by lason
50 replies
Hi everyone,

I've joined the statistics of the millions of unemployed just over a month ago. I've spent a lot of time on youtube lately watching videos of people making thousands daily on virtually autopilot through affiliate marketing on clickbank and other sites and naturally I wanted to find out more, so here I am. I have no prior experience in affilate marketing at all. I don't have a website or a blog, either. I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?
#newbie
  • Profile picture of the author solado
    I have been doing affiliate marketing / Niche websites for a little over a month, currently im in negative figures in terms of money (cost me £50 for my domains + hosting) and i have made about £1ish thus far on advertisements.

    One thing you will learn quickly is internet is not fast money (unless your one of the lucky over night people) you have to work at it and work at it correctly, i am a noob still so take my advice as a pinch of salt, but i have started to make a movement in my niche markets thanks to a member on these forums who offered to help me. I can see how money is made online now, its very hard to explain but one you see the tunnel to success you can build more tunnels... never was brilliant at explaining things like this - The best advice I can offer from my experiences is pick an idea, stick with it, no matter how golden someone markets their idea, stick with yours.

    In a nutshell yes, it is possible to go from zero to hero - im working on becoming a hero every day, there are multiple ways to earn money online you have to find the right way for you.

    With your job situation, personally from my view, i wouldn't get a job because you will have 24 hours a day 7 days a week to figure out internet marketing and get projects online and finished as opposed to working a full time job and having 4-5 hours an evening. But others will say your better off getting a job, you have to decide how far your savings can streach and how much of a risk your willing to take.

    One idea to start you making money without spending any money is to create some youtube videos on a topic... it could be related to your old job, something you enjoy, a sport you take part in. Then decide if its popular, ask your self "Are people wanting this information?" if the answer is yes, then create a blog at blogger or wordpress (free) then create videos for youtube on the topic pointing people to your website - sell an affiliate product relating to your subject, provide quality content and see if you can make sales, this is the most basic form of marketing and will get you started out, you never know until you try, and that's the key you have to try.


    Oh and one more thing, reading this post just cost you precious time getting started
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  • Profile picture of the author Abledragon
    Two things:

    1. An online business is a business - just like any other business. So it requires work, persistence, perseverance and patience. The only difference is that the start up costs are generally much lower than those of a bricks and mortar business.

    2. Find a real product or service that meets a real need to base your business on and stay well clear of any of those 'money making systems' you'll see everywhere.

    If you're short of cash, find something that can provide you with an income while you get to grips with working online. You can do without the pressure of trying to start an online business and have it make you an income before you run out of money.

    Some of the articles on this page may help:

    Getting Started with Internet Marketing | WealthyDragon

    All the very best of luck

    Cheers,

    Martin.
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    WealthyDragon - Earning My Living Online
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  • Profile picture of the author SteveBagasao
    The best advice I can give... is no matter what you do...stay focused! There are no magic bullets, over-night riches, or easy buttons to make a living online. It takes time, dedication, hard work, knowledge, and a laser focus.

    One of the worst things anyone can do is to chase all of these get-rich-quick systems that are offered ad nauseum online.

    Treat this as a real business. Find a need...find a product to fulfill that need...and learn EVERYTHING you can to market that product to potential buyers. (this applies to affiliate marketing also).

    Good Luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Shadowflux
      I think the best advice I could give you would be to start the way I started. I came to the IM world under much the same circumstances as you, I was unemployed and got sick of sending out resumes and filling out job applications only to get nowhere.

      You need to start by making money, it doesn't matter how small it is, you need to taste it. I had no knowledge about IM when I started, the only thing I had was a powerful determination to make money on the internet. I started small, I made maybe $25-50 a week, and I grew from there.

      Once you start making money you will begin to believe that it is possible and you will be able to prove to your friends and family that you are able to make real money online. This was what really made the other people in my life respect what I was doing and encourage me to continue.

      It doesn't matter how much money you make, maybe it's just a few dollars a day, maybe $20 in a week, but I feel that you need to taste that success.

      People will tell you that you learn from failures but I would say you learn just as much through success.

      Best of luck to you, my friend.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nikolas
    I will agree with Martin. As AC/DC say "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll"

    Anyway as you probably need a quick cash while you learn, I would suggest to start by providing services for others, but always in the online business. That will give you some cash and you will learn a lot.

    You can try fiverr.com to see what people buy/sell and even make there your first money. Keep on reading forums like that, and never give up.

