Where to begin, I Feel Silly, I want to start tonight!

80 replies
I've been studying this IM stuff for ever. Seriously not for ever but for 5 or 6 years atleast.

I'm a programmer, not a marketer.

Every time I try to get started I feel silly.

Where do you begin?

The kids are at grandmas tonight, it's seven oclock so I have atleast five hours before I need to get to sleep so I can get up at 6 and go to the day job.

I've generated some money on adsense and I used to write articles for people but I want to create a long term business that's relatively passive. I'm willing to work my fanny off but I just don't know what path to follow.

Here are some areas that I have expertise in.

I'm married and as far as I know she is content or even happy with me as a husband.

I have 4 kids that I'm very involved with.

I am a homeowner and do nearly all repairs myself.

I have moved 30 times in my life and have lived in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Orlando, and St. Louis

I have alot of experience with the court system to maintain custody of my oldest child.

Online College V Brick and Mortar (got associates brick and mortar, BA and MA online)

I ride a 2005 HD Softail and a 1971 Shovelhead Rat Bike, and have taken and studied rider safety, and have put many miles on two wheels.

I'm a programmer fluent in atleast a dozen languages.

I've applied for and acquired many many jobs and have left most to move up, although I have been invited to leave a couple.

I have alot of experience with aquariums and raising and breeding bettas.

I love beer and drink different beers all the time.

I've done woodworking for years although I'm no expert at it.

I know everything there is to know about IM, oh but I have not made much money at it. Details Details.

I could go on and on. I Love to learn and I am interested in everything. I just threw all of this out there in case someone spots something they can tell me to take off with.

Thanks a billion for any advice or direction anyone can provide.
#begin #feel #silly #start #tonight
  • Profile picture of the author SurrealPSD
    You are a programmer. The world is your oyster man - why bother with IM?
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Programming is hourly or salary, worse than hourly. Not interested.

    How is the world my oyster? Not being a smart ass. Im being genuine. Thanks for responding to my post.
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    • Profile picture of the author SurrealPSD
      My comment was genuine too. Programmers, in my eyes hold the keys to the kingdom. Why don't you develop an application / product of your own volition - get it working, then market the hell out of it?

      All the big hitters in this digital age are programmers, that is what I was referring to

      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      Programming is hourly or salary, worse than hourly. Not interested.

      How is the world my oyster? Not being a smart ass. Im being genuine. Thanks for responding to my post.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Don't do something you are interested in, do something you are good at. Use your strengths to your advantage. Stand back and take a look at what your biggest strengths actually are and then think of ways you can use those strengths.

    I think being a programmer is a big strength and you could definitely use that to your advantage. Whether it is creating simple products that solve simple solutions or creating simple courses that teach others how to do simple programming things. I think there's definitely a lot of potential for you.

    As you said though, one of the downsides of providing services is that you are trading time for money. So think of ways you can use your programming knowledge to create products or courses that you need only create once and can then keep on selling over and over again.
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  • Profile picture of the author mamadou douka
    Dude you will kill it in the IM.You have more incite in more niches that i can count.
    Where to start?
    With that one you enjoy to teach and talk about .
    If you are not sure which one, then Mamadou think that you have more work to do on yourself first .That will help.
    But find the one that you really enjoy and you can talk about all the time and then go from there.
    Mamadou advise sire, don't think too much because you will never start and you are already late .Just do the Damn thing!
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  • Profile picture of the author Big Rob
    D24,
    Bro, There is a dozen niches you can chase from your interests and experiences,
    write kindle books or ebooks, write articles and create web 2.0 sites till your fingers turn blue.
    All well and good.
    You are a programmer. Write apps, WP plugins, scripts, etc.
    You know "all things IM", write some code,Man!
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    • Profile picture of the author marketingoasis
      There are so many options available to you in terms of creating apps. For example, apps for Facebook that help to make a fan page go viral are very popular at the moment and can be sold for quite a high price. Have a look at some of the existing apps on the market to get some ideas.
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  • Profile picture of the author biggerplay
    Whether you can code or you are an web marketer, we are all looking for the same result which is to not have to trade time for money, but rather create something which keeps making money.

    My simple advice would be to team up with someone and create something. There's still plenty of room for new online/webs services or fresh spins on the current ones, just don't try and go it alone if you go down that route, it's a hell of a lot of work (as I'm sure you already know). One area that is pretty hot right now is Wordpress.
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    • Profile picture of the author Fredbou
      With your programming knowledge and life experience you have much to offer!

      Mobile apps is an area that's growing, and ideal for a programmer, surely?

      Having moved 30 times, you must have an in-depth knowledge of everything to do with moving and removals. A handy app for people on the move? Blog pages about how to move?

      Just a couple of thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gambino
    The best advice I can give you is to pick one and work on it. The biggest problem is that most people bounce around without ever really putting all (or any) of their effort into something. There is probably an infinite number of ways that people could make money online.

    When I read this post, the first thing that caught my eye was the motorcycle safety. Is it possible to create a video for motorcycle safety? I'm sure a motorcycle course is required prior to being able to actually ride a motorcycle, at least in most states. I'm sure most are offered along with the actual riding part of the course. But, is it possible to make a one-time motorcycle safety course and sell it to riders across multiple states where it is legal to take an online course to suffice the state's safety requirements? I know some states allow you to take an online course for your concealed firearms permit (see concealed-carry.net for an example). I'm sure the same could be applied to motorcycle safety. Your angle would be that it's cheaper, more convenient, and could reach more people than a weekend class held locally. It could also be relatively passive once set up.

