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I’m tired…
In fact, I was trying to figure out how I could use the snowstorm in the northeast, to postpone this post.
But even my creativity has limits.
You see, I was up later (last night) than I would have liked…
We had the family over for the Super Bowl last night. (What an amazing game -btw)
Which reminds me of an unfortunate story about a cousin of mine…
WHO THOUGHT HE WAS…
AN ENTREPRENEUR!My cousin, Phil, always thought he could succeed as a restaurateur…
His first idea was:
All You Can Eat For 75 Cents… That didn’t work.
So he went 180 degrees in the opposite direction:
All You Can Eat For $1,997… That didn’t work either…
Then he made his fatal mistake:
All You Can Eat For FREE! …He closed after just one meal.
Phil’s Mistake: Relying on price to make his mark in his industry.
Big Mistake.
As you can imagine…
THERE’S GOT TO BE…
A BETTER WAY!!!So, what is the best way in the world…
The best real, No BS way… to identify…
THE LUCRATIVE SWEET-SPOT
IN YOUR MARKET?Even if you are starting out with nothing.
In this post I plan to answer that question fully.
And I’m even going to start with these 3 assumptions:
- You do not have a product
- You do not have any money
- You do not have a clue where to start
Wow! Can you really be successful with what I am about to show you?
Even if you’re starting out from there?
YES!
YOU BET YOU CAN!I’ve done it, and I’ve taught hundreds… if not thousands, of entrepreneurs (just like you) this technique… and, well… the results speak for themselves.
Come closer to the screen. STOP SCROLLING… Read this carefully…
I’ve figured out the easiest, most foolproof way to come up with niche transforming breakthroughs in a flash.
And today, I am going to show you…
HOW IT’S DONE!
Alright, so… what are we waiting for? …let’s get the party started…
But wait, it gets even better. Because you’re also going to learn how to shift from an opportunity-seeking mindset to a strategic-thinking entrepreneur.
And it’s all going to happen in the blink of an eye…
Now, before going any further, let’s define “Strategic Thinking.”
For simplicity sake – we’ll define strategic thinking as the art of outdoing an adversary, knowing that the adversary is trying to do the same to you.
Of course, we could expand the definition… and we probably will in future posts – but for now this will do.
You see, in past posts we’ve talked about problems, value-creation, prospects, and clarity. All of which are vital to comprehend.
But we haven’t talked about your market… Or those nasty little competitors that selfishly want the profits that are rightfully yours.
So, today, I’m going to show you how to…
ELEVATE YOUR THINKING, AND….
ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS & INCOME!!!In other words, you need to stop just thinking of yourself, your prospects, and your business.
You need to take into consideration your competitors, and what they are already doing.
So, that’s exactly what we’re going to do…
And we’re going to start with a counter-intuitive approach.
More specifically, I’m going to show you why it’s so damn profitable to…
FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE!
Yep, you read that correctly…
Focusing on the negative can be extremely profitable.
That is… when done correctly.
You see, most of us are better negative thinkers than positive thinkers.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that you’re a pessimist, worrywart, or cynic. Far from it…
What I am saying is you’re thinking is much more clear (for most) when focusing on negative issues than positive issues.
For example – I have found it’s much easier for entrepreneurs to come up with breakthrough after breakthrough by being focused on the negative.
It’s O.K. if you don’t believe that right now – cause I’m certain you will by the time we’re through.
Anyway, we’re looking for a marketing breakthrough, and that’s what I promised you today – so…
LET’S GET ON WITH IT!!!
You ready? I sure am.
Alright, consider this a step-by-step method, that when followed will generate breakthrough marketing concepts that have the potential to turn you into a millionaire. Seriously.
STEP #1: What’s Dangerous For You Competitors?
How it’s done: Identify each of the major competitors in your marketplace. You know, the successful ones, the ones who are currently raking in the biggest profits.
