We shall see if internet marketing does work…but first, some big news:
It’s official…Early to Rise has partnered up with Yanik Silver’s Underground Seminar to bring you a special post-Underground 1-day event on Sunday, March 4th, called, “From Your 1st Sale to Your 1000th Sale”.
We have an awesome line-up including myself, Yanik, Matt Smith, and a few other underground online experts…of course.
More details coming soon…
Now let’s get right to this week’s QnA…a tough for me to start, does this internet stuff really work?
Question: Craig – I have been receiving your daily emails for over a year and have been intrigued. I am making my first steps into planning an internet business.
A question I have wondered about for some time is, how many people can you verify that have followed your plan and been successful?(I define successful as creating an internet based business that produces a net income of more than $50K/yr). – Dwight
Answer: Hey Dwight, thanks for being such a long-time reader. I tried to find a way to answer this question without sounding like a braggart, but I couldn’t.
It’s not right that I speak for others or share names in public.
So I will have people answer for me in the comments section of the blog below.
If ANYONE reading this has used what I’ve taught to make a net income of more than $50k/year, please drop by and have your say there.
Maybe there will be some folks who will post, or maybe there will be tumbleweed and crickets chirping and no replies at all.
That certainly won’t look good, but we shall see. Check back there for your answer.
I do know at least one person who has succeeded with my methods, and he’s certainly no genius.
It is, of course, me.
And I’m an introverted, uncharismatic dork with minimal technical skills, anxiety issues, and only 9 friends on Facebook.
So…if I can do it, YOU can do it too.
Anyone CAN do it.
For more inspiration…
If you’re a Financial Independence Monthly member, please listen to the call I did with my most successful student ever, Isabel De Los Rios. She makes more in a couple of days than
I do in a month.
And she started in my Mastermind Group in 2008 with no website traffic, but a good idea and a never-give-up attitude.
I certainly take no credit for her success, as she did all the work, but you can hear her version of the story on that call – just look in the Success Story tab of your FIM customer area.
And I guess I can mention two other 7-figure online business owners who have at one point received coaching from me or attended one of my seminars…they are my buddies, Joel Marion and Vince Del Monte, and I’m sure they won’t mind me mentioning their names.
If they do they can yell at me when we meet again at Joel’s Superbowl party in Florida.
Oh, and there are three success stories given on the sales page for FIM. You can read those testimonials from Jay, Brad, and Kim here.
But most importantly, the best answers to your questions will be from those folks are willing to post in public that I have helped them. I suppose it’s the ultimate test of my system.
If anyone wants to share their success, please post in the comments section below.
Great question, Dwight. Appreciate you bringing that up.
***************
Question: Craig, just reread all 4 parts of your guide to $100k and
it’s still great info. My struggle is with finding a product.
How do I come up with a product that people need and that
they are willing to pay for? – Jeff
Answer:
Hi Jeff, thanks for the feedback. Frankly, the answer is simple.
Solve a problem.
There are many, many, many unsolved problems in the world. Let’s think about some great products.
1) The iPod.
- The problem: I want to listen to all my favorite songs, not just one CD at a time…and I want to have something much more compact than a CD player.
- The solution: The beautiful iPod.
- Market advantage: Function + aestethics
2) Turbulence Training
- The problem: Too many people are wasting their time in the gym using out-dated and ineffective workout programs.
- The solution: My workout system that helped people get more results in less time without boring cardio.
- Market advantage: My expertise, credibility (being a Men’s Health contributor), and scientific-research to support it, plus word-of-mouth from great results.
3) TOMS shoes
- The problem: Children in 3rd world need shoes
- The solution: With every pair of TOMS shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.
- Market advantage: Philanthro-capitalism approach attracts PR and word-of-mouth.
4) Life in Chile:
A Former American’s Guide for Newcomers – by Dr. John Cobin
- The problem: I want to relocate to Chile for more opportunity.