    Since you're married, and have kids the next idea that popped into my head was some sort of online or tangible game. Think Battles of the Sexes. Maybe something like Battle the Kids? IMO most games nights are either couples or parents and kids. You could definitely come up with a game. I'm sure anyone with kid(s) or a significant other could.

    I wouldn't advise anyone to borderline on the giving legal advice, with your ex and kid. But I'm sure you can rack your brain and come up with a product(s) to help children or even spouses that are going through divorce. Maybe include your daughters point of view. Maybe a product to help the spouse who doesn't want to move on, actually move on?

    You could always come up with a how-to manual to build a bunch of different stuff. Maybe something like "100 Porch Swing Designs" or "Build Your Own Patio Furniture".

    You could go into ecommerce and sell aquariums, write an ebook, or how to guide, to breeding fish. But I don't know much about fish.

    Just a few ideas to get you started.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jsollee
    Hey Dad2Four,

    I was just reading your post, and first thing I should say is don't feel silly at all! That list of likes, hobbies, and knowledge you have is incredible!

    I would agree with some of the people ahead of me and say, the first step is to pick one from the list that you feel you are the most passionate about and take action with it.

    I am in the same spot as you with NONE of what you have. You have a goldmine! The things that stick out to me personally were The Home Repairs (I would love a good series of do it yourself videos or ebook) The fact that you are a programmer AND fluent in 12 languages, what about something with that? You know that Rosetta Stone is huge, but pretty expensive. You could hit the market of people who travel, or just want to learn a new language.

    Congratulations on your skill set! I think if you choose one and go hard at it, you will be successful in no time!

    Good luck!
    Jeff Sollee
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    My Journey from nothing to something

    Jeff Sollee
    http://jeffsollee.com

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    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by Jsollee View Post

      I would agree with some of the people ahead of me and say, the first step is to pick one from the list that you feel you are the most passionate about and take action with it.
      If you choose something you are most passionate about and you are no good at it, you will always be fighting a losing battle. The reality is what people are passionate about and what they are good at are quite often two very different things.

      Look at all the people sitting on this forum who are passionate about making money. Their passion is great but it doesn't mean they have the knowledge to turn around and create products and courses or teach others.

      The best thing to focus on is your strengths. For some people your strengths will lie in areas you are most passionate about and that is a match made in heaven. But your strengths are definitely what you want to focus on if you want to build a real business that will stand the test of time. Interests come and go but your strengths will always be there.
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    • Profile picture of the author dad2four
      Originally Posted by Jsollee View Post

      Hey Dad2Four,
      The fact that you are a programmer AND fluent in 12 languages, what about something with that? You know that Rosetta Stone is huge, but pretty expensive. You could hit the market of people who travel, or just want to learn a new language.
      Jeff and everyone else, thanks a million for all of your advice, I really appreciate it.

      Jeff, I wanted to let you know by "languages" I meant programming languages, I should have specified.

      php, Desktop VB, classic asp (vbscript), various strains of SQL, java/android, html, js, c, basic, C# .net, vb .net
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      • Profile picture of the author salegurus
        Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

        php, Desktop VB, classic asp (vbscript), various strains of SQL, java/android, html, js, c, basic, C# .net, vb .net
        I'm going to repeat what others have said, with those ^^^ skills you can make very good money. Even if you have zero marketing skills you can always partner with someone who does...
        There are thousands of people here following their "passion" who aren't making a dime online, you are a programmer, focus on your strengths...

        To borrow from an old saying: Be the guy selling the shovels, not the miner buying them....
        Signature
        Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

        ― George Carlin
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        • Profile picture of the author clickfund
          Originally Posted by salegurus View Post

          I'm going to repeat what others have said, with those ^^^ skills you can make very good money. Even if you have zero marketing skills you can always partner with someone who does...
          There are thousands of people here following their "passion" who aren't making a dime online, you are a programmer, focus on your strengths...

          To borrow from an old saying: Be the guy selling the shovels, not the miner buying them....
          This is very true. I was following the "do something you have passion for" route, and until I started playing to my strengths didn"t make squat. So selling the shovels is great advice.
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    • Profile picture of the author cebu4u
      Originally Posted by Jsollee View Post

      Hey Dad2Four,

      I was just reading your post, and first thing I should say is don't feel silly at all! That list of likes, hobbies, and knowledge you have is incredible!

      I would agree with some of the people ahead of me and say, the first step is to pick one from the list that you feel you are the most passionate about and take action with it.

      I am in the same spot as you with NONE of what you have. You have a goldmine! The things that stick out to me personally were The Home Repairs (I would love a good series of do it yourself videos or ebook) The fact that you are a programmer AND fluent in 12 languages, what about something with that? You know that Rosetta Stone is huge, but pretty expensive. You could hit the market of people who travel, or just want to learn a new language.

      Congratulations on your skill set! I think if you choose one and go hard at it, you will be successful in no time!

