ClickBank recently sent me a copy of Get Rich Click!: The Ultimate Guide to Making Money on the Internet by Marc Ostrofsky.
It looked like a good read, and I'm always on the lookout for a book I can recommend to my offline friends that are interested in learning more about making money online.
I flipped through it, and my first impressions were that it was very well organized and easy to read.
It has a nice clean layout, includes QR codes - all the makings of a book I expected I would really enjoy and probably recommend.
I enjoyed the introduction, and even reading all the endorsements - many of which were written by people I know. A good sign, right? So far so good.
When I first started reading Get Rich Click I settled right in and really liked it. I got creative ideas left and right during the first chapter, less from the content and more from the topic - which was "the get rich click mindset"...
But then, after such a great start and with creative inspiration flowing, the second chapter just completely lost my attention. I had started Chapter 2 on my flight to Colorado Springs, and I admit I was a bit tired, so I went back and read it again just to be sure. The topic was "Reverse E-Commerce", which is not a model I'm fond of.
Chapter Two
Reverse E-Commerce basically means selling products or services you don't actually have on hand. One of the examples was to go to a flea market or wholesale warehouse and take photos of products, then list them online at eBay and Craigslist. Then go back and purchase them to fill your orders. 😯
Um, what if you couldn't find those same products again - or the quantity you needed to fill your orders?? NOT something I would recommend.
Also, many of the "success stories" for this model were OLD. Back in the 90's when eBay was HOT, or early 2000's when things were different. Most of the stories shared were at least a decade old, which is ancient history in Internet terms.
I worried these stories might inspire people who are new to Online Marketing, only to disappoint them when they found those markets or models have changed.
Especially if they invested a substantial amount of money.
Being the "middle man" where you don't actually have the product in your posession... is risky business. Even if it is your best friend and you're selling his car for him online (page 21).
Chapter Three
The third chapter is all about search marketing. Honestly, it didn't do a good job of pulling me back in after the second chapter. I found some of the wording to be off, making it sound more complicated than it should.
Or in some cases, the wording was just plain confusing.
For example: (page 33) "Off-page factors are ways to affect your ranking that don't appear on an actual web page."
There were only two factors listed, which DO in fact appear on "an actual web page". They were Links and Directory listings. ❓ Confusing.
There were also other points on search engine marketing that I simply did not agree with, and don't think would be helpful for someone new trying to learn how to "make money on the internet".
Page 36
But it was Page 36 that finally had me shaking my head and ultimately made me put the book down and just stop reading.
On this page are "7 Tips For Keywords":
1. Understand how search engines allow you to use Keywords
2. Understand how many times you can use a Keyword on a page
3. If you use redirection technology, it should facilitate and improve...
(Redirection technology? Facilitate? What does this have to do with "Keywords" and what in the world is he talking about??)
Tips 4 & 5 were also about "redirection technology" . Tip 6 was "Do not submit pages to the search engines too frequently." (My advice: don't submit pages to search engines period)
I personally don't think "understand how" is a tip. How is a person supposed to understand how exactly? Wasn't that the point of the book - or at least this chapter? Blah...
I didn't waste another minute turning another page.
Maybe I cheated myself out of some interesting chapters or ideas. But he totally lost my interest in Chapter Two, and sealed it in Chapter Three.
I was hoping this would be a book I could recommend to some of my offline friends that want to understand ways you can make money online. To the people who truly need an "ultimate guide to making money on the internet." But it's not. Period.
And this is a New York Times Best Seller?
Recommended and promoted by ClickBank?
I was seriously disappointed...
Books I DO recommend
While they are not an "ultimate step-by-step guide to making money online", there are two books that I constantly recommend to entrepreneurs - both online and offline. In my opinion these two books combined really give a clear picture of where we're heading, and the huge potential involved.
Anyone with even a sliver of "entrepreneur" in them somewhere will get tons of creative inspiration from these books, with lightbulbs going off left and right:
And of course I am publishing a training course this year, specifically on the Niche Marketing model that I use successfully myself. You can learn more at http://www.NicheSuccessBlueprint.com
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Lynn,
I'm with the others; glad to have seen your review before I put any money down. And with a title like that, it could have easily drawn me to the checkout aisle.
