What would you do if you had it to do all over again?

67 replies
This is not an ad - it's a very serious question.

I know there are people of all skill and experience levels here so I think all can benefit from the discussion.

There are many ambitious folks out there (and on the board) that are searching countless resources and blindly buying the next shiny object that promises wealth. Unfortunately there are thousands of "gurus" out there and hardly any of them seem to know what they are doing or they are blatantly self-serving and not trustworthy.

Is there a favorite site or program out there that can show people how to start building an empire from ground zero (no list, no website) that gives ideas and instructions - not just sales pitches - on how to get started step by step?

Many people have purchased and will purchase many tools that are not being implemented properly. Much of this is not apathy, but lack of direction and support once the product is purchased. Many dreams have been dashed over the years because the information out there is simply overwhelming and often outdated.

The ideas below would be great ideas for a new information product or program. This product could tie in all of your services and help everyone fully maximize your tools.
What do you think?

I have many tools and systems and I am hungry to get started in the right direction but all of the tools are designed for people that are already established in the industry.

I have 13 years of IT experience (not scared of computers) and am very hungry to establish the foundation for a scalable empire, but I desperately need to find a framework to run on.

I am very hungry for success but often having a hard time formulating how to implement a modern strategy that is not based on outdated tech. I just need a little help getting pointed in the right direction.

(1) I have spent countless hours searching for proper ways to get a good email campaign framework setup so I can use ViralURL to the fullest. Do you have any favorite videos or documents that lay out a killer step-by-step gameplan for how to properly build a relationship with ViralURL people instead of just spamming them which is what most people seem to do with it?

(2) I am at the Elite Ambassador level of Social Monkee but the directions seem to be pointed to people that are already familiar with the system, OR they are for people that are already well established.

(3) I have Optimize Press 2.0 and Genesis Framework

(4) I have several cool tools for posting on Facebook Pages automatically

(5) Many tools for building splash pages and funnels

(6) I am extra excited to start building an empire with Secret Web Assets but it seems to be focused on building traffic for sites that are already setup to take and process leads.

(7) I also checked out Magnetic Sponsoring recently and devoured an audio talking about how to run a business on $500 per month, but the strategies they spoke about (eBay for instance) were radically outdated.

(8) I have a brand new Get Response account

(9) I am also in Empower

I just need a fresh start and perspective.
Thanks

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks so much for anything you can do to help.
I am more than willing to entertain a partnership or JV if you have skills I can use. We can collaborate with my tools
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    What about livesmarteronline.com in your sig? This site doesn't answer your questions?
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    • Thanks Randall,
      That site is just one option that's great on it's own. However, I am looking for more of a framework to build more of a safety net. I have had decent success as a belly-to-belly marketer but have not ventured into email marketing and list building till now.

      I know the "money is in the list" but I don't want to re-invent the wheel. I am looking for a way to integrate proven tools into a bigger engine I think. I don't trust one company only. Too many people come and go. I would rather build a structure of independent (replaceable) tools. That way, if one goes down, I can replace it without wrecking the rest of the model.
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  • Profile picture of the author tristatemedia
    the best advice i can give you is learn
    keyword research and build sites
    big bucks: create your own product.....i like devon brown stuff from this forum...but it is a a small investment
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  • Profile picture of the author dominik77
    learn how to sell things via net
    Signature
    I'm lookin' for people who are active in facebook or twitter.
    We could team up and make $ Hit me back if you’re interested
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Trujillo
    One thing I am guilt of is procrastination ! Procrastination is a killer when it comes to getting things done, and I am guilty of some of it too. But you gotta take control of your life or else nothing will happen!

    Another thing I am guilty of is reading constantly non stop and not putting action into what I learned.
    For everything you read use it. Knowledge without action is useless !
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  • Profile picture of the author Mack
    I bounced around a lot between a bunch of niches. If I were to start again I'd put forth all of my efforts into one niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    Originally Posted by LiveSmarterNotHarder View Post

    This is not an ad - it's a very serious question.
    Yeah that's been asked dozens of times before....

    Originally Posted by LiveSmarterNotHarder View Post

    Thanks so much for anything you can do to help.
    I am more than willing to entertain a partnership or JV if you have skills I can use. We can collaborate with my tools
    There is a JV forum you could use: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-joint-ventures/
    Signature
    Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

    ― George Carlin
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    • Thanks salegurus,
      Like I said, I have been looking all over the place for help in forums, Google, Youtube, etc. so I didn't waste anyone's time asking questions that were answered years ago. The thing is, the answers that are so plentiful are either really inspiring and practical but outdated (Frank Kern's old stuff, etc., etc.) or touted by fake gurus that are only looking for the immediate sale and not the long-term relationship.

      I am wanting to build an empire. I am not a procrastinator. In fact, my family wishes that I would be so I could get more than 3-4 hours of sleep a night.
      The answers are out there but I need to connect with folks that have been there and know how to make vision a reality.

      I have a growing team of hard-working, non-BSing, people that will go into the trenches and back with me but we are hitting a wall when it comes to the technical aspects of the big picture. I want to integrate niche marketing as well, but integrating a solid list building strategy (with good systematic sales funnel email campaigns) is where I have not gone before and need some practical direction.

      I am not looking for freebies either, but I have had it with spending big cash for outdated junk.

      Does that make sense?
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  • Profile picture of the author GJG
    If I were starting from scratch again, I would learn everything I could about traffic generation from the very beginning. Plus I would learn as much as I could from people who really know what they are talking about.

