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What Gives?

by Undergrad
63 replies
My name is Peter Giraldeau and this is my first post. I have no reputation online, no one in this community knows who I am or even knew that I existed before this post. I like many of you seek success on the internet and continue to find myself on the brink of riches with the light of a regular income just around the corner. I have made sales...oh yes...I have seen the potential that this vast internet has to offer. They came in regular bursts, 2 or 3 a week for a month...and then nothing; for a few months...nothing. Frustrated I threw down my goals and said to myself "This will never work".

You see my problem has been that I achieved the basic steps of success and upon hitting a wall discontinued my efforts when what i should have been doing was build upon what I had already done, expanding my efforts rather than letting them dwindle and die. So many products and systems brag automation and give you the bare minimum preaching success and riches without giving you the advanced information to create an ever-lasting business online.

I have read many of the threads on this forum and have garnered information and advice from some of the top minds in the industry and every time I read a success story or testimonial I feel empowered to begin marketing again. But I can't help but feel a twinge of negativity, the always nagging feeling that all of my friends and family are thinking but would never say out loud "It will never work".

I want so badly to succeed, I would even go so far as to say that I would do anything, but money is short and time...the priceless commodity that runs the business world...isn't slowing down any time soon. My brain is on information overload and all I want is to feel the elation that I felt when I logged into Clickbank and saw that first sale.

I know people have made great quantities of money online...it's out there...I can feel it. So let me ask you, where is my success? It certainly isn't for lack of trying or a failure in intelligence...What gives?

*Upadte to Thread* Let's update this thread a little and focus on the topic of product creation and writing in general. Having received some great information from some great people I feel that my direction is in these fields.
  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    How about posting one of your projects for us to review? Without knowing what you have done it's a little hard to know why it isn't working.
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    • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
      To be honest I let everything go to the wayside over a year ago, I started real life after college and honestly felt so frustrated that things weren't working out that I quit alltogether. My domains and websites are long gone and I have only recenlty taken up the marketing mantle once more. I'm trying to develope a webpage and get some understanding of the "basics" again as my original efforts were clearly only successful on a temporary basis. I'm working nights now at a job where I literally do nothing so I want to invest my time in something that I am passioante about but forgot about somewhere in the last 13 months.
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  • Profile picture of the author Internet Undertaking
    I agree with GuerrillaIM,

    Give us a sense, in as much detail as you can, what you have done at a certain time. We don't mean to invade the privacy of your projects, but you will get much better responses from people on this forum if they know where to head with their replys.
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    I'm sorry for the diatribe, probably happens a lot and just gets brushed aside as another whiney wannabee. I really hope that I am not viewed as such in the future, I'd like to make a somewhat reputable name for myself here. As far as my original efforts go I followed PotPieGirl's Oneweekmarketing, excellent book I guess I just couldn't wrap my head around how to apply it in the long term. I also used a lot of bum marketing techniques, squidoo, article marketing and the like, rerouting my articles through a domain name. I had a basic website that brought in a few sales but thats is the extent of my experience. Like I said I hit that wall and couldn't figure out how to get over it. So I gave up...I can guarantee that that won't happen again.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      I'm sorry for the diatribe, probably happens a lot and just gets brushed aside as another whiney wannabee.
      Well, 99% of the people who come in here and say "I won't quit this time" are wrong.

      We hope you're not. We hope that about everyone. It's just that chances are... well, you know.

      What are you going to do differently this time?
      Signature
      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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      • Profile picture of the author catherine ford
        Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

        Well, 99% of the people who come in here and say "I won't quit this time" are wrong.

        We hope you're not. We hope that about everyone. It's just that chances are... well, you know.

        What are you going to do differently this time?
        I too am new to Internet Marketing, but I have a strong background in business. I also know that there is a big difference between someone who is self employed as I have been for over thirty years and someone who works for someone else as an employee.

        The mentality is a world apart the self employed person tends only to have friends who are also self employed or are in business for themselves. The other friends soon dwindle when you cancel dinner dates, theatre dates, afternoons with friends etc because soemthing has come up in a business capacity and it has priority.

        It is not easy being totally focused on your business all the time and accepting that you fail. Actually it is not the failure that matters but how you deal with that failure.

        Every self employed person has failed at soemthing but they have to dust themselves off and start again. In the recession in 1979 my first business nearly went to the wall. It was soooo close I can still look back and say how did I get out of that one. However it would not have mattered if it had gone because I would have started again.

        There is a lot to say for being in control of your destiny and not having to work under someone else's direction. As Darklock succinctly says it is easy to give up and hard to keep focused and not give in to distractions.