    Best of luck
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  • Profile picture of the author MariusPrice
    Originally Posted by lason View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I've joined the statistics of the millions of unemployed just over a month ago. I've spent a lot of time on youtube lately watching videos of people making thousands daily on virtually autopilot through affiliate marketing on clickbank and other sites and naturally I wanted to find out more, so here I am. I have no prior experience in affilate marketing at all. I don't have a website or a blog, either. I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?
    From zero to Hero great one

    Yea you can but of course don't come overnight.
    I started in 2007 with just a blog from blogspot.com and i made about $300 every month from the niche that i enjoy and all what i did was just to post every day before i go to job and one or two post after i come from work. This was my start and i dint spend any money on beginning.

    See if your niche is profitable with a google search...if you search on google.com for example make money online and on the right side its ADS then your niche worth the time to do it.

    Start small and get bigger.
    Also make a plan, put everything on paper what you have to do every day and do it even if you are sick or sleepy, just do it because IM its like any job out there but give more freedom. After get the taste of money and learn new things go bigger and learn new things. Money overnight dont exist maybe only if you sell drogs.

    Regards
    Marius
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    • Hi Marius Price,

      Originally Posted by MariusPrice View Post

      Money overnight dont exist maybe only if you sell drugs.
      Illegally selling prohibited or regulated drugs isn't an overnight business success story. You need to determine if there is a market for specific types of these prohibited and regulated drugs. You then need to find sources selling it at a quality that will give you an edge over your competitors and at a price point that can give you profits from your mark up. You then need to scrutinize available sources to ensure that you don't get ripped off, get jail time or get killed. You then need to raise money to implement legal and illegal security measures and marketing systems to improve the profitability of your business and to avoid being ripped off, getting jail time or getting killed, including product acquisition, delivery and storage, product packaging and distribution, wholesaling and retailing processes, accounting systems, payoff techniques, legal defense, illegal safety tactics, emergency escape migration and plastic surgery options. You then need to make sure that these are all properly implemented, tested, monitored and improved...
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  • Hi Lason,

    There is no such thing as an autopilot business. Microsoft, Google, Apple, Coke, Nike, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, drug cartels, the mob, Budweiser, Marlboro and so on aren't on autopilot. These business owners trained, managed and supervised others before assigning these persons to do the same thing they did in order to have others monitoring the work of others who also monitor the work of others who are in turn supervising others while doing work needed for the business to constantly run, grow and expand...

    The main objective of a business is to earn profits by constantly developing, improving and selling solutions to the real world needs and problems of a specific group of people. These solutions can be services and products. Services may include a platform where advertisers can get leads and sales from ads placed on offline and online places owned by others...

    Offline and online platforms are just avenues for brand marketing and product promotions...

    Find a good paying job if your savings, assets and other income generators, if any, can't accommodate your day to day expenses. While looking for a job, plan your business. Once you get a job and start earning income, implement your plan by investing in the initial requirements needed by your business to start running, growing and expanding. Monitor the progress of your business, brand marketing campaigns and product marketing results to improve the profitability of your business. Remember:

    Building, running, growing and expanding a business will require time. Doing things needed by a business to be built, ran, grown and expanded will require time. If you don't have time, buy it. Time will be necessary for earning income needed to accommodate day to day expenses. If you don't have money to buy time, make money...
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    As has already been mentioned, all the stuff about instant riches on some autopilot trip is crap. Marketing affiliate products is a business. It takes knowledge, planning and implementation.

    If you're serious about affiliate marketing click on this link Alexa Smith and read all her posts. You'll literally find thousands of dollars in free info on Affiliate and article marketing. Not only that, she's a babe.

    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post


      If you're serious about affiliate marketing click Alexa Smith and read all her posts. Not only that, she's a babe.
      Since when have ultra-smart, green, skep-chicks become babes? I thought that just qualified them as geeky...
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      • Profile picture of the author MP80
        Wow.. so much great advice on this thread - you won't go wrong with any of it.

        One thing I would like to add is that you are more likely to succeed if you at least enjoy (or better still - are passionate) about your business. If you are not yet sure what that might be, then choose a handful of promising methods and test-drive them first. Decide on one that is best suited to your personality, formulate a plan, and then implement it.

        There are going to be a lot of dry, frustrating days ahead, and many lessons to learn - sometimes the enjoyment for what you do is the only thing that will carry you through.

        Best of luck with it,

        Max.
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        Before you do ANYTHING else in your day - do at least ONE thing that brings money into your business.
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        • Profile picture of the author bilbobaggins
          I would agree with MP80. Find a method, wso or niche that you like the look of, and work it. Work it to death, and eventually you will make a little cash and learn a lot too...then keep building on the small successes.

