Do You Think You'll Ever Stop Feeling Like A Newb?

by Steven Wagenheim

Posted: 13 years ago 28 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

That's the question I'm putting to you Warriors today. Do you ever think
you'll ever stop feeling like a newb?

Before you answer, after 8 plus years of marketing online, this week, I
felt like a newb again.

First, I got a hold of Rapid Action Profits and starting setting things up.

Talk about a learning curve...especially if you're NOT a technical geek.

It was the most frustrating 3 days that I have had since I first began. If
you think I'm kidding, ask Sid Hale. I must have driven the man crazy. He
has the patience of a saint.

But it doesn't end there.

I then tried a different kind of project and had all kinds of problems
including how to write the sales copy, which I NEVER had problems with.

I set a deadline of January 25th to be done with the whole thing. Well,
that ship has sailed and I'm nowhere near being done.

This week...I definitely felt like a newb again.

Folks, if you're continually growing in your business, you're going to always
have those "newb" moments because as things change, you will have to
change and adapt.

I'd love for some of the old timers who have been at this a lot longer than
me even to share some of their recent "newb" moments if they had them.

My goal is to give the "technically" new people hope that the day comes
when it starts to come together but also the realization that none of us
are robots and that we all have to learn and grow and that sometimes
that growing hurts.

Heaven knows this week has given this very humbled marketer a real
headache.

Let the stories begin and let's have fun with this one.

#feeling #newb #stop

kenetix 13 years ago

hm....yeah I think I always feel that way. haha. Times keep changing I guess. And there's just so many new things emerging on the web today, new marketing strategies, products. Back then social media advertising wasn't a big thing, now it is. I guess we just got to keep updated with the times. Forums like these are really helpful!
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Richard Van 13 years ago

Hi Steven,

I have to be honest I get Newb moments daily. I get newb moments anytime I do just about anything.

I've always been bad with technology and this year it's my aim to actually learn some of this techie stuff instead of outsourcing it.

In hindsight I wish I'd done it sooner.

The thing is, there are lot's of ways to make money with all different aspects of IM. You'll always get good at what you focus on but as soon as you try something new, you're just back to square one again.
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- Vogin 13 years ago
  
  The funny thing is that when I saw this title, a few Warriors immediately popped up in my head as "the-most-non-newbies-I-can-think-of" and you were one of them, Steven...
  
  I've learned a typical sort of behavior in a video game I used to play for a long time (to be honest, I'm still playing it):
  
  people who say that they are the best and never make mistakes are just arrogant and will ultimately fail in the long run, they also usually can't handle failures well
  
  you can recognize a true master in any branch simply by his/her admission of certain limitations, or occasional "newbiesness".
  
  Hell, I experience this sort of feeling every time I'm supposed to pass an exam - the more I learn, the more I realize my limitations and see more areas I could know more about...
  
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  Andyhenry 13 years ago
  
  I had the same problem - in fact I was thinking of just paying someone to set up RAP for me because I don't want to spend that time and hassle.
  
  However..... That doesn't make me feel like a newbie.
  
  You'll never know anything and anyone who thinks they do is deluded. But the plus side is - you don't have to.
  
  I rarely need help or advice from anyone so when I do I like it - because it means I'm learning. It definitely doesn't make me feel like a newbie.
  
  Andy
  
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  sanssecret 13 years ago
  
  Nope. I'm destined to be a newbie forever. As soon as I start thinking I've got it figured out and give myself a pat on the back, something else comes up to punch me in the eye.
  
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digimix 13 years ago

The more I know is the more i realize that I do not know.
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J.M.Wilson 13 years ago

Hi Steven

Do I feel you on this topic. I am probably the least technical minded person on this forum and when it comes to doing the simplest of technical tasks I somehow manage to make a meal of them.

Once I figure something out, I'm good to go. However, as soon as that new "trick" comes along, I'm months behind everyone else because I just can't seem to get my head around it

Still, it's a challenge which I like and it's part of the reason I enjoy it so much. If everything was easy, life would be pretty dull, no?
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globalpro

13 years ago

Steven,

No worries where Sid is concerned. He does very well with support, especially for those that really want to use RAP for what it does.

