Beautiful, Gina!
I know exactly what you mean.
I can't wait to see you tonight :) And we'll plan a time for a real pow-wow without the guys (to spare them the agony -lol) when we get together tonight. See you at 6!
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Beautiful, Gina!
I know exactly what you mean.
I can't wait to see you tonight :) And we'll plan a time for a real pow-wow without the guys (to spare them the agony -lol) when we get together tonight. See you at 6!
I hope you're keeping an idea journal ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by masonworld
My advice: bring on partners & a team. Be the idea man. Not the get-it-done guy!
I chose 2, but I'm kind of in between 2&3.
My business has been stagnant income wise since I went full time. I've had some big ideas, but execution and buy in has been disappointing and I've made mistakes along the way.
However...I have been working on a project that I hope will bring it all together for me and I should be able to be happy enough with it by the first week of April to let the baby out there to see how it does in the world.
I feel like I've been retooling, redefining and rebooting my business repeatedly over the past two years, and I worry that it makes me look like a flake...but I think I've finally nailed it...
Crossing fingers and working hard...
I voted for option 2 although I feel that I moving a little beyond that :). I am certainly making progress and definitely enjoying that sense of accomplishment. Traffic is increasing daily and I am getting a new email signup here and there.
The one thing I am not doing is converting the traffic into sales. And that is my goal - to work on figuring out that part.
I can say that I have made more progress since meeting Lynn than I ever did previously. And that's not sucking up - lol.
That's awesome Patrysha!
I can relate to the time spent on restructuring, and getting things right. But along the way you've also put it out there - you've tested, tweaked, and tested some more. That's the way to do it, and you've come a long way. I look forward to hearing how things go over the next few weeks as you get things in place!
Hey Omar,Quote:
Originally Posted by Omar
The first question I would ask is: where is the traffic coming from? How targeted is the traffic to each page, to the offer on that specific page?
Start with targeting, and fine tune that first if necessary. Make sure you're targeting commercial keyword phrases or buyers - not information seekers.
We talked recently on ways to improve conversions on some of your pages. Are those pages getting enough targeted traffic to gauge true results yet?
Lynn is right, Mark. When people ask Lee Iacocca what he did first to turn Chrysler around (all those years ago) He said, FIRST? There was no first! We did everything at once! When you have a team you can get it done and avoid that problem of diminishing intent which has killed me when playing small.
Hey thanks Lynn,Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
I see your point. I just made some of those changes this week so it is probably too early to tell if they are having a positive effect.
Yes, excellent point, that's the big danger of all those activities, they are great tools for creating the illusion of working.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
Like right here, right now, I'm having this illusion that I'm working! :-)
For many, just two things will cover an enormous amount of ground. Content and links. Get that right, and the rest of it will probably work out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
Great poll Lynn! Thanks! Just connecting and watching you is inspiring!
Tina
Lynn, It's great to see your email. I finally had a moment to read it!
My main problem is finding time. Between work, farm, family, homeschooling, Bible teaching, and sleep, it is hard to find time to do any meaningful IM work. I wanted to put in a quality two hours a week, but even that has been a struggle.
I was encouraged a couple weeks back when I made my first affiliate sale, quickly followed by a second sale. (I would just like to duplicate that and get more sales.) Needless to say, I was quite excited.
God bless, Mike
I have to add that although I'm not an internet millionaire, I'm happy that I’m helping people who are getting ripped off left right and center (or centre as we say in the UK).
When someone thanks me for the information on my forum or blog, that's when it's worth it. When people take on dishonest ebay sellers and tell me they got a refund, that encourages me to keep going. Some of these ebay sellers are very underhanded!
So although I’m not making much money, I do like what I do, even if at times it's hard work. I do get a lot.... and I mean a lot of free audio gear. I probably recieved close to $1000 of audio gear last year for free. I have companies approaching me ... , wanting me to review their audio gear, that's a nice bit of recognition as well. So it's not all about the money.
http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.co...2&postcount=68
But one thging I will say Lynn is that I've spent the last 2 week unsubscribing to all but two marketing newletters. One of the newsletters i've kept subscribed to is yours. all the rest, i've ditched .... every single one of them.
