What REALLY Is The Biggest Obstacle Facing Marketers?

72 replies
In an effort to be a better provider of services to people who are simply
looking to make a few bucks online, I have wracked my brain trying to
figure this out.

You hear so many different opinions.

Some say it's the inability to take action either out of fear, laziness or
whatever.

Others say it's the learning curve. That there is just too much out there to
learn in order to REALLY be successful doing this.

Still others say it's finding a niche that isn't so competitive that you have
to spend a fortune in PPC costs just to break into it. Or for that matter
just finding a niche that has a rabid hungry market with money to spend.

And the list of "excuses" goes on.

But what is it really?

Is it all of these things?

Is it so overwhelming, because of all that's involved in starting and running
a successful business that ultimately the biggest obstacle comes down to
taking it one problem at a time?

In other words, do marketers look at all of this (forgetting about the
technical problems of building web sites, etc.) and just throw their arms
up in the air and say, "You've got to be kidding...I can't do all this"

And if that is indeed the problem, how do we, as marketers, consultants
or whatever you want to call us, solve it?

Ideally, it would be to offer one on one coaching and walk people through
the whole process.

Great, but there is a HUGE problem with that.

One, it's time consuming offering one on one help. And that kind of time
isn't going to come cheap unless you're so wealthy that you can afford to
just donate your time to people. How many are in that position? And if you
are going to charge for your time (certainly fair) how many of these
people who need the help can really afford to pay for it?

Another problem with the one on one coaching is that each person is
different and may have different needs. There isn't going to be one
program that will fit everybody. How do you know that yours is right for
the person? You don't until you actually first sit down with the person,
asses his skills, ambitions, knowledge, etc., and then take it from there.

As many here have pointed out, and I now actually agree, creating a
comprehensive ecourse (printed PDF, videos, DVDs, whatever) would be
close to impossible because of all the different skill levels. Some people
can't even ftp. Are you going to include a whole course on technology?
For those who don't need it or want it, that's wasted material for them
and ultimately something they're probably going to resent having paid for.

I don't have the answers to the above questions and problems. Maybe
you do.

As I said, I've been wracking my brains trying to understand why so many
people have so much trouble even making one sale as a marketer. Just
go through the threads at this very forum. There was one guy the other
day who remarked that he'd been doing affiliate marketing for 1 year and
hasn't made one sale yet.

That just boggles my mind.

Why?

Is he in a niche with no demand?
Is his site so awful looking that people see it and run away?
Is he using ineffective advertising methods?
Is the product sales page crap?
Is the product something nobody wants?

Is it all of the above or any combination?

And for whatever problems do contribute to this kind of failure, which
one(s) is/are the most common?

Maybe if we can get down to the real core of the problem, we can have
more people succeed with their business.

Because forget about statistics (the 95% failure rate) All one has to do is
read all the threads here of people frustrated that they can't get anywhere.

This thread may or may not come up with any hard and fast answers, but
maybe if we hear from some of the people who are struggling and find out
what they're doing, we can make some progress in this area. And then, if
those of us who are successful can respond to those problems, we can
make some more progress.

It's certainly worth a shot.

So...let's have it folks.

Those who are struggling...What's your biggest problem?

Thos who are not...What's your solution?
#biggest #facing #marketers #obstacle
  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    For total newbies...

    I vote for lack of deciding on an online business plan or model.

    Many people don't understand that once you make up your mind to decide on an online business model such as the CPA model for example, you are clear as to how you intend to earn income for your net based business.

    It also allows the person to seek only info to help them conduct that particular model and will eliminate tons of confusion and info-overload.

    Also...

    People are getting the online business models confused & mixed up with the numerous methods of generating traffic.

    And...

    There are lots of people that really believe that IM is only about selling how to make money materials to others and don't understand that there are thousands of other easier to operate in niches.

    Just my opinion!

    TL
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    "It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled. -- Mark Twain

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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      TL,

      That's definitely a big part of this problem.

      I think the other fundamental issue is that most people who try to start a business online haven't the faintest clue about the most basic concepts of selling. Or they just don't want to do it.

      If you can sell, or are willing to pay people to do it for you, you'll at least make some money. Without one of those, no business model will help. Without a proper business model, you're severely limited in what you're going to achieve, even if you can sell.

      The people who say they've made no money at all just don't know how to sell, or aren't even trying to sell. The people who say, "I've gotten to a certain point and can't get past that," are stuck with no business model, or a flawed one.

      I think the question has to be refined a bit to be useful to any specific circumstance. Definitely a good question to explore, though.


      Paul
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      • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        TL,

        That's definitely a big part of this problem.

        I think the other fundamental issue is that most people who try to start a business online haven't the faintest clue about the most basic concepts of selling. Or they just don't want to do it.

        If you can sell, or are willing to pay people to do it for you, you'll at least make some money. Without one of those, no business model will help. Without a proper business model, you're severely limited in what you're going to achieve, even if you can sell.

        The people who say they've made no money at all just don't know how to sell, or aren't even trying to sell. The people who say, "I've gotten to a certain point and can't get past that," are stuck with no business model, or a flawed one.

        I think the question has to be refined a bit to be useful to any specific circumstance. Definitely a good question to explore, though.


        Paul
        Paul,

        Have you considered traffic? I have been in several forms of marketing offline. I do know how to sell. I also have a business plan. On the Internet that equals SQUAT without traffic. Generating traffic is another skill altogether.
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    • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
      Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

      For total newbies...

      I vote for lack of deciding on an online business plan or model.

      Many people don't understand that once you make up your mind to decide on an online business model such as the CPA model for example, you are clear as to how you intend to earn income for your net based business.

      It also allows the person to seek only info to help them conduct that particular model and will eliminate tons of confusion and info-overload.

      Also...

      People are getting the online business models confused & mixed up with the numerous methods of generating traffic.

      And...

      There are lots of people that really believe that IM is only about selling how to make money materials to others and don't understand that there are thousands of other easier to operate in niches.

      Just my opinion!

      TL
      that is because most emails are geared in the im niche. I never heard mention of infomarketing in different niches until this last year.

      I have planned and researched and spent hours and months learning. What do you think my first product is going to be about? At least the first product I am qualified to say anything about because of my research and studies?
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      • Profile picture of the author J smith
        Lack of plan, lack of taking *Massive* action, very large selection of ways to make money, a very large amount of possibly needed tech skills.
        I'd say those are the reasons most people will have as the biggest obstacle.

        For example, take me I became interested in IM/making money online around Summer of 08. Got a squido lens focused on weight loss niche, wrote and sumbited 10 articles to ezine (1.5k views and around 300 clicks) but didn't make a single sale- wrong product selection (too big of a jump between reading article and buying that product) So, what do I do? Do I switch to a different product/niche encouraged by my results? nope, live gets in the way and I leave IM for a good 5 months.

        Now I am back working on a few sites, yet to make any money online (ok, I made 1.96$ from squidoo lens =p) What's my biggest obstacle? The things listed in my oppening line. I am working on it though, but it can be hard to push yourself, to work on your projects, especially when you can go to warrior forums and read about many different ways you *could* be making money

        IMO, not taking massive action is the main obstacle, everything else would be solved by it. But other reasons serve as a distraction to taking action.
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  • Profile picture of the author ArthurRose
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    • Profile picture of the author Kirk Ward
      I think the biggest obstacle is the inability to accurately identify reliable resources ... from coders and writers to vendors and partners.

      The very structure of the internet, the decentralization, removes almost all barriers to entry and removes just as many controls over the performance of providers. With the lowered barriers to entry, the result is vendors and service providers who don't understand the commitment that operating a "business" requires and wind up in a situation where they over-promise and are many times forced to under-deliver, either because of their skill set, or over commitment.

      This results in shoddy products, as vendors can hide and change with apparent impunity, undelivered services as providers are unable to meet deadlines or produce products beyond their capability.

      The more successful marketers wind up managing their own development and production. For small marketers, such as the majority of the ones who populate the forum, that means limiting their accomplishments to simple info-products, selling products for others, or coming up with an occasional unique piece that is easily cloned and ripped off.

      Other than that, I have no clue.

      Kirk
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      "We are not here to sell a parcel of boilers and vats, but the potentiality of growing rich beyond the dreams of avarice."

      Dr. Samuel Johnson (Presiding at the sale of Thrales brewery, London, 1781)
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      • Profile picture of the author keyaziz
        Originally Posted by Kirk Ward View Post

        I think the biggest obstacle is the inability to accurately identify reliable resources ... from coders and writers to vendors and partners.

