I Do Make Good Money, But...

59 replies
It's actually fun to read the threads here about who is
and isn't making any real money online these days.

Mike Hill pointed out in one thread that a lot of people
who appear to be doing well, maybe aren't.

Personally, I don't get overly concerned about that and
know that it really is hard to tell, and also know that
even the most successful experience cash flow issues from
time to time. My friend Rich Schefren taught in one of
his courses that failure to manage your cashflow will
absolutely KILL many businesses... and that's true.

Businesses experience cycles... ups and down... so it's not
unusual for those who were doing well to experience
downturns. Not saying that has happened to anyone
specific... only that this economy is kicking some butts

Donald Trump struggled, and I have a personal friend
who recently woke up one day tens of millions richer
... due to a bankruptcy filing!


Cashflow and timing

When I was a mod here, I use to carry on a lot of private
conversations with some VERY successful Warriors, and
the wealthiest ones do usually keep quiet. Most of the
ones that I discussed it with also didn't make their
fortunes selling get rich quick information.

Here's MY secret though...

I acknowledged one day that reward is often directly
proportional to the risk that you are willing to take.


In other words, the riskier an investment, the higher the
potential return. It has to come with a higher "interest
rate" in order to attract money away from safer investment!
That's basic economics... equilibrium theory.

I admittedly am a gambler, although I usually stay away
from casinos. I take calculated risk, after gathering
as much data as I can, and... some pay off and some don't.

Entrepreneurs take calculated risk, make tough decisions,
and often discover that it's NOT as easy as they thought
that it would be.

We make mistakes... miscalculations!

The unreasonable ones.. and the stubborn ones, like me
simply WON'T give up!

If you're "like me" and you keep at it, hopefully you make fewer
and fewer mistakes over time, and your winnners outnumber
your losers.

I roll out products FAST because I don't know which ones
are going to be winners, so I've learned not to invest
TOO MUCH in them upfront. Once it's obvious that one is
going to be a winner, that's when you really turn up the
heat. I have friends who operate EXACTLY the same way.

On the other hand, if it's someone else's product, I
dont' touch it until it's already starting to prove itself
a winner. With so many choices, why would I do otherwise?

I also do things that DECLARE that I'm one of the big dogs,
and in a way, BUY my way into that category.

Examples:

1) I attended my first seminar EVER in December 2002.
In April 2003, I stepped onto the stage as a seminar host
and promoter.

Of all the things that I've done online, I find just
getting people to get off their butts and travel to a live
event VERY difficult. That's why I now only host very
specialized, higher-end events.


2) I used a private label version of the 1ShoppingCart
system in 2003, and decided that I wanted to make a
"fairly substantial" investment for the right to create my
own private label a few months later. I crunched the numbers
and calculated how many sales I needed to make in order for
my income from being a private labeler to equal or exceed what
I could earn just from being an affiliate.

However, that was only part of the calculation, because to
me... being able to refer to ProfitAutomation.com as MY
shoppingcart system had some value... in branding me as one
of the big dogs. So, I bought that title.

3) I've done similar things a dozen other times, with the
most recent one being that I BOUGHT a web hosting company
back in December 2010.

It's obvious to casual observers here that everyone from
your local newspaper to giants like GoDaddy and HostGator
are in the web hosting business... and have deep enough
pockets to buy Super Bowl commericals.

Web hosting IS a commodity, and it's a very tough business.
So, why would I step into that minefield?

I'm an entrepreneur, and it's what we do.

My local Glazer-Kennedy Insiders Circle group is comprised
of people like me... serial entrepreneurs... people who love
starting and building new buinesses. People who actually
seem to enjoy the risk... and the reward that we sometime
find.

I'm in GKIC because regular people don't understand us... we
need to network with, and build our businesses by hanging
around others who DO get it!

Less that 5% of the population are as entrepreneural as we
are. Regular people seek security, and prefer working for
others. We're crazy

Yes, I do ok, but I'm an overnight success after 15 years,
I have put in many 18-hour days, I have made mistakes and
had projects totally FLOP, so if anything... I'm proof that
for most of us, it's not easy... but possible.

It's something that you see that you really want, and you go
get it!

Willie
#good #make #money
  • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
    thanks for the awesome post. I agree that it takes a lot of time for the earnings to show up. I have seen my earnings exponentially increase month after month and this is a result of increased risks and hard work.

    I also agree that entrepreneurship is fun! It can create money along the way but it is supposed to be fun as well!
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    The first part of this post reminded me of my days in the poker world.

    I was hosting a poker TV show and had all of the TV celebs on each week. The show gave me the chance to go to all the coolest Vegas parties and catch a glimpse of the "red carpet world". It also gave me a chance to see first hand what charade the whole thing was.

