Hi,
This is something that has been boucing around in my head all weekend.
On Saturday, I spoke with a stranger and we got talking about internet marketing, information marketing and writing in general. The thing that got me – and it really bothers me – is that this fellow told me about several “programs” he had purchased that were supposed to help him increase his profits.
A couple of the things he mentioned were programs and products by people I am familiar with.
He bought them, but felt he hadn’t gotten his money’s worth. That didn’t jive with what I know of the people involved – especially since I happen to own one of the products he mentioned.
Okay. First, you’re probably wondering why I’m not naming anything here. Especially since I am generally un-reserved about using people’s names. My reason is that I don’t know all the programs and products he mentioned. I’m not going to name something or someone if I don’t know they represent quality.
Second: Here’s what I have to say about this fellow’s complaints.
Until you have some clients, or are selling some products, it makes no sense to purchase anything that will double, triple or otherwise increase your sales and profits. After all, multiply zero by any number you want, and you still get zero.
The fellow I spoke to Saturday didn’t have any clients or products, and he didn’t seem to have any understanding of the materials he owned. I think maybe he bought them expecting the act of making the purchase to generate results.
Folks, if you buy a book and don’t read it, don’t expect to get any smarter.
For everyone who is looking at starting in internet marketing (information marketing, writing books (ebooks) or affiliate marketing), there is one resource I recommend for getting started – and it’s completely free.
Go to www.strategicprofits.com. This site belongs to Rich Schefren. The resource you want are the five free reports he gives away through his site.
Why?
Because Rich will show you that internet marketing is not all that different from how people have been running their hometown businesses for decades. It’s different, sure. But most people think it’s apples and oranges. Rich will show you that it’s more like oranges and grapefruit.
The other thing Rich does with his reports is give you “how-to” information – invaluable stuff for beginner and pro alike.
When you’ve read through Rich’s stuff, visit the sites of other internet marketers. Www.Bly.com will give you over a hundred examples of landing pages for selling information products. Bob also has a library of articles you can read.
Just think of the people you buy from, or who you get newsletters from. Visit their sites and REALLY LOOK at what they do. How often do they send an e-mail? What’s in it?
The plain, simple fact is that writing a book (ebook) or making sales (by internet or in person) means you have to do some work. Yep, there’s that nasty little four letter word.
I know. I just finished another book, I’m working on two more, and I put in a lot of hours every day.
And, folks, I wouldn’t trade what I’m doing for the Site Superintendent’s job on the Shangri-La build happening right now at Richmond & University in downtown Toronto.
For those who don’t know – I have 20 years of construction experience. The Shangri-La is a 67 floor hotel & condo tower with condos starting at $1 Million dollars. It’s a prestigious project.
Ask Brian Johnson (Rich Schefren’s right hand) if he puts in a lot of hours. He does it because he enjoys it.
I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but, folks, if you don’t enjoy writing and marketing enough to put in lots of time and energy – then maybe you should spend a little more time finding your passion.
Okay. Go ahead and rip me a new pooper. Call me insensitive and crass – go ahead.
Conrad