Advice on the Long-term Options

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Flip Sandoval

Hello all,

After many years of lukewarm attempts, I've decided to commit myself to learning IM so that I can someday make it a full-time career. My issue has always been not knowing what I should invest my time and money in. I have many interests but no real passions (sad, I know), so I do not have that one area that comes natural to me. So I kindly ask for suggestions from the people that have had success in this business. I hope that by reading your responses I will find something that resonates with me.

Just from reading this forum for a couple days, I know there is niche site creation, list building, how-to's, authority sites, affiliate marketing, drop-ship sales, etc. What else is out there? Any specific subcategories? What topics should I begin researching that will help build a business that can grow in time?

I should probably describe myself a bit in case it helps with targeted advice. I've created functional websites in the past (Wordpress, and Joomla) and I consider myself a decent writer. I do not code or program. Considering work and the fact that I've gone back to school, I estimate I can commit a minimum of 10 hours a week towards this endeavor. The most I would initially be willing to invest is $150 a month. More if I start to see success with time.

I apologize for the long post, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I realize I'm asking for free advice, but do so because I see a very friendly, helpful community from my readings so far and hope to one-day have the abilitity to pay it forward.

Just like if you were driving a vehicle, if you do not know where your destination is how can you create a journey there?

I'd start with setting some goals, think of the end result only and ask yourself where you want to go and more importantly WHY you want to go there?

Here's a quick task to get you going:

* Spend the next 2 days writing the perfect letter to yourself, but date it 5 years in the future. Write about what you achieved in the last 5 years, your new lifestyle and any other things that are important such as how your family has responded to your success. The idea is to make it as emotionally appealing as possible. You need to write it as if you are PEN-PALS with your future-self who is 5 years ahead of you!

Finally, keep studying and keep learning!

Thanks
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Flip Sandoval

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Daniel_James_Warburton

Just like if you were driving a vehicle, if you do not know where your destination is how can you create a journey there?

I'd start with setting some goals, think of the end result only and ask yourself where you want to go and more importantly WHY you want to go there?

Here's a quick task to get you going:

* Spend the next 2 days writing the perfect letter to yourself, but date it 5 years in the future. Write about what you achieved in the last 5 years, your new lifestyle and any other things that are important such as how your family has responded to your success. The idea is to make it as emotionally appealing as possible. You need to write it as if you are PEN-PALS with your future-self who is 5 years ahead of you!

Finally, keep studying and keep learning!

Thanks for the well thought out reply. The bolded bit certainly gives me something to think about. That's just it though, I feel I have the talent to create some success for myself, but have never known what direction that success lies in.

I'll give that letter a try and see where it leads me. Thanks again.

Thanks

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BeyondContentNY

11 years ago

One thing that troubles me about your post is that you claim that you're ready to commit yourself to IM, but then you limit the amount of time and money you're willing to put into getting started. While budgeting yourself financially is always a good thing.. I believe that, if you're going to limit your financial commitment, then you'll have to make up for it with time spent.

Anyhow, I definitely think setting long-term and short-term goals is a good start. I'd also think of potential obstacles you might face, and what you would do to overcome said obstacles. The goals are good though, as they'll give you an idea as to what metrics you need to measure to determine how successful your efforts are. Identifying those metrics will help you shape and re-shape your campaign when needed.

Thanks

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TygraOlympia

11 years ago

From my understanding, you're looking for something you can work on slowly over time at your own pace and make money from it to pay off what it cost to make and some small profits.

If that is the case, then you might want to consider doing some easy affiliate marketing. Build a website around a certain niche and just outsource the labor to fiverr or seoclerk gigs.
You could build a niche website for less than $200 and have strong backlinks to it.
It just depends on what you want to do and how fast.

Thanks

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l1one

11 years ago

list building, list building, list building no Coke, Pepsi...

In all seriousness I tell this to most noobs I run into. Stick with list building. It's the easiest money out there in IM.

Keep it very simple and go with the IM/MMO or Health niches.

Grow that list a big as you can! YOU WILL MAKE MONEY. Even with some of the worst emails and offers.

Most everything else is more complicated.

Thanks
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Christopher Fox

11 years ago

Originally Posted by l1one

...

In all seriousness I tell this to most noobs I run into ...
Keep it very simple and go with the IM/MMO ...

Just so I understand. When someone who has no real idea how to create an online business asks you for advice, you direct them to SELLING advice about how to create an online business to other people who are similarly clueless?

