Did anyone do a WSO on Self-Improvement?

13 years ago

There have been some. A couple of years back a guy had a very successful self-help hypnosis WSO.

The problem is, most people don't understand that success comes from the inside. So they spend their time and money working various business models without having the proper mindset. So it goes...

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sethczerepak

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

There have been some. A couple of years back a guy had a very successful self-help hypnosis WSO.

The problem is, most people don't understand that success comes from the inside. So they spend their time and money working various business models without having the proper mindset. So it goes...

Nicely put.

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11811

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

The problem is, most people don't understand that success comes from the inside. So they spend their time and money working various business models without having the proper mindset. So it goes...

I think there is a lot of truth to that. Many people seem like they see self improvement as a separate thing entirely from being successful in business and money. Like self improvement is this be-happy-don't-worry kind of fluffy idealism or something. But it also seems like more people are starting to realize that success begins within... with having an empowered mindset, first and foremost. Then all the rest will naturally fall into place. Not discounting the importance of business models, roadmaps, and other guides to follow. But a determined mindset for achievement and success strikes me as being absolutely necessary.

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Mark Robson

13 years ago

Hi Mark

I would think there would some demand for WSO's about mindset and self-improvement as there are over 100,00 posts in this part of the forum which is about mindset and self-improvement. I also think that the vast majority of people on this forum are here to expand themselves as well as there bank balance.

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marktheonlinesurfer

13 years ago

So you think there is a demand for these types of products?

Thanks
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travlinguy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by marktheonlinesurfer

So you think there is a demand for these types of products?

Why not check two or three pages of WSOs and see for yourself? If there was a demand you'd see people selling them. It's very rare to see them and when the do show up they typically don't do well.

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marktheonlinesurfer

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

Why not check two or three pages of WSOs and see for yourself? If there was a demand you'd see people selling them. It's very rare to see them and when the do show up they typically don't do well.

Thanks- you just saved me a lot of time and headache....

I'm going to drop the idea!

Thanks
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Jon Paella 13 years ago

Mark, the idea of doing a WSO in this area in future has also come across my mind. Maybe not the biggest money earner, but I think you should give it a go and not let the fact that there may not be other WSOs of this kind prevent you from going further in this idea.

If we believe in the importance of mindset, then we shouldn't be afraid to take that step to create a WSO in this area. Of course, offer something really of value and something that can be implementable and practical to change the person's life.

As Mark wrote, the number of posts in this subforum is quite large and so there should be some demand.

Brainstorm some ideas here if you wish.
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Saito

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

Why not check two or three pages of WSOs and see for yourself? If there was a demand you'd see people selling them. It's very rare to see them and when the do show up they typically don't do well.

Do you know this for a fact? It stands to reason, but I'd also like to hear from someone who has tried.

Big demand or not, I'm more interested in spending my life making products that people NEED, rather than pandering to the crowd and supplying them more of what they think they want but won't help them. How does anyone really improve the world by engaging newbies in a perpetual circle jerk and charging them for the privilege?

This doesn't work too well from a marketing standpoint, I know, as we're supposed to promote what they want and slip in some of what they need. But it just doesn't feel authentic to me.

I am considering making a self-improvement ebook or workbook that specifically addresses IM'ers' challenges, limits, examples, etc -- for IM'ers by IM'ers.

Let me know if any of you would be interested as that would encourage me to make it for this exact audience, even if it doesn't make me $8 Earnings Per Click.

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Jon Paella

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Saito

I am considering making a self-improvement ebook or workbook that specifically addresses IM'ers' challenges, limits, examples, etc -- for IM'ers by IM'ers.

Let me know if any of you would be interested as that would encourage me to make it for this exact audience, even if it doesn't make me $8 Earnings Per Click.

Saito, definitely interested in what you'd be offering and other WSOs related to this area.

Thanks

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travlinguy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Saito

Do you know this for a fact? It stands to reason, but I'd also like to hear from someone who has tried.

Big demand or not, I'm more interested in spending my life making products that people NEED, rather than pandering to the crowd and supplying them more of what they think they want but won't help them. How does anyone really improve the world by engaging newbies in a perpetual circle jerk and charging them for the privilege?

This doesn't work too well from a marketing standpoint, I know, as we're supposed to promote what they want and slip in some of what they need. But it just doesn't feel authentic to me.

I am considering making a self-improvement ebook or workbook that specifically addresses IM'ers' challenges, limits, examples, etc -- for IM'ers by IM'ers.

Let me know if any of you would be interested as that would encourage me to make it for this exact audience, even if it doesn't make me $8 Earnings Per Click.

Well, my primary market is self improvement. Like I said up top, I've been watching the WSO board since I got here in Jun of '08 and I've only seen one successful self improvement product which was a set of hypnosis recordings addressing various issues like stop smoking, procrastination, concentration, etc. And it was a huge success. It was also put out by a guy who first made a splash as a successful info product marketer so he had some momentum.