        The very structure of the internet, the decentralization, removes almost all barriers to entry and removes just as many controls over the performance of providers. With the lowered barriers to entry, the result is vendors and service providers who don't understand the commitment that operating a "business" requires and wind up in a situation where they over-promise and are many times forced to under-deliver, either because of their skill set, or over commitment.

        This results in shoddy products, as vendors can hide and change with apparent impunity, undelivered services as providers are unable to meet deadlines or produce products beyond their capability.

        The more successful marketers wind up managing their own development and production. For small marketers, such as the majority of the ones who populate the forum, that means limiting their accomplishments to simple info-products, selling products for others, or coming up with an occasional unique piece that is easily cloned and ripped off.

        Other than that, I have no clue.

        Kirk
        I agree with this. Even if you have money to spend you are still putting your trust in people...and if it falls short you arent always sure whether its fallen short or not - especially in terms of copy, when in fact you might think something is really good copywise but it really isnt (and you only find out if you are really lucky..).

        I think if you are creating your own product and know the ins and outs of your markets, you need to be CONFIDENT in yourself, otherwise you could end up following others advice that doesnt actually work for your product (and you know this deep down but want to follow the "right" way) and you could also be cheapening your product when really it is fantastic.

        So treating this like an offline business is important. I mean I know its online but do just what you would if you were setting this up offline - you would take it a lot more seriously and give your product/whatever exactly what it deserves.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
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      • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
        Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

        Sometimes I think that new people are looking so hard for the big score that they forget to just start making a few bucks. I've made money from day one but I wasn't focused on making huge money and I think that helped me.

        When I started out trying to earn online, I had a job and was just looking for a way to earn some extra cash. When I made $10, I was excited because it showed me that it could be done. Everything I have done since was with that knowledge in the back of my mind - it can be done.

        My goal had been to not have to deal with a "job" anymore and I was steadily working on increasing my income to the point where I could comfortably quit. Well, this past May my boss decided to help me out in this and fired me (the one and only time in my life I have been fired).

        I was pretty upset, needless to say. After two-three days of hurt feelings, depression and a bit of panic, I realized that this could be the best thing that ever happened to me. I knew I could earn money as I'd been doing it for several years. I had enough in the bank to float me if needed for a few months and I decided to see if I could survive on my online income.

        I'm not making nearly as much as some people but I haven't had to go to a job since. That is successful in my book. Do I want to be more successful? Hell, yeah! But I know I will get there because I know that I can make money and I can do this.

        Well, I guess this turned into a lot of words to say simply that if more newbies could make their first few dollars online, they would realize that it can be done. Stop focusing on the big score and just do something to make those first few dollars.

        Tina G
        I am genuinely thrilled for you and hope that you build your business to be what you ultimately desire.

        You are right the false get rich quick is what draws a lot of people.

        I myself was thrilled when I finally proof read my book. I will be even more thrilled when I sell the first copy. I don't think that the thrill of a 7 figure income could match what the first one was or what I expect the next one to be. I sure would like to find out though
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Murphy
    Great post Steve, an great attempt to get warriors to share their struggles or success. Personally, its a lack of system and focus thats the key betweem success and failure. I used to want to do everything out there: CPA, Affiliate marketing, Product creation, Offline, memberships sites, blogging, you name it. But i realise that if i did all of those togeher, i would go nowhere. It is at the end of 2008 that i realised that i should just stick to 1 SYSTEM, instead of doing everything all at once. I decided to take things one at a time, and now, i am beggining to see success
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    • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
      Originally Posted by misako View Post

      Great post Steve, an great attempt to get warriors to share their struggles or success. Personally, its a lack of system and focus thats the key betweem success and failure. I used to want to do everything out there: CPA, Affiliate marketing, Product creation, Offline, memberships sites, blogging, you name it. But i realise that if i did all of those togeher, i would go nowhere. It is at the end of 2008 that i realised that i should just stick to 1 SYSTEM, instead of doing everything all at once. I decided to take things one at a time, and now, i am beggining to see success
      Exactly what my problem was - I like to try everything but I really had to learn to focus and let go of alot of what I was doing. Really detailed planning is what has got me to where I am today - yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily. I have to literally write down what I'm going to do each half hour of the day so that I can balance everything properly. I'm still over ambitious in what I strive to get done but my time management has improved greatly over the past year or so.
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  • Profile picture of the author dmarzean
    Steven,

    Great post! I remember when I started out I was overwhelmed by the amount of information that was available. There are so many different ways to go about marketing on the internet.

    My biggest obstacles were not knowing where to start and buying too many ebooks to show me the way.

    I don't know how many times I gave up do to trying to do too many things at one time and never really following through with a solid plan of attack.

    I am sure that many of the inboxes of people trying to get started in this business are flooded with the next big secret. They are in the middle of a project that might be their big break through, but then they open the email that promises millions overnight so the decide to give that a try.

    What ends up happening is they have several campaigns or projects started but never finished. One day they realize everything they have tried yet they're still not making money.

    Instead of looking at the root of the problem, they blame all of the people that have sold them information products and say this is all a scam.

    For some the problem is not taking action, for others it is taking too much action. In either case, the solution is to pick a game plan and stick with it until you have completed all that is laid out. Give it a chance to succeed.

    As for one on one coaching, you could never have a single laid out plan that would fit everybody. That is the point behind individual coaching. Each coaching session will be unique. And yes you will pay a lot for this kind of training.

    I am in the process of putting a training course together as we speak. I don't think it is plausible to cover each and every aspect of Internet marketing. For those that do not know how to FTP or build websites you just need to point them in the right direction so they can learn the basics for free or teach them how to outsource the tasks that would hinder their success.

    It took me wanting to find a better life for myself to get me to focus. I was working two jobs with very little time to then being unemployed and desperate to make this work.

    This is just like everything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. If someone is serious about succeeding, they will find a way to succeed. If they are just online playing around buying product after product trying to find the secret to getting rich online without any work, well, we all know where that will land you.

    I do believe that you have to take action and be serious about what you are trying to accomplish. You are after all trying to build a business. Most people need to start acting like it. It takes an investment of time and money to start and maintain a successful business.

    The ones that succeed online have figured this out. The ones that are struggling need to stick with a plan and follow through. Stop buying more and more information when you have a hard drive full of ways to succeed!

    Doug
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    • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
      Originally Posted by dmarzean View Post

      Steven,

      Great post! I remember when I started out I was overwhelmed by the amount of information that was available. There are so many different ways to go about marketing on the internet.

      My biggest obstacles were not knowing where to start and buying too many ebooks to show me the way.

      I don't know how many times I gave up do to trying to do too many things at one time and never really following through with a solid plan of attack.

      I am sure that many of the inboxes of people trying to get started in this business are flooded with the next big secret. They are in the middle of a project that might be their big break through, but then they open the email that promises millions overnight so the decide to give that a try.

      What ends up happening is they have several campaigns or projects started but never finished. One day they realize everything they have tried yet they're still not making money.

      Instead of looking at the root of the problem, they blame all of the people that have sold them information products and say this is all a scam.

      For some the problem is not taking action, for others it is taking too much action. In either case, the solution is to pick a game plan and stick with it until you have completed all that is laid out. Give it a chance to succeed.

      As for one on one coaching, you could never have a single laid out plan that would fit everybody. That is the point behind individual coaching. Each coaching session will be unique. And yes you will pay a lot for this kind of training.

      I am in the process of putting a training course together as we speak. I don't think it is plausible to cover each and every aspect of Internet marketing. For those that do not know how to FTP or build websites you just need to point them in the right direction so they can learn the basics for free or teach them how to outsource the tasks that would hinder their success.

      It took me wanting to find a better life for myself to get me to focus. I was working two jobs with very little time to then being unemployed and desperate to make this work.

      This is just like everything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. If someone is serious about succeeding, they will find a way to succeed. If they are just online playing around buying product after product trying to find the secret to getting rich online without any work, well, we all know where that will land you.

      I do believe that you have to take action and be serious about what you are trying to accomplish. You are after all trying to build a business. Most people need to start acting like it. It takes an investment of time and money to start and maintain a successful business.

      The ones that succeed online have figured this out. The ones that are struggling need to stick with a plan and follow through. Stop buying more and more information when you have a hard drive full of ways to succeed!

      Doug
      There is a lot of truth in what you said. Let us not forget that most people that get involved in IM do so because of promises of get rich quick. Therefore, they buy their products and when they learn it requires work never look at it again. Some are easily swayed to the next big thing and overnight success. Inexperienced marketers do not recognize that it is all hype. In this day and age they need to believe in something. To believe that it is possible to achieve the life they desire to create.