      Good luck!
      Jeff Sollee
      I agree - I think a series of home repair videos would do really well - and/or a series on starting and maintaining a fish tank.

      I'm new to IM marketing, but I have lots of ideas for programming projects, perhaps we could collaborate.
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  • Profile picture of the author wmwoodie
    Hi Dad2Four,

    You didn't really say what area in IM you are interested in? As you know IM is huge and encompasses many different facets. You probably already know the key phrase, "The money is in the list." If you don't have a good size list already then I would suggest starting to build one. It is probably one of the most important things you can do. If you don't have a good course yet on how to do this you can find one very easily on the Internet or even here on the WF. Just take a look around and I bet for about $10 or less you can find one. Then you can go on from there. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you....

    ~ wmw
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    W M Wood

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  • Profile picture of the author Jsollee
    ahh my bad! See, shows how little I know about programming lol.
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    My Journey from nothing to something

    Jeff Sollee
    http://jeffsollee.com

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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    Hi, I program also. People do not understand, even if you program, you still need to be an Internet Marketer too.

    I don't even do the programming anymore. I try to find someone to do it for me and split the profits three ways. Me and my partner and the programmer.

    I would start with finding out what people need here what they want. What will make there life as an internet marketer so much easier.

    Build it. They will not come I promise. Not until you get the marketing down. Find a partner that can make the sales pages. Promote the product and has the affiliate contacts.

    Make sure your name is on that Billboard and make sure your involved every step of the way. Not so that you learn everything but that you know everything to do. I can do most of it and I don't so much easier for me to freelance out on most.

    Now I am done with the programming.

    If you don't feel programming is the way you want to go, then you have many avenues of blogs from your experiences and you don't have to be an expert, just passionate about them. Pick a couple make some blogs and start writing, add an optin, get some subscribers and in about six months once your stable on google add monetization. Although this way is the long way it can be the most stable.

    Im always available to answer questions if you need anything, Just email me a note.

    Good luck to you.
    Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

    I've been studying this IM stuff for ever. Seriously not for ever but for 5 or 6 years atleast.

    I'm a programmer, not a marketer.

    Every time I try to get started I feel silly.

    Where do you begin?

    The kids are at grandmas tonight, it's seven oclock so I have atleast five hours before I need to get to sleep so I can get up at 6 and go to the day job.

    I've generated some money on adsense and I used to write articles for people but I want to create a long term business that's relatively passive. I'm willing to work my fanny off but I just don't know what path to follow.

    Here are some areas that I have expertise in.

    I'm married and as far as I know she is content or even happy with me as a husband.

    I have 4 kids that I'm very involved with.

    I am a homeowner and do nearly all repairs myself.

    I have moved 30 times in my life and have lived in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Orlando, and St. Louis

    I have alot of experience with the court system to maintain custody of my oldest child.

    Online College V Brick and Mortar (got associates brick and mortar, BA and MA online)

    I ride a 2005 HD Softail and a 1971 Shovelhead Rat Bike, and have taken and studied rider safety, and have put many miles on two wheels.

    I'm a programmer fluent in atleast a dozen languages.

    I've applied for and acquired many many jobs and have left most to move up, although I have been invited to leave a couple.

    I have alot of experience with aquariums and raising and breeding bettas.

    I love beer and drink different beers all the time.

    I've done woodworking for years although I'm no expert at it.

    I know everything there is to know about IM, oh but I have not made much money at it. Details Details.

    I could go on and on. I Love to learn and I am interested in everything. I just threw all of this out there in case someone spots something they can tell me to take off with.

    Thanks a billion for any advice or direction anyone can provide.
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  • Reading your bio I would setup a blog and target the woodworking niche. Create a lead capture system collect name and emails and you can promote affiliate products. Then just blog everyday. This will be your platform where you can get started.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Will

    I get what you are saying and I think you make some excellent points.

    I agree that the most obvious choice for me out here is to produce some form of software. It's definitely the most valuable skill I have. Unfortunately, I have not had any ideas in the software realm that seem like I could generate a buzz.

    I've considered a copycat product(with additional features) but have not had anything jump out at me. Maybe a list building site? or a keyword research site? seems kind of played.
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    • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
      When I start a new project for software first thing to do is research. I do this by going through the wso's and finding the highest replies for software and then through jvzoo and warriorplus to find high software sellers. I just do it with no purpose really except to see if something clicks or something is weak, when I fill right I build it.

      Although I do not do many wso's any longer I still do products. I just seem to get more for my launches on the outside of warriors. Prices are very low here for guality wso's.

      Okay already got a pm by why I go with highest replies so editing this. I go to highest replys cause most don't reply to wso's for the most part. When you get several hundred replies or even thousands, you got people actually using the product and having questions on the product ect. I can see a wso sell a thousand with only one page of replies. I don't want that software, I want one people talk about.


      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      Will

      I get what you are saying and I think you make some excellent points.

      I agree that the most obvious choice for me out here is to produce some form of software. It's definitely the most valuable skill I have. Unfortunately, I have not had any ideas in the software realm that seem like I could generate a buzz.

