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Lack of instructions - hard path for newbies

by alexgold87
19 replies
There is one big difference between been rookie and been guru who's explaining IM for rookie. Before you will write your comment, I am NOT complaining about IM and gurus, I already know how to make money online and doing this. This post is my point of view on IM instructions and info's in overall.

Guru can tell you "upload your picture to hosting". OK! ... wait a minute. What picture? Upload? What does it means? Hosting? Is it a magazine of local pub?

For last 2 years I was reading lots of info products where IM gurus give examples how to make money online. But all that gurus have forgot that feeling of been rookie! And they write info products in meaning that person already knows what is hosting, what is html, what is sales funnel.

When I was working in computer repair shop we was explaining how to use PC in meaning that someone knows nothing about PC. So instead of "click on My Computer" we was writing "take a mouse into your hand, move it on table surface and mouse pointer arrow shaped will be moved as well, than move mouse pointer into top left corner of your monitor, try to find an computer picture here, move mouse pointer into it, then with your finger double press left button on your mouse".

This is not exact instruction! Just want to show the difference between rookie and guru. It's completely different way to explain. This is why so lots of people fail in making money online. They just were confused with information written in your products.

As it seems for me there is only one way to not provide proper step-by-step information. If something is really working, some system, most of gurus keep it for them selves. I am not telling that they share with it. No. They share. But misinformation is a key and only few people will get the idea how to use that system.

I know one person who is still trying to do IM every day, spending so much money on all kind of systems, ads, ebooks and etc. No result for 3 years! Not because he is doing something wrong! Apart from this he is following every single step in products gurus sold him. For example ads. It's so easy to tell - put your solo ad. But it's so hard to do it. Once I spent £500 on facebook ads before I created one which gave me ... drum sticks!... £9 in return. Previous ads gave me nothing.

He is not alone, there are lots of people who confused with gurus systems and products. People don't follow your system because they are lazy, no! People just don't understand what they must to do. In my products I always provide very full instructions for my customers. Usual half-page instructions push me to write 3-4 pages to explain every single step. My customers love this, feedbacks is a confirmation.

What I want from you? If you sell anything, please, provide full information how to use it. If you really want to help other people to succeed write info products with newbie mind and thoughts, forget about your status and knowledge. Otherwise it's just cold sales and "money-money-money" greedy mindset.
#hard #instructions #lack #newbies #path
  • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
    Then you run the risk of boring those who aren't complete newbies, too. It's a fine line to try to walk.

    A better solution, in my opinion, is to create PDFs or videos showing the various exact detailed explanations and offer those if they need them. Give them the links to get those details right in your product. That way, those who don't need them, won't have to scroll through half the book to get past what they already know.

    Those explanation PDFs/videos can be used the same way in every product you make, which also saves you the time of having to write them all out each time.
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    • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
      Agreed Tina, we run several businesses online and often share techniques with other marketers - there is a very fine line between sharing what to do and then getting down into the weeds on exactly how we did it.

      Some people are at the stage where they simply need to know what has to be done so they can understand the entire process better while others are ready to actually spend time on that task that minute - in which case they want the gory details.

      It took us quite some time to figure out how to balance this...we now try to organize everything from high-level down to "branch" detail tutorials so the information is there when they need it.

      Jeff
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    • Profile picture of the author CyberSorcerer
      Originally Posted by Tina Golden View Post

      Then you run the risk of boring those who aren't complete newbies, too.
      That is SOO true Tina and I know from experience.

      Not to promote myself here, but my course in made for TOTAL newbie's and I make sure I get that point across to anyone signing up because of that very same fact Tina stated above.

      I teach and explain all about html, hosting, wordpress, etc and there is absolutely NO PROBLEM with the true newbie's, BUT!

      EVERY slightly experienced marketer starts bitching about you're spending a whole month going over stuff anyone should no. Well actually not, because YOU'RE the only one complaining. The actual newbies that are here love the material.

      I even mention in my sales copy that if you know what "affiliate" means this course is not for you. And that is the honest truth.

      If you go over hosting, wordpress, etc and get anyone from Warriorforum they will BITCH "I already know this sh*t"
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    • Profile picture of the author Sparhawke
      Originally Posted by Tina Golden View Post

      Then you run the risk of boring those who aren't complete newbies, too. It's a fine line to try to walk.

      A better solution, in my opinion, is to create PDFs or videos showing the various exact detailed explanations and offer those if they need them. Give them the links to get those details right in your product. That way, those who don't need them, won't have to scroll through half the book to get past what they already know.

