We all know that the majority of us are online to make some money right! Deny it all you want, dance around that one but let’s just be honest. Building relationships is important but you’re not just here because you want to be my friend.
I’ve been very honest with my readers as to why I created this blog. I’m chronicling my journey as I learn how to build my affiliate marketing business from scratch. That’s right, I’m building my business!
I’m into my sixth month now and I’m pleased with my results. I’ve shared all my statistics with you, how much traffic is visiting my site each month, how many opt-ins I’ve received and how much money I have made. So, now what!
How do the pros really make money online? Where do I take my business from here. What does it take in order for me to be able to call myself an expert or even a guru (stop laughing)? Hey, it would be funny though wouldn’t it! Me, a guru!!! Could you imagine. Okay, back to reality.
What’s the Next Step
I’ve been building my list and I now have a total of 140 opt-ins. We are being taught that once you get to 100 it’s time to start stepping up the game. So how do you do that? By creating your own product. Hummm…
In my training they recommend that your first product be an interview with a guru. They teach you all the different steps that you will need to take in order to get the interview taped and created. You then start by promoting it to your list and adding it to Clickbank. You know, make it official that you’re somebody now!
This sounds all well and good but it’s not exactly what I envisioned my first product to be. Would you really be interested in purchasing a product from me if I interviewed some guru? Seriously! Aren’t we gurued to death!
So let’s say I did an interview and everything is in it’s place. Now things start getting really interesting and fun. You start selling your product and that leads to more products and maybe even training communities. Who knows, depends on the direction you want to take your business. Here’s my problem..
I have no idea what to create. Seriously! Not a clue, nothing popping out at me, no specific area that I know more about than anyone else, no new techniques to share, no new secrets to reveal. Okay now that’s just sad.
Any Suggestions
Can you see where I’d be kind of stuck? Huh!!! Am I just having a brain freeze or is something so obvious to me that I just can’t see it. You guys have been following me for awhile now, do you have any suggestions? Do you see something in me that I haven’t seen in myself?
I sure could use your input.
All of you have been so helpful and supportive of what I’ve set out to accomplish. I’ve personally chatted with a few of you and you suggested that this should be my next step as well. So now I’m just asking for your opinions, suggestions, thoughts, observations, I’ll take anything at this point. I need to decide where to go from here and I just haven’t got a clue.
No pressure! LOL!!! But seriously, your advice, comments and thoughts really mean a lot to me. Wouldn’t it be cool to look back months from now and say hey, I gave her that suggestion. I think that would be pretty neat so come on, don’t be shy! Can’t wait to hear what you all have to share.
As always, thanks a bunch and it’s very much appreciated. You guys rock!
I too have around 130 optins from a new campaign I set up a month ago. I would recommend an infoproduct and also an interview inside of it. It could be sort of a bonus for them buying the product.
Edwin recently posted..How To Always Know When A Program Needs To Be Updated
Dang, 130 opt-ins in just a month! Edwin, I’m impressed my friend. Not surprised at all though.
An info product with an interview inside. Huh! May have to give that some consideration. Located someone who can build a list really fast and interview them. Heck, I’d buy that one!
Thanks, I appreciate those tips…
Hi,
I would personally aim for the e-books and scripts. I would love to write e-books about SEO, marketing, tips and tricks and sell them online with Paypal payment. And I would also love to sell scripts, they’re really cool and interesting, I’m sure there would be at least a few buyers but there is always that lack of time that I have and I can’t start doing this kind of stuff yet. Thanks for sharing!
Joshua@Plumbing courses recently posted..Plumbing Certification
Hey Joshua,
I’ve written some eBooks and reports, also have done lots of videos for my free training site. I don’t know enough about SEO to teach anyone I’m afraid and I don’t know anything about scripts either. That’s my problem but it sounds like you may know a thing or two in that area. Maybe you should put some time aside for that because let’s face it, this is the next step to being “somebody” online now. You have to create your own product and get your name out there connected with it. If you do decide to do something like that in the future Joshua, be sure to let us know. I’d like to help you get your info out to people.
Thanks for your advice and for those tips. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to help me.
Adrienne
Dear Adrienne,
I feel the same way like you.
I have hard time to figure myself out and not quite sure how to position myself as an expert.
However, I feel it takes time to create an informative product for quality. What you passionate about is the most important !
DId you see the movie ” Julie and Julia” ? You might love this story.
I don’t know what to say while I get stuck here.
Get the challenge journey like you do right now it’s fun to share with. The most important is we all need to put spicy(passion) in our receipts like magic.
Yen
Yen recently posted..What is the price of the ugly truth online Part 1
Hey Yen,
I’ve only been to your blog once but it seems to me that you are geared toward helping people learn internet marketing. As you learn and grow, comment on other blogs and build up a following, you will eventually discover that you too know a lot more than you give yourself credit for. But it does take some time. Just keep doing what you’re doing and it will all fall into place.
I did see the movie “Julie and Julia”. Love that she started with something simple and made it into something. I enjoy helping others so that’s my passion.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I really appreciate it!
Hi Adrienne,
You have been doing a good job my friend and I like your progress. Creating one’s products is really very helpful for building a business. I think if you interview some successful online marketers and put all these interviews as an ebook is a great way as many people love to hear from other’s experiences in the online world. Thanks for sharing Adrienne and good luck
Ah Dia, so you think I should do the interviews. Huh, wasn’t quite sure if people are interested in hearing from some of these guys again. But see, that’s what I wanted. Your opinion on which direction you think I should take my product. Interesting. Thanks for sharing with me, I appreciate it. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Adrienne,
You do know quite a few things others don’t and just doing what you have puts you miles ahead of others. If you think you don’t know anything specialized then as a fall-back you could find a subject matter expert that is tech-illiterate and bolt the whole program together for them and jv that puppy.
I think most of us have been in this same spot. You aren’t alone
You’ll find your way and I think collecting feedback here is a good start. I’ll drop you an email and maybe we can get a solid brainstorming session going.
Jon
Jon@Business Strategy recently posted..Headway Theme Review – A Premium WordPress Theme
Hey Jon,
I knew you could give me some input on this. I thought I would start by asking my blogging friends and then I’d survey my list. I don’t want to rehash things but I would rather put my time and effort into something that will benefit others.