For each one, spend enough time looking over their site, their products, their offers, etc. And ask yourself…
“If I was them, what would be the most dangerous thing a competitor could do that would really mess up what I’m doing?”
Think about:
- What type of products would make theirs obsolete…
- What type of information or advice would make their appeals fall flat…
- What methods or processes would make what they offer redundant…
- etc.
And generate as long a list as possible for each and every competitor.
Then when you’re done – combine your lists and identify the ones that seem to be common for all the established competitors.
Why it’s done: Like I said earlier, it’s easier to focus on the negative. And like a sprinter who needs a starting block to push off of…
Using what would be dangerous for your competitors is a great starting block to push off - for brainstorming your biggest marketing breakthrough.
Example: When I was just starting out, I went through this same process. And the magical observation I made was this:
Show prospects that gurus were keeping them opportunity-seekers. And show them a path to break free of opportunity seeking and transform themselves into strategic entrepreneurs.
I realized that this was probably the most dangerous action that could be taken against my competitors. Because that’s what they were praying on. And once I let the cat out of the bag:
- Their products would be seen for what they really were – magic buttons that never worked…
- Their appeals would fall flat because they’d be seen as the problem – not the solution…
- etc.
Of course, I came up with many more – but as soon as I saw that one – I saw the magic.
Next…
STEP #2: Which Are Best For Prospects?
How it’s done: After you’ve created your competitors’ “Danger List,” I want you to go through that list and identify which ideas on your list would be most beneficial to your prospects.
In other words, which ones would really:
- help solve their problems…
- help achieve their goals…
- get them what they want faster, easier, and cheaper…
- etc.
So, go ahead, circle each of your competitors’ danger items you believe would be most beneficial to your prospects.
Why it’s done: Just because something is bad for your competitors, doesn’t mean it helps your prospects. And if you want your business to succeed in the long-term…
You’ve got to provide massive value to your marketplace.
So, you need to circle the ones on your list that let you do that.
Example: It should be obvious how beneficial my previous example – showing prospects how to leave opportunity-seeking behind, and teaching them to be REAL entrepreneurs would positively impact my market.
So, that idea was one that I circled. Of course, I circled more ideas than that. And you should circle more than just one right now too. Because we’re going to refine the list as we continue.
But do you see what we’ve done so far?
We’ve identified ideas that would benefit your prospects while being radioactive to your competitors.
Not, a bad start! But let’s press on…
STEP #3: Which Can Create The Best (VC)?
How it’s done: Now, I want you to look at your list of circled ideas – and think about which of these ideas opens up the greatest opportunity for you to create the most value for you prospects.
And once again – I want you to identify more than one. Although this time I want you to number them. Make #1 the one you think you can create the most value on, #2 the one you can create the second most value on, and so on… and so on.
Why it’s done: Just because an idea would really benefit your prospects (and hurt your competitors) – doesn’t mean you should be the one who seizes that opportunity…
Nope. You need to figure out which ones (in order, from, most to least) you can actually deliver on.
If you’re unclear about how to figure this one out I strongly recommend you read last weeks posts. Especially these:
- Greater Empathy = Greater Rapport = Greater Profits
- How 3 Blog Posts Cause Explosive Traffic, Engagement, And Profits
- A Formula For Business Growth: VCx2P=$$
Example: To extend my example… This is where I immediately dreamed up the Internet Business Manifesto. So, this idea was my #1. I immediately realized that my whole entrepreneurial life had been preparing me to deliver this message.
So, when you look at your entire life up to this point – which of these ideas has your life really prepared you for? That’s your #1 – but please identify your #2, and #3 too.
Are you seeing how powerful this method is? You say you are? Great! Then let’s proceed…
STEP #4: Which Can You Get The Most (P)?
How it’s done: Now, I want you to look at the ideas you numbered and do the following:
- identify VIPs (don’t know what that is: READ THIS) that would actually benefit from when your numbered ideas come to light (JV opportunities)…
- look at the most popular blog posts (by comments) in your market – and see which ideas you think would resonate the most (Viral opportunities)…
- think about which of your ideas is the most counter-intuitive (if any) because these tend to stimulate more word-of-mouth because others can’t help talking about it.