          My other advice would be to not spend too much money up front. Use as many free methods as you can find until you get a feel for everything and know what you are doing. Theres nothing worse than spending big money on a tool, and then finding you dont have enough experience in the game to use it effectively, and so you end up leaving it on the shelf....
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      • Profile picture of the author Matthew Shane Roe
        Originally Posted by Barry Unruh View Post

        Since when have ultra-smart, green, skep-chicks become babes? I thought that just qualified them as geeky...

        Since we became pretty damn geeky ourselves
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  • Profile picture of the author coley252
    I am quite new to IM myself. I of course would love to immediately start making wads of cash, but I don't think that's very likely. I've found a WSO that is working for me and I'm already making money (albeit not thousands a day), but I'm happy with it and think I can multiply my efforts and results.
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  • Profile picture of the author Miguelito203
    Originally Posted by lason View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I've joined the statistics of the millions of unemployed just over a month ago. I've spent a lot of time on youtube lately watching videos of people making thousands daily on virtually autopilot through affiliate marketing on clickbank and other sites and naturally I wanted to find out more, so here I am. I have no prior experience in affilate marketing at all. I don't have a website or a blog, either. I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?
    It's totally possible. The one thing to keep in mind is that no one starts out at the top. Computers and thus making money is "hands on." The only way to succeed is to do it. The trouble is wading through all the crap. When it comes to making money online, there are a number of paths you can take, not just one. However, since you mentioned affiliate marketing, let's start there.

    Affiliate marketing (selling other people's products in exchange for a commission on every sale earned), is, without a doubt, the most popular way to make money online. Pretty much everyone starts there. It's a way to gain knowledge and skills you need for other branches of internet marketing with the least amount of risks.

    The reason product creators/vendors/merchants like it is because by having other people promote their stuff, it saves them time and money. Furthermore, every time an affiliate makes a sale, the customer is added to the merchant's list of buyers. This means that they can promote to people over and over again and why paying an affiliate a one-time payment (usually) is no big deal.

    The most common way to make money with affiliate marketing is with something called a niche blog. It has become a standard that everyone uses. A niche blog is a blog that focuses on a theme like dating, weight loss, fashion, learn guitar....whatever, and usually consist of product reviews and articles on info related to the niche. Niche blogs are cool b/c the income is residual, you can work around your own schedule, you make money writing about things you enjoy, can generate multiple streams of income from the same blog and more.

    All it comes down to is taking a realistic approach, investing in the proper training and getting to work. It's important that you know that making real money online isn't magic. It's a set of steps you do to generate income. Once you make your first sale, it's about duplicating your success. Oh, for training, I recommend you check out Unstoppable Affiliate by Andrew Hansen and Josh Stanton.

    Good luck,
    Joey
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  • Profile picture of the author JCorp
    first of all when you put auto-pilot and newbie together in one post it can usually lead to disaster; a lot of money spent and no results to show for it. Passive income is absolutely achievable, but like anything, it takes a good foundation and hard work to build it to that level. Especially if you're looking for long term success.
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    • Profile picture of the author memememe
      Affiliate marketing is an online business program that a lot of people choose to spend their time with today, in order to earn money from the internet.

      The reason behind this is that, you can jumpstart your affiliate marketing career without having to spend a lot of time in creating your own product.

      All you actually have to do is to choose the product you want to promote, by accessing a certain website, which contains a lot of affiliate products you can choose from.

      On top of that, there are also large online stores, which will allow you to become their affiliates, in which you can promote their products as well and earn corresponding commissions from.

      One of the most important things that you need to do though is to learn Affiliate Marketing the right way, so that you will be able to get started with it the properly.

      Affiliate Marketing for DummiesDoing Affiliate Marketing | Doing Affiliate Marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author The Niche Man
    The quickest way to make money is to look around you and observe what other people hate to do.

    Next offer to do it for them and charge them. You'd be surprised how many people will be happy to pay you to do it. The more disgusting or irritating the job ... the more apt they'll be willing to pay you. Try it.

    Note: This works especially good on freezing, rainy or snow packed days. Now use your imagination.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rhodesian
      It took me 2 years to make any money! Problem- too many products on offer and most of them from "gurus" who know all the tricks of getting you to opt in to their product. Then when you get on their mailing list you somehow get on their friends mailing lists. I would advise you to hit the delete product order button in Clickbank if a) the product doesnt deliver what it promised (and there are many b) you don't understand the terminology c) their support is bad at answering your questions. At least the expensive first course I paid for did answer my questions and I learned I.M through their I.M forum.

