The Failure To Launch
March 30, 2008
5 Reasons Why You Haven’t Blasted Off.
You may recall that back in the beginning of January I challenged you to make 2008 the year you finally got a business started online. Well, the first quarter of the year is now over, and I really would like to know:
… Are you making money with your Internet business yet?
How much have you accomplished since January? Are you proud of what you’ve achieved — or frustrated by how little you’ve done?
If not, do you feel like you’re constantly burning rubber and going nowhere?
You need to ask yourself: Why?
There are 5 main reasons you may be suffering from "failure to launch"…
Understanding the reasons will help you blast through to getting your website started.
#1: You’re Overwhelmed and Don’t Know Where to Start
So many different experts say you have to do THIS first, or THAT. And you absolutely MUST buy THIS product, and THAT service — and here’s one that you can’t live without! If you’ve been on a list of the mega-launches lately you’ll know exactly what I mean.
It’s enough to drive you BATTY.
My advice is do some research and find a proven, step-by-step method that walks you through every stage of building a business, so you know exactly WHAT you need to do and WHEN.
… Then stick with that system and follow it straight through from beginning to end — without getting distracted by all the other possibilities out there.
Keep it simple and follow the basics… otherwise, you’ll find yourself trying to run in a dozen different directions at once… and going nowhere fast!
#2: Fear of Technology
I see it when I talk to people at my seminars…
… I suggest they learn to do it themselves first — so they can do as much of their own site management as possible — and their eyes get that "deer caught in the headlights" look.
All I can tell you is, don’t be afraid to learn something new! That old saying, "old dogs can’t learn new tricks" doesn’t apply here.
If you know how to use the computer to write letters… send emails… and surf the Internet, then you have ALL the skills you need to start an online business.
… You just need to know how to put them to good use!
Think of technology as a tool to take your ideas and bring them alive.
Find tools specifically designed so that ANYONE can learn how to use them — even the rawest beginner.
So don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from taking action!
#3: Too Many Solutions to Choose From — And You Don’t Know Who to Trust
You sign up for a few online marketing newsletters, and download a few free eBooks — then BAM! The product offers coming flying at you so fast and furious, it’s like you’re in a meteor storm!
And while you’re busy sorting out which does what, you’re ALSO being told that you’ve got to buy a domain name… and hosting services… and web design services (if you’re not going to design the site yourself)… and possibly copywriting services (if you’re not much of a writer)… not to mention a shopping cart and ordering system…
And then onto Web 2.0, blogging and marketing systems that you absolutely must have to make it big…
… It all leads to paralysis.
The best way to avoid this dilemma is start with the basics. Get your first website up and running - it makes all the difference.
#4: Spending WAY Too Much Money, Way Too Quickly
This goes hand in hand with the last problem… With so many offers bombarding you daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying a bunch of different products all at once.
"It’s a good investment in my business," you tell yourself.
But then you discover that some of those products only work for people who ALREADY have a money-making website… while others don’t really fit your business model… while others are simply a huge waste of money!
… And the next thing you know, you don’t have any time or money left to do the things you really DO need to build your business.
Resist the urge to whip out your wallet at every opportunity!
Like I said earlier, your best chance for success is to buy ONE step-by-step solution that walks you through every stage, and only buy other products when you absolutely KNOW you need them.
Everything you purchase needs to align with your goal.
#5: Holding Out for That "Million-Dollar Baby"
Many people dream of an Internet business that’ll make them hundreds of thousands — or even millions! — of dollars a year. And they think that it’s colossal waste of time to spend a single second on a business that’ll make them anything less than that.
Wake up and smell the coffee, people!
Your first business probably WON’T generate a six-figure income right off the bat. (Yes, it CAN happen… but it’s far more likely your first business will be in the $1,000 - $20,000/year range.)
And you know what? That’s OK! In fact, it’s better than OK.
Every single Internet millionaire I know got started by building just ONE small money-making website. And then another website that made MORE money, and another that made even MORE money — and so on, and so on.
And that’s the best possible way for YOU to grow your online business.
With each website you build, you’ll know more and be able to do it better — which means each new site will make you MORE money than the last.
*But first, you’ve got to get off the couch and get started!*
Remember, every journey begins with a single step — and the path to online success is certainly no exception.
However, that doesn’t mean it has to be an uphill slog!
This April, I’ll be releasing a series of videos that’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to build your own web business in record time… walking you through all the exact steps in real time that you need to take to get it "live". If I can do it, you can too.
In the meantime, I’d like to know what barriers have prevented YOU from leaving the starting gate. Have your business efforts been hampered by one of the 5 reasons above — or has something else stopping you?
Tell me about the challenges you currently face– and I’ll try to address them in the video series.
Please leave me a comment – and let me know what you think!
Derek, I would like too say that I would like to build an internet business but choosing the right product has been the biggest challenge for me. I also don’t know all of the secrets to the internet so it seems like it’s a great deal of information on how and where to get started. I have been receiving your newsletter for 12 months now and it’s a great source for information but I still haven’t made the jump into the internet business. I am a very driven individual that would like to have more time for my family but I am not sure where to begin and what product will do the best. I also will need a lot of help with building an internet site that will drive traffic to help sell the products with out costing an arm and a leg. Please write me back with your thoughts I think that I can be great a selling on the internet and I will devote the appropriate amount of time each week to succeed. Thanks, Jim
Hi–
I just read the information above and thought I would let you know where I am at. I seem to think that my problem is money and/or lack of it. I signed up with Auction Teacher and they will be building me a web site. I have my domain name, have a drop shipper in place( this one has taken me a long time to get going) I have planned out what products I want to carry and a niche market. It has just taken me what seems like forever to pull it all together. I feel as if I can finally move forward.
I am feeling kind of stuck do you have any words of wisdom that will help to propel me forward? Am I on the right track?
I just launched my first website, and I agree with being bombarded. I fell into that trap. I’m just looking to build traffic, as I build, and grow my business. This journey has cost me $12,000. already.
HI Derek,I have purchased your kit over 1 year ago and i would like to get started but i dont have a web site and at present I dont know what to sell .I am photograph who takes a lot of scenery photograph all around Jamaica I was considering if something like that would have any market out there.I need some urgent advice as to how I can go about it.I am awaiting your advice.Thanks. yours Truly Frederick Smith.
Hi Derek, in reply to your five comments about failure to launch, all five apply to me, you are absolutely accurate in why I havn’t put it all together.
Its not because I’m lazy or not motivated, or dont have any money to invest in
learning Internet marketing, I have spent a lot of time reading the info and approx
€2000 and I work on an offline business. It basically comes down to finding
a step by step method which takes into account the big picture, I have such a
plan/method for the offline business I’m involved with but I have yet to find one
for Internet Marketing. It would be great to find a complete method, one that
demystifies Adwords, blogs, Adsense and web sites etc. I visit IM learning
forums only to find most people equally perplexed, why is this?
If I could find a complete method that explains it simply and logically
I’d buy it!
You hit it spot on. Thank you for keeping me focused and the inspiration.
Focus Focus Focus
I must launch
Thanks
Nicky
It’s a tough world out there, right? Especially
for newbies… But that’s businesses.
BTW, these new videos will be free or part
of a new product?
Valeriu
Derek you are spot on.
I’ve spent the last 12 months learning and honing marketing skills on the internet. I’ve categorized all my ebooks, videos and MP3’s into a learning folder for quick reference. But you know what, I still haven’t launched a thing!
Info overload has crippled me to the point where I ‘m so confused and frustrated that I don’t know which way to turn next.
I’m trying to learn Dreamweaver, Flash, photoshop, PHP and my mind is starting to seize up, all I want to do is create a few money making websites but I feel I’ve lost the plot.
You’re absolutely right about staying focussed, think I need to redress the situation.
Thanks for the advice
Sean
Derek,
I liked this week’s newsletter. I’ll be right up front.. my biggest mistake was hiring one of those “super coaches.” He led me down the absolute WRONG path in so many ways, it’s nauseating. Nauseating because in the last 6 months of 2007, I spent well over $40K based on the advice he’s given me. Scarier still, is that you probably know him, many people are recommending him now, and I know he’ll take other’s money (to the tune of $25K per year), without having any idea how to REALLY help them grow their business. I remain very skeptical…
BUT, not dwelling on that in 2008… this year has picked up and I am looking for very sound advice. I have everything in place, a phenomenal product, and I’m not afraid of anything. Hopefully you’ll have something that resonates with me. =)
I’m still looking for a web marketing source that doesn’t offer to sell me “insider secrets”, or “what the big sellers on eBay don’t want you to know”, etc. What hogwash! The word “secret” frankly just turns me off because it’s totally ridiculous when you think about it. How can someone sell me a “secret” when they’re also offering it to 10,000 other people?