      I've considered a copycat product(with additional features) but have not had anything jump out at me. Maybe a list building site? or a keyword research site? seems kind of played.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendon Zahrndt
    I don't know how large or profitable the niche could be, but a male with full custody (and the how-to behind it) sounds like a niche you could excel in.
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    • Profile picture of the author dad2four
      Originally Posted by Brendon Zahrndt View Post

      I don't know how large or profitable the niche could be, but a male with full custody (and the how-to behind it) sounds like a niche you could excel in.
      Hi Brendon

      Thanks for your feedback, just to be sure I'm completely honest I didn't mean to sound like I have full custody. But I do share custody. He is 17 now and I have been to court more times than I'd care to count. It's been several years now since my last trip through court.

      I'd sure like to have all that money I spent on court to invest in Adwords or something. :-)

      There are many things I wish I knew about the court system before I went in so confident I'd get a fair shake. I'd have played that game alot different knowing what I know now. My thinking is that this niche might be good for getting high lawyer adsense clicks or advertisements.
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      • Profile picture of the author dad2four
        salegurus, dig that avatar, electric blue? I've never kept cichlids.

        Thanks for your feedback.
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        • Profile picture of the author dad2four
          salegurus, it's a matter of what "shovel" will the miners buy. Valuable wisdom no doubt, thanks.
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        • Profile picture of the author salegurus
          Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

          salegurus, dig that avatar, electric blue? I've never kept cichlids.Thanks for your feedback.
          Yeah, i keep 2 colonies of WC Frontosa from lake Tanganyika (my pride and joy)...
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          Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

          ― George Carlin
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    HustlinSmoke thanks, I'm processing what you have said. I'll respond better in a bit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Romeo90
    Hey Dad2four, I am with the others on saying some sort of software is the way to go.

    Good luck with whatever you choose.
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    Hey OP!

    There are plenty of successful marketers and business owners looking for communicative developers they can work with on projects. (Ahem...like us)

    When you're deeply involved in a particular space/niche/industry new potentially profitable revenue streams are popping up all the time.

    While we'd generally rather hire a programmer/developer than partner up, there are projects where a limited partnership would make the most sense. The thing is...if you're going to partner up you have to shoulder some of the risk as well. I'm not very inclined to pay for services AND provide upside in terms of a partnership if that makes sense.
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    Website Brokers - We can help you sell businesses making $500 to $50K per month.

    Free Website Valuation - How much is your website really worth? Find out here, free.
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    • Profile picture of the author dad2four
      TryBPO,

      Sorry it took me so long to respond, somehow I missed your post when it came through.

      You make perfect sense to me.

      I'm open to suggestion so if you have ideas I'm all ears.

      Thanks for your response.
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    • Profile picture of the author dad2four
      Where do I even start. If you have an idea for a mini blog I strongly recommend you go put it together.

      Once you have it up and running you need to feed it. Search engines love a steady drip of content to your site.

      What do you feed with?

      Go in your stats app on your web server and check out where your search engine traffic is coming from.

      Even better, look and see what keywords the search engines are sending you traffic for. Yeah, if you have never seen it you need to check it out. it's legit, the search engines report to you what search words they sent you traffic for.

      So go make more content using those keywords.

      Then do some searches on those keywords using googles keyword tool. Get some related keywords and add some content using those keywords. Each time you are ready to generate (or have generated for you) more content, check those stats. Feed Google more of what it thinks your site is already good at.

      Have fun.
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      • Profile picture of the author WhereDoIEvenStart
        Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

        Where do I even start. If you have an idea for a mini blog I strongly recommend you go put it together.

        Once you have it up and running you need to feed it. Search engines love a steady drip of content to your site.
        Thanks. I'm only going to blog minimally for a subject of something I 'had' fun with in the past but then I kind of lost interest in it for a long time until I've found 'something else' on forums pertaining to it that made me think - maybe there is still something about it I can look into again and see what I can make of it.

        Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

        What do you feed with?

        Go in your stats app on your web server and check out where your search engine traffic is coming from.
        This part is starting to get a bit technical and it's like all greek to me.

        I planned on using a free blog to test the waters with it first. Don't know which is the best one. I heard some users earlier said to avoid Squidoo. So maybe Weebly? or Blogger/Blogspot? Whichever options are easier for newbies is preferred.

        I don't really know but if you or anyone have recommendations on where to use a free blog to test the waters for marketing and making money online just let me know, I really appreciate it.

        Remember it's just for testing the waters and the subject and topic I plan on using don't really seem all that profitable or in high demand (at least to me).

        Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

        Even better, look and see what keywords the search engines are sending you traffic for. Yeah, if you have never seen it you need to check it out. it's legit, the search engines report to you what search words they sent you traffic for.

        So go make more content using those keywords.

        Then do some searches on those keywords using googles keyword tool. Get some related keywords and add some content using those keywords. Each time you are ready to generate (or have generated for you) more content, check those stats. Feed Google more of what it thinks your site is already good at.

        Have fun.
        This part I understand regarding using Google's Keyword Tool. I'll try and narrow down which keyword terms related to that subject/topic/niche I'll be blogging briefly about before deciding on what the sub-domain should be. This is probably the only time I'll blog and write my own content, since it's whatever I mentioned above earlier.
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  • Profile picture of the author Igor Fridrihs
    Hey,

    Make apps, create a sales funnel and make process automated. It is a real fun to watch how a process is running and make you money even when you sleep.
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  • Profile picture of the author TravisO
    Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

    I've been studying this IM stuff for ever. Seriously not for ever but for 5 or 6 years atleast.