Sure, there are a lot of people in this section but it's not a real cohesive or unified group. I once read a comment by a guy who said this community lacked direction because there are no leaders. I'm not sure I agree completely but virtually every other sub-forum has their go-to people that everyone recognizes.

Another thing about the self improvement market is most people are looking for products put out by people with credentials, those who've walked the walk. If you can convince people you're the real deal you have a much better chance of having a successful offer.

I did put out self help a product last summer that was very successful. But you'd never in the world see me calling it a self help program. I'm launching it on Clickbank on Jan. 30 and it will be carried in their self help section. It's not your typical personal development product. If you want to check it out click on the WSO/day link in my sig.

One of my mentors once told me to drill where the oil is. If I was serious about selling self help material I'd look for a robust venue where personal development was the primary focus. Once I had some success there I might try a market like this using testimonials and reviews from the successful offer. The other way to go is to produce self help stuff with a sort of twist and make it fit an available market, like this one.

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marktheonlinesurfer

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

Well, my primary market is self improvement. Like I said up top, I've been watching the WSO board since I got here in Jun of '08 and I've only seen one successful self improvement product which was a set of hypnosis recordings addressing various issues like stop smoking, procrastination, concentration, etc. And it was a huge success. It was also put out by a guy who first made a splash as a successful info product marketer so he had some momentum.

Sure, there are a lot of people in this section but it's not a real cohesive or unified group. I once read a comment by a guy who said this community lacked direction because there are no leaders. I'm not sure I agree completely but virtually every other sub-forum has their go-to people that everyone recognizes.

Another thing about the self improvement market is most people are looking for products put out by people with credentials, those who've walked the walk. If you can convince people you're the real deal you have a much better chance of having a successful offer.

I did put out self help a product last summer that was very successful. But you'd never in the world see me calling it a self help program. I'm launching it on Clickbank on Jan. 30 and it will be carried in their self help section. It's not your typical personal development product. If you want to check it out click on the WSO/day link in my sig.

One of my mentors once told me to drill where the oil is. If I was serious about selling self help material I'd look for a robust venue where personal development was the primary focus. Once I had some success there I might try a market like this using testimonials and reviews from the successful offer. The other way to go is to produce self help stuff with a sort of twist and make it fit an available market, like this one.

Thanks for this post- very interesting.

So the Persuasion Powers was your WSO? Did it sell more than 1000 copies?

I think this shows there is actually a market for these types of products in the warrior forum.

Thanks
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travlinguy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by marktheonlinesurfer

Thanks for this post- very interesting.

So the Persuasion Powers was your WSO? Did it sell more than 1000 copies?

I think this shows there is actually a market for these types of products in the warrior forum.

Yeah. It sold more than 1000 copies. But notice that nowhere in the offer did I mention self help or personal development. Mainly that's because the topic doesn't fall under that category in the stict sense. But still, the information itself does.

There was a guy here a couple of years ago who'd created a program on improving self esteem. He hung out on the copywriter's board all the time asking for critiques of his sales copy.

The main problem with it was that he had the words self esteem plastered all over his sales page. The problem with that is, first, many people aren't even sure what self esteem is. And worse, if someone suggests they have issues with self esteem they find that insulting and will click away because they don't want to admit they have "self esteem" problems.

The truth is, 99.9% of all human problems are due to self esteem problems. So how do you get them to buy the cure? By focusing on the benefits of the course. Pick any human shortcoming and show your customer how they'll feel having defeated the issue.

And when you create your product you can mention self esteem as the root cause but there's no need to beat it to death. Just deliver the techniques that will make it better. Subtle differences, but absolutely necessary to a successful offer.

As I've mentioned in another post, marketing comes down to some very basic stuff.

1. Know who you're trying to sell to. Know their joys, fears, insecurities and most important, know what they want.

2. Create an excellent product and price it according to the market.

3. Package and promote that product according to #1.

4. Make sure lots of people you're targeting get to see the offer. You'll hear this referred to all the time as targeted traffic.

When you look at the bare bones of marketing like this it seems simple and it is. But it's not always easy because if you get one of these just a little bit wrong you're offer can suffer greatly. Sadly, the one you have the most latitude with is having a great product. Lots of folks have the marketing and promotion stuff down pat but they often fall short with the product.

One of the problems people here have (not saying you) is they are so hot to put up a WSO they don't even consider any of the above stuff. They just throw something together and post it. And nothing happens.

People are always pounding away at the idea of how important it is to take action. And I agree with that. The trick is to take intelligent action - and to not put the cart before the horse.

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derekd

13 years ago

Originally Posted by travlinguy

The main problem with it was that he had the words self esteem plastered all over his sales page. The problem with that is, first, many people aren't even sure what self esteem is. And worse, if someone suggests they have issues with self esteem they find that insulting and will click away because they don't want to admit they have "self esteem" problems.