While you've given a shortened rendition of your review, I note that the 3 tips of the 7 you've listed don't really say/explain anything. If someone new starting out were reading those, chances are they would not know what those tips meant. Does he even define "keywords" or "search engines" anywhere? I would hope he provides at least a sentence or two to explain the tip itself.
Thank you again for "having our backs"!
He does define keywords & search engines a bit prior to that section. But knowing how heavily this book is being promoted offline, I tested it on an offline business owner - the plumber.
The plumber runs a commercial plumbing business in a local area. They are in Google Local, have a website, and are interested in coming up high for the local terms their market uses. So he's not totally lost on the idea of search marketing.
I read him a few bits from that chapter and he just gave me a blank stare. None of it explained anything, or made any sense to him.
A shame. We really could use a book like this that helps people of all types understand the reality of online business - from people that want to start something online to offline business owners that want to market online. Frustrating...
Wow. That was quick. But I guess it didn't take long if that is your finding. But I like your review, telling it how it is. I am sure it helps your readers a lot. Sure has helped me. I am eager to read your book when it comes out. Nervous about how others will review it? 😉 (all the best for that)
LOL I hadn't given it much thought really, the reviews for my book. It should prove interesting to hear what people think. Any strong opinions by more than a few readers would certainly encourage me to release an update though. I think feedback is the best thing you can ever receive, particularly when your goal is to truly serve that market.
Lynn, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and have just become a bigger one!
I just started a blogsite, and I know I have a lot to learn, so I read what you write religiously.
I was in Borders yesterday, looking for more material and saw this book. I flipped through it and it just didn't "feel" right.
When I saw your first thoughts on this book, I thought, "Well, it's probably a good idea to head over to Borders again." Then when I saw what you had to say about Chapter 2 and beyond ... all I can say is thank you for your trademark candor.
You are a rock star!
Blessings,
Anthony
Thank you Anthony. I really should have read further before I shared any enthusiasm about it on Facebook. 😛 Lesson learned!
You mentioned looking for new material. Any topics in particular? I might could make recommendations, or even point you to something here in the archives.
I just updated the post above with two books I DO recommend. Both are a great read!
Lynn,
Don't worry, by putting the book down you didn't miss anything the rest of the way IMO...the rest of the book follows the same pattern.
Reading this book (I read the whole thing) was like skipping a rock across a lake, but the rock made all the way to the other side without sinking anywhere.
Skip from one topic, to the next, to the next etc... but never getting into one topic beyond lightly addressing it.
Ahh - glad to hear I didn't miss much 😉
Thanks so much, Lynn, for demonstrating how a negative review can not only help your readers steer clear of less-than-useful products, but also enhance your credibility and build trust.
🙂
It's refreshing to see a detailed review - I just wish you would give us your opinion of an option you would recommend... There is so much junk online (and now offline) that I'm collecting all the good ones for my site - So, if you can update your post and give us your favorite authors on this topic it would very helpful.
I have updated the post above to include two recommendations. Thank you for the inspiration to do that. Great idea!
Hi Lynn, Gary here.
I've not been online much since about mid March because I've been having too much fun with my two kids enjoying the warm weather, so I admit that I may have missed a lot here at ClickNewz. That being said...
I was beginning to wonder, "When will someone make a recommendation of a product NOT to buy, and not be afraid to name names too?" Well, you wrote one of those types of posts here... it is very refreshing to me 😉
Thanks Lynn!
Gary Anderson II
aka- GanderCo
I've seen many people in the industry promoting this book, but obviously none of them have really read it. Thanks Lynn for your honest review.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? ...
Unfortunately I also bought this book and was very disappointed. It seemed to me to be more about self promotion and reminiscing about his past (read ancient) exploits. And I too was left with "so what" "how can I make money now". Maybe the only new thing was his use of the QR codes which by the way took you to his website so he could sell you something. Using his authority as a New York Times best selling author to market the book and the businesses he owns or partners in. All in all not recommended reading.