We definitely will need to talk about this one. You’ve been so great at helping me in certain areas so I know you can shed more light on this for me. Thanks for this and let’s talk soon.
Adrienne
Adrienne, I am in a similar situation. A little more than six months in, building a list (almost a 100), I’ve created an ecourse and am writing a ebooklet, have made some affiliate sales and am looking at what else I might do.
I think an interview with a guru theoretically sounds good, but I would never opt-in to listen to an interview. Maybe to read the transcript or summary. I think an ebook or ecourse is a good idea.
Best wishes for your success! It’s nice to be on the journey with you, so to speak.
Jeanine Byers Hoag @ Dressing My Truth recently posted..Scooby Doo & The Case of the Ice Cream Sundaes
Really, you are on this same journey! How cool is that Jeanine. I’m impressed with what you have done so far as well.
I know that I have to think about what others want but like you, I wouldn’t purchase anything where someone interviewed a so called guru. I mean if that’s really what the majority of people want then I would have to seriously consider it but I sure hope not. I’d much rather create something that will benefit others and it’s something they can learn.
Thank you for the well wishes, here is right back at ya! Glad that we are on this together. Maybe we can help each other along the way. Even if it’s just moral support!
Thanks for your sharing.
It’s so good when we advertise our product on internet because there will be many people know about them.It’s is a key in our online business
van025 recently posted..Lip plumper
Thanks for your comment. Any suggestions on what type of product you would benefit from? I’m open!!!
I have no idea what to create. Seriously! Not a clue, nothing popping out at me, no specific area that I know more about than anyone else, no new techniques to share, no new secrets to reveal. Okay now that’s just sad.
Hi Adrienne – It’s not about knowing more than anyone else. There are lots of teachers as well as students. The trick is for the student to find a teacher he or she can relate to and you, my dear, are a very human being. You’re honest, humble and sincere. That translates into trust and that means gaining more and more followers. Most of us trying to make it in the internet world have the same problems and the “gurus” usually just confuse the issue or make promises they could never keep in a million years. Telling a student “what” to do is far different from telling the same student “how” to do it. We all have a website of some description, we all want that site to offer a service or product or information or some combination thereof, we all want it to look good and work well, we want to be found in the search engines and we want to promote ourselves ad efficiently as possible. You have done the work. You have learned the what and the how and you are on your way. That’s more than the next best 95% of everyone in the online community. So your product is self explanatory – You start identifying the baby steps and teaching them one at a time. Keep it dead simple. Don’t get fancy. Just teach the basics and we will worship you
I have this problem constantly with computer related products, particularly software. Everything is bloated and over complicated. It all has too may features, most of which I will never need or use. I want Basic Training followed by intermediate training and leading to mastery. What I don’t want or need is full blown mastery training when I can’t even crawl yet. I don’t need or want outrageous promises. I just want the real thing delivered in bite size chunks.
Terry D. recently posted..Is it Love or Ego – ask the bitch
Hi Terry,
Wow, thank you so much for this comment. Boy, I really appreciate that and am so glad that you see me that way. That’s exactly how I intended to come across to everyone. So mission accomplished in that respect.
Maybe a beginners course actually taking them through everything I’ve been sharing in my blog but showing them through video tutorials exactly what to do, which days, which weeks, etc. Take them by the hand and show them the way. Okay, that’s something to consider. Will have to think about that one. Maybe also give them the product to get them going. My mind is going now. Oh no, watch out!!! That could be dangerous! LOL!!!
But seriously, thanks Terry. Really appreciate your input!
Hi again Adrienne – Just going over the posts here and looking for the baby steps solution again. What if………..you created a series of small e-books outlining the steps you took to get here. PRICE OF THE FIRST ONE IS A LINK ON THE USERS SITE. That assumes the user has a site, has enough smarts to have it functioning and wants to work on basic SEO, promotion and monetization. So gets first e-book free after you see the link and then next ebook costs 19.95 or something. That one is about whatever your next step is and that leads to #3 which sells for 39.95. After that one is mastered the next one sells for 69.95 cause by then the thing should be bringing in enough money to pay for itself. No part of the course would be available unless the previous unit had been purchased at least two weeks prior just to keep integrity. I have no idea hot that would be set up but hey – that would be the next book right?
K just drinking too much coffee and had to write you
grins
Your very own ding dong daddy from duma
T.
Terry D. recently posted..Snap decisions and lingering agony
Thanks for coming back Terry and sharing more thoughts with me on this subject.
Okay, one thing… Wouldn’t that be just like the gurus we were complaining about earlier always making us come back for more time and time again because they just couldn’t share all the juicy stuff with us up front?
Maybe I could do like a beginners course and share all the steps it takes to get started and what to do and then once all of that is in place, they can take the next step up showing them how to kick it all into high gear. Just thinking out loud, I really have NO idea which direction I’m going to go at this point. I’ve received so many different opinions and will probably take a poll later on since I’ve surveyed my list now and those are still coming in.
But thanks for sharing this with me. More food for thought, that’s for sure.
Hey, enjoy your day my friend.
Hi Addie – I thought that offering a graduated program would give an opportunity for folks to try out an entry level course at entry level prices and prove to themselves that yes you have a workable product that has value. If someone sell me something that works well, I’m willing to pay more to take the next step and if THAT works will gladly pay more for what comes after that. To me that’s far different from some guru trying to sell me total confusion disguised as instant riches.
I think my real point is that I CAN’T HANDLE ALL THE JUICY STUFF UP FRONT …….Really, I’m not yelling but that’s my whole point. I’m dying from overwhelm and need bite size chunks. Bottom line is I’m learning to read here and I’ll never understand the university level stuff until I do and I’m dead certain that I’m not the only one. I’m also certain that there are other people who are in a very different place and would welcome intermediate level information without going back to grade school, so bite size chunks work for all levels. Having said all that, perhaps the real plan would be for you to identify all the steps involved and create mini courses for each one. SEO 101 would be very different from SEO 202 and would give you a chance to take your own skills to the next level while preparing your next course. How cool is it to get paid for what you know AND get paid to upgrade your own skills so you can teach that too?
K – I’ve blabbed enough here and I know you understand what my point is so hugs to you and best wishes that whatever you ultimately decide to do, I’ll be able to learn from.
Talk soon
T.