I don’t want “secrets”, “tricks” or “never-before-revealed “. I simply want tried and true, solid, workable information, no hype, presented calmly, no wild claims, and certainly nothing about “how I made $4,758,592.37 with my method”, either. I’d consult a well-written, information-packed book before I’d buy a ticket for a dog-and-pony show. Get the circus freaks out of here!
Derck
Fantastic article, I took up your challenge to make 2008 the greatest year. And the first quarter has come to an end and I am not anywhere near where I wish to be. 90 days have past, I ordered the Insiders Secrets several weeks ago, (great stuff) and I am using this as my bible to ensure I make the next 90 days profitable. All five points / reasons you mentioned are what have hit me over the head. So much so that today my agenda is to sit back and imagine myself on December 31st of 2008 and seeing where I am going to be. I am unsubsribing from several newletters, lighting my load on several other fronts and focusing solely on 3 areas of my business. Enough is enough and it is time for me to take action and stop looking for the magic pill. I realize that I have all the ingredients to make my magic pill myself, time to get cracking.
Thanks for article today, it just re-enforces I am on the right track.
Ron
Derek,
Your email this morning could not have been more timely. One of the most problematic areas that is costing me time to launch my Internet business, you speak about in items #1 & 3. In item 3 (Too Many Solutions to Choose From — And You Don’t Know Who to Trust) specifcally has been a time waster and has caused me concern. I am inundated with offers of all kinds and I’ve taken the time to read most of them as my way of learning about the business. I subscribed to Doba (Drop shippers) about 2 months ago thinking I would start with a simple eBay / product eCommerce store. Suffice it to say I have not launched anything yet. Then there’s the aircraft carrier-sized load of info from the likes of Mike Filsaime, Tom Beal, Matt Bacak, Rich Shefren, Skip McGrath, Jeff Walker, Ken McCarthy, Stephen Pierce and many others. They all seem to feed off one another and cross-sell each others “stuff” This all starts to take on a very suspicious aura of a private club where only a select few get to make any real money. But only if you invest thousands of dollars in attending “their” seminars and courses, let alone their materials. Then there’s this really current product launch failure that occured last week from one of these gurus that smells real bad in terms of the underlying reason. They blamed it on technology but myself being in this end of the business as a profession, I cannot accept at face value that this was as they’ve described it. It reeks of amaturism and possibly worse.
So, where do I start…….Well, I am completing some reading material that I have left and will be unsubscribing to most of the newsletters and services in hopes of relieving some of this pain. I will continue subscribing to yours however. In the end I think most of my hesitation comes from not knowing what business model to build as I have several ideas. Certainly would be helpful to get feedback and some education on how to build a business model and the best model to build based on target market, passions or both.
Sorry for the long post but as you can see you struck a nerve. A good nerve however.
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Derek,
I wanted to say you hit the nail on the head, my biggest problem has been lack of focus and doing to many things at once. Reading this has helped alot I need to get refocused again.
Thanks Derek - see you in New York
Good Day,
Derek
I have registered a domain and hosting for one year. my challenge has been putting contents on the website. I have studied basic html and practiced the same with notepad and CSS on google Pages. I also have a blog. http:themindofmikebull.wordpress.com with an average traffic 240 views per month. My difficulty is not in writing but in designing Forms e.g. How do I create a permission opt-in list form. Do I need a software or is it some codes or a database.
Am totally clueless please advise.
Mike
I did buy your “insider secrets” course, but my major obstacle is still this: I just don’t know what to sell. I have wracked my brains trying to figure something out, but it just isn’t happening. If I could get past this obstacle, I feel that everything else will work out.
Jeff
Hi Derek,
The letters above say it all.
I need a stepp by stepp direction, and I mean from the bottom up.
My Upline sends me stuff that is way avove my head.. So I just fumble around.
Christa
derek ,
all the thing u said is right!!!
5 reason almost apply to me , i’ve been read your newsletter 4 times that’s like bom on my head.
i’ve a year read and collect all the thing about internet marketing but until now “i have nothing to do” because i don’t know from where to start , the thing i’m afraid is my english is not good enough, and also i think may be i don’t have enough money to start this business. would like to give me way to start this business?
i need ur help thanks.
Hi Derek,
My husband is trying to help me with my MLM business. He forwarded your info. to me and I signed on. I appreciate the insight you give. It is valuable!
I sell air and water purifiers as a dealer with Ecoquest Int. and have a web- site. I just need some advice on how to make a salescopy letter and get folks to actually go to my site.
Thanks for the great information you have shared! I am eager to learn more, and see how “Bebiz” can compliment my business venture!
Be blessed!
Allison Morris
Your top 5 reasons for “failure to launch” are right on point. I’ve been bombarded with tons of emails from dozens of internet marketing guru’s on which products to buy, who should teach me, etc., and I realize this in and of itself is holding me back-simply to much information at once.
I have been actively looking for the right opportunity for myself for over a year now, but time after time I’ll get the course, review it, and simply come up short. Many of these courses try to motivate you but don’t really help you ‘dig your feet in’ so to speak.
Just when I think I found the right ecourse/website/opportunity to finally get started I get more and more emails/business offers pointing me in a different direction, I’m finally starting to figure out I have to ‘weed’ out the distractions and pick ONE person to mentor me, and put blinders on to any outside influence until I’m up and running.
Thanks for trying to help us Derek, from what I’ve read of your system’s you seem to be a cut above the rest. I hope I can figure this all out SOON, as my back is against the corner…literally.
Justin
More great information. Of the list number 4 stands out with me. As a member of an affiliate business that has a 30 day training I have seen far to many newbies soend themselves broke. The 30 day training is little more than one sales pitch after another suggesting the newbie buy a new product or upgrade what they already have. By the time the new marketer is finished they have little to show for their efforts and a lot of built up frustration. I suggest reading and learning until you have an idea of what Internet marketing is all about and research everything before you buy.
Derek, what you are saying is so true. I have been really thinking about what I want to market online. I have an idea now, I just don’t know how to make it manifest yet. Or even where to start. I have a service product and I don’t know what kind of website I need or anything. When you get a chance, can you please respond back so I can go into further detail.
Thanks!
Hi Derek,
I would love to start an internet marketing business but I think the major hold back right now is money to start and support every aspect of this kind of business. I fell victim once and before all was said and done within a year, I was out almost $6000.00 in credit card charges with no progress.
After reading your failure to lunch article, I think reason # 1, 3, and 4 really fit my situation right now. I registered a domain name and signed up for a website but it is two months now and I do not know how to move foreward. My aim was to wholesale investment properties on this site. First I am financially handicap right now, and will be closing down this site. I cannot think of anything lucrative right now to market online. Please help.
One thing I am facing is being spread out too thin, getting a couple online businesses going and still working by the hour to provide an income for my family. Time is such a big thing for me.
I also face the challenge of not knowing enough about my products to produce an opt-in offer, even though I really enjoy working in this field and would like to learn more, it takes so much time to learn and time is such a big issue with my online efforts.
Thanks for all your great advice and encouragement. One of my sites made me around $3,000 last year and we launched toward the end of the first quarter, so last year it already topped the $1,000 mark! I appreciate the encouragement to start small and grow.
Lavern Gingerich
http://www.seriousbbqs.com
You hit the nail on the head. It’s all the above for me, except spending $$$. I know I should be able to start, but I am paralyzed by all the info, and I haven’t found a product or should I say, I haven’t settled on a product from all of the one’s that are out there. What’s a girl to do?
Derek,
Finally someone actually speaks the truth regarding Internet Marketing. I have spent the last 4 months researching Internet Marketing a minimum of 2 hours each day. I now receive over 40 emails each day from “Gurus” that guarantee I will make 6 figures if I sign up for their program. I have yet to find that one person or system that will walk me through the process on a Step-By-Step basis. I did enroll in one program where the seller guaranteed to “mentor” me for one year. After hearing from him one time over a 4 week period I realized again it was nothing but hype. I am available to work on starting an Internet Marketing business 24/7 if needed. Also, money is not a problem.
What would you suggest I do to fulfill this great urge I have to become a successful Internet Marketer?