      Like someone said you gotta really want to do this business and have hours to do it. The best training course I discovered (and yes I do promote it) is Affilobluebrint by Mark Ling (see below). If you can handle the Kiwi accents they take you step by step. And you get ongoing help from their forum and many good bonuses-but you pay a couple $100. There's another one I would do if I was a real beginner and you had zero funds,because it uses free websites and their are very few other costs,and the lady involved is a good teacher and will take you from newbie to making money IF you follow her simple info . I don't promote it as I major on health products, not I.M, but I can give you her info if you p.m me,
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      • Profile picture of the author dbrand11
        Rhodesian,
        I would be very interested in the name of the person if you don't mind. I'm about to enter the world of click per action and could certainly use whatever help I can get.
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  • Profile picture of the author SamuelUherek
    lason, do you know what to do now? I think there is so much info in the comments. I think IM is a great way to live only if you enjoy it. And I can't think of one person I know how doesn't enjoy it while building this kind of business (probably because I know almost only people in IM :-D ).

    You really need to switch your thinking right at the beginning and to understand that your goal should be to BUILD a BUSINESS online. Not to make fast money or money on autopilot. You would be much more successful if you thought at first and created a plan to follow. I mean, if you don't know how it all works, then learn as much as you can. I can tell you, it IS possible for you to stay at home and live 24/7 just by IM instead of finding another job and do IM as part time. But it depends on you and I can't guarantee you it will happen. So it's absolutely your choice and no one will make a decision instead of you.

    Just learn and never fall into the shiny object syndrome! Begin with the clear goal in mind and make a to-do list of tasks you need to do, in order to get there. So, hope it helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    There is certainly hope for a new marketer, but you have to start by understanding nearly all of the videos you are watching are pure Fluff. Autopilot income is possible, but it takes time and work to build it up. They market to the lazy and this is how they make money, but don't think for a second they did not put work in or invest money.

    You have to understand that you either have to invest time or money or both. It is possible to make money online and there are many of us doing it, but very few got lucky and made a large enough sum of money their first month, first six months, or even their first year to quit a regular paying job.

    My advice is to figure out what you can do now, find out what you need to do to make money online (this forum is a great resource), and put together a plan of action. If you don't have a plan and you never take action, then you will never make a dime online.

    Benjamin Ehinger
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  • Profile picture of the author AngelInvestor
    +1 to Marx @11 - you need to deal with basic necessities first - get a job, even if part-time and not well-paid, to make sure you have enough income to keep you in the game. And don't be shy of living on a budget, couponing and making frugal choices. I would say it's hard when you start like this to come up with a clear plan - it might be clear to you, but not necessarily the best thing to do next. Read comment #18 from The Niche Man again - very sound and simple advice - when fishing, go where the fish is.
    My 2c... when you have your first 2-3 options on where to start, come back here and ask more specific questions. Rinse and repeat (you'll hear this one a lot) until you have a wireframe for your plan of action. Then, once comfortable with it, budget and implement, while looking for feedback all the way. Selling things on a forum, or on Fiverr, is a low-cost way to start - just define your offer and try to keep steady at it long enough to have measurable results. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Peru101
    Yes, you can make money, even if you are brand new. It just takes knowledge to master the skills needed. Once you learn them the first time, there's no need to do it again.

    You will not make money overnight, but if you put in the work now, it is possible to see it in a few months' time.
    What I did starting out, and what you may want to do too, is this:
    I signed up for TextBroker and wrote for them. Money goes into your PayPal account once you've reached the minimum limit, and you see results very quickly.
    A good way to start when you need some quick cash while working on your other long-term projects.
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  • Profile picture of the author mrinternational
    My advice as someone who has been in your shoes is get a steady flow of income first and then look for big pay day second.

    While doing a steady job keep researching methods and implementing, sure you can go the free route but it will take a long time before it pays off or you could make some investments and reduce that time greatly.

    Like the OP said stay focused don't give up and be prepared to stay up many nights burning the midnight oil.

    One thing that helped me and I cannot stress this enough is get a MENTOR and don't be afraid to pay for some coaching.

    If you are down to your last $100 spend it on indispensable items not IM.

    That's my advice hope it helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author pbdollars
    It takes time and money to make money. But you have start somewhere. Affiliate marketing can help if you know what you have to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tech19
    There are a couple of different ways to look at your situation. I don't know how long you can go without an income, so that obviously plays a role in your decision. Having time on your hands to commit to IM is a great thing, if you are making to most of your time. Wasting hours reading forums, buying hundreds of products, and just "wishing" you could hit it big will put you in a bad situation.