    Most of the guys that you think are super successful poker players are actually broker than you can imagine. When one would cash large in a big tournament, his debtors were right their backstage to collect what they were owed and famous boy was broke again.

    The same thing goes for Internet marketers. I have found that some of the biggest names in this biz are merely good self promoters, but can't seem to find a groove when it comes to actually selling their products.

    My advice is not to be enamored by "fame" when searching for a mentor or someone to follow. Instead, follow the guys who have given you advice that works.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
      Originally Posted by E. Brian Rose View Post

      The first part of this post reminded me of my days in the poker world.

      I was hosting a poker TV show and had all of the TV celebs on each week. The show gave me the chance to go to all the coolest Vegas parties and catch a glimpse of the "red carpet world". It also gave me a chance to see first hand what charade the whole thing was.

      Most of the guys that you think are super successful poker players are actually broker than you can imagine. When one would cash large in a big tournament, his debtors were right their backstage to collect what they were owed and famous boy was broke again.

      The same thing goes for Internet marketers. I have found that some of the biggest names in this biz are merely good self promoters, but can't seem to find a groove when it comes to actually selling their products.

      My advice is not to be enamored by "fame" when searching for a mentor or someone to follow. Instead, follow the guys who have given you advice that works.
      That is interesting about the poker players. Do they get paid just to be on the shows or no?
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    I agree, earning online is all about doing trials & errors. I had to do lots of trials & errors myself...and when you work hard, in the end you will see money!
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  • Profile picture of the author BenoitT
    You're talking about 95% of the population don't like the insecurity. In fact, you're way more secure starting your own business if you don't put all your egg in one basket.

    The only one that can fire you is yourself afterall
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    Benoit Tremblay

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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by BenoitT View Post

      You're talking about 95% of the population don't like the insecurity. In fact, you're way more secure starting your own business if you don't put all your egg in one basket.

      The only one that can fire you is yourself afterall
      Having a job to go to, especially when there is high unemployment,
      can make you more secure... but most employees don't realize how
      close some businesses are to closing their doors.

      At the GKIC meetings we have joked about how lonely it is to be an
      entrepreneur. If you operate your typical brick-and-mortar small
      business, you can't really tell most of those you associate with
      how you things are going because:

      If you tell employees that business is booming, they ask for raises.

      If you tell creditors or suppliers that things are tough they cut
      off credit. If you tell them that things are going great they may
      want to increase prices or rates

      The offline business owner even has to worry about employees,
      customers, and vendors stealing from them.

      The vendors part was really eye-opening... someone once wrote
      about the beer delivery guy who yells to the cashier how many
      cases of beer he wheeled in, then takes those same cases
      out the back door... and does it again. He may KEEP those extra
      few dozen cases for parties with friend.

      Off-topic a little but it does show that entrepreneurs, online or
      offline have a lot to focus on. It is also when I see some IM'ers
      focusing on selling them IM expertise to local "offline" businesses
      I find it very refreshing... because I KNOW that they are selling to
      a market that needs, wants and is willing to pay for the expertise.

      When you work for yourself... creditors, suppliers, tax collectors,
      lawsuits, and changing market conditions can control your fate...
      but I still like being an entrepreneur and believe that I am more
      in control

      Willie
      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    The big mistake a lot of people make is they get spread too thin. They find success in one area, and they think they can easily repeat it in another area without knowing enough about it.

    Most of the people I know that made 6 or 7 figures got there with a long term plan, and they were able to plan far into the future. They did risk a lot of money but it was over a period of time, and they were meeting goals on the way to the big money.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by dvduval View Post

      The big mistake a lot of people make is they get spread too thin. They find success in one area, and they think they can easily repeat it in another area without knowing enough about it.

      Most of the people I know that made 6 or 7 figures got there with a long term plan, and they were able to plan far into the future. They did risk a lot of money but it was over a period of time, and they were meeting goals on the way to the big money.
      Many people tend to underestimate the amount of capital needed to launch a business, so it's far better to work on one at a time, get it running smoothly and profitable, and then move on to the next thing.

      By doing this, you also reduce the risk of getting distracted by having too much on your plate at one time, taking away from your focus. It's far better to work hard and just focus on one thing with all-consuming passion, rather than get distracted with multiple projects that are difficult to juggle and execute effectively.
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      • Profile picture of the author celente
        Originally Posted by paulie888 View Post

        Many people tend to underestimate the amount of capital needed to launch a business, so it's far better to work on one at a time, get it running smoothly and profitable, and then move on to the next thing.

        y.
        You hit it out the ball park again my friend paulie.

