Startup Advice - Have 8 Months, Skills, and $1,000 to Establish an IM Business

by Jackie Liu

Posted: 12 years ago 19 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

This is my first post here.

I'm a student in Canada, who is voluntarily on leave from university (business degree) for a term, for personal reasons. Why I joined the Warrior Forum is because I've always dreamt that my end-game is owning a business and working for myself - not climbing up a corporate ladder. Since I was very little, I've been interested in computers & the Internet, and I have some technical skills which are appreciated by people around me.

Right now, I have 8 months before I ostensibly will be going back to school and I believe this is the most free time I'll have in my life to do this. It seems to be now or never, making me very worried I'll blow this opportunity. My goal is to establish a working web business that will allow me to further my studies without financial worries, at least - and know that I'll have something unique to count on if I can't get into my desired field come graduation.

I've been lurking around the forum, reading about strategies that other Warriors have been using, and downloading some of the products from the War Room (I cut to the chase and plunked down the $37.00) - particularly the local/offline PDFs and Amazon affiliate guides.

I'd like to ask for some advice from the seasoned Internet marketers here, many of you who are already independently successful.

Below is a list of my skills I have gained from dabbling with "making money online" in the past few years. I never made any amounts "to write home about", but have amassed some assets which I think will be useful in the journey ahead.

* Domain Name Speculation - I now own around 40 generic domain names, without really investing a cent of my own money (I bootstrapped the operation). I know how to valuate domains using keyword data + qualitative metrics, and have flipped over 100 domains to resellers. A few were up to $xxx, but I never targeted end users where the big money is.

* Wordpress - I'm very competent with managing a cPanel account, creating MySQL databases, add-on domains, and routine tasks like that. I have been hired for several "odd jobs" setting up Wordpress websites, installing themes, and plugins. Over the years, I've used Wordpress for all of my domains that I get around to developing. Unfortunately, many of the projects sit abandoned, looking slightly empty.
Examples: MobilePhonesTablets.com, OnlineBusinessperson.com (simple e-commerce site selling downloadable products using Paypal), BuyRealEstateProperties.com, TextTalkData.com

I count myself as a power-user of WP, because I'm knowledgeable enough to edit simple PHP snippets in the template code but nowhere near being able to create one from scratch. I would rate my HTML and CSS knowledge as slightly above average, but I don't design as in slicing PSDs or anything.

SEO - The extent of SEO I've done to them is verify them in Webmaster Tools, keep conscious of guides (like using H1, H2 tags and alt text) when creating content, and submit sitemaps.

Ads - I've made some change using Amazon Associates, but it's the only ad or affiliate program which has made me any money at all so far.

* Graphics - I know how to create simple web graphics using Adobe Fireworks, including banners, headers, and text logos. I usually design in the Web 2.0 style, along with the glassy effects and gradients.

* Content Writing - I can write do research on a topic and turn out an article, with proper spelling and grammar. All the articles on the sites I listed above are 100% unique & written by me, but they take me such a long time that I question whether it's worth it.

* Google Apps - Because I'm a domain investor and webmaster at the same time, I've gotten very accustomed to setting up DNS settings and configuring Google Apps so I can have Gmail-powered emails at my domain. It doesn't take me very long.

Potential offline business? Should I?

I'm thinking of offering it as a service with the "Local Business Marketing" website I've drafted since reading about it at the WF - Local Business IT.com This business is not launched however, and it was sort of my way to rebound from a failed business partnership (offering Wordpress websites) with a friend. We never got any clients, and never really tried between us.

Ultimately, here are the tools I have at my disposal

- Hostgator Shared Hosting account
- Amazon Associates account
- ClickBank account which I've barely used
- Chitika account, a whole bunch of affiliate accounts at webhosts
- Craigslist account
- Premier Paypal account
- Google Adsense account, approved a few weeks ago
- About 40 generic domains, that are ready-to-develop, anytime
- Around $900-$1000 to spend on tools/services that are needed
- A few GBs of PLR software/graphics/articles lying around

The Problem

I have so much going on, and so many ideas running through my head, that I don't know what to focus on! I don't know what's the best way to generate some immediate cash, build my reputation, and establish ongoing business/recurring income for the future. Should I continue building my websites (promoting and SEOing them), should I be selling products or offering services online, should I finish the offline marketing website and calling prospects? What should I do??