Those were my exact thoughts. Especially while reading Chapter Two. I kept saying "so what??" to myself throughout that section, wondering how much of it was even relevant in 2011...
I was disappointed by the lack of current examples. There certainly is NOT a lack of examples to draw from...
Appreciate your candid review. There's no sense in being just another "yes, it's great, buy it!" reviewer when too many people are reading the book and scratching their heads. As for your first comment up there, yep, I'll bet you welcome good reviews of your book and I'll bet it will blow this one out of the water. Geez!
I can hope so 😀
I will say, it really motivates me to get MY book out on the market. And fast!
Lynn,
I started to buy this a few weeks ago but held off when you said you were going to read it and give a review. Thanks for saving me a few dollars. I heard the author on a radio interview the other night and was not impressed. I got the idea he has big backers and has never really done anything online himself.
I think Marc has had some brilliant moments, and genius ideas. He's been very successful and has been doing this for quite a while - longer than myself even. 😉 Where he is now vs where he was 10-15 years ago is different of course.
What was the radio interview about, if you recall?
I just read your blog post and am so impressed with you! That is awesome of you to help us all out with a very honest review of this book.
Marketers (especially newer ones) could really waste a lot of time (and money) following outdated tactics and not having the correct and concise information they need to start a business Online. It's important for people to have information that is as good and clear as possible. With the economy the way it is, there are so many looking at ways to make money Online...
Thank you again on your recommendation of a book that I should NOT read. 🙂
Thanks for the info. I was thinking about purchasing this book myself because it had great reviews by the readers. After reading your review I am glad that I didn't purchase it.
I always thought that the real experts to follow on the topic of Internet Marketing were the ones that published books with excellent reviews. Boy was I wrong.
I am looking forward to purchasing your upcoming book because I know that you are the real deal and it will be money well spent.
Thank you Lynn. I wanted to search for the book at the library in Singapore but after your review, I rather go for Crush It! You always share your good thoughts to us for our knowledge and to improve online.
Once again thank you. Going to get Crush It and Socialnomics.... Yahoo!
You'll enjoy them both 😉
Lynn,
Thank you for NOT recommending that DANG Book... I am so mad at whoever sold it to me about 2 months ago..(maybe longer). Here's the point, I NEVER got the book. I was emailed an offer to preorder it, along with a few enticing bonuses for, I don't know, around $20 bucks.... and Still no book!!
But I do get the occasional email offering to sell it to me again.
I am so glad, I can now put the whole thing to rest and happily delete and unsubscribe from those guys:)
Thanks
Jason
I wonder why you never received it? Did you follow up on that, or just let it go?
it's quite funny... I think perhaps I never actually ordered it.
IN short, my email contains no record of a receipt nor my paypal. I pay for almost everything with paypal, or at least you usually get an email receipt which I SIMPLY CANNOT delete 🙂 ( I am a virtual packrat as well as a "real world Packrat"
I would have archived the receipt or some confirmation ... Ahhh
Anyways, I have move on to better books.. thanks for your recommendations and your blog, I really enjoy going through looking or info..
and I have heard you on some podcasts lately...(I am an info JUNKIE! LOL 🙂
Jason
What's weird is that I just saw "Get Rich Click!" for the first time yesterday on a shelf at Barnes & Noble and gave it a quick skim, it explained some things that'd puzzled me (an IM noob) clearly for the first time (eg how when you use a 3rd party payment processor you are using _their_ merchant account to collect monies) and was therefore seriously considering snagging it off Amazon until I read your critique, now I'll just go back to B&N and glean the useful from the bad. Danka!
If you have any questions about what to use, how to do something, or whether something is "useful or bad", feel free to drop by the forum and just ask: http://www.clicknewz.com/members/ 🙂
Lynn, Thanks for this review and thanks for sharing your honest opinion. I have enough STUFF that is outdated.LOL
Gail J Richardson
You and me both, Gail 😛 LOL
First of all I'll admit I bought this book. That's probably why I clicked on the link. I was curious why you did not recommend this book. I also admit that I didn't read the whole thing either. I have many books that are half finished lying around and several of them are in the field of internet marketing. I guess I get sucked in to buying a book with a catchy title. What I forget though is that by the time a book about IM comes out it usually is outdated - but I still buy them.