    For example, there is an incredible amount of free information on Neil Patel's site (quicksprout.com) and Matthew Woodward's site (matthewwoodward.co.uk), just to mention 2.

    I've also mentioned before, on a different thread, Spencer Haw's live coaching of a newbie setting up a new niche site and taking it through to a monthly income. You can find this under Niche Project 2 on nichepursuits.com.

    And of course, there is a wealth of information provided on this forum as well.

    Good luck with your venture and keep us posted.
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    • GJG: Thank you for the references. That is a big step in the right direction.

      My desire is to build a scalable network of niche sites and services that supplement the network.

      The intent is to use various methods to build leads using services like ViralURL, YouTube, Social Monkee (for YouTube only) and JVs. Proving and testing a few at a time to determine which methods are the most effective.

      Working with partners to create a synergistic, SEO-establishing tribe of sites in a modular way should help keep things manageable and not too overwhelming. The point is to create a model that works well first and farm out the work to other tribe members as needed.
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    • Profile picture of the author lucidzfl
      Originally Posted by GJG View Post

      For example, there is an incredible amount of free information on Neil Patel's site (quicksprout.com)
      I got bombarded by 2 div popups in a row immediately when i went to that site, and another, timed popup happened about a minute later...

      Is this commonplace in IM "help" sites?
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      • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
        I have had some success online only to be shot down in flames by algo changes, whatever.

        So, starting again, set myself a rule or 2.

        Do 2-3 different things to generate income.

        If one changes and belly flops, replace it.

        Learn them inside out. Don't miss steps.

        Never rely on one thing. The net evolves to fast.

        MLM is never to be used, unless your at the top! :-)

        Go for as much automation as possible. find good smart software with good support to help you.

        If your working 12 hours a day (and not 1 to 4 eventually max) then your not living the dream!

        Unless, your generating thousands a day and want to save up a bit to retire. :-)

        Dont Procrastonate, read about it or dream about it. DO It

        If you came up with an idea that no-one else has thought of. Try it!

        Just a few.
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        Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

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  • Profile picture of the author rmolina88
    Start my list at the very beginning instead of jumping from method to method, hoping to find the golden nugget.
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    • rmolina88 - Absolutely.
      Definitely not looking for a magic pill. Instead, I know how vital it is to have a list to establish relationships with the readers. I just recently went with GetResponse as the engine. Now I just need to find a big-picture plan to see how it should all be mapped out.
      I know better than to get "analysis paralysis" and end up doing nothing while waiting for the perfect plan. I do, however need to look over someone's shoulder who actually knows what to do ...and not do if they had it to do over again.
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  • Profile picture of the author Arun Chandran
    You should join the war room. The info in there rocks and you will benefit greatly.
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  • Profile picture of the author josephwilson86
    Im a newb but I have made some sales so here goes nothing: dude, stop buying things and start selling things. pick one thing to sell and focus on selling it. if youre in empower then sell that. get traffic to the squeeze page an figure out how to close them. Im in the bim team in empower so i have access to sone better training but theres not much to it. just buy trafficfor your landing pages. i get like .5% sales conversion from people who opt in from solo ads. its barely profitable but its something.
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  • Profile picture of the author josephwilson86
    If I had to start over again I would javr staryed with bim instead of wasting money on other stuff first so I wpuld have been able to buy more traffic. I went back to my oilfield job and have been workung a lot extra so Ill be able to do buy tons of traffic, enough to test the various parts of my funnel that clearly need adjusting.
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    • Thanks for your help and the ideas. There's plenty to chew on for a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Originally Posted by LiveSmarterNotHarder View Post

    This is not an ad - it's a very serious question.

    I know there are people of all skill and experience levels here so I think all can benefit from the discussion.

    There are many ambitious folks out there (and on the board) that are searching countless resources and blindly buying the next shiny object that promises wealth. Unfortunately there are thousands of "gurus" out there and hardly any of them seem to know what they are doing or they are blatantly self-serving and not trustworthy.

    Is there a favorite site or program out there that can show people how to start building an empire from ground zero (no list, no website) that gives ideas and instructions - not just sales pitches - on how to get started step by step?

    Many people have purchased and will purchase many tools that are not being implemented properly. Much of this is not apathy, but lack of direction and support once the product is purchased. Many dreams have been dashed over the years because the information out there is simply overwhelming and often outdated.

    The ideas below would be great ideas for a new information product or program. This product could tie in all of your services and help everyone fully maximize your tools.
    What do you think?

    I have many tools and systems and I am hungry to get started in the right direction but all of the tools are designed for people that are already established in the industry.

    I have 13 years of IT experience (not scared of computers) and am very hungry to establish the foundation for a scalable empire, but I desperately need to find a framework to run on.

    I am very hungry for success but often having a hard time formulating how to implement a modern strategy that is not based on outdated tech. I just need a little help getting pointed in the right direction.

    (1) I have spent countless hours searching for proper ways to get a good email campaign framework setup so I can use ViralURL to the fullest. Do you have any favorite videos or documents that lay out a killer step-by-step gameplan for how to properly build a relationship with ViralURL people instead of just spamming them which is what most people seem to do with it?

    (2) I am at the Elite Ambassador level of Social Monkee but the directions seem to be pointed to people that are already familiar with the system, OR they are for people that are already well established.