    I'm a programmer, not a marketer.

    Every time I try to get started I feel silly.

    Where do you begin?

    The kids are at grandmas tonight, it's seven oclock so I have atleast five hours before I need to get to sleep so I can get up at 6 and go to the day job.

    I've generated some money on adsense and I used to write articles for people but I want to create a long term business that's relatively passive. I'm willing to work my fanny off but I just don't know what path to follow.

    Here are some areas that I have expertise in.

    I'm married and as far as I know she is content or even happy with me as a husband.

    I have 4 kids that I'm very involved with.

    I am a homeowner and do nearly all repairs myself.

    I have moved 30 times in my life and have lived in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Orlando, and St. Louis

    I have alot of experience with the court system to maintain custody of my oldest child.

    Online College V Brick and Mortar (got associates brick and mortar, BA and MA online)

    I ride a 2005 HD Softail and a 1971 Shovelhead Rat Bike, and have taken and studied rider safety, and have put many miles on two wheels.

    I'm a programmer fluent in atleast a dozen languages.

    I've applied for and acquired many many jobs and have left most to move up, although I have been invited to leave a couple.

    I have alot of experience with aquariums and raising and breeding bettas.

    I love beer and drink different beers all the time.

    I've done woodworking for years although I'm no expert at it.

    I know everything there is to know about IM, oh but I have not made much money at it. Details Details.

    I could go on and on. I Love to learn and I am interested in everything. I just threw all of this out there in case someone spots something they can tell me to take off with.

    Thanks a billion for any advice or direction anyone can provide.
    Actually, you are really finding problems in your life. You know why?

    Let me tell you. So you are a programmer huh. You know what, if I have that kind of skill who knows a dozens of programming languages then I won't engage in internet marketing I swear.

    You know what? In some parts of this world, programmers are paid a hundred dollars per hour. I've known few programmers who earned that kind of amount.

    But it's up to you. Internet marketing is very fun too, not just for beginner though.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brendon Zahrndt
    "I know everything there is to know about IM, oh but I have not made much money at it. Details Details."

    This can't be true or you'd be pulling in much more cash than you do now.

    I'm definitely not picking on you - it sounds like you need an accountability partner. I suggest paying for one, too.

    I suggest this because I was in your shoes and it wasn't until I started forking over money (a lot of it at that time) to someone who had walked the walk that things started changing.

    And you know something? It had just as much to do with me whipping myself into gear because I had just paid someone thousands of dollars to 'make me rich' as it did the mentor.

    Once you team up with an accountability partner you'll quickly see that you have much more to learn about this business. You're jaw will drop when you start to see what's behind the curtain, but it takes work like anything else.

    Pay someone to light that fire. It works.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    TravisO

    I make great money programming at my day job.

    Im very grateful for what i have.

    For me its not just about the money. Sure id like to make more, who wouldnt, but there is more to it for me.

    I want to define my life. I want to work the hours i want. I want the challenge of hustlin for my money instead of a steady paycheck paid for my efforts while i look at the commissions sales people are pulling in. (i write reports that present that info to executives). i work at a forklift company, one of the vehicles we sell are for moving rail cars around. There are only a few salesman that sell them. You should see the commissions they get for selling them. Unreal.

    anyway, yes i can continue coding, but the challenge is gone. I want my efforts to start allowing me to spend my time doing something that is exciting and challenging.

    I hope that makes sense.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Hey Brendon, thanks for your feedback.

    im sure that you are correct in that an accountability partner would seriously motivate.

    im already highly motivated. I wish you could know the amount of effort i have put into my endeavors.

    im at a point where i want to pick a direction that makes sense to me then go for it and see what happens. Once i decide, i wont need motivation. I have had some great feedback on this thread and in Pms i have recieved as a result of the thread and i am eternally grateful for it all.

    sorry for the bad typing today, im at work so im responding on my phone so big brother cant be all up in my biz.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Servicy, i have a site that i built a couple of years ago that has been generating a steady income for me.

    it is monetized using adsense and gets traffic from google, bing and yahoo. I have recieved two 100 dollar checks from google and am on the verge of the third.

    my fear with that business model is that google shuts me down and all thousand of my sites are immediately rendered useless.

    So i have tasted what is possible out here. I just havnt figured out what path makes the most sense for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Art

    thanks for the compliment. Ive been told i have the gift of gab more than once and i wish you could know how many times i have been told in tech interviews if i have ever considered getting into sales, haha.

    i can code anything, the issue is what will make money? Im not sure what kid u r talking about but my guess is alot of luck was involved in his payday coming along. I dont want to rely on luck. I want a bunch of smaller paydays that are more of a sure thing. Most of all i want to produce something today that produces money for a while. Some lon[er than others, thats ok, but i want to be building a mass o| work over time that grows. again, excuse my bad typing, im on my phone today.

    thanks for your input, i appreciate it!
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    • Profile picture of the author HypnoHugh
      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      Art

      i can code anything, the issue is what will make money? Im not sure what kid u r talking about but my guess is alot of luck was involved in his payday coming along. I dont want to rely on luck. I want a bunch of smaller paydays that are more of a sure thing. Most of all i want to produce something today that produces money for a while. Some lon[er than others, thats ok, but i want to be building a mass o| work over time that grows. again, excuse my bad typing, im on my phone today.

      thanks for your input, i appreciate it!
      As previously stated I would look at what other software products are selling. Although there is a lot of competition, there are a lot of new ideas, technologies etc. that are coming out all the time. You could amalgamate the best ideas and add a few of your own.