Jack
I think reason # 1, 2,3really fit my situation
Good day Derek. Courtney here you’ve absolutley hit the nail on the head, the biggest challenge for me is finding the basic steps to build an internet business online i’ve been bombarded with all kinds of e-mails promising me success and riches but nothing to show for it they were maybe trying to sucker me. But i have to admit that I’ve made a mistake about your site i mistook you for one of the bad guys. I would really appreciate it if i could get the basics in a pds format for me to read the video format won’t be that effective cause i’m hard of hearing and internet closed caption is not available in my area i’m really looking forward to it.
I am currently taking your “Awaken the author within” series and it very helpful and inspiring. I’ve got the outline of my book finished and now i’m working on content.
SPEED TO MARKET!!!
Thanks!
Jim Bianchi
Hi,you newsletter helped me a lot in starting my online business.You guidance is perfect and to the point.Thanks.I plan to go far in this business so looking forward for more from you.
Derek,
I closed my brick and mortar retail gift store and opened online. I have everything in place and the only thing missing is traffic. I am trying PPC and have found a problem with it. The day I choose the keywords and an amount per word I will have about 3/4 of keywords working. The next day the dollar amounts are pushed up and only about 1/8 of keywords are working. I have only been trying this for a week, but I don’t know if this will be the trend always, my advertising budget is small. I have someone else handling the SEO with no results for about 8 months so far.
I have been told I need to blog, but deciding where and what content is a little daunting to me. I have tried affiiate marketing also and found that after the first purchase through my website, the affiliates I have used, bombard the people with sales ads directly and bypass me. Someone in my company always orders from the affiliate or dropshipper, to see how our customers are treated.
Do you have some suggestions?
Thanks
Well. it happened a few weeks ago,when I decided to invest to an internet marketing course with Frank Kern. The first week was okay. Then the second week happened. I received all kinds of video and audio from Frank that I was not able to keep up with the pace. So much information in such a little time. I am working during the day and when comes the evening, my nose is in the material. I was getting burned out lots of time my wife found me sleeping with the head phone on my head snoring. Then I would wake up and realize what happened. Start all over watching it and do the same thing again. I would have to watch the same video 3-5 times before I can finish it. Then I realize I don’t remember everything they talked about or just did not understand what they are talking about.
Then suddenly, I was bombarded with offer on the internet about products or services where my depend on it. I fell in the trrap. A couple days ago, I contacted these websites and cancel 90% off of ot. I am trying to concentrate on what I have. This is true, we are being information overloaded.
How about #’s 1, 3, & 4 all would work. I’m going crasy because I won’t be able to take advantage of your training weekend which I desperately need. but My wife is having surgery on 4/10/08 to remove a malignant tumor. Bad timing, hopefully I’ll be at your next one. I particularly like the way you state your info and I am in the process of weeding out some of the many other “gurus” that I have signed up for (& are charging monthly fees) and I am going broke.
I’m an old guy, resumes are just about usless and I really would like to work from home especialy to be able to help my wife & I don’t need to be a millionaire, just to be able to earn at least a high 5 fgure income within a reasonable amount of time.
My main problem is to decide what product to put up on my website. I have expertise in the soft side of business, entrepreneurship, and anger management. My thinking is to start with a book then sell on line courses. However, deciding where to start as well as keeping my off line business going, I work on the immediate rather than long term. It all seems overwhelming.
Exactly Right Derek - I didn’t realize you knew me so well!! LOL!! Unbelievable what comes into the inbox and the stuff we fall upon on the internet and I have deviated several times away from IMC but no matter what happens I feel as though they copied your material just to make money because very rarely can I say the ones I have stumbled upon live up to the same service as you do.
Not just saying this, as I have also met a few good ones but still the comparison is close but not quite the same service and extra mile that your company goes. Going into the second quarter of 2008 I have an extremely different focus. I couldn’t continue on with the IEC due to financial difficulties but with Ebiz and the Insiders 2008 course I will get things going right away. I will get back to being a member of IEC as it is a very good forum to be apart of.
Thanks for the push I needed.
Derek,
I agree with Tom this couldn’t have come at a better time as I am definitely in analysis paralysis. I agree with every one of your 5 reasons and let’s not forget the old “fear of failure”. We’re afraid to fail so we do nothing which still amounts to failure. I’m also afraid of making expensive mistakes as over the past year I’ve spent a lot of money on useless courses and expensive seminars where we were supposed to walk away with an IM business that was up and running and actually pay for the cost of the over priced seminar. Well it was all a lie no one got any business/money except the people giving the seminar. At least it’s good (in a way) to hear that so many others out there are going through the same thing that I am. Guess this means we have to follow your advice and get moving to make 2008 GREAT!
Yes,
I have been working 20 - 40 hr/week since Jan. 2 of 2008 to
get my site making even any money at all. Even one sale,
and have failed drasticaly.
I am not giving up now and I can’t afford to, so I have too.
Do you have any suggestions?
I am willing to listen to everything now!
Oh yes! You can now begin sending my email to:
kwt202530 @ yahoo.com
Thanks!
Keith Thomas
kwt202530 @ yahoo.com
FAX: 541-244-1202
May I add my thanks to all those up there. I have been looking for years for something that will make me a liveable wage but all I have done is spend. I have been bombarded with offers of this and that and been made promises of six figure sums etc. BUT when I subscribe I find I have to spend more and have even found one scheme that said there was a life time membership only to find they were taking money off me every month. I have lost loads.
I just want something or someone to tell me what I shoud do from step one to step finish. No genealisation but a mentor who can say yes thats right or no thatswrong … Isthere such a way?
All 5 of the above apply to me and yes ..fear off failure is also there.
I jut don’t know where or how to start what to sell or the best way foward
Any advice would be helpful.
#2 Up to this point I have been able to handle the technical part because
I have an easy website builder. However, I am now having a real problem
putting a “buy now” button on a sales page. It can’t be as difficult as I am
making it!
#4 Early on–spending money on a coaching program that was helpful but overpriced.
Thanks for the reminder to stay focused.
Lynn
I am very frusterated with getting started, i have reluctantly fallen into a few scams, already feeling sceptical before giving money to them. I dont know who to believe, I have alot of good ideas and tons of motivation but I cant seem to get started. I am unable to travel for a while and would appreciate some direction to start a buisness online from home. I have done a little e bay selling and have an ok understanding of the process but nothing is really comming together yet.
thanks for any honest feedback,
Hans
HDZech@q.com
Derek, All those factors apply to me — in spades — and I can echo a lot of what was said by others. But there is one other factor you haven’t mentioned — active opposition from a family member who keeps telling me I’ll never succeed with any online business, because “it’s just not who you are”. Granted, I have no previous success running a business of any kind, but I refuse to believe that I’m incapable of learning what it takes. Add to that my “responsibilities” with the everyday running of the household — all of them time-consuming — and maybe you can understand why I’m feeling so frazzled. But I’m damned if I’ll quit! Somehow or other, sometime or other, I WILL succeed!
Sandra
Hi Derek, I enjoy your newsletters very much. I have been researching every aspect of online wealth….and I to, like so many others, just feel paralyzed. I can 100% say that you are by far the only person that has gained my trust. No hype, no !@#$! Just honest person to person advice. I approach your newsletter with openmindedness and I always walk away having learned something…I have a bit of a financial issue that hinders me some…but I work, make a little profit, invest again, make a little more. I keep all your newsletters in a folder and read them anytime I need a pointer…so far every pointer…points me the right way….I am determined to have an online business and I know with your help I will.
I am getting ready to purchase your complete program,,,,,YOU DEREK have convinced me that you are indeed a real person, with real help, good advice, and true to your word. It has taken me a long time to find advice I trust but your consistency and down to earth approach has convinced me…..Thank you so much. Sorry so long, but I really just needed to say THANKS!
Derek-
Nail on the head in so many ways. But I will say that the biggest thing is the Technical aspects. I am not afraid of tech. Never have been. But, you can do alot of research and find many resources, but in the end , really all you ever get is just enough info ” to be dangerous”. By that I mean that there is very, very basic information out there on how to set things up. But, really, as far as the website, links, redirects, adding pages, adding things via ftp to the webhost, managing your files on the server, adding advanced resoures:like scripts, shopping carts, payment processors, more advanced pages: optin-ins, download pages, ETC., it seems that there really is always something more to know. Many will say “outsource”, but kind of like you said about “learning to do it yourself”, I really believe that. Otherwise, you would have no idea how to screen people you outsource to or how to give them instructions how what you want them to do and have that exact function done.