Why it’s done: You’re looking for the idea that you’ll be able to ramp up the fastest here.
In other words, the idea that’ll get the most traction the fastest. The idea that bring you the most prospects, the biggest JV partners, and the largest viral and word of mouth opportunities.
Example: Of course, if you know my history – then you know that the message in the Internet Business Manifesto nailed all the above.
And before this post you might of thought that was luck – but hopefully, now you are seeing this sort of luck can be engineered. The sort of luck that brings back millions in a very short time.
So, what do you think? Did I deliver on the promise I made at the outset? I certainly think so…
But I want to know what you think!
**************************************************************************************************
So, please, tell me:
- You’re biggest Take-Away
- What you want me to focus on tomorrow
And don’t forget to retweet this message!
**************************************************************************************************
So, who won the free 1-on-1 with me?
Well, I have to review the comments from yesterday again right now. Once I do… I’ll put it right here:
UPDATE: The Winner Is JOHN BOWERS – his comment was so insightful and useful… I just had to pick him
It’ll be done by noon today – sorry, the Super Bowl last night kept me up past my bedtime and I’m paying the price today. (In fact this post went up a 1/2 hour late at 10:30 am).
Oh, yeah, of course my cousin Phil isn’t as stupid as I made him out to be in the beginning of this post. But he did fail in starting a restaurant several times – and he told me all about it last night.
And I figured I would add some comedy to the beginning of this post because I felt it was a good way to start this post. I hope you agree!
Especially when you consider this: Those three silly ideas are the same ideas most entrepreneurs online start with!
Remember, to comment and tune in tomorrow to see where we go from here.
To higher profits and beyond,
Rich Schefren
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Rich,
Great step by step formula. I appreciate the big pictures that you paint, but I need the step by steps to know what to go and “do” next, so well done!
I guess I’ll be spending some time examining my competitors today!
Great job.
Gerard
thanks gerard! and thanks for being the first to comment – hooray! we’re off to a good start!
Rich,
Suffering from post Super Bowl syndrome myself today :-(
What I appreciate most about this post today is how to identify the opportunity (missing pieces) in any given market by looking at it differently. Considering so many people (our competition) use “copy cat” marketing these days, I can clearly see how your advice here will quickly separate me (in a good way) from the rest of the marketers while allowing me to offer the “solutions” to the problems that most people are experiencing.
For tomorrow, here’s an idea…
You said in this post you assumed:
1. You do not have a product
2. You do not have any money
3. You do not have a clue where to start
Once someone identifies their market “sweet spot”…what would you tell them to do next to start creating their online business?
Thanks!
great question ken! It would seem that might be a really good place to go next.
thanks for the comment and the insightful question.
Priding myself as the consummate positive, my initial reaction to today’s post was – WHAT???
But then I read it again and thought about that one of my greatest constraints is that I created my product (just trying to take action to move forward) before I really understood my motivation and my market very well. AND from everything I read in other places – I have committed the cardinal sin! so as opposed to just writing an ebook – I have physical products that need images, original content descriptions, shopping cart, and how about some traffic while we’re at it, etc.
Integrating Manifesto, Emergency, this post series, FC info together is a challenge to say the least.
I need to overcome my fear of making mistakes because I continue to learn what “I didn’t know that I didn’t know” – some of my recent learning experiences have been expensive which has contributed to a good bit of “analysis paralysis”
My takeaway today is that maybe the missing piece for me right now is to look at the people selling a product similar to mine and see what I can learn – I know it seems stupid – but I felt like I was creating something different and didn’t not need to look at the competitors too closely. Live and Learn. I never considered them competitors because I saw my product as incremental.
Where to go tomorrow?