The truth is, 99.9% of all human problems are due to self esteem problems. So how do you get them to buy the cure? By focusing on the benefits of the course. Pick any human shortcoming and show your customer how they'll feel having defeated the issue.

This is precisely the issue I see. Most people don't really need the information they're getting on "what to do" as much as they need information on "how to get themselves to do it."

But if you tell someone, "work on your mindset" or "develop your self-esteem", then their ego perceives it as an attack.

Of course, someone with a healthy mindset will recognize when their ego is getting in the way and will naturally always want to be improving themselves on a daily basis through learning and growing, but the "typical" person thinks they're fine as is and just needs something "external" to fix their problems.

So to me, it only seems natural that the way to market this stuff is by either educating people on the issue and how it actually relates to their perceived problems and/or not even brining up the mindset stuff directly but "disguise" it as help for other issues.

That means sneaking in mindset and personal development as help for relationships, health, money challenges, etc.

One of the first things that did this for me was T. Harv Eker's Secrets of The Millionaire Mind which is more blatant about the fact it's for mindset. I was concerned about money so I read the book, but I soon discovered the importance of beliefs and mindset and then naturally deduced if it influences money, then it must influence every other area of life as well.

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aapma 13 years ago

You sold me, just bought your book.
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nadia712

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Saito

Do you know this for a fact? It stands to reason, but I'd also like to hear from someone who has tried.

Big demand or not, I'm more interested in spending my life making products that people NEED, rather than pandering to the crowd and supplying them more of what they think they want but won't help them. How does anyone really improve the world by engaging newbies in a perpetual circle jerk and charging them for the privilege?

This doesn't work too well from a marketing standpoint, I know, as we're supposed to promote what they want and slip in some of what they need. But it just doesn't feel authentic to me.

I am considering making a self-improvement ebook or workbook that specifically addresses IM'ers' challenges, limits, examples, etc -- for IM'ers by IM'ers.

Let me know if any of you would be interested as that would encourage me to make it for this exact audience, even if it doesn't make me $8 Earnings Per Click.

Well said. I think what you've got in mind is a great idea - it's certainly something I would invest in. I would hope that there are a fair few people on the WF who would understand the amount of value something like that would provide.

Thanks

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marktheonlinesurfer

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Saito

Do you know this for a fact? It stands to reason, but I'd also like to hear from someone who has tried.

Big demand or not, I'm more interested in spending my life making products that people NEED, rather than pandering to the crowd and supplying them more of what they think they want but won't help them. How does anyone really improve the world by engaging newbies in a perpetual circle jerk and charging them for the privilege?

This doesn't work too well from a marketing standpoint, I know, as we're supposed to promote what they want and slip in some of what they need. But it just doesn't feel authentic to me.

I am considering making a self-improvement ebook or workbook that specifically addresses IM'ers' challenges, limits, examples, etc -- for IM'ers by IM'ers.

Let me know if any of you would be interested as that would encourage me to make it for this exact audience, even if it doesn't make me $8 Earnings Per Click.

Actually this is EXACTLY what I had in mind as well....

Maybe we can work on it together!

But you see most of what is sold in the WSO section of this forum are rehashed products targeting newbies. As you said nothing no one really needs.

The biggest challenge people get is they keep on jumping one idea to another and they are not consistent in their motivation and discipline. So a product in the self-improvement niche geared toward IMers to stay focused and motivated, I think would be a great idea and as I said is something I would like to work on.

Thanks
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Saito

13 years ago

Originally Posted by marktheonlinesurfer

Actually this is EXACTLY what I had in mind as well....

Maybe we can work on it together!

But you see most of what is sold in the WSO section of this forum are rehashed products targeting newbies. As you said nothing no one really needs.

The biggest challenge people get is they keep on jumping one idea to another and they are not consistent in their motivation and discipline. So a product in the self-improvement niche geared toward IMers to stay focused and motivated, I think would be a great idea and as I said is something I would like to work on.

I'm open to that. Maybe Travlinguy could help position and market it?

I think the Mindset Section of this forum has some opportunity. Not as much as the others, but a decent product on what IM'ers REALLY need, promoted consistently over time, might capitalize on the lack of Old Royalty / Big Names in this section and be a winner in the long run without a big launch.

It could also be promoted by big boys in the IM Niche -- maybe as a bonus or added to their site catalog or in some other way where we don't have to try and convince them to promote it over some more lucrative offer. Rich Schefren's reports come to mind as I write this. I had no problem getting real estate gurus to promote my course on using virtual assistants, as the topic is complementary to any promoter's product--so is mindset.

And I totally agree about the importance of self-esteem. Nathaniel Branden's "The Six Pillars of Self Esteem" changed my life when it put self esteem into perspective...It IS the definition of Mental Health. And psychological wellness = Power. But no one wants to admit their mental health could use a workout even though it's the same as exercise or seeing a doctor for physical health, IMO.

I get the feeling that people who come to this section are going to be more serious...anyone know how much traffic this section of the forum gets?