- The solution: Here’s a guide to living in Chile.
- Market advantage: Written by a former American with experience
and connections to a hungry audience.
5) Financial Independence Monthly
- The problem: People want to start an Internet business but don’t know how.
- The solution: A low-cost, monthly newsletter (plus additional fast start coaching guides) that show people how to create a website business from anywhere in the world.
- Market Advantage: My experience, my affiliate connections, an irresistible offer, a unique selling method, and a hungry audience at Early to Rise.
Jeff, I hope these examples give you some ideas.
It really is this simple, but then again, I’m an entrepreneur and I predominantly hang around other entrepreneurs who see opportunity in everything.
If all of this problem-solution-profit mindset thinking is new to you, then I suggest expanding your social and business circle to connect with more entrepreneurs.
I hope you can also make it to Yanik’s Underground 8 seminar, and you should stay for my bonus day, called, “From Your 1st Sale to Your 1000th Sale”.
*******************
Question: Hi Craig, first off just wanted to say thanks for this newsletter, I read it nearly every day and it really has helped me grow my business.
I made a nice little amount from the launch of 24/7 fat loss and a number of other launches that have happened in the past year. Now however I want to ‘settle down’ as it were and start to rely less on launches and focus on products with longevity.
Sooo my question is, is 24/7 fat loss a good product to promote for the indefinite future? Will conversions be stable 2-3 years from now as far as can be seen?
Do you have any tips for going from product launch promotion to promoting products long term? – Andy
Answer: Hi Andy,
Right now 24-7 Fat Loss isn’t your best promotion option because we haven’t switched it out of “launch mode”. But your question is a reminder to do that.
For nutrition, the best program for you to promote ongoing is The Diet Solution Program. And for workouts, the Truth About Abs or my TT Metabolic Resistance Training program.
Also, I am working on an updated TT site and will have better conversions for it in 2012. Stay tuned.
For promoting products long – term, you want consistent traffic going to a page that pre-sells visitors and sends them to a proven sales page. That’s simplistic, but the right way to go about it.
However, at the end of the day, it is simply getting harder and harder to be a simple “hired gun affiliate”.
I highly recommend you create your own product ASAP.
After all, the real money is in the customer list…which you’ll never get when you are just an affiliate.
*************
Question: Dear Craig, I have been reader of ETR for past 5 years at least. I have been hooked to the content on and off, but kept
going on.
Now, I have decided to take your offer. I am already is a day job for XXXXX Ltd. In Mumbai India.
I have been associated internally with various performance and business improvement (turn around) programmes. So, I can offer loads of practical insight tips in that area.
Another area I have experience in is how to build business plans and how to get your message across to top managements.
But, I am not sure what value this will have for outside business owners. How does one begin with this back ground?
Another small question – will it work in India? – Manoj
Answer: Hi Manoj, thank you for your info.
Yes, you can certainly create an online business from India and one that serves India, if that is your goal.
The first thing you need to identify is WHO is out there that would be willing to pay for the information you have.
Once you do that, you can start working on your product, offer, and sales message.
But you need to know WHO is interested and willing to pay for your expertise.
You could sell either products or services, it doesn’t have to be limited to e-books or DVDs or a membership site.
For example, I could make a 6-figure income doing phone consulting on how to build a website business (although I choose not to because it doesn’t fit my vision).
So again, identify the best customer, determine their #1 problem, solve it, and build your sales message to suit them.
**************************
Question: Hey Craig, I would like to hear From your experience, what will be more effective to use for making more sales?
Sales letter or video presentation? And in case that I’m choosing to use Powerpoint presentation for my sales letter, how should I do it? Thanks in advance. – Elad
Answer: Hi Elad,
The sales video presentation almost always works better. You’ll need to create a powerpoint presentation and then record your screen (using Camtasia or Screenflow), and then use that video as your presentation.
***********
Question: What technology do you recommend to record audio interviews?