Take us where you know will be best keeping in mind two of your previous statements:
“I’m even going to start with these 3 assumptions:
1. You do not have a product
2. You do not have any money
3. You do not have a clue where to start”
And the statement that you really “HOOKED” me with last Thursday -
“Hmmm…I’ve already been teaching them what I do….what now? I know! I Know! Today, I’ll begin to tell them…WHAT I WOULD DO IF…I WAS JUST GETTING MY BUSINESS GOING!”
Any continued references to FC content and existing reports are appreciated.
Thanks again for being the catalyst I believe I have been needing.
As a quick follow-up question about looking at competitors, What are some of the techniques to learn more about the profile of the customer who is currently spending money with my competitor?
regarding your second question – the first place to start would be with those three sites i gave in friday’s post…. alexa, compete, and quantcast. the links are there in that post.
1. my biggest take-away was your use of real personal examples to each of the 4 questions. They offer a set of clearly defined steps to take. I will be working on my checklists.
A close 2nd, was your advice to elevate my thinking…move it up a level…to who are your competitors, what and how are they doing. for me more specificaly your words tell me to not only look at competitors, but to look at the “Markets” they are in. If a lot of competitors good sign. if not any…??? might not be so good.
2. Would like to hear more on the power of focusing on the negative? Politicians do it for a reason. and we all know headlines like “Do you make these mistakes”…or…”what never to eat on an airplane” were power houses, so would love to hear more on how to fucus onto a business.
Thanks,
James
p.s. thank you for the wonderful “comment to my comment” from your previous post. btw…you truely are a “modern day Master”
aw shucks james – thanks for the compliment.
and regarding your second point – while that’s true – don’t miss the point of this post which is really saying the negative is a good starting point to developing a huge positive for you and your business.
Hi Rich
Great and very actionable advice. Again.
It’s probably an unwritten assumption within your post, but I guess there’s one prerequisite before these steps will work; you had better know your own strengths and have some insights into a market or markets in which they might find a valuable home.
As I see it – if you’re genuinely starting out with no product & no clue whatsoever what you’re going to do; by definition you dont know who your competitors are, what they look like or where to find them.
And while I guess everyone starts with some kind of concept of what they might be doing and for whom – it had better be something they can be great at, or else they are right back at the opportunity-seeking stage. (I believe opportunity-seeking has a strong role to play in business success, by the way; but not in a random fashion).
My biggest takeaway?
Starting with the negative.
To me that’s counterintuitive at first, but it’s beautiful in its simplicity and power.
Hit them where they aint, as Wee Willie Keeler said. And specifically using that “negativity” as a tool as the starting point of product definition – instead of getting all excited about the “positive” things you can pile into your product and trying to reverse-engineer in competitive advantage later.
I like that. A lot. Like “blue ocean strategy” but with teeth.
What do I want you to focus on tomorrow?
I’d love to see you expand on Step 4 – “Which Can You Get The Most (P)?”
In particular, I’d really like if you outlined a blow-by-blow approach (like this post) to defining or refining a product so that it becomes a WOW, no-brainer for VIPs to promote.
Thanks!
Sean
you’re right sean… i sort of took those for granted. you know, sometimes it’s difficult not to make some hidden assumptions when delivering content. and your point here shows that – so thanks for taking the time to point that out – this post does take for granted you have a certain level of self-knowledge.
hmm… interesting idea for tomorrow’s post – let’s see what others say…
This is an interesting way of looking at the competition. I have a huge mindmap of competitive analysis data on my main niche but hadn’t looked at the negative. It simply didn’t occur to me to do that as my niche is a sharing, giving, help each other type of niche (ideal for JVs actually). This gave me another perspective that will help me provide greater value to my customers. Thanks for the unique perspective.
your welcome joan. and just because you operate in a friendly niche – doesn’t mean this exercise won’t provide stellar breakthroughs (i think you realize that).
thanks for commenting – and i’m glad to hear you place such importance on competitive analysis – most entrepreneurs don’t – and they are forced to make all the same mistakes their competitors did, and they don’t learn from their competitors’ successes either.
hey thanks for this post this is in line with something I’ve read some months
ago regarding using negative thinking as to create counters to what a competitor might do thanks for reinforcing.
wow alvin – i’d be very interested to know where you might have read that…. so if you remember, please post a link – it’s always nice to find others who think along the same way.
and thanks for commenting!