Hi Lynn-
I posted in the Elite Forum about the struggles I'm having. I'll call it overwhelm! I'm getting started and have taken a lot of action in the last few weeks, but I am not sure what to do next. Technological know-how is limiting me somewhat, which is frustrating.
Anyway, I appreciate your opening up this thread and look forward to your comments here and on the Elite forum.
Lain
I went with the "making a little progress" reply myself.
Any progress I am or am not making right now is entirely on me, and I know it isn't enough by a long shot. I'm working on focus, self discipline and cutting much more loose.
Probably 90% of my progress involves getting out of my own way.
The illusion of working. Yep, still happens, still moving toward being more conscious and consistent in what I do.
This above all else: Trust Lynn. She won't steer you wrong.
Here's a tip: If you have a fair amount of available memory on your computer, download and set up ReviewTime for a week. Reeeeal eye opener!
Dan
Hey Mike,Quote:
Originally Posted by mikesmind
Definitely track back to how those sales were made, and duplicate that process ;)
I'm curious what has been the biggest factor in finding 2 hours a week to focus on your online business?
Thank you Matthew :)
I know exactly what you mean on the perks & personal fulfillment aspects. I get a lot of that in my online business(es) as well, and it definitely plays its part.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew Scarlett
That said, I do think there are more avenues for monetization that you could give serious consideration, and easily work into your current model for increased revenue. :)
I'm off to find that thread, Lain ;) You're not alone in getting frustrated with the technical side of online marketing. I'm sure we can help you out!Quote:
Originally Posted by lainehmann
I enjoyed your input, DoktorThomas :)
Your site & content looks great. At first glance I would raise the font size to be more readable. Also create a strong call-to-action on the main page. You end your content with a call to "join" but it links back to the main page (which I was already on). Prior to that you give a number of options. Choose ONE thing you want a visitor to do on that page, and focus your call-to-action on that one thing.
You put your finger on it there, imho. Psychology is everything.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
We get a little success, and so get a little excited, and thus are motivated to do a little more work. This extra works leads to a little more success, and a little more excitement, and then a little more work etc.
It's a motivation cycle that needs to be managed carefully in the beginning, and maybe even down the road when you've had lots of success, but are suffering from burnout.
The most important computer on the Net is in between your ears. Milk every little success for every nickel of energy you can get out of it, and keep feeding the nickels back in to the machine.
And be happy for the thrill of making just a bit of money. Later on, after you've done well, you'll have to make a lot more money to get the same buzz. :-)
Right now time is my main challenge. I just had a baby and I've started back working my day job so time is pretty tight. I have partnered with a VA to help with some things. I have made some progress in that I've finished my most recent project. I just need to find a way to work more on my business while I'm working a regular job. On the plus side, Hailey (my daughter) is starting to sleep through the night! Yay!
Wow! Meatloaf flashback...You took the words right outta my mouth... (but no kissing involved Lynn HA!) Like you, I run a free forum www.VAnetworking.com (plus a paid membership area) and I've been feeling somewhat distant from my members lately too! And you just brought it to light why...business is growing on me and I need to re-evaluate my current outsourcing needs so I have more time to enjoy my business again and do the things I love doing in it. Thanks for that AHA today for me ;)
I used to know everybody that joined my forum but lately I can hardly keep up with just saying hi to the new members. I feel distant/disconnected with the friends who made my network what it is today. I know it stems from my business making more money this year because with business growth comes more backend work for me taking me away to do it. Time once again to restructure my current outsourcing needs and bring on more people to help me which will be one of my goals this month.
I feel like I've lost that FUN reason I started up my forum...to connect, socialize and share information with like-minded business entrepreneurs. I want that back again!
I'm reading a book right now which I recommend along this theme (Trust Agents by Chris Brogan). Basically so far its about gaining trust with your audience through human connection which in turn can become a powerful force for your business.
Another goal this month for me is to spend scheduled time in the morning and late afternoon at my forum, just doing what I love doing again...sharing my knowledge, learning from others and socializing ;) I always feel like I don't have time but do we ever have enough time? I'm just going to make the time, no ifs, ands or buts this month and get back into my old habit of hanging out with my friends again.