I see. Well, it certainly keeps the supply of 'noobs' up to sell to if you tell them to sell your product, with all of the other 'noobs' you send out there recruiting them. Good money in the blind leading the blind it seems, and if some of those blind you tell to engage in selling information and advice about a subject they don't know/understand find a few acorns and make a sale or two, it makes for great testimonials for your coaching sales page, I suppose ...

Thanks
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Gambino

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Christopher Fox

Just so I understand. When someone who has no real idea how to create an online business asks you for advice, you direct them to SELLING advice about how to create an online business to other people who are similarly clueless?

I see. Well, it certainly keeps the supply of 'noobs' up to sell to if you tell them to sell your product, with all of the other 'noobs' you send out there recruiting them. Good money in the blind leading the blind it seems, and if some of those blind you tell to engage in selling information and advice about a subject they don't know/understand find a few acorns and make a sale or two, it makes for great testimonials for your coaching sales page, I suppose ...

Agreed. One of the biggest issues with MMO is that noobs think it's "easy money" for some strange reason, and a lot of people get involved in an endless loop of buying crap and selling crap. The health niche isn't much better. Both are extremely competitive.

I would say, you probably have a leg up on most people that come through here based solely on the reason that you don't need the money right now. If you have time to build a sustainable business, it all starts with research.

Don't jump into anything. Don't fall for the shiny object tricks out there. Research, find what you want to do and create a plan for how to do it. There are many niches out there that are profitable and scaleable and much easier than getting into than the MMO or health niches.

I'd recommend starting by browsing Flippa and seeing what other people are doing. See what other kind of sites are out there, what their revenue looks like, and how you can enter the market with an improved product or a different product.

Thanks

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l1one

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Christopher Fox

Just so I understand. When someone who has no real idea how to create an online business asks you for advice, you direct them to SELLING advice about how to create an online business to other people who are similarly clueless?

I see. Well, it certainly keeps the supply of 'noobs' up to sell to if you tell them to sell your product, with all of the other 'noobs' you send out there recruiting them. Good money in the blind leading the blind it seems, and if some of those blind you tell to engage in selling information and advice about a subject they don't know/understand find a few acorns and make a sale or two, it makes for great testimonials for your coaching sales page, I suppose ...

Nice speaking to someone else from Colorado

Sorry to see you are coming back to IM with some predisposed idea that IM/MMO list building is just about selling advice on how to create a business. That's not true.

There are many, many different micro niches and career paths in IM.

I guarantee if you talk to most of the successful people in those niches they will all tell you LIST BUILDING is one of their keys to success. And it was when they got serious about it that their businesses started to take off.

So while you may not like my advice. I am giving you the TRUTH.

Thanks
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Christopher Fox

11 years ago

Originally Posted by l1one

Nice speaking to someone else from Colorado

I suppose. Though I can talk to Coloradans all day. I actually enoy talking to people here from all over the world, Coloradans included. Pretty cool thing, this internet thingy.

Sorry to see you are coming back to IM with some predisposed idea that IM/MMO list building is just about selling advice on how to create a business. That's not true.

There are many, many different micro niches and career paths in IM.

I'll make this my last post and you can have the last word. My opinion is that about the ONLY paths suitable for someone new to IM and also selling to the IM/MMO niche are selling services, NOT something through a list. Perhaps you will respond by saying you tell them to sell services through a list, but the general understanding is that lists are for physical, digital products, webinar, etc.

In general, lists are for Affiliate Marketing or selling your own product.

The problem I have with that advice, is that someone new doesn't have any real experience to make any JUDGEMENTS about what is useful and valuable to other IMers (other than what they read here and you tell 'em). That is why they came to you. Because they don't know how to succeed at the craft you are telling them to market to.

I ain't sayin' it won't work. I'm saying that if the other 'noobs' knew they were on a 'noob's' IM/MMO list, they probably wouldn't open their wallet.

I believe there is a legitimate market for coaches and IM/MMO products. There are a few here who's posts I respect, 'cause they keep it real. I'm not bashing the industry, by any means. But let's be honest - the majority, probably significant (but I don't really know), of the customers in the IM/MMO market are your 'noobs'.

You are encouraging 'noobs' to enter a market they know very little about (and MOST of whom enter that market, or any market, and try WILL FAIL) to sell IM/MMO specific stuff to other 'noobs'.

