- May 09 2008
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43 Comments
How Can 1 + 1 = 3?
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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If you’re a math whiz, then you may want to skip this blog post. Because I’m about to show you how 1+1 can equal 3. Or 300. Or even 3,000.
Let me explain…
Like you, I’m on a ton of lists. So I see what’s going on in the marketplace on a daily basis.
And one thing that’s really jumped out at me lately is the high influx of “how to get more JVs” type of products.
Seems like everyone’s got an ebook, a video, an audio, a teleseminar…you name it. And they’re all claiming to be the one that solves the JV riddle.
Well, I’m here to tell you something that may come as a shock…but it needs to be said.
You need to stop focusing on JVs. Because they aren’t the
answer.That’s right. Contrary to popular belief, JVs aren’t the golden ticket to business success.
Now, do they have a place in your marketing plans? Absolutely. I’ve done dozens of JV deals and made a boatload of cash from them.
But here’s the thing…JVs are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s more–MUCH more–to be had here.
I’m talking about going beyond the JV to establish a strategic alliance with another business.
In a strategic alliance, there’s a deeper, more congruent relationship than just being JV partner or sending an endorsed mailing.
It’s about developing an integrated mindset with one common goal…a side-by-side walk that will not only cause your business to explode, but your partner’s as well.
You’ll join forces on a more profound level, using your multiple resources to help grow each others’ business faster, easier, and more efficiently than ever before.
Plus, with a strategic alliance, you’ll establish yourself more firmly in the marketplace and be viewed by the competition as a force to be reckoned with.
And that’s a very good place to be, because that’s where the REAL money–and the explosive business growth–lies.
So how do you find a strategic alliance partner? Here’s 3 tips to help you narrow the field.
- First, make sure your business is compatible with your potential strategic alliance partner’s business. Would it make sense for me to approach Chuck E Cheeses about doing something together? Nope (although my daughters would strongly disagree). Look for someone who has a business that slides together nicely with yours, like 2 pieces in a puzzle. And make sure you have something of value to offer them as well.
- Secondly, find a strategic alliance partner you can work with on a personal level. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to establish a relationship with someone you despise, or who drives you nuts (talking from experience here). No matter how hard you try to ignore it, their idiosyncrasies will affect your decision making–and ultimately the bottom line. No, you don’t have to have them over for Thanksgiving every year. But you will be spending a lot of time together. So you better make sure you can put up with them on an extended basis.
- Lastly-and this is most important–COMMUNICATE. Set the parameters of the strategic alliance early on and stick to them. Put them into writing, or better yet have your lawyer do it. There’s been way too many multi-million-dollar agreements that started with a handshake but then crumbled because the two parties involved didn’t hash things out clearly. I don’t want to see yours do the same.
Now, I know what you’re thinking:
Q: How does this all translate into 1 + 1 = 3?
A: Well, it’s very simple actually…
While JVs can offer a way to double your lists, double your profits, and double your business (which is basic math, or 1+1=2)…
Taking the next step into a strategic alliance raises the bar exponentially, giving you multiple opportunities to grow the business on several different levels–which is something that a simple endorsed
mailing cannot do.Furthermore (and possibly best of all) a strategic alliance delivers added value to your most precious asset–your customer base.
By allying with a strategic partner, your products literally become supercharged, delivering bigger and better benefits and solving your customer’s problems in a faster, easier way.
Now they don’t have to make several stops along the way to find the answer. They only have to make one–yours. And all this translates into more customers, more sales, and more profits to your bottom line.
So as you can see, with a strategic alliance, that “2″ doesn’t stay where it is for long. It starts expanding into 3…then 300…then 3,000. And it can keep going from there.
See what I mean?
Let me know your thoughts below…and start thinking about businesses you can form a strategic alliance with that can deliver a windfall of profits for everyone involved.
Rich
P.S. BTW…if you got my cryptic “change everything” email this week, check back on Monday and I’ll reveal what’s happening here at Strategic Profits…
In the meantime, don’t miss Andy and Brad’s newest free video from Stompernet. Talk about an Adwords education.
And it’s not the same ol’ stuff you’ve been hearing for years. That information nearly became obsolete when our slap-happy buddies at Google started doing their thing.
This is an all NEW formula that Brad and Andy have tested to the nth degree, and it’s pulling in major profits for only pennies a click.
Doesn’t cost a thing–go watch it now.
http://www.strategicprofits.com/pages/stompernet-adwords-video/
- Apr 23 2008
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8 Comments
Getting Smarter Part 2
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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The whole direct training/cross-training thing I talked about two posts ago was sparked by something that is—as you surely now know after my last post—extremely important to me…
- Apr 21 2008
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29 Comments
Want A Squeeze Page Template That Gets 65% Opt-In Conversion…For FREE?