Hi Rich,
I read your post with interest and I can see the points that you are making and believe that they would help to promote whatever product was being developed or to create such a product to promote. However, I am struggling to link the start of your article, where you start it with “no product, no money and don’t know where to start”, with your steps to using the “negative”. Do you not need to know what service, product etc that you want to promote before you can determine who your competitors are?
If I have missed or not read your article clearly, I would appreciate some clarification.
How do you determine where to start? Or do you just look around for the “negative” side in products or services being promoted by the main players in any market?
As I am one of those without a web site or blog then I am one who might benefit most from this link. Can you help?
Sorry if this is on the “negative” side of comments but it may help me (and others) if it can be clarified.
Thanks.
Andrew
no andrew – you don’t need to know what product – but you do need to know what niche – which obviously (in hindsight) i could have clarified better.
don’t be sorry – if i am unclear, i need to be told so.
now, the question of where to find your niche – read my report, the missing chapter, i think it’ll point you on the right path.
then once you have that – do what i suggest here in this post – because it’s more powerful than you realize.
thanks for commenting andrew – and for setting me straight (smile).
Rich,
Excited to speak with you one-on-one. Now I just gotta figure out what I want to ask you.
How excited were you the first time you spoke to/met Jay Abraham?
very VERY excited – glad to hear you are too.
This is strategic thinking at it’s best Rich. The very nature of this helps find weak spots in the market, and identify which one(s) would be the best fit for someone- which will help customers too.
Excellent stuff!
http://connectmybusinessonline.com
thanks for the compliment tim.
and that’s what i thought when i was writing it. i’m wondering now though if many are missing it – due to the less than spectacular number of comments today…. hmmm…. i guess we’ll see.
Hey Rich,
Another great post.
Let me tell you what I’ve taken away from this post. It points out to me that I’ve not spent any time on my competition. At least, not enough. But I think it also makes another great point, at least to me.
I should be also looking at what negatives I have in my business as well. I should be looking at my business like my competition would. I think if I do that, I will be more proactive in the process of improving my business.
As far as what to address tomorrow, I would like to see what you would do if you did have a product and how to effectively analyze your competition. As you know, I etch and carve glass, doing mostly personalized gifts, at least on line. Off-line, I’m doing more commercial jobs like shower enclosures and privacy windows.
Thanks again for your great contribution to us “newbies” to online marketing. You’re the first marketing guru that has been willing to offer real content. It’s quite refreshing and greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Tim
great point tim! yes, you should be doing the same exercise for your own business – and i am quite embarrassed that i didn’t think to mention that. so, kudos to you to pointing that out – because it’s a very good point.
and regarding your question – i’d go through the same process but in each step i’d be comparing what i came up with and try to figure out all the different ways i might be able to connect my current products with my new observations.
hope that helps tim!
Hi Rich,
I really appreciated your post today. It is true that we tend to think more clearly about negative stuff. I liked how you wrote in a step by step manner with lots of examples.
BTW I’m still in the superbowl stuper myself.
thanks for your comment tracey.
i’m in such a super-bowl stuper i think i’m going to end up going to sleep tonight before my 7 + 5 year old daughters do!
looking forward to feeling back on my game (excuse the pun) tomorrow.
i felt like i was dragging all day today.
I’ve used many of the ideas in this post… but haven’t thought about basing it off the “most dangerous” parts of my competitors businesses…
well I guess I need to do some close research
as always the ‘hit single’ (music analogy) always seems like a great starting point when entering a new niche
the ‘hit single’ is a great way to enter a new niche – you’re spot on with that.
interested to know what you come up with from your research. so keep me and everyone else here updated if it’s not too much trouble.