'Noobs' in the IM/MMO industry don't have ANY REAL DESIRE to be on another 'noobs' IM/MMO mailing list. Of course that is only my opinion and maybe the majority of 'noobs' to IM would disagree. Those lists are all about 'trust' and such. Making purchases upon the recommendations of someone they trust to know what the hell they are talking about.

I'm open minded and willing to accept otherwise. I'll certainly acknowledge any exceptions you can provide, but as a general rule, I feel pretty comfortable with that above paragraph.

'Noobs' can, however, make judgements about useful services they could provide other IMers, even other 'noobs'. And if they have some cash, they can certainly jump right into that health niche you suggest and list build/landing page & ad buy away. Or a lot of other niches.

I guarantee if you talk to most of the successful people in those niches they will all tell you LIST BUILDING is one of their keys to success. And it was when they got serious about it that their businesses started to take off.

So while you may not like my advice. I am giving you the TRUTH.

Well, certainly your version of the truth. I have nothing against lists and absolutely understand the value in them. However, neither you nor I can talk to 'most' people, so whether an accurate statement or not, you are just making that stat up.

You sure like to say List Building in just about every one of your posts I have seen. That's THE secret sauce to success, eh?

I can think of more than one successful IMer that made it big without a list. One in particular that has started a list for his personal blog, but didn't have luck with lists in the past. But that didn't stop him from becoming one of those Super Affiliate type fellas making more money than the vast majority of people here.

Since I mentioned him, I like this dude and is one of a few select Aff Mrktrs blogs I read - Malan Darras - The Art of Self Destruction

And by all means, build a list if it fits your business model. And this is all just my opinion. You are certainly free to have yours, with no apologies necessary.

Thanks

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talfighel

11 years ago

The one thing you need to master if you want to succeed online is marketing. Once you know what works and what it not working for you, you can pretty much print money out of thin air.

Many people just don't master marketing and quit before they ever succeed.

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l1one

11 years ago

One of the most famous quote in Internet Marketing is

"The Money Is In the List"

I believe as well as many others that it is the SECRET SAUCE, the holy grail, the bees knees of Internet Marketing. I don't care what niche your in. If you not list building today, in my opinion your not marketing correctly and missing tremendous opportunity.

In fact the vary basis of marketing today basically requires it.

Now take that advice and apply it to the niche you decide to enter and I guarantee you will be more successful if you take action with it.

Have you ever heard of the theory of 7 ?

The theory of 7 states that on average it takes 7 touches with a customer before they will buy.

So if your not list building your missing out on the single easiest way to touch your customers.

P.S. I went to Malan's site that you recommend and it's pretty funny. The VERY FIRST thing I saw was an OPT-IN box and 7 seconds later a POPUP with guess what and OPT-IN. LOL too funny....

Thanks
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myron92 11 years ago

To make money online it is not going to be easy, however once you start to make money it is worth the effort.

there are so many ways to make money only, and that is why I feel many people get confused.

first you will need to learn how to market effectively online and that is a combination of numerous things, but I think it comes down to these two things

1) how to set up converting webpages
2) traffic generation

I know someone mentioned list building but you need to understand how to actually build a list and convert subscribers into money. which is not easy. email marketing is very important to having success online but it is just one of many factors needed to succeed

once you understand how to build converting web pages and traffic generation then you can do any business model online, affiliate marketing, your own info product, drop shipping etc.

first decide what model you want to chose, I would always suggest your own product with paid traffic because that will allow you to scale your business.

and when I say product it does not have to be an info product, it can be a physical product also, sometimes physical would perform better with paid traffic it all depends on the niche you pick

however you need to decide what traffic method is best for you. once you decide whats best for you go and learn as much as you can about that method.

then you are going to need to learn about converting traffic, so you are going to need to understand copy and conversion. once again try and learn as much as you can about this topic.

once you have completed your training then you should start your online business, with a clear action plan

what niche, what product, what traffic source etc,

I would try and save as much money as possible as $150 is not enough to run an online business, if you can try to get to $1000. this will allow you to set things up correctly and give yourself a chance to succeed.

there are so many factors to learn but it can be done, just never give up and always look to learn.

good luck with your business and if you need any help feel free to Pm me
- Thanks
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discrat

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Flip Sandoval

I've created functional websites in the past (Wordpress, and Joomla) and I consider myself a decent writer. I do not code or program. Considering work and the fact that I've gone back to school, I estimate I can commit a minimum of 10 hours a week towards this endeavor. The most I would initially be willing to invest is $150 a month. More if I start to see success with time.