      Simply making the software look slick and professional and easier to use can be a winner. Plugins sell like gangbusters at the moment and are probably quite easy to improve and create.

      You can always use your strength as a programmer to come up with ideas and effectively brief and manage other programmers. You have the advantage of knowing what's possible and talking their language.

      Your other interests are nice but consider how interested are you really and how much profit margin is in that niche.

      I think it was Rich Schrefren who first said to focus on your business strengths rather than simply your interests.

      I too have a lot of passing interests but eventually accepted that my strength is in marketing which I have been doing professionally for years.

      However I plan to help businesses in marketing in a niche I have a keen interest in - thereby combining both.

      Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author justaskismall
    there are no shotcut to become successful person..
    event you are the best programmer it doesn't mean you will become the best marketer
    in the internet world..

    Otherwise you have strong passion to success, you will gain it

    Anyway..good luck and don't be silly again
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

    I've been studying this IM stuff for ever. Seriously not for ever but for 5 or 6 years atleast.
    That is way too long to study internet marketing and not do anything with it. I would like to know what you learned and if you are willing to put what you learned into action?

    Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

    I'm a programmer, not a marketer.
    Is it possible that you can teach others how to become programmers too? Why not create your own product, post it on Clickbank, create your own affiliate program, and then let other internet marketers sell this for you. I am sure that there is a huge market for people who want to learn how to become programmers and to learn this from the comfort of their own home.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    PortlandRocks thanks for your idea, i like it.

    i played farmville when it first came out. I got hooked. I would build spreadsheets to help fi[ure out how to maximize production on the schedule i had at the time. When could i get to the computer to work on the farm and what would turn the most profit.

    i got carried away.

    I think i was at 14 million in the bank with my farm maxed. Ps, i didnt buy many decorations and junk, for me it was all about the money. I had the biggest field and not many animals since they didnt produce much money.

    anyway, one day i said, x want this in real life. I want an equivalent to buying seed, planting selling for a profit then buy seed that turns a better profit, the expand, puy more equipment, buy more seed. Research which seed turns the bes profit, get it harvested, plant quick.

    anyway, i see your method as something similar. And its along the lines of something that makes sense for me. i will take it to heart. especially the info about not worrying about competition and rehashing old info. Im thinking android would prob be my best bet since i believe that mobile is the fastest growing front right now.

    Does this business model work for you?
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    • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
      Lol I played Mob2 for years and made all that too. Spreadsheets, macros to play for me ect ect ect. I quit playing because it was taking all my time.

      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      PortlandRocks thanks for your idea, i like it.

      i played farmville when it first came out. I got hooked. I would build spreadsheets to help fi[ure out how to maximize production on the schedule i had at the time. When could i get to the computer to work on the farm and what would turn the most profit.

      i got carried away.

      I think i was at 14 million in the bank with my farm maxed. Ps, i didnt buy many decorations and junk, for me it was all about the money. I had the biggest field and not many animals since they didnt produce much money.

      anyway, one day i said, x want this in real life. I want an equivalent to buying seed, planting selling for a profit then buy seed that turns a better profit, the expand, puy more equipment, buy more seed. Research which seed turns the bes profit, get it harvested, plant quick.

      anyway, i see your method as something similar. And its along the lines of something that makes sense for me. i will take it to heart. especially the info about not worrying about competition and rehashing old info. Im thinking android would prob be my best bet since i believe that mobile is the fastest growing front right now.

      Does this business model work for you?
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  • Profile picture of the author zpoll92
    You should start to create your own products by coding them. In this way you could earn hell a lot of money.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Talfighel

    yes sir, i have done stuff here and there but have not been able to find something that seems like i can make an impact with. You can see my join date here, i was a lurker before that, and before that i was a member of wealthy affiliate for 3 years.

    I think and learn every day on this stuff. No lecture necessary, i know thinking and learning wont accomplish crap. i know the only way to make something happen is through action. Trust me although ive not accomplished much here im very successful in other endeavors. I have completed three degrees with 4.0 gpa on my masters, and ive multiplied my salary by 8 since i started on my career. I know that DOING is the only path to success.

    ive read alot of your posts and i value your opinion greatly. I have shied away from teaching programming because there are so many free resources for programmers out here its outra[eous. In fact my college education atributes nothing to what i do to earn my living. I earn my living off what i have learned off the web. maybe i am wrong but i always thought others wouldnt be interested in paying me mor what they can get for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    zpoll92, coding what? Thanks for your feedback
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  • Profile picture of the author KevinChapman
    Write about what you know and you seem to have some interesting topics that you are an expert in.

    Write an eBook on one of these products, create a website with a squeeze page, give away the eBook in exchange for their email, sell to your email list!
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    You should create an information product on something that interests you (that other people are interested in as well obviously ) and then use those programming skills to create a nice website that sells your information
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  • Profile picture of the author WhereDoIEvenStart
    I've been trying to figure out where to start for a long time also.