        Catherine
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      • Profile picture of the author jasonbird
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        • Profile picture of the author heatwave13
          Undergrad, buddy, you can do this. Decide that it IS going to happen, rather than merely hoping that it happens. Deciding that you WILL succeed at this will cause your mind to work in a way that begins pursuing opportunities. I'm just a few steps ahead of you on this road but I still have much to learn. You can get paid for writing. I have done it for others and have proven to myself that it can work...if that is the route you choose. I have also written an ebook that has sold a few copies with barely any marketing effort.

          Trust me, there have been times when I have wanted to throw in the white towel. I have all the family and friends mocking me, telling me to come back to reality, to stop being a dreamer, etc. and so forth and so on. I just block them out. All around you here, you will find folks that are earning a living from various aspects and avenues of the online world. I plan to join them and we hope you will to.

          Commit to it, embrace it, and become what you envision (make sure it's success, lol) and we will all cheer you on.
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  • Profile picture of the author Damien Roche
    Seems like you already have a defeatist attitude and you will have to shake that to get anywhere. Forget the past, learn from your mistakes and failures.

    It's not *that* hard, but you need to be determined and focused and there certainly isn't any room for doubting yourself. It's all about traffic and conversions.- once you've grasped that, the rest will fall into place a lot easier.

    I hope you stick with it and see the fruits of your labors sooner than you think.
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    • Profile picture of the author brilliant
      Originally Posted by Damien Roche View Post

      Seems like you already have a defeatist attitude and you will have to shake that to get anywhere. Forget the past, learn from your mistakes and failures.

      It's not *that* hard, but you need to be determined and focused and there certainly isn't any room for doubting yourself. It's all about traffic and conversions.- once you've grasped that, the rest will fall into place a lot easier.

      I hope you stick with it and see the fruits of your labors sooner than you think.
      It's the getting quality traffic which is the hard part - people that actually want to pay for your products.
      Hang around forums like forums like this one, and build your creditability as an expert.
      Don't give up!
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    I feel that I have the time now to invest in learning what it takes to succeed at this. Before I was looking at this as a hobbie, something to do to take my mind off of school work, I wasn't dedicated to it. I feel that I have the potential to succeed and as I said I'm willing to do anything it takes to not fail. I think it might have been James who said in one of the threads here, it has to be your passion, and if you're passionate about something failure isn't an option.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      if you're passionate about something failure isn't an option.
      It's beyond that. Failure doesn't even cross your mind.

      Every time someone pays me money for something I wrote, there's a part of me saying "Wow, really? Really?"

      Because it sort of feels like I just pulled money out of my arse.
      Signature
      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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      • Profile picture of the author ladyshadowrider
        Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

        It's beyond that. Failure doesn't even cross your mind.

        Every time someone pays me money for something I wrote, there's a part of me saying "Wow, really? Really?"

        Because it sort of feels like I just pulled money out of my arse.
        You know what? That's it right there...that's the rush, the appeal...as close to God as you can get.

        Creating something out of nothing!

        I prefer to think of it as pulling money out of thin air, cuz I tend to flush anything that comes outta "my arse."

        "Normal people" just don't get it, try explaining it to your family who wonders why you spend so much time at your computer (my father suggested I seek professional help not too long ago). :rolleyes:

        Tamara
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  • Profile picture of the author George Wright
    Hi Peter,

    Welcome to the Warrior Forum.

    This is a first for me. I have never said this to anyone that I can remember however I'm saying it to you.

    Write!

    Youve got it. Reading your post I have no doubt about it. You are a writer.

    To be continued......

    George Wright
    Signature
    "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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    • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
      Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

      Hi Peter,

      Welcome to the Warrior Forum.

      This is a first for me. I have never said this to anyone that I can remember however I'm saying it to you.

      Write!

      Youve got it. Reading your post I have no doubt about it. You are a writer.

      To be continued......

      George Wright
      Thanks George,
      Hearing compliments like that really cements in me the drive to pursue my goals but I wouldn't even know where to begin. I have considered that as a path but I feel as though I lack the direction to proceed. any suggestions?

      CDarklock what is it that you write? And how does one pursue that path?

      Peter
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      • Profile picture of the author George Wright
        Peter,

        Just write an ebook about anything that you know well. For instance, you mentioned that you went to college. Is there anything that you overcame there that you could write about.

        Just a for instance. My daughter wrote an eBook about how to go to college for free. She sold about 100 copies of it at $12 ea. It took her one week to write that eBook. Other marketers have sold copies of it and it is found in some membership sites. She wrote several more that did almost as well as that one.

        She pursued a full time job for now, however, if she had just continued writing eBooks and if each one had done as well as the first ones, she would have made $50k to $100k so far. That is more than her job pays.

        eBook writing is not for everyone, I know. However, reading your short posts, in my opinion, you have talent.