I apologize for the long post, any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I realize I'm asking for free advice, but do so because I see a very friendly, helpful community from my readings so far and hope to one-day have the abilitity to pay it forward.

This is fine starting out. And being able to write is a huge plus in this Business, imo !!

Pick a Niche that you have some knowledge already about and hopefully some passion with.

Keep learning everyday and build up a List of people who you can contact in a moments notice and build a relationship with and offer them so authoritarian advice on the Niche they are wanting problems solved in

You seem to have the basics down now it is choosing which Market/s you want to focus on

- Robert Andrew

Thanks

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Caitlinz

11 years ago

You must have your own website to earn a reliable income month after month. Build a website in your favorite niche with plenty of content, monetize the website with affiliate products or ads and collect email addresses at the same time.

Develop the website into an authority site with time (with useful content) and you will have a very reliable income source.

Thanks

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Flip Sandoval

11 years ago

First off, thanks everyone. Amazing, selfless advice, I could not have hoped for better.

Originally Posted by BeyondContentNY

One thing that troubles me about your post is that you claim that you're ready to commit yourself to IM, but then you limit the amount of time and money you're willing to put into getting started. While budgeting yourself financially is always a good thing.. I believe that, if you're going to limit your financial commitment, then you'll have to make up for it with time spent.

I realize the limits won't help me but they're necessary as I have a full-time job, debts to pay and have returned to school full-time for a business degree. The commitment bit is more about sticking to continuous learning and improvement, even in limited time, rather than expecting quick success. Also, I'm willing to reach deeper into my pockets but I need to know see potential and growth in what I'm doing first.

Originally Posted by TygraOlympia

If that is the case, then you might want to consider doing some easy affiliate marketing. Build a website around a certain niche and just outsource the labor to fiverr or seoclerk gigs.
You could build a niche website for less than $200 and have strong backlinks to it.
It just depends on what you want to do and how fast.

Thanks, this was a concept I was not aware existed. I'll look into some more.

Originally Posted by l1one

list building, list building, list building no Coke, Pepsi...

In all seriousness I tell this to most noobs I run into. Stick with list building. It's the easiest money out there in IM.

Thanks, I'll certainly read up on this area some more. It must be popular for a reason.

Originally Posted by Gambino

I'd recommend starting by browsing Flippa and seeing what other people are doing. See what other kind of sites are out there, what their revenue looks like, and how you can enter the market with an improved product or a different product.

I was not aware of that site, thanks.

Originally Posted by talfighel

Many people just don't master marketing and quit before they ever succeed.

Thanks, I'm in it for the long-haul. I make decent money in my position, deal with little pressure and have the potential to grow with my employer, but I desire to do something more fulfilling with my time. So it's back to school and learn a new trade for me.

Originally Posted by Christopher Fox

Since I mentioned him, I like this dude and is one of a few select Aff Mrktrs blogs I read - Malan Darras - The Art of Self Destruction

Thanks for the link. Definitely want to learn from some of the more successful people in this area.

Originally Posted by myron92

I would try and save as much money as possible as $150 is not enough to run an online business, if you can try to get to $1000. this will allow you to set things up correctly and give yourself a chance to succeed.

there are so many factors to learn but it can be done, just never give up and always look to learn.

good luck with your business and if you need any help feel free to Pm me

I hope that's not $1000 a month to start.

Thanks for the offer, I'm sure I'll have questions when I start getting my feet wet.

Originally Posted by discrat

Keep learning everyday and build up a List of people who you can contact in a moments notice and build a relationship with and offer them so authoritarian advice on the Niche they are wanting problems solved in

Will do, thanks. Hopefully this forum is a good starting point for networking.

Originally Posted by AntonioSeegars1

Since you don't have much time, I suggest that you either focus on building a list, or focus on building an authority website based around a topic that doesn't change much. If you do this, you won't have to keep working to create new things.

Helpful advice, thanks. Though, I'm willing to sacrifice free-time in this pursuit.

Originally Posted by Caitlinz

You must have your own website to earn a reliable income month after month. Build a website in your favorite niche with plenty of content, monetize the website with affiliate products or ads and collect email addresses at the same time.

Good ideas, thanks. This does seem the most natural entry point for a newbie such as myself.

Thanks

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