Secondly I'm glad I opened your email this time, probably also because I was curious about when I signed up for your list. We all get emails from marketers that sometimes get passed over because we're signed up for so many. I didn't purge you from my list because I followed through to your blog and found that it has some useful information and seems to be one the good ones.
Thank you Ryan 😉 Glad you're sticking around!
Lynn, I am so glad you commented on this book. I like you started out reading it and it just didn't hold my attention and like you also mentioned it doesn't really go into any depth on any subject. I didn't even finish it.
Lynn, thanks for this honest review. I really like it when someone also points out the negative stuff. Too many reviews are either made up at all or just too positive to get a sale.
Keep up he good work - have a nice week 🙂
Thanks, you too Tom! 😉
Reverse E-Commerce is the beginners method, it's what you use when you want to start a business but lack the proper capital. Let's say i want to sell iPhone replicas from China, i talk to the producer about how long it would take the package to get here, then add up the time it takes to get from me to the client, and post that in my store. So i add 1 week from china and 1 week for my client, i'll just tell him he can get the package in 2 weeks. Meanwhile, he pays in advance so i don't have to get the iPhone from my money.
It's not a long term method, but it's perfect for your first sales.
Lynn,
thanks for the review I wonder if Chris Brogan read the book; another one I bought on his recommendation. Where is yours?
Thanks!!!
Coming very soon 🙂 I'm getting excited!
I just saw the first part of an interview with this author that Chris Brogan did. Some of his claims of his past accomplishments sent red flags up for me. Such as being the founder of the pre-paid phone card industry. That made me do a Goole search on him and went to his wikipedia page. It look like he had just created it in the last few months. It was not formated the way a normal bio of a person on wikipedia would be. There was just way too much boasting on his part during the interview with Brogan. I have known people like this and the claims have never held water. Bottom line is I didn't trust him and it only took less than three minutes of that interview.
Hello, I have a question. You said "My advice: don’t submit pages to search engines period". Why do you say that? On one of my sites, I have a static site and I have submitted every single page to Google and I get over 90% of my traffic from the search engines. So, I'm curious why you feel that way, or why it is a bad thing. Anyway, thanks for the book review....I may end up just borrowing it from the library.
Initially, I liked the book... and I still do. It has some great creative ideas, but I have to agree with you that certain areas left a lot to be desired. I will have to look at the entire book again and then I'll give it away. I also received a complimentary copy.
I must admit the marketing strategy for the book is awesome. I will add Crush It to my list. I also think UnMarketing, which you previously recommended was also good.
Lynn,
thanks for the review I wonder if Chris Brogan read the book; another one I bought on his recommendation. Where is yours?
Thanks!!!
Hi Lynn,
We saw Marc on The View about 6 months ago I guess, and we liked what we heard, so I went on line to his website for the book and ordered it. It came in about a week later. My husband started reading it, got a little confused and bored, so he put the book down and never picked it up. Then just last week, I guess it was one of his guys that works for him, called us up to speak to my husband and the guy ended up wanting to speak to both of us, so we put it on speaker phone. He was asking us all kind of questions and made an appointment with us with the upper guy for the next day. Well, I began to feel unfortable about it. The guy did call the next day, but I told him and my husband that I could not do it. So we are not. Then after I found your review and started reading it outloud to my husband, we both agreed that it did not look good. Thank you for your review.
I have recently received an email from Marc Ostrofsky promoting some rubbish by one Anthony Morrison. Look him up on Google. No further comment.
Why would Clickbank send you a copy of this book. Oh wait, I know internet marketing and you are full of BS. This book is all about links to the authors website. He gives ideas but he doesn't show how to implement any of them. Thanks
Did you even read my review, Dave? 😛