        I use to think I could just sit here hour after hour and plug away with free traffic. Thing was I realised that not only was this slow but took up much of my time and effort.

        Online businesses come to this, if you have the time and not the money then you can spend it doing generating traffic for free.

        if you have the money and not so much the time you can spend it and bring in more money.

        I prefer the latter. It took this dummy (me lol) time to realise that you need to spend money to make money, outsources, banner ads, ppc, pay for articles, Press releases etc and you find that if you do this properly you bring back more money than you spend anyway. Then you can pump back all those profits into more advertising and let the whole thing snow ball.

        Then you have more time to spend on starting other projects as you refer to paulie or ramping up more traffic. Its a win win situation.

        No time = Invest money in your business

        No money = then you have to spend time in your business generating business

        These are the things nobody really tells you when you start online. They are important and weigh on how successful you are in the short term and long term also.
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  • Profile picture of the author LauraJames
    I definitely agree. Thank you for the wonderful, informative post. It certainly takes time and no shortage of effort. Like many others, my path of building a business has been quite a process. I have met many goals and I am determined to keep achieving the rest. I am grateful the good Lord has granted me the ability to do so.
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  • Profile picture of the author shuvo
    Thanks for sharing these ideas.Very useful indeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Glad Warrior
    Your piece of writing is really helpful for me, cause i am a newbie.
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    Money is a symbol of confidence in ourselves!
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  • Profile picture of the author Aclizzy
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

    It's actually fun to read the threads here about who is
    and isn't making any real money online these days.

    Mike Hill pointed out in one thread that a lot of people
    who appear to be doing well, maybe aren't.

    Personally, I don't get overly concerned about that and
    know that it really is hard to tell, and also know that
    even the most successful experience cash flow issues from
    time to time. My friend Rich Schefren taught in one of
    his courses that failure to manage your cashflow will
    absolutely KILL many businesses... and that's true.

    Businesses experience cycles... ups and down... so it's not
    unusual for those who were doing well to experience
    downturns. Not saying that has happened to anyone
    specific... only that this economy is kicking some butts

    Donald Trump struggled, and I have a personal friend
    who recently woke up one day tens of millions richer
    ... due to a bankruptcy filing!


    Cashflow and timing

    When I was a mod here, I use to carry on a lot of private
    conversations with some VERY successful Warriors, and
    the wealthiest ones do usually keep quiet. Most of the
    ones that I discussed it with also didn't make their
    fortunes selling get rich quick information.

    Here's MY secret though...

    I acknowledged one day that reward is often directly
    proportional to the risk that you are willing to take.


    In other words, the riskier an investment, the higher the
    potential return. It has to come with a higher "interest
    rate" in order to attract money away from safer investment!
    That's basic economics... equilibrium theory.

    I admittedly am a gambler, although I usually stay away
    from casinos. I take calculated risk, after gathering
    as much data as I can, and... some pay off and some don't.

    Entrepreneurs take calculated risk, make tough decisions,
    and often discover that it's NOT as easy as they thought
    that it would be.

    We make mistakes... miscalculations!

    The unreasonable ones.. and the stubborn ones, like me
    simply WON'T give up!

    If you're "like me" and you keep at it, hopefully you make fewer
    and fewer mistakes over time, and your winnners outnumber
    your losers.

    I roll out products FAST because I don't know which ones
    are going to be winners, so I've learned not to invest
    TOO MUCH in them upfront. Once it's obvious that one is
    going to be a winner, that's when you really turn up the
    heat. I have friends who operate EXACTLY the same way.

    On the other hand, if it's someone else's product, I
    dont' touch it until it's already starting to prove itself
    a winner. With so many choices, why would I do otherwise?

    I also do things that DECLARE that I'm one of the big dogs,
    and in a way, BUY my way into that category.

    Examples:

    1) I attended my first seminar EVER in December 2002.
    In April 2003, I stepped onto the stage as a seminar host
    and promoter.

    Of all the things that I've done online, I find just
    getting people to get off their butts and travel to a live
    event VERY difficult. That's why I now only host very
    specialized, higher-end events.


    2) I used a private label version of the 1ShoppingCart
    system in 2003, and decided that I wanted to make a
    "fairly substantial" investment for the right to create my
    own private label a few months later. I crunched the numbers
    and calculated how many sales I needed to make in order for
    my income from being a private labeler to equal or exceed what
    I could earn just from being an affiliate.

    However, that was only part of the calculation, because to
    me... being able to refer to ProfitAutomation.com as MY
    shoppingcart system had some value... in branding me as one
    of the big dogs. So, I bought that title.

    3) I've done similar things a dozen other times, with the
    most recent one being that I BOUGHT a web hosting company
    back in December 2010.