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SamuraiKat

13 years ago

I think one of the challenges is people think that success comes from out there. That success is some external event that happens to you. In my main market, health and fitness, people keep looking for the next diet and exercise program.

As a trainer, I can tell you that 99% of the new stuff is rehashed old stuff. When you break down most diet books, it really is eat fewer calories and eat higher quality food. I could probably name 20-30 diet books right of the top of my head. I would be racking my brain to find one book that really is focused on becoming the better you. Ok that is an exageration.

My point in all this is, people suffer from shiny object syndrome. They look for the next great system. It take a while for people to learn that the success comes from within. That being said. I think there is a major NEED for inner game products. I think the challenge is in getting people to understand that real wealth is directly proportinate to self worth.

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abugah

13 years ago

Originally Posted by SamuraiKat

My point in all this is, people suffer from shiny object syndrome. They look for the next great system. It take a while for people to learn that the success comes from within. That being said. I think there is a major NEED for inner game products. I think the challenge is in getting people to understand that real wealth is directly proportinate to self worth.

Perhaps this is the best thing I have read in the last couple of months. We are usually looking for the next big thing ( myself included) yet all that is required is:
1. Decide exactly what you want;
2. Determined the price you are going to pay;
3.Go ahead and pay the price and 'success' will be right there wait for you.

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MemberWing

13 years ago

I have a feeling that many more people understand that success come from within but inertia and lack of discipline is keeing most running in circles and wasting their coffee money on worthless WSO's.
I personally see a big niche is helping people maintain self discipline and elevating levels of emotions. Or huge one even.

Gleb

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SamuraiKat

13 years ago

Originally Posted by MemberWing

I have a feeling that many more people understand that success come from within but inertia and lack of discipline is keeing most running in circles and wasting their coffee money on worthless WSO's.
I personally see a big niche is helping people maintain self discipline and elevating levels of emotions. Or huge one even.

Gleb

I do agree with you. When you speak about inertia and lack of discipline, why do you think that is? Is it that it is hard to become successful with marketing as a whole or do you think that it is something else?

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MemberWing

13 years ago

Originally Posted by SamuraiKat

I do agree with you. When you speak about inertia and lack of discipline, why do you think that is? Is it that it is hard to become successful with marketing as a whole or do you think that it is something else?

Consistent focusing on success overcomes everything. Yet for most it's easy to focus for 2 minutes and then revert to old plato.
It's hard to overcome resistance habits. Or, rather not that hard as scary for many to try to. Inertia in thinking (I can't..., i don't have..., i <negative> ...) is pretty significant factor. For example many people get temporary uplifting from inspirational reading/thinking/seminars but for majority it last 1-2 weeks.
Most people seeing these self-defeating patters and likely are quite opened for suggesting/products to self-help them to win over their own resistance.
IM is not hard, but drive to success needs to be consistent.

Gleb

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jburns

13 years ago

Would for sure be a big niche. Great idea bringing it up. Wouldn't be as popular as the make money stuff, but would be awesome to a niche(personal development)

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MemberWing

13 years ago

I am making big bet of self improvement myself. Bigger then on anything else i did before. The way world economy is evolving - this niche is only getting bigger with no end in sight.

Gleb

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positiva

13 years ago

Originally Posted by MemberWing

I am making big bet of self improvement myself. Bigger then on anything else i did before. The way world economy is evolving - this niche is only getting bigger with no end in sight.

Gleb

loooking forward to it!

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nelzocans

13 years ago

Maybe there are some out there. I am pretty sure.

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sethczerepak

13 years ago

I think the product would have to have a "how to" attached to fulfill the buyer's need for instant gratification. The reality is that people who are stuck in IM need personal growth stuff more than they need another "how to" WSO, but they don't know that.

Sometimes you have to market to what the person believes they need and then deliver what they really need.

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travlinguy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by sethczerepak

I think the product would have to have a "how to" attached to fulfill the buyer's need for instant gratification. The reality is that people who are stuck in IM need personal growth stuff more than they need another "how to" WSO, but they don't know that.

Sometimes you have to market to what the person believes they need and then deliver what they really need.

You're absolutely right. Understand that Warrior Forum attracts primarily males age 18 - 30. Think for a minute about what that demographic wants. The majority don't like to read much. They like videos in short blasts. They want everything yesterday and they want it to be easy.

It's not my intention to dis anyone but that's the market here in a nutshell. Sure, there are lots of people outside that market but the 18 - 30 crowd is the one that spends the most money.

So in keeping with the instant grat thing, is it any surprise the biggest self help item I've noticed since arriving was a hypnosis program? Hypnosis promises really quick results.

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focused

13 years ago

Mark, there is some demand for a WSO in this area, though
not a big one. You've got to find the right hook to capture
people's interest right away. People are more driven by IM
methods rather than a proper mindset or outlook that can catapult
you to success. You've got to convey the importance of the
mind game to overall success and make your marketing message
convey the importance of this aspect.
Perhaps a series of interviews with respected warriors would
be a pathway that would generate buying interest in this so
important area.