    (3) I have Optimize Press 2.0 and Genesis Framework

    (4) I have several cool tools for posting on Facebook Pages automatically

    (5) Many tools for building splash pages and funnels

    (6) I am extra excited to start building an empire with Secret Web Assets but it seems to be focused on building traffic for sites that are already setup to take and process leads.

    (7) I also checked out Magnetic Sponsoring recently and devoured an audio talking about how to run a business on $500 per month, but the strategies they spoke about (eBay for instance) were radically outdated.

    (8) I have a brand new Get Response account

    (9) I am also in Empower

    I just need a fresh start and perspective.
    Thanks

    Can anyone point me in the right direction?

    Thanks so much for anything you can do to help.
    I am more than willing to entertain a partnership or JV if you have skills I can use. We can collaborate with my tools
    OK it sounds like you have a bunch of projects... you are super excited, you want to build empires, you have all these tools, you have this, you have that. However, you are missing DIRECTION.

    What is it you are chasing?

    Where do you want to go?

    What are you afraid of?

    You have not spent endless hours and it looks like dollars, to now put your hands up and say "Now what?" You are afraid of the next step.

    Of all the investments you have and will make the next one is the biggest. That investment is in YOU! What is YOUR passion? What are YOUR desires? what are YOUR interests? THAT is the answer to "Now what?"

    A domain name, and 1 year hosting is what $50? $100? Do what it is that interests you. Do what you are passionate about. Live in an experience that is Joyful! Yes learn from those systems... but don't think those systems are the answers. YOU are your own answer.

    If after 1 year everything fails, think of all that you will have learned from doing not reading. Think of the fun you will have had by doing what it is you enjoy. Stop thinking the answers are outside of yourself. Take some time ( 5 mins is good haha ) look inside yourself, and "Feel" the idea, "feel" the passion. Honestly if you act on THAT you wont fail...

    Hope that Helps!
    Signature
    Success is an ACT not an idea
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    • savidge4: Thanks. Perhaps I left this question too open for interpretation.
      I was really trying to keep it technical.

      The tools I am testing, and my work ethic are not the issue. Many people experiment with several tools. They don't necessarily use every single thing they buy because a lot of the tools end up being pretty cheesy or just too rigid to be usable.

      I merely listed the tools I had on hand to say "If you had these tools what could you imagine doing with them first?"

      At it's most basic element, what I was really looking for is an outline for what would you do to begin a lead generating campaign that could be expanded upon later.

      Sorry if I wasn't more clear.
      I truly do appreciate your help.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by LiveSmarterNotHarder View Post

        I merely listed the tools I had on hand to say "If you had these tools what could you imagine doing with them first?"

        At it's most basic element, what I was really looking for is an outline for what would you do to begin a lead generating campaign that could be expanded upon later.

        Sorry if I wasn't more clear.
        I truly do appreciate your help.
        My answer really does not change to much... Look inside find YOUR passion. Keep in mind the business your are starting is going to 4 to 12 hours a day 7 days a week 52 weeks a year. If I am doing something I don't like, it would be like getting kicked in the nuts ever hour on the hour 24 hours a day!

        Life is to short to chase a financial goals. However, chasing a DREAM.. thats a whole other ball game! I happen to Love programming web sites. I happen to Love HD TV's I have a 2 UHD blogs, ( And in time these will pay off ) I install Satellite Internet because I Love it. I have a wife because I Love her. I don't have a dog, because I don't love cleaning up after them!

        Nothing in my experience is a let down. If I don't enjoy it, I don't do it!

        So again I say get a domain, build a site. Start with a blog.. write write write. develop your site and be happy about it. build a list... sell your own product.. sell someone elses products sell your own services.. sell petrified poo from peru if that is what you enjoy and makes you happy!

        Hope that Helps!
        Signature
        Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author sirtiman
    Get fast way income to pay your monthly bills.
    JV with your friends/communities
    Make your sales funnels more solid and converting.
    Grow your social audiences
    Monetize your sites so can be profitable in the future.
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  • Profile picture of the author koocnaed
    Just dive in... I spent the best part of 2 years reading and buying product after product without taking action...

    Just go for it!!
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    Do you need to have multiple income streams to succeed in Internet Marketing?

    Have Your Say Here...

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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    To answer the question in your thread title, it would be take action. Pick something and begin. Things were much different for me, way back then, than it is for you now. On the other hand, many things are pretty much the same.

    I find it interesting that you (seem) to be so judgmental about established online business people and pronouncing their methods are outdated. How do you know that for a fact? Have you used their methods and discovered they no longer work? If not, then that's something for you to re-think. IMO.

    It's fine to want to build an empire, as you state, but focus on what needs to be done now, today. It sucks starting out from nothing, or close to it, because you are impatient or seem to be. Maybe frustrated which can make a person impatient.

    This forum is over-flowing with just about all the answers and advice you need. Use the search function > advance search > search thread titles with a few keywords > search in the main forum. Or search other forums for info on social media marketing, etc.

    You have no experience in IM, so I'd avoid the make money online market since you cannot speak or teach from experience. Can you create a product based on your IT experience? Now that would be up your alley. How about an info product targeted toward college graduates in the IT field?

    How to interview for an IT job.
    What do IT hiring managers look for.
    Questions to expect when interviewing for an IT job.

    I'm sure you can build a good and valuable table of contents for the rest.

    Make a site, create a good video or ebook download freebie to get their email and do email marketing. Learn how to write effective email content.

