10 Reasons to Quit IM

9 years ago

Great post. I would like to add that too many people fail in IM because of that false mindset "build it and they will come."

It is too easy to fall in love with your ideas. It really is.

Problem is...

Other people might not see things the way you do.

Either you have to promote the stuffing out of your online property OR you can opt for something more efficient (and ultimately, more effective)

Build your product/brand around existing traffic

The problem with 'Build it and they will come' is that you assume that your product is SO AWESOME, traffic will magically materialize.

WRONG.

You'd have to burn through some serious elbow grease to get the WORD OUT or else, your project is DEAD IN THE WATER.

The better approach:

Start with existing demand, and CROWDSOURCE a solution.

Built in, EXISTING demand.

Plus, you already KNOW what your target audience members NEED because you ASKED them!

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Heldigvis

9 years ago

So true... Many people even don't "build it" properly, just hop from one shiny object to another, and then quit disappointed.

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SteveSki

9 years ago

Most people fail in every business there is. But chances are Joe won't call IM a scam like all of those MLM's he also failed in. Joe will just turn into a WSO buyer and blame each individual product as being a scam but he won't give up on IM... he just has to find the right course to teach him the secret the guru's are hiding. He will never admit that success is an inside job and not somewhere out there that can be purchased for $7 Sad to say but Joe needs a Job... not a business.

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mrasnoir Banned 9 years ago

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- Ron Baker 9 years ago
  
  I was Joe until recently...
  
  A few ideas of mine. Although it was implied, nobody mentioned you HAVE TO DO THIS EVERYDAY to be successful.
  If your new set up a schedule for the same time EVERYDAY (whether it's driving traffic, working on your blog, etc.) and stick to it. This is a business, NOT a hobby. It must be treated like a business- EVERY single day...
  
  Partial definition from urbandictionary.com-
  Warrior- "A person who beyond all obstacles still manages to be successful."
  
  One question- How do You "thank" people here? Have looked all over and can't find an answer?
  
  Great post Tom!
  
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multiplecloud

9 years ago

Great post for newbie who just enter to the IM world and think it's very easy skyrocket to build cash. Think again.

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jdynars

9 years ago

I'm a Joe of sorts, but I have never quit. I think you forgot a very important one in your list, "He does not understand people". I'm beginning to think that is my problem. I have great writing skills, I can build very attractive websites, I'm extremely knowledgeable about the products I'm promoting, I've spent $1000's on "Programs"but I just don't "Get it" when it comes to interacting with people.

All my work has never been informative enough or compelling enough to bring traffic/interest to my sites. I have yet to figure out what makes people buy not browse. What is informative to me must just be jumble to the masses because I've never made a sale. Knowing people must be far more important than knowing your product.

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Paul Guilfoyle

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jdynars

I'm a Joe of sorts, but I have never quit. I think you forgot a very important one in your list, "He does not understand people". I'm beginning to think that is my problem. I have great writing skills, I can build very attractive websites, I'm extremely knowledgeable about the products I'm promoting, I've spent $1000's on "Programs"but I just don't "Get it" when it comes to interacting with people.

All my work has never been informative enough or compelling enough to bring traffic/interest to my sites. I have yet to figure out what makes people buy not browse. What is informative to me must just be jumble to the masses because I've never made a sale. Knowing people must be far more important than knowing your product.

I feel for you- what a genuine, honest post. A cry for help?

People must have a need to buy. Buying is an emotional response.

My first question is are you involved in the right niche? Is it a niche where people buy i.e
do they have a problem which will be solved by your product/ service?

Quoting from http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/the-one-advantage

I recommend you go read it.
***********************

"If you and I both owned a hamburger stand and we were in a contest to see who could sell the most hamburgers, what advantages would you most like to have on your side to help you win?"

The answers vary. Some of the students say they would like to have the advantage of having superior meat from which to make their burgers. Others say they want sesame seed buns. Others mention location. Someone usually wants to be able to offer the lowest prices.

And so on.

Whatever. In any case, after my students are finished telling me what advantages they would most like to have, I usually say to them something like this: "O.K., I'll give you every single advantage you have asked for. I, myself, only want one advantage and, if you will give it to me, I will (when it comes to selling burgers) whip the pants off all of you!"

"What advantage do you want?" they ask.

"The only advantage I want," I reply...

"Is... A Starving Crowd!"

Think about it. When it comes to direct marketing, the most profitable habit you can cultivate is the habit of constantly being on the lookout for groups of people (markets) who have demonstrated that they are starving (or, at least hungry) for some particular product or service.

*************************

Are there people with money to spend? Are they buying from other players in your niche and not you?
If so, what are the other players doing that you aren't.

If you're providing value for which demand exists a high converting funnel will maximise profits.
Once you have this its just a question of sending quality traffic. Many people get hung up on SEO and organic traffic.
There are all sorts of different ways to generate traffic, both free and paid for.

If you're already in a buyers niche, with a good funnel do you need to focus on learning copywriting and traffic generation?

Don't quit. Just learn to do the right thing.
Hope this helps.

Thanks

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Synnuh

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jdynars

I'm a Joe of sorts, but I have never quit. I think you forgot a very important one in your list, "He does not understand people". I'm beginning to think that is my problem. I have great writing skills, I can build very attractive websites, I'm extremely knowledgeable about the products I'm promoting, I've spent $1000's on "Programs"but I just don't "Get it" when it comes to interacting with people.

All my work has never been informative enough or compelling enough to bring traffic/interest to my sites. I have yet to figure out what makes people buy not browse. What is informative to me must just be jumble to the masses because I've never made a sale. Knowing people must be far more important than knowing your product.

I'm a prime example of not understanding people.

I stick to markets where I spend money -- it makes the game a LOT easier.

"Getting it" comes down to realizing all you need to do is solve a problem you're having, with a solution that will make you money.

Get your solution in front of as many people with the problem as possible.

If you've spent money on something to solve a problem for yourself, you do understand the problem you had that needed solving. And you understand why you made the purchase, and how it solved your problem in the end.

Don't use that as an excuse, though. I'm on the autism spectrum and high IQ so I used to feel the same way sometimes. It's BS though and it's holding you back.

Thanks

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TJoseph

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jdynars

I'm a Joe of sorts, but I have never quit. I think you forgot a very important one in your list, "He does not understand people". I'm beginning to think that is my problem. I have great writing skills, I can build very attractive websites, I'm extremely knowledgeable about the products I'm promoting, I've spent $1000's on "Programs"but I just don't "Get it" when it comes to interacting with people.

All my work has never been informative enough or compelling enough to bring traffic/interest to my sites. I have yet to figure out what makes people buy not browse. What is informative to me must just be jumble to the masses because I've never made a sale. Knowing people must be far more important than knowing your product.

Have you taken to studying a few books on psychology, or browsed through the copywriting thread here?