      I will be blunt at this point. I think by now that those that have seen my posts know that I don't sugar coat anything and call it like I see it(maybe I should take a college course on tact).

      Many that get involved in IM are just lazy and don't want to work. They think it is just sit around in your pajamas and check your pay pal account.

      I do have my lounge pants on when I am working,lol. But only because I get out of bed grab my coffee and fire up the computer before going to work. Then I change when I get home while the computer is loading.

      It is a lot of work. Especially when you are trying to get everything pulled together and you don't have a lot of instruction.

      If I had heard of WF 4 years ago, I would no longer have a job. How do I know?

      In the short time I have been a warrior, I have read posts that got me ranting, I have read posts that got me thinking, and I have read posts that I have learned from. You don't get that in your inbox.

      Through one of my rantings I have made a couple of contacts. That is what it is all about. Contacts that are willing to exchange ideas and opinions.

      I will succeed. I will share my knowledge as I gain it. I hope to be a valuable contributor to this forum and pray I never forget what it is like to struggle to learn something with out guidance.
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  • Profile picture of the author mfleisch
    I have to say that I'm pretty much in the same boat. I've been affiliate marketing for some time and do sell products, albeit in consistently. I've spent the last year buying a lot of the popular Affiliate Marketing courses and products out there only to find that the space is incredibly crowded.

    All the secret boards that announce new products aren't all that secret. Additionally, when I go to buy domains related to a new product, most of them are sold out same day.

    I'm finding this to be incredibly frustrating. If you've had any success, please share it in response to this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    Those who are struggling...What's your biggest problem?
    Don't know if it's my biggest, but it's up there: Content development.

    I hear about people writing 10 articles a day in their niche, and submitting those to the article directories. I'm lucky if I can get 1 article a day. I might manage 2, but rarely in the same niche. And, usually, even if I manage an article a day, at the end of the week, I have 7 articles in 7 different niches.

    And then those articles typically go on my own sites, so I don't have anything left for the article directories.
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    • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
      Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

      Don't know if it's my biggest, but it's up there: Content development.

      I hear about people writing 10 articles a day in their niche, and submitting those to the article directories. I'm lucky if I can get 1 article a day. I might manage 2, but rarely in the same niche. And, usually, even if I manage an article a day, at the end of the week, I have 7 articles in 7 different niches.

      And then those articles typically go on my own sites, so I don't have anything left for the article directories.
      Look into PLR articles or books that relate to your niches. A good book with PLR can provide you with several different articles plus content for your site.
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  • Profile picture of the author A8ch
    Very interesting discussion!

    One of the biggest stumbling blocks people bring to making money online is, the wrong mindset. The majority have been used to following instructions and conforming to a job description. They have been conditioned to think like an employee, with responsibility for a tiny aspect of their employer's business.

    Unwittingly, and not surprisingly, they bring this limited perspective to online marketing.

    Consequently it takes a while for them to recognize that marketing online requires an expanded view of the marketplace, an understanding of the many components involved, and the ability to arrange them in the right sequence to get the right results.

    To accomplish that means they must alter their perspective and think from the point of view of a business owner.

    It is during the gap between getting started online and coming to this realization that they experience frustration, false starts, and many of the obstacles already mentioned in this thread.

    Hermas
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  • Profile picture of the author Steadyon
    Deciding where to start and then actually making that start.

    Imagine in the offline world, someone woke up that morning and decided they were going to be a builder.

    If they went about it in the same way that many internet marketers went about things they would be in trouble.

    Imagine what they would be like.

    They would not make any distinction between being a labourer on a building site for 6 months and learning the ropes, with suddenly going out and expecting to build a supermarket on their own.

    They would see a course that promised to show them how to build the Eiffel Tower when all they needed to know was to learn how to build a few garden walls so that they could earn some money quickly.

    At the other end of the scale they may see a course for $17 dollars that taught them that they needed to buy a spade, a cement mixer and some gloves and that was how to become a builder. But not giving any more information than that and so would fail again.

    He might ask all sorts of questions about how to tile a roof and build proper chimneys, when he didn't even know how deep to build foundations and pour concrete.

    So in other words there is so much stuff that one can learn that it is very easy to get distracted and not clearly see a simple step by step procedure to follow.

    When the builder can erect a garden shed then he should consider building a garden wall. Then when he has built enough garden walls, he can consider a small house, then a bigger house etc...Then slowly but surely learn the ropes and expand his knowledge of bigger and better projects.

    Why should the internet be any different?
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  • Profile picture of the author Crash878
    As a newbie my biggest problem is finding my niche market and programs ,choosing a domain name,or just setting up my first site! So far the only thing i have paid for was a site that gives me some products that i could resell with the rights. i started to check out the programs and make sure that they work so far. they do! Now choosing the market and how i want to present the product and get traffic is what i am battling right now. I was lucky enough to receive a book which i am still reading, before i even make my next move. At first i would say unrealistic goals and fantasy's of making a six figure income would be the newbie mistake at first. I now know that if i am going to make any money i need a PLAN!! Then i need to work on that plan. But i think the newbie must know that this is going to take some time and planning and a farmers mentality. With anything that you want to work you need to put in your time and truly think about what is you niche who you want to target etc.... Personally i would like to have some one on one with a guru to help me out. Some one to see the info i have already and the products too. But i know as someone who just got into this industry i am not going to know everything at once. also setting habits too. so if your a guru and know a thing or too and dont mind helping and giving some info and set up some extra marketing for there site through my new site feel free and contact me
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  • Profile picture of the author visit_faraz
    I think that the biggest problem is that there are too many methods and most of the people are unable to resist it. They see a new method which promises easy money and they start following it and then another method comes up and he starts to follow this too.

    Soon, he gets too muddled up and doesnt know what to do since he has not completed any one method fully and thus didn't get the intended results.

    I am talking from experience as I feel this temptation again and again.

    Only a few days ago, there was a post about making money from automated blogs and another post on making money from datafeeds which were very tempting but I didnt get distracted. I am just going on with my article marketing efforts and will attempt these when I completed my current projects.

    So, according to me this is the biggest problem and this is what stops most of the people from taking action.

    bye,
    faraz
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    • Profile picture of the author eficker
      I'm not sure to be honest. I have a BA in IT, which at least means that I can handle the tech side of things. However, I've been doing this full-time for about 3 months now and have only made $38. Now, I am still pretty excited about that $38 since as someone stated, it CAN be done.

      I am able to focus, and I don't buy a ton of products, actually very few from only people that I trust. I don't have a normal job, nor have I since 2001. I have been self-employed for the last 7 years and have made a good run of it.

      It seems to me that everyone that talks about noobs and what they are doing wrong always says, "change your mindset," or "just keep at it," which is fine, but they always make it sound like you work it until one day everything just CLICKS. Is this really true?

      Once I made my first sale, I started shifting my other efforts towards that method. That was now a month ago, and nothing quite yet. I am not deterred, but I'm also not sure what I'm doing wrong.
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      • Profile picture of the author visit_faraz
        Originally Posted by eficker View Post

        I'm not sure to be honest. I have a BA in IT, which at least means that I can handle the tech side of things. However, I've been doing this full-time for about 3 months now and have only made $38. Now, I am still pretty excited about that $38 since as someone stated, it CAN be done.

        I am able to focus, and I don't buy a ton of products, actually very few from only people that I trust. I don't have a normal job, nor have I since 2001. I have been self-employed for the last 7 years and have made a good run of it.

        It seems to me that everyone that talks about noobs and what they are doing wrong always says, "change your mindset," or "just keep at it," which is fine, but they always make it sound like you work it until one day everything just CLICKS. Is this really true?

        Once I made my first sale, I started shifting my other efforts towards that method. That was now a month ago, and nothing quite yet. I am not deterred, but I'm also not sure what I'm doing wrong.
        Hi,
        lets look at it this way.

        How many sales you make depends on 2 things:
        1. How much traffic you receive ,
        2. How much of the traffic is being converted to sales.

        So, now you can find out what's wrong. If you are receiving less traffic, then concentrate on getting more traffic. If you are getting traffic and no sales then concentrate on your preselling techniques, learn a little bit of copywriting.

        This is where you test and track.
        Hope this helps.

        bye,
        faraz
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketingProInfo
    What's worked for me? ...find a 'business model' that something I can easily make $20 at, then don't deviate away from it, but simply gear it up 10 or 20 times to make me $200...