        George Wright

        Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

        Thanks George,
        Hearing compliments like that really cements in me the drive to pursue my goals but I wouldn't even know where to begin. I have considered that as a path but I feel as though I lack the direction to proceed. any suggestions?

        CDarklock what is it that you write? And how does one pursue that path?

        Peter
        Signature
        "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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      • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
        Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

        CDarklock what is it that you write? And how does one pursue that path?
        I started out writing articles and blog posts for someone right here on the WF at the end of June. He needed a lot of articles fast, posted an open call for them, and I was desperate for money to try and avoid being evicted. So I PM'd him and offered to write 500 word articles for $7.50 each, got an order for ten of them, and had them to him the next day.

        He wrote me an awesome testimonial, hired me to write a bunch of 1,500 word blog posts at a slightly higher rate, and - largely because of his testimonial - I got a bunch of writing clients emailing and PMing me.

        So I raised my rates. I made just over $2,000 that month, which is not bad at all for my third month in full-time IM. During this time, I signed up for Jenn Dize's ghostwriting course, which helped me get more clients. I've also been very active here on the forum, as you can see from my average of about 200 posts a month.

        I've since started a WSO offering a lifetime discount for my services, which is still running, and I've been working to improve my knowledge of copywriting so I can move in that direction. I'm actually taking my first few copywriting clients for $500 a page, at the moment... and once I've got a solid enough handle on it, along with some testimonials, that will go up.
        Signature
        "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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        • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
          Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

          I started out writing articles and blog posts for someone right here on the WF at the end of June. He needed a lot of articles fast, posted an open call for them, and I was desperate for money to try and avoid being evicted. So I PM'd him and offered to write 500 word articles for $7.50 each, got an order for ten of them, and had them to him the next day.

          He wrote me an awesome testimonial, hired me to write a bunch of 1,500 word blog posts at a slightly higher rate, and - largely because of his testimonial - I got a bunch of writing clients emailing and PMing me.

          So I raised my rates. I made just over $2,000 that month, which is not bad at all for my third month in full-time IM. During this time, I signed up for Jenn Dize's ghostwriting course, which helped me get more clients. I've also been very active here on the forum, as you can see from my average of about 200 posts a month.

          I've since started a WSO offering a lifetime discount for my services, which is still running, and I've been working to improve my knowledge of copywriting so I can move in that direction. I'm actually taking my first few copywriting clients for $500 a page, at the moment... and once I've got a solid enough handle on it, along with some testimonials, that will go up.
          So you have only been writing articles as a means of making money for a few months and already you have found success. There is a lot of potential in writing it seems. When everyone is digging for gold...sell the shovel. To see someone succeeding this way with much more success around the corner...that truly is an inspiration. I wish you all the success in your future endeavours.

          Peter
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          • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
            Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

            So you have only been writing articles as a means of making money for a few months and already you have found success.
            Keep in mind that I did a lot of stuff that never worked in the ten years leading up to that, before I went full time.
            Signature
            "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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  • Profile picture of the author wisecrone333
    Hi there and welcome

    I spent years working as a ghostwriter online and making decent money before I decided for various reasons to try my hand at IM. My income dropped to almost zero immediately but my learning curve for this gets sharper every day. Just as soon as I get one bit sorted then something else crops up. But you know what is funny about it - I have never felt so passionate about what I have done in my life.

    I was watching a video the other day online where Russell was saying that to build up a business over the long term you needed to look at community marketing - basically spending the time to be in forums like this helping others - going on Yahoo Answers and helping people there, sharing free information on article sites, hubpages and squidoo and eventually the results will come. I work from the idea that you honestly do have to give to receive (like so many other Warriors do) and your time will come.

    My advice is this - set up your site or product or what have you so that you think it is brilliant and then get out there and do something positive for your site (marketing, answering posts, learning new tools and tricks) every day - even on your busiest day you can take five minutes to post a couple of comments here, or give away a few good tips on Twitter. The results will come - I promise you that - you just have to believe it.

    Attitude is everything

    Best wishes
    Lisa
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    Hire me to write your ebooks - Warriors get a discount: just check out the blog below for more details.
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  • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
    Peter....

    George is spot on here. I don't usually read these whining threads for too long, but you had me read your whole post

    You'll need some direction, of course. Once you find that direction, you will have no problem making this thing an actionable business plan.

    Peace

    Jay
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    Bare Murkage.........

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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    I'm definitely interested in knowing more about eBook writing and publishing. You have piqued my interest. Upon writing the ebook how does one promote it? Do all topics sell or should I focus on a particular niche? Are there products available that could show me the process or is there anyone on this forum that may be able to provide me with guidance?
    I apologize if I am asking too many questions but I think that this could definitely be the start of something.