Thanks

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TheGMa

9 years ago

Originally Posted by jdynars

I'm a Joe of sorts, but I have never quit. I think you forgot a very important one in your list, "He does not understand people". I'm beginning to think that is my problem. I have great writing skills, I can build very attractive websites, I'm extremely knowledgeable about the products I'm promoting, I've spent $1000's on "Programs"but I just don't "Get it" when it comes to interacting with people.

All my work has never been informative enough or compelling enough to bring traffic/interest to my sites. I have yet to figure out what makes people buy not browse. What is informative to me must just be jumble to the masses because I've never made a sale. Knowing people must be far more important than knowing your product.

BIG TRICK:

1. Determine your target market, one market at a time. Let's say you want to sell products to pregnant women.
So what moves pregnant women? Well, if you have no first hand experience with observing the behavior, go out on the 'net and read (not scan) through pregnant lady forums.

2. Now that you have an idea of their pet peeves and desires, imagine that your feet are so swollen you can no longer fit into your favorite shoes, you have to pee damn near every time you sit down or stand up, it's the middle of summer and you're carrying around a 10 lb bowling ball under unbelievably stretched skin so you feel ugly and sweaty and may want to put out a contract on the sob who landed you in this position, even if he is the love of your life; and you're really, reeeeely not looking forward to labor.

All you want is to be reassured that you will be a good mother, all you want to do is soak in a beautifully scented bath (if you can get in and out of the tub), told you are crazy beautiful and that your husband still loves you in spite of your hormone-induced tantrums.

3. WRITE.

Thanks
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TheGMa

9 years ago

Oh! Oh! I have a story for y'all:

Back in the '70's I owned and operated a quick-print shop (meaning I did everything from taking the orders right through to repairing the equipment and no - I'm a little over 5' tall and a total lady).

I installed a Xerox machine to draw in customers off the street. It was a gimme only, not a profit-maker. Actually, the dang thing cost me an arm and a leg and I bought out of the contract.

So anyway, one day this fellow comes walking in wanting to make a couple of copies.

I made his two copies and told him that would be 10 cents. He immediately went on a tirade about people like me who charge a lot for stuff and pocket all the money. He meant literally pocket the money, not put it in the till or pay for overhead.

Now that's a prime example of someone who not only has no clue about business, but bases his opinions not on solid research but on notions that become his reality. Doesn't want to hear anything more about it.

IMO, too many peeps who want to make money on or off line fall into that category. Notions, sandcastles, smoke and mirrors, horse before the cart, silver platter, ... like that, andbelieve that those who do make money come by it magically. Genie in a bottle or secret pact or somethin'.

Thanks
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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by TheGMa

Oh! Oh! I have a story for y'all:

Back in the '70's I owned and operated a quick-print shop (meaning I did everything from taking the orders right through to repairing the equipment and no - I'm a little over 5' tall and a total lady).

I installed a Xerox machine to draw in customers off the street. It was a gimme only, not a profit-maker. Actually, the dang thing cost me an arm and a leg and I bought out of the contract.

So anyway, one day this fellow comes walking in wanting to make a couple of copies.

I made his two copies and told him that would be 10 cents. He immediately went on a tirade about people like me who charge a lot for stuff and pocket all the money. He meant literally pocket the money, not put it in the till or pay for overhead.

Now that's a prime example of someone who not only has no clue about business, but bases his opinions not on solid research but on notions that become his reality. Doesn't want to hear anything more about it.

IMO, too many peeps who want to make money on or off line fall into that category. Notions, sandcastles, smoke and mirrors, horse before the cart, silver platter, ... like that, andbelieve that those who do make money come by it magically. Genie in a bottle or secret pact or somethin'.

Love this story! Must say, TheGMa, you're a very welcome addition to WF. Your character shines through your words (and you have a great way with them, too) and I'm seeing and sensing a massive wealth of knowledge. So pleased you arrived.

"IMO, too many peeps who want to make money on or off line fall into that category. Notions, sandcastles, smoke and mirrors, horse before the cart, silver platter, ... like that, andbelieve that those who do make money come by it magically. Genie in a bottle or secret pact or somethin'."

Totally spot on, IMO.

I think a lot of the problem stems from the marketing of MMO products. We're lead to believe a system is "EASY, FAST, ANYONE CAN DO IT, FRIEND!" and - as we know - this is rarely the case. In fact, I don't believe it ever is the case. I can think of many fast, easy systems, but can anyone do them? Easy for everyone? Afraid not. A real business, I don't need to tell you this, takes it out of you. Oh boy does it. To me, though, that actually is what makes it great, worth it.

Anyway - fab stuff!

Cheers,

Tom

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winnermarketing

9 years ago

Great post!

I belive points 2. (You expect fast returns) and 3. (You expect easy returns)
are tha main reasons frustration.

point 5, hability to adapt to change is important to mantaine your results.

I don t agree with point 8 You have a below-average IQ:
Intelligence is not needed to earn money. I know a lot of below-average IQ people whom had achieved
magnificent results thanks to their determination!

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sttbs

9 years ago

Great post! There is no such thing as easy money in the world..

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StephenGB

9 years ago

I will check out the writings of those people mentioned in paragraph 6 of the story.

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Janice Sperry

9 years ago

I don't agree that a below average IQ automatically would make you a failure. There are many people with high IQ that do not have a lick of business sense. Also some with high IQ's have no creativity or inventiveness. There are many people with so-called lower IQ's that are exceptional with people skills and other traits that make them great at marketing.

I do agree with everything else and I think it is good that you share some cold hard facts.

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salegurus

9 years ago

I tried Tom i really did... To find something about your thread to be negative about but unfortunately i just can't...

Now i rarely "blow smoke" you know that right... But this is one of the best threads i've seen in a while...
It's based largely on fact, it's honest, brutal and gives the misguided no false hope about what it takes to make money online....

PS! Welcome To Club 40

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by salegurus

I tried Tom i really did... To find something about your thread to be negative about but unfortunately i just can't...

Now i rarely "blow smoke" you know that right... But this is one of the best threads i've seen in a while...
It's based largely on fact, it's honest, brutal and gives the misguided no false hope about what it takes to make money online....

PS! Welcome To Club 40

Haha!!

You, Sir, just made my day.

Thanks

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visimedia

9 years ago

great post and title.. lol..

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discrat

9 years ago

Nice Post Tom.

Really cool to see someone come in here and write some good prose and make sense at the same time

And NO I'm not saying this because you included me in your Post ...
Well maybe a little

J/K

Seriously though, it's Threads like these that make me continue to think Warrior Forum might just be around for a while longer.

It is ironic that you can get really brilliant people come in here and because of their Mindset and previous successes in the offline business World they fall flat on their face.

It looks so easy to them and also the charlatan who whispers in their ear that they can make 100K a month as a lot are doing it ( http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-required.html Post #12) makes it that much more difficult.

Thanks again, Tom !!

- Robert Andrew

P.S. Btw. love your new avatar

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by discrat

Nice Post Tom.