    ...then rinse and repeat! ...with 10 more!

    Keep it simple - stay focused - and be patient!
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom B
      Banned
      Riley's mankini. I can't get it out of my head. I am to the point where I roll up into a fetus position and cry myself to sleep.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

        Riley's mankini. I can't get it out of my head. I am to the point where I roll up into a fetus position and cry myself to sleep.
        Thomas, if that is your biggest obstacle, then you are a very lucky man
        indeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author drkellogs
    I think most newbies don't understand business models.

    And lack the commitment it takes to learn how to sell, market, source products, or create a quality product that differentiates them from their competitors.

    There is so much to learn, and a lot of mis-information.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenJ
    For me it has been looking at internet marketing as a hobby. This attitude in my early days put me in the wrong mindset. After all I have my real business to support me financially.

    Now I am treating my internet business as a business I make better decisions based on a decent business plan. Now I am starting to make money.

    Great thread by the way
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    • Profile picture of the author Allen Lewis
      When I look at successful marketers online (depends on your definition of successful, is it quitting your day job? Making $500 a month? $5000 a month?), I notice they usually have a few things in common.

      Let's define a 'successful' Internet marketer as someone who is making at least $500 a month online. That's enough to pay off the bills if you work a day job. That's what most people want anyway.

      But the truly successful people I know have these characteristics:

      - They hate their day job and will do whatever it takes to quit it.

      - They do not stay in 'panic stations' mode for long.

      - They are analytical people. You see all these new personalities like Rich Jerk, Tim Ferris. You think these people really are beach surfer dudes? It's just a persona. In my opinion, if you are the guy without critical thinking skills, you can NEVER succeed online.

      - They treat this thing seriously. Some people are actually embarrassed to treat Internet marketing seriously because of social stigma.

      - They have a focused and structured way of learning stuff. For example, dedicate a time block to learning banner advertising, and nothing but that during that time. No instant messaging, forums, email. Just banner advertising strategies. Then CRITICALLY THINK about it. How will you make it work?

      Allen
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  • Profile picture of the author Successpass
    Having the ability to FOCUS! On one thing at a time and FINISH it! That is the problem if you start building ten houses and you spend ten percent of your time on each house every day then what do you think is going to happen?

    It's going to take ten times longer to get anywhere!

    Most people do article marketing,video marketing, ppc, forum marketing, email marketing, voice broadcasting, press releases all at once and wonder why they aren't making much money!

    It's obvious!

    If you had to walk from one end of the city to the other and you kept on finding yourself back where you started you'd get annoyed wouldn't you?

    So why do people do it to themselves? They go back to the starting line every time they adopt a new strategy before making money from the last one!

    Those of you who are married or in relationships imagine what it would be like if you had 5 partners that all needed love and attention!

    You would go insane within a week!

    That's why everyone feels frustrated!

    When you focus on one thing you can devote a lot of time and energy to it and when you do that you produce results because you become a expert at it.

    That is the secret of success, you need to become an expert at doing something, you need to do it so well that everyone comes to you and asks you how you did it, that's when you move on to the next strategy...

    And once you've mastered the next strategy and people are asking you how on earth you're doing that you move onto that...

    It's as simple as 1 2 3

    Find something, a strategy that you enjoy that has the potential to make you money like ppc or video marketing.....

    Find out everything there is to know about it, for instance if it was video marketing you would, use traffic geyser, and do it naturally without using software to artificially increase your views or you could do it with the software and become an expert at opening up different accounts with different Ip addresses and in different names, you could have one channel targeting people in ACN, another targeting people in Global Resorts Network, and one for cash gifting...

    And you would gather enough information about all the different companies keywords that you're using to promote a message that is generic enough for you to use the same video with the same message.

    For example all network marketers need to be interested in their potential business partners and listen more than they speak so that they can get them to open up and tell them what they need to do and make them want to work with them. People like to know that you are going to meet their needs, and they are only going to tell you their needs if you listen so you could record a video called "how to get people to want to join you and no one else" and in it you would talk about why you need to listen to what people want before they will want to work with you...

    You get my point! Enough explanation already!

    People rarely focus on one strategy enough to be better than everyone else at it, everyone wants an experts advice but no one wants to focus on the same strategy for long enough to become an expert!

    That is THE SECRET to succeeding in our industry.

    Become an expert of one strategy and then when everyone is asking you how you do that thing so well teach it to others and master the next one...

    Its so simple when you think about it.

    We miss whats right in front of us, it's like when you're looking for something and you realize you're holding it!

    It's the same with internet marketing, we're hiding our expertness by multi-tasking

    Good Luck:-)
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  • Profile picture of the author MarQueteer
    Many people spend hours and days reading forums, ebooks, blogs, gathering knowledge, but all this knowledge is worthless if it doesn't translate to actual action.

    That's the main problem in my opinion, not doing. You can start with small steps, but if you want to climb a mountain, standing down in the valley and watching the top through your binoculars doesn't get you any closer.
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  • Profile picture of the author largedogfan
    There are 2 obstacles that are brutal for the new marketer. More but these 2 have always made me upset to see them go through. The first is when they think they are seeing proof of Person X making 700,000 per year on Clickbank they don't understand that often the screen shot even if true is not a fair dollar amount because Person X is getting money every time somebody buys their product. The truth would be what are they getting for a product they have chosen to market that isn't theirs. I rather see the example that they get a cut of every sale of tickets they sell for the local basbeall team. This would be more of the true earnings.

    The next is when people who have a superior level of income talk down to somebody starting out or complain about posts having links and so on. I am here on the forum for the knowledge and enjoyment and will never even put a signature as a default with a plug. It isn't as if I say this to make people click on the latest magic potion. I want people to do well, learn, but never be stomped on for being new. Thank you for letting me babble for a bit.
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    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      When the obstacles are bigger than your determination you're in trouble.

      Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author ebusinesstutor
    I agree with TL about the lack of a business model and with SuccessPass about the lack of focus.

    Both of these are killers of any hope of success.

    My success online did not start until I gained a clear understanding of my own business model and how I was different from everyone else online.

    My income grows every time I refine my focus and dump the things I do that do not result in money.
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    • Profile picture of the author sylviad
      Originally Posted by A8ch View Post

      Very interesting discussion!

      One of the biggest stumbling blocks people bring to making money online is, the wrong mindset. The majority have been used to following instructions and conforming to a job description. They have been conditioned to think like an employee, with responsibility for a tiny aspect of their employer's business.

      Unwittingly, and not surprisingly, they bring this limited perspective to online marketing.

      Consequently it takes a while for them to recognize that marketing online requires an expanded view of the marketplace, an understanding of the many components involved, and the ability to arrange them in the right sequence to get the right results.

      To accomplish that means they must alter their perspective and think from the point of view of a business owner.

      It is during the gap between getting started online and coming to this realization that they experience frustration, false starts, and many of the obstacles already mentioned in this thread.

      Hermas
      This is true, especially of people who have been employees from the beginning of time - like me . Back in the '60s, I was trained to do as I was instructed which meant I didn't have to think about anything but doing those particular tasks I was given in the best, most expeditious way I could. After 40+ years of this, it's not so easy to suddenly become an independent thinker... insofar as work goes, anyway.

      So the question would be, how do you retrain yourself to drop old habits and training and become a new person who needs a new mindset? It's a struggle, especially when you really don't know exactly what changes must be made. Exactly what is that entrepreneurial mindset that replaces the old one, what does it "feel" like, and how do you make that adaptation?

      My personal belief regarding why people can't seem to move ahead - and what can we do to help them along - is this.

      Basics like building a web site are much easier now that Wordpress allows you to load the program to your own server and use it as your web page editor. For someone just starting out, it's not that difficult these days to get past this initial stage. No SEO required as we once knew it.

      Adding content is probably the next most difficult task, especially for people who feel handicapped when it comes to writing. Even this can be overcome by spending a few dollars for someone to rewrite PLR or fresh articles.

      Finding products isn't all that difficult either because you can begin as an affiliate. Everything is provided for you - sales letters, banners, graphics, emails and other promotional material. Some of the better affiliate programs even include excellent instructions for beginners on how to market as an affiliate.

      Now, here is what I consider to be one of the root causes why people don't succeed.

      They lack marketing skills. Marketing is difficult, even though it sounds pretty straight forward (submit articles, buy PPC ads, create blogs and ping them, etc.). You have to know how to address your audience so they are convinced that they should visit your site, read your content and buy the product.