Very moving post today rich ….
And I don’t really know where to start so I’ll start here and then move on,
First – I’m glad you picked out john as the winner for the prize,
Tell him – if he wants a 30 min stratagie session from the student alex I’m happy to put the time in for him too,
as his post on Friday sent me on a fun packed creative weekend of travels in search of the theory of “cristilization”
If he does not take my offer – can you just thank him from me too rich :-)
as I picked up some fab ideas from that comment and went onto write some of my most creative IM content ever “you’ll love it” and it fits in PERFECT with today’s post,
More on that in a moment …
(next … sorry we didn’t connect over the weekend -
Friday I sucked at the poker table
Saturday I studied all day about this theory
and Sunday we took cameron to the fun factory and then had an early night ready for the big week ahead)
All day today ive Been process mapping with Garry – we did 8 hours straight
Anyway …
Back to today’s post,
Man o man,
I’m gonna print this one out and follow it step by step on Wednesday with Garry,
We alreay planned to do some compition research on Wednesday (as were still mapping all day tomorrow)
But now with this information in our arsnal – and after wednesday’s session
we’ll have more reason to go to market HARDER with our new plan
Which is to change Internet marketing forever !!!
And anyone reading this other than rich – that’s not an ego driven comment but a passion driven one,
Remember what rich taught us on Friday “LOVE your customers”
It’s a million dollar blueprint in it’s own right …
I already learned that from rich’s GPS coaching program and have done almost $1,000.000 since I joined so it works alright :-)
Anyhow …
I’m done – I’m tapping away here at 10.20pm on my iPhone from bed.
I’m now gonna watch a movie and have early night ready for 9am start in the office … Big plans Big plans and I can hardly wait to unleash it on the Market & my compition…
Thank you so much for putting out this today rich …
I LOVE these daily posts,
Rock on
Alex
ps – that starting with a negative is one powerful angle
I’ve never heared before and look forward to explore :-)
glad to hear you got a lot out of this post alex!
and i am real curious what you come up with.
looking forward to talking soon.
keep me and everyone else updated on your progress.
rich
Woohoo Alex
Good to see you on form! All power to you and Garry.
Onward to the Unleashin’ . . .
Anthony
I confess that I’m relatively new to the Rich Schefren school of success. There’s lots to pay attention to out there and this just wasn’t on my radar for a long time.
But now it is (thankfully) and this post was a killer post — the best one I’ve read in the past couple months of reading this blog. I’ve been thinking about what is next for my business and this transformed my thinking.
Nicely done, Rich. You’ve converted me from a casual observer to a fan.
well… gee thanks aaron. i was beginning to think i had missed the mark on this post (based on the severe dip in comments).
but your comment is beginning to make me feel better about what i wrote today.
you’d be surprised to know that one of the main things that drive me to write again tomorrow is the feedback i receive today. and when it’s less than what i had hoped or desired i find it more difficult to be inspired.
we all go through this – it doesn’t matter if your used to 2 comments a day or 200. we all want to be acknowledged and that’s why i make it a point to comment on posts (on other blogs and in reply to comments here) to help let others know they DO matter.
so, thank you for your kind words! it means a lot to me.
When you are an older person and trying to get customers to your website that will buy and don’t you feel very alone. Your hope tends to ebb and then it is revitalized by hope, because the need is go great. In this process you are always looking for something new that you hope will make your business meet your goal. Then one comes along and you are too new and too old to fully understand what is really being said even though it seems to be so simple.
joyce – i think i follow you… at least the part about where you are.
but are you saying that you don’t know how to proceed on what i just walked you through? if not, tell me where you are getting stuck. then i’ll do my best to get you unstuck. deal?
and thanks for commenting – the internet can be a lonely place if you let it. so, don’t let it! we’re all in this together.