What I feel is happening right now is that I'm doing a little bit of this, and little bit of that. It's been over a month screwing around and I haven't made any money. I don't think my friends believe me when I talk about the "online business" anymore and how it's always "almost" ready to launch.

Can I have some advice please? :confused:
At least I feel safer having all of you here who'll understand better than most. How can I put the assets and skills I already have to good use?

Thanks in advance!

#adsense #business #establish #months #offline marketing #recurring income #skills #startup #student

JGWF

12 years ago

You definitely have a case of information overload

just do some kw research, get a blog set up, target some low competition kws and hire a writer. Put a 500 word article on the site every single day for a month. Then up that to two a day after a month. You should start to see a nice flow of traffic. Throw up some Adsense, a CPA offer, or start building a list. This is basic, but, you can learn a lot more once you have the traffic, focus on dong that first.

Thanks
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Jackie Liu

12 years ago

Originally Posted by JGWF

You definitely have a case of information overload

Thanks, I've also found that regularly adding content to a website yields better results. I try to write "evergreen" content to try and avoid having to update the website for fear of it looking stale.

Are you advising that I start a website with a very broad topic and adding content about subniches (ex. website about shopping; then sub-niches would be technology, clothing, books, DVDs) or are you talking about "niche" sites targeting longer-tail kws?

Thanks

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dadamson

12 years ago

The best way is to just jump in, create your own site and market it the best you can.

Originally Posted by Jackie Liu

SEO - The extent of SEO I've done to them is verify them in Webmaster Tools, keep conscious of guides (like using H1, H2 tags and alt text) when creating content, and submit sitemaps.

This will not get you to rank for the keywords you need to rank for. You need to learn backlinking quick smart or hire an SEO service to handle the backlinking for you.

Good luck to you, I am sure a bit of focus will take you a long way.

Cheers,
Dave

Thanks

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J Bold 12 years ago

I would look hard for a great coach that can help you, one with a long track record of helping others with coaching.

Don't spend all the money you have on coaching, but keep some of it for stuff the coach will probably say you should invest to succeed.

There have been some impressive coaching offerings here in the Warrior Forum recently, so I would keep my eyes open. Don't get sucked in to buying too many WSOs.

In my opinion, you need a coach that will help you focus and get you going on one thing at which you can succeed and help you grow a real business.

My advice, take it or leave it.
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hustlinsmoke 12 years ago

Well you have enough knowledge to make money in gigs on Craigslist, fiverr or virtualworker or one of those site for immediate income. I agree with the above on hiring a coach, they can guide you at first. You do not need a cent to start but since you have that thousand it will come in handy for coaching and some more stuff you need later, like traffic.

You also articulate very well. There is a real need for that.
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Jackie Liu

12 years ago

Edit: I've also heard of the concept of an "accountability journal" on here, where budding Internet marketers post about the strides they're making in their business, to keep moving forward and getting advice. I'm thinking of doing exactly that on this thread.

Thanks
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hustlinsmoke

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Jackie Liu

Thanks to the both of you above, for taking the time to respond.
As both of you above suggested getting a coach, what are the most important criteria I should consider when I'm selecting one that's right for me?
Also, what are the most in-demand services that would be within the skills I've outlined above?

I really believe you are getting a little too far ahead as we have suggested to get a coach.
Work on getting that coach first, Let them get to know you and then both of you find out what will be best for you.

To find a coach;
Post another thread here; Who is the best coach and mentor for me at Warriors forum.
Take your time with this now. Get alot of responses. Make sure to ask the ones that post what the cost is.
PM these Mentors. Talk to them. I would suggest a week of research on this.

