Let's Talk - Where Are You With Your Online Business?

[ChrisGuthrie]

Everything is going great with me. I'm in the process of working with an investment bank to sell one of my websites and if all goes well I should be seeing a nice big payday

[Lynn Terry]

Sweet - that sounds like an interesting story in the making!

[constance]

I have a full-time consulting business so my big issue is not having enough time to bring things to the next level. I blog on a regular schedule and use social media so I make progress, but it's very slow. I feel like a turtle =)

[Lynn Terry]

I had that issue with a service-based business as well, constance. The best thing you can do is look at scalability. Group sessions, info-products, and other ways to work less hours and generate more revenue.

[ShariLee]

I have not really contributed that much to this thread because I was not on any kind of track until now.

My progress is just slightly faster than a snail, but at least I am moving. Separating my businesses into different rooms and treating each like a job--which it really is--has helped a lot.

The first hour after I make the job-switch is a bit challenging because the Title Business keeps trying to talk to me, but I have been putting little notes on the sides of my computer desk where I can read them and remind myself that IM is my future--so it deserves my full attention when I am working on it.

There is a lot of reading to do, and I have an ADD--hard--time sitting still to do it, but a timer is helping with that. I read for, say, twenty minutes, and then I change tasks. I am keeping a log of the task I choose to do next--for twenty minutes each--and then I switch back to reading and note taking. I am finding that the log is helping me prioritize better because I can see where I have been vs where I probably should have gone.

The other thing that is helping is using spreadsheets for information I am learning. I give a spreadsheet a category--like "searching for topics." I look for topics that interest me, and I am entering the steps to achieve that goal into the spreadsheet. These headings (that require me to enter information) are helping me get the "big picture" in my head, narrow the process and illuminate the information I really need.

I am revising the spreadsheets each time I learn something new in an area, and I am finally beginning to see a pattern.

I realize I am spending a lot of my time doing this kind of stuff, but I am not comfortable moving ahead until I understand what I am doing, and why I am spending the time to do a thing--not to mention where it fits in the scheme of things and on the priority list.

I have one site up, and I am committed to blogging on run4theprize.com at least one time per week--if not two. This site is not monetized at all, but I have it in my mind to start with Amazon and maybe do a book review or two--kind of like I see you doing, Lynn, and then start trying to promote it with some of the tools I am learning.

For the first time since I started on this adventure--in my spare time back in 2007 when I did my first Thirty Day Challenge--I can honestly say that becoming a member of the this ELITE Group has made all the difference.

Before I was wandering around in the wilderness of the internet trying things, getting discouraged, putting it away for awhile and then, sparked by some email or idea I heard or read, I would dive back in and repeat that process to nowhere. I say that; however, I have now learned that each attempt I made to get a breakthrough and find relief from the acute case of cognitive dissonance I was suffering--did teach me some little thing.

Now, I not only feel good about what I am doing, I believe that the feeling is based on concrete progress. I am so grateful to all of you, but most especially for you Lynn, for your openness and transparency and for your ability to empathize with each one of us.

I watch how you quickly jump into the circle of the next persons business and contribute with concrete help--never interfering with others doing the same, and it is amazing to me--not to mention that it is something I aspire to emulate.

I am still in that middle group up above--making slow progress--but as I watch and listen to all of you I know it is only a matter of time before I am earning a living at this awesome business.

PS: I would like to add that I have found David Perdue's free, 10-Part NAMS Video Training to be wildly, eye opening and helpful. http://www.nichecashgenerator.com/3.html That is the link to number three. I could not find the link where I first signed up, but this one will get you there.

[counselorart]

Hi Lynn,

I'm chugging along, blogging pretty consistently, set up a blogsite (see my thread I started a few minutes ago about google and duplicate content), did a 90min breakout session at a symposium, and tomorrow I'm attending a local networking event. All that plus a busy practice of 35 counseling and psychotherapy clients per week.

No money yet, but I'll get there.

Thanks for all you do,

Art

[Lynn Terry]

What a great story, Shari!

I agree that the organization of it all does sound like a lot of time & work, but go with what works best for you - definitely. Most of that stuff will become second nature once you start implementing consistently.

Reading straight through is difficult for me too, so I usually implement as I learn. I stop where I am in the guide - and do what it teaches. I learn best that way, and my reading time becomes super productive too.

You're on the right track. Just remember: Persistence & Consistency are the keys!

[ShariLee]

Thank you, Lynn, so much, for that encouragement. I really see more and more that it is no wonder you have to be "tough" to learn and progress to success in this business, but thanks to you and your Elite Group help, I am never going to quit. I missed today because I had to work elsewhere, but I'll pick it up tonight--thanks to the Forum. Sincerely, ShariLee

[Lynn Terry]

The recording is already available in the private forum, so grab the replay or MP3 anytime!

If you get a chance, pick up a copy of Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk. You'll love it! I'll be doing a live broadcast about it on Friday - you can get the details on that in the Announcements section here at the forum.

[brendan]

thanks for putting up this poll and this site. i'm glad i discovered it. like alot of others, i've been hit with information overload. right now what's got me stumped is the possibilities and deciding on a business model.
so far i've tried ppc, a little ppv, i've done ads on craigslist, i created an ebook that sold a whopping 2 copies, and i've built a few niche stores that market ebay products.

lately i've decided to focus on affiliate marketing in niches that i'm interested in to begin with, drive traffic to those sites and move to other profitable niches. my biggest issue right now is implementation. and my biggest technical issue is driving traffic to the sites. i'm looking forward to working through those issues and generating a nice income online with the help of those on this site with common goals.