If you have “A Foolproof Easy Method To A… Game Changing… Market Shifting… BREAKTHROUGH!!!” what do you need me for?
tom… i don’t need you – if you don’t get value from what i post – i’d be just as happy if you think that a post like this is a joke that you go somewhere else and make your snide remarks there. just saying….
Rich,
Seems you had a knee-jerk reaction to Tom’s question as a “snide” attack and you told him to essentially piss off! If you banish your alleged critics, you limit your learning.
How about re-reading his comment with compassion and provide a caring response that builds rather than destroys? just saying….
Kathy
kathy – read my response to real criticism vs this.
i am sort of surprised at your response
please remember – that while i love engaging with people – i do run a business, try to spend the maximum time with my family, read and learn new things to share, spend time with friends, etc. and i wouldn’t waste time on some one like tom.
am i supposed to write a long diatribe on the value of prospects (i am guessing he’s not a client) even when you have a marketing breakthrough?
before i get angry – i think i’ll end my comment – and kathy, why don’t you take tom under your wing, nurse him, show him the light, nudge him along, etc – if you feel that way. give him your email address and the you can help him with compassion and caring responses.
for me – i help people who want help.
Thanks Rich ;
I thought i started my business with some of the steps you mentioned , but boy I was so wrong. This will help me to destroy my current business plan and start all over again.
yikes! sorry to make you do so much work sunil – i’m sure it’ll all pay off in the end though. especially if you go through this process.
Thanks Rich
I don’t think you missed the mark at all. Countless people value your posts. I certainly do, and I equally value all the suggestions you take the time to make individually to others who comment.
I’m really pleased that the technical hitch that has prevented me from commenting has been fixed – you have a wonderful support dept !
From what you wrote today I got this takeaway: That there’s another way to decide what to focus on – stepping into my competition’s shoes. I had never thought of it quite as you describe it, but it makes sense and it’s something I can do right now.
For tomorrow, come knowing that you are definitely appreciated – 2 comments or 200. And I’d like to know more about how you determine # 3 and #4 (in your post today), in other words, what are the ways to determine what gives most value, or attracts the most people, from a range of options.
Thank you for taking the time to post these insights.
Anthony
thanks anthony!
i appreciate you letting me know you appreciate me! LOL!
and thanks for telling me what you’d like for tomorrow. i could certainly expand on points 3+4. so let’s see if anyone else thinks something else would be better – and i guess we’ll all see by tomorrow at 10 am
First, I hope you won’t mind what I’m about to say, but I already did the “Who are my competitors,” and most suck big time. As I see it. my competitors are Internet Marketers. :-) The exceptions are (in no particular order): you, Stephen Pierce, Frank Kern, Andy Jenkins, and a very few others. All of you, in that small group, offer real material, clearly explained, and of incredible value.
You aren’t one of the “Get rich quick following my system,” crowd. Instead, you are teaching us how to build a real, sustained business that we can take pride in. All of that is my “take away,” not just from today, but all of your columns. I’ve spent most of my last 20 years trying to learn how to communicate complex ideas, in a simple manner, and your small group makes me feel like a beginner. :-)
Finally, what should you talk about tomorrow? Please clue us in on how to start with no money, and do it honestly. How does someone, with effectively no resources, get started? I know that the usual start is to use credit cards, home equity, etc., but what if you don’t have those? The present economy is prime for starting our own businesses, but it’s wiped out the resources of most of us had. The usual supects have probably wiped out of what many had left. In a better economy, the “list exists to be sold to,” would be less damaging. Not to mention that it violates good business sense.
I’m in the process of writing the “Code of Ethics” for my eventual website, and the #1 line is. “You, my customer or client are the reason I have a business, without you I have nothing, and I will try not to forget that. I owe you my best efforts in everything I, do concerning you.” I will refine that statement, but not the basic thought. My list does not exist for me, but I exist (as a business) for them.