Thanks

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Saito

13 years ago

Good stuff, travlinguy, thank you. I'll check out your link, as my first WSO attempt on this board to sell a PLR Pack of Productivity articles made a whopping $45, despite getting and applying 3 ebooks on the topic from other experienced PLR folks.

About the 18-30 demographic, I might do better to make products I'm passionate and sell them to older folks who see the value, rather than trying to perpetuate the myth of instant gratification to young people and exploit their existing irrational beliefs. Fast results and quick fixes are not the nature of self-improvement--or reality, for that matter, IMO.

This is just funny to me because I'm 30 myself but have more in common with people in their 40s and up. Maybe I'll make and promote products directly to them and wait for the short-sighted youth to grow up.

If any of my thoughts seem condescending it's because I've stood in a room with a woman who invested over $70,000 in real estate investing seminars and had yet to do her first deal. We could blame her for inaction, of course, but I wonder how you go down that road for so long and I believe it is from being carefully led along with the carrot of the quick fix...so I'm venting a little this morning about the state of marketing in biz-opp circles.

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travlinguy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Saito

Good stuff, travlinguy, thank you. I'll check out your link, as my first WSO attempt on this board to sell a PLR Pack of Productivity articles made a whopping $45, despite getting and applying 3 ebooks on the topic from other experienced PLR folks.

About the 18-30 demographic, I might do better to make products I'm passionate and sell them to older folks who see the value, rather than trying to perpetuate the myth of instant gratification to young people and exploit their existing irrational beliefs. Fast results and quick fixes are not the nature of self-improvement--or reality, for that matter, IMO.

This is just funny to me because I'm 30 myself but have more in common with people in their 40s and up. Maybe I'll make and promote products directly to them and wait for the short-sighted youth to grow up.

If any of my thoughts seem condescending it's because I've stood in a room with a woman who invested over $70,000 in real estate investing seminars and had yet to do her first deal. We could blame her for inaction, of course, but I wonder how you go down that road for so long and I believe it is from being carefully led along with the carrot of the quick fix...so I'm venting a little this morning about the state of marketing in biz-opp circles.

Hey, none of your thoughts are condescending at all. This stuff gets frustrating. I took an expensive ($5000) real estate training in the early 90s offered by Robert Allen of Nothing Down fame. I learned a lot. Then I sat on my ass for a year while $246 was deducted from my paycheck every two weeks to pay for the course.

I finally got busy and ended up flipping around 60 houses in about three years later in the decade. That was my first really successful piece of business. Following that I wrote a book about the experience called The Streetsmart Homebuyer. It sold pretty well. It's still available on Amazon. I also have it in digital form. The strategies in that book are geared more for a bullish real estate market than what we have now, though many would still work.

As for the demographic here, I create stuff that will allow me to sleep at night knowing it's excellent quality while still meeting the demand of the marketplace. I should say that sometimes it meets the demand and others it only comes close. But that's how business goes. The suffering artist thing doesn't work for me anymore so I fill a need while working steadily at what I'm truly passionate about.

I've got a short inspirational book available in the War Room for free. It's one of my best pieces of work. I'm selling a few Kindle editions on Amazon. I believe it's good enough for the mass market but I learned long ago that you have to have your ducks in a row before going there because unless your book starts selling right out the chute it's off the shelves in about three weeks.

If I were to give anyone a single bit of advice it would be to prepare before you jump. I'm not directing this at you necessarily, just people in general. Folks come here and want to launch a WSO right away. That's fine but unless you're aligned with a known group of people that can send you active JVs your offer ain't goin' nowhere.

It didn't used to be this way here. But since Warrior Plus came along and affiliates got into the mix many WSOs are treated like huge launches on the outside. And those offers become our competition. There are people here pulling in seven figures a year selling fairly mediocre stuff. It all comes down to packaging and promotion. The key to making it here is to participate in the main forum and offer useful and relevant info to others. Either that or get in good with one of the WSO cartels.

What you have going for you is you're articulate and smart and have something to offer. Start befriending people here. When you see someone who posts something that resonates with you be generous with your thank yous and then hit them up as a friend. In time you'll get to be known as one of the good guys and that goes a long way to advance your marketing. BTW, it that profile pic you or is it Keith Moon? Sure looks like one of his photos from back in the day.

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williamstraus

13 years ago

I would agree with @Travlinguy - that is the demographic I'm in also and most of my friends are just looking for something quick and easy. But not everybody has an overnight transformation or a rags to riches story that happened in 1 week.

I think a lot of people do well with WSO's now because they do a lot of JV work behind the scenes. I know whenever I've been a few WSO shopping sprees but it's put me on someones list and the next few days I spend hitting the 'unsubscribe' button ;-).