I think the big takeaway from this part is that sometimes it's easier to outsource the technical part, as opposed to wasting time and wanting to pull your hair out fighting with it. I know for new people, just starting out can be rough, for outsourcing and technical support, but it's an investment in your business, so a lot of times biting the bullet and paying to have it done goes a long way.

I do feel for the ones that start out on a shoestring, but it can be done

As a side note, once RAP is up and running, it's a lot easier to see how things work and if you ever need help, feel free to hit me up.

Thanks,

John

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

First, I got a hold of Rapid Action Profits and starting setting things up.

Talk about a learning curve...especially if you're NOT a technical geek.

It was the most frustrating 3 days that I have had since I first began. If
you think I'm kidding, ask Sid Hale. I must have driven the man crazy. He
has the patience of a saint.

[ 1 ] Thanks

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Michael Oksa 13 years ago

Hi Steven,

Let me start by saying I have a soft spot in my heart for new people.

However, while I can empathize with them, I have to say I no longer feel like a "newb". Here's why. To me, a "newb" is somebody that doesn't even know where to begin. In your example, you're not a "newb" because you were installing RAP. In other words you had a reason for installing and understood what it could do. Your purpose for using RAP was not "newb-like".

That being said, I am ALWAYS learning something new, but the angle from which that learning originates is different than that of a "newb". And as far as technical stuff goes...AMEN! If it's VERY basic, I may be able to stumble through it, otherwise forget it.

So, what I'm saying is that there is a distinction between the mindset of a "newb" and that of someone who is always learning something new (or struggles with new concepts).

All the best,
Michael
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- CaesarSEO 13 years ago
  
  Well sir,
  I see your point.
  
  But with only 2 months and half into IM, with only $300 of earned money in total, I already don't feel like a newbie anymore.
  
  Because I found a system that works, and I'm working fully on scaling this one single method.
  
  Of course there will always be things in the world that I will feel like a newbie when doing. But the point is there's unlimited number of things and methods out there.
  
  I tried a few, found one that works, and plan to stick to this method for a long time scaling up and making a lot of money.
  
  So in IM I don't feel like a newbie anymore, because I can now make money with IM.
  
  That's just my thoughts sir,
  Isac
  
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wanna-succeed 13 years ago

Lol, I like this topic, caters to my status!
Asdly, I feel like a newb in pretty much every aspect of the IM industry, except for writing, because that natural for me.
I feel like such a bonehead whenever I try to dick around with my site, installing this, adding that, changing settings, all such a mess.
The only conforting notion is people keep saying it gets easier after each time you've done it, and that makes sense to me.
Anything technical, I have a hammer next to me just incase I feel like "educating" my computer.
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- JohnMcCabe 13 years ago
  
  Do I think I'll ever stop feeling like a newb? I sure hope not...
  
  Learning new things is immensely satisfying for me, both in business and out.
  
  For example, when I first moved to Florida, I'd been an avid angler for ~35 years. Yet, the first time I tried to sight-fish a flat 10" deep with air-clear water, it felt like I'd never been fishing. I knew the mechanics of casting, etc., but the idea of a 2" depression making a difference, rising and falling tides, currents, moon phases, etc., were all new.
  
  Same thing the first time (first several times, actually) I went grouper digging on a deep reef. I wasn't used to the idea of a fish whose first instinct when feeling the hook is to dive under a rock. Every time I pulled up a chunk of limestone instead of a fish, I felt like a newb - especially when people around me were hauling in fish.
  
  It's the same in business. To paraphrase the Righteous Brothers, I hope I never lose that newbie feeling...
  
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- Sid Hale 13 years ago
  
  LOVE IT!
  
  Originally Posted by wanna-succeed
  
  Anything technical, I have a hammer next to me just in case I feel like "educating" my computer.
  
  Me too! Even after 40 years of doing this stuff.
  