    Some people are motivated by urgency and it pushes them to success faster than they would normally make it. If you are in desperate need for money, which it sounds like you aren't, I would get a full or part time job. This will allow you to have patients with your online business. Sometimes when people are depserate it causes them to do things they wouldn't normally do, and that could ruin your chances for success.

    SO my advice would be to decide what's best for your situation and your personality, and then go for it. Work hard every single day to build a TRUE business. Not some fly-by-night system that makes you $100 then never works again.

    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author AndreasJacobsen
    As some other has said, it is not an over night thing. At least not for me and MANY others. But it is very profitable indeed.

    But those autopilot, software claims usually just wants to sell you their products, so be critical to the information, you get. I learned it the hard way
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  • Profile picture of the author TopKat22
    Yes, you can make money online.

    No, you cannot do it on auto-pilot.

    Don't believe most of those guys showing you how easy it is to make money via clickbank.

    Don't get distracted by all the hype and headlines.

    If you have the right mindset that this is a business and you get legitimate training from real people then you will be ok.

    The legit people, in my humble opinion, are making so much money that they give you a chance to check them out for no or little money.

    They don't make you pay them a huge amount up front and then say you have a money back guarantee.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve McBride
    Honestly, I disagree with what a lot of people are saying here. Yes, of course making a million overnight on autopilot while vacationing in the Bahamas is ridiculous. BUT, there is no reason you can't be making enough money to support yourself in a short amount of time. My first month in IM I made just under what I would make in a month at the day job that I quit. It was easily enough to live on, and getting positive results was great motivation to keep going. A year and a half later and I'm pulling in almost triple what I was making at my full time day job, and I'm doing better all of the time. My goal is $500,000 by my 30th birthday in September.

    Want to know how I did well from the beginning?

    1) Luckily, I have a pretty decent Bull**** detector so I was able to notice what stuff I needed to stay away from. I spent a week doing nothing but reading, all day, every day. Weekends didn't exist anymore. Friends would have to understand that I won't be able to hang out very often over the next few months. One of the books that actually helped me most was Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It put me in the proper mindset, and if you talk to anyone successful you'll soon find out that mindset is 80% of the game.

    2) I started building an email list in the weight loss market. I had recently lost 50 pounds myself and got back to the fitness level I was in high school, so I felt qualified to help people in that market. You can choose any market that feels right for you though, just make sure it is a market that is known for the amount of money it brings in. I have also made money in the dating/seduction market, but recently I'm mostly focused in the make money online market. Anyway, I started building an e-mail list right away by giving away free reports, and free videos.

    3) I focused on creating my own products, and selling them to my list. When someone signed up to my list, I would send them to a one time offer. The one time offer alone covered my business expenses (domains, hosting, advertising,coaching and IM products I wanted to learn from). I would send my list regular free tips, including video (video is a great way to build a trusting relationship with a list). Eventually I sent them promotions for my own reports. Cheap reports, longer ebooks, and eventually entire video courses. I personally never sold products I didn't create to my list, but that's a perfectly fine way to go about it. Affiliate sales can make a lot of money. I just liked to sell my own products because it was 100% profit, and I knew the quality was up to my standard since I made it myself.

    Keep in mind:

    -I work like a mad man, even still. I put in 10 hour days, six days a week, but I love it. I've worked like that since the beginning, and I attribute much of my success to it.

    -I did the RIGHT things. I knew that chasing autopilot dreams wasn't for me, and that it wouldn't produce results as quickly as list building and product creation.

    -When I decided to do this I quit my decent paying full time day job at a communications company. I only had enough money to live about three months. I didn't have a choice, I either had to make money or I wouldn't be able to pay rent or put food on the table by month four. Survival is a great motivator.

    -I have a degree in art, and I'm a great graphic designer. Because of this, designing great looking websites and ebook covers, etc was a lot easier for me than it is for other people. This was an advantage that I was grateful of. Even though I now can outsource that kind of stuff, I still like to do it myself if I have the time.

    Even if you aren't ready to jump into it with list building and product creation, you can easily be making money right away by selling services (article writing, fivver gigs, stuff like that). I didn't start that way, but I have helped others start that way because they needed money for hosting and domains and such. I actually spent a couple weeks testing out a lot of ways to make money online doing stuff like that in preparation for one of my free ebooks.

    I'm done rambling, just wanted to let you know if you have a strong desire, proper mindset, and you don't take failure as an option, there is no reason you couldn't be making a decent income pretty quickly. I'm sure others will come on here after me and say it's not possible to make a lot of money right away, you have to be lucky, or any of that other stuff. Just remember it's not true. Not for a second.

    Remember, whether you believe you can do something or believe you can't, you're right. Now what are you waiting for?