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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So I’m hanging out in gorgeous San Diego at Frank Kern’s Mass Control event, and who do I run into?
The List Building Mavens themselves–Tellman Knudson and Shawn Casey.
Now, if you’ve been following my blog lately, then you know these guys have been giving away the farm recently in a series of FREE videos on how to build monster lists…
And you know we’re going to do a call this Wednesday when I’ll talk to them about their fastest and easiest behind-the-scenes techniques for generating tens of thousands of devoted followers who know, like, and trust you…
So when I saw them roaming around the hotel, I grabbed my number one guy, Brian Johnson (who had his video camera with him), yanked Tellman and Shawn to a corner table and started rolling.
This is what came out of it… Continue reading Want A Squeeze Page Template That Gets 65% Opt-In Conversion…For FREE?
- Apr 18 2008
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106 Comments
Shaking In My Boots
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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I was going to write more about the direct training/cross-training thing today and show you the video I promised. However, I’m skipping over that for now... because... something happened to me yesterday that I want to get out while it’s fresh on my mind.
I think you’ll find it interesting and downright valuable to your business...
Here’s the story...
Continue reading Shaking In My Boots
- Apr 17 2008
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48 Comments
Getting Smarter
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Q: Are you interested in getting smarter?
I think most people are. However, I also think most people misinterpret what “getting smarter” really means… or… really should mean.
Let me explain…
When most people think of increasing their brain power, all they think about is increasing their IQ.
And there are many books out there that promise that, if you just add a few points to your IQ, your life will improve… and improve dramatically.
Nice hook for selling books… but… I disagree with this concept. I don’t think our goal—if we want to be successful in business and in life—is to raise our IQs…
Not at all. And here’s why…
- Apr 14 2008
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51 Comments
Leverage: Maximize Your Income In Minimum Time
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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“And it’s working like gangbusters. Check out this video below I just got from one of my star pupils, Tellman Knudson.”
So yesterday I spent about 30 minutes on the phone swapping stories with an old college buddy, Josh.
I hadn’t spoken to him in years - but he tracked me down on the internet, sent me an email, and eventually it made it into my personal email box.
So, I called, we caught up, reminisced about our crazy days, and then the conversation turned serious.
Josh was currently experiencing hard times in his business. He’d noticed all the mentions of me and the success I’ve created for others while trying to find me. He wondered if I would give him some advice.
I agreed - and cutting to the chase, he lasered in on this crucial question…
Rich, you’re successful and you’ve made lots of others successful - is there one thing that all successes have in common that the unsuccessful seem to miss?
And without even a second of thought I shot back, “Leverage”.
So what exactly is “leverage”? Continue reading Leverage: Maximize Your Income In Minimum Time
- Apr 10 2008
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12 Comments
Cut To The Chase…Dammit!
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Do you ever end your day wondering… “did I really get the important stuff done today?”
Most entrepreneurs, both online or off, do. Here’s a quick strategy that’ll eradicate any lingering doubts you might possess about your productivity. Because you’ll be certain you’re getting the important stuff done.
In my work coaching many of today’s top Internet marketers these questions surfaced quite often: Continue reading Cut To The Chase…Dammit!
- Apr 09 2008
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19 Comments
Is Copy Really King?
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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For as long as I’ve been in this business, I’ve heard one thing over and over again:
“When it comes to making sales, copy is king.”So do I agree with it? Yes…and no. Let me explain…
I think that copy is still the most important cog in the sales and marketing machine. Whether we write it or speak it, copy gets inside the head of your prospect and finds those hot buttons that get them stirred up and reaching for a credit card.
But there’s more to writing great copy than just the occasional penning of a sales letter or email that elicits response.
- Mar 31 2008
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52 Comments
Join The Conversation Or Watch Your Business Wither Away And Die
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Listen friend, I’ve got a gift for you.
Q: Why am I giving you a gift?
Because it’s my way of saying thank you.
You see, at last count there were over 15 billion web pages online. And the simple fact that you are here reading this post means you consider my point of view valuable.