  Thanks
  
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  Coming Soon... Rapid Action Profits (Pro)
  
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rhapsody 13 years ago

Yesterday, for about five wondrous minutes, I stopped feeling like a Newb. It was a totally awesome moment. I was actually.... Producing! Pumping put articles, creating my very own...Content. After 13 months of trying to learn this and that, struggling with following videos of people supposedly showing me "step-by-step" instructions, only be frustrated as I realize they skip over things I don't know but they think I know, after all of this time, it's finally coming together as I actually saw a teeny light at the end of the IM tunnel yesterday. Woo Hoo! Life is Good. Now its back to Newb land again as I try to put more of these ambiguous IM puzzle pieces together.
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Sid Hale

13 years ago

Steven,

Your'e too hard on yourself.

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

In fairness to Steven, He set up 3 products on RAP in that time, and while he did contact me via the help desk (also 3 times, if I remember correctly). In a couple of those instances, he had already found his own problem, before I even saw his original request.

Those were the really good ones, because in those instance, the subject line sounded like he was so frustrated, he was ready to ask for a refund. Imagine my surprise when I opened the actual ticket and found that he had already solved that problem and moved on to the next step in his implementation.

Doesn't sound like a "newb", to me. He just needed to slow down, and put on a different-colored pair of glasses.

We all get into a pattern of doing things, and we get "comfortable". Sometimes getting out of that comfort zone is exactly what is needed to make more progress in our business, our lives, etc.

At the end of the day...
I never had to log into Steven's cPanel, or connect to his host via FTP, or even log into his RAP Admin panel. He's been a pleasure to work with, and when we did have to actually communicate about an issue, it was nice that I didn't have to spell HTML for him (any of you who deal with customers on a support desk will know what I mean by that).

Go get 'em, tiger!

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Martin Avis 13 years ago

As a PHP programmer I feel as if installing scripts should be child's play. But the sad truth is that I have hardly ever come across one that I found easy. That's not a criticism of the scripts, but a simple recognition of the fact that my brain seems determined to newbiefy me at every opportunity!

I suppose it comes from being a bit too literal at times: my big problem is when slightly different terms are used to describe things I know how to do - that throws me off my pace and it's a devil to get back again!

On Steven's subject, I think in a perverse kind of way that it is this very thing - the feeling that you are a perpetual novice - that keeps me interested and fired up by IM. I get bored easily and it is great to start each day knowing that almost inevitably, something that you know how to do has changed slightly and you have to re-evaluate.

Also, Internet marketing is such a poor description foir such a vast subject. For every way of making money online that I manage to master, I know that there are dozens that I haven't even heard of yet!

Maybe perpetual newbie is the wrong term though. While I am the master of a very few things, I am a perpetual student of many. And I love it that way.

Martin
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- Kay King 13 years ago
  
  There's always something I need to learn to do - or remember how to do...but it's just "everyday IM".
  
  I don't remember associating myself with the word "newbie" even when I started out online. That could be because I didn't start out trying to make money online. I was curious, fascinated and had time to learn some stuff.
  
  I was "new" online but had business/sales/writing/people experience and had no doubt I could do this if I worked at it. It didn't all fall into place as easy as I expected - but I made a lot of lemonade and eventually things clicked. I'm still trying to fit round pegs in square holes some days - but I'm getting there.
  
  kay
  
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Steven Wagenheim

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Sid Hale

Steven,

Your'e too hard on yourself.

In fairness to Steven, He set up 3 products on RAP in that time, and while he did contact me via the help desk (also 3 times, if I remember correctly). In a couple of those instances, he had already found his own problem, before I even saw his original request.

Those were the really good ones, because in those instance, the subject line sounded like he was so frustrated, he was ready to ask for a refund. Imagine my surprise when I opened the actual ticket and found that he had already solved that problem and moved on to the next step in his implementation.

Doesn't sound like a "newb", to me. He just needed to slow down, and put on a different-colored pair of glasses.

We all get into a pattern of doing things, and we get "comfortable". Sometimes getting out of that comfort zone is exactly what is needed to make more progress in our business, our lives, etc.