Really cool to see someone come in here and write some good prose and make sense at the same time

And NO I'm not saying this because you included me in your Post ...
Well maybe a little

J/K

Seriously though, it's Threads like these that make me continue to think Warrior Forum might just be around for a while longer.

It is ironic that you can get really brilliant people come in here and because of their Mindset and previous successes in the offline business World they fall flat on their face.

It looks so easy to them and also the charlatan who whispers in their ear that they can make 100K a month as a lot are doing it ( http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-required.html Post #12) makes it that much more difficult.

Thanks again, Tom !!

- Robert Andrew

P.S. Btw. love your new avatar

Thanks for the kind words, buddy! Coming from you, they mean a lot. (Similar sentiments didn't mean much coming from salegurus. J/K!!)

Thanks to everyone else, too. Whoever you are - newbie, veteran, whatever - I hope the day will never come when I fail to value your opinion, and highly. I may not always agree, but if this thread has any theme at all it's this: the day you wake up and fail to value the input of others, is the day you should quit. I've learned a lot over the years from people who I think are wrong, who are new, or who know more than I'll ever know. Anyway. I'm not chiming in a lot on this thread. Partly, a case of aptly quitting while I'm ahead; partly, busy day; mostly, because I'm far more interested in just reading what others have to say.

Cheers.

Thanks
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salegurus 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

Thanks for the kind words, buddy! Coming from you, they mean a lot. (Similar sentiments didn't mean much coming from salegurus. J/K!!)

Now Look What You've Done TOM

You Have Gone And Hurt My Last Feeling...
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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

― George Carlin
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- Tom Addams 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by salegurus
  
  Now Look What You've Done TOM
  
  You Have Gone And Hurt My Last Feeling...
  
  Oh no! Now I feel bad.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
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gluckspilz

9 years ago

CAN WE PLEASE STICKY THIS THREAD!!!!

THIS IS GOLD!

IN FACT, READING THIS ALONE WILL INCREASE YOUR CHANCES BY AT LEAST 1,000%!!!!

Well done mate!

Really enjoy the read

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

I entered IM in 1994.

In a few days, I'll turn 40, and come September I'll have another birthday. We'll call it my "21st IM birthday." Over the last two decades I've seen new entrants into this business come and go. Some of them arrived and made a fortune, some arrived and went on to lead good lives, some arrived and simply managed to pay the bills, but most arrived and departed as failures.

The aim of this post is to tell you my perception of the failures.

As the title succinctly informs: I'll be giving you ten reasons to quit the business. There are exceptions, of course, and these are only my perceptions, but if any of these apply to you then I hope they'll at least give you pause for thought. God willing, I'll be in this business until I drop. And it quit being about the money too many years ago for me to remember. I love what I do; I'm good at what I do. But what about you? Should today be the day you quit? Or should today be the day you wake up and begin staking your claim?

Let's find out . . .

1. You're Lazy
2. You expect fast returns.
3. You expect easy returns.
4. You're a poor communicator.
5. You have an inability to adapt to change.
6. You dislike education.
7. You believe you can make money without first spending some.
8. You have a below-average IQ.
9. You lack passion.
10. You lack belief in yourself, and in others.

I'm going to describe for you an IM failure. We'll call him Joe.

Joe lost his job and found Warrior Forum because he needs to make ends meet. Mouths to feed. Rent to pay. Like most people, he has a vague conception of internet marketing. He's seen the popup ads while watching movies:

"Hi my name's Ed Rich III. I earned $48, 500 yesterday and I'm gonna tell ya something. I never finished high school, I came from a poor family, I'm lazy as heck, and it cost me exactly ZERO to earn almost 50,000 buckaroos yesterday. Gonna tell ya something else. YOU can do it, too."

Joe? He's heard anyone can do it. Heard millions can be earned overnight. Heard fortunes can be made from nothing. Joe? Hey, he wants a piece of the action. So he arrives on Warrior Forum and he gets to work. Sort of.

He skims through a few threads. Literally skims. Barely reading. Reading and research? Takes time. Joe? He has no time to waste. He needs money and he knows it takes no time to get it.

After he's done "skimming" he starts with the questions. Some of the folks on WF are making good money, he knows. He wants it, too, so they're going to help. He plasters the forum with threads. Quick threads. Not even taking the time to think about his grammar. Single sentences. Unfinished sentences. Rush, rush. Someone will help.

A few do, but he never notices. Brent Stangel expertly explains list building and sales funnels. Discrat gives clever insight into Facebook fan pages and TeeSpring. Steve B shares erudite, thoughtful nuggets about living the life of an entrepreneur and developing a serious business. Kay King pops in to give a wake up call, and while it may seem mean to you, the advice is nothing short of pure gold: "Stop littering the forum with silly questions and expecting us to do everything for you. It's not only annoying for us, it's counter-productive for you. Dig into the vast wealth of knowledge here and LEARN. Then ask INTELLIGENT questions." Joe? Like I say . . . he never notices.

What he does notice is this (or thinks he notices): people are holding out. There are clever push-button systems, he knows. Free systems. Easy systems. Systems just perfect for a guy without education and without a high school diploma (although, I should point out, he was clever enough to get one, but just too lazy to do so). Systems that don't require hard work, investment, writing, making those stupid videos. Systems that payout - like ATMs - if one only points a finger and . . . clicks.

Two months go by. Joe? As you can probably imagine, he quits. Want to know why? Here it is: He finally figures it out. There are no systems. Just people talking about systems. There is - let it be known - no money in IM. A clever guy like Joe has figured out a simple truth: No one makes a bean.

After all . . . if they did . . . Joe would, too.

Right?

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FriendlyRob

9 years ago

I remember when I was a Joe. This post really resonates with me.

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abhayhendre

9 years ago

Whoa. Just had quick flashback of my early days in IM

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Steve B

9 years ago

Tom,

Nice list. Really, it could apply to many worthwhile endeavors in life - not just IM. Being successful as a person usually means you need to develop personality and character traits that increase your skills in communication, education, adaptability, etc.

I would put an * on number 7 - for most folks it's true.

But I have known and witnessed several cases where full time incomes have been grown merely with a beginning that came from a free blog account, or an eBay account where the owners started selling a few owned items and it led to eventually purchasing and selling wholesale items.

I would leave #7 on your list because it's the source of so many people thinking that IM is a way to make lots of money without any investment. For 99% of the public, it's just not true. But I have seen a few do it successfully.

Thanks for the thread.

Steve

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve B

Tom,

Nice list. Really, it could apply to many worthwhile endeavors in life - not just IM. Being successful as a person usually means you need to develop personality and character traits that increase your skills in communication, education, adaptability, etc.

I would put an * on number 7 - for most folks it's true.

But I have known and witnessed several cases where full time incomes have been grown merely with a beginning that came from a free blog account, or an eBay account where the owners started selling a few owned items and it led to eventually purchasing and selling wholesale items.