    It's obvious to casual observers here that everyone from
    your local newspaper to giants like GoDaddy and HostGator
    are in the web hosting business... and have deep enough
    pockets to buy Super Bowl commericals.

    Web hosting IS a commodity, and it's a very tough business.
    So, why would I step into that minefield?

    I'm an entrepreneur, and it's what we do.

    My local Glazer-Kennedy Insiders Circle group is comprised
    of people like me... serial entrepreneurs... people who love
    starting and building new buinesses. People who actually
    seem to enjoy the risk... and the reward that we sometime
    find.

    I'm in GKIC because regular people don't understand us... we
    need to network with, and build our businesses by hanging
    around others who DO get it!

    Less that 5% of the population are as entrepreneural as we
    are. Regular people seek security, and prefer working for
    others. We're crazy

    Yes, I do ok, but I'm an overnight success after 15 years,
    I have put in many 18-hour days, I have made mistakes and
    had projects totally FLOP, so if anything... I'm proof that
    for most of us, it's not easy... but possible.

    It's something that you see that you really want, and you go
    get it!

    Willie
    INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!!!!
    I believe that I can follow in your footsteps!!! because as of recent I am starting to have this kind of mentality.
    I knew i was Mad
    keep up the good work Willie
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Aclizzy View Post

      INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!!!!
      I believe that I can follow in your footsteps!!! because as of recent I am starting to have this kind of mentality.
      I knew i was Mad
      keep up the good work Willie
      If you're Mad, then we're identical!

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Mar
    Hi, Willie - great thread.

    You've got tenacity and commitment to your projects - and those are hugely important attributes. Yet you're obviously able to let go the projects which are going to be money pits. How many people refuse to let go a project after they've fallen in love with it, even if it's costing them money?

    Mar
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Mar View Post

      Hi, Willie - great thread.

      You've got tenacity and commitment to your projects - and those are hugely important attributes. Yet you're obviously able to let go the projects which are going to be money pits. How many people refuse to let go a project after they've fallen in love with it, even if it's costing them money?

      Mar
      Thank you,

      I started college as a pre-med student, until chemistry kicked my butt,
      then I switched to business and economics. I love economics and
      totally get "sunk costs."

      It doesn't matter how much you have plowed into a project, if it's
      not going to work, it's simply not going to work, and you have to
      know when to cut your loses.

      I also "get" probability theory, and understand the need to know
      your numbers... which is a big part of what successful marketing
      is. Testing, tracking, and knowing your percentages... so that you
      act on logic rather than fear and emotion.

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian Varnava
    Remember, appearances can be deceiving. I can say I make $5 a day, or $5000 a day, who can ever know for sure? Besides myself and Uncle Sam, of course.

    My first job about 10 years ago was selling computers at a now-bankrupt electronics retailer. Initially, as a new sales person and a naive young man, I inclined towards making "judgments", based on appearances. I thought if someone was nicely dressed, they had a lot of money and were looking to buy. If they looked like a bum, then they didn't have money and wouldn't buy, or would buy something cheap.

    Those myths disappeared from my head completely after my first couple of days at the job. We had people who looked like a million bucks, arguing over every little penny and buying the cheapest stuff... while I had people who I may have mistaken for homeless on the street based on their appearance, come and drop 10 grand without blinking.

    Since then I've completely stopped judging books by their covers. I believe the same thing applies online, including on a forum such as this. Just because someone just registered, has 2 and a half posts, and speaks broken English, doesn't mean that they aren't already an IM millionaire. Likewise, just because someone has been a member since the 19th century, and has 1 trillion posts, does not mean that they're not struggling to make their first buck online.

    Appearances can be very deceiving.
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Ian Varnava View Post

      Remember, appearances can be deceiving. I can say I make $5 a day, or $5000 a day, who can ever know for sure? Besides myself and Uncle Sam, of course.

      ...

      Appearances can be very deceiving.
      Absolutely.... we live in a world where perception
      often seem more important than reality... and may
      in fact be :-)

      In my 20+ year military career, you got promoted and
      put in better jobs based upon what was said about you
      on paper, rather than your true competence.


      The first time that I spoke on a seminar stage I remember
      wanting to be genuine, but also thinking to myself,
      "you're on stage, and people want to hear from a winner!"

      People also want to buy from a winner... hence the
      "fake it til you make it!"

      Actually, I'm amazed at how much effort we humans put
      into presenting just the right appearance. From the second
      we wake up, until we fall asleep at night we are constantly
      preening, and wondering what others think of us. We're
      designed to seek approval.

      Marketers do often manipulate that conditioned response
      behavior... hopefully ethically.