    The Spanish speaking market is huge. If you have the funds, translate the IT project into Spanish and market it to relevant countries. You'll get a good ROI.

    You'll gain valuable experience just from doing that. Then your next project will be easier and more effective.

    Also, create an info product based on interviewing IT managers and IT professionals. You can turn it into a DVD product and sell at a higher price point. Make it different from the original info product and upsell to your list.

    You'll gain more experience with product creation.

    How about expanding into related fields? Create products and do what you learned in the first two projects. What about IT-related certifications? Write a list of relevant and important topics and you're all set, more or less.

    Take action on your strengths and knowledge and pull the trigger. You'll screw-up here and there but we all have. Press on.

    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author ServeNoMore
    I'm probably going against the idea of warriorism here, but let me suggest this as an option. Take some time off. As much as you need. When I got started online I dove in to every opportunity that came along. I jumped from one guru's product to another. I boggled my brain with information overload and the desire to just make money.

    I didn't have success til I literally stopped, turned the computer off, went to Tennessee, and helped a friend build his log cabin. Nothing but me, wood, screws, power tools, and glue. Cut the logs, stack the logs, glue the logs, screw the logs. There wasn't a better setting, for me, to rediscover my passions and redefine my purpose. Do something like that. Whatever place it is, give your mind some space. There's nothing wrong in resetting. A boggled mind gets no where.

    Now that you've renewed your passions and purpose and it's something other than money, it's easier to discover other like minded people. There's your niche market, and it's not the whole wide world. Your niche may be pretty small, but you can hone-in a whole lot easier. Hang out online and offline where they hang out. Speak the lingo they speak. Read the magazines they read. Find out what they want or need, they're probably not so different than yours. Find or create a product or service and market it to them. Everything (product creation, traffic, sales copy, etc) becomes so much easier when you know your market and your market is you. Then you learn processes and systematize things in your business without beating your head against the wall and you can hire others to move your business into other niches.
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  • Profile picture of the author davidjenyns
    You can do niche marketing or building niche sites for money. I know a person who does this cool thing and did it from scratch. Try to learn it from Niche Profit Classroom for just $1 using this link: bit [dot] ly/Adam-Short or you can PM me.
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  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    I would just build squeeze pages in different niche's that are profitable and drive as much targeted traffic to them as possible.

    Then rinse, wash, and repeat.

    Best business model out there
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    • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
      Originally Posted by entrepreneurjay View Post

      I would just build squeeze pages in different niche's that are profitable and drive as much targeted traffic to them as possible.

      Then rinse, wash, and repeat.

      Best business model out there
      List building is not a business model. It's a marketing angle for a business. No one marketing angle is going to make your business here in 2014.
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      • Profile picture of the author celente
        Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post

        List building is not a business model. It's a marketing angle for a business. No one marketing angle is going to make your business here in 2014.
        its part of a process.

        And i am not sure about the comment.

        Most poeple who bag list building, or say it doesnt work, are normally those who struggle to make money online, or who make no money.

        List building and sales funnel are part of our process and I make over $10k per month online. Without list building I would hardly make a few bucks a day.

        List building in on a marketing angle, its a process, and once I learnt how to list build properly, It changed my life. I now realise I never have to work another crappy 9 to 5 er job again.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by celente View Post

          Most poeple who bag list building, or say it doesnt work, are normally those who struggle to make money online, or who make no money.

          List building and sales funnel are part of our process and I make over $10k per month online. Without list building I would hardly make a few bucks a day.

          List building in on a marketing angle, its a process, and once I learnt how to list build properly, It changed my life. I now realise I never have to work another crappy 9 to 5 er job again.
          I honestly am not a huge fan of list building - and there is a reason I will get to. I do, do it, but rarely, if ever now that I am thinking about it, directly sell from it. For me it is keeping up with everyone. I do questionnaire and direct response stuff, give tips, tell them whats new yada yada. Basically a news letter.

          So why I'm not a huge fan of lists? #1 I don't like being on them myself. If you are on this forum and I'm on your list, consider yourself one of the few and fortunate. ( I just checked my e-mailbox. I am involved in 5 lists total. Sony, Samsung, TigerDirect, and 2 warriors )

          #2 I don't like being upsold. If I buy an ebook for $7 and it says it has all the answers, ( of course it doesn't ) then in 3 days I get another e-mail that's says "Wait, theres more... $47" Why didn't you offer me the $47 version to start with. - Because you are to concerned with building a list.

          #3 has to do with an industry I sell in. Satellite internet and TV services. Once I make a sale, I have until that service is installed to upsell. After that I can not add services to an account. There is basically no monetary value in it for me. So the question is why build a list?

          Across the board in everything I sell, it is an answer to a want or need. It is a complete answer to that want or need. The only reason I now have lists, is to cross expose each niche to one another for addition traffic/sales. I have become a firm believer in building TRUST, building my BRAND, and leveraging that BRAND TRUST across all of my products and services. If there was ever a reason for a list, that is the only one I have seen to consider, and implement.

          I am in NO WAY suggesting list building is the wrong thing to do, I understand it, I get it... I do use it. Just not in the same way as the average IM'er

          Hope That Helps!
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        • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
          Originally Posted by celente View Post

          Most poeple who bag list building, or say it doesnt work
          Not many people trash list building entirely.

          The problem is if you read this forum from a newbie's perspective you'll be under the impression that you can essentially run a business out of your email account (Aweber) with a little help from WordPress for a squeeze page. It is highly unlikely that you'll find success with this starting fresh today.