So simply put the technology. Finding resources to really learn bout it, not so easy. Stopping everything and getting a ” 2 year degree” not in the budget.
So putting together the right tools, with not just overview training materials. That is where my frustration lies with the technology.
Thanks so much.
I think the problem I have had is find a product to sell, I’m working on my own website which I guess would be considered a service not a product, so how do I market a service? I have bought insider secrets, and I just signed up for bbiz because I could have sworn it said it could help you even if you don’t have a product, but after rereading it several times to figure out what came with the business builders club and bbiz I realized that I was wrong. So I guess my point is none of your material is really clear about finding a product, insider secrets helps to dig in to what your hobbies are but it just doesn’t seem to finish the process of finding a product it kind of leaves you hanging.
Yes, I am overwhelmed. I am concerned that I need to be incorporated for legal protection, but I don’t have money to do that yet. I also understand that I need to register the name of my business with the County, then apply for an EIN # and a resale tax number and all this. And I hesitate to do that until I actually know I can make money, as I realize that entails a lot of paperwork, monthly, I believe. So I have been hesitant to jump into the frying pan. I certainly don’t want to get into legal problems because of some unhappy customer, and I know you can’t please everyone, no matter how you try.
Then I really don’t know how to get all this set up so it will actually work. I have read lots of things from different websites on how to set things up, but I have not found any place that actually walks you through the whole process, step by step, for the newbies, like me, that don’t know what to click on to get it to all work.
I don’t lack motivation, but just need someone to give specific instructions that are easy to follow.
Any help you can give will be very much appreciated. Darlyne
I have had my site up for two weeks and have gotten about 60 clicks but no sign up on my autoresponder, I am also overwhelmed because everyone has something that they are trying to sell you that tells you this will be the thing that makes money yet I am more confused than clear headed. I just want a system that walks me through step by step and tell me the necessary pitfalls, how to test my adwords and my sign in pages, to show me how to make the sales and how to repeat it so that I make more sales. I do not think IM is hard, it is not harder than any other business I just think there is too much hype and it makes it harder for newbies that it should be because the so called gurus are trying to make money off the newbies before the newbies make money. If the gurus showed us how to make money our loyality would be more to them and they could sell us the brooklyn bridge and we would buy it and sell it too!
Hi Derek: Great article. I have spent the last 11 months launching 2 online stores and I did about $25k in gross in 2007. So far, first quarter, with the help of a big order for $60k, I have almost grossed $100k, in the first 3 months! I did it with blog, articles, keywords, web 2.0 submissions, and finding new products to sell in my niche, and the Lord.
Now that I am current with that and hired guys to add new products, I can focus on what you are doing, and plan to come meet you on the 11th, as I live down the street & locked in my seat. I look forward to your help taking me to the next level in my current, and pending intangible businesses.
Keep up the awesome work, and you other readers, turn off the tv , and work at night, while you grow your business. You can do it on 2-4 hours a night, then at some point, you can quit your day job, as I am close to doing that now!
If I can do it, so can you!
Greetings Derek & Staff,
I’m having several problems and time is the biggest one. At my site www.Free-Hot-Rap.com, I originally started off selling music instrumentals and I monitored my site for months and I only had one sale. I had gotten my site to the top of the search engines for my best keywords (which were highly competitive) but still only one sale. I changed the site in February to focus more on affiliate marketing and still no results to date. I am proud that I got good search engine rankings, a blog fashioned after “Blogging for Dollars”, wrote articles, and even send out a newsletter but no $$$ results.
I am working on a new site with a better, less saturated set of keywords. I’ve done a better job of niche market research this time (people are actively looking for my keyword) but my challenge is finishing up the salesletter. I don’t have a 9 to 5 job either! It’s a 6 to 6 job!!! And I spend time with my family after work so I have to find time to work on the salesletter. I truly believe in the power of this system because I did get to #1 on Google with my first site using what I’ve learned but there seems to be just too much competition in that area.
I’m going to keep working on this business though. I’m am truly inspired by stories like Jermaine Griggs who admitted that he was only making about $200 a month when he started online but now he’s doing $1M/year. I know it works. I think I just need more focus.
Thanks again Derek!!!
Your next success story,
Carlton Lewis aka Mello Melanin
I don´t know wHAT YUOU WILL HEAR, BUT i WILL TRY, BUT i HAVE NOW PAID
SO MANY MONEY TO ALL AFFILIATERNE, AND WHWN i HAVE PAY $19.95
$97, $47 ETC. SO HAVE THEY GET MONEY. BUT I HAVE GET NOTHING, BUT SO
IS IT. SORRY. BUT I MOST TELL YOU THAT…
HENNING
How did you get my diary?? I mean the words are almost exactly what I wrote down not too long ago. I have spent way too much money on various programs that seem so good and are only available until midnight the night of their launch and then they will be pulled off the market. So to not lose out, I have bought some of them. I am frustrated and wish more people on this internet marketing ride could take a look at how you are approaching it and learn a thing or two. Thanks and I appreciate your IEC information I just received over here in Canada.
Tony
Hi Derek!
when I got started I had enough mony to spend, and I bought products (with resell rights) and programs I thought would help me fast to get on track.
Little did I know how to really market. Now I think with the load of information I have acquired during the last 8 months, I know how I should have started because I’m a little bit wiser now, and I know a lot more better how to go about affitliate marketing, which is what I’m involved in.
When I wrote my business plan, I wanted to start selling on Ebay. But when I saw those huge commissions with affilite marketing, I couldn’t resist! I should have stayed with Ebay perhaps… Maybe I would be generating some sales. Who knows? But now that I am a bit wiser, guess what? I have very little money left to spend. I know which program works now, but I have very little means. How do you solve it?
Regards,
Maurice
http://www.men-in-biz.com/ez20now/#
It is so hard to find an honest legit business.I have tried everything and when you need help, you can’t get it.You spend a fortune and you make zero.You never get the complete program,you get only what they wnt you to know,so you are left hanging and when you request your money back it is a fight and most companies want even return your phone cals.I have lost trust. BESSIE D. NESBITT
I think your course will help me with my online business. I ordered your course in 2005 and sent it back to you. I did not give it a shot. I have the 2008 version and can not put it down. I would like to know, when will you hold training in NJ or somewhere in the northeast. I really want to become one of the great ones to help others become great as well.
I have been thoroughly through a ton of information on marketing, product, affiliates, the whole nine yards over the course of the last 9 months. My big hangup is actually building a website. There are so many technical things that I don’t know. I know it is only going to be learning while actually doing. I had the exact same reactions to computers at first, and came to the realization that the only way to do it is to do it. I doubt if I could harm one of these sites beyond repair.
Hi Derek,
I did read your news letter and yes I have done a lot of research and found a product and build a website with the tools available. I registered my domain name and found a manufacter who agreed to ship anywhere in the world. So I buy wholesale and can sell below retail, BUT now I have to upload my website and that is where I have a problem. I will have to read up and learn as with the rest of this, however do you have any short cut to find out how I can go life?
regards
Gerry / Sydney / Australia
Oh yes. Agreed. paralysis by analysis. I’m still stuck on the using wordfinder and finding my niche!
I for one would be very interested in the videos if they shed more light then the 2008 internet secrets kit.
Frank Thomas
Hi Derek:
Amen to all the previous comments. I only had to read a couple to realize that I am not alone in the info overload, frustration, programs to learn departments, etc. I suppose that if one started out like you suggest and don’t expect to make big bucks or be totally self supporting immediately then the pressure would be greatly reduced. However in this day of modern technology and all the “get rich quick” hype out there most of us are still searching for that “pot of gold”. Especially now since the economy and unemployment are so unstable.
As you suggest, I think I need to pull up reins, concentrate on one thing at a time and perfect that. I have definitely fallen into the trap of trying to do too many things at one time with no income.
Thanks.
Pam
We took up your challenge Derek after buying your insider secrets in January ..and results just in, we have increased our internet takings in March 2008 by $1000 a week compared to last year. Tricia changed the index page of floralartmall.com using your instructions, added new pages from the links on that index page, completely changed the language…making it far more your style…and its working! Hey we are happy! We have been online since 1999 and enjoy a lifestyle generated by ecommerce, but your insider secrets folders always give us more ideas, followed by more tweaking, whenever we open them.
If you are reading this and not yet started, just buy those secrets, and do everything Derek says, don’t just pick ourt the bits you agree with, and you will be on your way!