I would leave #7 on your list because it's the source of so many people thinking that IM is a way to make lots of money without any investment. For 99% of the public, it's just not true. But I have seen a few do it successfully.

Thanks for the thread.

Steve

Totally agree with you here, Steve, and included it for the same reasons. In a nutshell: it happens. In fact, I think if not for a great many of the reasons on the list, it'd happen a great many more times. Grab a Blogspot blog. Content. Monetize. Promote the heck out of each post on forums and socials. Blammo. Money in the bank. Buy a domain, hosting, halfway decent theme. More blammo. And the makings of a real business. Likewise, someone could take the same route with Youtube. Channel. Bunch of decent videos. Rank. Redirect domain in sig (borrow the 99 cents for it). Blammo again.

As always, Steve, I appreciate your input. You have a knack for always hitting the nail on the head and getting to the heart of the matter.

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Everett and Carol

9 years ago

I honestly believe that nearly every newbie who first considers internet marketing goes through a large portion of this list. It takes a while to find your place on the web, but when you finally do, it actually is fun to do.

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Devilfish168 9 years ago

I think I got some pointers here.

Stick to few niches first

focus the main one.
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cosmolito

9 years ago

I think people also quit because IM is always sold as "it's SO easy! Anyone can do it!" It takes a hell of a lot of work and that's the bottom line.

I wouldn't quit my job and do IM because it can be like having another job - so labor intensive!

Luckily as I have found out, there ARE easier ways to make a good living. I HAVE tried IM and quit after some successes but more wasted time and money and effort.

I made more money selling my offline services locally than I ever did with straight IM. But now with my current system of selling high ticket items using telebroadcasting, I have no need for either. It's almost a case of just being in the right place at the right time otherwise I don't think I would have ever been so lucky as to find this system.

I feel like I don't really have many skills and honestly don't know what else I'd be doing if I didn't have what I have now. As for IM? I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I cared about. If I knew you had good business sense and good marketing sense I think you could do well at offline marketing but it also can be a major pain in the ass as I've come to experience. Clients can be horrible to deal with.

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Devilfish168

9 years ago

Originally Posted by cosmolito

I think people also quit because IM is always sold as "it's SO easy! Anyone can do it!" It takes a hell of a lot of work and that's the bottom line.

I wouldn't quit my job and do IM because it can be like having another job - so labor intensive!

Luckily as I have found out, there ARE easier ways to make a good living. And it ain't IM!

than why you still here bro ( Kidding )

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alambd1963g

9 years ago

Good idea. Most of the new comer, may quit the IM section for these reason. If one get the test of IM, he will never quit the IM section. I have been working in this section since 2011. I got the test of IM. I think I will never quit the IM. Thanks for your good post.

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NyNyDanDan

9 years ago

All good Tom besides for bullet 8. For those - like me - who are members of the War Room then you know that there are many a Warrior who give away reports and info to the WR members. Let me say THANK YOU to all those Warriors who give back by giving away your knowledge! And I'd like to think that those who are giving away their knowledge are as successful as they claim. Almost 100% of the reports and info given away in the War Room are littered with spelling and grammatical errors and written with poor sentence structure. BUT SO WHAT!!!! The info being given away is valuable and GREATLY appreciated! My point is this: one need not be a genius - and write a perfect report for example - to make money in IM (or any other field of endeavor for that matter). Focus, motivation and what my mom used to call "sticktoitiveness" will get you to the promised land every time.

Great post Tom! And for those reading this who are like me - of below average intelligence :-) - you CAN!!

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Justin Ford

9 years ago

That's a great post i think. And your 10 reason is very sharp and true. I see mostly expect fast returns.That is the main reason i think. When they do not work properly and as a result they aslo getting failed easily. So i think mind setting is very important here. Thank you buddy for posting this valuable information.

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ChrisBa

9 years ago

11. More money for me

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NeedBucksNow

9 years ago

Haha. Poor Joe is crying

Seriously though, you hit the nail on the head and the 10 reasons look more like somebody obsessed with "shiny object syndrome". Just to design a good looking website and to create great content that should probably be 2000+ words a post to get high rankings on Google takes some time and work to achieve. I spent about 3 hours last night designing banners for my Facebook and YouTube pages but I think they turned out pretty good and I've already gotten a couple more likes this morning. While it is totally possible to earn a great living online, the people that are making thousands of dollars are the ones that have already been doing this for a few years and have never quit adding content. The way to succeed online is to build up your traffic month after month as well as building up your backlinks by consistently adding new content to raise your ranks in Google over time. You can also use Facebook and YouTube to build a huge following of your products but it often takes some time to get the ball rolling as well as hundreds of different posts and videos. You could always use paid advertising to get the targeted traffic that you need in order to make any sales, but this is often not an option for anybody that is already broke and desperate to pay their bills. The key to being in this game for the long term is to start producing massive results with free traffic from Google, Facebook, YouTube etc and to just keep trying until you finally make it happen

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cindynorwood 9 years ago

This is simply a great post.
Most people fail in I'm because of false expectations that may or may not be their own faults.
Expecting to hit a million in a couple of daays without lifting a finger just cos the bought a ten dlollar WSO, and. When that don't happen they just shift to the next Hyped up object and keep the circle goin on and on. I believe that whatever works is being worked at.
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onegoodman

9 years ago

Harsh, while this is good for beginners, it is not fair to others , not everyone succeed in IM because IM may not be for them.

Not everyone go to a company and work hard end to be the CEO

I soon will be having my 7th anniversary, and while I had my ups and downs, IM ( decent IM I may say ) is a fast pace, and unless you dedicated to be on the top of wave, it is easy to get under it

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Randall Magwood

9 years ago

Those are the same 10 reasons why it took me to build a real *business* online. Heck, a business PERIOD. I kept thinking i was "95% there"... when in fact, i was about 25% there.

Nowadays i cant see myself quitting. It's get rich or die trying for real. No mediocre lifestyle or settling over here.

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heavysm

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Randall Magwood

Those are the same 10 reasons why it took me to build a real *business* online. Heck, a business PERIOD. I kept thinking i was "95% there"... when in fact, i was about 25% there.

Nowadays i cant see myself quitting. It's get rich or die trying for real. No mediocre lifestyle or settling over here.

I think some get disillusioned into thinking that IM is not a business when in reality that's exactly what it is.

I like to think of the failure rate of the IM world as closer to something like 99.9% of people who don't make it in the long run (that is, more than a few years).

That shouldn't be too surprising either considering that businesses are created and dissolved as easily as you might brush your teeth in the morning. But that's how it is, really.

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

1. You're Lazy
2. You expect fast returns.
3. You expect easy returns.
4. You're a poor communicator.
5. You have an inability to adapt to change.
6. You dislike education.
7. You believe you can make money without first spending some.
8. You have a below-average IQ.
9. You lack passion.
10. You lack belief in yourself, and in others.