And I have now written 3 lead magnets/offers but don’t love any of them. Is it better to just put something on your site as a report, even though it isn’t “perfect” and then continue to refine it, test it, swap it out? Or is it better to wait?
Answer: First, for calls, I use a service called InstantTeleseminar.com You can also search for free conference call services as they also allow you to record conversations.
Second, for the lead magnet, do a survey of your readers. Give them 3 options…(3 hot topics they want to hear about).
Write the report based on the most popular.
*****************************
Nice big session today.
Good stuff.
If you have a question, or if you want to post a success story, just post in the comments section below.
That was fun,
Craig Ballantyne
Seek out positive people, environments, and experiences. Life is too short for negativity and hurt. Cut the cord quickly and move on to a better life.
I have had coaching from Craig in one form or another (mastermind, seminars, newsletters) for over 3 years now. When I first started I had an offline business that was barely paying the bills and nothing going on online. 3 years later with Craig’s help my offline business (on full auto pilot) will gross close to 300k this year. I also have started two online businesses both providing more than 50k in income per year. He also inspired me to start my own masterminds and events. I highly recommend following Craig and taking action on everything he teaches. Thanks Craig, I look forward to continue learning from you this new year.
Jeff Sherman
[Reply]
Dwight,
I had a blog that was making about $1,000 per month when I met Craig. I had a decent amount of visitors…so Craig Agreed to do an interview for my blog (written Q&A). That was Nov 2007.
I slowly worked my way up to $3,000 per month over a 16 month period after that….and in March 2009 decided to leave my job. A large portion of my income was as a Turbulence Training affiliate.
So 2 years in and not $50,000 per year yet.
Shortly after I quit my job Craig gave me a copy of “Online Second Paycheck System”. This was really the exact thing I needed. It showed me I needed a list and perhaps my own product, etc.
Needless to say…I was on pace to make $36,000 before I devoured his book, but wound up over $100,000k in 2009.
Fast forward 2 years later and without giving you exact income, I make many times more than that. I have a 100 Gravity Clickbank product, a list of over 70,000.
So Craig’s methods work. He is at least partially responsible for yet another marketer who will make 7 figures per year soon.
Note: I’m friends with two other guys, that Craig didn’t mention that make 6 figures per year largely do to Craig’s coaching.
-Rusty
[Reply]
I’ve been subscribed to Craig’s newsletter for almost 12 months. The “stuff” he’s teaching actually works really well.
I started my first online business back in 2009 as a retailer. I tweaked my strategy using some of his advice, and now I’m currently in the 6-figure profit range and working to boost up to 7-figure.
My 3 pieces of advice:
1.- design your product to provide the greatest value in the marketplace
2.- work, work, and keep developing your project
3.- … and have a great time along the way
[Reply]
Dwight,
The short answer = It works. I am one of Craig’s students and do well with online stuff.
The long answer = This internet thing is simple but requires focus, hard work and perseverance.
Mistakes I See People Make When Going Online
#1 – They Don’t See the Potential
All the guys, like Rusty and Craig, saw the potential when they started out. They might have been making $3000 with their job a month but only $30 from their online business. The next month, it would be $60. This is a 100% raise. While their jobs may only give them a 2 to 5 % raise a year, they saw the potential in their online business.
They saw the potential, if they keep doing the things that got them to $30 a month, before they knew it, they would reach $8333 a month.
#2 – Compound Success
With every email, blog post, video, product and affiliate; you are compounding your results. Instead of 1 plus 1 it is 2 times 2. Your bond with people grows. You take up more of the internet. Your network with more people online, grows. It continues to grow like compound interest.
#3 – Action Equals Opportunity
You many not be getting the results you want but if you are taking action, people see that you are busting your butt. Opportunity comes your way.
I just got an email from someone that wants to team up with me on a product. It took two years to reach this point but I have been busting my butt and people see that and want to be part of that because they know, you are creating someone great and you will be something with time. People want to be part of that.