Many thanks
Tricia and Mike Legg
Derek
I have started over in BeBiz countless times since February, looking for a niche market. My latest attempt of which I am very interested is a true story about “raising a boy when the parents are divorced, both parents are involved with him and have his best interest at heart (birth-17 yrs) and he has turned out to be an exceptional young man” I have now made it to the SEO competition but an unsure of the results. There must be parents out there that are interested in a first hand account of child upbringing in today’s society authored by a “real dad” rather than a paid professional such as a psychiatrist, psycologistand or counselor.
Would you agree or disagree? Should I stay with the idea or look for another niche?
Thanks
Monty
Derek
#2,3 &4! I have written a book and have a bonus item to go with it. Have no clue on how to develop it into an e-book, or how to establish links to them. Am awaiting for recently purchased Internet Business Builders Club- ‘Hyperprofits Gift Set.” . Is there someone who might review the material I wrote to determin if its a viable product?
Thanks; Gus Bliss
Hi Derek,
I have been a big fan for a long time. I was a subscriber for years and then finally I took the leap last year to try out internet business and marketing after I had come up with a business idea. I knew nothing about computers and the internet so I tried affiliate marketing, online MLM, traffic exchanges and Paid-to-read programs, etc to get my feet wet. In fact, they are all still “in the background” which keeps me busy (not to mention the several hundred emails from the gurus, and traffic sites, etc that I get each and every day). So, your article has helped me realize that I really need to cut out all these extras.
I joined the Internet Entrepreneur Club last fall and also bought your Insiders Secrets book. They were eye-opening and I vowed to stick with you to help me build my main business. But, I have “been busy” (some unavoidable, some not)and getting side tracked with lots of other stuff. I still make progress every week but it isn’t as much as I would like.
The biggest hurdle I guess is staying focused - especially on the necessary steps. I work on my business everyday, but not on what I really need to do at this moment. What do I really need to do NOW?
I would also add that I am like Ayn Elise… I don’t fear the technology (although computers and I don’t really get along..it always takes me 3-4 times as long as other people for some reason..ha ha) but since I am totally clueless, it seems like I will have to spend a few years to put together my business unless I outsource. And even there, you need to know what you want to avoid getting something else. So, some help with the building a site is what I need. (I will be asking a lot on the forum.)
I look forward to seeing the new product/service.
I have a definite question to ask you. How do I integrate an order system to my sales web site? For now I’m only going to sell one tangible product (i.e., not an e-book). I need it to accept PayPal and major credit cards and also have SSL security (like VeriSign). Will I need to code PHP into a MySQL database to gather the customer’s data order data (customer’s name, address, quantity ordered, etc.)? How does the “Mailloop” program integrate with my website? What do you recommend as a way to calculate shipping charges? Personal info: I know what I want to sell. I have built static web sites. I can do my own copywriting. I have studied PPC and SEO and I’m still learning. I have the money to get started, but first I need to put everything together. Thanks.
The first three reasons that you list for “failure to launch” describe my situation exactly. In January I started to research online business opportunites with enthusiasm and optimism. It is now 10 weeks later and all I have accomplished is to earn about $17.00 in reading e-mails for InboxDollars and SendEarnings, and I have a folder with nearly 200 e-mails in it regarding online business ideas, informations, and must-have products. I have so much information, I don’t know where to begin, or what to believe. I wish I could attend your seminar April 11-13, but that is just not feasible for me. I need help simplifying things.
Derek,
I have two websites up and running but no sales yet. I have 1 sale from a friend. It was not so bad getting the sites going once you decide what you are going to sell. I had a store builder to work with, and some good coach to work with. I could build a site now in a week, I think. Because you know HOW TO DO IT. The hardest thing I have is how to advertise. Everyone has this big idea and it all cost alot. I am trying the blog, press release, and live directories. All I can say is get off the couch an get with it. The other site I have is www.premiumoutdoorlighting.com My wife and I build one a piece but I cannot aford to promote one at the time. Later Stan
The first 4 apply to me.
The fifth doesn’t because I don’t honestly believe that anyone makes more than a couple of hundred a month online. All sales pages are hype, all testimonials are fake and Paypal etc “screenshots” are made in Photoshop.
Since January I have achieved nothing. Come to think of it, since January 2007 I have achieved nothing. LOL
I have two websites and between them they made 99 cents in sales in 2007.
I have an eBay shop that loses $50 a month and has done for four years.
I have given away 6000+ e-Books, over two years with Clickbank links in them. I’m still waiting for my first affiliate sale.
I won’t bother with the articles that have been read by thousands with no sales or all the Squidoo pages that are totally worthless.
I’ve spent thousands, like everyone else, on e-Books and software (none of which I will ever be able to use), with no result whatsoever.
I still don’t have a pop-up or squeeze page to my name and never will. It’s all far too complicated to try.
I’ll just plod on. It gives me something to do and as long as I don’t lose too much each month I guess I’m doing as good as anyone.
I read your comments. My whife and I purchased Stores On Line and do not know what to try and sell. Stores On Line, say go to Wal-Mart and look for a product and go for it. What type of product. Very undecided. Will have to do as you suggested and get off the couch and just try. will let you know what happens. Ralph
HI Derek
The points you mentioned, you got the bull’s eye. I am in the same feeling as you say. But I didn’t procastinate. I put a one page website in February and started adwords and other techniques to get visitors to my site. I started giving away free ebook in return to the emails addresses. My list is building up. Thanks so much
Gday Derek,
Your top 5 reasons for “failure to launch” are dead accurate. I purchased your course in Jan 2008 and have been very impressed with the quality of the content. I have completed the course, but there is just so much to learn and so many tools to chose from (and I have an IT background). I am stuck at “#1: You’re Overwhelmed and Don’t Know Where to Start” and “3: Too Many Solutions to Choose From — And You Don’t Know Who to Trust”. My biggest problem is finding the right niche - the ones I find seem to seem to be saturated. Can I have more information on your mentoring program – I am trying to avoid the “#4: Spending WAY Too Much Money, Way Too Quickly” as I can see how easy it is to fall for this trap. Again, thank for this great course.
Brett
Sydney, Australia
Derek,
For a while now I have realised that the internet is the way forward to give me the chance to be able to spend more time with my family,and also to be able to achieve financial independence.My problem is not knowing where to start,and taking to much information in and not actually getting started.I have wanted to get a online business going now for the past two years and I feel that I am no further on than when I was two years ago,to make matters worse I have recently lost my job,I am just at a point where I need to get things going but I just do not no which way to turn.
Hope you can help
Owen
Hi Derek,
I was in England in the past few years and I was afraid to start business online.I am in my home country now, I need a business,but I dont know how to start.If you could advise me on simple basic start-ups.I do want to conquer my fear of technolgy.
Enjoy your day.
Gijimane,Stanley
Dear Derek..
My problem is I am overwhelmed and too many solutions to choose ( no 1 & 3 in your points above). Now I understand it. Tq Derek.
Another problem is I dont know how to make form for opt in list. It really give me headache for now. And I also have problem with how to make payment using paypal in my website. I cant solve these problems & I really need help.
I still dont have any up and running website yet…. I am very happy if I can make it happen.
Tq Derek.
Excellent points, Derek - it was following IMCs course 8 years ago that led me to achieve my multimillion dollar success with my various sites, and your point about getting FOCUSED on one single small moneymaking website as the first critical step is right on the money.
Heck in fact I launched it mainly by using a screensaver and ebookpro, to capture leads… and here I am all these years later with a network of revenue producing sites… and it was your and Corey’s work that got me my start, so thanks.
Great point too re not buying too many different products, in fact it was the IMC course that was the *only* “how to market on the internet” course I could afford at the time, and thankfully that was all I needed. Nowadays it seems there’s a ton of so-called gurus (virtually none of which were around in 2000 like Corey and the IMC team was), and all cross-pitch very expensive products that aren’t necessary.
Folks, listen to Derek, he’s been through this and heard thousands of internet entrepreneur business development efforts, and genuinely knows his stuff.
Key is focus, get one site making money, then test/experiment/expand from there, carefully, once you get the *process* of marketing down to a viable business. It can work - you just have to be persistent, determined, and work in service of a passionate buying niche of people who can become your valued customers.
To shared success,
Ken Calhoun
Hi Derek,
To be honest I haven’t started making money online because I have been scammed twice and I did spend already a lot of US dollars for programs that do not work so far .I am seriously disappointed.Derek I would like you to be honest with you .I need your help to quit my day job.Also I do not have a website.So far I am a very beginner.How can you help me ?It is time for me to begin if not this year will be like the others.