The funny thing about this list...to be truly successful you not only have to be the positive version of this list (being a go-getter instead of lazy; you have to constantly learn; you have to be smart etc) but you also have to innovate and solve problems like your life depended on it.

Now i realize that these might fit under being smart, but this is what entrepreneurship is all about. Being the new frontier of ideas and innovation that drives the next generation.

Maybe I'm getting a bit too idealistic with what it means to be a businessman (or woman), but IM, and thereby business in general, should not be thought of in terms of minimums to get by.

I really do believe you need to be exceptional, either through your products or your services, to truly make it in the long run as a business. And that's not being insightful or anything, it's just reality.

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nicheblogger75

9 years ago

I think lots of people fail because they overthink it. I failed for the first two years, and that's because I was a stubborn ass who thought he knew everything and didn't listen to people when they told me to build a list.

However, once I dove head first into list building and dedicated almost every second of my time to researching how to create successful funnels and then send targeted traffic to them and build up a list of responsive leads, it wasn't long before the money started to roll in.

For any newbie, the formula is simple:

Targeted traffic => High converting squeeze page => Properly optimized sales funnel => A great follow up series which combines the proper amount of great content with product promotion = Money in the bank.

Now, the majority of people out there will be like "Joe," and set up this formula for the first time and expect to get great results. When they don't get a lot of traffic, get hardly any leads, and make hardly any sales, they will decide that it simply doesn't work and either quit or go on to the next shiny object or $7 WSO.

The people that will succeed are those who refuse to get discouraged, but instead put in the time, research, and monetary investment it takes until they get this formula right. Then, once they get good at list building and master the basics of affiliate marketing, they will realize that they need to start creating their own products to maximize their income.

They'll create a few products, and the launches will most likely bomb. At this point, "Joe" will quit creating his own products and just stick to affiliate marketing, which is fine because he'll probably do well enough for himself simply building his list and promoting affiliate products.

However, those that really want to reach the next level won't ever quit. They'll immediately start work on their next product, and their next, and they will learn from each launch until before you know it, they are launching WSOs and selling more than 1000 copies!

I think the OPs post is really awesome because it clearly demonstrates the many paths that aspiring IMers take, and why most fail.

My advice to all is DON'T BE A "JOE!"

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Stuart Stirling

9 years ago

IM is not for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. (nor the lazy, irresponsible or undisciplined)
I think half of the fault is on the newbie who comes with highly underestimated expectations
about the work involved/turnaround to profit.. and the other half is on the marketers/copywriters
who make the newbies believe that it's easier and faster than it truly is.
All in all though, you need to keep going, learn and produce to succeed.

Stuart

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ED1190

9 years ago

I don't think IM is necessarily hard. However, you do have to put in work at the beginning. But, once you end up succeeding, your life will practically change. It's putting in the work at the beginning that seems to end up steering away most aspiring IM'ers. At least 95% fail at this for a reason, and I'm sure it's due to that.

In my case, even if it takes me years, I will succeed in IM. There's no way I'm going to be content with living a mediocre life if I can help it. I'm already doing well with Google Adsense, and now I want to take a run at list building and affiliate marketing.

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ericruv

9 years ago

A truly amazing thread, just the opening post is worth a fortune in spirit currency.

To this, Amen brother... never give up, and yes most work will be needed at the beginning

Originally Posted by ED1190

I don't think IM is necessarily hard. However, you do have to put in work at the beginning. But, once you end up succeeding, your life will practically change. It's putting in the work at the beginning that seems to end up steering away most aspiring IM'ers. At least 95% fail at this for a reason, and I'm sure it's due to that.

In my case, even if it takes me years, I will succeed in IM. There's no way I'm going to be content with living a mediocre life if I can help it. I'm already doing well with Google Adsense, and now I want to take a run at list building and affiliate marketing.

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zdebx

9 years ago

The breaking point for most people is when they realize that IM in reality is NOT the same thing that gurus promised them in their latest product about doing nothing and making $50k/month on autopilot...

So that's when 99% of wanna-be-billionaires quit, because they find out they actually have to do SOMETHING, and then it's the 1% that tries to hustle, but then only 0.01% actually manage to achieve something significant and make a living out of it.

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Tell you what . . .

Some of the insights in this post are amazing. It makes me wish I knew most of you when I was starting out.

I feel kind of rude for not addressing each one, but I'd end up taking over the thread, which I don't want to do at all. Instead, I'd just like to bring up one insight that I feel is very pertinent.

Originally Posted by Randall Magwood

Nowadays i cant see myself quitting. It's get rich or die trying for real. No mediocre lifestyle or settling over here.

This guy right here? True. Freaking. Warrior.

And his one quote is enough to remind me that, in putting together my top 10 list, I was grossly - guh-rossly - remiss. I failed to list probably the most important character deficit.

Which is (just in my opinion):

11. You're weak.

I have no idea why the original owner of Warrior Forum decided to call us Warriors (perhaps one of the "Old Heads" can help me out?), but I'll certainly tell you why I would have done it.

When you become an entrepreneur, you lose something that most other "regular" people take for granted: security. You're a lawyer? That's great. At the end of every month, you have a nice salary check winging it's way to your bank. Teacher? Dentist? A member of the writing staff for GOT? Salary, salary, salary.

But what security does an entrepreneur have? One word: strength.

I often smile when I see "computer geeks" portrayed as weak-chinned little kittens in movies. Because if we're talking successful computer geeks, nothing could be further from the truth. And that applies to entrepreneurs the world over.

You're an affiliate marketer? Every day, the second the clock turns to a new day, your income starts that day on zero. How do you get out of bed and face a new day? Strength.

You have a membership site? How do you ensure you retain those members and keep on paying the bills? Strength.

You run a list? Will those subscribers be paying your mortgage this month? Maybe they will. But the only way to ensure they do? Strength.

Randall? I really don't know you at all, buddy, but I'd willing place a bet on your success.

In my estimation, then . . .

You can be a Warrior and do well. But you must be a Warrior. A Warrior with a capital W.

To do better than "well?"

In the words of RM:

"It's get rich or die trying..."

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najo10

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

When you become an entrepreneur, you lose something that most other "regular" people take for granted: security. You're a lawyer? That's great. At the end of every month, you have a nice salary check winging it's way to your bank. Teacher? Dentist? A member of the writing staff for GOT? Salary, salary, salary.

But what security does an entrepreneur have? One word: strength.

I've been self employed for 20 years. My wife and I have done brick and mortar this whole time. We've survived through all manners of what life throws at you. Internet Marketing is calling to me because entrepreneurism is in my blood and I am sick of the limitations brick and mortar faces. Working for someone else isn't worth the lack of freedom and losing the reward of being self made day after day. There is terror and heartache, and you fight for every inch of ground gained. I haven't found smooth sailing yet and would love a real solid victory, but every day I wake up, I take hold of my destiny and fight with blood, sweet and tears for the victories we can claim.