      While it might be called marketing, it's really selling. You are selling yourself, your business concept, your approach, and your opinions - and to some degree, the affiliate product. Not everyone can do this successfully. If you don't get this right, you won't make sales.

      The final element is having the ability to know what you're doing wrong and how to fix it when what you are doing isn't working.

      This is not easy to do, especially if you believe you are doing what is required. Here's my example.

      Several years ago, I read the Super Affiliate book which advises that the best way to beat the competition is to build a site with quality original content based on your chosen niche. Focus on SEO - namely, relevant keywords spread throughout the site without spamming. Since reading that book, I've learned much more about SEO and now am ranking 1, 2, and 3 for my main keywords - one of those is a super-high competition keyword with over 80 million competing sites. Yet I'm not making sales on a regular basis.

      So this goes to the second part of your question - what problems are you having.

      I do not know what's wrong. I am getting clicks for my keywords - although barely enough to register. I've changed the site numerous times and my current one, I believe, is the best yet. Launched about 3 weeks ago. Nothing much changed but, my CB sales have stopped completely since then.

      Another problem I and others have is knowing the best ways to market our sites. In my case, I post a few articles on the major article databases and make a sale, but if I do not consistently post an article every day - if I get busy with some other aspect of my business instead - or take a week or two off - my sales stop. There is no residual benefit from the articles that were posted.

      This has become a lengthy comment, but I think I've covered the pertinent points.

      The only final point I would make is in reference to the idea that if you make a sale, at least it proves it can be done. For the most part, I agree with that but on the flipside, if that's all you get, it might as well be none. It's important for people to get consistent sales at least every few weeks or so, otherwise faith dwindles. That's when the temptation to switch direction becomes too great - leading to a setback, rather than an advance.


      Sylvia
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  • Profile picture of the author Successpass
    Consistent focus, consistent action, consistency creates miracles:-)
    Signature

    Click Here For my trading room training go to http://www.Elizathetrader.com
    It doesn't bite! Check it out!

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  • Profile picture of the author oboi2121
    Hello Omari Taylor Here,

    I would say that the biggest obstacle marketers face is Mindset. If you have the right mindset there is no way you can fail. The only way you fail is if you quit. Some marketers never get the right mindset and some do then end up loosing it because they are not seeing results fast enough. If you have the right mindset you can stick it out until you are successful. You will take the time to learn new skills no matter how long it takes. You can loose everything you have and gain it right back. Mindset is the biggest barrier for most marketers in my opinion. It is something that should be worked on everyday. Best wishes.
    Signature

    Omari Taylor

    Learn How To Realistically Make $15,000 Per Month (or more) In Your Business, In Your First 90 Days With No Experience, Without Picking Up The Phone, Or Making A List Of Your Friends And Family...EVER Again**FREE** ==> http://www.InstantRoad2Riches.com

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  • Profile picture of the author jmccarthy1948
    Strategy, Strategy, Strategy. As the rabbit said to Alice, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there".

    It would be quite easy to spend all of your money and time trying all kinds of options to make money or become a success on line - but without a solid, measurable Future Picture, it just is not going to happen.

    Jim
    Signature

    Jim McCarthy, CPC
    The Billion Dollar Consultant
    www.prometheusstrategy.com

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  • Profile picture of the author traces2757
    There is something that I've never run across that I think could be helpful. An actual Internet marketing class.

    Now, I realize that there are a lot of Internet marketing 'courses'. You pay for the course, you are taken through various Internet marketing methods step by step. And I realize there are membership sites, coaches, and mentors. But I've never heard about an actual class.

    Imagine it: An online classroom (a private chat room somewhere would work fine, I'm sure) where only paid and registered students could come in, once a week, and learn. Each week they would learn something new, and they would be given a homework assignment. Assignments would be checked and graded. One week it could be choosing a niche, and the assignment could be to document the actual procedure that the student used to find one. In the next week's class, students could learn how to write effective marketing articles, etc.

    6 week courses on various Internet marketing methods. Live virtual classrooms with students interacting with the teachers. Students are accountable; they have homework assignments that 'will' be checked and graded.

    Did I just describe something that already exists? Either way, I think there would never be a lack of willing and ready students.
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    • Profile picture of the author ebusinesstutor
      Originally Posted by traces2757 View Post

      There is something that I've never run across that I think could be helpful. An actual Internet marketing class.

      Now, I realize that there are a lot of Internet marketing 'courses'. You pay for the course, you are taken through various Internet marketing methods step by step. And I realize there are membership sites, coaches, and mentors. But I've never heard about an actual class.

      Imagine it: An online classroom (a private chat room somewhere would work fine, I'm sure) where only paid and registered students could come in, once a week, and learn. Each week they would learn something new, and they would be given a homework assignment. Assignments would be checked and graded. One week it could be choosing a niche, and the assignment could be to document the actual procedure that the student used to find one. In the next week's class, students could learn how to write effective marketing articles, etc.

      6 week courses on various Internet marketing methods. Live virtual classrooms with students interacting with the teachers. Students are accountable; they have homework assignments that 'will' be checked and graded.

      Did I just describe something that already exists? Either way, I think there would never be a lack of willing and ready students.
      I used to run such a course at a local university in their continuing education program. It was called Internet Entrepreneurship.

      It ran for 6 weeks for 1 night per week for a total of 18 hours of instruction. My students loved the program.

      I loved teaching it even though I made more money with my online activities than I did by teaching it. One of my students said my information was better than a recent weekend seminar he had paid $10,000 for. (My 6 week course was about $400)

      Most online "courses" tend to be videos and ebooks you download and view yourself. Useful, but not quite the same as a course with a live instructor and assignments.

      You can get live coaching, but Internet marketing superstars like Russell Brunsen and Yanik Silver charge about $15,000 for their coaching programs so it is out of reach for many beginners.

      There may be a need but are people willing to pay for it? How much would you pay a month for such a program?
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    What REALLY Is The Biggest Obstacle Facing Marketers?

    Answer: Not realizing that Internet Marketing is just a job selling products to people on the Web.
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    No sign up required to try my music in your video.

    Just click to listen and download. No cost to try, only pay when you publish.
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  • Profile picture of the author markdsullivan
    laziness, no one wants to work!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jared Alberghini
    Steven,

    Some say it's the inability to take action either out of fear, laziness or whatever.
    I feel that one of the biggest obstacles new IM'ers face who are trying to tap into this industry for the first time, is getting over the learning curve of how to wade through all the B.S.

    Some B.S. doesn't even have a smell, it takes time to learn how to smell it a mile away.

    Jared
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    Join The Future: Telekinetic Marketing

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    • Profile picture of the author Enigma7
      Steven,

      You raised some great points my friend! As have the rest of the posters in this thread...Allow me if I may to float another idea.

      As we all know, the world we know as "Internet Marketing", has been a game of of shadows so to speak for some time now. With people hiding behind aliases, domains, emails and proxies. Every time we turn around there's a "New Guru of the Week" with a flock of followers pimping his product(s) to the hungry and often desperate novice marketers online.

      I believe that part of what is transpiring is of our own making...we have bred an atmosphere of greed and mistrust in which the novice marketer often looses his/her faith in our industry and in the people and leaders in it.
      Since energy, whether it be Positive or Negative attracts "like energy"...when novice marketers go through their days filled with frustration and cynicism, it simply is impossible for them to attract "good and positive" outcomes.

      True Leaders...must take action to help remedy this trend...we must all reallize that there is "No Lack"...there is Plenty of Abundance for us all out there. Just because I may share an idea or strategy that enables someone else to receive 100k next month, doesn't mean that there is less for me or anyone else to receive...there simply is no shortage! If we all can embrace that position (especially leaders), then slowly but surely the nature of our industry will change. Gone will be the times of Dog eat Dog...hording of knowlege...shady dealings based on a fear mentality, and finally we will see this Great Industry become what it was meant to be...I for one can't wait!
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      • Profile picture of the author BSM
        Thank you, Steven for starting a very provocative thread! I hope you're still paying attention to this...I just read it & it's several days since your initial post.

        There have been lots of good posts/suggestions in response to your questions, & I'd like to add another thought that's a bit different. "Know your MOTIVATIONS". By that I mean understand your core preferences - the things you want to do when you get up in the morning. Know what is aversive to you, too! What's the last thing you want to do with your day/work/life?

        Build into your work what turns you on...& manage (in whatever way you can) what turns you off. Some people hate detail work - so important in running a business. Others want/need to be gregarious. How do you do that online???? These folks need to find ways to compensate or to get interaction at other times during the day.