I don't think it's happening from just hitting the launch button and paying the $40.

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derekd

13 years ago

I think mindset or inner game is really the source of all results. It's not the only thing that's important, but if it's missing then nothing else can make up for it.

So many people are focused on the system and tools without having the underlying foundation to make use of them. That's why you can give 100 people the same quality "how to" info and probably about 90% won't see much in the way of results.

I'm releasing a program all about health and fitness with an emphasis on mindset, psychology, and emotions as a big aspect to make it unique from all the other BS fitness stuff out there that just tries to sell people overnight results without having to make any real changes.

PM and I'll give any warriors here full access to it for free in exchange for feedback. It should be uploaded to my host account in the next day or so. It covers a lot of general aspects of mindset and personal development wrapped up in a "fitness package" since most people are more sold by "get a sexy body" than "get a sexy mind".

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ginnysclub1

13 years ago

It is kind of weird that you have mentioned selling a self-help/personal development WSO. I automatically assumed that a well promoted offer with the right hook would be successful/profitable, so I am surprised that only a few have had any real success.

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charidemos

13 years ago

I think there is one WSO now on Procrastination

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sethczerepak

13 years ago

Once again, traveling guy nails it...you can't market it as a self-help or personal growth product, you have to market it as a product for helping them make money. Sell them what they think they need, then deliver what they really need.

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travlinguy 13 years ago

Originally Posted by sethczerepak

Sell them what they think they need, then deliver what they really need.

Man! Talk about succinct. I could have saved several hundred words.
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- derekd 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by sethczerepak
  
  Sell them what they think they need, then deliver what they really need.
  
  Originally Posted by travlinguy
  
  Man! Talk about succinct. I could have saved several hundred words.
  
  Exactly my thoughts! This is the essence of combining both what is practical with what is ethical.
  
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  sethczerepak 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by derekd
  
  Exactly my thoughts! This is the essence of combining both what is practical with what is ethical.
  
  That's what happens when you kick around in the same niche for your whole life lol.
  
  I'm gonna piggyback on Travlinguy's post about the demographic and add that men from 18 to 30 who are interested in personal growth all have something in common:
  
  Huge EGOs. lol
  
  No judgments here, I was the same way up until a few years ago. That's why there's no real leadership, everyone is kind of their own leader, hard to lead someone when they're in that lone wolf state.
  
  Most of my buyers for this material (and I'm betting other PD marketers can relate with this) are either women or men over 35. I think 35 is when that testosterone starts declining a bit and that "I don't need anyone" attitude starts to get balanced out with some "I don't have all the answers."
  
  Case in point, I share some of my best insights in the mind warriors forum, but get very little traffic when I post links to my personal growth articles. Meanwhile, an invitation to see my paypal account from back in my copywriting days and the loads of cash I was making?
  
  Well, that's attracting clicks like ants to a picnic. Again, instant gratification baby. Get them in the door, earn some trust, then you've got a shot at getting your coach on.
  
  If you're still looking to create this WSO, PM me when the time comes. I'd just like to see what you come up with.
  
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Saito

13 years ago

I'm still open to creating it and helping manage the project but admittedly don't feel like preparing the marketing/WSO and promoting it.

If anyone who likes this thread and what we're talking about wants to JV and you're fairly confident you could do a decent job of selling it, let me know.

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JohnDBrewer

13 years ago

I myself have had this question but I was leaning more towards leadership material...I have an idea for a software (not quite created yet) that would help you understand where your strengths are and where you are weak and then there is a membership that would walk through the different aspects that this software brings to your attention. Kind of like Benjamin Franklins personal progress values that he set out for himself to work on for 30 days and then move on to another. Hopefully that makes sense. I was thinking of making it a WSO but might need to really show how it helps with the business building aspect. I came upon this idea while building a MLM business. The principles still apply to individuals as well as businesses. Travlinguy, thank you so much for your comments and to the others that have posted comments.

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Ricardo-Acosta

13 years ago

Im sure it can prove to be profitable if you can create a plr version of your Self-improvement product. Check out the warrior alerts in the warrior plus site plr is at the top of kws.

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Nic Oliver

13 years ago

Interesting thread!

I've been making a good offline income for the last 25 years in the personal development and interpersonal skills fields and have been wondering how to market such products here.

Some great ideas, thank you.

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PowPow 13 years ago

Great thread, everyone! I owned a successful hypnosis clinic for several years. The personal education I received from that exercise was absolutely priceless and went far beyond the simple hypnotherapist's certifications. I had the opportunity to peer into the mind of those who chose "positive change" which was a tiny percentage of the local populace.

One thing I learned is that most people really have no clue and/or desire as to how to bring about change in themselves. This is true even when they know that their lives might be at stake (such as in smoking cessation or morbid obesity). Even as they stand there knocking at your door, change is elusive. And many times, it appears to be so far in the horizon that they only have the slightest of hopes that you can actually help.

