How Long Do You Create Your Product?

62 replies
That question is not accidental. What I write about now, is probably familiar to all of us who want to make money online. Beginners experience it when they are preparing their first product. Advanced marketers who operate for a while also fall into this trap very often.

I know, because it happened with me several times, as well.

What is it?

It's a fact that you can earn money on the Internet if you promote other people's product. You are getting commissions, more or less. That's nice. This goes on for a while. After a time you want to put your business to the next level. You want to build your own business instead of other's. Okay!

You are smart enough to realize how important it is to have your own product. To own a product can be achieved on different legal ways. I.e. you buy rights to a product of someone else and sell that as yours. Or, you create your own product, put your name on it proudly, and sell that online.

Taking the latter case, that's why the title of this post is: How Long Do You Create Your Product?

Your answer may be: as long as you need to create that product, just so the end-product turns out to be perfect.

Let's see, that answer is correct, at least first sight. But this also may be the biggest trap you may entered. You're making your own sellable product. Your name is on it, so it should be perfect. That's quite understandable, there's nothing wrong with it. However, we arrived to the before said trap.

You are researching, compiling it, trying to make it perfect. This is a process, like refine this... change that... otherwise that would be better... hmmm, maybe not... sleep on it... take it out next week... next month, etc. etc. The result: it is never perfect. What follows from this: You Never Release That Product! You Never Make A Red Cent From It!

Yet. You get started it. You are knowing something about it. You want to share your knowledge. You are passionated about it. Of course, you want to make it to be the best. The PERFECT one. Something that has shaken the IM world. You get excited on that...

So, you write the first 10 -15 pages in one impetus. And... after a while you feel it should be a better one. You get frustrated because of it's imperfectness. So, you refine that first 10 - 15 pages again and again. And you get tired. At last, you lost your interest, and put it aside.

Why is the frustration? Because you don't get the expected, IMMEDIATE result. You feel it's not perfect. Yet, you wanted to write an info product of 123 pages. You imagine, that your product appears in NYT. Maybe they'll nominate it for some literary prize?? Ahhh... how nice would that be...

Ehh, a familiar story? Is there a way out of this trap?

Yeah. Firstly, you need to understand that there is no PERFECT product. (If I look in the mirror, I can realize that, anyway.) Just observe the big gun's activity. How they do it? They publish the version 1 of a product. Then they upgrade to version 2, version 3, and so on. Version 2010, version 2011. They make a truckload of money from start, later they use that money to develop that product further, so they fix the broken things.

NO, I don't want anyone to urge to produce worthless crap. Far from it. But, your buyers want a solution to their problem. When it received, they'll overlook a grammar error. They'll forgive if something is imperfect in your info product. To them the essence, is your product meet their needs.

Can you solve their problem? Can you spare time or money to them? Can you make their lives better? Give them what they want, and you do not need to worry about some minor imperfectness. You just do not be misleading.

One more thing, please. To write a 123 page ebook may be overwhelming to most people. It's not for everyone. You'll realize that in the writing process, if not earlier. But everyone can write 10 - 20 page report. They are short. It don't take to the eternity to write. And is less difficult to produce that.

Some math. You are able to sell a 123 page ebook for ca. $37 - $67 (depending on quality). Writing takes to you about 4 weeks. Say, you sell 20 pieces for ca. $52 (average). You netted with ca. $1040. You can write one report per week - 4 per month easily. You sell them for ca. $17 per pieces. Selling 20 report you netted with ca. $1360.

Less pain, more money. What do you think about that?

All the best,

Sandor
#create #long #product
  • Profile picture of the author Uncle Dimitry
    As for me I always go for perfect product. As for me the best slogan is the one, Lexus uses in their ads: the hard way is the only way. As for websites, we can go with this one: When it comes to creating real quality site, the hard way is the only way.

    My latest site: Ad swap list building with Safe-Swaps took 1.5 years and about $50000 to develop and we're still working.
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    • I've heard of guys whipping something up in an hour and others taking months.
      I did the e-book in my sig in about 5 days.
      The hardest part was doing screenshots etc, and then trying to put it all into something that people will understand. I guess if you do something often YOU might understand it like the back of your hand, but the trick is to put it across in a way that other people reading it for the first time can understand. This can take longer than you think
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Originally Posted by TBInternetMarketing View Post

        I've heard of guys whipping something up in an hour and others taking months.
        I did the e-book in my sig in about 5 days.
        The hardest part was doing screenshots etc, and then trying to put it all into something that people will understand. I guess if you do something often YOU might understand it like the back of your hand, but the trick is to put it across in a way that other people reading it for the first time can understand. This can take longer than you think
        Hi there,

        Good for you, if you can make an ebook in no time. If your readers love it, then you are fine.

        Anyway, everybody does it on their way. Marketers aren't alike. We are different people, having different attitudes, background, experience, goals, knowledge and mindset. I found that even two such people can perform the same task total differently. I know this, because I directed many people's work before.

        I've received questions from others. Eespecially from those who are preparing their first IM product. Who read the OP carefully, those may realize that I illustrated the difficulty of the product creating process, as I have experienced. If you are always waiting for the perfection, your progress will be very, very slow.

        Naturally, you should to strive for perfection, but you need to acknowledge that the perfect product doesn't exist. There's always something to improve. And your product need to be good enough only to publish, not perfect.

        Thank you for your contribution.

        Best,

        Sandor
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        • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
          Originally Posted by moonfish View Post

          I think I have an easier job because I'm creating software, so after researching a problem I'll build a prototype to address it and test the functionality. I then get a select group of people to test the software and to report back any bugs and to offer suggestions for improvements.

          I take this feedback on board and then develop the product further until it's running perfectly and then move on to the sales copy. Depending on the complexity, some products take 24 hours to turn around and others might take a couple of weeks, but even when the software has been released it is not forgotten and I regularly make improvements and updates.

          The software that took me the longest to develop was a Twitter application called Tweetmagnate, that took about 3 months of development.
          Hi moonfish,

          Obviously not the first time you do it what you say. And IMHO whatever software you make, maybe you'll find some improvement opportunity on that. Sooner or later.

          Thanks for stopping by.

          Originally Posted by AverageGuy View Post

          oh, man. I can tell your background is Engineering from your post,

          I remeber one very famous & respected IM marketer said in his article:

          Crap sells!

          What he means, there is no way for us to get it perfect before testing in the market by the customers. true, really true.

          david
          Hi David,

          Yeah, everything is a question of supply and demand, if we simlify it enough. If someone's product is weak, but he has buyers, the it is good (for him, for a while).

          Then watch the refund rate. And, look around where is his reputation. And look the internet marketer's reutation, globally.

          Thank you for your contribution.

          Best,

          Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author esk
    I've created my first product. It's an Ebook with 70 pages. Yeah and like you described i got stuck and frustrated. I thought it was not good enough. I even thought about just delete it and keep on promoting other products. But then i realized the same as you.

    All the gurus launch their products and a year later they launch the same thing only upgraded. So your product don't need to be perfect, it just has to be good enough.

    So infact it is even an advantage when your product is not perfect. So you can sale the thing twice or more. But what really helped me with the product creation, was to take a break and start to build a homepage and a list. And after some marketing work, I continued with the writing.

    Product creation for me is the most exhausting task as an Internet Marketer. But you just have to stick to it, keep on writing, don't let you get frustrated and keep in your mind that baby steps are counting too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Hi Dimitry,

      Thank you for your opinion.

      As you can see, I don't encourage anyone to make something crap. I just tried to enlighten what difficulties face you with, when write your longer info product.

      Please accept my congratulations for your hard work. Probably the result will be great.

      Many successes,

      Sandor

      Edit: If my memory serves me right, there were car racalls from the Lexus, too.
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Hi esk,

        I wrote as I experienced. Writing is not so easy sometimes. That's the reason that you need to learn and exercise yourself permanently. Taking a minor break may help you to organize your thoughts.

        [q]Product creation for me is the most exhausting task as an Internet Marketer. But you just have to stick to it, keep on writing, don't let you get frustrated and keep in your mind that baby steps are counting too.[/q]

        Exactly, as you can eat an elephant.

        All the best,

        Sandor
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        • Profile picture of the author paulie888
          Originally Posted by Sandor Verebi View Post

          Hi esk,

          I wrote as I experienced. Writing is not so easy sometimes. That's the reason that you need to learn and exercise yourself permanently. Taking a minor break may help you to organize your thoughts.

          [q]Product creation for me is the most exhausting task as an Internet Marketer. But you just have to stick to it, keep on writing, don't let you get frustrated and keep in your mind that baby steps are counting too.[/q]

          Exactly, as you can eat an elephant.

          All the best,

          Sandor
          How do you eat an elephant? In bite size chunks.

          So if you're working on a massive product, it's best to work on a small, well-defined segment/chapter at any one time.

          I think that breaking it down into smaller, clearly defined tasks makes the overall task far less daunting and intimidating. Something massive can always be broken down into its constituent parts which should be much easier for you to handle individually, so by doing this exercise you'll be far more focused and efficient at creating your product.
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          • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
            Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

            How do you eat an elephant? In bite size chunks.

            So if you're working on a massive product, it's best to work on a small, well-defined segment/chapter at any one time.

            I think that breaking it down into smaller, clearly defined tasks makes the overall task far less daunting and intimidating. Something massive can always be broken down into its constituent parts which should be much easier for you to handle individually, so by doing this exercise you'll be far more focused and efficient at creating your product.
            Hi Paulie888,

            Thank you for stopping by. What you say, is a good method.

            I always make an outline for a product, like as the table of content in books. It's like a compass, helping to keep me always on the right track. This way you always know how much you have done and how much is left for work.

            Of course, difficulty is that in the meantime new ideas arise, so you need to change that outline a bit. But the truth, is change does not go on indefinitely, because you'll never be ready for publish that product.

            As Sylvia wrote, you need to determine that point "when you have to determine if your product is ready to be accepted in the marketplace without destroying your credibility."

            Take care,

            Sandor
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            • Profile picture of the author paulie888
              Originally Posted by Sandor Verebi View Post

              Hi Paulie888,

              Thank you for stopping by. What you say, is a good method.

              I always make an outline for a product, like as the table of content in books. It's like a compass, helping to keep me always on the right track. This way you always know how much you have done and how much is left for work.

              Of course, difficulty is that in the meantime new ideas arise, so you need to change that outline a bit. But the truth, is change does not go on indefinitely, because you'll never be ready for publish that product.

              As Sylvia wrote, you need to determine that point "when you have to determine if your product is ready to be accepted in the marketplace without destroying your credibility."

              Take care,

              Sandor
              This is true, if you really care about the quality of your product, you'll always find room for improvement somehow, no matter how much time and effort you've already put into it.

              An outline is a great way to make your product creation process much more efficient. This should be created before you even write a single word, since it'll serve as the overall roadmap and blueprint for your product creation.

              Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author weatherforecast
    My first product was an ebook and it was a succeseful . Many people bought it and i made some money . Now i'm working for other products. I just waiting to finish them.
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  • Profile picture of the author success1618
    All the gurus launch their products and a year later they launch the same thing only upgraded. So your product don't need to be perfect, it just has to be good enough.
    Definitely inspiring, I have been holding off on getting started for a long while for my product as I kept telling myself. I don't know enough, I need to learn more, I need more mastery first. I guess the fact is you can always go back and revise it later. Better to have something then nothing.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    If you are at all serious about delivering quality to your customers, your product will NEVER be good enough.

    Ship it anyway.
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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 Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      If you are at all serious about delivering quality to your customers, your product will NEVER be good enough.

      Ship it anyway.
      Exactly Caliban,

      Another aspect is, people don't know what you wanted to put in but didn't.

      Cheers,

      Sandor
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Hi Johnny12345,

        The whole Microsoft business model is based on that statement. And I feel, their model is worth to follow.

        All the best,

        Sandor
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        • Profile picture of the author lonicera
          I don't have any IM related products because I am still learning stuff, but I have several health related info products. How long do I create them?
          As long as it takes to offer answers and solutions for problems that people will not regret paying for. In some cases it's weeks, in some cases months. It's finished when you decide so.
          No matter what your product is about, you can never cover EVERYTHING. If you are after creating the "perfect" product, you will never finish it. There is always something more you can add or take away from it
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          • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
            Originally Posted by lonicera View Post

            I don't have any IM related products because I am still learning stuff, but I have several health related info products. How long do I create them?
            As long as it takes to offer answers and solutions for problems that people will not regret paying for. In some cases it's weeks, in some cases months. It's finished when you decide so.
            No matter what your product is about, you can never cover EVERYTHING. If you are after creating the "perfect" product, you will never finish it. There is always something more you can add or take away from it
            Hi lonicera,

            You are right on. I'm trying to clear up the myth: PERFECT product. I got questions from people about product creation, and faced with this problem. So, I thought it would be perfect timing to deal with.

            Doesn't exist something that can not be improved on some way. On this manner that product will be better and better. But, it NEVER will be PERFECT.

            Thanks for your contribution.

            Best,

            Sandor
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            • Profile picture of the author bobsilber
              There are different levels of products. The 15 page special report, obviously is done faster than a product which has many components such as videos, PDFs, tutorials, and graphics as part of the package, etc.. My current product has so many components to it, that it took me too long to release it. In fact, I've added more to it a few times already, after release. I try to get it perfect but that is just me.

              I'm aware that there are those that recommend just do it and get it out in the marketplace. For me personally, I have been unable to do that.
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              • Profile picture of the author Syamsul Alam
                Originally Posted by bobsilber View Post

                There are different levels of products. The 15 page special report, obviously is done faster than a product which has many components such as videos, PDFs, tutorials, and graphics as part of the package, etc.. My current product has so many components to it, that it took me too long to release it. In fact, I've added more to it a few times already, after release. I try to get it perfect but that is just me.

                I'm aware that there are those that recommend just do it and get it out in the marketplace. For me personally, I have been unable to do that.
                I think video is easier to create, far more easy and it is only need minutes to be done.

                My computer non responding sometimes when I export my video into flash, so I don't make it often. But it is easier...

                I think graphic, audio, video, mindmap, pdf is easy to make once you have your report made.

                Read your report aloud, there you have audio. Grab main point of your report, there you have mind map or graphic. Present your main point with your screen recorder working, there you have a video product.

                If you try to make everything perfect, you won't done anything... IMHO.

                Just my 2 cent..
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              • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
                Originally Posted by bobsilber View Post

                There are different levels of products. The 15 page special report, obviously is done faster than a product which has many components such as videos, PDFs, tutorials, and graphics as part of the package, etc.. My current product has so many components to it, that it took me too long to release it. In fact, I've added more to it a few times already, after release. I try to get it perfect but that is just me.

                I'm aware that there are those that recommend just do it and get it out in the marketplace. For me personally, I have been unable to do that.
                Hi Bob,

                Thank you for stopping by. Naturally, if you are making a complex product that will take more time. And with every component you increase your product's value. And you can ask more money for it.

                I feel that there is not contradiction between us. I modeled a one of a kind product, and demonstrated how much pain may arise at the authoring process. And I agree on that you should not to publish crap, if you take care on your reputation.

                I hope, it is obvious in my OP.

                All the best,

                Sandor
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                • Profile picture of the author Tom B
                  Banned
                  I have been working on my product line for 4 years now. I have about another 2 years before I feel it is somewhat complete.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
                    Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

                    I have been working on my product line for 4 years now. I have about another 2 years before I feel it is somewhat complete.
                    Hi Thomas,

                    It is nice to have you here, thank you. I know, where are you come from. I've just admitted above that I'm also wearing similar shoes. Naturally, to make a product line needs more time and attention.

                    But, everything comes in due course.

                    Cheers,

                    Sandor
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                    • Profile picture of the author Tom B
                      Banned
                      Originally Posted by Sandor Verebi View Post

                      Hi Thomas,

                      It is nice to have you here, thank you. I know, where are you come from. I've just admitted above that I'm also wearing similar shoes. Naturally, to make a product line needs more time and attention.

                      But, everything comes in due course.

                      Cheers,

                      Sandor
                      Great to hear Sandor. I think a lot of people don't focus on a product line like they should. You have a certain leverage and diversification when you continue making products for the same niche.

                      I believe it is much better to fully exploit one niche's product possibilities before jumping to a new niche.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
                        Originally Posted by Thomas Belknap View Post

                        Great to hear Sandor. I think a lot of people don't focus on a product line like they should. You have a certain leverage and diversification when you continue making products for the same niche.
                        Thomas, you pointed out two factors that have big impact on anyone's internet business. Leverage is helping you to evolve better in a given topic. And, it also helps you to use your content on different ways. You always have a possibility to refresh it, or add something to or pull something out from your original idea.

                        Diversification helps you to making positive balance in your activity. There is a way sometimes that one field produces weaker result than another. The old saying fits here: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

                        I believe it is much better to fully exploit one niche's product possibilities before jumping to a new niche.
                        I agree completely with this.

                        Gruss aus Ungarn,

                        Sandor
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    • Profile picture of the author AverageGuy
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      If you are at all serious about delivering quality to your customers, your product will NEVER be good enough.

      Ship it anyway.
      oh, man. I can tell your background is Engineering from your post,

      I remeber one very famous & respected IM marketer said in his article:

      Crap sells!

      What he means, there is no way for us to get it perfect before testing in the market by the customers. true, really true.

      david
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    • Profile picture of the author BlogPiG.com
      Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

      If you are at all serious about delivering quality to your customers, your product will NEVER be good enough.

      Ship it anyway.
      Well said. Plus, once it's out the door you'll get valuable feedback which you can build into future products or version releases.
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      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        Originally Posted by BlogPiG.com View Post

        Well said. Plus, once it's out the door you'll get valuable feedback which you can build into future products or version releases.
        Exactly, this is what will lead to version 2.0, 3.0, and so forth. Besides, things change in the marketplace, and at some point in time it'd behoove you to release an enhanced and updated version of your existing product anyway.
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        • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
          Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

          ...things change in the marketplace...
          Paulie,

          You mentioned something very important. The world around us is constantly changing. Yesterday which was a valid measurement, it has become obsolete today. The tools you can use in the internet business are also changing.

          Solely the business principles do not change. Fortunately.

          Thank you for the discussion.

          Cheers,

          Sandor
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Originally Posted by BlogPiG.com View Post

        ...once it's out the door you'll get valuable feedback which you can build into future products or version releases.
        Fedbacks are important factors. They show you:

        - you are noticed at all

        - how it was received, what you say

        - how they see the quality

        - what they think your product is able to

        - what and how it would be advisable to change

        On this basis, it is also possible to decide when to issue the following product or a variation of the original.

        Blog Pig, Thank you.

        Best,

        Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    I saw a documentary with Bill Gates. To me, the most interesting thing he said is... "nothing is ever finished."

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author WD Mino
    Sandor,
    You just laid out in simplicity how to make money online legitimately.
    I hope people pay attention to it.

    fantastic to see you sharing like this.Thanks for taking the time to do it
    cheers
    -Will
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    "As a man thinks in his heart so is he-Proverbs 23:7"

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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by WD Mino View Post

      Sandor,
      You just laid out in simplicity how to make money online legitimately.
      I hope people pay attention to it.

      fantastic to see you sharing like this.Thanks for taking the time to do it
      cheers
      -Will
      Hi Will,

      You are welcome.

      I also hope that it will be useful for someone, who want to make more money, earlier, with less pain.

      I'm glad if I can help in something. You know, with every small step you are closer to achieve your goal. Now it was my turn.

      Cheers,

      Sandor
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      • Profile picture of the author Devid Farah
        I work on the product until I feel that it is perfect.

        I am a perfectionist by heart, so it would trouble me to sell a product to other people that I would not be willing to buy myself.

        That being said a lot of internet marketers suffer “paralyses by over analysis.”

        Their product just never seems to be good enough.

        It will go through dozens of revisions, and the owner will never be satisfied.

        Eventually there has to be a point where you say, “This is as good as it’s going to get. So it time to move on to the next stage.”
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        • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
          Originally Posted by Devid Farah View Post

          ... I am a perfectionist by heart, so it would trouble me to sell a product to other people that I would not be willing to buy myself...
          Hi Devid,

          Examplary mindset what you have.

          Thank you for your contribution.

          Best,

          Sandor
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          • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
            Hi alampintar,

            Thank you for your 2 cents.

            I have to confess that I'm trying to make perfect two products for nearly 3 years. I took it out, refine something, and put aside. When I get some fine idea, I repeat that process. And I feel, it will be never excellent.

            I think, I should publish them when I feel they will be good enough only.

            Take care,

            Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Syamsul Alam
    Nice thread, Sandor...

    I personally don't believe in perfect product.

    I use my system that I learned from Jason Fladlien and tweak it, now I can produce 15 to 20 pages report in less than 3 hours now. When you are saying that create product is media to build our OWN business, I'm 100% agree with you.

    This week, I already make 3 report about affiliate marketing. After some thread posting, I got 28 subscriber in my list TODAY for forum marketing only.

    Not bad, eh?

    And that is the power of product creation.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jake Gray
    Sandor,

    Great thread first of all. I am sure it will help new product creators.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by Jake Gray View Post

      Sandor,

      Great thread first of all. I am sure it will help new product creators.
      Hi Jake,

      That was my intention. Thank you for your contribution.

      Best,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author brandon2664
    4 months to create my product. I learned everything html, css, web hosting, and internet marketing. I did everything myself and it took a lot of time, but I know its perfect. Well actually it will never be perfect in my eyes, but pretty close.
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    • Profile picture of the author sylviad
      What we product creators, especially those who are just starting out, tend to forget is that we're looking at it from our perspective. We know the topic and have a fairly good idea how it should be covered. When we feel we are not meeting that goal, we want to keep working on it incessantly. We know there's so much more we could do, other avenues to pursue to make it even better.

      What we are not consciously aware of is that the prospective customer has no idea what the product will contain other than what you put in the sales letter. They don't really know what to expect, so they have open minds. They are buying your product to learn, to fill in some gaps, to get a better understanding of that particular topic. They don't have that information - yet.

      They will not know that anything is wrong with it or how it could be improved because they are coming at it from a blank slate. Whatever you offer and the way you offer it is great, as long as it serves their needs.

      Oh, and about Microsoft. Yes, they push things out the door to get them onto the market and making money. That approach has reached up and bitten them in the butt in the past when users discovered flaws that crashed their computers, for instance.

      Years ago when Microsoft became the computer's best friend, their programs frequently failed. My partner, who built and repaired computers, reached the opinion that MS was to be avoided at all costs. Their products couldn't be trusted. He frequently cursed Microsoft as he struggled to resolve issues and bugs resulting from their software.

      Making your product perfect is really an unachievable goal, since everything can be improved. There is a point, however, when you have to determine if your product is ready to be accepted in the marketplace without destroying your credibility.

      Don't do as MS did... pump out inadequate products just because they need to get done. Make it the best you can, but don't get bogged down in perfectionism.

      Sylvia
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Hi Sylvia,

        Nice to meet you here.

        I hear you, and I understand where are you come from. Sure, everything can be improved further to better meet the customer's demand. Your buyers will be more satisfied if you give them what they want, and not something else. When I want to buy something, two things come in my mind: to increase my pleasure or to decrease my pain. And I decide accordingly.

        On the other way, we all know that the knowledge of customers is also evolving in the course of time. We are living in the information era. They have more facilities to get that info they need to make a correct decision. Much depends on the relationship that you build up with them. You need to teach them proper way. NO BS, less HYPE, so your refund rate will be low.

        Microsoft is familiar to me, I have spent a good piece of money with them so far. I'm not their agent or affiliate. But I see, how big their part is in the changing of the technological world. And I know that they are inevitable - yet.

        Originally Posted by sylviad View Post

        ... Making your product perfect is really an unachievable goal, since everything can be improved. There is a point, however, when you have to determine if your product is ready to be accepted in the marketplace without destroying your credibility.

        Don't do as MS did... pump out inadequate products just because they need to get done. Make it the best you can, but don't get bogged down in perfectionism.
        I agree.

        Thank you for your contribution.

        Take care,

        Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
    Originally Posted by mauricio2 View Post

    First it depends what kind of product it is. If it is information or if it is a software, if you want to write a report or just information about something, you will always forget about something. BUT the cool part about software is that you dont really have to know anything about that. You just pay someone to develop the software and you sell it, thats all. But it always depends on getting traffic to your offer, if not all the work is a big F :confused: thats the way I see it
    Hi mauricio2,

    The posibility of forgetting something is given, if you haven't a plan or outline. Likewise, you may forget something if you don't stick yourself to that plan. That mindset may lead you into problems.

    IMHO, if you give an assignment to somebody to make whatever product for you, then you need to be aware of that product. What benefits it has, how it solves your audience's problem, how it makes their lives better.

    It is always necessary that you stand behind that product you sell, whether you create it or not.

    Many successes,

    Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author inform
    Its nice Post!!
    It will really help for those who want to launch there product and market it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by inform View Post

      Its nice Post!!
      It will really help for those who want to launch there product and market it.
      Thank you for your precious opinion.

      Glad, if you find my work useful in some manner.

      Best,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    For me, product creation is a game. Here's the basic way to play.

    1. Look for a hard problem (evergreen topics in IM are easy to find just look at the discussion forum).

    2. Come up with a unique twist or technique that leverages multiple free or cheap tools.

    3. Think outside the box to create a video on how these work.

    4. Shoot with Camtasia or Jing.

    5. Package a quick start or other non-video resource to balance the package...

    6. Work with templates to get it done.

    It's a 1-2 day process at most (my download page, sales copy, and emails are almost 80% template so it saves a lot of time for me personally)

    Product creation isn't hard...creating a system to do it takes time though.

    Cheers,

    Brad
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

      For me, product creation is a game. Here's the basic way to play.

      1. Look for a hard problem (evergreen topics in IM are easy to find just look at the discussion forum).

      2. Come up with a unique twist or technique that leverages multiple free or cheap tools.

      3. Think outside the box to create a video on how these work.

      4. Shoot with Camtasia or Jing.

      5. Package a quick start or other non-video resource to balance the package...

      6. Work with templates to get it done.

      It's a 1-2 day process at most (my download page, sales copy, and emails are almost 80% template so it saves a lot of time for me personally)

      Product creation isn't hard...creating a system to do it takes time though.

      Cheers,

      Brad
      Hi Brad,

      Nice to have you here.

      Congrats. The professional talks this way. A beginner who takes his first hesitant steps in a world that is strange to him, speeks another way. Apple vs orange.

      Not everyone is as tech savvy as you. For this reason, it is good to have someone to be your consultant, particularly at the first steps.

      Anyway, your last sentence says the essence.

      Tank you for your remarks.

      Cheers,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Deegan
    I have dealt with this issue personally and boy does it suck. The longer your product takes the more the odds if you never releasing it increase. Over the last few months however I've learned a few things that can really help get things moving.

    The 2 biggies for me were learning some real project management skills (personally I like the LEAN & AGILE philosophies) and creating systems and processes, which Brad mentioned as well. I'm still in my early stages with both of these but even at this point they are proving very useful.
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    • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
      What is really interesting about your post is that length of time spent or amount of effort rarely impact the ultimate quality or outcome of an end product.

      What HAS much more to do with the quality and effectiveness of your info product are:

      1. How well you understand the demand and desire of your market
      2. Your ability to organize information into simple, clear and usable information that can be applied to achieve the desire you identify in #1
      3. That your product can be tested, verified and supported by others who have used your steps/system/tips/plan...
      4. That you bundle appropriate value to exceed the price you are charging for your info product

      For some people that know their market very well, understand the underlying desire and can easily articulate their system for helping someone get closer to achieving their desired outcome...putting an info product together (written, audio, video, coaching program, etc...) can be done very quickly (within days). For others that decide to enter a new area and rely on research or perhaps partnership, the road can be longer.

      One final point - when we help people build infoproduct "businesses" as opposed to simply info product "products", the process of product creation is really ongoing...each of our products builds in feedback mechanisms so that we always have new ideas, questions, and opportunities for adding value and products to the marketplace.

      It is in this respect that we suggest people lay out a 1-2 year plan (at least) for their information publishing business that sees them introduce a product to the market where the main objective is to set the stage for additional proudcts at multiple price ranges.

      I know when I started in this business more than 15-years ago (offline at first), this progression sort of happened TO me, but since then we now know it is a consistent pattern that can be part of your planning...I guess we really do get wiser as we get older!

      Jeff
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Originally Posted by jbsmith View Post

        What is really interesting about your post is that length of time spent or amount of effort rarely impact the ultimate quality or outcome of an end product.

        What HAS much more to do with the quality and effectiveness of your info product are:

        1. How well you understand the demand and desire of your market
        2. Your ability to organize information into simple, clear and usable information that can be applied to achieve the desire you identify in #1
        3. That your product can be tested, verified and supported by others who have used your steps/system/tips/plan...
        4. That you bundle appropriate value to exceed the price you are charging for your info product
        Hi Jeff,

        To the first sentence: Really, there are someone who are able to prepare quality in a day with less pain, another can do that under 3 months with more difficulties.

        To the list: If you don't get well the signals from your audience, you aren't able to realize the original demand. You must be able to do so. Without organization you lost yourself in the details. The tests can help determine whether your products are good enough for release. If you can increase the perceived value then you are on your way.

        For some people that know their market very well, understand the underlying desire and can easily articulate their system for helping someone get closer to achieving their desired outcome...putting an info product together (written, audio, video, coaching program, etc...) can be done very quickly (within days)...
        If you are at the start only, then you need to invest time and effort to arrive to that point you described.

        ... we suggest people lay out a 1-2 year plan (at least) for their information publishing business that sees them introduce a product to the market where the main objective is to set the stage for additional proudcts at multiple price ranges.
        I often emphasize to people the importance of planning. Perhaps there is someone who is able to keep everything in his head without a plan. That's not me.

        I know when I started in this business more than 15-years ago (offline at first), this progression sort of happened TO me, but since then we now know it is a consistent pattern that can be part of your planning...I guess we really do get wiser as we get older!
        You put it very nicely.