      Fascinating isn't it

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery
    Great post Willie. There is a lot in it that people can use in this industry could use yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

    Unlike many here I seldom post anymore because I don't find the majority of the topics interesting anymore. Though if I do post it is to contribute or say thank you. Thank you for a great read.

    Also, I learned that if I keep my own business out of the discussions as much as possible I actually make more money and meet more people with the entrepreneur mindset.

    Are you still in and out of Florida? I was planning on moving back to Ft. Walton, but it now looks like Cape Coral, in a few month and running some workshops at the cape. Would be nice to have you and yours for over for a Cat Head Biscuit or two

    Take care,
    Jeffery 100% :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Jeffery View Post

      ...
      Are you still in and out of Florida? I was planning on moving back to Ft. Walton, but it now looks like Cape Coral, in a few month and running some workshops at the cape. Would be nice to have you and yours for over for a Cat Head Biscuit or two

      Take care,
      Jeffery 100% :-)
      Thanks Jeffery. I'm still in the vicinity of Ft. Walton :-)

      I'd be happy to "break bread" with you.
      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

    Yes, I do ok, but I'm an overnight success after 15 years,
    I have put in many 18-hour days, I have made mistakes and
    had projects totally FLOP, so if anything... I'm proof that
    for most of us, it's not easy... but possible. Willie
    Yes, isn't that the truth! ...in almost every field worth getting into, the successes that endure, took years to happen. Computers, military, entertainment, law, etc. etc.

    An "overnight success" is usually just someone the public didn't know while they were struggling. Thanks Willie
    _____
    Bruce
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  • Profile picture of the author Affixlabelhere
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author James Clark
      To the Op,

      That proves that Entrepreneurs have to be a little crazy. I should know I’m one of them. But let’s be honest here. If you climb one mountain, what are you going to do, just sit up there and take it easy?

      No, what we do is climb another and keep doing it until we die.
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    • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
      Originally Posted by Affixlabelhere View Post

      Ive learned that when you feel sort of afraid or anxious about taking a certain action step, then you know that that is the action you should be taking. Thats true at any level in this industry and in life as a whole.
      I'm glad someone said that!

      I've had that feeling quite frequently since I started IM. I thought it was just fear of success (or failure)!

      joe
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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  • Profile picture of the author edv
    Thanks for this great post filled with good advices. And remember - "He who dares - wins!"
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by edv View Post

      Thanks for this great post filled with good advices. And remember - "He who dares - wins!"
      ... or dies trying
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  • Profile picture of the author Talltom1
    Awesome post Willie. Totally resonates with me!
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      I'm definitely not in that category. I play it very safe. And so far, I'm fine
      with that.

      Oh, by the way Willie...awesome post.

      I love reading your stuff.

      You sure know your bee's wax.
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      • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        I'm definitely not in that category. I play it very safe. And so far, I'm fine
        with that.

        Oh, by the way Willie...awesome post.

        I love reading your stuff.

        You sure know your bee's wax.

        Thank you, but what did that guy in the picture do with
        my Steve

        Willie
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        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

          Thank you, but what did that guy in the picture do with
          my Steve

          Willie
          I felt it was time for a change considering that other photo was like 5 years
          old.
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  • Profile picture of the author msmedia11
    Good post Mr. Willie Crawford. In my opinion Entrepreneurs are NOT 'crazy' as that word is thrown around just about in any conversation relating to the entrepreneurship. Crazy...fearless...etc.

    I think entrepreneurs are as 'anxious about the future' as anyone who trade their hours for money -- maybe even more so.

    It may be the fear of 'losing it all' that drives him to work harder, put out more products as quickly as possible, fail faster, implement faster, act swiftly.... seek for new ways to serve and impress his clients....etc.

    Fear my friends can be a motivator. In my opinion, entrepreneurs never think that they are taking any risks before they jump into a venture. They are calculated moves, and only if he feels confident, he makes that move.

    We put out products-after-products, constantly striving to impress -- only because we never want to be in that place when we were feeling unsuccessful, depressed, broke, and weak.

    We pile up every successes, accomplishments, and goodwill to strengthen our confidence to move forward -- to be at a place of fearlessness.

    We panic at every slight drop in revenue and ask WHY... What else can we do to make up for the lose.

    It's just the way it is... we are all this way... Fear is not a good place to be in, but God gave us fear to protect ourselves.

    As with people making less money now... that's the seasons of life & business.... Like Jim Rohn said in 'seasons of life'...

    "First, Life and business are like the changing seasons. That's one of the best ways to
    illustrate life: it's like the seasons that change. Second, you cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself."

    I believe Willie is the perfect example of someone who has gone through a few good winters and spring in life -- learning something new every time.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Abe
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    • Profile picture of the author Charles E. White
      Excellent Post Willie! I have known Willie for years and one thing for sure, he knows what he is talking about when it comes to IM.