Terry D. recently posted..Snap decisions and lingering agony
Okay, I see what you are saying now. And I agree with you and I’m on the same wavelength as you too. My learning skills are below average and it takes me awhile to “get” certain stuff or just understand how to do it and implement things. Which is why I’ve progressed rather slowly over time due to the fact that what I was learning I just didn’t understand and no one wanted to take the time to help me.
That’s why I teach things in simple and easy to understand terms. That’s how I learn so even if you aren’t computer literate or not familiar with all things online, I can help you learn. So I totally get what you are saying and that does make a lot more sense. I just don’t want to be one of those people that others feel they are getting ripped off from because it was too simple or “they already knew that”. The main thing I’ve learned over time is to take action with what you are being taught and consistent action at that. A lot of us already know what to do, they just aren’t doing it consistently. That’s what’s going to help everything start to grow.
I really appreciate you taking the time to come back over here and give me more input Terry! This will be the direction I’m headed so your input is extremely helpful to me. Seriously!!! You rock my friend!
Now, go enjoy your weekend and have some fun. I need to get back over to your place and check out what you’ve been writing. I’ve been super swamped today and haven’t had a chance to comment at all. But it’s been a productive day I’ll say that.
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
of course, our purpose in business – any business – is to make money. That’s neither questionable nor deniable. The only thing that’s questionable or deniable is the how.
I just found what the biggest flaw is: The agenda. Building relationships with an agenda in mind is the kiss of death for both the friendship and the business. It would be like saying to one’s spouse:”I love you because I need you.” The “I need you” is an agenda, is it not ?
It’s the agenda in relationship building online and offline that puts people under pressure and turns them into salespeople, it also creates fear of failure and rejection. Of course, if I need you and you reject me, I will feel bad.
For me the hardest thing in my business development was getting rid of the agenda because I used to close people in my former business. Up to know, I would know exactly what to say to close the deal. But would it get me the volunteers or only those that are too weak to say No ? Would I have to close them all over again before they do anything ?
Those who really want will join me anyway if I don’t scare them away with sales techniques.
So I got unstuck by getting rid of my agenda. Of course, you have to choose a business model that rewards relationship building without agenda. I wonder if it is affiliate or internet marketing. I have my doubts.
Well you asked, and I gave you an idea. What do you think ?
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..Business And Sports – Lessons From A Golf Lesson
Oh Oliver, how very true. I totally agree with you regarding the relationship building agenda… But I think in the beginning most people are guilty of that until they learn and know better. I also agree with you about the closing. Most people just want to make that sale but that doesn’t mean they’ve gotten the right people on board. Too eager to get the numbers up instead of the quality of people who are willing to do the work that it takes to build the business. I’ve been guilty of that in the past as well.
Great idea, I love that! Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts with me and you’ve definitely given me something else to think about. Man, I’m loving this.. Hey Oliver, I appreciate you my friend. Sincerely!!! Have a blessed day and thanks again, great idea!
Talking about making money on informational web resources and blogs, I think that success mainly depens on the way you promote and monetize a website. First of all, you should attract targeted traffic to a website and afterwards you have to convert traffic into sales.
Terje Sannarnes recently posted..SEOPressor is a Plugin to Simplify SEO Work of an Entrepreneur
Informational products and blogs are definitely huge right now but what exactly do people want to learn? They definitely need to learn how to attract the right people, their target market for sure but is that what most are still having difficulty with? I mean once they learn that it still doesn’t guarantee sales. To me it’s being genuine in your approach and attracting the right people to you who will get to know, like and trust you and that will bring in sales.
Thank you for your input Terge, I really appreciate it!
Hey Adrienne
This is an interesting one….the ‘fraud’ factor comes into play (as in: if I create an infoproduct/product I’d feel like a fraud…what can I teach people).
This is something that you have to learn to deal with – I can tell that there are people who you would consider to be ‘gurus’ who wake up and look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves the same question: Why will people buy from me?
It takes time to come to terms with that – what helps is continued sales, glowing testimonials, emails thanking you and asking when the next course/product is coming out, and low refund rates! (This is from my bass site btw).
Here’s some suggestions on finding a ‘product’ idea:
1) Ask your list.
2) Check your posts – often posts with high comment numbers are indicative of a ‘hot’ topic. Can you turn a post into an eBook (or a collection of posts – Steve Scott writes about this at Blogging Bookshelf).
3) Amazon or Clickbank. Search for topics that are selling well….and then make a ‘newbie’ version of that.
From a ‘selling’ point of view you should definitely lean on the fact that recently YOU were a newbie just like your target audience, and if YOU can do it, so can THEY.
Often I find that the ‘gurus’ have gone so far down the road that they forget how frustrating it is for newbies and don’t realize that to a total newbie saying something like ‘create a wordpress site on a hosted domain’ either means nothing, or the newbie understands but has no clue how to do it.
HTH
Paul
paul wolfe recently posted..An Open Letter to Jeff Bezos – Please Stop The Kindle Spam!
Wow Paul, thanks for this. Great tips my friend, really awesome stuff for me to consider.
I intend to ask my list next but I wanted to start here first. Am getting some great ideas so that will be the next logical step for me. I also read the post over at Tristan’s blog about turning a post into an eBook. I had someone tell me that the post I did on how to build a business in just 5 months would be a great eBook that they would purchase with a little more detail of course. That gave me a great idea too. Then there is good old Clickbank and Amazon but sometimes I’m not to sure about Clickbank. I’ve gotten some horrible products from them lately. I refuse to crank out a crappy product.
I do relate to the newbies so much better because there are so many people coming online every single day that have no clue what to do and I know that the way I explain things can really benefit them. I also have my free training site that will show them all the basics of anything they need to do to get started here online. May have to incorporate some of those together.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Man, I really appreciate it Paul. I now have a lot to think about and have really gotten some great answers.
Have a awesome day!
Adrienne
Hi Adrienne,
I’ve been building email list and doing all this from a long time (at least a year now). I think first doing an interview with guru. Next, doing a series of quality posts especially for your email lists and then selling a product.
Before you do everything you should do a survey about your visitors, what they would love to hear or what question would they like to ask with interviewee.
For doing survey there are many tools and one of the most recommended tool is Surveymonkey.
