to bring (which I'm currently calling a platform...I may change that, we'll see).

The proof that most people are pretending to be led by an audience? After they get through telling you how clear they are about who they want to serve and the great value they want to offer, they whip out their credit card and pay $500 or $1K for the newest product launch that will "finally" provide the "blueprint" that will "change their life".

Behavior is the ultimate litmus test - it tells all.

Best regards,
Ken

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexilexi

I'm a bit puzzled by this and was left scratching my head. You say that a platform is the key requirement, but you also say that you made money at times when you only cared about your own bank account. What was your platform at those times?

During those times I didn't have a platform that served others. Thus I was broke.

Quote:

I think there are a complete subset of "inner assets" that are required by a successful warrior: mindshare, skills, determination, focus... etc... and of course, having a passion is the thing that drives you to obtain these things.

And I think it helps greatly if your passion includes others, because as Napoleon said "It is literally true that the best way to success is to help others to succeed".

Ah, the old "we create our own reality" thing. It's funny.. I don't remember choosing to be born.

I contend that your passion MUST include others. People are the fuel. People are the product. People are the asset.

A business without a passion and platform based on other people has no foundation. It may last for a certain amount of time but nothing will actually be built.

Best regards,
Ken

Ryan_Taylor · 11-09-2008, 11:27 AM

Hey Ken,

Great point. I've always been fascinated with the opportunity that the internet offers to establish that platform.

In your Oprah example, at some point in her career she had to earn her ability to establish a platform. Whether it be establish her credibility, make the right connections to be able to launch her network, or just being at the right place at the right time. What ever the case, she had to earn where she is and get the endorsement from someone who already had a platform.

With the internet, however, anyone can become the voice of their niche and establish their platform without having to go through that entire process. Or least it can be done a lot quicker.

With just 1 YouTube video you can establish and launch your platform and virtually overnight become the expert or the voice of that niche. All it takes is content.

Endorsements (i.e. JVs), connections and hard work help, but it isn't required. Content alone can allow anyone to take over an entire niche and become the go-to person - regardless of actual experience or knowledge in that particular niche.

David_Thompson · 11-09-2008, 11:34 AM

I think what people are missing is the fact that Paul
might be talking about CORE DESIRE.

Finding that thing that makes you feel a burning
inside, that thing that effortlessly makes you take
action without ever felling of a burden...

Now that is your platform to success your Core Desire...

--David

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan_Taylor

Hey Ken,

Great point. I've always been fascinated with the opportunity that the internet offers to establish that platform.

Ryan,

I couldn't agree more. The internet provides a vehicle to connect with whatever audience you want quickly and cheaply - anywhere in the world. Very powerful.

Quote:

In your Oprah example, at some point in her career she had to earn her ability to establish a platform. Whether it be establish her credibility, make the right connections to be able to launch her network, or just being at the right place at the right time. What ever the case, she had to earn where she is and get the endorsement from someone who already had a platform.

With the internet, however, anyone can become the voice of their niche and establish their platform without having to go through that entire process. Or least it can be done a lot quicker.

YES!

Quote:

With just 1 YouTube video you can establish and launch your platform and virtually overnight become the expert or the voice of that niche. All it takes is content.

Endorsements (i.e. JVs), connections and hard work help, but it isn't required. Content alone can allow anyone to take over an entire niche and become the go-to person - regardless of actual experience or knowledge in that particular niche.

BINGO.

For the first time in history we have at our disposal a vehicle - the internet - that provides the best and easiest way to do things in the right order:

Create a powerful platform -----> Figure out "what to do" out of the platform

as opposed to the way all of us keep trying - and failing - to do it:

Figure out "what to do" -----> hope all the "doing" creates a powerful platform

Great insights Ryan. Thanks.

Best regards,
Ken

Ken Preuss · 11-09-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_Thompson

I think what people are missing is the fact that Paul
might be talking about CORE DESIRE.

Finding that thing that makes you feel a burning
inside, that thing that effortlessly makes you take
action without ever felling of a burden...

Now that is your platform to success your Core Desire...

--David

David,

Agreed that core desire is crucial. However I'd like to point out a distinction.

Your core desire is the seed for your platform - it is not your platform.

I contend that your platform gets created when your core desire is translated into:

1) A defined audience or customer

2) A powerful commitment on behalf of that audience

Ken

MaskedMarketer · 11-09-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote: