Why Can't 100% Succeed?

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Why Can't 100% Succeed? Printed from: The Warrior Forum Topic URL: http://www.WarriorForum.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=176962 Printed on: 08/20/2007 Topic: Topic author: Willie Crawford Subject: Why Can't 100% Succeed? Posted on: 08/18/2007 21:51:35 Message: On my flights between Florida and California over the past several days, one of the books that I read was "Be Unreasonable" by Paul Lemberg. It was a review copy sent to me by a publicist friend. One of the premises in the book is that great things happen because "unreasonable" people DO rock the boat, and do attempt things that most people consider impossible. It's a great book that you should be hearing a lot about soon, if you haven't already! While out in Hollywood, I spent time chatting with several friends who are extremely successful online. One of them caused me to chuckle when he mentioned a 1.xx million dollar tax bill that he'd recently paid. He actually enjoyed paying this bill and as we talked I fully understood where he was coming from. The weekend was very invigorating for me... reminding me that I'd settled into a routine of accepting too much of the status quo. One of the unreasonable questions that I asked myself is "Why is the statistic that 95% of online businesses fail - probably true?" Some answers that made me feel "OK" with that fact, came to mind, yet another part of me questioned, "Why can 100% Succeed?" I realize that is an unreasonable question, but certainly many, many more people seeking to start homebased businesses should be succeeding than are succeeding. I think that it would be a lot of fun to actually unravel the how this can become a reality. If we know why so many aren't doing that great... something everyone seems to be able to explain to you... then why can't we figure out how more CAN succeed. A lot of the answer to that question did come to me over the weekend... but again, I thought that it would be fun to discuss here. Anyone game? Willie Replies: Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 21:59:22 Message: To expand upon the previous post, one of the things that struck me as "odd" is how quickly the experts suggest that nothing works for everyone, and then they don't generally offer a step-by-step action plan on what worked for them. A few people do this, but most seem to wimp out. I think that it's better to say he's the roadmap... with a disclaimer that it worked for me but that there's no guarantee that it will work for you. That seems a LOT better than just pointing out 100 pieces of a puzzle without showing how YOU pieced some of them together. Willie Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:01:29 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford If we know why so many aren't doing that great... something everyone seems to be able to explain to you... then why can't we figure out how more CAN succeed. More don't succeed Because...... More don't apply. More don't plan. More don't seek out practical knowledge. More don't take ownership and claim their Success. More don't broadcast their projects,goals and dreams. More don't commit to functional business plan. More don't cut the green grass on their own projects. More don't seek out professional honest critiques of their plan. More don't treat their time with dicipline. More don't do the little things that others won't do. More don't do more. How's that for a start of discussing about More? HTH, Richard P.S. To succeed you have to do alot more than just more. Reply author: Lucy Weber Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:04:11 Message: I think one of the biggest obstacles is not having a boss. There are several reasons that having a boss is beneficial. 1. A boss tells you what to do, as well as how and when to do it. 2. A boss provides you with an incentive to keep working. (As in, don't work - get fired!) When you work for yourself, sometimes it is hard to develop and understanding of exactly what needs to be done, the process that you need to go through to achieve it, and the schedule of when to completed each task. Plus, there isn't as much incentive to keep working when you work for yourself. You have so much temptation to say, "I'll just watch this one 30 minute television show." Or you say, "I'll just read one chapter of that book." Or maybe, "I'll just take one day off to go to the beach and relax." But that one hour or one day turns into two or three or twenty. I think in order you be successful, you have to get yourself into the mentality of REALLY being your own boss. Being your own boss means just that, you have to BE YOUR OWN BOSS. If you take that literally, I think it will lead to a vast improvement of how much you get done. That's my take on things, and thinking like a boss has helped me. :) Remember, folks, working for yourself doesn't mean you don't have a boss to listen to anymore! It means YOU must be that boss, and the more of a hard-@ss you are, the more you're likely to get done! Reply author: June Campbell Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:04:52 Message: How more people can succeed? I think the failure rate of all start up businesses is high, although perhaps not as high as online businesses. It's my guess that a lot of people dive into an online business without doing their homework, and having no idea of what is involved. It's much easier to "start an online business" than it is to start a real life business. You don't need anything other than an Internet enabled computer and you can say "I'm in business". No need to get a license, write a business plan, write a marketing plan, stock inventory, find customers... you just figure out how to sign up to Clickbank and away you go. I'm thinking more would succeed if they spent the time in the beginning learning about the new industry that they plan to populate. There is still such a belief out there that any damned fool can make money on the Internet and bring in tons of money while they sleep, etc. I have friends who comment on how amazing it is that anybody can just make a living without knowing how to do much of anything but sit at a keyboard. That's the mindset that too many people bring to the table when they decide to join us. Reply author: People Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:06:02 Message: quote : One of the unreasonable questions that I asked myself is "Why is the statistic that 95% of online businesses fail - probably true?" Some answers that made me feel "OK" with that fact, came to mind, yet another part of me questioned, "Why can 100% Succeed?" Relativity. Whether we like it or not it's one big competition, one big poker game and not everybody can walk away with more chips than they sat down with. The game changes constantly, so do the rules, but the limited chips on the table will never be given to everybody. The one thing which allows the winners to succeed online is the ability to learn from their mistakes just a tad more than others who don't learn much from their mistakes. It takes a sharp mind to see the path to money, and not everybody can turn those corners as fast as others, and those who turn the corners faster get first dibs on the gold and diamonds sitting in those mines. :-) The mines become dry every so often, and the winners are the ones who turn those corners faster on their way to the next mine. It's all a competition. Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:08:55 Message: quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford If we know why so many aren't doing that great... something everyone seems to be able to explain to you... then why can't we figure out how more CAN succeed. More don't succeed Because...... More don't apply. More don't plan. More don't seek out practical knowledge. More don't take ownership and claim their Success. More don't broadcast their projects,goals and dreams. More don't commit to functional business plan. More don't cut the green grass on their own projects. More don't seek out professional honest critiques of their plan. More don't treat their time with dicipline. More don't do the little things that others won't do. More don't do more. How's that for a start of discussing about More? HTH, Richard P.S. To succeed you have to do alot more than just more. That IS a great start A root cause of many of the things that you list is that more don't know how. So, seeking the proper training seems to be something sorely needed. It's also true that many people simply won't put in the time and effort to learn what they actually need to know! Willie Reply author: Lynn Terry Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:09:59 Message: The thing is, you can show people "how to" all day long. You can even show them proof and results. They might get excited, and they might want to have those same results you achieved. But they DONT want to put in the work you put in to get where you got. Not all of course, just that 95%. I think what makes the difference for that small percentage of people that either find a map and follow it - or figure out the path on their own - is that they have a consuming desire or an overwhelming NEED TO SUCCEED. Take me for example. My start-up story is inspiring, most say. But I wouldnt wish the circumstances on anyone. I am a single mother to 2 children with no extended family and no father involvement. When I first started, I was married to a man who never worked and we had 4 children in the house (mine, his, ours) plus his sick father lived with us. That's 7 on my one paycheck, which wasnt cutting it. The way I saw it, I didnt have a choice but to make change, and so I started a business and MADE it work. Without that pressure, people lose interest or lose motivation or lose steam - or whatever. Some of the greatest success stories have come out of the worst of circumstances. Wanting to "be wealthy" is not motivation enough - not when you have shoes on your feet and a full belly. My 2c. http://www.clicknewz.com/560/employ...ntrepreneur/ http://www.clicknewz.com/959/flashb...0-years-ago/ Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:11:21 Message: quote : Originally posted by People quote : One of the unreasonable questions that I asked myself is "Why is the statistic that 95% of online businesses fail - probably true?" Some answers that made me feel "OK" with that fact, came to mind, yet another part of me questioned, "Why can 100% Succeed?" Relativity. Whether we like it or not it's one big competition, one big poker game and not everybody can walk away with more chips than they sat down with. The game changes constantly, so do the rules, but the limited chips on the table will never be given to everybody. The one thing which allows the winners to succeed online is the ability to learn from their mistakes just a tad more than others who don't learn much from their mistakes. It takes a sharp mind to see the path to money, and not everybody can turn those corners as fast as others, and those who turn the corners faster get first dibs on the gold and diamonds sitting in those mines. :-) The mines become dry every so often, and the winners are the ones who turn those corners faster on their way to the next mine. It's all a competition. I don't see starting an online business as a zero sum game... where in order to win, someone has to lose. That's the case in some niches, but not most. You have some excellent points though. Willie Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:20:21 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford If we know why so many aren't doing that great... something everyone seems to be able to explain to you... then why can't we figure out how more CAN succeed. More don't succeed Because...... More don't apply. More don't plan. More don't seek out practical knowledge. More don't take ownership and claim their Success. More don't broadcast their projects,goals and dreams. More don't commit to functional business plan. More don't cut the green grass on their own projects. More don't seek out professional honest critiques of their plan. More don't treat their time with dicipline. More don't do the little things that others won't do. More don't do more. How's that for a start of discussing about More? HTH, Richard P.S. To succeed you have to do alot more than just more. That IS a great start A root cause of many of the things that you list is that more don't know how. So, seeking the proper training seems to be something sorely needed. It's also true that many people simply won't put in the time and effort to learn what they actually need to know! Willie Thanks Willie I am passionate about this topic as you can tell. quote : It's also true that many people simply won't put in the time and effort to learn what they actually need to know! I personally have noticed that they won't take the big step forward and make the tough decisions. They don't take a gamble on themselves. They want to take the safe route. They want to ride others coat tails. Over and over I am faced with students that don't get it until they get whacked in the face with the truth about their so called business. When their business get disected there really was no business there to start with. It is so easy for someone to sit down at their computer and say.... "I am running my own home based business!" When in fact the business is running them and they are to in denile about what they are really spending their time on. Some of my most rewarding students have been the ones that are speachless on our first session together. The ones that keep saying I do that I did that I am doing that Usually don't work out... They are too busy defending ther sinking ship. Getting them the puzzle pieces and numbering them is not the solution. You have to get them to be able to see the real picture first. Rant over I hand the mike back over to you. Richard Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:23:58 Message: quote : Originally posted by Lucy Weber I think one of the biggest obstacles is not having a boss. There are several reasons that having a boss is beneficial. You have a lot of valid points, and many people aren't cut out to be their own bosses. The way I deal with the problem that you outline is by making myself accountable to others. You can be accountable to a mentor, coach, or accountability partners. When you know that in not following through on an agreed plan of action, you are not just letting yourself down, but hurting others who are also depending upon you to do your part so that they can do theirs, that motivates a lot of people. I also introduce an accountability factor by telling others my plans or projects. Knowing that the world... or a family member who can't wait to say "I told you so!" are watching, keeps some of us going Willie Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:26:32 Message: quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver Rant over I hand the mike back over to you. Richard I'm not sure how to follow that, so I'll just pass the mike to the guy in the corner who just raised his hand and YES, the passion does show. Willie Reply author: Lucy Weber Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:30:23 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford You have a lot of valid points, and many people aren't cut out to be their own bosses. You're right, Willie. There are a lot of people who really aren't cut out to be their own boss. I think one way you could bring in the accountability (other than coaching and such) is to find a partner that is at approximately the same stage in business that you are and team up with them. You won't actually work together, but you'll send each other your weekly tasks lists and then hold each other accountable for what you do and do not get done. This is somewhat like those AA meetings and dieting groups that give you a "buddy". You team up together for a common goal, support each other, and help hold each other accountable. If you're on a diet and you gain three pounds, it's going to be a bit embarrassing telling your buddy you screwed up when they lost two pounds that week. :) Same idea for business. If you buddy put up four new AdSense sites and wrote and submitted twenty articles and all you did was create a header and write half of an article, you're going to feel a bit embarrassed. Hehe. Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:31:28 Message: quote : Originally posted by Lynn Terry I think what makes the difference for that small percentage of people that either find a map and follow it - or figure out the path on their own - is that they have a consuming desire or an overwhelming NEED TO SUCCEED. I hear you. By the time I left home, I was tired of rats, roaches, tattered clothing, government subsistence, the cycle of poverty, and that feeling of total hopelessness. Books and television gave me a glimpse of what was possible and ignited the refusal to give up in me. Now, I'd think the internet makes that ignition even more vivid, although the hype conceals the landmines. Willie Reply author: mr_kyle Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:33:34 Message: A big reason is... Ineffective action. Whether it be taking no action (highly ineffective) or just taking the wrong action (e.g. building your business on a "trick" rather than a solid footing, or fighting battles when you should be winning wars) Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:38:49 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver Rant over I hand the mike back over to you. Richard I'm not sure how to follow that, so I'll just pass the mike to the guy in the corner who just raised his hand and YES, the passion does show. Willie That Mr Crawford is a risky decision. I could shoot my post count up to over 10,000 tonight on this subject. Richard Reply author: People Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:39:13 Message: quote : When you know that in not following through on an agreed plan of action, you are not just letting yourself down, but hurting others who are also depending upon you to do your part so that they can do theirs, that motivates a lot of people. I also introduce an accountability factor by telling others my plans or projects. Knowing that the world... or a family member who can't wait to say "I told you so!" are watching, keeps some of us going Great points indeed, and I often use this same tactic to hold myself accountable. *But it's interesting to note that I often tell newbies to do the exact opposite when they're first starting out. I tell them to never tell their family or friends what they're doing because this "accountability tactic" can also backfire and create a feeling of failure in the eyes of others, which forces many people to quit rather than enduring more humiliating failure in the eyes of others. You may not realize it, but having your friends and family see you fail for months in a row (when you're just starting out and still learning by mistakes) can be a death blow to a person's mental image of themselves, and I know people who have quit because they couldn't take the humiliation of being a failure in front of family and friends. So I'm not sure that all newbies should use this tactic of holding themselves accountable, since it's a double edged sword. It depends on personality I guess. But I definitely use this tactic myself, since that which doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. Reply author: lotsoftraffic Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:49:57 Message: True good valid point on the family issue.. If they only knew how I really felt and what I see could be done by working my online business! They constantly banter about me getting a "real job"! If they only knew that I put more time and effort into my online business to help it one day succeed, maybe they would understand? No most likely they wont simple because thats life, the last thing they want is for you to see success.. Our goal online is to hang it there, do the rope a dope whatever it takes.. Hang it there! I have someone very close to me... who I had heard that if I go get a "JOB" than they would help me out financially.. Now hmmm.. since I need help to get my business off the ground now, wouldnt it make sense for them to help me now, heck I can even teach them how to make money online... Hello.. This person has the means with little investment to set me on my way... but chose not too..No Begging here... Reply author: Evita Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:50:17 Message: As with anything else in life, why are some people more successful than others? Bottom line is self esteem. Think you can? You do... Think you can not? You do not... And here's what I believe to be a huge factor. (One of many, many, many..) Most of us are raised to make an hourly wage. We put out one hour of work and we get paid X dollars. To have an idea, to implement a smart business move, and then sit back and watch the money roll in is not in people's comfort zone. Not their outgoing vibration so to speak, it is foreign. It makes as much sense as for the person making $20.000/year to believe they can make 200.000 per year. That thought would set off massive internal conflicts, even though the person SAY they would Love to make 200.000 per year. All of a sudden becoming a success is a Huge threat to peoples survival instincts. (Anything threatening your survival, or your "flock" status, will be rejected immediately.) How's that? Your whole life would change. Your family would see you differently. Actually, if you become "too" successful you may not feel as part of the family anymore. Your friends may not like your new status... You'd have to get new friends... Bottom line is that, without sounding dramatic, a part of your life would die. There are a lot of negative perceptions associated with being successful. Maybe it is not OK to make more money than Dad? How can you justify making oodles of money while people are starving? (That one is REALLY common) It is better to be poor, and for sure it is more Spiritual(!!)... Oh, and a very common one,,,, rich people are crooks/not nice/greedy b#tches. Most of these are unconscious, installed at some early age, but continually and effectively stopping the efforts when the person "steps out of line" :) I've helped a lot of people find their "stoppers" to prosperity over some years, and there is a definite ongoing process :) EVERYONE has blocks to being more successful. Cuz there is no end, you can always be even more successful... but we are where we are because of our own limiting beliefs, even if we are "successful"- such a relative term!-. :) Anyway, I'm rambling, way past bedtime here!! Here's to all of us asking, that we'll receive the knowing of what stands in our way! Evita PS. A fun experiment would be to find someone experienced in energy field testing, and test your congruency on statements such as :"It's OK for me to make <insert number of your dreams> per year. I will bet my Cartier handbag, you will test Weak, meaning some serious internal opposition to your goal. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 22:53:42 Message: quote : Originally posted by People [br You may not realize it, but having your friends and family see you fail for months in a row (when you're just starting out and still learning by mistakes) can be a death blow to a person's mental image of themselves, and I know people who have quit because they couldn't take the humiliation of being a failure in front of family and friends. Sometimes the reality is too much for them to handle and they take an even sader exit decision People would sooner pay $97 for the Mega Dollar Boomerang Generator System. Then to sit down and properly fund their business education. Richard Reply author: Evita Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:09:40 Message: Well, I'm still up, damn it! Just wanted to add. It is NOT the outside actions that matter. The actions, or lack thereof, is the end-result of the internal workings. To say someone isn't "doing" this or not "doing" that the right way is not the issue. The REASON they are doing this, or not, is the ENTIRE issue. In order for change, stuff has to change inside. Evita <yawn> Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:14:25 Message: quote : Originally posted by Evita Well, I'm still up, damn it! Just wanted to add. It is NOT the outside actions that matter. The actions, or lack thereof, is the end-result of the internal workings. To say someone isn't "doing" this or not "doing" that the right way is not the issue. The REASON they are doing this, or not, is the ENTIRE issue. In order for change, stuff has to change inside. Evita <yawn> In order for change, stuff has to change inside upstairs between the ears. Richard Reply author: dblgdee Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:22:06 Message: I had to get some of this On of the reasons is that Success rarely comes easily, despite what we are some times led to believe and most are not willing and or ready to endure to the end. Success is desired, but are not really willing to step outside the comfort zone or give more than what it takes. They don't want it bad enough or think it will be easy and sometimes may quit prematurely. This is a constant in almost any area. If you were in a situation where your ultimate survival depends solely on succeeding at one particular task, the chances of survival and success would increase dramatically. Plan your attack and attack your plan. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:27:12 Message: quote : Originally posted by dblgdee If you were in a situation where your ultimate survival depends solely on succeeding at one particular task, the chances of survival and success would increase dramatically. Plan your attack and attack your plan. Imagine a reality show... That...... Contestants are sitting on an electric chair. They have 6 hours to generate $600 to not be ZAPPED! I bet you there would be more successes than failures. Richard Reply author: Evita Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:30:01 Message: Uh,Oh! I feel my first WSO coming on. "Evitas Success Chair!" Batteries not included! Evita Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/18/2007 23:34:44 Message: You can do a WSO for the chair. I'll do one for the $600 Get Out of Chair Card Richard Reply author: BillyBee Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:09:50 Message: No one has mentioned talent, so I will say it: talent matters. Many of the gurus like to give off an "Aw shucks" vibe as if they just stumbled into success trying a few easy things, but then you look at their sales letters and emails and videos and you see that they are really good communicators. The stuff they write is naturally compelling. They're natural sales people. You see the same thing in the MLM industry (which supposedly has a similar failure rate). Ever hear the successful people in THAT industry? They've all got great phone voices, great personalities, they have that shiny, happy sheen. Yes, perseverance is more valuable than talent, but I think inherent talent and smarts is a big factor. You also need to "have a pair." That helps. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:11:54 Message: quote : Originally posted by BillyBee No one has mentioned talent, so I will say it: talent matters. Many of the gurus like to give off an "Aw shucks" vibe as if they just stumbled into success trying a few easy things, but then you look at their sales letters and emails and videos and you see that they are really good communicators. The stuff they write is naturally compelling. They're natural sales people. You see the same thing in the MLM industry (which supposedly has a similar failure rate). Ever hear the successful people in THAT industry? They've all got great phone voices, great personalities, they have that shiny, happy sheen. Yes, perseverance is more valuable than talent, but I think inherent talent and smarts is a big factor. You also need to "have a pair." That helps. BANG ON! Richard Reply author: successbuy Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:16:32 Message: quote : Originally posted by People Whether we like it or not it's one big competition, one big poker game and not everybody can walk away with more chips than they sat down with. The game changes constantly, so do the rules, but the limited chips on the table will never be given to everybody. I'm sorry, but I have to take issue with this one. That's "scarcity thinking" and is not based in fact. Get yourself a copy of "The Richest Man In Babylon." There's a parable in there about this very topic. In it, the author uses the example of a man who builds a house. The man pays for the house to be built by giving money to the construction workers and material supply houses. Once he has paid everyone, he's got less wealth than before he started, right? WRONG!!! He now has a house that is worth AT LEAST what he paid to get it built. And the land he built it on is worth more. And the neighboring properties are worth more. The man CREATED value. And he didn't do it by taking it from someone else! He created NEW value. That's the key. If you can teach people to CREATE real value, then everyone CAN succeed! Just my 2-cents... - Dan Reply author: Michelle Brouse Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:32:12 Message: I can't believe I had about 15 paragraphs written about this topic, and clicked the wrong way and lost it. :-( Everyone will be in bed before I can write all that again. Anyhow Richard, I'm dang close to sending you an email, a Pm - etc. I'm plotting that time off in a big way. Wanted to get everything done by this Friday - when I go to a family reunion. I'll be MIA for almost 2 weeks, but on all my off time I will be planning, and doing things that I need to get done. There may be no internet connection where I'm staying, but that's not all bad. I can build a plan of action. Willie, I have some super great ideas that I just typed out, but lost the dang post, so I need to start over. Problem is my eyelids are drooping. Ayhow, great stuff can come from this thread. Thanks! Michelle Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:35:41 Message: quote : Originally posted by Michelle Brouse I can't believe I had about 15 paragraphs written about this topic, and clicked the wrong way and lost it. :-( Everyone will be in bed before I can write all that again. Anyhow Richard, I'm dang close to sending you an email, a Pm - etc. I'm plotting that time off in a big way. Wanted to get everything done by this Friday - when I go to a family reunion. I'll be MIA for almost 2 weeks, but on all my off time I will be planning, and doing things that I need to get done. There may be no internet connection where I'm staying, but that's not all bad. I can build a plan of action. Willie, I have some super great ideas that I just typed out, but lost the dang post, so I need to start over. Problem is my eyelids are drooping. Ayhow, great stuff can come from this thread. Thanks! Michelle Michelle, I am so proud that you are kicking the habbit and moving forward. You can do it and I'll kick your butt if you slip. Richard Reply author: People Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:53:10 Message: quote : The man pays for the house to be built by giving money to the construction workers and material supply houses. Once he has paid everyone, he's got less wealth than before he started, right? WRONG!!! He now has a house that is worth AT LEAST what he paid to get it built. And the land he built it on is worth more. And the neighboring properties are worth more. The man CREATED value. And he didn't do it by taking it from someone else! He created NEW value. That's the key. If you can teach people to CREATE real value, then everyone CAN succeed! Yeah, but the real estate market is in the toilet right now, so doesn't that change things? (that's a joke) Seriously, that's an interesting concept and I'd like to hear what somebody like Dr. Mani has to say about this idea. It sounds nice, but I'm not sure that everybody can be equal with such an imbalance of wealth in the world. To quote Gordon Gecko: It's a zero sum game, somebody wins and somebody loses. (that's a joke too, don't go postal everybody) Reply author: Kurt Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:57:57 Message: 1. As BillyBee posted, we're not all created equal. 2. Luck. It's seems taboo to say so, but many people have just had bad luck. How many "successful" people lost everything in New Orleans due to Katrina? Or the loss of loved ones subtracts from any material drive a person may have had... 3. Most importantly, not all of us define "success" in the same way. Who's to say that some of the 95% that "fail" didn't move on to something they became successful at? I'm sure some of them became successful parents and spouses, while many of the "successful" online folks are total failures at some of the more important aspects of life. Because all of us will never agree what success really is, it is then logical to extract that all of us can't be successful in the eyes of all others, as it's impossible to live up to the standards of all the people, all the time. Reply author: Michelle Brouse Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:58:29 Message: My butt NEEDS kicked Richard. Thanks! Michelle :dozing off in PC chair: Brouse Reply author: successbuy Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:59:21 Message: quote : Originally posted by People To quote Gordon Gecko: It's a zero sum game, somebody wins and somebody loses. (that's a joke too, don't go postal everybody) Don't worry...I've got a pretty good sense of humor. - Dan Reply author: ProfessorLUMP Replied on: 08/19/2007 00:59:37 Message: I'd say 100% can't succeed because success is relative, and many people are afraid to take the first step and define what success means to them. Instead, they clamor over what others have defined as success and search for a shortcut to similar results. So, essentially they have no purpose, no drive, no map, and no destination. All they have is someone else's page with a red X on it and an imagination that runs wild desperately searching for the shortest path to the X. Reply author: mr_kyle Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:01:52 Message: An abundance mindset helps a LOT... Thinking that someone else has to lose for you to win automatically sets yourself up for self-sabotage -> You think you're a "good" person -> You try to "win" but think someone else is now "losing" -> You self-correct and "fail" -> Thus making you "good" in your own mind, and consistent with your beliefs. I just made that up then but I buy it :) Reply author: Shaun OReilly Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:15:04 Message: "Why is the statistic that 95% of online businesses fail - probably true?" In plain language, people are addicted to remaining the same and strongly wired NOT to change. Change is scary and keeping the status quo is comfortable - so people don't change and neither do their businesses. As Jim Rohn wisely says: "If you will change, everything will change for you" But few do. Few people take the risk to change what they're doing so that they can get different results. Best wishes, Shaun Reply author: jchengery Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:30:25 Message: Hello everyone, Willie - a very interesting challenge! :-) I think there are many good points in this thread, including what Richard, Lucy, and June have said. I think for some, it also has to do with a confidence issue, truly believing that one can do it. For most, doubt seems to creep in because they are, to borrow a Star Trek phrase, "boldly going into a new frontier," and trying to figure things out as they go. As June mentioned, it's good to have some plans in place before doing so, but even then, one must figure out how to achieve those plans in an online world, which is a bit different than the offline world, and for many, technology frightens people in that they are unsure whether they know how to do the necessary tasks and afraid of messing something up as they attempt to achieve those tasks. I know at times that I struggle with trying to figure things out online and fearing of making a mistake that I'll have to try to correct later, especially when it comes to HTML. I've gotten better with it, but I am still learning new things everyday, which I think most new online businesspeople have to adjust to as well - virtually everyday, you'll learn something new online, and you have to learn how to apply that to your business in the most effective and cost-efficient way possible, and that usually takes time and trial & error to master. In addition, one must learn where to go for trustworthy help and advice, and that's usually online for most people, as most people don't know that many people personally offline to discuss online business tactics and how to achieve success online. That's why going to seminars whenever possible is certainly helpful, but that usually involves taking time off work from your offline job and involves a decent amount of money as well, which again leads to that question of how confident and committed one is to make an online business succeed - if one is not confident enough to believe that he/she can succeed online, it's likely he/she won't put the money into going to seminars and investing in information crucial to helping one succeed online more quickly, and for most, if they don't start seeing some success online after a relatively short period of time, they start to think that "Internet marketing doesn't work for them" and they give up or fail online. I believe all of the above also factors into why 95% of online businesses fail. Hopefully, this is helpful. Take care and have a great day! Sincerely, Joe Chengery III Reply author: Michelle Brouse Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:40:06 Message: Hey guys, almost out... I am REALLY nodding off in my PC chair I'm so tired, and I'll dig this thread out tomorrow to retype my comments. But for now, load this page: http://www.ztvd.com/index.htm Go get a beverage, walk around the house a bit, whatever. Then come back with your mind on taking a quick break. Click the play button and see if it helps. Just finished this show, basically for me to remember what I need to do to succeed. I hope it will help many other people... so you guys and gals are the first to view this one. Takes a while to load - 48 meg file... but I hope it makes you think. ;-) Thanks! Michelle Reply author: cyberslick Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:51:20 Message: 100% can't succeed because 99% don't try. Simply put. If you can't make money on the internet, you AREN'T honestly trying. Reply author: Mary Gallivan Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:58:23 Message: Hi Willie Great post and some great responses. I think another part of the problem is that there are people that want to make that fast cash overnight with little or no work. How many times have we seen the posts of 'I need $500 by the end of the week!' Once they hear they have to work to make their money they get a shock. Another reason I personally think, is lack of skills. That was my biggest problem and still is to be quite honest. I've seen all the sales pitch that says 'if you can copy and past, you can do this'. Baloney! It's not always that easy. I remember when it took me months to learn how to put images into my word documents, then when needed the images didn't show up. I'd copied and pasted and done everything I was told but nothing seemed to work. I emailed anyone I could think of but there was one crucial piece of the jigsaw that nobody told me about. I wish I was part of this forum then. Nobody ever told me I had to upload my image to my web host first and provide a link to it. I think some people forget the VERY basics when teaching others how to do something. OK, so instead of aving to only be able to copy and paste I had to get a web host. at the time it was 'how do I do that?' Who do I choose? How do I get a domain name? How do I build a website? There's so many of these things we take for granted and think the newbies know how to do them. I laugh now when I think of how naive I was. I could have so easily given up but I was always a stubborn little soul :-) I remember a lesson I had on a course once - totally unrelated to IM and it was to : Write step by step instructions on how to put a tie on. It sounds easy at first glance but it was surprising to see how many did not mention in their instructions that the first thing you had to do was put the tie round your neck!! There's many videos out there now that shows all the steps of getting started. Maybe somebody could start of directory of some of the best sites to go to for video tutorials - there's free ones out there. Then in books for newbies guide them in that direction as well. Don't forget - it's only easy if you know how to do it. Anyway, I'm still here, still reading, still learning, still doing and still willing to help. Sorry if I've rambled on too much :-) Mary Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 01:59:44 Message: quote : Originally posted by cyberslick 100% can't succeed because 99% don't try. Simply put. If you can't make money on the internet, you AREN'T honestly trying. Sorry to disagree with you but 99% is not a correct stat. Richard PS. I am going to catch some zzzzz now. Will catch up tomorrow on this outstanding thread. Reply author: nimcus38318 Replied on: 08/19/2007 02:48:10 Message: This has been an interesting thread to read. I am struggling right now and my lack of success is not because I'm totally not trying. I guess I should say that I cannot for the life of me figure out what I know enough about to write about. Richard, I know there is a flame coming from you..but I feel like a total doof for not being instantly smitten with a narrow niche in which to peddle my wares. I've gotten a small list, but none of them buy anything. I guess I don't sell things well. It is hard when you feel like you SHOULD know enough and you SHOULD be able to go out and conquer, and are still unable to make a dime. It is not like I'm going from one get rich quick scheme to another either. I'm plodding along, but I think I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together ass-backwards or something. I'm absolutely financially fried...I have 5 on my paycheck and am so far behind I don't know if I"ll have my house by next month...but I keep trying, keep sending out ads, keep mailing to my list. Sometimes I think that I need a mentor, but I don't know where to go apply for that bonus... Anyhow, it bothers me to continuously hear that #1)making money on the internet is easy, #2) if you can't make money you are an idiot, and #3)you aren't trying hard enough... MY 2 cents. Sarah Reply author: cyberslick Replied on: 08/19/2007 03:44:51 Message: Yes because 99% was an exact figure that I ran through a series of calculations... Sigh, you can't say anything on a forum anymore. Thank you for your sleuthing Richard. Seriously though, a gigantic percentage of people will never succeed because they never truly put the effort into it. Error only goes so far, with enough work, you're bound to score. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 04:02:19 Message: quote : Originally posted by nimcus38318 This has been an interesting thread to read. I am struggling right now and my lack of success is not because I'm totally not trying. I guess I should say that I cannot for the life of me figure out what I know enough about to write about. Richard, I know there is a flame coming from you..but I feel like a total doof for not being instantly smitten with a narrow niche in which to peddle my wares. I've gotten a small list, but none of them buy anything. I guess I don't sell things well. It is hard when you feel like you SHOULD know enough and you SHOULD be able to go out and conquer, and are still unable to make a dime. It is not like I'm going from one get rich quick scheme to another either. I'm plodding along, but I think I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together ass-backwards or something. I'm absolutely financially fried...I have 5 on my paycheck and am so far behind I don't know if I"ll have my house by next month...but I keep trying, keep sending out ads, keep mailing to my list. Sometimes I think that I need a mentor, but I don't know where to go apply for that bonus... Anyhow, it bothers me to continuously hear that #1)making money on the internet is easy, #2) if you can't make money you are an idiot, and #3)you aren't trying hard enough... MY 2 cents. Sarah Sarah your honesty and sheer drive to succeed is only being stalled by lack of knowledge. No flame here you are awesome. Please send me a pm with your full contact info I'll call you personally and see how to help you put the pieces together. You can obviously see the picture. Richard Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 04:06:39 Message: quote : Originally posted by cyberslick Yes because 99% was an exact figure that I ran through a series of calculations... Sigh, you can't say anything on a forum anymore. Thank you for your sleuthing Richard. Seriously though, a gigantic percentage of people will never succeed because they never truly put the effort into it. Error only goes so far, with enough work, you're bound to score. Cyberslick, As you can see from Sarah's post above this is serious and it is effecting people in a profound way not being able to make it. Enough work will not guarantee you making it. Work alone is not enough. Richard Reply author: Blissful Replied on: 08/19/2007 04:32:53 Message: My observation: It's not too hard to succeed. It's too easy to fail. Most people start internet marketing as a part time gig, hoping it'll take off, but with no real consequences to failure. How many of those just starting in IM are truly depending on it to feed themselves? For most, it's too easy to quit, to just let it slide when it gets difficult or frustrating. In a non-internet business, there tends to be more at stake if you fail. If you fail in a brick and mortar business, you've got to worry about your storefront rental/lease, inventory, defaulting on loans, employees, etc, not to mention the fact that it's probably your only source of income. If you're a newbie who fails at your internet business, chances are you're only out a few bucks, and some of your time. Reply author: drmani Replied on: 08/19/2007 04:55:35 Message: Why can't 100% succeed? No reason why. They can. It takes 3 P's... - Passion - Purpose - Persistence You must want success - badly enough You must have a reason to want it - a worthy enough one You must be willing to stick it out and wait - even if it takes a long while quote : Anyhow, it bothers me to continuously hear that #1)making money on the internet is easy, #2) if you can't make money you are an idiot, and #3)you aren't trying hard enough... It bothers me too, because #1 - it is NOT always easy, #2 - I know many idiots who DO make money #3 - you could be trying hard enough - and still not succeed... hard work alone is not a guarantee, though sticking it out certainly is. quote : Seriously, that's an interesting concept and I'd like to hear what somebody like Dr. Mani has to say about this idea. It sounds nice, but I'm not sure that everybody can be equal with such an imbalance of wealth in the world. Value addition greatly INCREASES 'wealth' levels - and theoretically it should be possible to generate enough to meet everyone's needs and more. But then, I'm no socialist, and don't believe Nature ever intended "everybody to be equal" (indeed, it would be a boring world if that were to ever happen!) Inequality, unfairness, imbalance are inherent in humanity - but we can still keep tweaking the odds... in our favor! All success Dr.Mani Reply author: Fabian.JH Replied on: 08/19/2007 05:00:51 Message: I guess 100% can't succeed because laws of nature don't allow it. If there are no failures, there can't be any successes, or so the saying goes. In any competition, there are lots of losers and one winner... Fabian Reply author: drmani Replied on: 08/19/2007 05:22:43 Message: quote : Originally posted by Fabian.JH In any competition, there are lots of losers and one winner... Fabian Fabian, guess who taught me differently? My daughter - when she was 4 years old. We were playing a game - I don't recall which one. I won... and she promptly said: "Daddy, you're the winner. I'm the SECOND winner!" Out of the mouth of babes... Dr.Mani Reply author: moscowmartin Replied on: 08/19/2007 05:31:44 Message: Hi all, I believe it is in the mind set, when Edison was asked about failing to make a light bulb 100 times he said that "he had found 100 ways of not making a light bulb" to him and many other people that succeed, they see failure as a learning experience and not as a set back. Reply author: Richard Odell Replied on: 08/19/2007 06:06:33 Message: This at the end of a long thread but here goes... "Its lack of clarity - a sense of feeling overwhelmed". The Internet market place is massive and it grows exponentially everyday. I believe people become overwhelmed by the whole experience. The give up, because they fail to make they're voice heard in the deafening noise of a billion voices. Why people succeed is as Wille quotes... quote : One of the premises in the book is that great things happen because "unreasonable" people DO rock the boat, and do attempt things that most people consider impossible. People fail because they 'hide their light under a bushel' they conceal your talents and abilities, they lack faith in their own ability to succeed. Ultimately they are drowned out by the sound of those who shout louder and 'rock the boat'. Richard Reply author: James Schramko Replied on: 08/19/2007 06:40:48 Message: quote : Originally posted by drmani quote : Originally posted by Fabian.JH In any competition, there are lots of losers and one winner... Fabian Fabian, guess who taught me differently? My daughter - when she was 4 years old. We were playing a game - I don't recall which one. I won... and she promptly said: "Daddy, you're the winner. I'm the SECOND winner!" Out of the mouth of babes... Dr.Mani Or did you come second last? Reply author: Kimberly Clay Replied on: 08/19/2007 08:00:59 Message: Hi Willie- Great topic. I've read through the posts and just can't help but reply. Many of you have made valid points, but I have to say this. There are certainly people with more talent, vision, perserverence, etc. etc. We're not all created equal. HOWEVER, this is not rocket science. It really isn't. It's not something that requires that a person understand quantum physics or Einstein's Law. I must go back to Willie's second post where he speaks of successful people giving pieces of the puzzle, but not telling newbies how the parts fit together. Not eveyone, even those who are extremely intelligent in other areas, are able to connect the dots without real help. From my experience, I think a great number of people become really frustrated; one because they don't have reasonable expectations (we were just discussing this in another thread), but also because they think something is wrong because they can't figure out the "success solution". So, they do give up. Not everybody wants to keep banging their head against a wall (I'm just odd that way:O)). If a person has done literally all that they think that they can do and they see no result, then often they think that they're either wasting they're time, it's above their head or they're being swindled and the success is not real. In either of those cases, those individuals want to "do the smart thing" and jump ship to cut any losses; not keep throwing good money and effort after bad. Everyone around them is telling them it's ridiculous anyway...nobody makes money like that, and if they do, it's not as much as they say. Think about that perspective for just a moment. I really think that if more people had a step-by-step plan mapped out from the beginning, one that truly gave real information and an accurate and HONEST roadmap (not keeping back this piece and that piece because I don't want the competition or because I want to keep selling these info products and lining my own pocket), there would be a greater percentage of success. There will always be those who do not succeed for many of the reasons quite a few have already mentioned. My point is that I believe that the success rate could be higher if there were more genuine roadmaps to show them how. Reply author: 1inamillion Replied on: 08/19/2007 08:14:17 Message: The only problem is not taking action. Knowledge is not power when you don't apply it. Application of knowledge is what matter. Why 95% fail is lack of these three things 1. Action 2. Action. 3. Action 4. Massive Action Reply author: Michael J Replied on: 08/19/2007 08:34:34 Message: quote : Another reason I personally think, is lack of skills. That was my biggest problem and still is to be quite honest. I've seen all the sales pitch that says 'if you can copy and past, you can do this'. Baloney! It's not always that easy. I remember when it took me months to learn how to put images into my word documents, then when needed the images didn't show up. I'd copied and pasted and done everything I was told but nothing seemed to work. I emailed anyone I could think of but there was one crucial piece of the jigsaw that nobody told me about. I wish I was part of this forum then. Nobody ever told me I had to upload my image to my web host first and provide a link to it. I think some people forget the VERY basics when teaching others how to do something. OK, so instead of aving to only be able to copy and paste I had to get a web host. at the time it was 'how do I do that?' Who do I choose? How do I get a domain name? How do I build a website? There's so many of these things we take for granted and think the newbies know how to do them. I laugh now when I think of how naive I was. I could have so easily given up but I was always a stubborn little soul :-) Good morning. Finaly got the gonads to post. This very much discribes my situation , a total lack of "basic" knowledge. this thread is about ME,thank you. I'm selfemployed so I understand the realities of being in business and self motivation,not an issue.The work I do is physicaly very demanding and I'm not getting any younger.The bank is not on the verge of repo'ing my house and my 2 children go to bed with full bellies,but I do live month to month financially and the present American economy will affect me profoundly,soon. I stumbled upon this "great" forum 2 months ago and have been following many of your threads just about every day. I have not fallen prey to any of the "get rich guick" scams found elsewhere. I really have few skills and little direction at this point,outside of subscribing to Dr. mani and Kevin Riley.. Where do I go now? or Do I go at all? or should I pickup a job app. at Burger King?Really looking for solid pro input.............Thanks much in advance. Michael J Reply author: Michael J Replied on: 08/19/2007 08:42:09 Message: quote : Hi Willie- Great topic. I've read through the posts and just can't help but reply. Many of you have made valid points, but I have to say this. There are certainly people with more talent, vision, perserverence, etc. etc. We're not all created equal. HOWEVER, this is not rocket science. It really isn't. It's not something that requires that a person understand quantum physics or Einstein's Law. I must go back to Willie's second post where he speaks of successful people giving pieces of the puzzle, but not telling newbies how the parts fit together. Not eveyone, even those who are extremely intelligent in other areas, are able to connect the dots without real help. From my experience, I think a great number of people become really frustrated; one because they don't have reasonable expectations (we were just discussing this in another thread), but also because they think something is wrong because they can't figure out the "success solution". So, they do give up. Not everybody wants to keep banging their head against a wall (I'm just odd that way:O)). If a person has done literally all that they think that they can do and they see no result, then often they think that they're either wasting they're time, it's above their head or they're being swindled and the success is not real. In either of those cases, those individuals want to "do the smart thing" and jump ship to cut any losses; not keep throwing good money and effort after bad. Everyone around them is telling them it's ridiculous anyway...nobody makes money like that, and if they do, it's not as much as they say. Think about that perspective for just a moment. I really think that if more people had a step-by-step plan mapped out from the beginning, one that truly gave real information and an accurate and HONEST roadmap (not keeping back this piece and that piece because I don't want the competition or because I want to keep selling these info products and lining my own pocket), there would be a greater percentage of success. There will always be those who do not succeed for many of the reasons quite a few have already mentioned. My point is that I believe that the success rate could be higher if there were more genuine roadmaps to show them how. Yes, Michael J exactly. Reply author: ProfessorLUMP Replied on: 08/19/2007 08:56:40 Message: quote : Originally posted by drmani Fabian, guess who taught me differently? My daughter - when she was 4 years old. We were playing a game - I don't recall which one. I won... and she promptly said: "Daddy, you're the winner. I'm the SECOND winner!" Out of the mouth of babes... Dr.Mani See, it's all relative. Too bad most kids are reprogrammed to accept absolutes and in the process have their positive outlook and creativity replaced by negativity and conformity. Why do you think so many people fear "failure"? Reply author: davidbowie Replied on: 08/19/2007 09:13:05 Message: Willie, thanks for the great topic. Not really sure about the percentage that fail though. Most people are afraid to task risk. Also, it is easy to blame someone else for your failures than looking at one`s self. Lack of discipline is another. I have been a boss for a major Company for the past 12 years and was willing to take risk. I recently bought an ebook that showed a blueprint on making more money and I did not do so well. The guy was kind enough to send me an e-mail and wanted to know my results. I kindly told him that I made several hundred dollars and that I must have overlooked something and would try again. I take full ownership of failures and successes. Willie, you can give people a step by step blueprint and they will still fail. Why? No focus. I took on a client, a few months back who was looking to make money online. I gave her what works for me and about every three weeks, she calls and says, can I explain it to her again? It just dawned on me that I launched a program two months ago, that has brought in close to $100,000 and I`m thinking, where is the money? Most of it went to my resellers. Although, I get good advice from this forum, last year I was told that I would not make money with the programs I promote. I was bullheaded and it has paid off. I was tempted to call you when you were in Hollywood, since I live in Socal. I hope your trip was fruitful. David Bowie Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/19/2007 09:26:03 Message: quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver quote : Originally posted by cyberslick Yes because 99% was an exact figure that I ran through a series of calculations... Sigh, you can't say anything on a forum anymore. Thank you for your sleuthing Richard. Seriously though, a gigantic percentage of people will never succeed because they never truly put the effort into it. Error only goes so far, with enough work, you're bound to score. Cyberslick, As you can see from Sarah's post above this is serious and it is effecting people in a profound way not being able to make it. Enough work will not guarantee you making it. Work alone is not enough. Richard Yes. There are countless people achieving the SAME results as Sarah. So, part of my question is why, and how can that be changed. Willie Reply author: lakading Replied on: 08/19/2007 09:36:11 Message: quote : Originally posted by nimcus38318 This has been an interesting thread to read. I am struggling right now and my lack of success is not because I'm totally not trying. I guess I should say that I cannot for the life of me figure out what I know enough about to write about. Richard, I know there is a flame coming from you..but I feel like a total doof for not being instantly smitten with a narrow niche in which to peddle my wares. It seems to me that your first problem is that you're painting yourself with the brush of "writer" when it appears that writing isn't your strength. I think it was Dick Benson who said something along the lines of "Do what you do best, and buy the rest around the corner." Simply put, if your strength is marketing, hire someone to do the actual writing and focus your energy on marketing. It can still be your knowledge, but just packaged and written by someone else. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 09:42:31 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver quote : Originally posted by cyberslick Yes because 99% was an exact figure that I ran through a series of calculations... Sigh, you can't say anything on a forum anymore. Thank you for your sleuthing Richard. Seriously though, a gigantic percentage of people will never succeed because they never truly put the effort into it. Error only goes so far, with enough work, you're bound to score. Cyberslick, As you can see from Sarah's post above this is serious and it is effecting people in a profound way not being able to make it. Enough work will not guarantee you making it. Work alone is not enough. Richard Yes. There are countless people achieving the SAME results as Sarah. So, part of my question is why, and how can that be changed. Willie Hopefully this story will bring understanding. There was a lumberjack who invited his friend to spend the day with him while he sawed trees. His friend was excited to spend the day in the crisp outdoors. While his friend was vigoursly sawing a huge tree he noticed that his blade was very dull. Wanting to be heplful he asked his friend the lumberjack. "Why don't you stop sawing and sharpen your saw?" To which his friend the lumberjack replied. "I can't I'm too busy sawing" This is what a great many marketers are doing. They are too busy doing the same thing today that they were doing yesterday expecting different results. Nothing can replace a good sharp saw and massive energy to use the saw. Having the know for all where to get your saw sharpened and keeping it sharpe is not a part of the battle it is the majority of the battle. They also keep listening to those that tell them to just keep sawing and ignore the sharpening. HTH, Richard Reply author: davidbowie Replied on: 08/19/2007 09:52:10 Message: quote : Originally posted by nimcus38318 This has been an interesting thread to read. I am struggling right now and my lack of success is not because I'm totally not trying. I guess I should say that I cannot for the life of me figure out what I know enough about to write about. Richard, I know there is a flame coming from you..but I feel like a total doof for not being instantly smitten with a narrow niche in which to peddle my wares. I've gotten a small list, but none of them buy anything. I guess I don't sell things well. It is hard when you feel like you SHOULD know enough and you SHOULD be able to go out and conquer, and are still unable to make a dime. It is not like I'm going from one get rich quick scheme to another either. I'm plodding along, but I think I'm putting the pieces of the puzzle together ass-backwards or something. I'm absolutely financially fried...I have 5 on my paycheck and am so far behind I don't know if I"ll have my house by next month...but I keep trying, keep sending out ads, keep mailing to my list. Sometimes I think that I need a mentor, but I don't know where to go apply for that bonus... Anyhow, it bothers me to continuously hear that #1)making money on the internet is easy, #2) if you can't make money you are an idiot, and #3)you aren't trying hard enough... MY 2 cents. Sarah Sarah, do not give up. stay focused. There are many people who will help you. I have been online for seven years and just started to see some success over the last year. #1 Making money online is not easy and #2 If you can`t make money, you are an idiot? (Sorry for being blunt here but what idiot said that?) #3 You aren`t trying hard enough. hmmm, sounds judgemental. Sarah, for inspiration, you might want to look at Job. David Reply author: Joe Russell Replied on: 08/19/2007 10:09:45 Message: In my opionion two of the reasons for the high failure rate is lack of experience and shoddy products or services being sold with too much HYPE! When a total newbie logs onto the internet looking to make money the first place they head is the search engines. When you do a search for "how to make money online" all you see is bull$*%# claiming you will make $10,000 plus a week doing nothing but selling miracle juice to your Aunt Suzy and her bridge buddies. After a newbie joins a few of these programs or purchases ebooks claiming the same and then they fail they are now extremely cautious and skeptical about joining or purchasing anything and finally decide to just give up and label making money online a scam and the only ones making the money scammers. It isnt that these people are dumb or that they just dont get it, its just that they lack basic marketing principles and quality products that will teach those principles. You dont see a 95% failure rate in schools and universities for any subject that is being offered and that is because for the most part there are quality instructors with quality educational material. Could it be that the extremely high rate of over hyped worthless products and services is whats helping to create the high rate of failure that we are seeing? I'll bet you a beer that if it was somehow mandatory for all newbies to join the WF first and be a member for at least 30 days before starting any online business or buying any product we would see a lower failure rate. Joe Russell Reply author: sciencetoy Replied on: 08/19/2007 11:50:48 Message: This is a fascinating topic, thanks to OP and all! First, I'm bemused that we've gotten this far into this topic without even mentioning the most basic thing, in order to make money on the internet (or anything else) you have to SELL something. And continue to sell something. So, everything I read here at WF, every hot technique I find goes thru my filter: what does this have to do with selling stuff? We all have our strengths, and thank goodness we're all different. What's easy for one person is impossibly complex for another. Makes it difficult to find one system that will work for all. And there are so many possibilities here on the web, it's so easy to get sidetracked. And the downside to the many possibilities is that there is also limitless complexity. I do find I have to re-define the hype. "Make a million in a week" is roughly equivalent to a "permanent wave" at the salon, "permanent" means it'll look funny for a few days, look really good for a week or two, look nice for another month and then pretty ratty for a while. It's a good thing, but the word permanent doesn't mean what it means anywhere else. "Make a million" means that the SELLER hopes to make a lot of money, I think. The 100% success part is too vague without defining what success means. A million a year? A million, total? Quitting your day job? A nice extra few dollars? Staying on your chair and not falling off while on the web? I love this place because there are so many interesting and generous people here. Thanks! Reply author: sbyholm Replied on: 08/19/2007 12:32:58 Message: I've been online since 1995 but I've only done business online since 2003 and I'm slowly learning by reading newsletters and buying some marketing related product every month. I think I'm slowly getting the picture here. To succeed you have to 1. Work hard (nothing happens until something moves) 2. Know what to do 3. Stay focused (don't try too many things at once) I think tome people never get started, they just learn more and more but never get going. Others work day and night but do not learn, either because they don't want to or they think they already know. Some learn, but from the wrong source. They bought some get rich quick pack from a self proclaimed guru and now they are learning the wrong thing. Some both learn and work but get distracted by new ideas and new projects all the time never finishing one project to the point where it starts to bring in serious money. I'm the person that learns more than I work, and I get easily distracted. But I'm learning, and I hit the delete buttin quickly now when the latest greatest offer comes along. I think what people are missing with online business is that it's exactly the same as offline business. At least from a distance. * Do market research * Create or aquire a product or service * Make a well converting sales process for that product * Get customers (traffic) * Increase revenue with backend and advanced marketing methods This is exactly the same offline and online. Here another way of telling it: * Find a market or niche * Learn exactly what these people want and need * Sell them exactly what they want * Learn more about what they want * Sell them more of what they want I think why so many newbies online fail is because the majority of marketing products out there, especially the sales pages, paint the picture that business online should be easy. If you're not on a sunny beach in the caribbean letting you business push dollars into your bank account on autopilot you're doing something wrong. In reality every guru I know work hard on their business, most work more than 40 hours a week and are having fun doing it. But it's hard work, and it's even harder when starting. An online business will run on autopilot, but it's up to you to build the business and that's hard work. The most important fundamental aspect of any business is this one from the list above MARKET RESEARCH Without market research the rest will fail miserably as you will be selling stuff to people that THEY DON'T WANT TO HAVE! If on the other hand you have done proper market research and you know exactly what your target market want and you sell that to them, THEY WILL BUY YOUR STUFF ON THE SPOT, GLADLY GIVING YOU THEIR MONEY. Competition plays a role of cource, and you need traffic and conversion for everything to roll, but without market research it's a 95% chance that your business will fail. I think why so many fail online is because so few make-money-cources teaches market research. Some ebooks will say that it's important, but I have yet to find one that will guide you step by step through the market research process. I suspect many marketers holds back on this piece of the puzzle as it's the key to success, and they could easily create competition for themselves if they showed how they found the niches they make money in. Another aspect is that this is a lot of work if done properly. You have to gather data through tests and forms that you have people fill out, then analyze the data and actually ask questions to poeple to find out what they want. It can both cost a lot and take a long time without you selling anything yet. And the result? You will know if it's profitable to enter this market without making a product and a sales process. If it looks profitable you can go ahead with product and sales process creation. If not you can abandon this market and try the next until you find the goldmine. It will be a lot easier and a lot more fun selling stuff that people wants. Thanks for reading this far. I hope this has been usefull to someone and if I'm totally of track I hope one of the gurus around will step in and point me in the right direction. Simon Reply author: rockerrockstar Replied on: 08/19/2007 12:36:53 Message: This is going to be Willie's new special report WSO right. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 12:42:10 Message: quote : Originally posted by sciencetoy This is a fascinating topic, thanks to OP and all! I do find I have to re-define the hype. "Make a million in a week" is roughly equivalent to a "permanent wave" at the salon, "permanent" means it'll look funny for a few days, look really good for a week or two, look nice for another month and then pretty ratty for a while. It's a good thing, but the word permanent doesn't mean what it means anywhere else. Permanent Richard Reply author: Steven Wagenheim Replied on: 08/19/2007 12:58:44 Message: I don't know. Maybe I'm just oversimplifying this, but I think the biggest reason that 95% of marketers fail is that they just don't know what to do. When I first started to try to make money online, I certainly had the desire, drive and motivation - maybe even more so than I have now because at the time I was broke. I was out of work and desperate. But I didn't know what I was doing. I had no clue. I had no direction. I didn't even know where to begin. As a result, I spent 5 months not making any money at all. It wasn't until I got the knowledge I needed and some direction from people who were willing to help me that I finally started to make some money online. Yes, I had to still put in the work. I had to be committed. But if I didn't have the knowledge that I had gained, I would have been in the same boat that I was in at the start, 4 plus years later. Knowledge is the key. Without it, you don't stand a chance. Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:03:22 Message: quote : Originally posted by sbyholm I suspect many marketers holds back on this piece of the puzzle as it's the key to success, and they could easily create competition for themselves if they showed how they found the niches they make money in. This is one inside tip I can tell you that if you grasp it completely and take it to heart you will have a better journey. Guru's ( successful marketers) Know from experience and stats that if you mention these words in your sales letter your conversions will drop noticalbly. : Work : Study : Course : Time : Schedule : Semester : Class : Hard Work : Tasks : Homework You get my drift. As a successful mentor one of the first things I weed out before taking on a new student is how you react to those words above. If you squeal like a scared vampire being shown garlic or the cross my guidance won't be of any good for you. If you are not affraid to hear the truth and roll up your sleeves we'll get along famously. Here's a point that we shouldn't miss on this thread. When do you stop the drain and plug the whole? This thread has something like 800 views already and lots of replies. Yet no one has put up their hand to declare that today is the day that they get real about their business and commit to working smarter and more deciplined. You would be totally shocked at how 30 days of working on the right to do list can turn anyones business around. Even people who don't have all the talents. They can be obtained. No one can be a Jack of all trades except Jack! Get a bloody big sign and put this in the middle of it in BIG BOLD LETTERS! TODAY IS THE DAY! Now put it at eye level beside your monitor. Make a pledge to Work, Study, focus, and complete your daily to do list and you'll be golden. HTH, Richard Reply author: dbressler Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:15:14 Message: Action. Not just in internet marketing, but in all areas of life. Yesterday I was listening to the car radio and they were talking about the Ballys Fitness Chain filing for bankruptcy. In the investigation during the filing, it was learned that facility use among customers averaged ONE HALF A WORKOUT PER WEEK. Now, these people saw a need to improve their fitness level AND signed a multi-year CONTRACT to use the facilities. Then they quit. Having worked with clients starting a myriad of home businesses since 1990, I've seen this time and again in a certain percentage of people. Possessing a fitness membership doesn't make you fit. Possessing the latest ebook, or video, or consulting course will not make you rich. It takes follow through and action. Debbi Bressler Reply author: cyberslick Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:17:33 Message: The formula is out there. Every tenth post on this forum is a step by step guide how someone made money, and how you can easily replicate it. Everyones heard it before. Make a site, throw adsense on it, promote a product, and send it traffic. You want to make a $150 bucks in two days? Go to www.clixgalore.com and make a free affiliate account. Find an online dating service. Post in craigslist that you are looking for someone to chat to you in an adult setting, and forward them to your affiliate link. Bam instant money. It's not hard, people just need to work harder and smarter. I've listed several surefire methods like this in my own signature product, and I can see probably hundreds of equally useful products in the WSO right now. Reply author: Lloyd Lopes Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:31:39 Message: I see many reasons here ..... maybe i can cover them in a simple concept. Lets presume that the success we are talking about is making loads of loot. We know that : 1. A lot of people don't take action. Some people who have done very little or nothing at all have become rich. 2.People dont have the skills. We know college students with zero skills have made mountains of cash. 3. People don't have motivation. People have got accidentally rich on the internet with no motivation to get rich at all....remember the pixel sites? 4.People dont have resources etc etc... Some people have started with nothing and become wealthy. I think the most common blanket to cover these reasons is: People starting out in business do not provide in value what they ask in money. And for me - the only real thing that has made me money is providing people with more in value than I ask in money. This could be anything - hard work - an idea - a service etc - but they simply don't hand out more in value than what they ask for in monetary return. Thats why spamming , phishing , auto site and content creators and everything else will fail. Trying to get a buck for providing nothing in return is never going to get you anywhere. This works with your own products and promoting others products. It applies when building content sites. It applies pretty to everything - including doing nothing. Reply author: dabuzz Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:35:03 Message: there are many answers to the question.. one of it is.. in Paul's thread.. "it takes time to succeed" people don't get it.. and throw in the towel a lot sooner.. that's the reason they dont' see the first light of success.. coz they never waited that long! Shariq. Reply author: kev314 Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:38:39 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford If we know why so many aren't doing that great... something everyone seems to be able to explain to you... then why can't we figure out how more CAN succeed. More don't succeed Because...... More don't apply. More don't plan. More don't seek out practical knowledge. More don't take ownership and claim their Success. More don't broadcast their projects,goals and dreams. More don't commit to functional business plan. More don't cut the green grass on their own projects. More don't seek out professional honest critiques of their plan. More don't treat their time with dicipline. More don't do the little things that others won't do. More don't do more. How's that for a start of discussing about More? HTH, Richard P.S. To succeed you have to do alot more than just more. That IS a great start A root cause of many of the things that you list is that more don't know how. So, seeking the proper training seems to be something sorely needed. It's also true that many people simply won't put in the time and effort to learn what they actually need to know! Willie Even if you give someone a fool proof plan, you really haven't helped that much. In order to dramatically increase the success of others, the "success threshold" to execute the plan needs to be lowered. If it was merely the plan/system that made the difference, then everyone would be thin(eat only healthy food and exercise every day). The focus from my perspective is finding all the little details that help you(not necessarily others) increase your likelihood of success. One example from exercise(for me) is listening to audiobooks while walking, one example from internet businesses(for me) is asking myself "does this serve my clients", the trick is finding the 100 little things that propel(not drive) you toward market success. Reply author: PowerOfOne Replied on: 08/19/2007 13:47:59 Message: They don't succeed because they haven't developed the mindset, the skill set, and the consistency to create success. I think most people just aren't far along enough on the journey of SELF development, to really put in the work it takes to succeed. And to really have the strength, confidence, and endurance of going through all the hard times. Then there's the fact that it takes TALENT. You don't here that alot, but TALENT is a major thing most successful people have. And that's not something that duplicates. You either have natural talents that will help you do better in the business world, or you dont. And you can try and try to develop them, but sometimes people just aren't very good at things and thats the way it is. So...I believe that people have to fail because its preparing them to succeed. Maybe in this life, maybe not... but its preparing them more for the journey it takes to make it big then anything else. And the tirekickers get weeded out early on, the people with some gusto stay in to fight, and the Real Deal entrepreneurs never stop until the job is done no matter what. Just my .02 Jonathan Reply author: bobcath Replied on: 08/19/2007 14:41:09 Message: Don't mean to be simplistic, but I think Willie touched on the main reason...MOTIVATION...either being motivated strongly enough to move away from something that you're hating, or toward something that you feel you will love. I know all of the other stuff is important too, but if you dont have the strong 'WHY' you're doomed to start... Regards Bobby Reply author: Steven Wagenheim Replied on: 08/19/2007 14:52:32 Message: quote : Originally posted by bobcath Don't mean to be simplistic, but I think Willie touched on the main reason...MOTIVATION...either being motivated strongly enough to move away from something that you're hating, or toward something that you feel you will love. I know all of the other stuff is important too, but if you dont have the strong 'WHY' you're doomed to start... Regards Bobby Bobby, you're absolutely right. You MUST have motivation, but I had all the motivation in the world when I first started. Hell, I was DESPERATE. I was out of work and broke. And yet, it wasn't enough to give me success until I got the education that I needed. Motivation without knowing what you're doing is not going to cut it. At least it didn't for me. Reply author: Elliot Hanson Replied on: 08/19/2007 14:54:25 Message: Great topic and interesting discussion. I don't think failure is necessarily a bad thing as long as it is thought as a teaching tool. You have to have a certain mindset about failure and success. A baby learns how to walk after falling down multiple times. Learning how to walk is no easy task for a baby, but they do eventually evolve from crawling to standing up and walking. Failure tests our will to succeed and helps us learn why we didn't succeed. With that said I think there are a couple reasons why people don't achieve the level of success they want to. One reason is they have no plan or direction to follow. They get distracted by new products or the latest greatest thing of the moment. They try every method out there and don't have focus. They waste time looking for a magic bullet or think this is the "one". Meanwhile they could have been gaining the know how to reach their goal. Time management and lack of self discipline to actually take daily action could be another problem. Working online can cause people to get distracted by things that break our focus: email, viral videos, forums and IM. It takes attention away from what needs to get done at that moment and can waste hours. A success mindset and knowing you will make it even if your bank account or others tell you otherwise. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage your goal or have already achieved what you want to achieve is also very important. It can be easier to succeed for those starting out when surrounded by positive, encouraging people rather than negative people telling you your goals are unrealistic. Sometimes family and friends don't understand what you're doing and think you're wasting time surfing the internet. After a while all that negativity can really get to someone and the person starting out may give up. Negativity can wear someone down and seems almost contagious. Along the same lines is not teaming up with others or trying to go at it alone. It can be easier to succeed if you have a friend(s) who is going for the same goal and is pushing for your success. A great book I read when starting out was Wishcraft by Barbara Sher. The book was about practically and strategically setting and reaching goals. In it she writes about the importance of having others who not only give you support but also help you get things done such as calling each other and checking in at the end of the day to give each other updates and nudges to get more done tomorrow. Having a network is also important. Someone in your network may have a contact or friend who can help you out. Laziness can also wreak havoc with someone's goal. I think that comes down to a lack of motivation or not defining the purpose of exactly why they are trying to set up online business. Also, some people are opportunity seekers and don't think in terms of building a long term business. Finally, knowing when to bail out of a dead end idea or trying to approach a problem from a different way. Sometimes people are working hard at something that won't really help them reach their goal and they turn into hamster on a wheel. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Testing, tweaking and time is necessary to see what works and what doesn't. Reply author: Mary Gallivan Replied on: 08/19/2007 15:22:29 Message: Hi Maybe one question that needs to be asked is 'What does success man to you? If you know the answer to that you could be halfway there. If success means earning a 6 figure sum and you're earning a 5 figure sum does that mean you haven't succeeded? Success to me is to earn enough money to keep a roof over my head, pay the bills and have a bit left over for a rainy day - we've had a lot of those here lately :-) Anything above and beyond that makes me even happier but I'd feel successful to earn enough to live on. There's so many that want to earn mega amounts with little or no effort or work and think it's easy to somehow do it. It's said so many times about doing surveys, ask the list subscribers what they want. So should one of the first questions be - What does success mean to you? Mary Reply author: Richard Odell Replied on: 08/19/2007 15:45:24 Message: quote : Originally posted by drmani Why can't 100% succeed? No reason why. They can. It takes 3 P's... - Passion - Purpose - Persistence Strange when I was was a in the Ambulance service the three P's stood for.. Pick them up. Pack them in. And piss off! How times change... Richard PS We were not "Paramedics" back then - strangely the survival rate was higher! Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/19/2007 15:50:48 Message: quote : Originally posted by Joe Russell I'll bet you a beer that if it was somehow mandatory for all newbies to join the WF first and be a member for at least 30 days before starting any online business or buying any product we would see a lower failure rate. Joe Russell You're probably right. Allen should use his clout with The Internet Council and make that a requirement Willie Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:00:57 Message: quote : Originally posted by rockerrockstar This is going to be Willie's new special report WSO right. No, but there is enough material here to give someone several good products. A lot of needs and want and FRUSTRATIONS are being pointed out here. Willie Reply author: TinkBD Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:07:14 Message: quote : Originally posted by RichardDriver As a successful mentor one of the first things I weed out before taking on a new student is how you react to those words above. If you squeal like a scared vampire being shown garlic or the cross my guidance won't be of any good for you. If you are not afraid to hear the truth and roll up your sleeves we'll get along famously. If you are one of the lucky ones to be offered help from Richard, as a result of this thread... grab it with BOTH HANDS! quote : Yet no one has put up their hand to declare that today is the day that they get real about their business and commit to working smarter and more disciplined. LOL Sorry - I was working to hard on my new Online Survival Course to take the time until now! Tink Reply author: DougBarger Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:10:06 Message: Willie, I really appreciate your post. The accountability is so important. I learn that more and more. Thanks for sharing secrets of your success. Even the crumbs that fall from the table are nice nuggets for beginners. Doug Reply author: Nathan_Johnson Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:10:23 Message: My philosophy when it comes to creating products is simple: I do my best job to give them the tools to get the job done, if they don't want to put them to use, then I can't make them. I'm sorry that more people don't take action, but it has to be accepted. I get plenty of feedback from people that have put it to use and love it! That means I'm doing something right. When I started online, I vowed to make sure to help at least one person better their life. After an awful lot of people later, I know I'm doing a good thing here. - Nathan Johnson Reply author: jiveman Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:27:09 Message: A lot of people can't actually make money onlin because they don't take action.And the very few who did later find the task really hard to come by,so they give up so easily.It happened to me too operating an internet business from this part of the world is a lot hectic.But I had made up my mind never to give up,after the motivation I received from this forum some months back."When the going gets tough,the tough get going",So I will never stop this race of success till I'm one of the best online.WATCH OUT! Olajide Adetutu Reply author: Michelle Brouse Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:35:58 Message: Well, here we go again, hopefully third time is a charm. The second huge post I wrote about 3 hours ago was closed by my two year old. This time I'm writing the thing in notepad. Anyhow, this comes from someone who has been working on the PC for about 10 years now. I have always been able to make money, even from day one. I've been through ebay, I worked in Cleveland for other people, and I've been doing website work on my own since 2000. I started getting into Internet Marketing about 2 years ago. Various reasons, but mostly because I KNEW I would make a whole lot more money. When I first started my own website, it was interesting to say the least. I already had basic graphic skills, Photoshop etc. - I knew how to build websites through front page, plus a host of other oftware skills. Software wasn't the problem. Things I had never done, like... creating a worthy digital product, building an ebook cover, creating a salespage, even down to finding out how to get my own domain name and get it hosted needed to be learned. I took one step at a time, and I still do that a lot. I won't put too much effort into learning something I'm not ready for - found out the hard way, that by the time I get to that point - I need to go look it back up. Forgot everything I learned unless I actually put it to use, immediately. So, I'm not making a bundle, yet I'm always able to make enough to get by. Since I'm at the point to where something has to change so that I can make that 40 grand a month, I'll be revamping my system in a hurry. I'd like to share here, what it is that I think I have done wrong... and what I think I have done right so far. What I have done WRONG, is what's stopping me from the success I'm looking for. I'm sure there are a few people that can relate in some way. Here is what I have done WRONG in the last two years: NO FOCUS. This one is a biggie. Mrs. Sidetrack Queen over here, can get one PM, one email, one IM - or see one forum post and be sidetracked for over an hour. This kind of "flitting around" has to stop. Part of the problem that causes this "lack of focus" is: NO PLANNING. It's not that I DON'T have a plan, because I do have various plans for websites, and other little plans for this and that. The main plan is: "I will make a million dollars per year within 5 years by creating digital products to sell on the internet." Some plan. The problem with this, is that my main plan should be broke down into what has to be accomplished each year. Each year needs broke down into what needs done each month, which needs broke down into what needs done each week, into what needs done each day. With no daily plan that leads through to the big 5 year plan - I lack focus, and end up spinning my wheels doing busy work. HELPING TOO MANY PEOPLE. Yes, it's nice to help others. I love to pay things forward, help people who are newer than me, and help my friends. Problem is, this is time consuming. I also don't get paid for it. TRADING TIME FOR MONEY. Since most of my time has been spent in service oriented tasks, like creating graphics for hire... I have not been able to use leverage. I know better than to keep trading time for money, but it becomes a vicious circle. You need the money to pay your bills, so you trade your time to get the money to get those bills. You are left with very little time to do your own work so that you CAN use leverage. I end up losing lots of sleep due to trading time for money, having no specific plan, and having a lack of focus. I just stay up all night trying to get more time. Not good for the health. UNDERPRICING PRODUCTS AND SERVICE, GIVING FREEBIES. Another thing I just love to do for some reason. Took me forever to raise my cover fees, and they have needed raised again for the last YEAR and I haven't got around to changing them yet. How stupid is that. I don't do any kind of testing to figure out how to price my other products. There is no great thought to the pricing, usually it's "hmmm - $9.97 ought to work" - and out it goes at that price. Usually it stays there forever, with no testing etc. Bad move. Not to mention giving out way too many free graphics over the last two years. All of this ends up hurting me and my business. I'm sure it's great for my customers, but it isn't great for me. STUCK IN THE PRODUCT CREATION PHASE. I could sit and create things all day long. I love to create products and graphics. It's one of those "built in" things I was born with. I received MANY ribbons and awards for Art while in school, including a gold key. I played in bands and wrote some original tunes. So I'm no stranger to creating things, but I've been stuck in that rut. Instead of getting out and marketing what I HAVE created, I just go out and create something else. Also not a real bright move on my part. LACK OF OGANIZATION. There is no true organization to ANYTHING that I do. I don't care if it's cleaning house, or working on the PC. That's all about to change in a big way though. Not only will homeschooling require organization and time management, I seriously need it on my business. Most of the big changes will get applied when we finally move into that beast house... but for now I'll be starting with organizing THIS house, and the homeschooling first. While I'm at it, I'll carry this over to my work on the PC. Now THAT is going to take a lot of effort, but it will be soooo worth it. Add some good planning, and FOCUS... and I should be all set. Here is what I think I've done right. EDUCATION. I have taken the time to learn most all of the skills I need to run an internet business. From software skills, programs I need, how to handle taxes, and way too many other things to list. I have invested money and time in my education, and have studied pretty hard at each point where I had to learn something new. I learn it, use it, and go on to the next thing. Let me tell you, it's been a whole lot cheaper to learn IM than it was to go to a one year tech college! BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. I didn't do a whole lot of this at first. I kind of muddled through on my own until I met Russell Brunson in the Lost Files Forum. His coaching class helped me a lot. He told me about the WF, which almost scared me when I started reading! LOL. I learned how to use IM to work with others from a man that ended up being very bad news, but I was thankful for some of the things he taught me. From this man I learned not to be affraid to approach other people online. I also learned quite a bit on how to tell a bad apple from a good one, and that I needed to check up on anyone that I would be working with. Building great relationships has been key in many areas where I needed to exchange help, or learn things quickly. TAKING ACTION. When I have a good idea for a product, or run across some market that looks promising - the first thing I do is buy a domain name. I don't wait on the domain name for one reason. By the time I actually get to the site, that domain name could be long gone. I get it when the gettin's good. It also serves as a reminder of what my original idea was. Epecially when the renewal fees come due. :-) But, I usually start on the idea as soon as I have it, and think it's good enough. This isn't always possible due to the number of ideas, but on the really good ones... I try to move. I learned the hard way that the universe likes speed. You may be working on something that 5 other people already started. So you don't want to "dilly-dally" around, just do it. PERSISTENCE. My boys are probably the most persistent kids I know when they want something. (Gee, I wouldn't have any idea where they get THAT from!) I do NOT give up. I may want to, I may feel like it, but I have NEVER given up on anything that I have truly wanted in my life. This business is no different. And let me tell you, when you get hit really bad by a con, or you have a really bad day online, you'll WANT to give up. It's then time to step back, and think of a different approach. What has NOT been working? WHY has it NOT been working? Figure it out, change what you need to change, and get right back at it. DRIVE. I'm also a very "driven" person. I have no idea how you develop something like that, it just seems to have been built right into me. I think if a person has no drive, they won't get too far on much of anything, and will be satisfied with the "status quo" or whatever they think they are "worthy" of. Having no DRIVE, will hinder your success at darn near everything. So as you see... it seems that I'm doing a bit more things wrong than I'm doing right - but I'm still making money. It's not incredibly easy, but it's not incredibly HARD either. You're going to fail. Get that done and over with as quick as possible, and don't look back. You might fail at 50 things, but it only takes ONE GOOD SUCCESS to get the snowball rolling. One more thing I thing is needed to help propell you to success, and that is mentoring. A coach or mentor that can stop you when they see you going the wrong way, and direct you back on track. This can be expensive, but from my own experience, and by watching others... a good mentor can do wonders for you. One 1/2 hour phone call with Russell about 2 years or so ago, had me making money within 24 hours. I was so dang new, that my biggest goal was to just get a few orders. Now days things have changed, and I need a whole different "kick in the ass." Richard would like to give it to me, so I'm going to take him up on his offer. :-) First things first, I'll be doing what he already TOLD me to do. That means shutting it down for a week or so, get that plan together, get organized, get focused - and get my crap together. Shut down prep is going on right now... incredible how many things need done just to be able to shut down for a while. Hope my list above helps a few others... I wrote this post three times now! Living proof of about 3 things I do wrong listed above! LOL! Thanks! Michelle Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/19/2007 16:54:39 Message: quote : Originally posted by Nathan_Johnson My philosophy when it comes to creating products is simple: I do my best job to give them the tools to get the job done, if they don't want to put them to use, then I can't make them. I'm sorry that more people don't take action, but it has to be accepted. I get plenty of feedback from people that have put it to use and love it! That means I'm doing something right. When I started online, I vowed to make sure to help at least one person better their life. After an awful lot of people later, I know I'm doing a good thing here. - Nathan Johnson Hi Nathan, I hear what you're saying. I've heard it expressed as "I can't want your success more than you do!" Sometimes, it can seem like you actually do with some people who just won't do the few simple things that they just need to DO Willie Reply author: Willie Crawford Replied on: 08/19/2007 17:01:35 Message: quote : Originally posted by Michelle Brouse Well, here we go again, hopefully third time is a charm. The second huge post I wrote about 3 hours ago was closed by my two year old. This time I'm writing the thing in notepad. Michelle, you just wrote an ebook Share how you worked through the fairly common problems that you listed, and you'll guide a lot of others along the path. Great post! Willie Reply author: RichardDriver Replied on: 08/19/2007 18:33:17 Message: quote : Originally posted by Michelle Brouse Now days things have changed, and I need a whole different "kick in the ass." Richard would like to give it to me, so I'm going to take him up on his offer. :-) Funny you should post that. I just returned from the shoe store buying a special pair of Michelle boots Like Willie said it's a great post you made and your follow up I know will be just as good. Then you get off the computer..... Richard Reply author: Paul_Evans Replied on: 08/19/2007 20:05:57 Message: Wow! This is a SOLID thread. Why can't 100% succeed? As we see from this thread there are hundreds of ways to fail! It's easy. There are hundreds of ways to get off track. On the other hand, the successful people online that I know rarely stray from... 1. Driving traffic to their site(s). 2. Building a list and developing a relationship. 3. Making relevant offers - most of which are their own products. Recently I spent a few days with one of the top guns of internet marketing. He never checked email. Never talked about anything going on "out there" in internet marketing. He just concentrated on the fundamentals and did not spend any time on anything that would not directly increase his income through the service he provides. Reply author: howieS Replied on: 08/19/2007 20:30:48 Message: Most people don't "REALLY TRY" they fumble around, buy a whole bunch of stuff then they give up and buy another program then eventually they flame out (credit card runs out) the '5%' of people who make it are the ones who FOCUS this is not about luck it is about hard work and trying / failing / learning / and trying again! Reply author: mikepaul Replied on: 08/19/2007 20:45:12 Message: Wow, I just spent the last 30 minutes reading through this entire thread. Excellent info and I have to say it's good to hear some other people that are experiencing the same types of frustration that I have been. I got into online business a little over a year ago when I started a podcast. And, yes, I have to admit I fell for the trap of "put it up and they will come" and just assumed that the money would start rolling in just because I talked about an affiliate product on my show. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. I'm sure most of you knew I was going to say that, so I'll continue. As I have been moving through the last year I think I can trace the root of my problems to two main reasons: lack of focus and lack of knowledge. I'm a gadget guy and a computer freak. I get very easily distracted when I see shiny objects, hear email notifications, or basically just about anything that happens to me while I sit at one of my three computers. (Yes, I admit I'm a total dipstick but that has nothing to do with making money online...) I have all the greatest intentions in the world to accomplish great things, then I fall prey to the old distraction monster. And so life has gone on for the last year. Meanwhile, I've gotten in debt up to my eyeballs buying every new product to come down the line and trying one project after another that hasn't worked. I assume all responsibility for the position that I'm in now, it's nobody's fault but my own. I understand and realize that if I had been more focused from the beginning, I'd probably be in a much better situation right now and might even be able to escape the absolute nonsense that is my day job. I'm also convinced that I've never really figured out exactly what I'm supposed to do. I've heard lots of people talking in this thread about having a road map to follow and knowing where all the pieces are supposed to fit. I just haven't gotten there yet. Or could it be that I have the road map sitting in front of me and I just need to finally choose one and stick with it? Possibly... Also, I don't think that I've had a good enough "why" to get me motivated and get off my duff to get things moving. That's changing, too. I'm getting married in just a little less than a year and I don't want to take a mountain of debt into that marriage and I don't want to still be at the same job that I know is going to be a tremendous strain on my marriage due to the schedule that I have to work. Maybe it's time I did like Richard said and say "TODAY IS THE DAY!" Sounds like a good idea to me and I'm glad that I found this forum and more specifically this thread to get some much needed inspiration. Reply author: chris_surfrider Replied on: 08/19/2007 21:48:34 Message: I think a lot of people fail because they try to make a go of one or perhaps a combination of the following: 1) Selling the wrong product 2) Targeting the wrong audience 3) Weak and ineffective copy that doesn't captivate or communicate 4) Advertising through the wrong mediums I started out trying to innovate and be "first to market" with a bunch of stuff - and failed, or at least fell miserably short of anything substantial, to be sure. Things started to drastically improve once I realized some basic truths: a) Sell what's proven to sell - just follow the numbers b) Innovation and Creativity should ONLY be applied to IMPROVING an already-existing product or business model; don't re-invent the wheel, make it better. c) Go to where the buying traffic is. This is a business, and you need customers. Look for markets that you could compete in by providing either an accessory or a great product that fits an already-existing NEED that others already exploit. Quick Cash Strategy for the Meantime and to Boost Your "Ego": ------------------------------------------------------------- And - if you're really stuck and you need some cash - seriously, build a bunch of topical niche sites that deal with product reviews and information about products - and load 'em up with your affiliate links. Then go out (or hire a freelancer for a few hundred) and build about 30 one-way links, 100 reciprocal links, write and distribute 10 articles through the major article sites, comment on blogs, drop a couple social bookmarks and do directory submissions. If you've got the cash, buy about 4 or 5 one-way links with a PR 5 or higher. Do this and you will absolutely dominate the targeted, BUYING search traffic for specific product keywords in most niches, even with a lot of competition. And because of your target visitor, you'll only need 10% of the traffic to make as much money as someone with a more "generic" site. Not hard. And it's a hell of a lot better than Bum Marketing because it's your own site, you'll have organic leverage and you can sell it later on if you want. Besides, you should be using Bum Marketing to PROMOTE your own sites, because, yes, it does work, but it really benefits the TARGET site the most. Might as well be yours. And on top of that - think about WHY this strategy works. It's because you're going after what's ALREADY selling. Do the same with your own products, and you'll achieve, as Borat would say, "Great Success!" :-) -Chris Reply author: hldnboy1 Replied on: 08/19/2007 22:02:29 Message: OOOH COOOME on I can direct you to at least a dozen e-books which for only $97 will show you how to earn a fortune online with almost zero work. Havent tried them myself, but the salespage sure is convincing. Noel :) Reply author: JW888 Replied on: 08/19/2007 23:20:30 Message: Their are many reasons why people fail. Just a small sampling: - Lack of understanding of the business - Fear of change in their work habits - They are just too lazy to follow through - They suffer from the GRQ mentality. - They don't have a positive outlook. - They don't see failure as a part of success. - Their only dreamers, not actually doers. - They've been scammed way too many times. - Negative influences in their everyday life. When I first started out as an affiliate marketer, my biggest problem was with family and friends that kept telling me that this would never work and that I needed to find a real job. Reply author: warner444 Replied on: 08/19/2007 23:21:02 Message: For me I know I jumped into too many projects. If one did not show fast enough results I tried other projects instead of sticking with fewer projects. I had to learn many new skills as I went along and am now looking back over the many posibilities to boil down to a few best ones. I think it is good to evaliaute my skills, determine which are my best and focus my efforts where I have the best skills. There are really a lot of various factors involved in most any Internet Marketing adventure. Looking back I think planning well in advance is critical (while avoiding paralisys by analysis). Continued learning and skill building is esential. Starting any business will challenge a person at the base of their existance and make them quesion and learn about themselves. Maybe many people are not up being as honset about thier shortcomings to be able to see where they fall short and see where they need to improve so just make some convienient excuse that blames the situation. Maybe it could be usefull for people who are succesfull to share thier stories so people can see what it really took. Reply author: Joe Russell Replied on: 08/19/2007 23:40:28 Message: quote : Originally posted by Willie Crawford quote : Originally posted by Joe Russell I'll bet you a beer that if it was somehow mandatory for all newbies to join the WF first and be a member for at least 30 days before starting any online business or buying any product we would see a lower failure rate. Joe Russell You're probably right. Allen should use his clout with The Internet Council and make that a requirement Willie I dont think we need to go that far Willie, Google may be able to point a good percentage of every money making keyword searcher to the WF and with Allens pull we may be able to get MSN and Yahoo to take part Joe Reply author: BillyBee Replied on: 08/19/2007 23:59:40 Message: Most people can't write very well. This dawned on me when a friend of mine asked for my advice on how to market his website. He was doing everything wrong, but that wasn't his fault -- he didn't know anything about internet marketing at the time. So I told him what to do. I spent about an hour typing up a very detailed sequence of steps on how to assemble a compelling sales letter. I mean, I spelled it out completely, gave him examples, warned him of pitfalls, gave him the reasoning behind all the steps so that he could use it other areas. I did everything but teach him how to channel Gary Halbert directly from the beyond. (Now THERE'S a membership site! "From the money-sucking waters north of Jewfish creek . . .") My friend emails me a few days later asking me to look at his site. "Tell me what you think!" he wrote. I looked at his site and my heart sank. He hadn't even gotten the gist of a serviceable headline. I used to think of writing like talking: I figured everyone could do it reasonably well. The more I see what's out there, the more I realize that this stuff is perhaps more art than science. Video aside, all we have are your words on people's screens, so they had better be good ones. The Warrior Forum : http://www.WarriorForum.com/forum/ © 1997-2006 Internet Warriors

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