I'm also wondering if instead of providing services directly to other "Internet Marketers", if I should target people outside of the industry, as in the offline marketing idea I mentioned above. I haven't heard any of you comment about that yet, so if a few of you could chime it whether that's feasible, that would be most appreciated.

I also believe this to be between you and your coach. From what I'm reading between your liines and in your lines is that your a very intelligent Warrior and you probally have an abundant of strengths. It is gong to be difficult to find your greatest strength.

Can I serve local businesses in my own city (Vancouver, BC, Canada) and worldwide without physical appointments?

Many riches have been had within ones locale. So yes you can. Depending on the product you will either do well or have to change. Remember any type of marketing is a constant changing process and you have to be ready to adapt quickly. Look at some of our greatest artists through the years. Even though music has changed they have changed with it.

Cheers!

My thought is that would be good for you but I can see how you would want every little item done, i dotted and t crossed. Don't get too analytical and too perfect you will take the fun out of the entire process and create a job lol. We do not want what we do to be called a job.

Thanks

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Tadresources 12 years ago

Well as I am sure you are aware a $1,000 never really goes that far when you want a big successful business so for the money side I would always make a decision on whether or not to spend that kind of money on:

coaching you to success
marketing
or setting up your business

Personally I would set up my own business personally and for example as I am sure you have seen mentioned on her a zillion times before - the money is in the list - so why not put them money into some solo ads or other related tasks.

Just remember one step at a time you dont have to do it all in one week.
- Thanks
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danlew 12 years ago

Try to create a niche blog (Wordpress) that you are passionate about, and add some valuable articles on it. Include some useful banners and affiliate links that are related to your blog's niche. Invest your money with backlink tools like Unique Article Wizard, Article Marketing Robot, Senuke X....or you can even try some natural SEO services here in the forum itself.
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N4PGW 12 years ago

With the skills you have, you can do anything you want, but only if you focus.

My suggestion is, if possible, get a coach and disconnect yourself from every other outside influence in this business. Then, take one plan and stick it out until you succeed.

If you need immediate cash, sell your services, but while you do, find one tactic that you can outsource and develop it to the max. Outsource it and when it will run while with very little input on your part, then, and only then, go on to something else.

By the time you graduate college, your professors will be asking you to teach them.
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N4PGW 12 years ago

With the skills you have, you can do anything you want, but only if you focus.

My suggestion is, if possible, get a coach and disconnect yourself from every other outside influence in this business. Then, take one plan and stick it out until you succeed.

If you need immediate cash, sell your services, but while you do, find one tactic that you can outsource and develop it to the max. Outsource it and when it will run while with very little input on your part, then, and only then, go on to something else.

By the time you graduate college, your professors will be asking you to teach them.
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- 1 reply
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- cash365 12 years ago
  
  hi, Jackie,
  
  welcome to the warrior forum!
  
  and welcome to the war room!
  
  your information overload - analysis paralysis situation is all
  too common in IM, you can find a lot of information about how to cure this right here on the forum - just be careful not to get
  information overload about curing analysis paralysis
  
  another word of caution: the war room is brimming over with
  super cool stuff, just commit yourself to only download a few
  goodies per day or you will really be lost in information! same
  applies to wso's: i would only buy one if it really brings you
  fast forward in your chosen field, being a war room member is
  enough for starters!!! as all above highlighted, focus on one and
  only one plan initially until you succeed with it.
  
  i have seen time and again that having your own product is the best start you can possibly have - since it's YOUR business you are building - as opposed to the affiliate model. but even being an affiliate is better than goofing around studying everything and not acting on anything!
  
  a must are positive mindset, discipline, focus, targeted and consistent action sticking to 1 and 1 plan only until you succeed. as N4PGW said, outsource whenever you can, leverage is everything in this business!
  
  i agree with the above posters: a coach is a great way to succeed much faster than having none! so once you make up your mind in which area you will start, look out for one who is well known and proficient in the same. if your budget is not enough to cover for this now - good coaching is expensive - you may work on your own for a while first and then reinvest.
  
  speaking of coaching and against my own advice of not buying another wso, i think that indirect coaching such as the wso from willie crawford "[WSO of the Day] A DOCUMENTED $100k In January 2012... Just For Fun!" might be a great thing to have as a guide to know what is currently working... warriors are raving about it and it's pretty cheap for it's value!
  
  Ok, Jackie, I know you have all it takes to succeed online, you are much better prepared than many stay at home mom who makes her living on the internet, so go ahead, take action and kick a$$. i do not wish you luck, because you don't need it if you put hard disciplined work to it!
  
  kind regards from warm colombia,
  tom
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Failing forward fast
  
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  cashmonk 12 years ago
  
  You should build a web site to showcase your skills and sell the one thing you know you can offer...your skills. I read somewhere that skills are the easiest to sell.
  
  To practice...go to fiverr.com set up the free account and snoop what others are doing with the same skill set ...do the same and for every customer you get ...tell them about your site and that is where you do the serious work...and leverage that to more clients.
  
  Others have done it...it has been proven to get you going.
  
  I have a free white paper report at http://www.nxprofit.com your free to give you more ideas
  If you want it.
  
  Ren
  Cashmonk
  
  Thanks
  
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Mantasmo 12 years ago

My suggestion would be to figure out a business idea (preferably a service to start with) and really put all of your energy into making it work. You'll achieve many things, namely:

1. Have an income source (a couple months down the line) that will take some of the monetary pressure off of ya. This is very important and the main reason why people try to cut corners in IM, chasing the quick buck, cause they are ****ing desperate (most don't even realise this).

2. Learn discipline and hard work.

3. Learn a lot of cool stuff when working with/for other (more successful) internet marketers/entrepreneurs. Trust me - this experience is worth sooo much.

And many other things...

Good luck!
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Jon Paella 12 years ago

Hi Jackie,

It's good to have that much time on your hands. You can do a lot with it and do treasure the time you have. With the right focus and advice/direction, I'm sure you can go a long way and learn a lot in 8 months and also get a good income going.

Like others have already said, I would suggest you get some coaching for focus and advice. I myself am working with some coaches. It's good for accountability and focus. It will cost you a bit for personal one-on-one coaching, but it's well worth it I think. I think it's OK to focus on a few things at once if you have so much time. But not too many. Offline marketing is definitely one thing I'm very interested to move into in the near future. However, that may be better once you've grasped the basics I think. As it may require you to do a bit of work offline, it may take your time.

I love to do my own research like you. But there comes a time when there needs to be action. You can either do it by yourself if you can discipline yourself. Or if you can spend a bit of money, I'd recommend getting a personal coach. A good one will really get you started and going.
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Jackie Liu 12 years ago

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I'm going to start by selling my services, as many of you have recommended.
My offline marketing website is pretty much ready to go, and I've started a thread asking questions in the relevant forum: http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...what-next.html
- Thanks
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CatK 11 years ago

I think that information overload is what makes it difficult for many people to move forward. I know it was for me.
Great comments above. I think staying focused on doing ONE THING at a time and then moving on is best. That way you stay focused. Sure you need a plan, which you seem to have. Now break your goals up into smaller steps, and stay focused on completing that goal by a deadline. Stay accountable to yourself! Don't be distracted by anything else until it's done. Turn off phones, emails, Facebook whatever it takes.

Good luck Jackie
Catherine
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JasonBennet 11 years ago

There are many different ways to make money online but you want to make sure that you stay Focus on one model at a time. I personally will choose growing my own list of subscribers because it is the long term approach to having a business. You do have more then enough skills to get your whole online venture started.

Just choose one model, stick to it and just take action.
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MindsInspired 11 years ago

Thanks Alot Everyone Very Good Advice you are giving I'm going to follow that rule stick to one thing first.
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Christne
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