I completely understand why we are Warriors and your post nails it on the head.

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briley knox 9 years ago

Love the post why is it that everyone comes into IM thinking something for nothing , I cant make money without working for or investing in it. I don't need to learn anything about the business, I just set up a site and see if I make any income....
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Rory Singh

9 years ago

If you have any of those 10 things on your list, forget about quitting.

You shouldn't even get started

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LittleKev

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Rory Singh

If you have any of those 10 things on your list, forget about quitting.

You shouldn't even get started

I disagree with this comment, It's very harsh and smacks of ignorance. I cannot believe there is anyone on this forum that didn't start out with at least one of those ten traits.

As I've been a "Joe" and most probably still a "Joe", I can resonate with people who find it tough to get started. Yes, it does take time to get over the inevitable failures with I.M.

I don't believe that having a "below average IQ" is relevant at all. Some of the most successful people of all time have had a low IQ.

When you're struggling to make it in this niche, the last thing you need to be told is that you're a failure, that will help no one. I have no intention of quitting, despite making very little in 4 years. Some of us take longer than others, but we're not all failures.

A lot of people are saying what they think us "failures" are doing or not doing, but how can they know without sitting with us in front of our computer?

But 10 reasons to quit? Absolutely not.

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zdebx

9 years ago

Originally Posted by LittleKev

I disagree with this comment, It's very harsh and smacks of ignorance. I cannot believe there is anyone on this forum that didn't start out with at least one of those ten traits.

As I've been a "Joe" and most probably still a "Joe", I can resonate with people who find it tough to get started. Yes, it does take time to get over the inevitable failures with I.M.

I don't believe that having a "below average IQ" is relevant at all. Some of the most successful people of all time have had a low IQ.

When you're struggling to make it in this niche, the last thing you need to be told is that you're a failure, that will help no one. I have no intention of quitting, despite making very little in 4 years. Some of us take longer than others, but we're not all failures.

A lot of people are saying what they think us "failures" are doing or not doing, but how can they know without sitting with us in front of our computer?

But 10 reasons to quit? Absolutely not.

Good points. Don't remember who said it, but he said "whatever you do, there are no failures - only results".

What most people call a "failure" is often just an unpleasant experience of trying something new that you haven't done before, so obviously the results that you get are not what you would expect...

IQ does play a role here or in anything for that matter, but have to agree it's more about just doing it and sticking with it, rather than being smart initially due to previous education or training...

Persistence beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard enough.

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BigFrank Banned 9 years ago

Originally Posted by zdebx

Good points. Don't remember who said it, but he said "whatever you do, there are no failures - only results".

Hmmm... in my world, piss-poor results are usually called failures. That said, I do reside in a little place called, 'reality.'

Cheers. - Frank
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- zdebx 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by BigFrank
  
  Hmmm... in my world, piss-poor results are usually called failures. That said, I do reside in a little place called, 'reality.'
  
  Cheers. - Frank
  
  There's no way around "piss-poor results", unless you have someone to baby-sit you all the way to the bank.
  
  That's how most of us learn, you crawl, before you can walk, so if failures scare you (not you specifically, talking in general), then maybe you should get a "real job", rather than keep failing trying to become financially independent for the rest of your life.
  
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  BigFrank Banned 9 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by zdebx
  
  then maybe you should get a "real job", rather than keep failing trying to become financially independent for the rest of your life.
  
  Me specifically - I have had my share of failures, Many of them - but that's what I called them - total, abject failures.
  
  I'm not one for sugar-coating anything in life. I call a spade a spade. Anything else is a form of self-delusion and is not beneficial in the slightest to helping anyone achieve their goal.
  
  Additionally, that stance is what has enabled me to actually become "financially independent for the rest of my life."
  
  My quest for the money is over, that's why I hope that possibly someone might listen to what I have to say. The proof is in the results, not the fantasy. I have produced results and the lifestyle, security and independence that go along with that. That's why, in the end it matters not if anyone listens to what I have to offer. I've got mine. :-)
  
  Cheers. - Frank
  
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Robert Puddy

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

Two months go by. Joe? As you can probably imagine, he quits. Want to know why? Here it is: He finally figures it out. There are no systems. Just people talking about systems. There is - let it be known - no money in IM. A clever guy like Joe has figured out a simple truth: No one makes a bean.

After all . . . if they did . . . Joe would, too.

Right?

here is a shorter version of your story

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Give someone a chunk of wood and a carving knife and what do you get?

> A small percentage will create a work of art.

> A somewhat larger percentage will create a pile of shavings.

> A large percentage will hand you back the wood and the knife, having done nothing with it and claiming that woodcarving is impossible or evil.

> A small percentage will produce a trip to the emergency room, having tried to use the carving knife as a hammer...

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SMworkcafe

9 years ago

All of your 10 points mentioned above applied to me.

11. Crying when I saw people unsubscribing from my list

>> Now, I start singing.

12. Treating my family rubbish when the traffic did not convert as I expected it 'should'. I used to show my husband attitude and all the crap you can think of.

>> Now, I get up in the morning and praise god for giving me such a beautiful family and truly treasure them. I usually check things on the next day of experimenting with the funnel. I don't see the reports first thing in the morning. Midnight hours are the best.

13. I used to be angry on myself for not being able to rank

>> Now, whenever I am not getting results as I expected, I defend myself no matter what. There are two people inside me: the one who regrets after taking an unsuccessful action and the one who is an arrogant li'l sucker who never accepts that what I did was wrong. Previously, the regretful one was overpowering now the later one defends me.

14. When an editor didn't reply to me, I felt devastated. I used to feel miserable with my content writing skills

>> Now, I show them a finger and e-mail even bigger editors to quench my starving ego.

Surprisingly, I have build a second personality within me. I am a complete opposite in real life. I am compassionate, no ego whatsoever, a regular in a local charity event for the disabled, keeping my family's opinion over mine etc.

I have learned to minimize the stress I took previously. I have made myself disciplined enough to embrace 'dead-end' situations and give time to my brain to start functioning again. If you allow feelings to overcome you in stressful scenarios, just shut it down for good.

p.s., I just voted this thread. It deserves it

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karlstech

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

I entered IM in 1994.

In a few days, I'll turn 40, and come September I'll have another birthday. We'll call it my "21st IM birthday." Over the last two decades I've seen new entrants into this business come and go. Some of them arrived and made a fortune, some arrived and went on to lead good lives, some arrived and simply managed to pay the bills, but most arrived and departed as failures.

The aim of this post is to tell you my perception of the failures.

As the title succinctly informs: I'll be giving you ten reasons to quit the business. There are exceptions, of course, and these are only my perceptions, but if any of these apply to you then I hope they'll at least give you pause for thought. God willing, I'll be in this business until I drop. And it quit being about the money too many years ago for me to remember. I love what I do; I'm good at what I do. But what about you? Should today be the day you quit? Or should today be the day you wake up and begin staking your claim?