    To your success,
    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author add191
    Making thousand overnight for newbie schemes are all big BS. I learned the hard way for 6 months until i made my 1st sale.

    You need to follow 3 basic principles:

    Time, hard work and resource.

    If you have want money in short time then you need to work you butt out and have money to spend on internet marketing tool and outsourcing for maximizing time and results.

    If you don't want to work hard then you can spend your money on tool and outsourcing and be patient and wait for results.

    If you don't have money to spend then prepare to spend at least 10 hrs a day and wait.

    These are just my 2 cents after all the trials and errors

    And stick with one method of marketing. Don't follow any magic words or sweet talk. Do some research and choose your best way of making money.

    And don't mind my English, it's not my strong point.
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  • Profile picture of the author braincandy7
    If either of you guys need a mentor to help you get a decent game plan sorted out and teach you how to build sites and monetize them let me know.
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  • Profile picture of the author edwinms
    hi.. if you are interested in this internet business you can find a coach that can help you reach your dream.. i think many expert of internet business here at warrior forum..
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  • Profile picture of the author lauchlan
    Originally Posted by lason View Post

    I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?
    Do both.

    Look for a real job. In between interviews and applications, build your online business.

    When you get your real job, keep your online business going on the side.

    When you make enough income from online, think about letting go of your 'real job'.

    Either way, make a plan for what you ideally really want. Find your vision. Then your choices become easier
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  • Profile picture of the author graphic1970a
    If you have something to offer YOU AS A PERSON you can succeed in affiliate marketing.
    If not, JUST search and find a job in the real world.
    If you need any further assistance don't hesitate to PM me.
    Signature

    170.000.000 people suffer from diabetes. This number will be doubled by the year 2030. Subscribe to our diabetes newsletter TODAY and learn how to prevent diabetes. Subscribe today: http://www.marketinguniverse.net/?page_id=5

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  • Profile picture of the author tomcroll
    The biggest problem you will come across is getting TOO MUCH information. When I first started out, I was fairly devoted to a single mentor. I did my research and found him to be a genuine guy and studied everything he was publishing. Once I finished studying his courses, I decided to see if there was any better information out there and started reading forums. While this has given me a better all-round understanding of what's out there and has been valuable in some ways, I've wasted so much time reading worthless WSOs, chasing little shiny gems that seem like easy ways to make money.

    I like the term for these - "random acts of marketing"!

    I now have a number of half finished projects sitting around that I started one evening and didn't really get around to finishing. I still do little bits on all of them, but find that a fairly inefficient way of working.

    I initially subscribed to a lot of lists in order to study the way other marketers were writing their copy with a view of learning from them and emulating them. I now find myself getting 100s of messages a week and getting further distracted by relentless WSO offers during my working day. I know that they're bad for me (on the most part), but I can't help be intrigued!

    If I had stuck to the teachings of my one successful mentor, I would have a more solid business in place and would have been working through proven and tested methods.

    I first found this forum about 3 months ago and feel like it's taken that amount of time to come full circle and back to my trusted source. However, I think this may be a rite of passage for all IMers in the beginning.

    My advice - find one or two really good mentors and stick with them. If you do go down the WSO route, try to make sure you learn those lessons in as short a time as possible. There are some really good WSOs, but only a small percentage of them.

    One person I would recommend on here is Peter Garety. There are plenty more good ones, but make sure you do your research and try to stick to one task first!

    I really need to take my own advice

    I highly recommend this guy too, though I doubt he's on here:
    Free Complete Workshop Download - Psychotactics - Big and Small Business Ideas

    If you're committed to building a strong business, his courses are a must.

    Best of luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Nightengale
    There's a TON of information in the IM field -- and a lot of hype. So there's a lot of confusion. I know the feeling.

    Yes, a newbie can do it. But it will take time. There are no instant riches and IM has a steep learning curve.

    Clarity is a HUGE part of IM success.

    IM is actually pretty simple: you can sell only one of two things:

    1. Products
    2. Services

    That's it!

    And selling products or services online happens in the same basic way for everyone, no matter what they're selling:

    Traffic > Opt-in page > Autoresponder series (or e-zine) > Sales page

    That's it! It's just that simple. (We IMers tend to overcomplicate things.)

    But no matter what your niche is, or whether you're selling a product or a service, do you know what your business model is?

    A business model is the framework or skeleton of your business. Essentially there are three types of online business models:

    1. Membership-based model

    A membership-based business model allows you to build a community of people (your members) who are as passionate about your subject as you are. Your membership fees can be monthly or annual, but either way, you're building recurring, passive income.