Enter the great mind trick...the subconscious will fight in order not to change. It wants to stay at a comfortable level of disarray and dysfunction because of fear. Most of us equate change with different levels of pain subconsciously...and that's why many of us "choose" not to change for the better. More commonly, we don't seek it out because we subconsciously don't "see" the value in it. Positive change always seems to be on the back burner but never really truly comes to the forefront for that reason.

I will give you a quick example: Mary needs to lose 200 lbs.. She is having problems with severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes type II, joint pain, depression and a myriad of other health issues. In other words...the poor woman is miserable. Why doesn't Mary seek weight loss hypnosis or other means of inducement to eat better and exercise? It could be because; a) food is her best friend and chemically triggers happy responses; b) she is hiding behind her weight to repel people for some reason (perhaps abuse or rape); c) she has fond memories associated with food (childhood picnics at the beach with her grandparents); d) etc..

Is Mary's response logical? No. Not when you see it in black and white. But how many of us reading this right now have weight issues even if just 20 lbs? We do nothing to take care of the problem even though we know we would feel much better if we shed the weight.

So do internet marketers need help? Yup...we sure do and lots of it. This is a quickly changing world and it requires true commitment to get anywhere. Are we as a group aware that we need help with motivation, organization, and removal of debilitating and self-limiting beliefs?; usually not. That's why, "to the Victor goes the spoils".

Hope this helps. Be well...
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PowPow 13 years ago

Great thread, everyone! I owned a successful hypnosis clinic for several years. The personal education I received from that exercise was absolutely priceless and went far beyond the simple hypnotherapist's certifications. I had the opportunity to peer into the mind of those who chose "positive change" which was a tiny percentage of the local populace.

One thing I learned is that most people really have no clue and/or desire as to how to bring about change in themselves. This is true even when they know that their lives might be at stake (such as in smoking cessation or morbid obesity). Even as they stand there knocking at your door, change is elusive. And many times, it appears to be so far in the horizon that they only have the slightest of hopes that you can actually help.

Enter the great mind trick...the subconscious will fight in order not to change. It wants to stay at a comfortable level of disarray and dysfunction because of fear. Most of us equate change with different levels of pain subconsciously...and that's why many of us "choose" not to change for the better. More commonly, we don't seek it out because we subconsciously don't "see" the value in it. Positive change always seems to be on the back burner but never really truly comes to the forefront for that reason.

I will give you a quick example: Mary needs to lose 200 lbs.. She is having problems with severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes type II, joint pain, depression and a myriad of other health issues. In other words...the poor woman is miserable. Why doesn't Mary seek weight loss hypnosis or other means of inducement to eat better and exercise? It could be because; a) food is her best friend and chemically triggers happy responses; b) she is hiding behind her weight to repel people for some reason (perhaps abuse or rape); c) she has fond memories associated with food (childhood picnics at the beach with her grandparents); d) etc..

Is Mary's response logical? No. Not when you see it in black and white. But how many of us reading this right now have weight issues even if just 20 lbs? We do nothing to take care of the problem even though we know we would feel much better if we shed the weight.

So do internet marketers need help? Yup...we sure do and lots of it. This is a quickly changing world and it requires true commitment to get anywhere. Are we as a group aware that we need help with motivation, organization, and removal of debilitating and self-limiting beliefs?; usually not. That's why, "to the Victor goes the spoils".

Hope this helps. Be well...
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- PowPow 13 years ago
  
  Sorry guys, didn't mean to bomb the thread.
  
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AttitudeSpecialist

13 years ago

Thank you travilinguy, totally agree with your information. Great to read through, we will be launching one soon and have taken note of these ideas

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Seven3

13 years ago

I think the fact that there is a highly trafficked section of the forums dedicated to the subject suggests there is a potential market.

I have recently begun listening to some of Anthony Robbins stuff while out on my morning walks and have been very impressed so far. Perhaps there would be a market for a motivational WSO directed at beginner IM types.

I know from personal experience that procrastination can be a powerful force that holds people back for various reasons, fear of success, fear of failure, fear of ridicule, subconscious feelings of guilt (many associate making money with taking it from others on some level).

A quality product created to address those problems and others that IMers regularly faced would definitely be useful and would have a huge market. The trick (as others have hinted at) is convincing wannabe IMers that having the right mindset is more important than having the technical know how.

Many that are new to the scene (myself included) think that they need to study IM first and learn as much as they can about it before they try anything. The people that are most successful are the ones that dove right in and learned as they went.

If you can create a GOOD product that can help people quickly reach the correct mindset and to just "pull the trigger" I think you could be onto a winner.

So if somebody thinks they have the knowhow and ability to create a Success WSO then they should just "pull the trigger" and create it, real money could be made by someone with the courage to blaze a new trail and create their own market, rather than following the herd.

Just my opinion

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travlinguy 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Seven3

I think the fact that there is a highly trafficked section of the forums dedicated to the subject suggests there is a potential market.