#4 – People Read Craig’s Stuff But Don’t Take Action
Craig give us all so much information, it is overwhelming. Don’t just read what he says, take action on it.
For example, with today’s email:
- What is the problem you see?
- What is the solution to the problem? (Keep it simple. For example, I need an escape, I am going to Starbucks for a coffee. Not, I am going to buy a 60 hour program to help me escape.)
- Do a screen capture video using Jing (Google it) of a PowerPoint presentation with 5 slides that highlight the problem you talked about above and put it on YouTube. Just do it. Don’t think about it. People don’t see you thinking, they see you doing.
- Sign up for a free teleconference service.
- Contact the biggest online name that you want to interview and ask them if you can interview them. But I don’t have a list? Record it and give to those that follow you on your Facebook page. Build from there.
I will get off my igloo.
Rick Kaselj of http://ExercisesForInjuries.com
[Reply]
Yes it works!
I make 6 figures a year on one website, and 7 figures on another… so yes, you can do very well!
Chris
[Reply]
Internet marketing works. The real “secret” is to just simply take action. Don’t make the same mistake I made and just read and get excited. It’s ok to get excited, but you just need to apply the information. Once I applied it and took action, that was when the “magic” happened.
What really worked well for me was to take the productivity lessons Craig has here and be relentless with your time. I read one of his recommendations, “No B.S. Time Management” by Dan Kennedy, and it was a game changer. When it’s time to write, it’s time to write (no emails, etc., etc.). I run the gym during the day, do 1-on-1 training, small group training and occasional bootcamps, along with being married with an 11-month old son. But seeing my own potential and what is possible, I get up at 4 AM to to chisel away at my online business. 4 AM is not too early if you want it bad enough. I wouldn’t have it any other way because it excites me.
I am in Craig’s mastermind and due to his coaching and this website, I’ve sold over 700 copies of my first product since only September.
Don’t wait until you “know what you’re doing”. I have had great success and I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m learning along the way.
Best wishes,
Mike Whitfield
[Reply]
I have been reading these articles for almost a year and am inspired by the information and guided steps Craig provides to help people be successful. I am not making the $50k per year yet. No fault of Craig’s, it’s from my lack of time trying to do two full time jobs. Keep up the good work Craig, you are making a difference. I am trying to figure out my business to get it to that +$50K per year., but it will happen!
Thank you
[Reply]
Hey Dwight,
I was introduced to Craig by one of his previous training associates in 2008 and followed his guidelines with conviction. I definitely made some errors along the way, but learned massive lessons
I struggled through it for probably 18 months during which time I lacked true direction, focusing my activities on things which I should probably have left to outsourcing and not wasted so much time on.
The difference I found with Craig is in addition to telling you the “what” he also explains the “how” which is critical for your success.
We were able to turn our site from a little free site to one of the top online Jiu Jitsu sites. We generated just over 50k last year and with our recently adopted business model we anticipate adding over 10,000 paid members into our membership area this year.
What I think is important to point out is the fact I do this part time, my full time job is working as a team leader for a Tactical Team (SWAT).
Dwight, I would encourage you to embrace the knowledge and put it into action, don’t be afraid to make some mistakes.
Finally, If I could offer some measure of direction, it would be to focus your activities around building a list of subscribers and providing them with really good content. This will form a critical portion of the foundation of your business.
Hope That Helps,
Take Care
Todd
http://Submissions101.com
[Reply]
My online business grossed over 100k this year, and I have modeled my entire system based on what Craig is doing. No up to 50k net yet, but will be in 2012. I have over 30,000 subscribers and have big plans for them next year.
It doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes a lot of work, but big, exciting things are happening.
Dwight, don’t let another year go by without implementing Craig’s ideas. It’s amazing what one can accomplish with a year of focused execution.
Stop planning and start doing. Good luck.