    There are a lot of resources and information out there to help you build a membership-based business if you're interested in doing this.

    2. Product-based model

    Selling products allows you to maximize your time and effort by selling items over and over again. This can be hard goods or it can be information products. Information marketing is it's own business model under the product-based model. Information marketing allows you to take your brain to the bank by creating a product ONCE based on what you know and selling it over and over again.

    I see someone has already recommended affiliate marketing. You can choose to market either products or services as an affiliate.

    3. Service-based model

    Selling services can be great for 1) generating quick cash (as in the case of article writing or video producing) and 2) establishing your expertise and getting testimonials.

    However, in the long run, your goal should be to offer services at a PREMIUM. The biggest advantage of IM is LEVERAGE. You're able to leverage your time, money and expertise exponentially online. We all have just 24 hours each day. Time to get ruthless about what you expect for those hours you spend in IM each day. Expect more of yourself and more from your business friends, clients, partners, etc.

    What results are you getting for those hours you spend online each day? Ultimately, your services should be at the bottom of your funnel and cost the most since they involve your time and personal attention. (We all have a limited amount of time each day.)

    The fun (and confusion) comes in with all of the endless mix-and-match possibilities of the above models. If you're just starting or still struggling to make money, keep it simple:

    Pick just ONE!

    1. Pick ONE niche. (Something you're interested in and know something about.)

    2. Pick ONE target market for your product or service. (Who will buy what you're offering? The more specific you are, the more you narrow it down, the more successful you'll be.)

    3. Pick ONE business model.

    Now that you're clear about what business you're in, FOCUS! (And stop buying any info not related to your niche and target market, period!)

    F -- Follow
    O -- One
    C -- Course
    U -- Until
    S -- Successful

    And remember: build a list, Build a List, BUILD A LIST!

    In IM, it's easy to put the cart before the horse. Take a deep breath, step back and consider what type of business you're REALLY want. Don't worry about getting traffic or buying that expensive traffic product until you know 1) what your business model is, 2) what niche you're in and 3) WHO your target market is!

    Successful business people will tell you that MARKETING is more than half the effort that's needed for success anyway. So pick a niche, target market and business model. Then spend most of your time and effort marketing it.

    If you DON'T have a solid plan or system, THAT'S when it's hard. A good system will shave YEARS (and save you big $$$) off of your learning curve

    That's why I recommend investing in at least one good, comprehensive IM course (or mentor who will give you such a system) instead of jumping from one $37 e-book to the next. A lot of people here complain about not being able to make any money. But neither are they willing to invest in their business. (Buying a random bunch of $37 e-books doesn't count.)

    The best thing I ever did was invest in a comprehensive IM course aimed at REAL business owners, not just other IM wannabes. Yes it was $1500. (Now it's only $997. :p) But it was truly some of the best A-Z IM info I ever bought. Everything else I've learned (from the $37 e-books) since has simply been plugged into this system.

    Get a solid plan or system and then work the plan!

    Hope this helps!

    Michelle
    Signature
    "You can't market here. This is a marketing discussion forum!"
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    First thing i would do if you need cash now is to sell some valuables on ebay. This is a place where millions of people go to BUY something. Also, how much money are you looking to make online right now?

    Before you sell anything online, you need to know how to market it. Doesn't matter if you're selling ebooks, chairs, computers, kidney's, etc... learn how to drive tons of targeted traffic to a website, and capture leads and wait until they buy from you.
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  • Profile picture of the author mysterrio
    There is so much awesome information in the posts above. I would suggest that you read the forum and learn the ropes. Being an internet marketer is alot like being a doctor or a magician - you need to learn and study your craft.

    Do not jump in and try to do open heart surgery on your first day as an intern because you are not qualified. Do not try to pull a bunny out of a hat until you know about the secrets of magic. These are just like the IM world. The 'so-called' gurus can not keep up with google - study internet marketing and jump in when you are ready.

    What are you good at? Can you write? Sell stuff on ebay? Coach someone on something? Find a strong point - something you like and start there. Remember internet marketing takes some funds and lots of work too.
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    The Gurus Have Lied To You: Learn Internet Marketing For FREE. Don't Spend Another Penny Before You Read My FREE REPORT. Go here: http://internetmarketingdude.xyz

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  • Profile picture of the author Joan Altz
    I make good money with Affiliate Marketing, but mainly because I spent a long time with a quality blog building a good size list of subscribers. But it takes a lot of time to do that. You won't make much money at first doing this type of thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jim Guererro
    Sure there's hope for you. On the other hand, there is a lot of work for you to put in to be successful. But don't under estimate the fact that you can do anything that you want to do. Putting in the time and effort to learn a new skill will take time. As with any business you need to learn the ins and outs of internet marketing.