Don't let this section fool you. Yes, there are a lot of people here but this section doesn't attract many of the diehard self help folks that actually spend money on products. There are many forums out there that do but here people are primarily interested in Make Money Online products.
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buckeyes09

13 years ago

Man, this thread gave me an idea or two, but it probably gave five others the same idea(s).

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Seven3 13 years ago

Originally Posted by buckeyes09

Man, this thread gave me an idea or two, but it probably gave five others the same idea(s).

Several people may have gotten ideas from the thread, but the question I would ask is, how many do you think will act on it?
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CTgreen

13 years ago

Sorry I couldn't read the whole thread; please forgive me if this is already discussed...

This is a pretty "soft" (for lack of a better word) topic for most people; especially marketers, I'd guess.

For those of us who understand and appreciate the impact of focusing on self-improvement, there's no need for convincing. Most people, however, seem to want more... tangible things to reach for. Numbers, statistics, 'results', strategies and such are what you see (ab)used so often because they are what get people's attention. If you can find a way to blend people's want for 'hard' topics and benefits with the real power of your ideas on self-improvement and mindset... well, I absolutely think there is a huge opportunity waiting for the person who can execute that well.

I think a lot of the problem with these sort of products is their implementation. You have to consider that the people who create these sort of products aren't necessarily the same type of thinkers as most marketers, businessmen, etc. Find a way to talk with them.

Use your understanding of psychology and the benefits of your message to get people's attention, they sell them something that can make a real difference in their life. We all know self-improvement is paramount; but they don't.

I really feel like I'm not saying what I'm trying to say here... Do me a favor, will ya? Read between the lines, and make the stuff I said sound smarter and make more sense. Please? :p

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711gemstone

13 years ago

I don't have a wso for it yet, but I am doing evalutation of a program that helps with focus in this thread

http://www.warriorforum.com/wanted-m...t-program.html

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Saito

13 years ago

I am thinking a software might be the best type of product, next to group or one-on-one coaching which I don't feel like fulfilling.

Making personal change is one of the hardest but most needed things in the world. Pretty much every challenge IM'ers face is really a need to change something about themselves, IMO, whether beliefs, thoughts, habits, or your actions and behavior.

There are so many great books on leadership, self-help, and even on creating lasting positive change but i think the medium itself (books) is limited. What has helped me the most is having some kind of PROGRAM...like do XYX for 10 minutes per day and record your successes in a log, then go back and measure your progress.

ActionTimer is an awesome time management software that has managed to change my behavior and habits quite a bit.

Software can even provide some kind of accountability over and above a book that sits on a shelf. But people would either have to go in with the intention of using it for 3-6 months or more because lasting change does NOT happen quickly. Maybe monthly modules on different things for a feeling of completion throughout or something.

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kayshaw

13 years ago

Hi Mark,
Its funny you should ask because I was asking the same thing when I did my WSO on self-improvement PLR and it didn't go so well. However, that was selling PLR not a manual on self-improving. I'm not sure I would trust a self-improvement manual from just anyone who decided to write one. I would be looking for really successful IMers (and maybe you are) that has some type of degree or a background in this sort of thing.
The only reason I say this is not that people who do not have a background or education in this area don't have anything to say. But that this market is really saturated and unless you have some insider knowledge you'll just be regurgitating info thats already out there. Get a twist or put some really unique insights out there, maybe put it out there for some reviewers to try, etc. and you could have a good product.
Frith,
Kayla

Originally Posted by marktheonlinesurfer

Hello fellow warrirors,

I'm wondering if anyone has done a WSO on Self-Improvement or Power or Having the Right Mind Set to IM? I've been looking for a WSO and haven't found one.

Is there a demand for these types of products on the warrior forum?

I have a lot of experience in the field and just wondered if it can be utilized here.

Thanks,

Mark

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Roan

13 years ago

I have done one. People liked it and it was free but don't expect heaps of people to sign up for it though. It's a niche within a niche

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weebeastie

13 years ago

Though the self-help market is big, WSO's are not where people actually buy. I've always gotten my self-help material from book stores. Hot books on the subject are heavily advertised, word of mouth, various titles catch my eye and tips from all manner of sources but I usually buy in a bookstore. As does the market, on occasion I'll buy an ebook but it has to be highly recommended from impeccable sources.

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Saito 13 years ago

I agree. This site is not the place to sell such a product and earn what we're worth. Some forum like SelfGrowth.com that has 1,000,000 subscribers to personal development.

Or books with a coordinated blog/PR campaign do really well, but I am not qualified to be the "Face" of such a book, although I could write one better than the schlock out there.

Remember way back when, when personal development books were written by licensed PSYCHOLOGISTS with 30+ years of experience? Not marketers and amazing public speakers. I would be happy to play the publisher role for such an author, though. Or help create such a product for an existing huge marketer who could get it into as many hands as possible.
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Did anyone do a WSO on Self-Improvement?

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