        This may seem somewhat intangible, but there are ways to identify motivations using friends, colleagues (do a 360º) & even by using a validated assessment instrument. I use one in my coaching practice...

        Knowing what makes you grumpy can actually give you permission to feel bad while you're doing the tasks you hate, but by planning time to do things you love some other time during the day, you can offset that negative feeling. Just be sure to do those things you love!!!!

        Willpower & stick-to-itiveness isn't enough if you're not getting any pleasure from the process. We need to honor our preferences/motivations, if we're going to be really successful in our work.

        Barbara
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        • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
          Not sure if what I'm about to say has been said by someone else...but if it has, I'll apologize now for the duplicate content that was just re-hashed... :-)

          I believe that my issue of not being able to make consistent money online comes from not just a medical problem (A.D.D.), but the fact that I don't have a structured game-plan to follow in front of me.

          Sure, it's nice that folks say this forum can give them the information they need to make money online and to just 'take action', but for some folks, like me, that's still just not enough.

          I know for a fact that if I had a structured set of 'things to do' in front of me every day, I'd be making money right now. But until I find such a process, I struggle every day simply trying to stay focused on what needs to be done, what step is more important to do today then another step I think I should do and so forth and so forth.

          Give me a game plan along the following lines...

          Day 1: Do this
          Day 2: Now do this
          Day 3: Go out and do this
          Day 4: While we're waiting for results from Day 3 to show up, do this in the meantime
          Day 5: Start doing this...and by the time you're done, the results we're looking for from Day 2 should be complete
          Day 6: If the end result from what you did on day 4 are showing up, then you need to go to this now.
          Day 7: By now, results from day 2 are complete and we can now focus on you doing this step
          Day 8: Etc., etc., etc.,

          And I know at the end of either 30,60 or 90 days, I'll see some money in my account!

          I can honestly say that when folks say 'find a passion or a hobby', I'm a jack of all trades, but a master of none....and thus, there's not a damn thing that I've done up to this point in time that I believe would be trying to monetize. I could be wrong of course but this is just my opinion.

          HOWEVER, the last few times I've actually explained the "concept" of how affiliate marketing works, how it's a win-win for both the 'merchant' and 'you'...the friends I had been talking to all made comments about the 'passion' I have for it...and while that's great to hear, it's just not possible to be the "Butch Harmon" in IM world....you've actually gotta have some success in your own business before you can teach someone else what they should be doing in order to make money.

          Side Bar: Don't recognize the name "Butch Harmon?"...That's ok! I'm pretty sure you know his former "golf student" though..None other then Tiger Woods. Sure, Butch Harmon has won numerous awards over the years from the golfing community for being the #1 teacher in golf..but if you look back over his actual playing career, I don't even think the man even won one golf tournament! However, being a 'student of the game', he's been able to take his knowledge of what makes a GREAT GOLF swing and help other touring players, guys like Phil Mickleson, Adan Scott and Ernie Els, reach their highest potential.

          As far as folks being 'lazy'..I'd like to give most folks the benefit of the doubt and say that like me, there's a lack of structure in their world because...as stated before, they've come from the "corporate lifestyle" where they had someone to report to every day...boss, supervisor or manager..and that person kept them focused on the day's workload for them.

          The minute you hop the fence and go from being one employee out of either hundreds or even thousands...to a 'owner' of ONE...then you're going to need to find a way to 'structure' your work day accordingly so that each day you're doing something that is moving your business closer to the income you know it can make.

          Ok, I think I'll stop babbling now, as I doubt i'm even making any sense..;-)


          Ray
          Signature

          "Whether you think you can or not...you'll always be 100% right!" |

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      • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
        Originally Posted by Enigma7 View Post

        Steven,

        You raised some great points my friend! As have the rest of the posters in this thread...Allow me if I may to float another idea.

        As we all know, the world we know as "Internet Marketing", has been a game of of shadows so to speak for some time now. With people hiding behind aliases, domains, emails and proxies. Every time we turn around there's a "New Guru of the Week" with a flock of followers pimping his product(s) to the hungry and often desperate novice marketers online.

        I believe that part of what is transpiring is of our own making...we have bred an atmosphere of greed and mistrust in which the novice marketer often looses his/her faith in our industry and in the people and leaders in it.
        Since energy, whether it be Positive or Negative attracts "like energy"...when novice marketers go through their days filled with frustration and cynicism, it simply is impossible for them to attract "good and positive" outcomes.

        True Leaders...must take action to help remedy this trend...we must all reallize that there is "No Lack"...there is Plenty of Abundance for us all out there. Just because I may share an idea or strategy that enables someone else to receive 100k next month, doesn't mean that there is less for me or anyone else to receive...there simply is no shortage! If we all can embrace that position (especially leaders), then slowly but surely the nature of our industry will change. Gone will be the times of Dog eat Dog...hording of knowlege...shady dealings based on a fear mentality, and finally we will see this Great Industry become what it was meant to be...I for one can't wait!
        HEAR HEAR! You win the gold ring. It all boils down to integrity. Share what you learn as you learn and we can change this industry to one that will not only draw more people,which means more money for anyone marketing info on marketing, but will create more successes which means more trust and purchases simply because we trust. This is the core of the book I am currently working on. Based on my offline experiences as well as my in box experiences.

        Don't just sit back and say "I think that the biggest problem for newbies is the wrong mindset"

        Guide and instruct. This industry belongs to all of us and until more are willing to offer help to the misguided then we will all suffer do to the mistrust that is cast upon us.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Buckley
    It has all been said here. The only thing I can contribute is to say what has already been said in a different way and maybe it will click for someone.

    The problem is too many distractions. A newbie stumbles into the Warrior Forum and it's like a kid in a toy store. Everrything looks new and exciting. They've just got to play with all the shiny toys.

    I'm reminded of a scene from the movie "City Slickers": Jack Palance and Billy Crystal are riding along on their horses and Mr. Palance' character, 'Curly' says "Do you want to know what the secret to life is?". He holds up a gloved finger and says "One thing."

    Just pick "one thing" and master it. You WILL succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Charan Saini
    Thanks Steve , its a great thread. Its very inspiring for the warriors to share their failures and successes..

    I believe a good , simple system with a business plan , time management and a postive attitude will generate success in IM.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayhew
    What REALLY Is The Biggest Obstacle Facing Marketers?

    3 words.

    "Positive Cash Flow"
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  • Profile picture of the author queenofdreamers
    The biggest obstacle for me has simply been lack of knowledge. I had no idea about internet marketing and began my journey with big promises from a service I was with. You know, the $10,000 a month promise...LOL. Well, 6 months later and a thousand dollars and I have made less than $100. Along the way I learned about Howie Scwartz, which led me somehwere else, and finally ended up here this week. I am so thankful to be here as I can see that many of you are not playing a game. You are real people who have found a way to make this work. Thank you for this topic. It is one of those I will read several times....
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  • Profile picture of the author dlyn
    There are too many people trying to sale info on how to make money online and their only income is if you happen to buy their product which will most likely not help you to make money online.
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    • Profile picture of the author jtrag
      Originally Posted by dlyn View Post

      There are too many people trying to sale info on how to make money online and their only income is if you happen to buy their product which will most likely not help you to make money online.
      +1 I totally agree. You have to watch out for scams, because there is plenty of them out here on the internet
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    • Profile picture of the author reapr
      Steve,
      After working with several other people I have summed it up to one word ...

      motivation

      I have come to the conclusion that people like the dream to become wealthy or free from the day job but lack the motivation to make it a reality. Most are toast in 1-2 months 3 tops even if they were making a few bucks. People want instant gratification ...

      As long as the job pays the bills most people can just feel comfortable following that path or use it as an excuse to not make it on their own.
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    • Profile picture of the author Darren Mallory
      The very very biggest thing that stops people making money online is well how do you say it "YOURSELF"!

      The number 1 criminal thing people do online is jump from one thing to the next to the next, let me tell you, you can make money really quick online and yes people do, BUT these people have probably been online quite a while, and / or being tutored by some of the big guns so they can promote / push a product that shows even a noob can make money.

      BIGGEST thing you must do is "TAKE ACTION" you probably hear it all over the net but its so true. I suffer from analysis paralysis sometimes and its frustrating when I have sat at my pc for 5 hours and got NOTHING done, so best thing I do is to write daily goals down, these goals should take no longer then 30 - 40 mins each and then work down them.

      It works for me
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  • Profile picture of the author Rachael
    Big challenge - knowing all the "what to do" but not the "how to do".
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    • Profile picture of the author PeterDudek
      Originally Posted by Rachael View Post

      Big challenge - knowing all the "what to do" but not the "how to do".
      How did you learn how to ride a bike? Practice.