    You already have had some great responses and some leads on what to do next in your endeavor. Pick one and go with it. Heck we're all still learning and when someone like you makes a post for help, you will get it. We've all been there and want you to join us.
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  • Profile picture of the author jblinzy3
    Originally Posted by lason View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I've joined the statistics of the millions of unemployed just over a month ago. I've spent a lot of time on youtube lately watching videos of people making thousands daily on virtually autopilot through affiliate marketing on clickbank and other sites and naturally I wanted to find out more, so here I am. I have no prior experience in affilate marketing at all. I don't have a website or a blog, either. I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?
    Yes it is very possible to make money at this! If you treat it like a lotto ticket it will bite down on ur butt HARD!

    If you approach it like a real business and treat it like a real asset it will take good care of you and your family after a while!

    Don't get me wrong there are ways to make quick cash as well online, but I suggest taking the time you need to learn what you want to go into, Actually get into it and get the ball rolling and scale the process as you go along!

    READY, FIRE, AIM!!!!

    You will be fine!

    Hope that helped,

    JB
    Signature

    A cool little cash earner while you learn and grow your business Click Here now!

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  • Profile picture of the author opt in
    Hi Lason,

    If you want to maximize your learning curve, you need a one on one coaching WSO.

    I would look at different WSOs and look at the comments from WF users that are involved or registered to a specific WSO. Than I would look at the Internet Marketer's profile that promoted that WSO and see if he has a good reputation in the forum. More often than not, a reputable Marketer member to WF has more than one Offer (WSO). Nothing is stopping you to look at all the comments and critics so that you'll have a better idea of the Internet Marketer's (mentor) reputation.

    There's many WSOs that gives one on one coaching. If you do what you've told and focus on one successful strategy long enough, you should be able to meet your goals.

    Don't spend more than 497$ for WSOs and, many times, you can get coaching for a lot cheaper.

    If your not technically incline, that shouldn't stop you. You can always hire great tech (Webdesign...) at very cheap salary from the Philippines or India. They can help you a lot getting faster towards your goal of replacing your income.

    Again, at the beginning focus on one reputable Internet Marketer that is ready to coach you.

    Regards

    David
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  • Profile picture of the author MariusPrice
    The guy its already lost with too much info
    Make a plan and follow it. Also on this forum you can find everything you need without pay any mentor.
    I just told you how i start and after a wile they will come to you. I saw here on this thread about xxx$ over night and yes its possible but only if you have money to invest and have relationship with other marketers.
    In one word take it step by step and you will see a big change but will take some time.

    Marius
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  • Profile picture of the author mediadeveloped
    I agree - get a job to have some income and during your off time work on your passion. The goal will be to eventually quit your day job.
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  • Profile picture of the author InterSign
    Warrior Forum products helps me a lot with my internet business.
    Signature

    I Love Sprockets

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  • Profile picture of the author perfectpixel
    Banned
    you have to get the fundamentals down packed which will make your IM journey much easier
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  • Profile picture of the author leegs
    Originally Posted by lason View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I've joined the statistics of the millions of unemployed just over a month ago. I've spent a lot of time on youtube lately watching videos of people making thousands daily on virtually autopilot through affiliate marketing on clickbank and other sites and naturally I wanted to find out more, so here I am. I have no prior experience in affilate marketing at all. I don't have a website or a blog, either. I was just wondering if it's realistic to go from zero to hero doing this type of thing or if I should focus on looking for a real job in the real world. I want to, no-have to, start making money so I can keep myself alive because unemployment benefits aren't cutting it and don't last forever. Is there hope for a newb like me?

    Hi Lason,

    I would suggest you to have a plan first. Grab a pen and paper and write down the tasks that you want to do daily once you finalise your plan.

    For me, I want to build a list. Therefore, I will write down the tasks that I want to do daily so as to make sure that I am working towards this goal.

    First of all, you will need to find a niche. Look for your interest/hobby. Afterwhich, find a good and free offer, in the form of short report, ebook, or audios or videos lessons, etc after the person optins to your squeeze page.

    Technical details such as setting up the squeeze page, inserting optin code, etc will also require to be written in your daily list.

    There are more to go...such as driving traffic to your squeeze page, etc.

    Once you have got your mission completed, you will try to look for ways of how to convert the traffic into sales. Once you have started to see some good conversions, stick with it and you will start to see consistent income.
    Don't overcomplicate things. Just a simple plan for you to execute.

    Hope it helps...

    Raymond
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