      Willie has helped me a lot over the years and made me realize one thing, success does not come overnight! You have to pay the price to be successful! Test, write, rewrite, and build your reputation!
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  • Profile picture of the author Peggy Baron
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

    Here's MY secret though...

    I acknowledged one day that reward is often directly
    proportional to the risk that you are willing to take.

    In other words, the riskier an investment, the higher the
    potential return. It has to come with a higher "interest
    rate" in order to attract money away from safer investment!
    That's basic economics... equilibrium theory.

    I admittedly am a gambler, although I usually stay away
    from casinos. I take calculated risk, after gathering
    as much data as I can, and... some pay off and some don't.
    And that's the fun of it! We take calculated risks and have gut instincts but were still never totally sure. And we learn from the experience - good or bad.

    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

    It's something that you see that you really want, and you go
    get it!
    Entrepreneurs are driven! It takes one to know one.

    Thanks, Willie.

    Peggy
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post




    Yes, I do ok, but I'm an overnight success after 15 years,
    I have put in many 18-hour days, I have made mistakes and
    had projects totally FLOP, so if anything... I'm proof that
    for most of us, it's not easy... but possible.



    Willie

    Do true Willie, I have had many success and massive failures. But I dont think it is how rich you are, it is how you get there and how much fun you have in the process.

    I think life is about making mistake, and having big successes. Just imagine if everyday you woke up and things went you way. LOL wouldnt that be boring.

    LOL

    people that want to become successful in 1 day are kidding themselves. The best way to become successful is test. I have heard this and learnt for myself. YOu will fail until you find something that works. Once you find a system that works just upscale that times 10. That is how i quit my job and do this whole internet marketing stuff full time now.
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  • Profile picture of the author fanlynne
    You know this is you should take action. Thats the industry and life in any real level as wholeIt certainly take time, there is no lack of energy. Like many others, I am the path to building a business has been quite a process. I have met many goals, I am determined to continue to achieve rest.
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  • Profile picture of the author BoDarville
    Excellent Willie ... I've always subscribed to the Leap Frog theory as well. And also Trump's Think Big theory -- I believe that with these two beliefs combined in business and within yourself, mountains can be moved.
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  • Great post Willie! And I'm happy to know I'm not the only
    "Crazy one" out there.

    As far as the money goes, Donald Trump said in his first
    book that after a certain point, the money was simply a
    way of keeping score.

    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Michael Worthington View Post

      Great post Willie! And I'm happy to know I'm not the only
      "Crazy one" out there.

      As far as the money goes, Donald Trump said in his first
      book that after a certain point, the money was simply a
      way of keeping score.

      Michael
      No Michael, you're definitely not the only crazy one out
      there although some are crazier than others

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author asim566
    feeling same......................
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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    Hey Willie,

    It's nice to see a post I completely agree with

    Your post hits a number of experiences that are in-line with my own.

    I used to find it strange when I'd give money away to people and others would say "oh, that's ok for you - I can't afford to do that" and in fact I may have just given the money that was supposed to pay my rent. Whether I give something to others or not has nothing to do with whether I have it spare or not - it's just my nature.

    When I was traveling almost constantly I would be making a lot of money but also spending a lot. The more money I made - the better the hotel or flights. Which meant I was no better off than when I made less.

    I have a software company and I sometimes find myself stepping back from what makes business sense to get to a place where we're doing something just because it's fun. It's so tempting to always put your marketing head on and be looking at how to monetise something, but if everything is about the money then you're still living in the space of chasing the gap between where you are and where you want to be - when living in the now is what life is really about.

    Combining living with passion with doing things that make money is a complicated road for most people and it's hard to remember to stay grounded in your daily experience and not drift off into the future or focus on the past.

    I know a LOT of IMers who've made and lost all of their money and gone from happy guru to miserable struggler - and sometimes back again.

    It's a test of character to come back from big setbacks like this.

    That's one of the reasons I still come here after all these years - you see people that have the battle scars and are still out there doing their thing.

    People like Marlon Sanders come to mind because I met Marlon in 2004 and he hardly comes here these days but he's still doing his thing and still releasing products based on his massive amount of knowledge and experience.

    Whether he'd lost it all or not I'd still consider him a great person to listen to and learn from.

    The thing that makes the difference is the persistence and will to carry on and get back up after setbacks. Many people come here thinking they'll get their success first time around and then give up if it doesn't happen.

    Most long-standing successful people will tell you that they've had more setbacks than successes, but it's overcoming those setbacks that makes them all the stronger next time around.

    Thanks for your insights Willie - you're very much appreciated.

    Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

      Hey Willie,

      It's nice to see a post I completely agree with

      ...

      Andy

      Well, our thinking seems to be very much in alignment,
      probably because we have seen and experienced so many
      of the same things.

      You do at some point realize that yes, the money is nice,
      and isn't guaranteed, but happiness matters more.

      Speaking of Marlon, he is a brilliant. I have some a great
      interview that I did with him, where he explains things about
      human interaction, and why we do business with who we do in
      internet marketing, better than anyone has ever explained it
      to me. Let me know if you'd like a copy of the MP3 via PM.

      I do think that it's important for members here to realize
      that many successful marketers do go through ups and
      downs. You have to anticipate it, and also plan for it, as
      in... when things are going really well, you don't spend it
      all... investing some of it

      Thanks Andy,
      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author petelta
    Excellent post Mr. Crawford. It's 7:47 AM in Nashville, TN right now and I just finished a 36 hour straight work effort. I had to pull an all nighter to finish the final stages of my latest launch.

    I'm about to pass out right now, but I have 1 hour and 12 minutes until I have to push the button.

    I just found your post and it was excellent to read for me right now. It gave me a nice boost of energy. I couldn't agree with you more. You have to take big risks to get your big rewards. You quickly learn that it usually doesn't go as you thought the first round... or the second round... or even the tenth round.

    But, if you stay committed and pay attention to what you've been doing, you learn with each failure instead of fail from each failure. Each time it seems to get better and better.

    Great post...it has me pumped about my launch in an hour lol. It's only going to get better from here.

    Travis
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by petelta View Post

      ...
      Great post...it has me pumped about my launch in an hour lol. It's only going to get better from here.

      Travis

      Part of my purpose in posting. There is so much negative energy
      here. Yes, things are tough, and it is work, but we're smart
      enough to figure it out... and it does help to keep motivated if
      you know that others are going through very similar experiences.

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author frankp57
    Hello Willie,

    Great post. I must admit I spend a lot of time plodding through what sometimes an endless barrage of information......replaced by new information.......replaced by new information.....and so it goes on. There are times when you do think whether all the time and effort is worth it but then you read something like this post and you regain your focus.

    From appearing to be "on your own" while you spend hours upon hours toiling away at your PC you lose sight that there are many others like you out there, all looking for everything to fall into place. And yes, there are many pitfalls but it is how you bounce back from those pitfalls that matters. Reading posts like Willie's helps you redress the negativity that often creeps in and you suddenly get a second wind (or 3rd...or 4th...or 5th...etc..etc) and you go again.

    I fall into the category of working hard on my online business but with very little financial reward (if any) but I am determined to make it work and some day I do believe that all of the effort will be worth it.

    My "main job" as a contractor provides me with peaks and troughs and when you hit the troughs (like I will tomorrow when my current contract ends) you do wonder how secure or not your "main job" is and so it is great to be able to come on here and see how fellow IM'ers are faring or what offers or insights are available.

    I'm waffling now so I'll wrap up by saying again great post Willie and onwards and upwards for us all.

    Regards.

    Frank
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  • Profile picture of the author iSoftware
    Insightful post. One of the problems/challenges in this industry is that people just don't know basic market FUNDAMENTALS!

    What do I mean by that?

    Consider this:
    There are only really 5 major levers you can play with to increase your profitability:
    1) no. of leads
    2) conversion rate
    3) average sales price
    4) # of transactions per customer
    5) margins (diff. between costs of good sold/cost of revenue and sales)


    All this talk about traffic this traffic that or the latest "trick" or technique is really beside the point.

    Profits has and will always be (Revenues) -(Costs). Just figure out which factors (not just traffic!) maximize your revenues and minimize your costs and focus on that if you are a newbie (or someone who's spent some time online without much success).

    Everything else is just noise!!
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    • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
      Originally Posted by moneykws View Post

      Insightful post. One of the problems/challenges in this industry is that people just don't know basic market FUNDAMENTALS!

      What do I mean by that?

      Consider this:
      There are only really 5 major levers you can play with to increase your profitability:
      1) no. of leads
      2) conversion rate
      3) average sales price
      4) # of transactions per customer
      5) margins (diff. between costs of good sold/cost of revenue and sales)


      All this talk about traffic this traffic that or the latest "trick" or technique is really beside the point.
      I don't want to detract from the OP but Traffic is how many people get 1)

      I have sites that literally bring in more or less money depending on what traffic generation activities I do.

      Not all online business models require complicated processes. Sometimes it really is as simple as - create an offer - get traffic - make money.

