Do you actually use what you recommend?

Kierkegaard

13 years ago

People promote ebooks they haven't even read let alone believe in.

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Daniel Jones

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Kierkegaard

People promote ebooks they haven't even read let alone believe in.

Er fine but thats not exactly the question I was asking now was it

Read it again and you'll see my point. Would peeps sell more of their ebooks if they actually believed the B.S. inside? would the sincerity show through and become contagious enough for other peeps to part with their cash?

The philosophy of believing in your product - formerly a cornerstone of successful sales - has now been largely forgotten by the newest generation of marketers (internet marketers) who are mainly interested in getting rich as quickly as possible at anyone's expense. I was merely curious to compare peoples experiences. Do internet marketers who believe they're selling quality stuff sell more than those who are mainly passing on stuff to other internet marketers without really believing in the product itself, but merely believing that it will make them money....

Cheers

Daniel

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Barry Unruh

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Jones

Er fine but thats not exactly the question I was asking now was it

Read it again and you'll see my point. Would peeps sell more of their ebooks if they actually believed the B.S. inside? would the sincerity show through and become contagious enough for other peeps to part with their cash?

The philosophy of believing in your product - formerly a cornerstone of successful sales - has now been largely forgotten by the newest generation of marketers (internet marketers) who are mainly interested in getting rich as quickly as possible at anyone's expense. I was merely curious to compare peoples experiences. Do internet marketers who believe they're selling quality stuff sell more than those who are mainly passing on stuff to other internet marketers without really believing in the product itself, but merely believing that it will make them money....

Cheers

Daniel

How about a different spin on this? The most successful internet marketers I see today are not necessarily "using" the product at the moment, but they have a strong belief in WHO they are promoting.

Take a look at this weeks big launch by Jeff Walker. He is being heavily promoted by all the top names for two reasons. It is a large ticket item which can make them big dollars. More importantly, they trust Jeff is going to deliver big. They know he provides value for the dollars spent, so they have a strong belief in JEFF...and through Jeff his product.

There are certain Warriors I would promote in a heartbeat without seeing their new product. I know they will deliver value, because they always do.

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Daniel Jones 13 years ago

Thanks Barry that's a good answer and shows that belief still plays a part.
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Mike McAleer

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Kierkegaard

People promote ebooks they haven't even read let alone believe in.

I totally agree. I think that people should start to be a little more reasonable and stop making fake reviews!

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JohnnyPR

13 years ago

Its just a fact of IM that affiliates will promote a high converting product, regardless of whether they have read it or not.

The only real benefit from actually trying the product is that you can write a more honest review, but if you're trying to sell it, how honest is it REALLY going to be?

That being said, its important to belive in the products you promote as otherwise you're just not going to connect when you're writing

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Daniel Jones

13 years ago

Originally Posted by jpr106

Its just a fact of IM that affiliates will promote a high converting product, regardless of whether they have read it or not.

That being said, its important to belive in the products you promote as otherwise you're just not going to connect when you're writing

And I think the ability to connect and call to action when you're writing is what defines a successful internet marketing campaign for most peeps. Some use video true, but for most of us we rely on our written words

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cjreynolds

13 years ago

You've all hit on something that has been on my mind lately.

I started out on the "Hot Product" ride - started promoting something that I had no interest or expertise in. In spite of lots of articles in the first pages of google, I made one sale in 6 months. I couldn't be passionate about the product, and it showed. I had read the eBook I was promoting, but didn't have enough expertise on the subject to even know if it was a good product or not!

Now I write about things I know, and only promote products that I believe in - It's a lot easier to be prolific, and I feel like I'm making an honest living

joe

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Daniel Jones

13 years ago

Originally Posted by cjreynolds

You've all hit on something that has been on my mind lately.

I started out on the "Hot Product" ride - started promoting something that I had no interest or expertise in. In spite of lots of articles in the first pages of google, I made one sale in 6 months. I couldn't be passionate about the product, and it showed. I had read the eBook I was promoting, but didn't have enough expertise on the subject to even know if it was a good product or not!

Now I write about things I know, and only promote products that I believe in - It's a lot easier to be prolific, and I feel like I'm making an honest living

joe

cjreynolds you've just hit my nail on my head tbh. Thats the curve I've been on and thinking about lately. The honest living and sleeping well at night part are the crux of the matter for me right now. With so much dishonesty in politics and banking/economics I've been trying to see if I can't make a stand in my own personal life and draw that line in the sand. I was also wondering about grass roots change swelling up and taking back our collective right to truth and honesty in all things really. But I wax on....

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IdeaLady

13 years ago

You are absolutely correct. Why should I give money to someone who doesn't believe in what they are selling?

About 20 years ago I had a business that failed. I was selling products that were good and that I liked, but I wasn't passionate about them. When I went into a new business I was determined not to make that mistake. Any product or service I offer is something I believe in.