Let's find out . . .

1. You're Lazy
2. You expect fast returns.
3. You expect easy returns.
4. You're a poor communicator.
5. You have an inability to adapt to change.
6. You dislike education.
7. You believe you can make money without first spending some.
8. You have a below-average IQ.
9. You lack passion.
10. You lack belief in yourself, and in others.

I'm going to describe for you an IM failure. We'll call him Joe.

Joe lost his job and found Warrior Forum because he needs to make ends meet. Mouths to feed. Rent to pay. Like most people, he has a vague conception of internet marketing. He's seen the popup ads while watching movies:

"Hi my name's Ed Rich III. I earned $48, 500 yesterday and I'm gonna tell ya something. I never finished high school, I came from a poor family, I'm lazy as heck, and it cost me exactly ZERO to earn almost 50,000 buckaroos yesterday. Gonna tell ya something else. YOU can do it, too."

Joe? He's heard anyone can do it. Heard millions can be earned overnight. Heard fortunes can be made from nothing. Joe? Hey, he wants a piece of the action. So he arrives on Warrior Forum and he gets to work. Sort of.

He skims through a few threads. Literally skims. Barely reading. Reading and research? Takes time. Joe? He has no time to waste. He needs money and he knows it takes no time to get it.

After he's done "skimming" he starts with the questions. Some of the folks on WF are making good money, he knows. He wants it, too, so they're going to help. He plasters the forum with threads. Quick threads. Not even taking the time to think about his grammar. Single sentences. Unfinished sentences. Rush, rush. Someone will help.

A few do, but he never notices. Brent Stangel expertly explains list building and sales funnels. Discrat gives clever insight into Facebook fan pages and TeeSpring. Steve B shares erudite, thoughtful nuggets about living the life of an entrepreneur and developing a serious business. Kay King pops in to give a wake up call, and while it may seem mean to you, the advice is nothing short of pure gold: "Stop littering the forum with silly questions and expecting us to do everything for you. It's not only annoying for us, it's counter-productive for you. Dig into the vast wealth of knowledge here and LEARN. Then ask INTELLIGENT questions." Joe? Like I say . . . he never notices.

What he does notice is this (or thinks he notices): people are holding out. There are clever push-button systems, he knows. Free systems. Easy systems. Systems just perfect for a guy without education and without a high school diploma (although, I should point out, he was clever enough to get one, but just too lazy to do so). Systems that don't require hard work, investment, writing, making those stupid videos. Systems that payout - like ATMs - if one only points a finger and . . . clicks.

Two months go by. Joe? As you can probably imagine, he quits. Want to know why? Here it is: He finally figures it out. There are no systems. Just people talking about systems. There is - let it be known - no money in IM. A clever guy like Joe has figured out a simple truth: No one makes a bean.

After all . . . if they did . . . Joe would, too.

Right?

Reminds me of a project I'm working on!

Thanks!

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tyronne78

9 years ago

Solid content. I definitely agree with #7 and #9 on your list. It would be next to impossible to build a lucrative business online without spending any money.Going the free route is usually the most expensive thing you can do. And of course a lack of passion will only get you so far.

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Marrinka 8 years ago

This may be one of the best threads here (I don't know why thou). I used be "Joe" too. I had several of those "reasons to quit" at a time and I was forced to quit too. Luckily, because the timeout was the best thing ever happened to me and helped me to see the bigger picture and come back with totally different attitude.

Now there's nothing that could make me give up on working my way to success this way. The beginning was hard, but once you get through the hardest part, it gets a lot easier (thank God!).
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gnojham

9 years ago

Which of those 10 things would be good for any other job?

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anwar001

9 years ago

Excellent post. I think the primary reason for most failures is not taking consistent action for sufficiently long periods of time and also not learning from mistakes or failures to adapt/change your approach and take action again.

I also think reason #8 (You have a below-average IQ) is a very big but often overlooked reason why many people fail in IM or any other business. I think if you just scan through the successful internet marketers or bloggers you will find most of them have above average IQs.

Even though they may have been deceived by false programs early in their IM career, they probably were quick to distinguish between fake programs and genuine business models that they could adopt. Secondly they are usually the ones who are quick to take any business model and change/modify it to suit their skills and interests then implement it.

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ceenote100

9 years ago

I would like to add number 11: You have information overload. When I first started I have spent so much money on all these products that just didn't work. I found out that it's better to find something that works and just STICK WITH IT! Once you find something that actually works then you can expand on it.

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Jackson Tan

9 years ago

Great motivation thread for me.. let's be realistic, imho, we all want to be successful in our own internet marketing business.. sometime it is just tough luck that it is against you and you did everything ever possible and maybe even the exact same thing that others are doing it successfully. Internet business is a REAL Business.. period.. how many percentage of IMers actually succeed? Think about it ..How many actually failed?

For me, I quit my job to go full time on this business.. just like RM say, "It's get rich or die trying for real".. If I quit, I failed..

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globalexperts

9 years ago

Let me just add that some people spend hours and hours on research but they do not have the guts to take action or implement what they have learned.

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GregtheWriter

9 years ago

Beautifully written and so intensely true.

Whether it's internet marketing, network marketing, selling a product, selling a service, owning a business or starting a franchise there is but one truth...

It all takes work.

I think a lot of times the best opportunities on this planet (like internet marketing) are given bad names by ignorant people like this fictionalized Joe. It's so EASY to get started people think it must be easy the entire way.

Just because they don't have to spend $10-50k to startup an internet business doesn't mean it's different than any other. It all takes blood, sweat and tears in the start to make it move.

My favorite analogy I believe is the planes one when it comes to starting a business.

In the start you have to go full throttle. All the way. Full speed. Everything you got. But after working a season (depending on the business, in network marketing a good 90 day run would be a season) you can settle into "maintenance" mode just like the plane. Once the plane is actually in the air, it's on cruise control from there on out for the most part.

People see the glories of others but very rarely see the sweat that got them there.

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webproishere

9 years ago

But seriously, why give up ? Even if it takes a few years to really master something.

At worst, you do this in your spare time that's it that's all.
I just don't understand people giving up. It's the way of the futur.
You can be your own boss and live where you want to live as long as there's an internet connection.
Also, that won't be a problem anymore as Musk/Google are planning to launch satellites so people can connect from anywhere, at an affordable price. Something that wasn't possible a decade ago.

I must admit that YOU MUST spend time on your biz. The more the better.

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uzzal1530

9 years ago

great post.

Thanks
1 reply

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zdebx 9 years ago

Originally Posted by uzzal1530

great post.

Thanks for sharing your invaluable opinion with everyone. It's great to have you as part of our community and it's always a pleasure reading helpful insights from the likes of yourself.
- Thanks
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shaolefen

9 years ago

4, 6, and 8 are spot on. You can get away with being lazy if you're lucky and put some work into it. Eventually, you 'might' start earning. But lacking knowledge or the ability or desire to get it will prevent someone from making any progress.