[Reply]
Dwight,
Like most information, most people won’t use and apply it to the correct niche or business model. I have been online for almost 3 years and with the help of Craig and others I have sold over 10,000 workout DVDs around the world and produced other info products. Not only that but the tips on email, SEO and copyrighting have allowed me to open up 11 fitness bootcamp locations. So yes, the stuff he teaches has helped me bring in 7 figures over the past couple years!
Thanks Craig,
Dustin
[Reply]
Great information. I look forward to reading the 100k in 12 months. I have heard good things about it. Thanks for taking the time to get the information out there for everyone.
[Reply]
Craig got me started and should absolutely take credit for where I am today.
As he probably knows, the only people I admire more are my Dad and Jay-Z
[Reply]
Great post Craig as are all your posts on this site. For a relative newcomer to online marketing your email newsletters provide a wealth of useful info. I particularly liked your simple analysis of product creation – problem, solution, market advantage – in answer to Jeff’s question. I’m promoting Turbulence Training on my weight loss affiliate site together with your fitness niche associate’s products. Reading through the comments made by more experienced marketers added even more value. Keep up the great work you do with ETR and FIM. Wishing you and your followers a safe and happy festive season with their loved ones and every success through 2012.
[Reply]
To anyone that questions Craig’s claims that you can make a great living with online marketing, I say the same as others above…stop planning and start implementing his strategies. Craig breaks it down to simple 1, 2, 3 steps. I’ve had the pleasure to have Craig’s coaching for a few years now and although it’s a slow start, my online biz income is steadily building. Thanks Craig for all you do.
[Reply]
Hi Dwight,
I can vouch for Craig too…while I am not making $50K/year yet (I just started six weeks ago though and am focused on providing good content for my readers and building my list), I *have* had what I consider to be a lot of success thanks to Craig!
My writing has improved tremendously, my list is growing by the day, I’ve lined up my first few interviews, and I’ve surveyed my list and received such overwhelmingly positive comments they almost made me cry…it’s awesome to know that I am truly helping people!
And this is all because of Craig’s teaching and coaching– I love that he is one of the most honest and ethical people on the Internet and truly “tells it like it is” instead of promising some fast/easy “magic pill” that will “instantly” turn you into a millionaire online.
He’s the real deal…just start taking some action and you will figure out the rest as you go (and definitely listen to Craig!).
Good luck….I wish you LOTS of success and happiness!
– Susan
[Reply]
Susan,
Read about you in the FIM2.
Congratulations!
Your passion, enthusiasm, openness to learn, and accountability team (Carlos), will lead to you helping a lot of people.
Keep working hard.
Rick Kaselj of http://ExercisesForInjuries.com
.
[Reply]
I had the opportunity to meet Craig a few years ago in Texas at a mastermind event where he was a guest expert. It was refreshing to meet someone who’s business model was NOT built on teaching people how to “make money.” If he never taught a single person how to do what he does online he would still be successful beyond measure – and that gives him enormous credibility…So what does he do it? The bottom line is that Craig has a vision – this year that was to help 1000 people achience Financial Independence. The way I see it, financial independence is much more empowering than $50,000 or even $100,000. Independence is a gift that can only be acquired and maintained through vision, strategy and disciplene, all of which he teaches (on top of the tactical in’s and out’s of internet marketing). While money can easily be lost, those skills and habits are invaluable. I know for myself at least that Craig has been one of my biggest supporters through his daily e-mails. It’s amazing how much one can accomplish doing a LITTLE bit of the RIGHT thing EVERY day. That is the secret to success I’ve learned from Craig and I’m well on my way to Financial Independence. Thanks Criag.
[Reply]
The gift I have received from Craig is to have a VISION! I am not close to the 50k a year and am not concerned as I know it will happen. I am enjoying the process and know the it will happen.
Thanks Craig!
[Reply]
I have only recently joined one of Craig’s Mastermind, but in the couple short months that I have been a member, the information that he has given has been amazing. He does a great job of putting into perspective everything that is needed in running a successful business and helping you put those components in place.