    I think it comes down to narrowing down to which 'profitable' niche you want to commit to.

    It reminds me of like those research paper type of projects back in the days of school.

    They usually have you decide on what topic or subject you want to research, so this part is always on you and up to you to decide, although you could ask around and see what's best or recommended for newbies and beginners.

    Most people that made those recommendations to newbies suggested to go with something they are already passionate and knowledgeable about, but sometimes what they are already passionate and knowledgeable about may not necessarily be all that 'profitable' and have enough 'demand'.

    If you have excellent programming skills and can write decent programs you probably could come up with products or services of your own based on those skills and then market them. I think there should be enough if not more than enough demand for those skills to create something profitable.

    If you have excellent writing skills and enjoy that then you could run a blog and monetize it.

    I don't enjoy writing too much although I have an idea on creating a 'mini' blog just to test the waters on something I had some interest in before. I doubt it's a profitable niche and more so personal and meant for fun than anything really serious but oh well I'll see what happens when I have it up and running.

    Most of the 'making money with an online blog' methods allows you to test the waters without investing huge sums of money. That way if things don't turn out too well and you made little to no profit, you could start over and try again or try something different but use what you've learned and remembered.
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    • Profile picture of the author paul54
      IMHO, find a good coach/mentor. They will save you tons of time and money, if you are wanting to get in the IM game.

      Liz Tomey is my mentor. She's a no BS, cut to the chase coach. She posts on here.

      Hope this helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author Deji
      As a programmer, I agree with the guy that said "The world is your oyster". All you need is to deliver on a app or software which you can sell over and over again. You don't necessarily have to work in a company where you are been paid hourly. Since you have some IM knowledge, why don't you combine that with your programming knowledge and come out with a product that people need. You can begin your research on this forum. Some of the products you could create would include themes, apps and plugins. I don't know which programming languages you are proficient in but some of the marketplaces you could sell your products could include here on the Warrior Forum, JVZoo, Clickbank, Deal Guardian, ThemeForest, Itunes Store and Google Play. I would advise that you research on top selling apps, themes, plugins,etc in these marketplaces and add your own twist or spin. Look through the user comments for suggestions that are been made to the developers and incorporate them into your development. Make sure you list all these additions in your sales copy. As a matter of fact, you could compare your software with those of the "other guys" and show your potential customers that your product is way more superior. You should also incorporate building a list into the mix. There are many ideas I could give you but I hope you make use of the ones I and others before me have already given you. All the best!
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  • Profile picture of the author rossm
    The first objective is to choose a product to sell. Choose something you are passionate about. Your passion will shine through when you are promoting your product and convert into more sales.

    Next, find a way to market the product. Build an effective squeeze page and give away a freebie, PLR ebook for eg. This will get your relationship building off on the right track.

    Build your list using targeted traffic, market effectively and you'll soon be making a profit. Sound like a lot of work but its all worth it in the long haul.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Ning Lo
    I would recommend getting a WSO on a topic that interests you and take action until you succeed.

    You already have a ton of knowledge in marketing and you should get results quickly.

    But if you really want to make sure you take action, get results etc.. Try a coaching program..

    Cheers,

    Gary
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Personally, i would grab my own domain and hosting. You are looking at a 10 dollar domain for the year and 5 bucks a month for hosting at godaddy.

    if you want cheaper pm me.
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    • Profile picture of the author WhereDoIEvenStart
      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      Personally, i would grab my own domain and hosting. You are looking at a 10 dollar domain for the year and 5 bucks a month for hosting at godaddy.

      if you want cheaper pm me.
      I'm aware of that. But I'd get to that point if I actually made something with it first and upscale afterwards.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Keep this in mind. if u get google love on blogger or squidoo then decide to move you are starting from scratch. Just sayin.
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    • Profile picture of the author WhereDoIEvenStart
      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      Keep this in mind. if u get google love on blogger or squidoo then decide to move you are starting from scratch. Just sayin.
      That's why I said it was only to test the waters with something I don't find to be all that profitable or have a really huge demand, well maybe it does.

      It's more for fun, but I'll try to monetize it and see if I can still get something out of it, if not then it wasn't really a big deal to begin with.

      I'm aware that free hosted methods you are at the mercy of those host services' TOS, policies and conditions and for any reason they think or feel you have violated those terms in anyway your site will be closed/deleted and you get banned.

      Typically I think it's because of going over the bandwidth limits once it reaches a certain level of popularity then those sites get shut down. Other times it's probably because of low quality duplicated or modified articles/content. I don't really know for certain.

      I suppose I could still back up some of the work and content by copying and pasting them or saving them somehow to my hard drive and then "if" I want to continue with that niche, assuming I actually will even earn anything with it then I would get a domain and paid hosting afterwards.

      It's not going to be a whole lot of work, I didn't plan on updating it daily nonstop, I'll try to fit it in my current schedule so it would be some thing like an update once every 2 weeks for a total of around a whole year.
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  • Profile picture of the author Smith18
    If your a skilled programmer, you could market your services around the web and do some freelancing. Or even better; create your very own unique piece of software, and sell that! I'm sure you can think of something to come up with
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  • Profile picture of the author selma
    Hi,

    I think I am a lot like you, I studied IM on and off for years... many many years. I tried doing things, like finding the most profitable niche and creating products and website etc. But nothing worked....