Thank you ,
Bene Philippe
you have my comments above:
basically it is not getting the honest info at the onset of joining a business
guru. since i am new to the internet business, i must depend on those that
approach me to get into business. there should be an honest and true plan.
investment needed, timeframe in steps as to roi’s and a meaningful income
to match the investment so that more money does not go to waste.
i have yet to see aso called guru live up to that. and i have been involved
with many big names in this internet world.
try: MG,JD,MK,LCM,TJ,RL,EC,SH,MF,JW,AN,RA, AND MORE :
ALL seem to forget to have a timeframe to even a 1pct profit, exactly what needed
to be invested with a real numbers. it seems….
no talks about hosting fees, setup fees, more investment is needed to even start making money. it’s all just pay this much a month and you will have auto pay, no work, multiple streams of income etc etc. they all seem to leave out the biggest cost, advertising the business, then bam,before one can even make a penny there is much more investment needed then x amount a month.
then you get the garbage talk, if you join nowyou get this and that free.
you know all the freebees seem to be the same from all the gurus.
some have an equal amt of worthless freebees and some have only a part
of the group, but that part is exactly the same.
I THINK YOU HAVE THE PICTURE.
TRY BEING A NOVICE AND THEN REALIZE WHY THE INTERNET
IS STILL NOT FULLY ACCEPTED AS AWAY OF MAKING A DECENT LIVING.
IT IS A SHAME, IF ALL THE ABOVE PEOPLE WOULD TELL THE REAL STORY, THERE WOULD BE MANY MORE GOOD PEOPLE JOINING THE GROUP.
I CANNOT SPEAK FOR OTHERS, BUT HALKING,
NO EDUCATION, NEEDED, NO EXPERIENCE OTHER THAN BEING ALIVE
NEEDED, TO BECOME MILLIONAIRES, SEEMS TO BE A ROAD TO BIG
FAILURES OCCURING LATER ON.
IT REEKS OF GIVE ME YOUR MONEY I REALLY DO NOT CARE IF YOU LEAVE
THERE ARE 100′S OR 1000′ S BEHIND YOU TO FILL MY POCKETS.
AT THIS POINT, I AM SURE YOU AND OTHER GURUS ARE RICH, BUT WILL
THIS UNREGULATED MODE OF BUSINESS EVER BECOME HONEST ENOUGH,SO THAT REAL PLANS CAN BE MADE SO THAT THIS WONDEFUL
MODE OF DOING BUSINESS IS NOT JOIN AND HOPE, BUT JOIN AND YOU CAN DEPEND. IS THIS BUSINESS GOING TO LAST WHEN GETTING REFFERALS SEEMS TO BE THE MODE TO MAKE MONEY. IT S LIKE A
CASINO GIVE ME MONEY AND MAYBE I-2 PCT WILL BECOME RICH
THE REST ARE EXPENDABLE.
YOU ASKED FOR MY MIND.
I WAS IN THE REAL WORLD FOR 40 YEARS, GOING FROM STOCK BOY
TO GM TO EXVP, I HAVE TRAVELED TO 40 COUNTRIES AND HAVE DONE
BUSIESS IN 10 COUNTRIES, SO I AM NOT JUST A TALKER THAT HAS
NOT SEEN A REAL BUSINESS OPERATE. YOU KNOW, THE INTERNET,
WILL HAVE TO SUPPORT MANUFACTORING ENTITIES NOT ONLY
BUY AND SELL IF WE ARE TO BECOME THE GREAT COUNTRY WE WERE.
GIVING ALL THE REAL WORK TO CHINA ETC ETC IS NOT GOING TO KEEP US ON TOP OTHERWISE WE WILL BECOME A MUCH DISSLIKED COUNTRY.
BELIEVE ME, I KNOW, ILIVED 30 YEARS OUTSIDE THE US. YOU SEE, ALL
THOSE TIMES, THE MILLIONAIRE OWNERS OF THE COMPANIES HAD MOST OF THE MANUFACTURING DONE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.
IF I HAD TIME, I WOULD TELL YOU MORE, SINCE YOU SEEM TO WANT YOUR INDUSTRY TO BE REAL AND HONEST.
STAN GALANTER
Derek, thanks for this Newsletter — all apply to me and my wife except for #2. When reading it, “Precisely!” reaction struck me right in the face. Well said. Both my wife and I are working to finally launch our very first website to make our first ‘$100′! But we’re so scattered, i.e., after listening to Jim Cockrum from one of your webinars, we purchased his program…not to mention other more. So now, while I’m busy absorbing this new information, my wife is working on the ‘Insider Secrets…’ instead of putting 2 heads together in one. Result…no website yet. Oh, I’m so eager to see our first $10 from launching one website through BeBiz. Good health to you and your team, as millions of people will be served by your sincere goal to help others to make their FIRST MILLION (including me).
Fernando
what are some good examples of new start up internet businesses?
I think about both products and information, which is better?
You are absolutely right. Most people seem to have the same problem “How to
get started”. It took me time to find a niche but I think I have sorted that out.
However I need to build a website and do not know where to start. Once I get
a website I think I can proceed. Your help would be appreciated. Also I am
cash broke and need to really get moving.
Many thanks.
Leila
I purchased your system back in January and am not selling anything yet. I guess I was hoping for a step by step do this do that approach. I know what I want to sell and I do think their is a good market or “niche” for it. I have been overwhelmed with all the emails, newsletters and information that comes along with trying to get up and running. I wanted to try and get a business plan put together first and some products that I can put on the website to sell. But since I got your system, I have not had time to finish reading it or start using it. I don’t know how to filter through what materials I need to read and what materials don’t pertain yet, plus I get emails from IMC all the time too. I am overwhelmed and that sometimes turns me into “shut off mode”. I need to just get through the materials mailed and then make some sound decisions on what to do next. I wish their was a step-by-step guide. Oh humm. I do appreciate your newsletters and I definately believe you know you stuff. I guess my learning style is the barrier and I don’t know if you can help me or not. Kerrie
I really enjoyed your newsletter above. I guess you could put me into the first catagory…info overload. Do I start affiliate marketing or create and sell a product or sell ebooks I’ve got gathering dust on my computer? I’m so confused! I just don’t know where to begin. I’ve researched a number of programs and they all seem fine to me. Being a beginner, I don’t know which ones to trust and which ones are hype. Please help!
Thanks!
Sue
I agree with most of the comments. How do you know which product to sell? Who to trust?
I do want a system that will walk me right through it, but I don’t know which one to choose. You have a do-it-yourself video series, and a 5 day course and a 6 mo course or something like that, and then the thing in Los Angeles - so many ways to learn about the step by step but I don’t know which one to invest in? Which one is the best format for me? How are they different from each other? How are they the same? Which one is going to meet my needs the best? My website format and my product are not typical - if I take a week long blast of training am I going to just learn the typical skeleton of the way to build it, or is it flexible for my needs? Is there any way to have a mentor as I go because I’m sure I will have struggles along the way, and facing it by myself is certainly daunting.
Jen
Hi Derek. Like many others, knowing where to and how to begin is my biggest obstacle i think at the moment. I have been using wordtracker to search for keywords within the area i want to concentrate on. But i don’t know if i am going in the right direction in terms of looking for a niche market. I have read a number of different articles on how to utilize Wordtracker to its potential, but in the end i’m not sure if i’m heading down the right path. I also know at this stage, that i have to put alot more effort in into the research and just find the right system for me. I am still very hopeful in terms of finding something(s) that ’s right for me. i just know i have to perservere!!!
Mmm… Looks like my contribution stating my disillusionment with your organisation’s products got censored out… You ask us to “speak our mind” and then don’t post it. What does that say about your organisation?
If your organisation does not address my customer service issues, I will have no option other than to tell my story elsewhere on the web to warn others. Pity.
Smarter organisations have realised that they need to address customer complaints quickly because they show - paradoxically - that a customer actually cares about the company it complains about!
Hello Derek,
All the 5 ‘failure’ reasons above apply to me. I want to get off the coach BUT I’m prevented by my lack of Technology - Knowledge. On top of that its rather costly to start most of the Internet Businesses
Your newsletters are, however,extremely informative.
I cannot attend your workshops, as I live in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia.
Thank you once again, & God Bless.
Gurmial.
Still trying - still spending - getting nowhere. There are good looking websites for sale on eBay.co.uk for around £150 including good domains and the dropshippers already set up perhaps this is a way to to get around the techie prob. and concentrate on marketing alone.