I so excited to see how far my business can go in 2012 with Craig’s help!
Thanks Craig!
[Reply]
After my first 6 months of internet marketing I had not made any money, was burnt out, and very discouraged. What I didn’t realize at the time is that in that 6 months I learned the equivalency of a college education in something you cannot even get a degree in yet.
I was determined to make money online so I took everything I learned in those first 6 months and started a brand new website on December 9th of 2009. I decided to promote a much higher priced product that was geared towards a different type of person – it was Craigs TT Bootcamp product that sold for $197 and $97 with a 75% commission. I figured if I could make a couple sales with that I would be doing alright.
I started a brand new blog, wrote articles, submitted articles to networks to get backlinks to my articles and did everything I learned in those first 6 months but with a new site, new product, and new outlook. In 6 weeks the website was making over $500 a week and then after a few months it was making over $1000 a week. It was amazing. Internet marketing really did work! But, I nearly quit right as I was on the edge of success. I had no idea that in 6 short weeks I was going to suddenly turn the corner.
That simple website that I started 2 years ago has now made close to 100k on its own in the last 2 years from that initial 2 months of work I did. 2 months work = 100K. Not a bad return on investment for time!
Since then I started more websites, mastered SEO, started an SEO business, Online reputation management business, and traveled to mastermind meetings to network and speak about SEO. 2 years ago in December I was making ZERO. Now I’m bringing in multiple six figures from different online businesses.
As I started my new site I had a lot of questions for Craig. I emailed him and couldn’t believe it when he actually responded to me and wrote back giving me guidance and help. Craig has been an enormous part of the explosive growth of my business in the last 2 years. I’ve now tried to emulate part of his own generosity by also helping others and trying to take people under my wing so to speak. Without his help it would have taken me much longer to get where I am now, and I may at some point given up trying. Never give up. You never know if you are about to break that final barrier to hit massive success. I’m a believer in internet marketing, it works.
[Reply]
Craig,
You and Rusty Moore are some of my favorite people to read. I know the mechanics of seo, building sites, creating content, etc. the biggest thing I get from you guys is that it is possible, so it keeps me motivated. I was making 500 per month for like 6 months and that was absolutely amazing. Then my site dropped out of Google… And so did my income.
It was good because it forced me to create other sites and look into new ways to generate traffic. So yes, you can make money online. And I know that if I did it once, I can do it again. Reading Rusty’s story above is incredibly motivating, I never knew the progression of his online income. It makes me feel like if I push a little harder, I’ll get my big break.
Raza
[Reply]
i have just started my internet business but have not made much. i know that with what craig has been giving out. i will definitely achieve my internet ambitions in a short while.
thanks a lot to craig.
[Reply]
I just gotta say, this comment thread has some real heavy hitters. Alex Maroko (I’m going to promote your dribbling product), Rick Porter, Rusty Moore, Dustin Maher, Rusty Moore. I read all of your stories and feel like I’m on the verge of something big. Just waiting for my big break.
I’m also noticing that people making real money do so by selling their own product or consulting, so it’s definitely food for thought if I really decide to ramp up my online income.
This was a great post with phenomenal comments.
Raza
P.S.
Can you please include a “Subscribe to Comments” function?
[Reply]
This is a great article about Internet Marketing. I’m trying to reach $2000 per month in online marketing. This post is a good resource for me and other marketers.
[Reply]
Hi Craig,
We have never met — but I hope we will in 2012.
I just wanted to say this was an exceptional post. I particularly enjoyed you giving actual ‘actionable’ examples of hot products — rather than saying ‘just find a product’ like most people do.
Please yell if I can help you at anytime,
Kindest
Chris Farrell
[Reply]
Hello everyone,
I am trying to start affiliate marketing, but I do not know how to start. Can someone give me some information please?
Thank you,
Terrence
[Reply]