    I think you need to really play on your strengths and what you really love doing. For me it was creating curriculum. After I got over the fact that I have a lot of good competition, but healthy competition. I just started to create what I love to do and sell it. And you know what, I am actually making money. I mean a lot more than what I thought I would, and its only been 2 months for me.

    So my best advice is, don't look for the niche or anything that you think has money potential. Do what you love to do and try to target it online, whether apps, blogs, etc. The money will just come, as long as you have the energy to put in the work.

    LOTS OF WORK. that's why do what you love.
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    • Profile picture of the author IMstarter
      If I were you I would create a membership based information website that could bring in monthly income for example, membership for programming tutorial.

      Or you could have a membership site related to woodwork and home repairs.
      Build an email list and a website and then sell tutorial videos. You could do one set of tutorials and then for the next product you could do the other. I'm sure that since there is a bit of an overlap between the two, when launching your new product you would easily manage to market the new product to the original list before targeting more likely customers.
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  • Profile picture of the author twinkenterprises
    You can create ebooks or courses teaching how to program. or ebooks about any of your hobbies. This way you just have to create it once and can sell it over and over again.
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  • Profile picture of the author briankno
    With that programming background you can focus on building software for the IM niche. You say you know everything. Find a need and build for it. Sell it. Create new versions. Build a community that uses it. You'll kill it.
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    • Profile picture of the author dad2four
      Thanks a ton for all of the feedback I have received.

      I hope I didn't come off wrong saying I know everything. I was being somewhat funny saying that. That's why I said, aside from making money, details details.

      I've read about a ton of IM stuff, and have tried bits and piece here and there. However there is always more to learn and I can't actually claim to know anything about IM unless I am making money at it.

      There had been a few comments on it and I didn't want to come off that way.

      Thanks again for all of your help.
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      • Profile picture of the author denson
        From my experience, there where two things that helped me to quit shining WSO buying.
        1. I took one method and started working hard on it. I stoped myself every time I was going to buy new wso with words "Continue to work on your method and don't buy courses any more!!!"(actually the wording was a little stronger :-)).

        2. The second thing is outsourcing. I start outsourcing every task that I did not like to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author kinyash
    As a software developer i would recommend creating software products and selling them online. Just research what gaps exist in terms of automation and create a product around it and use the power of IM to market it.
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  • Profile picture of the author karlmay1980
    You should create your own software and use your IM knowledge to make money from that, then your world is limitless, you could sell 100 of each product or 100k, you only need to create it once.

    If you could create a few useful softwares for internet marketers and build a membership site to licence the products on a monthly basis, then you will generate residual incomes from them.

    You are really the type of guy most marketers want to know because software is massive and knocking out info products all time is a little bit boring compared to what you can do selling software.

    Even coaches would love software development in their ranks.
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    Want To Make Your First £10,000 Online?
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    The software avenue seems to make the most sense. There are some real nuggets here with respect to figuring out what to build and then what to do with it.

    In particular, "gaps in automation" sounds promising. hmmmmm, can anyone give me examples of other software that accomplishes this? Do you mean tools that help with backend sales or keyword research. Something along those lines?

    Once a piece of software is built if i elect to team up with a marketer is a 50/50 split logical? Do both parties get "the list" i suppose?
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    • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
      Couple of things you need to remember. One don't partake on a software program for youtube, google or things like that unless its simple.

      Why? because you will be updating those alot. Youtube, facebook, twitter and other sites change all the time to keep the software from not working. It would become a full time job.

      Yes automation is good but also think outside the box. What do people do all the time in internet marketing where it is mundane and long to do. Software that just makes something faster and better is great.

      An example. I had a software made that would find a set of keywords in available domain names.

      So if I entered, free software best software. it would take those keywords and spin it everyway it could and check three domain registers to see which ones were available. Then it would output all the tdls and results of that search. Simple yet very helpful to ones who buy alot of domains.
      Originally Posted by dad2four View Post

      The software avenue seems to make the most sense. There are some real nuggets here with respect to figuring out what to build and then what to do with it.

      In particular, "gaps in automation" sounds promising. hmmmmm, can anyone give me examples of other software that accomplishes this? Do you mean tools that help with backend sales or keyword research. Something along those lines?

      Once a piece of software is built if i elect to team up with a marketer is a 50/50 split logical? Do both parties get "the list" i suppose?
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  • Profile picture of the author karlbetz
    Smart programmers is definitely a high-paying job, continue to work hard.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    I have the job. Don't want it.
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  • Profile picture of the author dad2four
    Thanks Deji. My wheels are definitely spinning.
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    • Profile picture of the author bloomingrose
      Look up the Challenge blog - That is a 30 day free program about choosing a niche - setting up a blog - and driving traffic to it.

      Once you set up your site, give it time. I truly wish I had the dog blog I set up in 2006 and gave up on before I knew anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author dhaniramkesari
    Look into product creation or writing ebooks about things you think you can help other people with. Maybe design a product on programming itself. I think that product creation is the way to go.
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