      Those explanation PDFs/videos can be used the same way in every product you make, which also saves you the time of having to write them all out each time.
      Or write a idiot proof version for me, and offer links to the advanced versions within the product
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Originally Posted by alexgold87 View Post

    People just don't understand what they must to do. .
    They must learn how to use a computer and the Internet well before even contemplating embarking upon a course which utlizes those things.

    We don't enter world rally before we've even sat in the seat of a car.

    It's the responsibility of the customer to ensure that they hold some viable degree of computer literacy before jumping into something that depends upon it.

    No-one can be expected to encompass "how to use a computer" related info within their products.


    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author girlinthe
    hhhhh i saw myself a year ago in ur post.
    best
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    • Profile picture of the author iwowwe4you
      Different people learn at different speed. For some you do not even need to finish the sentences and they already doing it, for others you need to show the same operation few times in order for them to understand what they suppose to do and see them doing it in order to make sure they got it right. I been teaching IM/MLM for some years now and I know that no model of teaching works 100%. It needs t be an individual approach to every personality and a different way of explaining things in a targeted way.
      If you will start explaining to advanced lvl internet user step by step how to place an ad, he will get bored. However if you will talk to a complete newbie the same way as you would to advanced user, he will most likely get nothing of that what you told.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        It's not just boredom. At some point, the newbie has to take some kind of initiative. You don't know what an image is, what 'uploading' is, what html is?

        There's these guys named Google and Bing who seem to know a lot about everything, or at least they know who does. Spend two minutes, and learn without expecting every product creator to hold your hand.

        As far as placing ads, there's a learning curve. If you buy a course on using paid ads, do you really expect the creator to tell you exactly what to put in your ad for your product to guarantee you make money? It can't be done.

        Even if it could be, it would lead to bitching about things being 'saturated' and gurus who hold their cards until the game is over and then sell worn out methods.

        I have exactly one product now in the online marketing arena - the book in my sig. I tell people upfront that it is not a paint-by-numbers, hardcore how-to book. If I took it down to a 'here's how to operate a mouse' level, it would be so long that no one would buy it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Originally Posted by alexgold87 View Post

    I know one person who is still trying to do IM every day, spending so much money on all kind of systems, ads, ebooks and etc. No result for 3 years! Not because he is doing something wrong! Apart from this hi is following every single step in products gurus sold him.
    I would have expected that they would contact the vendors for advice and clarification rather than letting 3 years pass by.

    I clarify and provide further info to customers via email support daily and I update my products based upon repetitive questions.


    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author pelican
    when you buy/sell a course, you need to set some requirements.

    if you are going to teach the basic for every course, what about when you are teaching how to upload images, you need to teach them what is internet and the terms,
    but before that, you need to teach them how to use an email or browse the web,
    but before that, you need to teach them how to on and use the pc, install required software, get internet connection,
    but before that, you need to get them to have a proper pc,
    and before that ...

    so you have to look for a course that cater to your level.
    if you do not know how to create a website, learn, proceed to next level.
    if you do not know how to put a website online, domain and hosting, learn, proceed to next level.
    then read about what is IM, learn, proceed to next level.
    advance marketing, learn, proceed to next level.
    step by step.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonBennet
    If the person is genuinely serious in the online business, he will do whatever it takes to learn the important basic skills which is needed for the online business. I think it will be a good idea to list down the basic skills that the user need to know before purchasing the product so that the buyers will be mentally prepared.
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    • Profile picture of the author joma12
      If you want make money in this industry you need to have a basic knowledge.

      Or would you buy any title that promises to going up 200% in the next 2 days on stock exchange without searching the information about the company. Simply because somebody that you even don't know sent you a email abut this.

      I don't think so. So if you want to make some money here you have to do the homework first.

      Learn the basics to use wordpress, buying domain names and establish them , you need some simple hosting knowledge like how to upload a file through cPanel setup wordpress in sympatico etc. Know how to send email
      and so on and so on....
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      • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
        Originally Posted by Tina Golden View Post

        Then you run the risk of boring those who aren't complete newbies, too. It's a fine line to try to walk.

        A better solution, in my opinion, is to create PDFs or videos showing the various exact detailed explanations and offer those if they need them. Give them the links to get those details right in your product. That way, those who don't need them, won't have to scroll through half the book to get past what they already know.

        Those explanation PDFs/videos can be used the same way in every product you make, which also saves you the time of having to write them all out each time.

        That's a great idea, Tina. These extra materials can also instantly upgrade a whole lot of products where you can reuse them, as you describe.