          Business models that rely on selling to list traffic have been in a downward spiral for years. The email capture and open rates are too low. Perhaps not low enough for a very well established mailer to close up shop, but low enough for newbies to look elsewhere to build long term security. The free offer has kept new lists on life support, but how long will that last?

          Originally Posted by celente View Post

          List building and sales funnel are part of our process and I make over $10k per month online. Without list building I would hardly make a few bucks a day.
          I find this very hard to believe. If you've actually got a $10k per month list, great (they do exist). What I question is one's ability to make $10k from a list, yet about $0 from anything else.

          Traffic that originates from lists does convert nicely*, but it isn't so much better than other traffic sources to explain $10,000 versus $0.

          *Assuming the list wasn't built to sell solo ads.
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          • Profile picture of the author celente
            Originally Posted by DubDubDubDot View Post


            I find this very hard to believe. If you've actually got a $10k per month list, great (they do exist). What I question is one's ability to make $10k from a list, yet about $0 from anything else.

            Traffic that originates from lists does convert nicely*, but it isn't so much better than other traffic sources to explain $10,000 versus $0.

            *Assuming the list wasn't built to sell solo ads.
            My theory is new leads every day, plus your list. I have tried everything else, and this works for me. WHY? I was coached by a marketer who makes about $500,000 on line each year.

            Its no use telling me all this stuff about listbuilding, when it is obvious you do not have much experience at all.

            I was merely explaining that listbuilding can get you to make money quicker. No its not the only way I make money, but I think it is the best. Once you have a system in place I think its about upscaling and outsourcing, but clearly you are missing my point here. So I save my breath.
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        • Profile picture of the author DubDubDubDot
          Originally Posted by celente View Post

          Without list building I would hardly make a few bucks a day.
          Originally Posted by celente View Post

          No its not the only way I make money, but I think it is the best.
          Make up your mind.
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  • Guys, I have to say I am very impressed with the thoughtfulness, professionalism and humility everyone used in their responses rather than flaming me or coming down on me for being frustrated. Your wisdom and tact is not lost on me.

    I took a hybrid approach of your ideas today and went out to dinner with a good friend to bounce ideas your brought up and map out a plan of attack. Both of us are very passionate about this project. Both of us have wives that we love and who support us in our passion to make this a reality. This makes it all the more important that we don't go too far down the wrong road when it comes to our efforts.

    We both have very limited time in the evening to work this and I have regularly been waking up early to research tools, methods and strategies for this project as every bit of effort and money is tight and important.

    Our intent is not to build the Death Star in a weekend. Instead, we just want to build a well thought out framework and then attack the beast one module at a time. It doesn't matter how long that takes as long as it is solid and we don't spend our efforts following a tactic that is outdated or something that Google will penalize us for like so many were within the last few years.

    (KenThompson) That's what I was frustrated about when I said that so many of the things I had purchased were outdated before I got them. I wasn't being blindly judgemental, I was just upset as I could've spent that money more wisely elsewhere. I hope that makes sense and clears things up.

    My thoughts are:
    Because "the money is in the list", we need to establish a solid centralized backbone. I have chosen GetResponse as it seems to be a cost-effective mix. This will help us keep in touch with our customers, no matter what niche they are in.

    What I don't know is how to properly structure a solid sales funnel model that builds the relationship instead of only hammering them to buy! buy! buy! all the time. We are all sick of that, I'm sure.

    Once that is established:
    1. Niche capture pages
    2. Sites/Blogs to support each niche and help build organic backlinks for our network of sites
    3. Traffic building to the sites
    4. Build partnerships and JVs to solidify traffic even more

    Once each is stable and automated as much as possible, like entrepreneurjay said, rinse-wash-repeat. Genius in it's simplicity.

    If we build the framework right, it will act as a safety-net of sorts so if/when one of the niches dries up the others will keep the boat afloat.

    That's the gist of why the email system foundation is so important. If we can make that structure solid, we can "bolt on" as many modules as we want, whenever we need to.

    I hope it's obvious that this isn't something I am taking lightly, or having trouble getting out of the gate. Believe me, I am chomping at the bit. I just need to make sure that once we bolt out of the gate, we are running on the right track.

    There would be no worse feeling for us to realize that after the years of work, and time glued to the screen instead of with our families, that life could be easier if we would have simply asked you guys who had been down this road before, what you would do if you were in our place.

    Thank you very much for your time.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      [QUOTE=LiveSmarterNotHarder;8857733]My thoughts are:
      Because "the money is in the list", we need to establish a solid centralized backbone. I have chosen GetResponse as it seems to be a cost-effective mix. This will help us keep in touch with our customers, no matter what niche they are in.

      What I don't know is how to properly structure a solid sales funnel model that builds the relationship instead of only hammering them to buy! buy! buy! all the time. We are all sick of that, I'm sure.

      Once that is established:
      1. Niche capture pages
      2. Sites/Blogs to support each niche and help build organic backlinks for our network of sites
      3. Traffic building to the sites
      4. Build partnerships and JVs to solidify traffic even more

      Once each is stable and automated as much as possible, like entrepreneurjay said, rinse-wash-repeat. Genius in it's simplicity.