My philosophy is that if I couldn't look you in the eye and take your money for something, I won't sell it.

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Daniel Jones

13 years ago

Originally Posted by IdeaLady

You are absolutely correct. Why should I give money to someone who doesn't believe in what they are selling?

My philosophy is that if I couldn't look you in the eye and take your money for something, I won't sell it.

Thanks IdeaLady you've seen to the heart of my question and I'm glad to see someone truly gets my meaning. I may be a bit overlzealous but i wouldnt cross the street now for something i didnt believe in. Thanks for helpping me to check the collective pulse of the nation

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Michael Shook 13 years ago

I recommend things that either I use, or that I believe in and would use if they fit my business model.

I think there are lots of people who have ideas about their business that might be different than the way I run mine, and they might need different products or learning materials.

Or they might be able to figure out a new way to use something in their own business that I never would have thought of.
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- Daniel Jones 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by JMichaelZ
  
  Or they might be able to figure out a new way to use something in their own business that I never would have thought of.
  
  fair enough Michael. Can't argue with that
  
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  Michael Shook 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Daniel Jones
  
  fair enough Michael. Can't argue with that
  
  I realize that I left a thought out of my post.
  
  There are some things I will not recommend, period. But most of those are things I am pretty sure will not work, or worked but back in 2005 or are from people who follow a radically different approach to online business than I do.
  
  Thanks
  
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JustinDupre

13 years ago

Originally Posted by IdeaLady

You are absolutely correct. Why should I give money to someone who doesn't believe in what they are selling?

About 20 years ago I had a business that failed. I was selling products that were good and that I liked, but I wasn't passionate about them. When I went into a new business I was determined not to make that mistake. Any product or service I offer is something I believe in.

My philosophy is that if I couldn't look you in the eye and take your money for something, I won't sell it.

Great respond.. you can't really do much let alone sell anything if you don't even believe in or passionate about your own product or service. Much easier and rewarding to offer a product or service you believe in.

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GeorgR.

13 years ago

Usually, yes. And i can write way better reviews about the things i know and use.

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Daniel Jones 13 years ago

Originally Posted by GeorgR.

Usually, yes. And i can write way better reviews about the things i know and use.

Absolutely George. I feel that every time I begin to write my copy or talk my talk - whether its a music review or a sales pitch
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CDarklock

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Jones

It may sound ridiculous in its simplicity but do you believe in your product? Do you use it yourself?

This is precisely why my products are based on what I, myself, am doing or have done.

I won't release a product based on something I've not proven to myself. Even Zombie Blogging, an approach based largely on John's experience rather than mine, was rigorously tested and evaluated on my end to make absolutely sure it worked before I put it out there on the market.

This makes it hard for me to create a lot of products, because I've not had enough time to try all the crap that doesn't work yet. Over the years, you learn how not to waste time doing stupid things, but I'm not there yet... I still do five dumb things for every smart one. So it takes me six times as long to focus in on something that works before I can make a product about it.

Ten years from now, I won't have that problem. The game changes. You're only really a newbie once.

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Daniel Jones 13 years ago

[QUOTE=CDarklock;3473651]This is precisely why my products are based on what I, myself, am doing or have done.

I won't release a product based on something I've not proven to myself.

CDarlock, Even if I didnt already know Z.B worked I'd say that I think you also have caught the spirit of my question and walk your talk. Best of luck in your travels through the wilderness

Daniel
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rmoore

13 years ago

Yes...and you don't need to promote dozens of products to go full-time.

I'm in the fitness niche, so it is probably different than some niches.

I was able to create a full-time income from promoting 3 products as an affiliate.
My income wasn't based on the product launch model either.
...you don't need to promote every new product that launches.

Find 3-5 amazing products in your niche that you love.

...then simply share what you like about them in a personal way.

It works well and is a better feeling than pimping every new product.

-Rusty

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Natasha Dowling

13 years ago

Well , we just started in Affiliate marketing. And really to promote a product, you can contact the vendor and ask 4 a copy of the product, check it out and see if it is something you want to put your name to.Vendors need affiliates, and affiliates need vendors!

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rmoore

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Natasha Dowling

Well , we just started in Affiliate marketing. And really to promote a product, you can contact the vendor and ask 4 a copy of the product, check it out and see if it is something you want to put your name to.Vendors need affiliates, and affiliates need vendors!

Natasha,

It never hurts to ask. I probably give a review copy to 1/2 of those who request it. I have certain criteria, but if they are serious and already have a site with decent traffic...I'll give out review copies.

-Rusty

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trishworks4u 13 years ago

In IM, I only recommend what I use - and have used for awhile so that I can give a thorough review. I consider this to be my peer group and I take great pains to be transparent while in here.