      How does someone learn how to play the piano? Practice.

      Basketball? Football? Cooking? Scrabble? Yep...practice.

      Not directed at you personally...just an observation===> Why on earth would anyone think that learning the extremely complex process of convincing total strangers to give you money through a communications medium fraught with scams, fraud and identity theft be something you can learn how to do in a month or less?

      I know overnight successes happen, but still...I'm just sayin'...
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    • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
      Originally Posted by Rachael View Post

      Big challenge - knowing all the "what to do" but not the "how to do".
      I am glad to see someone else understands the difference
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  • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
    Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

    In an effort to be a better provider of services to people who are simply
    looking to make a few bucks online, I have wracked my brain trying to
    figure this out.

    You hear so many different opinions.

    Some say it's the inability to take action either out of fear, laziness or
    whatever.

    Others say it's the learning curve. That there is just too much out there to
    learn in order to REALLY be successful doing this.

    Still others say it's finding a niche that isn't so competitive that you have
    to spend a fortune in PPC costs just to break into it. Or for that matter
    just finding a niche that has a rabid hungry market with money to spend.

    And the list of "excuses" goes on.

    But what is it really?

    Is it all of these things?

    Is it so overwhelming, because of all that's involved in starting and running
    a successful business that ultimately the biggest obstacle comes down to
    taking it one problem at a time?

    In other words, do marketers look at all of this (forgetting about the
    technical problems of building web sites, etc.) and just throw their arms
    up in the air and say, "You've got to be kidding...I can't do all this"

    And if that is indeed the problem, how do we, as marketers, consultants
    or whatever you want to call us, solve it?

    Ideally, it would be to offer one on one coaching and walk people through
    the whole process.

    Great, but there is a HUGE problem with that.

    One, it's time consuming offering one on one help. And that kind of time
    isn't going to come cheap unless you're so wealthy that you can afford to
    just donate your time to people. How many are in that position? And if you
    are going to charge for your time (certainly fair) how many of these
    people who need the help can really afford to pay for it?

    Another problem with the one on one coaching is that each person is
    different and may have different needs. There isn't going to be one
    program that will fit everybody. How do you know that yours is right for
    the person? You don't until you actually first sit down with the person,
    asses his skills, ambitions, knowledge, etc., and then take it from there.

    As many here have pointed out, and I now actually agree, creating a
    comprehensive ecourse (printed PDF, videos, DVDs, whatever) would be
    close to impossible because of all the different skill levels. Some people
    can't even ftp. Are you going to include a whole course on technology?
    For those who don't need it or want it, that's wasted material for them
    and ultimately something they're probably going to resent having paid for.

    I don't have the answers to the above questions and problems. Maybe
    you do.

    As I said, I've been wracking my brains trying to understand why so many
    people have so much trouble even making one sale as a marketer. Just
    go through the threads at this very forum. There was one guy the other
    day who remarked that he'd been doing affiliate marketing for 1 year and
    hasn't made one sale yet.

    That just boggles my mind.

    Why?

    Is he in a niche with no demand?
    Is his site so awful looking that people see it and run away?
    Is he using ineffective advertising methods?
    Is the product sales page crap?
    Is the product something nobody wants?

    Is it all of the above or any combination?

    And for whatever problems do contribute to this kind of failure, which
    one(s) is/are the most common?

    Maybe if we can get down to the real core of the problem, we can have
    more people succeed with their business.

    Because forget about statistics (the 95% failure rate) All one has to do is
    read all the threads here of people frustrated that they can't get anywhere.

    This thread may or may not come up with any hard and fast answers, but
    maybe if we hear from some of the people who are struggling and find out
    what they're doing, we can make some progress in this area. And then, if
    those of us who are successful can respond to those problems, we can
    make some more progress.

    It's certainly worth a shot.

    So...let's have it folks.

    Those who are struggling...What's your biggest problem?

    Thos who are not...What's your solution?
    ok here is your answer. I have mentioned in a few posts here already. I for one don't consider myself a newbie. I had my first site over 4.5 years ago selling physical products. Lots of ppc traffic, not one sale. On top of that I was competing with my supplier whom I found retailing the same products for less than I was paying for them. Burn number 1.

    Then I started joining "newsletters" that were nothing more than hype filled ads. I spent a fortune on worthless products. They would not have been worthless if there was any information on how to use them but the "newsletters" were nothing more than hype filled ads.

    I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get this thing going. I agree one on one mentoring is the best way to go but if you are just starting out you can't afford it. If you are making money you don't need it.

    There are a lot of coaching programs now that say they will teach you to build a 6 or 7 figure income. Again the price is to high for someone just starting out. They promise a personal coach, wait a minute. If my personal coach is qualified to teach me how to build a 7 figure business, why is he working for you instead of building his own 7 figure business?

    Are you beginning to see what I am getting at? The main problem lies with integrity from all the successful marketers that don't understand what integrity is.

    The past few "newsletters" I have received from gurus that I will not name as I am sure you all have received the same ones, are nothing more than affiliate ads. I opened one and it took me to an amazon page. What is that all about? Where is the content they tell us to provide our subscribers with?

    I wrote my first book over Thanksgiving. My first product. I struggled with learning how to create an ecover. The free ones don't tell you how to use them. I spent two weeks googling for photoshop action scripts and free tutorials. got a couple of cheesy scripts and 1 min videos.

    Finally bought an ecover program came with excellent tutorials. The cover doesn't look very good though. found templates I had purchased for resale rights. great graphics. and action script for ecover. It all looks great. Template has a Footprint. Back to dream weaver to redo my site again as if a scammer or spammer ever used that template my site could get penalized for the footprint according to what I have heard.

    I guess what I am saying is that there is a lot of "this will make you money" with very little of "this is how you do it" available out there.

    I have stumbled across a couple of marketers whose products I will buy without question and will follow their affiliate recomendations if I have the funds. Why? because their "newsletters" and blogs contain content I can use.

    They understand relationship marketing, which by the way I am writing a book on to give away on my squeeze page, because it is all about offering information that is usable. If my subscribers don't by my products, they will still get usable information.

    This attitude in itself will create a more responsive list as it will create a level of trust.

    Info overload and empty promises is what holds most new marketers down.

    I have my product and site but no budget for paid traffic so am considering paydotcom.com to let affiliates generate traffic for me to build my list off of.

    I know this has been a lengthy post but it is a question not easily answered. I can only go by what I have experienced and heard.

    I hope that this can help you more successful warriors understand what the less fortunate marketers are up against and what it is that is needed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bakai
    My biggest obstical is getting adwords to sell me traffic. My offers converts if those damn bastar... um gentlemen would just sell me the freaking traffic. Sorry, rant.
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  • Profile picture of the author bannerdemers
    My biggest obstacle has been getting my skill level up to par. I have came quantam leaps in a few months but not quite there yet, I spend hours sometimes doing the simplest things, like html, wrong. Then I have to go fix stuff. Oh, and my less than excellent skill as a copywriter. I once heard a professional poker player remark that an amatuer poker player playing in the world series was no different than an amatuer b-ball player taking on Micheal Jordan, and I believe an amatuer websurfer deciding to make a living online is not much different.
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  • Profile picture of the author PeterDudek
    • If you spend too much time in this forum (especially if you're involved with "drama")...
    • If the first thing you do when you get to your computer is check your email or Twitter...
    • If you are constantly looking for an easier way to make money online than the ones you already know about...

    Go look in the mirror.

    There's your biggest obstacle.
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    • Profile picture of the author dwshoup
      Originally Posted by PeterDudek View Post

      • If you spend too much time in this forum (especially if you're involved with "drama")...
      • If the first thing you do when you get to your computer is check your email or Twitter...
      • If you are constantly looking for an easier way to make money online than the ones you already know about...

      Go look in the mirror.

      There's your biggest obstacle.
      I think you might be on to something there. I think my email can wait when I get up in the morning.
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  • Profile picture of the author ebusinesstutor
    Another problem is that we have all been indoctrinated wrong to think that money comes from hard work.

    While we are young, we are taught by teachers who are paid by the hour not for the results the achieve. Teachers don't run their own businesses so we lose that early possible learning about entrepreneurship.

    When we take jobs, most of us are paid hourly or a salary where we get paid for showing up and doing tasks rather than getting paid for the money we generate.

    Then we try to start our own business and income and what do we do? We build ourselves what we are comfortable with - a job! But this "job" doesn't pay us anything unless we work on the right things.