        The thing is that a lot of products really are meant for newbies, but then they have little lines like you mentioned, or as just happened in a Craigslist product that was supposed to not violate their TOS:

        I was happily reading along when I got to:

        "change IP address"

        Uhm, no explanation given how to do that, where to get those other IP addresses (except to "ask" your hosting service). Last time I asked them, they told me I would have to get a much more expensive hosting account.

        That's the kind of stuff that I find frustrating, and I'm not even a newbie.
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  • Profile picture of the author Weblover50
    If a newbie doesn't know the meaning of upload / hosting, there is no sense in him trying to make a living on the internet. No, I don't want to sound harsh but this is the reality. If there is any such people trying to learn IM, I would strongly suggest quitting and starting from the basics. Unless you know the basics of HTML / Wordpress / SEO, I don't see how an IM course is going to help you. May be the 'Guru' could mention the basic knowledge / level required for his course, to avoid total newbies.
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author butters
      All comes down to target market really, I agree that if your products goal is to hold a completely new marketers hand and walk them through the process then you should teach them as much as possible. If your market is someone with a little more experience then Tina's suggestion is absoloutely spot on. Have re usable PDF which outline the functions of things like wordpress etc... Different level of experience require different style of guide. You can't give a reader a guide on something they done 10 years ago, it needs to be engaging and at their level.
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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by BIG Mike View Post

      While I understand what the OP is getting at, he's mistaking the role of the seller/product owner and user/customer. When you buy a new car, is the dealership responsible for teaching you how to drive? Of course not...
      I don't think that's the same thing.

      I would actually say it's more like purchasing a new car and the person who sells you the car takes the time to go through and show you how the various features work. Sure, all they have to do is sell you the car and hand you the keys, but what if they took a little extra time to show you how the radio works, help you hook up your bluetooth phone, show you where the spare tyre is and how to access it, and so on.

      Do you think you might be likely to recommend that car dealer to others in the future because they decided to take the time and help you with little things others just assume. Do you think you might enjoy your purchase just a little more knowing exactly how to use everything properly? Do you think the car dealer will get less customer support phone calls from customers asking simple questions about how to turn on the radio, where to access their spare tyre, etc.

      You bet ya.

      From my own experience I do tend to agree with the OP on this one. I think there is far too much assumed knowledge in most IM courses nowadays. I am not saying that is wrong but when the end result is to help someone achieve a goal, you should want to do everything you can to aid them in that.

      It is a personal choice though. I don't think you HAVE to assume people know nothing but I think you end up helping more people by doing so.

      From my own teaching courses I have found people are very appreciateive of you teaching them the things that most people skip over. They might be simple things and they might be things you should just assume they already know, but there will always be people who don't. So why not include them. Not only do you end up with more appreciative customers but you also cut down on your support big time.
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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        Originally Posted by WillR View Post

        I don't think that's the same thing.

        I would actually say it's more like purchasing a new car and the person who sells you the car takes the time to go through and show you how the various features work.
        Actually, teaching someone how to upload a file or what a host is is more like teaching them to drive a car than just showing them the features. Everyone expects that you show them the features of the product you are selling and how to use them. That should be standard instructions. Teaching them every single skill that they might need in order to implement your product goes far beyond teaching them the features.

        Those that lack the initiative to Google the instructions for those tasks, lack the initiative to be successful business operators, and I think that is reflected in the high rate of people who never make a dime online or in an offline business.

        How hard is it to go to Google and type in "how to upload a file"? Not hard at all, but I run into people daily who cannot wrap their heads around uploading a file, when the instructions are all over Google via Youtube and typed instructions.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    Originally Posted by alexgold87 View Post

    Guru can tell you "upload your picture to hosting". OK! ... wait a minute. What picture? Upload? What does it means? Hosting? Is it a magazine of local pub?
    If you have to write an ebook that tells people how to upload and what is hosting or how to turn your computer on, ebooks would be ridiculously long. There's this thing called Google and Bing and Yahoo that will give you all the instructions for basic tasks and if a newbie can't use that tool to teach themselves basic tasks, they're probably not going to ever "get" being an entrepreneur.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shaolinsteve
    I can understand the purpose of simplifying things a little easier i..e a step by step process, but to literally break every single thing down to a T, is just not necessary. If anything a support ticket could provide questions for these matters and if anything, Youtube and Google have all the answers you're looking for.

    For anyone on my list that has questions, most of the time I'd refer them to a good tutorial or they can research it themselves. I guess you could include a Resources chapter on How-To's if it's a newbie product but as a general product I'd still refer anything to support if I haven't already explained it in a product / service.

    If there's a pattern where people are asking similar questions, then I'd probably make a video or create a page explaining the problem well.
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