HI
HAVING READ THE POINTS ABOVE I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE MATCH TO THE POINT , ME MY SELF AS MANY USERS HAVE A STORY WITH EVERY POINT OF THEM ESPECIALLY FEARING OF TECHNOLOGY AND I WANT YOUR HELP
THANKS
KHAWLA
Reason #6
Life gets in the way. I had to get a full time job, I got pregnant, I had twin girls, they got sick and went to the hospital. But I have to ask myself why I would let life get in the way. We all know we can make time for what’s important to us. The truth is, I launched in 2006, and it just didn’t work out. It took the wind out of my sails. So I guess the real reason #6 is past failure paralysis.
Derek,
It looks like you need to write a book called: “Nuts and Bolts: Entering the Online Business World and Its Technology. Book One”.
So when will it be out in print or as an eBook?
I can’t seem to get my we page to work or find someone locally that can help manage it. Bummer. Still looking.
Rusty
The barriers holding me back are that I don’t have an idea for a website. I already understand how to build a website. I have at least intermediate technical knowledge and PC savvy. I understand the marketing aspect fairly well too. I undetrstand the concept of building lists. And I’ve heard the suggestions made about selling something related to what you’re good at. But I can’t really think of anything in that regard.
The other thing holding me back is that the idea I do have, I’m really afraid to run it by someone first even yourself - lest it get stolen - sorry! How do I know it won’t.? Actually come to think of it this is actually the bigger of the 2 issues . I really need some advice if they think my idea will fly.
Can you help?
I have a million ideas and just need to get a simple website up. I keep get scared of launching anything and I don’t know how to upload a website. I need a “See Dick Run” Instruction
I have somewhat similar issues like STAN GALANTER and the likes of many who were being being scammed or misled.
You’re spot on from points 1-5. But so what?
I’m sorry but I have the same sentiment as Kev Toh - All your points are on the money but soo what? None of you all “succesful” businesses deliver the real “GOODS” without getting our money first. I do understand that you all are in business to make a profit…that’s what we all are here for. These days there really aren’t any persons (besides most kids) on the Internet purely for entertainment. To be clear about where I stand let me just say this - Those who possess the knowledge DESERVE our money. But what I have a problem with is how you all successful Internet business operators want us to blindly fork over our hard earned money before you provide FULL disclosure of the services you will be rendering. That’s why so many of us new Netrepreneurs can’t get in the game.
If someone has a solid business model in the off-line world they are not afraid to present it to a prospect - the FULL and Complete Plan - and await their decision to buy or not. Online business models are always cloaked and smothered with so much elusive sales copy rhetoric that a person has to practice the tendencies you point out in item 3 & 4 of your post. If your company is something different than all the others then please start being more specific with what you are proposing as I too, like some of the other commentors here, have been getting your newsletter for over a year and still can’t let down my gaurd enough to move forward. I’m sorry, but all of you online business ‘method’ sellers just spew out the same old vague, general, baiting, descriptions of what you offer. Keeps me from seriously becoming interested in any one company because it give me the impression that there really is just a few basic fundamentals one can follow a become successful. That’s why all of the sales copy you run across reads the exact same. Luring them in with fear of losing out on something. Promise to solve everything you know every online business faces. But then tell them AFTER they spend their money that if they don’t have the time to perform certain task related to running a web business, then they have to spend even more money to source it out to someone else. Who they have no way of verifying either.
Don’t get me wrong, all of this would be fine if someone could sell me a model that would have my business generating income after my pockets are ripped-off.
Someone needs to believe in their business model and marketing skills enough to come straight-out with ALL THE COST it will take, all the systems/skills one is going to need, and present this information UP FRONT with no catches the same way business is done off-line.
If your company fits the bill, then start promoting that. Not all these - time is running out - there are only limited number of spots - I know what you need - so hurry up and join emails and newsletters. I’ve seen some of your companies product training manuals and such and I must give credit where credit is due.
Yours are of superior quality when compared with the other online marketers.
But the message is still just as vague and un detailed as the others.
I agree with Spencer..
IMC’s products are the best, and sometime the sales language gets in the way.
I am really looking forward to your videos Derek.. don’t let us down.
Show us how without the hype.
Thanks,
Bill
Dear Drek,
Thankyou for speaking right into my problems. For the past two years I am trying hard to get started.But I am still struggling on the ground not knowing what to begin withand how to start .
Reading your e-mails going through your news letters, keeps me pushing similar to a bulldoser behind me.They are really tempting.
I will be glad if you can prompt me,to say how I must start and where to start from, and with what to start,
Isn’t there a possibility of getting personal coaching from you or your team?
Thankyou,
Neela.
Hi Derek -
I started out wanting to find a wholesaler/drop shipper. Didn’t like what I was finding for products and unsure of who was reliable. As I researched, I learned about e-books, affiliate marketing, JV, etc. Maybe I’m a bit dense, I learn best by someone showing me & my doing it myself, but all the how-to info I’ve read doesn’t really explain how to get started.
At long last, I finally got my blog (http://solutionsforyourlife.blogspot.com) started today.
Following a serious accident last year, my earnings plummeted to less than $1000/mo. Have been supplementing by selling miscellaneous items on ebaycraigslist. Need to generate some additional income before I can invest in expensive courses, etc.
Your comments certainly refer to me. I have bought many different packages and am finding it difficult to get started - I am simply overwhelmed with so much information. However, I recently decided that I will definitely get started.
As a matter of fact, I have a website more than one year now, which does not generate any sales because I never really took the steps to promote it. I recently attended an internet workshop and learnt about Adwords and Adsense, which I will put into practice soon. Can’t afford to just keep paying hosting fees while I work for someone else - that is senseless. Need to make some big bucks and get on the road to financial freedom. Working on my plan to get off to a flying start generating multiple streams of income. So I am off the counch, FINALLY.
Might have to get someone to work along with me initially. I’ll keep you posted.
hi Mr Derek, my main problem is how to place my adverts, that is how to advertise my products through the internet.
hmmm. not quite sure where to start, or if any1’s actually interested in reading this
My interest started about 4 years ago w/ Corey’s stuff at IMC. Not sure how, but I ended up with his “Ultimate Seminar” DVD. At the time though I was like 17, and $100 was A LOT more to me then, and I never really went anywhere with it. Also got some other guy’s ebook on Affiliates, and last year went to a Stores Online seminar (and got out w/ my shirt!) Anyway, I’d always kinda avoided spending any money ’cause it seemed like such a large random industry, I could never get the “Big Picture” that I always tried to understand. I could also see myself spending thousands and never going anywhere. Like a lot of what I see here…. Plus, I was also turned off by the the whole “sales-copy format” which lies about urgency, etc.
I’m an avid reader/learner of personal finance / wealth / success books though, and just last week, as I was contemplating life, I decided that out of the four “money-mountains” of “Real-Estate, Investing, Business, & Internet”, I really wanted the Internet to work (if it was possible) because mobility is really important to me right now. So (and this was just last mon!) I sat down for a couple of nights in a row getting 8 hours of sleep over a period of 76 hours, and started gathering ALL the info I could. Trying to put everything together so I could understand it.
Well, I’m not sure if I’m now just at the starting point of what most ppl already understand, but I feel AWESOME about all this! I created a “map” of Internet Marketing” that’s actually sprawled out on my living room floor right now
And using this, I’m able to look at ANY sales-copy, and understand that they’re not selling “the solution” to Internet Marketing, but exactly what puzzle piece problem they’re trying to sell me a fix to! This makes A LOT more sense!
So I started thinking, maybe I can sell the “Internet Marketing Map”! lololol!!!
na, I’ve gotta prove it first. Plus I’m still learning and adding stuff to the map. So I’m working on creating a product for the industry I’m currently in. I don’t expect it to be perfect, I just need to get something out there to start tweaking!
I also ordered the Insider’s Secrets pack, and am looking forward to checking out those videos!!! I can’t wait to check out the Insiders package now that I have a working map to compare it all against!
Now for my analysis of the Top 5 Reasons:
#1: Ahh, wouldn’t that be nice…. a system. Closest thing I’ve seen to that is the “Ultimate Seminar”. It had holes I’ve been filling in, but it’s an awesome starting point. Can’t wait to see how the Insider’s Secrets fairs. IMC also seems like the best internet marketing “company” out there. note: there’s a lot of individuals, but IMC is actually able to provide some manpower and cash to throw at programs and solutions to make em look nice!