    Even though I am successful at what I do, every month or so I have to totally redesign my work week to get me back refocused on income generation, not staying with the safe comfortable tasks I enjoy doing.

    Recently I dumped about 50% of the tasks I do in a week because when I tracked the results I found the time I spent on them did not result in the income level I wanted.

    Then I had to add scary new ideas to my weekly list - things I hadn't done before that I was uncertain of. Some of the scary things don't work either, but when I find ones that do, the income from them blows all my other work out of the water.
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  • Profile picture of the author BradCarroll
    My biggest solution was to do ONE THING AT A TIME. One week, I had an idea for 1 PLR pack that I would sell, and two mini-sites I wanted to build. I spent three days trying to work on everything at once...and got nothing done.

    On the fourth day, I wrote my PLR pack and completely ignored everything having to do with the two sites. I finished it that night.

    On the fifth day, I set up my two new niche sites.

    And that's how I spent a week doing two days' worth of work...

    Seriously, just keeping focus and doing ONE NEW THING AT A TIME is the most important thing for me. Seeing something through to completion, before starting on the next new task. Quite invaluable!
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  • Profile picture of the author jms.mrtn
    Yet indeed another great post
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  • Profile picture of the author jtgill
    I know there are several obstacles facing marketers but one of them I believe is that most people starting out think in the back of their mind that this is going to be easy and don't put enough effort or don't give their business enough time to grow and make money. They get discouraged too easily. As a newbie I wish it were easier but I know if I keep at it and work hard enough my business will eventually get to the point where I am making consistent money. I think most people want instant results and they can't handle committing for the long haul.
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    • Profile picture of the author highrider21
      Wow, this is a great thread.

      I have been "trying" to make money online for about 3-4 years now with no real succes. By trying I mean sometimes I will buy an ebook and really apply what it says for a little while and then I usually get distracted and buy another ebook or try some other method before I see any success with the first method. But most of the time I just dream of starting a real online business and never do any real work, I just get preoccupied with school and other things.

      The main reasons why I think I haven't made any real money online yet are: lack of focus, lack of motivation, not believing it's possible, and confusion. I also think its because I haven't found a business model where I can use my strenghts and that I am passionate about, mostly because I don't know what my strenghts or passions are.

      Lately I have been wanting to try article marketing/bum marketing even though I hated english and really don't like writing. I chose this business model because it doesn't require any investment. I have bought an ebook on it and done keyword research but am stuck on actually writing articles. So far I have only written one. I think this is because of my lack of motivation, my lazyness, and mostly because I'm not really passionate or interested in writing.

      I tried google adwords a few months ago and ended up spending $80 and making 1 $30 sale, so I decided to save up some money before I try that again. I also just ordered your WSO on hot trends and tried it with 2 hot trends but didn't make 1 cent yet.

      One of the other major problems I am having is just making my first few dollars quickly. All I want to do is make like $5 or $10 quickly with just a little bit of effort and then build upon that. I don't want to spend months building a website and driving traffic to it and wait months for any results even if it made alot of money. I would rather make a quick $10 then wait a month and make $100 because that first $10 would motivate me to keep going.

      Ok, thats my rant.
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  • Profile picture of the author Craig Fenton
    Hi Steven:

    Hope you are well today. I can tell you from a person that has spent a lot of his life in communications i.e. disc-jockey, public speaker, and writer there is something that is often left out when people talk about why many fail or even take the first step with on-line businesses.

    There are proven statistics that people of all age levels and learning abilities are broken down into different categories on how they comprehend information. A large percentage of the population has to be shown a multitude of tasks by somebody else. They do not pick it up from a video, audio tape, or book.

    The famous example and I am sorry for not having his name was an engineer at NASA in the early 1980's. He had a genius i.q. and every degree known to the world. When VCR's came out no matter which ones he purchased he couldn't hook them up correctly. He never could get further than plugging it into the wall socket.

    Once he was shown how to correctly set up the VCR and other electronic equipment he would later on work on directions for people to be able to do the same.

    If you took Warriors that have been successful and are patient and sent them to various homes to get people motivated and understanding the internet world of business you would see without question the person would get more out of 3 eight hour days with a Warrior in their living room than any 1,000 page E-Book, Video, and audio download.

    Thanks for the post and have a great weekend.
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  • Profile picture of the author Li Weng
    I'd say:

    1. poor mindset
    - (don't believe it's really possible, not willing to invest, not willing to learn, not willing to put in etc.)

    2. not using the brain (taking action but not working smart and figuring out a system that works for yourself)

    3. not growing the business (not eager for new business ideas and find out other/new ways to improve profit)


    Overall, I'd rate mindset as the number one factor.
    You have to treat it like a business and be prepared to invest.
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  • Profile picture of the author danielmcclure
    I believe part of the problem is the motivation to tackle massive tasks without the guarantee of success. I know this is life but sometimes when faced with that it can be easier to stay inactive or in constant learning mode waiting for the right moment. Then when you eventually start you need to maintain the focus.

    I'm hoping that's what it is anyway. I've just set up a personal challenge publicly where I've announced to the world I will create a $4k Business in two months. This is where I really find out what's been holding me back until now and break through because I don't plan on failing

    Check out my challenge @ Sixty Day Challenge 2009 - Building a $4k Business from Scratch in Two Months
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  • Profile picture of the author Minna_Bryant
    E-books, videos, training courses, tutorials etc. can only show how the author makes $xx.

    If the author can in fact teach fairly well and has documented the process well and the buyer has enough mental resources to actually see where their own skills either dovetail into the material or splay away from it, then success can be had.

    If the buyer has the wrong attitude, mindset, skill set, action orientation and thinks the author is responsible for filling in every single blank for them, the buyer will be less likely to succeed.

    I'll even go so far as to say, I'm new to the game. I read ONE way to make a few bucks online. I'm working on ONE way to make a few bucks online. I didn't understand something the guy was talking about. So I spent my time figuring it out. I think I figured it out.

    I won't know until I take the next step. If I didn't then I'll go back to working on trying to figure it out.

    I guess what I'm saying Steven is there really is no biggest problem?

    First there's what you don't know. Then there's what you don't know you don't know. You can only work on the first one. Learn what you know for certain you don't know.
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    • Profile picture of the author Oosha
      As far as I'm concerned, it's information overload from "too much, too fast." People just starting out are subject to information overload, resulting in lack of focus. This in turn leads to lack of action.

      They have several questions in their mind. They are not sure what needs to be done first, which route to take and whether a particular method works or not. Finally, with so much advice floating around, they are confused who they should listen to.

      What helps is clearing the hard drive in the brain and focusing on getting just one thing done at a time.

      No single plan of action can help all.

      I used to spend hours online reading, reading and reading some more. I ended up being totally confused and things only fell into place when I started focusing on one plan.

      It's important to reduce random information intake and focus on systematic intake. Newcomers should first make a note of all the workable options that are available and choose, based on their interests and skills. Coaching can be provided after taking into consideration each person's skill set.
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinDasilva
    Whats up Warriors? Great Post Steven...

    OK I think, and yes I know some will "disagree", but I feel that people trying to make it online are talked into "Getting Into Markets They Are NOT Passionate About" and THIS IS 1 OF THE PROBLEMS!

    YES I know that you can make money WITHOUT being passionate about a certain topic,

    HOWEVER if you do find a market that you AT LEAST have some interest (not necessarily knowledge), then you will ACTUALLY ENJOY the road of doing Market Research and Writing Content.

    I believe that you 1st must follow your heart and that will lead to you NOT looking to "cut corners" every chance you get. And THEN once you have had success you can then apply that same system to markets you DO NOT care about...


    Also, here is where I think people go wrong...

    1. Create Products on what "THEY" think the prospects wants INSTEAD of finding the prospects PAIN and SOLVING it for them.

    2. NOT testing their ideas 1st before spending all there time on some course that will go nowhere

    3. BUYING TOO MANY COURSES that are essentially ALL THE SAME BS but spun in different terms to SOUND different

    4. NOT finding a topic they ACTUALLY "AT LEAST" LIKE to start off with and then when they have some success will be able to apply it to markets they DO NOT give a damn about...

    And I could go on but this is the 1 point I wanted to make and I hope it helps some getting started look at what they can do to start enjoying the process instead of "putting it off" which I believe has a GREAT DEAL to do with NOT liking the topic/niche you in (again this is for people STARTING ONLY because once you see how its done it will be enjoyable regardless of the topic)

    Hope this helps...

    Kevin DaSilva
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