~Dev
Devesh @ WordPress Tutorials recently posted..Content Spinning Vs Idea Spinning- Naughty Vs Nice
Thanks Dev, I will be doing a survey to my list. That’s the next step but wanted to start here first. It’s recommended in our training to interview some guru but I’m hearing a lot of no’s regarding that. I personally wouldn’t purchase a product so that’s why I wanted to ask my list. But it’s interesting what others are thinking which is why I really appreciate your input.
Thanks for this, seriously!
Adrienne
I’m with Terry D on this one, Adrienne. There are too many people out there who simply do not know how to teach anyone, they are just selling information, often on subjects they do not understand themselves.
You are right, there is a plethora of ebooks and guides, reports and tutoring courses on every topic under the sun. Most are complete rubbish so don’t think you have to invent the wheel, just make your own wheel that works much better than most others, and more importantly works for you.
The idea of building a list is for you to market to – that means you – they will buy your product because they trust you, not someone else’s on a similar (or same) topic, because they do not know that person.
I downloaded an MRR product from a resale rights site last week because I was interested to read what someone else said about the topic. It was one sheet of A4, with ten bullet points, poorly worded, bad sentence construction, and not even good information. However, the topic was of great interest to me and it has created an amazing idea for a product that I am now working on.
You know what your strengths are, you know what you have been successful at, your list will buy from you, even if there are a hundred other products out there on the same topic. And yours will no doubt be better than 99% of them anyway. Do something to help to bring better quality products onto the marketplace, created by people who know what they are talking about because they only write on those subjects.
I was really impressed to see your comment above about SEO. Good for you. It would be so easy to slip over to the darker side of PLR (a new blog post I’ve just written!) and just sell anything, regardless of your understanding on the subject. Oh, and if you learn about SEO let me in on the secret will you? No clue, no clue at all!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
mandy@learntoblog recently posted..Passionate Focused Thinking
Wow Mandy thanks a ton!!! Boy, I really appreciate your comment and for sharing all of this with me. You are right though, I think I’ve built up a following enough that people will see me as a genuine person who is eager to help so I wouldn’t crank out any junk and promote it to them. That’s so beneath me. You have really given me a lot to think about. I’m receiving so many wonderful suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Oh and once I get that SEO figured out, you’ll be the first I tell!!! LOL!!!
Adrienne
Hey Adrienne,
Personally I would create an ebook with a sizzling title.
Interviews are a little tricky and I personally do not like it that much. But if I know you are making progress in your niche that I am interested in and are ready to teach us, then I would pay attention to your product.
Adrienne, I go for an ebook.
Cheers!
Tosin
Tosin | Home-based Business Coach recently posted..Phone Prospecting Script- Why are You not Calling
Hey thanks Tosin, I appreciate that! I’ve definitely got a lot to think about now.
Adrienne
Hey Adrienne, I know what you mean as far as being stuck. I want to create a product too.
I have asked myself ‘what I know” that others might… actually WE know a LOT.
Think back to when you started and knew nothing. Would you not have given your front teeth to a person who would show you what you know now?
We often do not credit ourselves enough. Most of my friends think I am a Guru! (LOL, LOL)… but seriously, I can almost see sometimes how they might. they ask questions to me and I answer so second nature that I surprise myself sometimes.
Regarding finding out ‘what’ people want, I think this post is an awesome way to glean feedback, in fact, I may pinch the idea down the road.
Till then, as Dev says, Survey Monkey has given me a lot of direction as to what to provide me readers.
I think you are awesome… and you ARE a Guru to me!
Jayne
Jayne Kopp recently posted..Online Business Reasons for Failure
I definitely can relate to what you are saying Jayne. Some of my friends think I’m the smartest person when it comes to things online. Like you, I surprise myself at just how much I really do know. But I have to laugh at the guru reference. Yeah, right!!!
I will be surveying my list and then take everything from my comments and my list results and then decide from there what my next step will be. Boy, I sure have gotten a lot of great ideas. I say when you are ready, just ask your readers too! They’ve come to know you so well now.
Adrienne, I agree that I would not be particularly inclined to buy a product from you that is simply you interviewing someone who is more successful than you PLUS, what cut is the guru going to want from your endeavour.
Take a business look at the situation. What do you know now that you didn’t when you started? Put that in an e-book or video and people will buy it. People want to know “how to…..”
An idea for you perhaps……I have been blogging for 7 weeks and am closing in on an Alexa rank around the million mark. I look at the bottom of my screen and you are 122,811 Alexa rank. You put together your record of what you did and when you did it and I will buy it because I want to be where you are.
Title it, “how I got to an alexa rank of less than 150,000 in six months” – sold to me for sure.
Regards
Richie
Richie Lloyd recently posted..Goal Setting Strategies – Advanced Level
Thanks Rickie, I think I would cringe if I found out that more people would want to buy an interview. Darn, might have to rethink everything if that’s the case. So, glad you disagree with that direction too!
I know so much but it’s what other people want to know is the question. Which of course is why this post was a necessity for me.
Your idea is a great one Richie because this blog is not even six months old yet. It will be on the 28th but I didn’t start really driving traffic to it until the first of this year. So, less than five months I’ve got a pretty darn good Alexa ranking if I do say so myself and as you will notice, a pretty good following now. Hey, not too shabby…
Thanks for your input, I appreciate that. Everyone is giving me so many wonderful ideas.
Are you saying you don’t have a niche? This is my first time on this blog, so forgive me I’m asking anything that you’ve answered in here somewhere!
Are you saying that you’ve been studying marketing and how to market and you don’t have a niche?
I transcribed for some of the biggest and brightest millionaire internet marketing gurus for 8 years and this is one way they explain it.
What would you do for free? What would you do every day if you were so financiall free that you didn’t have to work? Well, they tell you to do keyword research and find a big market and all that stuff too.
BUT if you truly know how to market you could sell ice to an eskimo!! So, what would you do every day if you could? Check that niche out! See what’s there – the product will flow out from inside you and you’ll be happy doing what you’re doing.
I wish you great luck!
Tammy
Tammy Matthews recently posted..Good Day Bad Day The Choice Is Yours!
Hey Tammy,
No my niche is affiliate marketing and teaching others how to build there own business. That is exactly what this entire blog is about. But it’s now time for me to create my own product. That’s the next step so my question to my readers is what type of product do they suggest I create! A lot of them have been hanging around here for the past four months so they’ve come to know a little about me now. Everything seems to be rehashed over and over again but I’ve gotten a lot of really great suggestions.