Better yet, it turns out you’re not alone in your opinion. At our recent conference, New Beginnings, a bunch of the speakers (Maryellen Tribby, Jeff Walker, John Carlton, Frank Kern, etc…) were hanging out in the green room when Gary Vaynerchuck asked “who are the most influential bloggers in the internet marketing community?” Continue reading Join The Conversation Or Watch Your Business Wither Away And Die
- Mar 27 2008
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45 Comments
The Most Valuable, Most Profitable, Most Result- Certain Marketing Skill You Could Ever Hope For
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Listen: No other blog post I have ever written has as much potential to dramatically change your life for the better as this one… so please read this post carefully and completely.
Q: If you held a gun to my head and forced me to pick just one marketing tactic to grow my business from zero to 8 figures in less than 20 months…which marketing strategy would I use?
A: Actually, it’s a trick question…because you wouldn’t have to hold a gun to my head… in fact –Strategic Profits took in $7.4 million in its first 12 months, and broke 8 figures in our second year using JUST ONE marketing strategy.
Better yet, I am convinced you can have the same level of success in less time than it took us. A bold claim? Perhaps, but by the time you finish this post you’ll understand why it’s completely doable for you.
So first, ask yourself this question…
- Mar 24 2008
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37 Comments
The Governor and The Guru …
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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My friendship with the new governor Of New York: How it can make you better looking … more successful … And the #1 brand in your market.
- Elliot Spitzer.
I’m at the airport, headed back from SXSW? What’s this? In Austin, Texas…I walk to my gate with my headphones blasting techno music. In the corner of my eye I see Elliot Spitzer on one of the plasma TVs now littering the airport, and think to myself… “I wonder what’s going on with him?”
But there’s no time to find out. I got to the airport late, by the time I get to the gate – it’s boarding time.
On the flight, my neighbour briefs me on the entire Spitzer affair – I guess what goes around comes around.
Thirty-four hours later I am back in the airport. This time, I’m waiting for my flight to Norway with my headphones tucked away in my pocket. The tragic Spitzer story has me riveted to the TV screen.
But what comes next nearly knocks me off my feet…
Dynamic Changes Hypnosis Centers. In fact, I still have a testimonial he gave us. Take a look …
- Mar 21 2008
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28 Comments
Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Sorry–had to get my Red Hot Chili Peppers on for a second.
But if you’ve been with me for while, you know that I’m all about giving stuff away for free…
I believe that’s the key to real success. When you give something away, you’ll eventually reap the rewards tenfold–or more–while creating a loyal audience of followers who hang on your every word.
And I’m not talking about just “any” stuff. I’m talking about your BEST OF THE BEST.
(Basically, if you’re clinging to it with both hands, trying to figure out how much to charge, you should really be handing it out for nothing.)
Because this resonates big-time with your audience. Those who were unsure about you will become fans. Those who were wishy washy followers will now become loyal beyond words. And those who have already bought from you will become your biggest cheerleaders (as well as AWESOME JV Partners).
But I know what you’re thinking:
“Rich, if I give everything away, what am I going to sell”?
- Mar 11 2008
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65 Comments
Kathy Sierra, Gary Vaynerchuk, + Rich Schefren
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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- Have you ever noticed that when you’re following the path you were meant to travel down… the universe has a weird way of helping you along the way?
Here’s an amazing but true story about what happens when you find your life’s work and the synchronicity, good fortune, and weird circumstances that seem to come out of nowhere.
It all started nine months ago while conducting research for The Attention Age Doctrine 1. I was at a sticking point, struggling with too many competing concepts, and no clear way to distill them down. I had been fraught for days trying to “crack the code” that would crystallize everything swimming inside my mind.
I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t write, and didn’t know what to do with myself. Finally, I sat down checked some emails, and then surfed the web looking for inspiration and clarity.
Then WHAMO! I stumbled onto a blog that changed everything. In fact, reading this blog shifted the direction of my professional life.
Continue reading Kathy Sierra, Gary Vaynerchuk, + Rich Schefren
- Mar 07 2008
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40 Comments
How To Instantly Transform Your Cell Phone Into A Eavesdropping Device That Picks Up The Most Profitable Information Online Today
Published by Rich Schefren, in Blog
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Lots of marketers (more than I ever expected!) seem to be fascinated with me, my daily routine, and how I live my life.
I am not.
That’s not fake humility either. It seems to me I’m an ordinary entrepreneur. I live an interesting (but not insanely interesting) life. I just happen to have the uncanny knack to synthesize oodles of information, spot the upcoming trends and pinpoint all of it with laser focus to grow businesses fast.
Still, it seems many online marketers have a tendency to “glorify” me. A few others seem to consider me the evil mastermind behind everything that’s bad in internet marketing.Truth be told, I am not that amazing, nor that wicked.