    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      You are on the right track.

      I've been around the Warrior Forum long enough to know that this is a thread that will have a long life. Keep returning to this thread, your thread and I have a good feeling that a lot of helpful Warriors will be guiding you.

      I'll certainly be back and I'll try to have some helpful suggestions. Right now I'm brain dead from playing catch up as I was away for a while.

      In the mean time, if you want to write, write. It's really that simple. No time you spend writing will be wasted. Trust me, just do it and we'll talk about the whys and wherefores later.

      George Wright

      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      I'm definitely interested in knowing more about eBook writing and publishing. You have piqued my interest. Upon writing the ebook how does one promote it? Do all topics sell or should I focus on a particular niche? Are there products available that could show me the process or is there anyone on this forum that may be able to provide me with guidance?
      I apologize if I am asking too many questions but I think that this could definitely be the start of something.

      Peter
      Signature
      "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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    • Profile picture of the author JayXtreme
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      I'm definitely interested in knowing more about eBook writing and publishing. You have piqued my interest. Upon writing the ebook how does one promote it?
      ahhh... first you write... then comes the marketing, the one thing that turns pages of digital content.. into cold, hard cash.

      Do all topics sell or should I focus on a particular niche?
      In my experience... most topics will sell... our job as marketing minds, is to find the angles by which they are actually going to sell. More importantly, to find angles from which we can sell in great numbers. Help people with a problem and you will sell forever to happy customers.

      Are there products available that could show me the process or is there anyone on this forum that may be able to provide me with guidance?
      Yup.. there are products that detail the product creation process, and there are people here who can guide you on this. Your own judge of character is going to come into play here..

      The whole forum will tell you they can help you.. for a small fee, of course The "dilemma" you have is finding a true master in the direction you wish to go and absorbing what they have to say/publish on your chosen topic to learn.

      Take some time to read around the forum, Peter.

      You can get all the information you need to get started with this for FREE in this very forum. Personally, I am a strong advocate of paying for good solid education to speed up this process.

      I always consider valuable information and business development content as an investment, not a cost.

      Find someone who is teaching what you want to do, and grab it with both hands...

      I wish you well in your quest!... rest assured, The Warrior Forum is the right place to learn this.

      Peace

      Jay
      Signature

      Bare Murkage.........

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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    George I hope that you are wright...pardon the pun. I truly feel that I have stumbled upon my calling. Writing is something that I am truly passionate about and as I quoted earlier if you're passionate failure is not an option, and as CDarklock stated failure should never even cross your mind. I have my fingers crossed that this forum pulls through and that I can learn and contribute my findings back to the progress of other writers. Thanks to everyone who posted here so far, you have truly inspired me.

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    The path to success often takes us down the road of most resistance. It may have taken 10 years but you are there. Persistence yet again proves to be an invaluable asset when it comes to working for yourself. I know that I will prove you wrong and I will stick with this and find the success that you have, even if it takes 10 years.

    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      I will stick with this and find the success that you have, even if it takes 10 years.
      That's the spirit
      Signature
      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    As I mentioned earlier I may be considering writing my own products or pursuing writing as an option for my online campaigns. Any suggestion of products that could help me start this or tips that might get the ball rolling?

    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      or tips that might get the ball rolling?

      Peter
      Take a look at helium.com. It's a good place to get started with writing and great for getting ideas for topics. If you develop a reputation on Helium you can also earn there - although I would suggest using it as a springboard for better paid things.
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      • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
        Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

        Take a look at helium.com. It's a good place to get started with writing and great for getting ideas for topics. If you develop a reputation on Helium you can also earn there - although I would suggest using it as a springboard for better paid things.
        Thanks rosetrees I'll definitely check it out.

        Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author George Wright
      Hi,

      To "start the ball rolling" dig out all of the essays, thesis, term papers and other papers you wrote in college, maybe even high school. I bet you have a ton of content to start with right there.

      George Wright

      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      As I mentioned earlier I may be considering writing my own products or pursuing writing as an option for my online campaigns. Any suggestion of products that could help me start this or tips that might get the ball rolling?

      Peter
      Signature
      "The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." Mickey Spillane
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      • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
        "Facilis Descensus Averno" - The Descent To Hell Is Easy
        Peter,

        Why have you chosen such a negative motto for your signature?

        How about finding a more positive message instead?

        Someone else in this thread commented that you seemed to have a defeatist attitude, and when I try to imagine what you are trying to communicate by choosing this motto, I can't come up with an interpretation that helps you or anyone else get moving toward success.