Although your suggestions are great, when I was first starting out there was not really one special thing that I could make into a business that I enjoyed doing every day. Even if I had all the money in the world and could do anything, I just don’t have any particular hobby or something that I’m crazy about doing. Which is why I had a hard time getting started.
But thanks for your comment, I appreciate it and it may help others who find themselves in that particular situation.
Hi Adrienne,
I see you have gotten a lot of great advice here. I know you will come up with a great product, just take your time and set up a questionnaire that you can e-mail to the people in your list, asking them about what type of product they will like you to make.
I’m in the same boat as you. I want to make my first eBook but I have no idea what I want to write about. humm…I think I’m going to take my own advice and ask my clients.
I’m in your corner!
Tisha
Tisha recently posted..5 Ways to Flow With it- Breeze Through It- and Come Out With Clarity!
Thanks Tisha, I have gotten a lot of really great ideas. My mind is in information overload thinking of all the different things I can do. My next step is surveying my list and then I’ll make that decision based on what I learn.
Sometimes we know what to do but don’t think about it at the moment do we. Will look forward to seeing what you come up in the near future so good luck with that as well.
I’m in your corner too!
Adrienne
Thanks Adrienne, I think surveying is a great idea.
Tisha recently posted..Just Say NO to Drugs-The Holistic Truth of Reclaiming One’s Natural State of Health
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I get as much response from my list as I have from my post. Thanks Tisha!!!
Hi Adrienne,
I’m working on my first paid product and it took me a while to figure out what exactly I was going to do. Then once I made the decision and started working on it, I found that it began to grow and expand, it’s going to end up being much bigger than I originally envisioned!
What great advice that you have already received, I enjoyed reading through the comments.
Just think about what you know, what you are excited about, what you can teach others about. Then think about how you would most like to share with others. Start the ball rolling and you may just find yourself with more inspiration than you thought you had in you! I’m sure that what you create will be top notch!
Stacy
Stacy@Personal Development recently posted..Finding Answers to the Riddles of Life
Hey Stacy,
I asked for it and they came through for me don’t you think! I’m amazed at all these wonderful suggestions. See, that’s exactly what I needed. Ask and you shall receive.
Congratulations on creating your first paid product. I’m excited for you Stacy. I can’t wait to find out what it will be.
I was talking just last night to a lady that is in the same training community with me. We have been exchanging emails so last night was our first time to chat on the phone. She made a good point and one that we have noticed through our recent training. Just because the so called gurus say that “this works” and “that works” doesn’t mean that it really works. You see, they aren’t going through that same process with us. As a matter of fact, they paid someone else to do it but stop showing us the results from all that work. Also, some of what they taught us they didn’t give us the entire scoop. I found that out because another lady in the same community went above and beyond to research this and learned what they had totally left out. So I think someone actually walking you through all the steps it takes and showing you the results would be a great product. My only problem with that at this time is that I just got through going through all those steps and dang, I don’t want to start it all over again. So that’s something I was thinking about after the conversation we had.
But I definitely have a lot of information to work with. Thank you for your input as well. More good stuff to consider.
“So I think someone actually walking you through all the steps it takes and showing you the results would be a great product. My only problem with that at this time is that I just got through going through all those steps and dang, I don’t want to start it all over again.”
Hi again You,
So that’s exactly my point. You don’t want to go through all those steps again BUT your students MUST in order for them to arrive where you are now. Honestly, I’m so tired of trying to work with ‘experts’ who are so far beyond basic that they’ve forgotten what it took to get there and/or it’s so long ago that it’s no longer relevant. Your experience is fresh and so your product will be fresh too. A clean and straight forward ebook is worth a thousand videos I can’t follow and do at the same time. Maybe give away chapter one and sell the rest for 29.99. Keep selling that as IM 101 and then go to intermediate which is YOUR next step. Socument every success you have along the way and write book number 2 IM 202 and then do a mastery course for graduates. Keep each book current and you’ll never want for money.
I’m good at people and you are too in a different way. I want you to succeed, so my success will be easier and so I can help more people see how their lives can be destressed. That’s what I do. Like you, I’m learning as I teach and have been learning long enough to have something useful to say.
Tell me how I can help
smilin atcha
T.
Terry D. recently posted..Is it Love or Ego – ask the bitch
Well hi again you too!
I know, you are so right. What I was thinking is that if I went that direction with a product, I would want to take you back through the exact steps you would need to take and do them right along with you so I could prove to you that it does work you know. Not sure if the proof of what I’ve done here would be enough and if I would have to start from scratch again. But your idea is a really good one.
You’ve given me a lot to think about Terry, wow!!! Thank you for taking the time to come back over and go at me again. Seriously, this has really been helpful. I will be sure to give you a shout if I have any questions or concerns that I think you might be able to clarify for me. I appreciate that seriously!!!
Thanks ton,
Adrienne
Hey Adrienne, I’ve got 32 optins and I’m not in any rush to increase it. Rather than interviewing a guru I think it would be far more productive to write an eBook, the problem being what to make the eBook about. It would have to be something that you know a lot about and that would be of value to your readers.
I’ve been thinking about a short one on how to make money and I’m not talking about online stuff. I’m talking about sensible ways that I’ve used over the years. Some may think the ideas in the book are kind of obvious but I think there are a lot out there who may find it of some use.
Sire recently posted..Venice Beach Full Of Character And Characters
Hey Sire,
Good to see you my friend. I’ve gotten a lot of really great suggestions so I’m excited about that. I think that I’ve learned so much and since I’ve taken the action and gotten the results from what I’ve learned it’s now figuring out what my readers and people on my list would like to learn from me. I’ve got a lot to think about.
Now that sounds interesting because like me, sometimes the simplest things are right in front of my eyes but I don’t see them as far as making money doing different things. Like I recently created yet another business but am mainly doing that one offline. People who are interested in hearing more about it online can definitely give me a call but that’s a direction I decided to go that was best for me. So some people just need suggestions. I think it’s a good idea.
Thanks for your input. Every little bit helps.
Have a great day!