        Thank you for your opinion,

        Sandor
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Hi Daniel,

      Thank you for your contribution.

      Really, building a system up takes some longer times. But the result is going to compensate you.

      Best,

      Sandor
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      • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
        Originally Posted by Mr.S View Post

        ... Creating ebook is one of the hardest part as many experienced trying to perfect everything way too much and never releasing anything.
        Hi Mr.S,

        Yes, expeienced aren't perfect, as well. I used to look in the mirror. Mainly to shave.

        Originally Posted by wconger View Post

        Two years ago, I was fiddling for the second month on my first product (a freebie eBook to build my list) when my wife said, "For cryin' out loud, just finish the darn thing! You've got more products to create down the road, and you'll never get to them at this rate."

        So true.
        Hi wconger,

        Your wife is smart.

        Thanky you.

        Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Srcooleyman
    I think that depends on what you are producing. I work for a natural products co. and they spent years and millions in scientific research before developing their first product, but hey, their stuff really works.
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  • Profile picture of the author True Solution
    Sandor, I like you man - you talk the simple truth, its great stuff brother, nice post. It's good to see you sharing this for the new guys, its "the" way of a simple sustainable income - and it gets a whole lot better if you provide something of real quality in your products - you should always aim for excellence in all areas, presentation as well as content.

    Using this set-up as a base, and putting effort into the entire face of business, communication with customers, pre and post marketing etc. will give you an opportunity to step into the Nice World indeed.

    True Solution
    Hakim
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr.S
    There is an easy solution. Create a seminar on the topic that covers Several modules and from that strip video audio transcribe it (create an ebook) pick one or 2 points for front end product and here we go you are all set with your sales funnel. Creating ebook is one of the hardest part as many experienced trying to perfect everything way too much and never releasing anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wally Conger
    Two years ago, I was fiddling for the second month on my first product (a freebie eBook to build my list) when my wife said, "For cryin' out loud, just finish the darn thing! You've got more products to create down the road, and you'll never get to them at this rate."

    So true.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chri5123
    Originally Posted by Sandor Verebi View Post

    That question is not accidental. What I write about now, is probably familiar to all of us who want to make money online. Beginners experience it when they are preparing their first product. Advanced marketers who operate for a while also fall into this trap very often.

    I know, because it happened with me several times, as well.

    What is it?

    It's a fact that you can earn money on the Internet if you promote other people's product. You are getting commissions, more or less. That's nice. This goes on for a while. After a time you want to put your business to the next level. You want to build your own business instead of other's. Okay!

    You are smart enough to realize how important it is to have your own product. To own a product can be achieved on different legal ways. I.e. you buy rights to a product of someone else and sell that as yours. Or, you create your own product, put your name on it proudly, and sell that online.

    Taking the latter case, that's why the title of this post is: How Long Do You Create Your Product?

    Your answer may be: as long as you need to create that product, just so the end-product turns out to be perfect.

    Let's see, that answer is correct, at least first sight. But this also may be the biggest trap you may entered. You're making your own sellable product. Your name is on it, so it should be perfect. That's quite understandable, there's nothing wrong with it. However, we arrived to the before said trap.

    You are researching, compiling it, trying to make it perfect. This is a process, like refine this... change that... otherwise that would be better... hmmm, maybe not... sleep on it... take it out next week... next month, etc. etc. The result: it is never perfect. What follows from this: You Never Release That Product! You Never Make A Red Cent From It!

    Yet. You get started it. You are knowing something about it. You want to share your knowledge. You are passionated about it. Of course, you want to make it to be the best. The PERFECT one. Something that has shaken the IM world. You get excited on that...

    So, you write the first 10 -15 pages in one impetus. And... after a while you feel it should be a better one. You get frustrated because of it's imperfectness. So, you refine that first 10 - 15 pages again and again. And you get tired. At last, you lost your interest, and put it aside.

    Why is the frustration? Because you don't get the expected, IMMEDIATE result. You feel it's not perfect. Yet, you wanted to write an info product of 123 pages. You imagine, that your product appears in NYT. Maybe they'll nominate it for some literary prize?? Ahhh... how nice would that be...

    Ehh, a familiar story? Is there a way out of this trap?

    Yeah. Firstly, you need to understand that there is no PERFECT product. (If I look in the mirror, I can realize that, anyway.) Just observe the big gun's activity. How they do it? They publish the version 1 of a product. Then they upgrade to version 2, version 3, and so on. Version 2010, version 2011. They make a truckload of money from start, later they use that money to develop that product further, so they fix the broken things.

    NO, I don't want anyone to urge to produce worthless crap. Far from it. But, your buyers want a solution to their problem. When it received, they'll overlook a grammar error. They'll forgive if something is imperfect in your info product. To them the essence, is your product meet their needs.

    Can you solve their problem? Can you spare time or money to them? Can you make their lives better? Give them what they want, and you do not need to worry about some minor imperfectness. You just do not be misleading.

    One more thing, please. To write a 123 page ebook may be overwhelming to most people. It's not for everyone. You'll realize that in the writing process, if not earlier. But everyone can write 10 - 20 page report. They are short. It don't take to the eternity to write. And is less difficult to produce that.