        Even something along the lines of "Staying off the road to hell is worth it" would be better.

        Marcia Yudkin
        Signature
        Check out Marcia Yudkin's No-Hype Marketing Academy for courses on copywriting, publicity, infomarketing, marketing plans, naming, and branding - not to mention the popular "Marketing for Introverts" course.
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        • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
          Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

          Peter,

          Why have you chosen such a negative motto for your signature?
          Surprisingly enough you're not the first person to mention this to me. However I must say that I feel as though you have misinterpreted the mantra. It doesn't mean that hell is the path one should take because it is easy. It means that it is more difficult to walk the path of righteousness. It takes more effort and personal character to live life to the fullest with goodness in your heart. I was walking a slippery slope when I was younger and I made some really bad choices. I came across this in one of my lowest moments and it reminded me that the path of negativity is a cop out. I have this as a tattoo now to remind me every day that life is worth the challenges.

          Peter
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          • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
            I came across this in one of my lowest moments and it reminded me that the path of negativity is a cop out. I have this as a tattoo now to remind me every day that life is worth the challenges.
            Peter, if it inspires you, that's great. However, when you put it in your signature it seems like this is a philosophy you are advocating to others, and I believe most people would interpret the saying as you recommending the road to hell.

            Therefore, you should put it up on your wall at home and let it speak to you. In my opinion, it doesn't belong in your signature. It's sending a misleading message about you and what you believe.

            Marcia Yudkin
            Signature
            Check out Marcia Yudkin's No-Hype Marketing Academy for courses on copywriting, publicity, infomarketing, marketing plans, naming, and branding - not to mention the popular "Marketing for Introverts" course.
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            • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
              Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

              I believe most people would interpret the saying as you recommending the road to hell.
              I can't see how. After all, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Does anyone have trouble grasping that one? Or see "the unexamined life is not worth living" as an advocacy of suicide?

              I, for one, find it quite heartening that someone else here has actually read Virgil's Aeneid.
              Signature
              "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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            • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
              Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

              Peter, if it inspires you, that's great. However, when you put it in your signature it seems like this is a philosophy you are advocating to others, and I believe most people would interpret the saying as you recommending the road to hell.
              I appreciate how you feel. However asking me to remove a saying from my personal signature simply because we have a different interpretation of the meaning would be akin to me asking you to remove your name from your posts. I understand that your interpretation is a negative one but trust me when I say that the intent is purely positive. Thanks to George and Darklock for backing me up on this.

              Peter
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      • Profile picture of the author Karen Connell
        Originally Posted by George Wright View Post

        Hi,

        To "start the ball rolling" dig out all of the essays, thesis, term papers and other papers you wrote in college, maybe even high school. I bet you have a ton of content to start with right there.

        George Wright

        Undergard,

        That is a great idea you really should consider.

        When I was moving house, I came across some stuff that I had written years ago. When I read through some of it, I realised that I could write an ebook on the subject and most of the work is already done!

        So, as we speak, I am reworking this into an ebook that I hope to sell - soon.

        So my advice to you is to write about what you know, you will be more likely to finish the project if it's something you enjoy and understand.

        Good luck to you in your endeavours.

        Regards

        Karen
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  • Profile picture of the author sumbu
    My first site was an eBook also. It was really alot easier than I thought it would be. We turned it into a hardcopy and now we have it selling in major bookstores worldwide and I have 5000 copies in my garage

    First of all pick your topic, something you are interested in and passionate about. "How To" guides are great, everyone is looking for the answer to something. Before you start to get too deep into it, check that there is a demand for this type of book. How often does it get searched for on google? Are there other books out there already about this topic? How much do they sell for? Work out how many copies you are going to sell at what price. This will help give you the motivation when it gets a bit dreary.

    Spend as much time as you can researching the topic. Read the books from competition sites, pay for these if you have to, it is a wise investment. Make a list of how your book could be better than theirs and make this your goal.

    By the time you have done your research actually sitting down to write should flow pretty naturally. Don't worry too much about how it looks until you have it all down on paper. Once you have finished writing, take a week away from it and then come back to read it again. Give it out to someone else to read. Make sure it is structured properly, Introduction, Chapters, etc. Grab any book from your shelf and try to mimic the structure to make it easier.

    Depending on your niche and how you want it to look will depend on how pretty you make the book. It can vary from a simple PDF version of a basic word document to a fully illustrated guide with all the bangs and whistles, its up to your budget really. I am sure there is help available here on the forum with that.

    In between writing start making a list of how you would like to market the eBook. Try to tie in the design of the book with the design of the website so that the branding is strong and secure your book title for the domain name as well. If possible try to incorporate a keyword in here - if this is your goal do the domain name first. Check that you are not infringing any copywrites at this point - before you start.