Adrienne
Hey Adrienne,
I’ve been reading this exciting post, as well as the exciting thread in the comments section (wow, you sure do know how to get feedback
) . Well, you know how much I admire you and your skills and your personality, but I feel that I may not be able to help you that much in regards to creating your own product. When I was still finding my way in this online entrepreneurship path I’ve taken, I also asked the same thing you’re asking here! But of course, I am sharing my experience , to let you know that I stopped going towards this path of creating my own product (at least for now, as we couldn’t tell what the future holds for me he he), and I decided to focus on building my network marketing business. I believe that the network and community you have created here will definitely allow you to brainstorm and to successfully find that a-ha moment! (keep us posted! )
One thing that I can note though is I am very impressed with online entrepreneurs who set themselves apart from the crowd. I see myself being attracted to ‘productivity’ products or anything that would help me improve the way I manage my time and my results. I am not sure if this will help you in any way, but I as everyone here has said, it has got to be something which you had difficulty before, but now you are enjoying doing and definitely enjoying teaching others as well.
Oh Adrienne, I just wanted to show my support here, but apologies if I can’t pinpoint my suggestion. Best of luck to you, and definitely let me know if you need other help (aside from product ideas), and you know I’m here to cheer you on to your success!
- Rowena
Rowena Bolo recently posted..30 Day Mental Cleanse- Think and Grow Rich Chapter 2
Thank you Rowena and no problem if you don’t have any suggestions for me.
I definitely know what you mean though. Although I am now pursuing my network marketing career again, I will not abandon this direction either. Mainly because I believe I can help so many people so whatever I can do to help them further along, I’m in. Because I started this particular journey awhile back, I need to see it through. After that, who knows.
But I did get some awesome feedback didn’t I! Talk about impressed, I’m so flattered. If I can’t figure out something to do after all of their suggestions, there is something seriously wrong with me. So, stay tuned and thank you for your support. I’m so thankful we connected. You inspire me so much so just having your support is enough.
Hi Lovely Adrienne
Great article – I love your honesty. Now I want to share with you some input, that might help you a bit in your search, since I have been through the same process in the last couple of weeks:
You have to find your “sweetspot” :
- What’s your favorite thing to do online?
- What tasks are easy for you to do?
- What tasks do you look forward to do?
Now in my humble opinion, you have a GREAT gift in writing!
and I have a feeling that you love blogging and commenting on blogs. There a tons of people out there, who doesn’t know how to blog or even set up a blog.
Maybe you could make a product teaching how to do what you do with your blog:
How to use keywordluv, connect to facebook and twitter, comment on other people’s blog ect. ect.
Your lovely personality combined with your own journey and your great way of writing could surely be a winner.
If you want to brainstorm, then I am only a skype call or email away
Cheers
Tina
Tina Lindgren recently posted..I might have found my vision online
Well hello there Tina, thank you so much for this very helpful comment.
I know that people say do what you love and I must admit, I do love to blog and I do love to comment. So really, that in itself could be a product people would want? See, that’s why I needed everyone’s input. And I have gotten some awesome suggestions, this one included. You’ve given me even more to think about now!
Beware, I might be Skyping you here in the near future! Thank you again Tina, I really appreciate what you’ve shared with me. Boy, I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.
Hey Adrienne
Excellent post you have here and as to what defines an expert or a guru, well actually not a lot really, in fact I can’t recall excatly who mentioned the following, but an expert doesn’t need to be someone who has great depth of knowledge about a particular subject but instead, if one knows just 2% more than anyone else, then your considered as an expert.
From you blog, and what other may have already previously mentioned, creating an interview product is actually a great way to create a product and I don’t think you should be doubting yourself at all, I mean just look at all the wonderful comments you have recieved *hint* your could write an ebook, or create a set of online videos showing people how to increase blog readership, how to gain more blog comments and traffic etc..
As to your comment about you
“I have no idea what to create. Seriously! Not a clue, nothing popping out at me, no specific area that I know more about than anyone else, no new techniques to share, no new secrets to reveal. Okay now that’s just sad.”
Come’on Adrienne, don’t worry about that, becuase I’m sure you see many ebooks, products etc.. from various marketers all selling the same techniques, skills, strategies etc… everyday and do you ever wonder that despite the marketplace is saturated, that many marketers can still make money, or still use them to build a list?
The answer is very simple, everday there are millions of people (newbies) joining the internet marketing and make money online niche, hence there will always be fresh minds who are new to what you have to say, offer, teach or advise upon.
The key though is to be able to attract them, and build a loyal base of subscribers, fans and followers. People previously use to buy product based upon hype and instant urge, following the crowd etc.. nowadays, the new trend is people don’t like to be sold to,, but instead they prefer to buy things from recommendations, and from people that they trust, and if you have a unique perspective, angle or selling point even better. And trust me, and like many have already comment – you already have a very unique perspective and that is in your writing. So take advantage of it!!!!
And remember always have faith and belief in yourself and that whatever your decide to create, or do, don’t worry about trying to please everyone, because nobody in this world can create something that 100% of the population are pleased or delighted with. Keep taking action and keep the momentum going!!!
Anyway, I think I’ve probably lost you already admist my long reply, apologies in advance about that, but yeah Adrienne, keep going and stop doubting yourself!!! You already have a lot of skills, knowledge, techniques and strategies that put you as an expert already!!!
Best wishes to you, your business and your promotions!
Nigel
Nigel Yip recently posted..Pushing the Boundaries towards The Next Frontier
Hey Nigel,
Thanks for stopping by and wow, you sure did share some wonderful information with me.
I remember when I was first starting and people told me the same thing. If you know just 2% more than anyone else then you are considered an expert. I may know a little more than others but I don’t believe that constitutes being called an expert. Personally, I have a problem with that which is why I probably have a problem with a lot of the so called “gurus” today.
That’s a good idea, creating something revolving around showing people how to increase their readership, comments on their blog and traffic. Of course, I share the majority of that right here in this blog so I guess I better start learning some more as well.
I know you have a point with my particular response of me not having any idea of what type of product to create. I know people are making plenty of money rehashing information but I don’t want to be one of those people. Sure I’ll be the first to admit that I want to make money, I won’t lie. But I want to give value to the people purchasing my product, not just throw something up so I can make a buck. I also see your point that there are plenty of new people coming online every single day who don’t know how to get started or go about doing any of this so I would be able to help them because I explain things in simpler terms So that would be beneficial.