But, people are curious about me and so I thought I would invite you to come along with me to an incredible web 2.0 event happening in Texas right now… SXSW. Continue reading How To Instantly Transform Your Cell Phone Into A Eavesdropping Device That Picks Up The Most Profitable Information Online Today
- Feb 29 2008
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23 Comments
New Beginnings Conference Video Finale
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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We’re wrapping up our mega-event in Orlando, and it was one great show…
All of the attendees are excited that they’re taking so much home with them…what they need to embrace a totally new way of doing business online.
So we’ve put together a cool video that takes you through the entire 2 and a half days of our “Main Event”… in a flash.
And here it is… Rich Schefren, Jay Abraham, John Carlton, Frank Kern, Gary Vanerchuk, Maryellen Tribby, Jeff Walker, Tom McCarthy, Paul Scheele, and… Mike Filsaime.
- Feb 28 2008
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32 Comments
The Famous “Andrea” Shares Her Top Event Highlights
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Today you get to see one of our favorite clients… the sometimes outrageous New Beginnings guest Andrea Yeager…
…with her top highlights of this week’s Main Event at Disney World.
You’ll see an attendee’s perspective of our event… from someone that came all the way from Israel to be here.
Enjoy…
Continue reading The Famous “Andrea” Shares Her Top Event Highlights
- Feb 27 2008
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17 Comments
Conference Update: Gary Vaynerchuk On Branding Yourself And Becoming A Web 2.0 Market Maven
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Watch this video clip now to find out why Gary thinks you are hurting your chances of success by not branding YOU…
… and how you can be helping build the brand of your biggest competitor… RIGHT NOW!
- Feb 26 2008
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15 Comments
Conference Update: John Carlton On Killer Testimonials
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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In this clip, Copywriting Legend John Carlton offers up 3 essential elements your testimonials must have to give you maximum credibility and instant maven status.
Take a look…
Continue reading Conference Update: John Carlton On Killer Testimonials
- Feb 26 2008
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20 Comments
Conference Update: Jay Abraham on Standing Out In Your Market
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Jay Abraham kicked off Day three as only he can, with a killer Q and A session that left us all with our mouths on the floor.
Here’s a quick bit of Jay’s sage wisdom on how to stand out in your market…
Continue reading Conference Update: Jay Abraham on Standing Out In Your Market
- Feb 26 2008
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31 Comments
Conference Update: Frank Kern On Finding The Core Identity Of Your Market
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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In this clip, Frank Kern of Mass Control shows us how to use our “infinite power” wisely…and the correlation between this concept and the work of Mother Theresa.
Seriously.
See for yourself if you don’t believe me.
Continue reading Conference Update: Frank Kern On Finding The Core Identity Of Your Market
- Feb 26 2008
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14 Comments
Conference Update: Tom McCarthy On Finding Your Vision
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Many of the world’s biggest companies seek out Tom McCarthy for his business wisdom and leadership insights. And in this video clip, Tom goes into detail about finding your vision.
Good stuff here…
Continue reading Conference Update: Tom McCarthy On Finding Your Vision
- Feb 25 2008
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20 Comments
Conference Update: Jeff Walker Spills The Beans About Building Tension
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Product Launch expert Jeff Walker explains how he builds tension and creates momentum in a million-dollar launch.
Check it out…
Continue reading Conference Update: Jeff Walker Spills The Beans About Building Tension
- Feb 25 2008
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10 Comments
Conference Update: How To Build Rapport With Your Market
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Paul Scheele talks at length about the Structure Of Influence and the key to building rapport with your prospects…
Here’s a 3-minute chunk of superb content that ties in directly with your journey to becoming a Maven.
Continue reading Conference Update: How To Build Rapport With Your Market
- Feb 25 2008
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4 Comments
Conference Update: Why Use Multi-Channel Marketing?
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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Publisher MaryEllen Tribby has been instrumental in helping to skyrocket the readership of the Early To Rise e-zine--as well as generating record-breaking profits.
In this clip, MaryEllen talks about the importance of using multi-channel marketing in your business.
Paul Scheele is kicking off Day Two in just moments...keep your eyes open for another video to come soon.
Continue reading Conference Update: Why Use Multi-Channel Marketing?
- Feb 25 2008
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41 Comments
Conference Update: The #1 Thing To Test In Your Sales Letter
Published by Rich Schefren, in Live!, Blog
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In this video clip, Mike Filsaime asks copywriter Gary Halbert about testing in a sales letter. And Gary responds…as only Gary can.
Pay close attention–this is a great story.
Continue reading Conference Update: The #1 Thing To Test In Your Sales Letter