      With that said - I do agree that it's probably the last place to focus rather than the first/main place.
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      • Profile picture of the author iSoftware
        Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

        I don't want to detract from the OP but Traffic is how many people get 1)

        I have sites that literally bring in more or less money depending on what traffic generation activities I do.

        Not all online business models require complicated processes. Sometimes it really is as simple as - create an offer - get traffic - make money.

        With that said - I do agree that it's probably the last place to focus rather than the first/main place.
        I don't want to detract from Willie's insightful post either, but the fact of the matter is too many newbies are mesmerized by traffic.

        Robert Puddy has a great video about how most marketers focus on mass traffic generation and don't know the slightest about conversions.

        Or here's another point. Let's say you want a 25% increase in your profits, all things being equal....

        Many affiliate marketers don't know that something as simple as calling up the affiliate network (or the merchant) and asking for higher commissions will get them there! (assuming they have the numbers to warrant the higher commission too...)


        All the while they're thinking "ok if I can just get more traffic, I'll hit those numbers!". Not in 1 million years are they thinking (if I raise my transaction price - in this case the product commission they're getting)...they'll get the same results!

        The same thing goes for focusing on repeat sales vs. acquiring new customers. Studies show that a previous buyer is something like 60 times more likely to buy from you than a new buyer (i.e. unique visitor).


        All the time I hear people saying "Traffic=Money" but that's just not the case!

        I'll take a high offer price, great conversions and repeat customers over massive amounts of traffic any day!
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        • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
          Willie, here we are years later and I still learn such great insights from you my friend. Thanks for a great post. Keep them coming Mr. Florida!

          Eric

          PS - It's fishing time!
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          • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
            Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

            Willie, here we are years later and I still learn such great insights from you my friend. Thanks for a great post. Keep them coming Mr. Florida!

            Eric

            PS - It's fishing time!
            Thanks Eric.

            Yes, it is fishing time. I shot some video on the Destin
            pier yesterday, in front of a $2.5 million boat. I'll get that
            posted online soon.

            No, not my boat. I'll wait until after Atlanta before buying
            anything crazy. Looking foward to seeing you there in a few
            weeks!

            Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Rodman
    Banned
    That's a great post. I wonder if people cling to lower value business models because they are afraid to take risks? With one of my businesses, I entered the market relatively late compared to some of the competitors. But I quickly overtook the market because I was willing to spend more and take bigger risks because I saw the opportunity available.
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  • Profile picture of the author B3n
    "a lot of people who appear to be doing well, maybe aren't"

    Wow, how pertinent!

    I'm currently having zero luck getting a little over $800 in commissions from a well-known marketer who claims to earn $120,000 per month

    I suspect he simply doesn't have $800 to hand to pay the commission.

    Remember people, if you offer 75% commissions on your product then that 75% MUST be put aside so it can be paid to the affiliate.

    It isn't your money.
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by B3n View Post

      "a lot of people who appear to be doing well, maybe aren't"

      Wow, how pertinent!

      I'm currently having zero luck getting a little over $800 in commissions from a well-known marketer who claims to earn $120,000 per month

      I suspect he simply doesn't have $800 to hand to pay the commission.

      Remember people, if you offer 75% commissions on your product then that 75% MUST be put aside so it can be paid to the affiliate.

      It isn't your money.
      Yes, that happens. Some people are paying "slower" and I suspect
      that it's cashflow.

      I had a friend once who was owed a lot of commission. He got so
      upset that he ran an Google AdWords Ad re: his overdue commissions.

      He got paid fairly quickly

      Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    Wonderful post! Made me think about my own business. thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author CPG Entrepreneur
      I registered with the WF just to comment that this is a GREAT post! This should be a must read for those who want to become an Entrepreneur.

      I am a 10 year entrepreneur in offline physical goods, so I fully understand the OP by Willie.

      My favorite part of the OP is "I'm an entrepreneur that's what I do"....me too!
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post

    I
    Here's MY secret though...

    I acknowledged one day that reward is often directly
    proportional to the risk that you are willing to take.


    Willie

    I cant remember who said it THE I think... But the definition of an entrepeuner is someone who takes the risk and lives with the consequences.

    He also said the phrase dont put all your eggs in one basket was coined to keep you safe not make you rich, put all your eggs in one basket and guard the basket with your life
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Great post! Everything is exactly the way you have described it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hammad
    So lengthy well i agree that most of the time online community shows that they are doing well but infact they just dont
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Long
    Thanks Willie, so I guess, never give up!

    That's the key
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Neil Long View Post

      Thanks Willie, so I guess, never give up!

      That's the key

      Don't give up unless something that makes more sense come along. Then it's not giving up, it's changing your mind in the presence of better or new information and options.

      Don't quit, but do give yourself permission to change your mind!

      Willie
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