I do have a pretty good following now so I know they would definitely put a good word in for me because they also know that I would put any product together that would be junk or not benefit those who I would be targeting. So again, I definitely see your point and I have to believe in that myself.
Thank you so much Nigel for sharing all of this with me. Seriously, I appreciate the time it took you to leave this comment. Wow, I’ve got a lot to think about. I appreciate this, sincerely!
Have a wonderful day and thanks again.
Adrienne
Adrienne,
You surely have received a wealth of information here! I think I gave some pretty good ideas in my email to you a few minutes ago – they are off the wall, but I think maybe off the wall and out of the ordinary is the way to go right now. It will be different than anything in the industry, but can create a HUGE buzz
Take your time and don’t rush it! When something comes to you and it is workable, try it and see how it goes
Linda
Linda recently posted..Is CommentLuv ComLuv Important for Blogs
Thanks Linda and I saw your email. Will be sure to read that one this evening and see what all you shared with me.
I haven’t received a lot of response haven’t I! You can see why my mind is going 90 miles an hour now. Wow, so many great ideas so now I just have to put them all together, survey my list and then decide which direction to go. Hey, this is going to be fun!
We’ll talk later… Thanks!
Wow, Adrienne! You got such a great response here! That alone explains your large number of opt-ins and predicts the future success you’ll have with whatever paid products you decide to come up with. I really wish that I could give you some suggestions, but the business-side of this all is so foreign to me. I *do* love Stacy’s comment though about how she decided on one thing and it just grew from there.
It sounds like you have tons of ideas and people to brainstorm with already, not to mention the ideas that you’ll gain from the people in your list as well. =) I can’t wait to hear how this all develops. It’s like an exciting story with a string of happy endings coming up! =)
Thanks so much for your humility, Adrienne. It’s even got me thinking that maybe I can step into the affiliate world one day. =)
Best of luck to you! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..A 5K Race on Crutches
Thanks Samantha and I just appreciate your comment whether you have anything to add to it or not. Just your support is enough for me.
I have received so many awesome comments and I’m so thrilled with the outpouring of support. I’m really excited about this next step and my mind is really racing now. So, as the months go by we shall see what I come up with.
All I know about you is that you can do anything you put your mind to. You are proof enough just from the journey you are undertaking right now. I believe in you Samantha and support you all the way. If you ever need any help, I’m here for you.
Wow! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Adrienne. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement. =) I hope that I have been able to support you as much as you have supported me!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Chinese or French Dreamer or Doer
Absolutely Samantha… Thank you!
One of my favorites quotes about success is this:
“Success is outperforming what you have already performed.” In my opinion, you having no idea what to do next is a challenge that you need to take. Surely there are things you know that others do not know. Don’t let your being new to the blogging industry (6 months is already a long journey.. lol) stop you from sharing what you know. People new to blogging often want to learn from others who are at the same level as them.
I agree with Nigel’s comment. Though you may not have any idea of what to do, no new techniques to share, or no new secrets to reveal, you are not alone. There are many others out there who are newbies and may be more naive that you. All you have to do is to take you time learning on your own. Don’t stress out your mind on thinking of new ideas. It will come out naturally in time. And once you learn them, you can be your own business expert who shares her new learnings and in the future, more people would surely follow you.
I wish you all the best Adrienne. Good luck with your business! I know you can do it! You’re already a star in the blogging world.
Extreme John recently posted..Business Blitz- Organizing Your Business And Improving Readership
Thanks for your comment John, I really appreciate what you’ve shared.
I’ve actually been online for several years now but this particular journey is a new one. I do know a lot more than a lot of people but I would prefer creating something that people want to learn about. There are so many different directions I can go but I’ve received a lot of great suggestions. Now comes the hard part, deciding what to do.
Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot!!!
Hey Adrienne
Thanks for your great post. Your post proves that indeed you are honest. Truly speaking making money is the main idea behind spending these hours in the internet.
I think creating ebooks in any topic that would lead someone to a great way to make money. It makes money for you at the same time increases the traffic of your blog.
Anthony recently posted..Chicken Coop Designs – Proper Planning and Preparation
Hey Anthony, thanks for stopping by and for your comment. It’s greatly appreciated.
I think when I first started, creating an eBook would have been my first route to take but I know people learn differently so surveying my blogging buddies to see what they would suggest has really opened my eyes to a lot of great ideas. You are right though, created an eBook on a great topic everyone wants still works really well. I’m keeping my options open at this time until all the results are in so thank you again for your input.
Its really a tough question in the first place! You have got to follow some protocols, and experiment with some existing rules. If you succeed you are making big bucks, else you can even get indebted. So, play safe!
Anthony@chicken coops recently posted..Chicken Coop Designs – Proper Planning and Preparation
What I share and what you do are all free methods so there’s no excuse about loosing out on big bucks. You’ll have your initial set up of a domain name, hosting and autoresponder series but no matter what you do online, you’ll need those services anyway. Just play it smart, that’s all.
Thanks Anthony, I appreciate it!
It was really pleasant hearing from you, but what I would have to say is that these are the basic steps. After having a domain and a website launched, we all do need to have a going business to sustain an income. Isn’t that the whole point why we had started?
Regards
Anthony@chicken coops recently posted..Making a DIY Chicken Coop – How Big
Absolutely Anthony but once you start making some money you can then turn around and invest it into paid advertising if you wish, totally up to you. I just want people to get started and stop using the excuse that they can’t do this because it costs too much money!
As always, I appreciate the response. Keeps us on our toes wouldn’t you agree?
Hi Adrienne,
I am also in the same position as you. 6 months into my online business and at the point where I need to start making more money from it. I am also unsure on how to do it.
Maybe concentrate on whatever you know best, because you do have value to offer obviously. Your blog wouldn’t be so highly ranked if you didn’t know what you were doing.
I can’t wait to see your results. Thanks for sharing.
Ian
Ian Belanger recently posted..Blokube Review
Hey Ian,
Well, we are at the same place. That’s great!!! Maybe some of the suggestions I received will give you some ideas as well. I got some great ones don’t you think?
I will more than likely go with something that I enjoy doing more so with everyone’s input that has helped me realize which directions might be better for me. Guess all the information out there isn’t too terribly saturated at this point.
Thanks Ian and I’ll be excited to share what my results are when the time comes…
Adrienne
What a great premise and question..