      If we build the framework right, it will act as a safety-net of sorts so if/when one of the niches dries up the others will keep the boat afloat.
      QUOTE]

      I honestly understand the desire to do it right, and do it right the first time. I'm right there with you. The reality is, unless the stars are lined up just right, that wont happen. You can be doing all the right things, and still fumble for answers. With time and testing things will fall in to place, but it wont happen right out of the gate.

      There is a reason this forum has 698,912 members. If a couple months of careful planning was all that was required, none of us would be here. I personally have 6 blogs 7 websites, an etsy store an ebay store umpteen social media accounts, and I still struggle from time to time.

      The absolutely easiest thing I have ever done online is Ebay, and the hardest? Etsy. They are both stores, you list and sell stuff. Was rinse repeat right? uh no. The demographics are WAY different the community is different, there is basically nothing other than selling stuff that is the same. It took me 45 minutes to sell my first item on ebay. It took me just under a year to sell my first item on etsy. Talk about pulling your hair out.

      I sell satellite based internet online, and I sell Satellite Tv. Again 2 like products, 2 totally different animals. My 2 most wide spread blogs are Ultra high definition and Halloween, again totally different.

      In all of this the tools are the same, Its how you compel your viewer to use them that's different. It is my STRONG belief you have to be one of who you are trying to connect to.

      Etsy as an example... I didn't get it, everything looked right to me. I finally figured out I had a friend his wife has a thriving etsy store. Had them over to dinner, she looked at it and started laughing. She looked at me and said "you are doing this aren't you?" I said yes, she said "let your wife do the writing!" My wife and I sat down. We re wrote everything... It was like pulling teeth for her, she hates that part. but 4 days later the first sale came in.

      I wasn't hitting the right cords to reach our demographic. Etsy is like 80% female just like Pinterest. That sit down process with my wife taught me how to be one of them ( In writing habits only thank you very much ).

      What I am trying to say as many have. You are starting a journey, its going to be bumpy you are going to wonder what the hell you are doing. But know one thing, once you start... you are headed in the right direction.

      Its sounds like you have a basic understanding of what you need to do. Build a site, implement a list, blog, sell product. You have the proto type model right in front of you, its now time to build the real thing. Just put the keys in, start it up, hit the gas and drive!

      Hope that Helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Fortunately I’m not beginning now. I don't think I would have the courage to begin again.

    I would study internet marketing at the Warrior forum everyday before doing whatever online.

    I would keep studying and learning forever, and following the right steps.

    It’s hard to find the right steps, and it’s even harder to really follow them, but you have to know what you are doing if you want to succeed.

    If you won't follow a smart business plan, you won't achieve your goals. You have to begin by preparing the right plan. Then, you have to put it into practice. This is another adventure.




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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    What I don't know is how to properly structure a solid sales funnel model that builds the relationship instead of only hammering them to buy! buy! buy! all the time. We are all sick of that, I'm sure.
    There are different ways to build a sales funnel, and it really depends on the people in the niche you're in. Actually, I think it's easy to build a relationship and avoid alienating them with constant offers.

    I'd suggest never losing focus on providing real value in your emails. You set a particular expectation when they sign-up for your list. In fact, tell them what they can expect from you and do not deviate from that. But also realize that in time you will condition them. And don't be afraid to sell to them.

    Depending on the niche, you may have to test different sales funnel structures before finding one that hits the sweet spot. I'd avoid assuming one funnel structure is ideal for all niches. You can find sales funnel WSOs as well as threads that discuss them. But I believe the WSOs may be older. Don't spend much if any time in the WSO section anymore.

    Sounds like you're sincere and serious about everything. You won't get it all 100% perfect and right the first time. So be careful about taking forever to achieve what you think may be marketing perfection. And with some things, you really won't know how right it is until it's live and out there. Take the feedback in what ever form it comes and adjust as necessary.

    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author gkoutstaal
    Sharing is multiply, that's a known proverb. I met the Dutch-solar team. Read my item about join forces together: Community is king!
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  • For anyone who is following this thread, I found some more great advice in addition to the great advice people so graciously helped with: http://www.warriorforum.com/blogs/th...-creation.html

    Enjoy! I've got my work cut out for me
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    its simple and if anyone follows my advice can make it big.

    1) Stick to one niche

    2) Become authority in that niche.

    3) Paid traffic, (this is a must)

    4) BUILD A LIST (this is a must must must)

    5) keep list of buyers, look after them (This is a must must must)

    The rest will be history and the world will become your oyster!
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  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    The best thing anyone can do is pick a tried and tested and proven business model then follow a strategy that is known to work.

    Don't try and re-invent the wheel or buy "brand new systems" that promise all sorts of ridiculous things.
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  • I love the variety of experiences in this thread. It's one of the reasons I love this community so much. Thank you for pitching in. This is exactly what I was hoping for.
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  • Profile picture of the author tonydbaker
    I find myself starting over all the time. It can be a good thing. But whatever you do, just try to do it as fast as you can. Get it out there, even if it's "beta" and see if the market reacts. If the don't react, then optimize. If they still don't react, then bail and move on to the next project.
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  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    Get your own site on your own server. Build a list. Network on twitter like crazy. Write a lot. Build great links. Build a brand. Ignore the claims and nonsense out there.
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    The one thing I wish I did from the beginning is what I do now:

    Keep a work log on my hours and work at least 40 hours a week on building my own brand, assets and products, and no one elses.
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  • Profile picture of the author onthedotmarketing
    Having read 2-3 of your replies it seems that you are trying to build a whole system of your own working a bit in the evenings and in the mornings while doing other things in between ( i guess your 'normal' work). i have built 4-5 traditional businesses from scratch ranging from restaurants to a small hotel. If i could give you a piece of advice would be that you got to be 'all in' without safety net because that triggers your brain to work overtime and make it work. There are 1001 ways to succeed either online or offline and everyone picks a different route. The principles are the same though, whether is list building, backlinks, blogging, seo, affiliate marketing or whatever...