#2: No excuse. Not now. Want something? Type it in google or eLance. Other than that, become proficient at a computer. Lucky me I was raised on them I guess but I really don’t see what’s so hard.
#3: A BIG REASON, and closely related to number 1. One reason I never bought ANYTHING! lol. Now that I have my map though… bwaa haa haa! Every solution now has it’s nice place.
#4: The result of numbers 1 & 3 & having money & no control. Fortunately I didn’t fit into this combination. Thank God I was already broke.
#5: I’ve always had the problem of analysis-to-paralysis. It took time and the Ultimate Seminar video to get me on track this time. Can’t wait to see where this is going!!
-Nick Haley
PS: I went to college for a general “Multimedia” degree, so I know some about creating websites and stuff, but I’ve found it doesn’t even matter anymore! Especially w/ the low-tech required for simple sites that make money! I saw some comments about ppl having trouble with creating their site and here’s my suggestion: Buy web-hosting, and they’ll have some templates. USE A TEMPLATE AND PUT SOMETHING UP! People talk about not having a site that looks like someone else’s like it’s some huge error. We’ll I’ve found that most of the sites that make money look very similar! Using their template will also allow you to easily cut/paste HTML code from Paypal or whatever into your site.
Derek,
I have been getting your e-mails for a while know and your have offer to launch a website. But I already have a web site need to find out how to get the traffic to the site I have tried socialmarker.com ,adthis.com ,google adwords, and ECT. I have spent a lot of money trying these avenues but only gotten a minimal traffic. I need to learn how to drive traffic to my site. If you have any idea’s let me know.
Regards
Abe
Hi Derek,
What has delayed me in starting my internet business are the following
1) I am not sure if I need to do legal paper work to declare my business as sole ownership, or what other legal steps I need to do as a 1 person owner to avoid legal issues.
2) I am not sure how other online business for my product (online translation agency) are invoicing customer. Do they have customers pay everything up front before starting a project, or do they invoice them later. I was going to visit another online business and act as a customer to find out.
THanks,
Hi Derek,
As with many of the others I am finding it difficult to find what to sell on my, as of yet, not created website. I’ve thought about ebooks and tried to sit down and think about things I am interested in but find that I know a little about some things, but not enough to sell anything. I have some ideas about some products but don’t know how to determine if they would sell or if there is a market for the items. Otherwise I don’t know where I would find item ideas that I could possibly sell.
I would love to take your 5 day course but could never find that kind of money and could not afford to take 5 days off of work.
Thanks for your help.
Theresa
I am all over the place, adsense sites a total of $4.54 profit, blogs, and affliate stores that leads to nowhere. I have decided I need to focus on one thing so what did I do, I purchased two more domains, parked them and want to promote affiliate marketing reviews on one of them. (onlineworkreviews). That’s where I’m at.
I suffer from a lack of confidence of sellers, easpecially from USA. You guys are good at marketing, you talk it up. All internet marketers do that, you cross-sell so you and your affiliates (buddies) get more and more money out of innocent scapegoats like us.
I bought 3 webstores from a US company in 2004, they had to reimburse all its buyers after a court commission hearing in Australia. They oversold their wares to people in Australia and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) acted for us. I got my money back for the webstores, but the damage was irreparable.
It was unfortunate I signed up for a 6 months coaching session which costs me $12,000 with an affiliate with the US company after I bought the webstores. That portion of the money evaporated into thin air, I could not get a cent back even with complaints to the ACCC. The coach was good but the things asked of was unrealistic. I was to find a marketable product, one that suits my interest and one which is everyone will want to buy. As if I know.
I was to find trustworthy suppliers, and there are godzillians of them out there, who can I trust ? Again, as if I know.
I was to sign up with this and that internet marketing company and pay, pay and pay so my website will be the top of the search engine. I was to write articles and publish them in every possible site that is related to my products. I was to go into classifieds and put in all I could to market the store. Totally overwhelming & not an enjoyable experience at all.
All in all, the US coaching company got their money, I am left with 3 webstores with not much traffic, I stopped paying the monthly hosting fee and I still have them sitting there doing nothing for me. It ended up easier to sell through eBay. Someone should have mentioned eBay first, instead of robbing the daylight out of sincere, hardworking innocent people who just wants to improve their lot by getting some income on the internet.
So Derek, if you are only keen to add to your own coffers, good luck to you and your affiliates. I think the right thing should be to want to help people who are genuinely in need of help, and the $$ would flow in after that.
Anyway, enough of my rambling, hopefully I am an exception and I do not wish other people to go through the same experience I have with internet marketers.
sewhoy
Sydney, Australia
Derek the stuff that you said is true i am just confused like the others i can’t get to focus on one thing all the news letters i read about opening an online business is to good to be true, they promise that i can make a lot of money with a little investment at the end i get so confused so i need your help thanks so much. getting focused is the main thing and thanks for the tip.
ben
from san fransisco, califronia
Hello and thanks for doing this Derek,
I’ve got everything in place and am trying still to figure out how to convert traffic, well first draw traffic to the site and then convert it. I have the product and services and have confirmed the need over the past 12 years. Not being a salesperson has gotten me stuck. I want to podcast and have all the equipment but can’t get the sound to play. I’ve got the shopping cart set up, but am only paying to keep it there since sales have not exceeded the cost. I’m on a book tour and have a 7-week audio series and still just stuck like Chuck. Fear has held me back, but knowledge is also not there to know what to do next. Why might someone like me be the founder of the Fearless Parenting Institute? Because I know fear better than most it seems. So thanks in advance for anything you can offer to give me the tools for how to strategize in getting sales started and self sustaining, cause I’ve got next steps already to go if I can get this one moving first. Thanks so much!
There’s a fearless parent in all of us. Seen yours lately?
Adelaide Zindler, FP (Fearless Parent)
www.FearlessParenting.com
Derek,
For those of your readers who really need to start at the beginning, I would like to shamelessly self-promote my new blog, Internet Newcomer. The goal of the site is to build a collection of articles and references that will bridge the knowledge gap that exists for most newcomers to the Internet.
Posted today in the Business Beginner category is Master of Your Domain, a guide to understanding domain names.
Thanks,
Greg
Hello, I am trying to get into having on line businesses. Spending money on sites that are not generating anything is where I seem to be. Could you please give me suggestions on how to get sponsors for my site, how to generate traffic, and how to promote my site? Could you also help with how to have a site selling products for another company? Thank you. Evangeline
Frankly I have trouble getting focused. I have not even read your first batch of material let alone the second or third and now I am going to unsubscribe to your entrepreneur club.
It is my opinion that its wasted money if you can’t read it let alone use its value.
Whats my problem you ask ? I’m just really too busy. I already make decent money in construction and really can’t (don’t want to) throw it all away to MAYBE make money on the internet.
I have been trying to choose a product. The one I had made for samples is from metal. My market was to be primarily USA. (I’m from Canada). Then the cost of steel jumped 7% and the US $ went to par with the Canadian $. Had I jumped in on this idea, I would have gone immediatelly in the hole.
That is the frustration I believe with many Canadians trying to break into the lucrative US market. Americans want to buy American.
The cost to bring US products to Canada and then ship back to the US is just too much money and hard to compete with Americans.
I’m still going to try to set up an internet company but now I’ve changed my ideas.
Thanks for letting me vent !!
I began last Aug. Direct Consumer Marketing. I have the products to buy, use the products which are GREAT!!!. Just am not getting anyone to request more info at my site. I believe in this company and products which are Toxic Free. I have bought leads, received free leads, posted to groups, posted to classifieds, put out cards, flyers, etc. I don’t have time to call people all day long and try to get them to a presentation. I have 5 children still at home and a self employed husband who does concrete. So our financial situation doesn’t allow me to spend a lot of money trying to make money. I also have sent several emails to my leads, my family and friends. It seems everyone is closed minded, doesn’t believe what I am telling them, and won’t even try the 100% Guaranteed products. They can cancel their membership anytime too. There have even been Membership Specials for only $1.00 and still can’t get anywhere. You even receive $100 shopping dollars Free. What is wrong? How can I get people to my site to request info? What are the BEST and Cheapest Marketing Tools? I also need step by step instructions.
Well , the first thing thats been holding me back is deciding what product or service to offer.
The other thing is this economy has me working less and less hours each week, so my main concern has been, to try and get my financial house in order so I can afford web site hosting, and whatever else will be needed to get that first business off the ground . I really don’t want to start out in debt ,only to find I have fail at that first attempt ,and then I have no money left to work with to make the next attempt.So better to have, at least a little money to start out with.