Better yet all of the candid responses.
You have exhibited the ability to Create that product right here. I have had success with a modest subscription to a weekly Webinar and Live Talk show on the HOW TO build a ?????? from scratch.
On one series we, as a group (No Gurus allowed) built a web based business from scratch. Starting with product research, domain shopping and keyword analysis, Then launching the WordPress System which is a Blog, Web page, Sales pages and Resource depot. The information form the Webinar series is only accessible to the Subscribers.
Amazing how many visiting the page through SEO and direct referral (social media) end up joining the Membership to learn more, because the page says “only accessible to memebrs”
All of this can be done by anyone commenting on this Blog.
We are all GURUS about something.
Find your niche expertise and GO FOR IT..
And please don’t worry about getting it RIGHT!
JUST get it GOING!
Chuck Bartok recently posted..Making Money from a Blog
Hi Chuck, thank you so much for your comment.
I did get a lot of wonderful responses, didn’t I! I very seriously doubt I’ll have any problems figuring out which direction to go next. I have such a wonderful blogging community and they are so very supportive.
Your weekly webinar sounds interesting. I don’t go into that much depth here on my blog but I do have a tab at the top of my page to my free training site that will walk them through a lot of what you do on your webinar. Found that to be the best way to help others. I have a lot of subscribers on that site as well.
You are right, just get it going. Guess I’ll have to start deciding within the next couple of months which direction I’m going from here. So, stay tuned for further developments.
Wow, there are some really talented people that visit here! You’ve already got so much great advice that I feel a bit intimidated. LOL However, with your personality and your amazing way of making things sound so simple, why not consider turning this entire experience that you’re sharing with us into an ebook or ecourse of some sort. I know, I know, there are ebooks and courses all over the place. But I feel that yours could be unique enough that it would sell. You can chronicle it as a journal. Market it as your step by step journey to teach and aid others on the same road. You depart some awesome information here constantly. Why not charge for it at the end of the road?
Marcus@Laser printer reviews recently posted..Canon L170 Laser Fax Printer Review
Ah Marcus, don’t be intimidated at all. I do have some amazing connections now and they’ve all been so helpful and supportive with my journey.
You know that’s really a great idea. I believe that a lot of people are also intimidated with the process you have to go through to get everything set up so maybe have video tutorials walking them through how to set up some of the programs and services that they would need. That way it’s like I’m taking them by the hand and showing them everything without leaving anything out. Really a great idea Marcus, seriously!
See, I’ll definitely take that one into consideration as well so thank you for your input. I really appreciate it and for taking the time to stop back by. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
Wow, you got a lot of tremendous advice here. I am in the same line with Joshua from Plumbing courses. Writing ebook about SEO and tutorial is a great idea. We can share information to others and it’s profitable. Have a blessed day.
Andrew Walker recently posted..ShoppingRepublic Coupon Code
Thank you Andrew I appreciate your response as well. I’m going through the process now of deciding which way to go so your input is important.
Hi Adrienne,
Just a quick note to say KISS – I for one, am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there. Anyone who can act as a tour guide to simplify this and untie the gordian knot will be a blessing to all of us. I think I’m going to disconnect from everything but you, Frank Kern and Eban Pagan for now. The rest is just too confusing. Please, one guru at a time lol
Terry D. recently posted..Snap decisions and lingering agony
Ah, you are too sweet my friend really! But you are right… The sheer volume of everything that there is to offer and trying to wind your way through it all is a confusing mass. A lot of the big guys leave a bunch of things out just so you’ll keep coming back to them for more information, and of course, that’s how they make their money. Genius but exhausting!
Thanks Terry!
Grins – that strategy may work for THEM but all it does for me is teach me that they lie. Not a useful strategy top build trust. Now, if they just told me that B follows A but not until you master A, I’d be fine with that. As you already know, there are some things I’ve figured out about life and love, but blog development and marketing? ummmmm not so much LOL. I’ll guru you if you guru me
Live well and be much loved
T.
Terry D. recently posted..Snap decisions and lingering agony
Ah thanks for the reply Terry! Absolutely, let’s just guru each other. At least we know that we’ll be honest with each other right! Have an awesome afternoon…
I think PROs do pretty much the same thing, but on a massive scale. I think it’s about the fundamentals – getting a huge traffic that converts well….But the challenge is how to actually do this…..
Susane D recently posted..The Intestinal Yeast Infection
That’s what I’ve been sharing Susane… With time you will have a more massive scale to market to as you learn and grow. That is the type of training I’ve recently gone through which is why the product is the next step. All of this takes time and we all have to start at the beginning right!
Thanks for your comment and for stopping by. I appreciate it!
Personally I feel the GURUS are 99% full of it, they have a group of them rehashing methods and they prey on people new to Internet marketing. Make a product with true value, for instance and E-book with solid advice, round up good reviews and word of mouth and traffic and sales should come. Just my opinion.
Sandi@Kasper Suits recently posted..How to Enhance Your Look with Pantsuits for Women
Thanks Sandi, I appreciate your opinion. It’s great food for thought in what direction I need to go.
“… no specific area that I know more about than anyone else, no new techniques to share, no new secrets to reveal…”
- You don’t need to know more than the others. Remember that on each day, there will be more and more newbies who will try their luck online. You just need to touch their heart and give something beneficial to them. Meaning every newbie can fully understand. To be honest, what I’ve seen in you is you’re very friendly to all people visiting your blog so why don’t you use that good heart so you win more and more people. Just bear in mind that simple product with simple thoughts can still make a difference. Maybe a start to inspire others.
Antonia@Conversational hypnosis recently posted..Skills Needed To Learn Hypnosis
Thank you for that Antonia, I really appreciate it! That’s just so very nice of you to say. Truly.
Will definitely keep that in mind.
I’m happy you appreciated my comment. I can’t wait to see the launching of your first product! Goodluck!
Antonia@Conversational hypnosis recently posted..The 4 Stages Hypnosis Protocol
Thank you and I’m excited… So, stay tuned young lady!
Hi Adrienne,
I would buy your product, no matter what product you created. It’s all about trust. I have bought many interviews with gurus, I wouldn’t normally by another one, but I would think that yours would be different
Jens P. Berget recently posted..Free Kindle Books – How To Find Them