How will you connect with your target market this month?
WOW! I just spent the time to go through as many posts as I could and there's huge value in just hearing where everyone is at in their business.
For me I put that I'm going through the motions because I don't quite feel like I'm totally rockin it yet.
I have no problem taking action and I keep doing so. My goal is full time affiliate marketing and I definitely feel like I'm progressing but I don't feel like it's happening fast enough. Action I've taken lately:
- four free webinars for march
- added about 80 autoresponders in feb
- blogging mostly daily and now trying to up to 2 times per day
- article marketing and participating in the HAHD - hundred articles in a hundred days at ezine articles
- put up an email coaching program for extra cash
- put up a product - audio replays from the marketers mojo virtual conference featuring 21 expert speakers
- put up a few reports - some internet marketing reports for $17 each
- doing videos - I just recently did a 'dear guru' parody song that's getting attention and uped my traffic a bit
I keep thinking about how i can get larger sources of quality traffic. I feel so shy about asking for people to let me guest blog but I know I need to get over that as I think that is a high quality source of traffic that I need to plug in to. Also, I know there are a number of people who would be completely open to my guest blogs PLUS I started a list here with people saying I could blog for them - I have no excuses there!
In the meantime I'm still struggling to do client work. I have to do it because it makes me cash (which I need to eat and stuff) but what I really want to do is put my entire heart and soul into my main goal.
I like the suggestion Lynn made for someone else to do 2 hours per work on websites (10 hours per week) and then the rest for client work. I think if I made that goal it would help me balance cash with progress.
I can relate to that Tawyna - and to just making time for things we most want to get back to in our business models (ie the main reason we started doing what we do in the first place!). Great points!Quote:
Originally Posted by VAnetworking
It's going to take a team, which is what I am putting serious energy & planning into right now. I took on some great people last year, and so now I am busily organizing how I want all of that to work (and how I want them to work together). Of course that in itself takes a lot of time - so I am actually handing it off to someone who can better organize it than I can myself.
Bottom line: I've discovered I need a biz/project manager to take things to the next level.
What is it that makes you shy about offering to guest post, especially with the number of positive responses you've already received? It really is a great way to get exposure, traffic & inbound links! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela Wills
I really like Chris Garrett's guest posting guide & resources, which I mentioned here:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2219/fast-blogging-deals/
It comes with a complete guide & tons of resources. Headlines, places to find guest bloggers & guest blogging opps, templates for contacting them, and tons more. It's well worth the $10 (!) he's asking for it all!
This may work out very well for you and help you to stay focused on both goals: earning & reaching your affiliate goals at the same time ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela Wills
Lynn, you are a wonderful and brave person to be asking such a question ,and I know just brave enough to address the topics.Lynn I respect you so much for giving of yourself the way that you do. You are #1 in my book.
I have been working really hard but evidently not smart enough. It seems like I just keep having to start over or redo everything. I guess this comes from not understanding the correct way the first time.:confused:(that's my fault)
I guess this is my fault for being embarrassed :oto ask the question that it seemed like I should have already known. Some of those mistakes are the ones that keep coming back to bite me in the butt.
I am in the process now of redoing Dime Decorating to help it be a better experience for my market. I am trying once again to figure out exactly who my market is.A smaller market that I can serve better.
This forum is a wonderful place to learn and the people here are the best so I know I will get there. It's just taking me a little longer than most.;)
My plan is
1.Read more to find answers to the things that make a good blog
2.Keep asking for help when I don't know
3.Focus on start to profit on one thing
4.Keep following my to do list everyday before anything else gets done
I predict this team building skill will be ever more important. The "lone wolf" webmaster era will begin to slowly fade, imho, because none of us can be talented in all the many different skills that are required.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
Let's imagine Lynn builds a team of nine different people, each of whom has focused on becoming an expert at some specific aspect of online publishing. Her enterprise, as a whole, is expert at everything.
How does any single lone wolf webmaster compete with this? Which of us is expert at everything?
My guess is that lone wolves will be increasingly pushed in to the narrower less profitable niches, with the teams dominating the wider more profitable niches.
True team work is going to be quite challenging for the typical lone wolf webmaster, who probably got in to this work specifically because of a passion for independence.
In another thread it was observed that online marketing seems to be dominated by men, young men especially. I predict this group will have the hardest time making the leap.
In other words, buy stock in Lynn's coming company now, get in on the ground floor, while there's still time. :-)
Hey Lynn,
Great email. Helping people is what it is all about. I can't wait until I'm in a position to make a bigger splash helping people.
Right now, getting consistent and significant traffic is a struggle. I'm working on building links but never seem to get enough on any of my sites to get any higher than the 2nd page. I've followed peoples advice but it never quite works out as they say it will. I keep pluggin away and I will be successful. I'm looking to make enough to buy your 5,000backlinks product. But I've got to have more traffic first. It's kinda a catch 22.
Keep the great content coming.
Where is she selling stock? :)
Here you go Leslie. Just pick one out, and make a bid. :)
http://www.grannybuttons.com/granny_...ws%206819b.jpg
That's a good one!
Darn, they all look so GOOD...
Dan
This is a great plan, Gail. And don't ever hesitate to ask questions - especially here! The most basic of questions actually help me A LOT. Especially in creating new content at my blog, or choosing topics for new free reports. So consider that when you worry about asking a question - it's a great contribution to the community! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by gailjrichardson
Lynn it is great that are you going to be doing a review of the book, I read the book right after nams and the book is phenomenal. I finished the whole book in less than two hours I could not put it down.:)
Great Stuff!
Great points!
"seems" being the key word there ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Engage
Unless you're referring specifically to the "internet marketing niche" which is just a very small piece of the online business & marketing pie...
I know some women who are ROCKIN' IT - and have been since the 90's. But you'd never know their name or what they do, and they prefer to keep it that way. Why in the world would the woman that is making 6-7 figures selling a certain product tell anyone else about it at all?? She's happy running her business and making her money...
The same reason I rarely share a niche I'm working in as an affiliate. The only difference between them & me being that I started out in web dev and helping people put their business online way back when (in the 90's) and made the natural transition to doing that virtually.
Of course, there are plenty of men doing the same thing. Again, it's all perception. You only see a thin layer of what's really going on behind the scenes on this big WWW.
Hey Leslie,Quote:
Originally Posted by Leslie
What are you doing now to get backlinks & traffic?
Yea I'm not sure what's stopping me. I did a little switch up on guest blogging and included a sign up form right in the blog post with a friend of mine and got over 40 subscribes in just a few days!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn Terry
So I know I can write, I know guest blogging works so that's not the hold-up.
I think it's more of a pride thing like I'm begging for help. I know that sounds ridiculous but I think it goes back to my childhood and always having everything given to me and done for me now I just hate to ask for ANYTHING of ANYONE (unless of course I pay for it). Thanks for asking though! The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging it! (as Dr. Phil says).
Hmm - a simple shift in thinking then...
Just consider how much you're helping that blogger!
Creating consistent quality content is something ALL bloggers struggle with. As a blogger myself, I LOVE guest bloggers. They are a real asset to me, and help me a lot during busy times & dry spells ;)
Good points Lynn, agree with it all.
Yes, my perception of online publishing is formed to a great degree by webmaster forums, which seem to be dominated by young men. This forum not being a very good example, thus the appeal.
I agree, this is a tiny peephole to look through, well said.
Speaking of guest bloggers, some readers here might enjoy CopyBlogger.com.
A new post each day Monday through Friday, by a variety of writers. Primarily about selling online, copywriting etc.
Judging by the links to the site (many!) and the hundred or more comments following each article, and the 100,000+ subscribers, it looks like a big audience.
If you can write, submit an article, and give it a go. They run pieces by folks who've been working online only a year, IF you have something useful to say, and can say it well.
For me personally, the site is too much cheery cheerleading, and not enough rolling up the sleeves and diving bravely and deeply in to the topics. But, I'm pretty fussy in that regard, so you may have a completely different take on it.
Nice Engage lol...I'll take them all...I want all the stock
Lynn,
I'm working with a product LinkingLoophole. It automates Angela's links, but very few of these links show up and it doesn't seem to impact my rankings much. Videos, bookmarking, article directories, various web 2.0 sites.