    If you don't want to go through the issues of creating your own system and dedicate sweat blood and tears (coz that's what it usually takes despite what the 'gurus' tell you) then the easiest most successful route i know is the one of Franchising or Licensing (in the online world). Pick top tier program/business, license it and simply promote it. This way you build your list, you can build a relationship with clients and you go the whole funnel and customer support 'done for you'.

    you say you are good with computers...perfect, you are ahead of 95% of new marketers who just get on the market. Use your knowledge, stop jumping ship every 2 months to avoid information overload and get yourself an already working model which you promote on the market. You won't make millions but you can make 6 figures without too much trouble.

    hope it helps
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    • Originally Posted by onthedotmarketing View Post

      Having read 2-3 of your replies it seems that you are trying to build a whole system of your own working a bit in the evenings and in the mornings while doing other things in between ( i guess your 'normal' work). i have built 4-5 traditional businesses from scratch ranging from restaurants to a small hotel. If i could give you a piece of advice would be that you got to be 'all in' without safety net because that triggers your brain to work overtime and make it work. There are 1001 ways to succeed either online or offline and everyone picks a different route. The principles are the same though, whether is list building, backlinks, blogging, seo, affiliate marketing or whatever...

      If you don't want to go through the issues of creating your own system and dedicate sweat blood and tears (coz that's what it usually takes despite what the 'gurus' tell you) then the easiest most successful route i know is the one of Franchising or Licensing (in the online world). Pick top tier program/business, license it and simply promote it. This way you build your list, you can build a relationship with clients and you go the whole funnel and customer support 'done for you'.

      you say you are good with computers...perfect, you are ahead of 95% of new marketers who just get on the market. Use your knowledge, stop jumping ship every 2 months to avoid information overload and get yourself an already working model which you promote on the market. You won't make millions but you can make 6 figures without too much trouble.

      hope it helps
      I would thank you 10x but I can't find the button for it

      You nailed it on the head and I am already taking your advice (as well as others). This is exactly my situation. I can't shed the safety net yet, but I am bound and determined to do so ASAP. Having my attention split all the time is driving me nuts.

      Thanks for the inspiration!
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      • Profile picture of the author Kindleismylife
        I have done offline business, product creation and copywriting in the past.

        During ALL of those it was a struggle to get clients/prospects to fork over the money. I learned one important lesson:

        Most People Don't Want To Get Better - They Just Want To Be Entertained

        So I switched to writing fiction for Kindle. Best decision of my life.

        I have never seen money flow so easily as I have working on the entertainment side of things.

        If I could start all over I would move directly into entertainment - specifically, writing for kindle - and avoid trying to convince people that they need to make themselves better/improve their business/etc.

        Just entertain them.
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  • Profile picture of the author mondays
    If i had to start all over again there is only one way I would go.
    I would build all my lists using "negative" marketing promotion techniques, with YouTube as my only medium.
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    You are as good as the tools you use are!!!
    I CAN FUND YOUR IDEA IF I LIKE IT!!!

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  • Profile picture of the author elidean
    get a good mentor!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author carlamae
    I would first and foremost get a mentor! Then I'd get involved in a system that is already in place instead of trying to re-invent the wheel...which is what I did for awhile before I found my groove.
    The right system will include your mentoring. All the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author The Rich Brother
    I think your main problem is you're not focused on one business model.
    It was also my problem in the past, until i relised that it's better to give 100% efforts in one field than 50% in 10 fields..
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  • Profile picture of the author Sitestomp
    I would have built better lists. Bottom line. That is the one thing I constantly beat myself up over to this day. I wish I was much more adamant about collecting emails and building lists on some of my older websites. Live and learn.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Jess
    Starting all over again?

    Easy... I would build a list right from the start but not just any list, a highly responsive list

    It's easy to build a list with very little cash if you know what your doing.

    So together with building a list, I would have found someone who is walking the walk so to speak, and get him or her to mentor you.

    This will keep you focused and on track to reach your end goal. And with a mentor, you will do it 10x quicker
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  • Profile picture of the author rwbovee
    I'm still trying to figure it out, but lately am trying flipping domain names and blogging. I am starting to make some pretty good money with adsense now.
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  • Wow, guys. The tips you are giving are truly gold. The last few days, I have been applying the steps that make sense for my situation and it ha been a huge relief to find a groove. I'm just getting in it, mind you, but failure by acting and testing and acting some more is never a bad thing. You guys are fantastic motivators. Thank you!
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    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      Build a list and create an authority site in my primary niche. I jumped around way too many sites and niches and should have stuck to my initial site/niche.
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      • Profile picture of the author bretski
        I would have wasted less time planning what I was going to do and just DONE IT!

        Do you have a site up? Even if it's not perfect or not even close to perfect, get something done.

        Having something to show for your hours is important.

        Some of my earliest sites sucked. I mean, they were and are really bad. But, do you know what? They've made me money.

        As I got better by actually working at this... writing better copy... building sites that were visually more appealing and building a LOT of sites, I made more money.