At the end of the day...
I never had to log into Steven's cPanel, or connect to his host via FTP, or even log into his RAP Admin panel. He's been a pleasure to work with, and when we did have to actually communicate about an issue, it was nice that I didn't have to spell HTML for him (any of you who deal with customers on a support desk will know what I mean by that).

Go get 'em, tiger!

Sid, thanks. No way would I have ever asked for a refund.

Why?

I had to make this work.

I think that's what separates those who make it in this business from
those who can't seem to get it going. I just don't accept failure. It isn't
in my vocabulary...though technology DOES drive me nuts.

But today...I actually started diving into the templates and have been
modifying them for my needs...with little trouble.

Suddenly, the whole system is starting to come together for me.

Will I have other questions? Probably. I may never become anywhere near
an expert with this system...but I am confident that I can use it to
achieve my goals.

And when all is said and done...that's all that matters.

Thanks again for the patience and great support.

Thanks

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joyric 13 years ago

What a wonderful thread to read after the horrible day I have had trying to understand this whole process. I AM a "newb", and now feel so much more encouraged to keep plugging on.
Thanks guys for the encouragement, tomorrow is a new day.
Joy
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Rob Howard 13 years ago

Oh man Steven. RAP can be a big headache at first but it is an awesome script.

But I know what you mean - there are times where I still sit down and go: "Where am I going - what do I want to achieve - why haven't I achieve what I wanted yet?" Those questions make me feel like a newb. Even if I've been doing this for several years.

Rob
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Shane N 13 years ago

Even Gurus are Newbies at some things...

You can't be a Master of all trades and a jack of none.

I had a similar experience recently with PHP... Talk about a headache!

I was on a Windows server for ages and then had to learn some PHP and
switch everything over... Boy oh boy. I feel you!

Best,
Shane
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ShaneM686 13 years ago

I felt like a newb trying to understand RSS feed.... sigh.
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- pea 13 years ago
  
  I get that same feeling every time I try learning a new skill or technique, and sometimes when I go back and relearn old stuff.
  
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Gary King 13 years ago

Just consider it learning Steven...

Learning is great!

Some things are more enjoyable to learn than others, but learning itself is awesome... I hope to never stop while I'm around this planet anyway.

Glad you plowed your way through it - can't wait to see what you're gonna offer with it.
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NateRivers 13 years ago

I know what you mean. I'm in the process of learning php and html5. FML
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SingerRinging 13 years ago

I have been using the internet for Affiliate Marketing since 2000. I've worked in Corporate America for many years, as well. After a month or so, I start to understand what I'm doing, and things "flow." Not so with Affiliate Marketing! Things change, and then they change, and then things change again. Evolving, turning, changing. I'm always learning something new, and then the "rules" change. What worked 2 years ago, doesn't work anymore.
So, to answer your question in a word, NO. But then, learning new things makes me feel challenged and youthful, too.
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Thaddaeus T. Hogg 13 years ago

I'd love for some of the old timers who have been at this a lot longer than me even to share some of their recent "newb" moments if they had them.

Wellsir, Steven, I had me a newb moment a while back and it shore was a good un!

Me an Henryetta Hogwookie went down to Stumpwoody Lake one night when that ole moon was full (that moon shore was full cause Henryetta dropped her drawers and she weighs purt near 400 pounds). Anyhow, we both tooked off our clothes and got newb! Talk bout lookin good nekkid... I shore do!

We was bare butt nekkid and swimmin in that lake (well, I was swimmin but Henryetta mostly just floated... see, when she goes to the ocean to lay on the beach, folks keep tryin to roll her back into the water) and it was such a cherishable moment. We was lookin deep into each other's eyeballs, our lips touched and we tenderly swapped tabacky juice with each other! Whoooo weee, sorta sends chills down your spine don't it?

Anyway, we climbed back outta that there lake, put on our britches and went about our way. THAT was one of my memorable moments when I got newb!

Thank you for askin... I shore do preciate it!
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Don Schenk 13 years ago

Steven,

I hope I always remain evergreen. The minute I think I know it all (or even most of it) is the moment I stop growing.

:-Don

Now I can call you and ask how to make RAP work.

:-Don
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