    Some math. You are able to sell a 123 page ebook for ca. $37 - $67 (depending on quality). Writing takes to you about 4 weeks. Say, you sell 20 pieces for ca. $52 (average). You netted with ca. $1040. You can write one report per week - 4 per month easily. You sell them for ca. $17 per pieces. Selling 20 report you netted with ca. $1360.

    Less pain, more money. What do you think about that?

    All the best,

    Sandor
    Thanks for the post Sandor,

    You are SO right!

    It is how you look at QUALITY I guess, people will forgive a spelling or grammer mistake (joke) as long as the content is really good.

    Of course that can go the other way and you can get a wondeful looking ebook and website and then the content will be rubbish.

    Agree with your main points though it is all about getting the product out there and making money, with good, informative content to a hungry market.

    Chris
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by Chri5123 View Post

      Thanks for the post Sandor,

      You are SO right!

      It is how you look at QUALITY I guess, people will forgive a spelling or grammer mistake (joke) as long as the content is really good.

      Of course that can go the other way and you can get a wondeful looking ebook and website and then the content will be rubbish.

      Agree with your main points though it is all about getting the product out there and making money, with good, informative content to a hungry market.

      Chris
      Hi Chris,

      You are welcome.

      I confess that some time has elapsed, until I realized this. Because I always striving for perfection in my life so far. I operated a brick and mortar business before, and took care of the satisfaction of my customers.

      When I made a mistake (happened), I corrected that immediately. And clients understand that you are only human as themselves. You just do not take them like dummies.

      Thank you for your opinion.

      All the best,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author markowe
    I agree of course, and I am terrible for dragging out development of some products of mine, but on the other hand I don't want to put out a half-finished product, not just for the sake of my own perfectionism, but because I don't want to deal with a rash of refunds, complaints and endless support tickets. But yes, when my version numbers are up to, like, 1.9.9.9.3 then I know I am just procrastinating
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Originally Posted by markowe View Post

      I agree of course, and I am terrible for dragging out development of some products of mine, but on the other hand I don't want to put out a half-finished product, not just for the sake of my own perfectionism, but because I don't want to deal with a rash of refunds, complaints and endless support tickets. But yes, when my version numbers are up to, like, 1.9.9.9.3 then I know I am just procrastinating
      Hi markowe,

      Thanks for your visit here.

      Your post resonate with an above mentioned truth: your product not should be PERFECT, just good enough to publish, good enough for the favourable reception of your customers, and good enough to keep your reputation.

      What concerns to procrastination: please, show me a people who never didn't fall in that trap.

      All the best,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Deegan
    I just wanted to chime in again. Many of us want to provide a quality product that delivers real value. The problem is the word quality means different things to different people. (merchant vs consumer) Personally until I defined what quality meant for me along with what I considered "done" I struggled to figure out if what I was doing was actually finished and good enough...

    Good enough is another term thrown around alot that is super subjective.

    While putting togther my system I defined what "quality" meant to me as part of my business code of conduct. Basically I'm looking to model Googles philosophy, which revolves around user experince.

    Everything I create now must pass through a checklist that will let me know if what I'm offering provides a good "user/customer" experince. The primary attribute of a good user experince for me is simply delivering (or over delivering) on your claims and promises.

    So in regards to product creation, personally I feel you should know exactly before hand each promise your going to make and problem your going to solve. Then you know your done when you have met each promise and solved each problem. if you can't solve a problem or meet a promise fast enough, remove it from your sales message till you can and release your product with what you can deliver on.

    Fully realizing this, made me see the light in why you should create your sales letter first before you create a product. It'll make things much easier since you know exactly what your product must do and have. Combine this fact with the ability to test your offer before you actually create the product and you now have a great way to pick up the pace of producing high value products with minimal waste. (remind me of the LEAN philosophy)
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    • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
      Daniel, I hear you.

      * I think, it is primary what your customers think about quality. Their feedbacks are your compass. Those feedbacks show you how they see the 'quality', what they expect from you. Without feedbacks any smart marketer is sailing in a fog. Qestionnaire and testing help you identify what they consider quality.

      * Regarding over delivery I agree.

      * Using a checklist before you publish your product is a good method.

      * Do not promise something you can not meet, it is obvious. Promise less, give more.

      * Yeah, your sales letter can be your outline and leads you in the product creation process.

      The LEAN philosophy is a great example. It says, that it is important that the customer is continuously involved in the process, in order to

      1.) assure that the project fulfils the needs of the customer,

      2.) assure that time and resources are not used on unnecessary activities.

      Daniel, thank you for the discusions. It was useful to me, as well.

      All the best,

      Sandor
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
    Originally Posted by NemoChu View Post

    Ever considered launching a product before it has been created? Market the concept and reserve/sell pre-orders. Pull all-nighters and recruit a superstar team until you can get the product together in time to launch on the deadline that you promised.

    Warning: this method can be abused, but it can also set fire under your butt to get things done in a hurry.
    Hi NemoChu,

    Thank you for your input. But, please, allow me to ask a question... did you read the OP at all?

    I wish you good thinking,

    Sandor
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