        These days I spend about ten to fifteen minutes planning my day and what I want to get done and the rest of the time I try to keep my head down and keep on moving.

        You need to create something in order to make that nut. Ideas are great but until they're acted upon they're nothing.

        Gaining knowledge and talking about plans for an empire is great but until you put it into action and do something it's just flagellation.
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        • Originally Posted by bretski View Post

          I would have wasted less time planning what I was going to do and just DONE IT!

          Do you have a site up? Even if it's not perfect or not even close to perfect, get something done.

          Having something to show for your hours is important.

          Some of my earliest sites sucked. I mean, they were and are really bad. But, do you know what? They've made me money.

          As I got better by actually working at this... writing better copy... building sites that were visually more appealing and building a LOT of sites, I made more money.

          These days I spend about ten to fifteen minutes planning my day and what I want to get done and the rest of the time I try to keep my head down and keep on moving.

          You need to create something in order to make that nut. Ideas are great but until they're acted upon they're nothing.

          Gaining knowledge and talking about plans for an empire is great but until you put it into action and do something it's just flagellation.
          Believe me, I get that. I have my hands in real estate and mobile marketing mostly. One is much more automated than the other, however.

          My focus with this thread was to spend a minute of planning instead of losing an hour, so to speak.

          Without using your compass and mapping out your trip, even for a few minutes, you may not get to the destination any time soon. In fact, if you get too off course, you may run out of fuel in the middle of the ocean...wishing you had asked a more experienced skipper what he would do first.

          My issue is not getting off the dock (I am chomping at the bit). The issue is knowing which ports to stop at along the way (setting up email campaigns and sales funnels that have half a chance of converting for instance). Pretty "simple" really.

          I'm just trying to make sure I'm using a proven, converting framework. People really don't change that much. I have a feeling someone has a framework that works for most folks.

          I am on the right path now, I am just hoping that others will benefit from this thread even a fraction as much as I have.

          Thanks again to everyone that pitched in to help!
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          • Profile picture of the author bretski
            I think too many people waste "a few minutes planning" or learning or trying to find a "framework" or whatever other buzzword they want to use... searching forums, asking basic questions that could be answered either by searching the forum or google and they get nothing done.

            Talking and planning what you're going to do is not doing. It's not work. There is work required to be successful. A lot of work and toil and failure until you hit on something that works for you.

            It would be like talking about painting landscapes for money. There is an art to this... crafting words... creating sites...

            Someone can talk all they want about painting and read books or look at different techniques but until they do it they're not an artist.

            Go buy a domain, set up your hosting and get crackin'... you have an autoresponder but you don't have any websites set up for it? Stuff just doesn't add up dude
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            • Thanks bretski. It adds up with a little more info. I never said I didn't have websites or services or products etc. That's been a common misconception on this thread. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough earlier.

              The point is that I have done plenty of spinning wheels trying to learn and test and got really frustrated. Just like many people out there in desperate need of changing careers or folks like me that are busting their butt trying to pay the bills. This is a new industry for me that I am humbly trying to get better at.

              I figured the wisest thing to do would be to ask people who have been doing it longer than me what they would do in my shoes.

              Frankly I could care less what people perceive about my path or method to get there. No one is spoonfeeding me any get-rich-quick lies. That's for chumps. I get it. It would really help to know what ingredients to put in the cake before tossing it in the oven and expecting it to be edible in the end. I don't think Hell's Kitchen is an inevitability for everyone, especially if they have a cookbook to read, even if it's missing a few pages here and there.

              I will gladly wade through flamers and know-it-alls all flipping day. Bring it on. (I'm not referring to anyone in this thread btw - I'm just making a point.).

              My family is too important to give up on the journey just because I stubbed my toe or fell in a pit.

              There are many folks out there with similar struggles that don't voice them. Hopefully this thread will help in some way.
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  • Profile picture of the author bretski
    Originally Posted by LiveSmarterNotHarder View Post

    This is not an ad - ......

    (9) I am also in Empower....
    I'm pretty sure that this has something to do with it but whatever.

    Maybe that's the framework
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    • Not sure where you are going with that comment. Did you see a link to it somewhere?
      Didn't think so.

      Actually, in the process of streamlining and focusing, I killed my EN account 2 days ago, not that you asked. I'm just saying I don't have anything to hide. I'm trying to be as transparent as possible. Take it for what it's worth. If you were trying to jab me for trying new things, move on. I have.
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    I'd invest some money into sites and get back into flipping. That's a shorter-term move (4-9 months)

    I'd also start a podcast and take the Entrepreneur On Fire route.
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    • Originally Posted by TryBPO View Post

      I'd invest some money into sites and get back into flipping. That's a shorter-term move (4-9 months)

      I'd also start a podcast and take the Entrepreneur On Fire route.
      Thanks for the idea. I love the podcast site. Very cool resource.
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  • Profile picture of the author 6figure101
    I would focus right from the start on building a solid sales funnel.
    It took me a while to figure that out but once I did, my online business and sales started to climb at a rapid rate.

    Just think of this... if you are buying traffic on Adwords and you can't seem to figure out how your competitors can bid so high on a keyword you are targeting, it is most likely because their sales funnel is further developed than yours. Their customer value is probably much higher than yours, and they can therefore pay more for their traffic.

    Another important one people overlook is tracking and split testing!
    Be ruthless with the above - and then focus on traffic.

    Now turn off the tv, get off Facebook or Youtube and get to work!
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