Thanks

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Vyc Volvo

Banned 9 years ago

Great post!

Thanks

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Path Theory

9 years ago

double post

Thanks

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Jen Eick

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Tom Addams

7. You believe you can make money without first spending some.

7a. - You approach people who seem to get how to works, asking them to "front" the upfront cost for your success, swearing that when you "make it" you'll give them back a portion of your profits.

Come on, man.
No, I will not buy the product I'm promoting (as an affiliate!) for you, based on some fictional "I.O.U." Learn how the game works.

Now coaching...may be a different story. if the right contract is involved

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Jen Eick

7a. - You approach people who seem to get how to works, asking them to "front" the upfront cost for your success, swearing that when you "make it" you'll give them back a portion of your profits.

Come on, man.
No, I will not buy the product I'm promoting (as an affiliate!) for you, based on some fictional "I.O.U." Learn how the game works.

Now coaching...may be a different story. if the right contract is involved

I feel your pain, Jen. I receive the same kind of offers at least half a dozen times a month. I don't understand the "borrowing" mindset. The only person I borrow from is my wife - and it's some bait when we're out fishing!!

Cheers,

Tom

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DaveTheSinister

9 years ago

Jeeze Tom, you should feel real special. You earned my very first and very second "Thanks." Whats the old cliche? "If this message only touches one mind..." Right here, here's your one, buddy.

I guess if I am being honest, I got a bit of Joe in me... Pause. This thread has got me to take a look at myself. No way has it inspired me to quit though. Time to, "stake MY claim."

Thanks for this one!
D

Thanks

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luane

9 years ago

Hey Tom,

Hats off to you! 21 years - woohoo...haven't met anyone else online who could stand up to that time-tested record in this business.

I was blessed enough to meet a Mentor online a couple of years ago, who put me on the right path of finding my passion (Youtube) with a hungry crowd (those who wanted to learn youtube+affiliate marketing with free tools). Since my background is teaching, this fits quite nicely with my mindset.

My biggest challenges besides buying way too much education? Way over-analyzing until I finally realized that DOING only those things every day FIRST that would bring income, changed my whole ROI of time and money.

Where else can you teach 24/7, have your instruction go around the globe while you sleep AND have people thank you for teaching them what you learned countless late nights of burning the midnight oil and lots of weekends to "have the light-bulb turn on in your brain"?

I can see where burnout can be an issue, since we CAN work 24/7, but following a healthy balance and mental attitude of "helping" a hungry crowd...always pays it forward.

Again, MY hat's off to you!

Great thread...very well-written and all TRUE - Kristie Chiles Arp

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Peter Aaron Diaz

9 years ago

If I didn't do anything else today, at least I read this post.

I'm completely new to everything IM and this thread has just given me so much inspiration and fire to give it my all and not be a "joe".

I'm young and willing to put in the work. There is something about being told that what ever I want to achieve is very difficult and will take a major part of all the effort i have to give that is attractive.

There are many things that I'm excited to learn from this warrior forum and I'm very glad i read this one today.

Thanks Tom.

Thanks

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moneymax

8 years ago

Awesome post, Tom....

Good afternoon, my name is Joe (I hear the repeat in everyone's AA Voice) Hi, Joe.

Actually I am a recovering Joe. In the past I suffered all of the above except number 1 and number 6. Number 10 really hits home with me...still does.

I used to buy every WSO or Money Making report that I could get my hands on or afford at the time. I was searching for the magic bean. (I made Jack's bean seller rich or at least paid for a few of his Rolls Royce Payments)

I used to have "Shiny Objects Syndrome"

I quit IM/MMO more times than I really care to remember. I vowed never to return, because since I wasn't making any money, no one else was either.

I tried to validate my lack of success. I searched the internet for reasons to fail. How many people succeed vs how many fail.

I secretly wanted to find failures so I wouldn't have to admit my own failures. If I was in good company, I wouldn't think of my self as an idiot (I wanted to say dough dough, but I don't know how to spell it)

Getting back to me quitting. I wanted to stay out of IM/MMO, but I couldn't. No matter how many times I tried it didn't work out. I can't stay out. It is a curse. I keep coming back.

But something changed. What, you ask? I realized to make it in IM/MMO you have to model after someone that has the success that you want. I realized I had to do something different than I have been doing in the past.

Buying WSO's every time a new one came out or buying some guru's new product that promised me the next million dollar idea had to be something I no longer do...(I do admit, once in a blue moon I backslide and purchase something) and do something different.

I found me a IM/MMO Coach. I realized in order to take my knowledge further, I needed a coach.

Athlete's need coaches...Stock Brokers need coaches...Insurance Agents need coaches and almost every profession in the offline working world need coaches.

Why would we think that IM/MMO would be any different.

I believe the greatest benefit of having a coach is the Shiny Object Syndrome disappears and I no longer feel the NEED to go after the next best, the latest and the greatest system of the week.

When I don't understand something, I have a coach that I go to and I get it fixed. Also a good coach will save you money. If I see a product that I want, I can ask my coach his/her opinion and he/she may steer me away from said product for whatever reason, saving me a ton of money.

Coach. Thank you for helping me out.

Come to think of it, Tom...you have a list of 10 reason why people quit, perhaps you can do as AA does for recovering Joe's have a 10 Step list that brings Joe's from 10 reasons to quit to 10 steps to success.

Tom, awesome post. I believe this list will help a lot of people.

Sincerely

Recovering Joe,
Al Pooser

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oppyeaunome

8 years ago

The tips that you outlined are so true. A lot of people get started online thinking that they will be able to make a lot of money in a really short time. This is just not the case when it comes to starting and growing a real online business.

You have to be willing to put in the work to see the returns. If you are willing and you work hard, there is nothing that you cannot achieve online.

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SamdarshiPaul

8 years ago

Great Post!

Makes so much sense. Any IM failure can relate to this. It talks so much about what most of us has gone through and many ARE going through.

Thanks

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celente

8 years ago

here I will help everyone out. Its the most reason I see failure everyone online, and morons telling me that its all a big SCAM!....this is what they should be crying in their milk and cookies before they go to bed.

1) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

2) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

3) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

4) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

5) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

6) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

7) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

8) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

9) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

10) I FORGOT TO BUILD LIST

I think, by the time you got to 3-4 in the list, you are starting to get it.

LOL

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ivanadee

8 years ago

I believe, lack of focus and consistency can also be the factors.
Thanks for sharing

Thanks

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gabrielrala

8 years ago

People want their success to happen over night, where all they have to do is, sit and watch their money grow!!! everyone must understand that success is something that will NEVER happen overnight, there must be;
1. dedication, .
2.focus
3.perseverance
4. hard work,
5. capital
In business you have to be open, for possible changes,must be upfront to face circumstances.mind set must be upbeat and active, flexibility is a must, you cant stay in your old way and must be open for rapid change in the market!!!

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