    I find it so much easier to do anything if I have a list in front of me. It can be a big job depending on your vision for the book but I found marketing it to be a much bigger job than writing it. Write your list, organise it into what you can do now and just start. Tick things off you list and one day you will file that list and be finished.

    Hope that helps. Good luck with it all.
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  • Profile picture of the author acedalright
    It seems very much like your behavior is cyclical and therefor is prone to patterns.

    You need to break the patterns and change something, be it your mode of thinking, you strategy for success or possibly your work ethic.

    If you've tasted that success then know it can keep coming if you show diligence, believe me I'd give more for diligence than for flash-in-the-pan motivation.

    I sincerely wish you good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
      Originally Posted by acedalright View Post

      It seems very much like your behavior is cyclical and therefor is prone to patterns.

      You need to break the patterns and change something, be it your mode of thinking, you strategy for success or possibly your work ethic.

      If you've tasted that success then know it can keep coming if you show diligence, believe me I'd give more for diligence than for flash-in-the-pan motivation.

      I sincerely wish you good luck!
      Thanks, best of luck in all of your endeavours as well.
      I agree and I think that if I can apply half the things that I've learned in this forum I will see my dreams become a reality. Everyone here as been more than helpful and if I can bee of help in any way don't hesitate to ask.

      Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Well Sumbu that was as in depth as it was glorious, thank you so much for that. I am saving it to a document as we speak and will be converting it into a "to-do list" shortly thereafter. I imagine that for a great writer with little marketing skills this presents an opportunity for quite a succesful JV. If I may ask how much were you selling your book for and how well do you feel that you have done? Did you exceed your expectations?

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author charlesburke
    Peter,

    George and Jay are absolutely spot on. You ARE a writer. Your words flow in a way that communicates more than meaning. There is also a feeling - a sort of courtliness and respect - that glows beneath the surface. In addition, your style reveals you as a nurturer. A person who powerfully wishes well for others. You can't help it and you can't hide it... it's your nature.

    One thing I wonder. If you set your mind to it, can you write in different "personalities," projecting different sorts of feelings or styles to match varying situations? If you can do that, it would put you well into the 90th-plus percentile. Of course a gift still must be exercised, trained and strengthened because a gift alone is not sufficient. So I echo the advice that others have already offered: Write, write more and keep on writing.

    And know this - we're pulling for you. Many, many people have found the Warrior Forum a wonderful place to come and grow.

    Cheers from warm and smiling Thailand,
    Charles
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    • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
      Originally Posted by charlesburke View Post

      And know this - we're pulling for you. Many, many people have found the Warrior Forum a wonderful place to come and grow.
      Thank you so much, it is incredible to be so new to a community and feel so welcome. Save for highschool I have never attempted to write in different styles but I am more than willing to make the attempt. I truly hope that warrior will give me the opportunity to grow as a marketer and as an individual. I look forward to getting to know as many of you as I can.

      Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Laura B
    Undergrad, I have to say I agree with those here who say you're a natural writer. That was my very thought after I read your introduction and before I'd seen their responses. In my opinion, being able to write engaging and intelligent articles is the biggest obstacle for many IMers. They know how to put ads on their sites but not how to draw people in with their well expressed point of view. You've got a headstart on 95% of the IM population. Run with it! And welcome!
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  • Profile picture of the author charlesburke
    Marcia,

    I usually agree with anything you write, but I'll have to part company with you on this one. The motto and its intent was clear and obvious to me and several others. It's a simple observation that the easy way isn't always the wise way.

    Would you have other editors remove "...for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat"? They're saying the same thing, you know.

    That said, one of the basics of NLP is that the meaning of a communication is what the receiver gets from it, not what the originator intended. Clarity is very, very important, so Peter, you now know that some people may get a very different impression from your motto, no matter how well intentioned and meaningful it is for you. A public affirming of a hard lesson you've learned may not be helpful (or appropriate) in every case. Just something to think about.

    Cheers from warm and smiling Thailand,
    Charles
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    I can appreciate the validity of your viewpoints and so to avoid further confusion and also maintain my personal mantra as my signature I have added, as you can see, a clarification. I hope that this will eliminate further confusion as well as allow me to share my personal view on the world. I hope that this is acceptable to any current and future people who interpret my mantra negatively. I apologize for any confusion.

    PEter
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Alright so I have found several products that teach ebook creation. It seems that there is quite the process but as some people have mentioned the biggest precess is marketing. I think I'll try my hand at a How-To eBook. Perhaps I can get opinions on what people here would purchase and I can model my book off of that. So I'll pose these questions:
    What do you look for in an eBook?
    What sort of features would you like?
    What do you hate when reading through an information product?
    How many pages can you get through without losing interest?
    How much is too much?
    How much would you be willing to spend on a well written product about something you were pasionate about?

    Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated, post your response here for everyone to see or PM me with your answers.

    Peter
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by Undergrad View Post

      What do you look for in an eBook?
      Something I need to learn.

      What sort of features would you like?
      I don't really look at features.

      What do you hate when reading through an information product?
      Too much fluff and hype and puffery. I like things brisk and to the point. I also don't much care for lots of screenshots.

      How many pages can you get through without losing interest?
      How much is too much?
      I frequently read a couple hundred pages of books a day. Size isn't really an issue.

      How much would you be willing to spend on a well written product about something you were pasionate about?
      Depends on what it is. I'll pay more for a copywriting product than I will for a cookbook.
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      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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  • Profile picture of the author cvetanski
    Keep doing it no matter what, even for less than 10 minutes a day.
    You will never know when it will going to strike you. I am talking about successs

    Yes, every beggining is hard and especially when you are starting something new, that has never been " YOUR THING" before.

    Keep up and all the best
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Thanks for getting the ball rolling Darklock
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Thanks Karen,
    Everyone here is giving some great advice on where I can start the process. Hopefully you will see some great things from me just as I hope to see some great things from all of you in the future.

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      I usually agree with anything you write, but I'll have to part company with you on this one. The motto and its intent was clear and obvious to me and several others. It's a simple observation that the easy way isn't always the wise way.
      How interesting. Thank you, Charles. I have spent some time thinking about why that interpretation was neither clear nor obvious to me, and I think it must be because I have had very little exposure to "fire and brimstone" perspectives.

      Also, all the Latin mottos I am familiar with are phrased as a positive message:

      Lux et veritas - Light and truth
      In deo speramus - In God we hope
      Terras irradient - Giving light to the world
      Non satis scire - To know is not enough [this is a double negative, making it positive]
      Veritas vos liberabit - The truth shall make you free
      Carpe diem - Seize the day
      Mens agitat molem - Minds move mountains
      Dei sub numine viget - Flourishing under God's power

      Etcetera.

      This reminds me of someone who chose a podium to illustrate her ad for presentation coaching. One person in her focus group asked, "Why is the podium empty? The speaker didn't show up?" Another person thought the podium was an outmoded image as most presentations he attended use a screen and a clicker rather than a podium.

      You can't control other people's associations with your symbolism, whether words or images. But when people get exactly the opposite message from what was intended, it's smart to change it.

      Marcia Yudkin
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      • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
        Originally Posted by marciayudkin View Post

        You can't control other people's associations with your symbolism, whether words or images. But when people get exactly the opposite message from what was intended, it's smart to change it.
        As I have said earlier, I respect that your interpretation is different than the intended meaning. Other people have mentioned as well that I cannot control how others interpret my mantra. As you can see I have adjusted it slightly to accommodate those who may see it negatively in the hope that it will eliminate any future misconceptions about the message that I am trying to portray. However I was under the impression that my signature is my personal space to either advertise or, as many others have done, add a quote that is meaningful to me. This mantra is as much a part of me as the air I breathe or the food I eat, I try to live by it's meaning in all aspects of my life. Also I feel that it applies to everyone from all walks of life, including Internet Marketing. It is a positive message advocating hard work and righteousness and while you and others may have seen it as negative there are many who will find value in it.


        Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author int-mark
    Personal development is something I actually know alot more about than marketing. You could check out Tony Robbins but what I am finding is even better is liten to a guy called Eckhart Tolle - A new earth or read Deepak Chopras 7 spiritual laws of success. These will teach you a way to approach work and get the success out of your life without going against the grain and 'thinking' too much. You won't regret it
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    So far the advice has been positive, having come up with some things off the top of my head as well as listening to soem advice and doing some research I have come up with the following.
    An Ebook should be about something saleable, something that people are interested in or are actively seeking information in.
    It should be succinct and to the point while still providing enough in depth information to be usable, and implementable.
    It shouldn't contain fluff or filler.
    The length of the product is a non-issue so long as it is filled with concise to the point information.
    There are many publishing companies and products available to deal with copyrights and the legal side of the process.
    Marketing seems to be the biggest hurdle to face for writers beginning their journey, however the the entire process can be outsourced for a price.

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author bobcath
    Peter

    When you say

    "And Most Importantly the entire process can be outsourced "

    I hope you don't mean the actual writing (at least for now). it's your personal writing ability that all warriors thus far hold in esteem!