Outside of IM, no way. :p I sell everything under the sun (and not under my own name). That would be a full time job in itself. I sell a lot of things that are fun and interesting to promote but that I would have no interest in actually buying or using personally.
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jsnfou

13 years ago

Much better to recommend a product you believe in tbh.

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penpal6

13 years ago

I do not recommend anything which I personally don't like/ used

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JMB Marketing Group 13 years ago

I make my recommendations based on the following criteria:

Information that I have read from reliable sources and strongly believe in.

Information/systems/software programs that I believe that work and am in the process of implementing myself.

Therefore, I would never just throw something out there for hearsay. I honestly must believe in what I am saying, above all before mentioning here for others "to believe"!

I'm here to help others as well as learn from them.

I hope I've clarified why I'm here and the reason why I give advice here.

Wishing all much success!

JMB
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Andrea Wilson

13 years ago

I dont promote products that I dont believe in. It can be soooo hard to indulge in a niche you dont like. You'll go through all about the learning, writing and all of those stuffs regarding that stuff so it is essential that you like what you do.

Andrea

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giljimenez

13 years ago

Great message!

People can sense energy. If you don't have 100% conviction in what you're selling
it will show in your sales copy, your voice, your physical state, etc.

Humans, for the most part, aren't stupid. lol.

Sadly, a lot of people will promote something that they're not 100% with.
You attract what you give out.

This is a great post and a definite eye-opener. Thank you for the refresher!
Gil

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Danervin

13 years ago

Very true statement. truth is yes to a point but you cant fully because that would effect your own profits!

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kindsvater

13 years ago

When you see me recommend a product you can be assured I have used it.

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lotsofsnow 13 years ago

If you don't use what you recommend you are a liar and your nose will grow long.
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Palusko

13 years ago

How is it offline? Do you think all those people/actors in the commercials use the product they promote? Does a management of GM drive GM cars? What about the salesmen team? Does management of Walmart actually shops in Walmart? What about the ad agencies - do they believe in the products they help to promote?

There's just as much crap being produced and promoted offline as there is online. IM is a job. Just like advertising. Obviously, everyone has some limit, some line in the sand that he or she will not cross, but all and all, we are here to sell. That is our job. No need to overcomplicated it.

Obviously, if you truly believe in what you are selling, than the job is easier. But it is not, and should not be, the requirement. After all, customer can always return the product, or issue a charback, so they are protected. That's good enough for my peace of mind.

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BenoitT

13 years ago

Unfortunally like Palusko said, it is true offline too. But you will get way more people coming back to your site and buying new recommendations if they aren't fake. It will hurt your name in the long run no matter what.

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cjreynolds 13 years ago

I hope I didn't come across as deriding people who don't use what they sell. Of course there are a lot of products that it wouldn't be practical to buy one of before promoting it - you wouldn't expect a used car salesman to have owned and used every car he recommends.

I also understand about actors advertising a product they may not even believe in.

But our jobs are different - due to the nature of the internet. The internet is, and always has been, all about community. That's why this internet marketing thing works so well, when other traditional offline marketing strategies fail - it's all about community. Our customers aren't expecting an actor or actress to "Play a Part", they see us as a trusted friend. An ally, providing useful information and solutions.

To me, it's an entirely different landscape, and I can't afford to be perceived as an actor, getting paid to advertise.

Jus' my 2 cents...

joe
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rising_sun

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel Jones

It may sound ridiculous in its simplicity but do you believe in your product? Do you use it yourself? Would you recommend it to your friends and family?

Dude its a very serious question. Now I am not a businessman but I want to be. When I will become businessman I will of course recommend products to my friends and family.

"If you can't recommend products that you are producing to your family then your are not an honest businessman."

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CyberSorcerer

13 years ago

Well, I've purchased almost everything out there in IM, so when I recommend a product, course, membership, etc I can usually chat about it, give pro's and con's, and answer any questions someone might have in it.

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Daniel Jones

13 years ago

There has been an amazing amount of sincere thought put into this by everyone and I thank you. I'm trying to change the way I deal with life - from the basics on up - and this is something that has been on my mind and eating me up for some time. TBH I changed my market, my products and my perspective and I'm not looking back. Made less for a short time but now making more. Just thought 'd share my experience and have a look at other peeps and you've all done my proud. TY much appreciated.

Thanks

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Amy Carczak

13 years ago

Promoting what you use is a LOT easier since you have an indepth knowledge about the product.

My greatest success stories involve a product I use, then I create training for others on how to use the product. People will buy the product you train them on since they now know how to use it and simply buy it by "default".

This works really well in "commodity" markets like website hosting, etc.

Thanks

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PVReymond

13 years ago

Of course I do.

I don't use to promote affiliate products , but when I do it
I get a copy of the product and go through it.

I never promote anything I haven't gone through, but I know
many people promote any product they think can make them
money without keeping in mind the quality and how their
subscribers can benefit from it.

Thanks,
^PV Reymond

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Do you actually use what you recommend?

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