    Good luck

    Bobby
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Oh, having reread my post I realize now that I have skipped my point about marketing. I was of course referrring to the marketing and legal side of the process not the actual writing side. It seems I have fallen victim to the bane of writers everywhere, my brain is working faster than my fingers. Thanks for pointing that out, I'll edit the post to clarify so there is no further confusion.

    Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author Fabian Tan
    I can guarantee that most successful marketers have had to face some obstacle, discouragement, and outright criticism before they ever saw success.

    There isn't a successful marketer here who hasn't had to face a nay saying relative or family member, boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife. There hasn't been a successful marketer who hasn't had to overcome any one single failure, whether big or small.

    Find your reason why you're doing Internet marketing. If it is a very strong reason, it will somehow fight back against all the obstacles and discouragements.

    Fabian
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    • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
      Originally Posted by Fabian Tan View Post


      Find your reason why you're doing Internet marketing. If it is a very strong reason, it will somehow fight back against all the obstacles and discouragements.
      Great advice Fabian,
      As always the community here pulls through with more support and encouragement. I think I've found a place where I belong.

      Peter
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  • Profile picture of the author charlesburke
    Marcia, Peter and everyone,

    I love it when there's a real exchange of understanding, even if it's a bit reluctant or uncomfortable at first. The main thing is, everyone here seems to be growing from this discussion. I figure that's a good thing.

    And by the way, Marcia, some time back you followed a trackback to an article on my blog that I'd written about something on your site. Rather than the proforma smile and thanks, you elected to give me some pretty straight advice - I needed to display my name more prominently along with more personal info on the site. Then to drive home the point, you made it a teaching point in your Marketing Minute mailing.

    I was grateful for that advice (but only after I got over my embarrassment), and I did exactly what you suggested. I don't think I ever did thank you, so I'm saying it now. Thanks for the wakeup.

    Cheers from warm and smiling Thailand,
    Charles
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    • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
      And by the way, Marcia, some time back you followed a trackback to an article on my blog that I'd written about something on your site. Rather than the proforma smile and thanks, you elected to give me some pretty straight advice - I needed to display my name more prominently along with more personal info on the site. Then to drive home the point, you made it a teaching point in your Marketing Minute mailing.

      I was grateful for that advice (but only after I got over my embarrassment), and I did exactly what you suggested. I don't think I ever did thank you, so I'm saying it now. Thanks for the wakeup.
      Charles,

      I'm sorry if my response to your blog posting was ungracious! Thank you - I appreciate all links.

      I think you must be talking about this 2005 Marketing Minute newsletter, which was truly prompted by looking at many blogs, one of which may or may not have been yours:

      Over the weekend, I took a tour of online blogs related to
      marketing and writing and was astonished to find seven or
      eight where I could not easily identify the name of the
      person producing them. This is insanely counter-productive!
      Blogs (short for "weblogs") are normally motivated by the
      goal of self-promotion, and the pronoun "I, I, I" held
      court. Yet no name was visible.

      It was especially odd to see a photo of the author with no
      caption.

      In a few cases, I could find the blog author's name by
      studying links closely and clicking off the home page, but
      in several instances I left without a clue to the identity
      of the person who poured hours into sharing their thoughts.

      Another common shortcoming was no link to email the blog
      author - indeed, no contact information whatsoever. Again,
      if you're doing this to raise your profile to potential
      clients, this omission makes no sense.

      Finally, the overly self-confessional or sneering tone of
      a few blogs left me scratching my head. Why paint a
      portrait of yourself that clients wouldn't want to do
      business with?
      I'm glad this was helpful to you, but it wasn't prompted by any one blog in particular, and I'm sorry if you felt that I was lambasting you in public.

      And since we're now veering off topic, let's leave it there.

      Take care,
      Marcia
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  • Profile picture of the author rocketgirl
    Undergrad,

    I agree with others that you do seem to have a talent for writing. When you write, you need to do some research so people will buy what you wrote. I am passionate about some things that there is NO market for and I am sure you don't want to spend time writing and it flops. You need to do some research first. I recommend you check out Desperate Dollars wso and get it. It will save you lots of time and give you a great head start.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...i-say-6-a.html

    I think he is charging $6.00 for it now. I have a small project you can try your hand at. If you are interested, PM me.

    Charles Burke- I do like your writing style Mister!

    Cheers,

    Bj
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  • Profile picture of the author Undergrad
    Alexa,
    Your answers, along with others that have answered are very helpful. Any response is good response in my opinion. So thank you for posting this. I think that if more people are willing to help me my first product is going to be stellar.

    "You have to "go where the market is": find out what people want to buy, and sell it to them - not find out what you can write about and then try to make people want to buy it."

    Great advice.

    Peter
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