I’ve been an SF (Science Fiction) fan for most of my life. I’ve been to the same local convention 29 of the last 30 years. You know what sets SF authors apart from “Mainstream” authors? It’s that they know that every dollar they earn as authors, come from the fans (readers). They have an income, because we pay to buy their books. Unlike many so called IM Guru’s, who look at it the opposite way. I’m glad I found your blog, and regularly pass it along on twitter, because more need to learn from you.
thanks walter… and i do agree, many of “today’s” gurus seem to forget where the flow of money comes from.
starting with no money isn’t the obstacle you think it is – and we might just cover that tomorrow – right now i’m thinking it might integrate well into what anthony had asked.
the night is young though – and i hope to get many more comments with recommendations on what to cover – i’ll know for certain when my pencil hit the yellow page tomorrow at the beach. and you’ll know for certain tomorrow at 10 am.
Hi Rich,
This strikes me as a solid foundation for a business plan not just a way to start off with a BANG!
It parallels some of the points you lay out in the Founders Report.
As for tomorrow, just carry on, the posts just keep getting better. Thanks,
Greg
thanks greg! and yes the concepts here do parallel some of the stuff i laid out for you in founder’s club.
do really think the posts keep getting better and better? or are you just saying that to be nice?
i’m curious greg – which has been your favorite post out of the past 7?
let me know – and once again thanks for the comment and compliment.
It’s been a while since I’ve read your blog – good to see you’re still putting out top notch content that’s great for thinking better. Keep it up Rich!
thanks kev – glad to have you back.
so, my question to you is… what happened today that brought you back? i’m always curious about the answer to that question. and everyone reading this should be curious when a reader who hasn’t been to your blog or site in a while comes back.
because it can open up the door to bringing many of your past readers back.
Thanks for your reply Rich – I was on your really good GPS Elite program which has helped me a lot.
It’s really about information overload – I don’t open many emails these days.
For me it’s partly business and it’s linked very closely to my career which I’m so focussed on, something inside me has switched because I had a vision last summer for what I wanted and the dreams I hold for myself are so intense, vibrant.
And that makes it easier to ignore emails. I’ve been working every day to make my dreams a reality, and they excite me more and more with each and every day that passes.
I’m now at a different stage and am open to new ideas and thinking – your emails and posts always gave good guidance so in answer to your question I started opening some of your emails again!
wow! kev… good for you! it makes me excited to know you’re vision is strong enough to help you ignore emails, etc. you must really be on to something.
and i’m excited to have you back too -but don’t lose that intensity – because it can drive you all the way to massive impact and wealth.
Many thanks for the entire series of posts Rich. I’ve collected them to print out and study in depth, away from the computer. Talk about info overload, my head is buzzing.
I’ve learned so much from seeing how your mind works.
And your heart, being authentic.
My biggest take away from this series of posts is not the content—though the value of it is HUGE.
My biggest take away is the “model” you’re demonstrating by dedicating your time so generously to engage with your readers in a genuine, sincere dialogue.
Thanks Rich!
thanks rich – i do want to point out that i am probably being a little excessive – in the length of my posts, the number of comments i reply to, etc.
i do it because i really enjoy it, and i really care. from a business perspective you could respond to less and write less if your blog isn’t your passion and i think you’d get the same result i’m getting here with less effort.
glad to be a model!
1. You’re biggest Take-Away
Thanks Rich. My biggest take away-Don’t avoid/get intimidated by your competitors. You must study them. I just read your post only once. I personally feel that I must read it a couple of times and do the exercise and only then I will reap the benefits. Thanks
2. What you want me to focus on tomorrow
When we are employees, we are identified by our title/occupation. We acquire different skills. These days, when a person is laid off he/she wants to start her online business. The person is actually looking to create a profit by providing value to marketplace, but does not know how, because he/she has never done any business before. Can you educate, how we create an online business out of the skills and experience that we have gained in a employment.
great question laitha!
i have to think about it, since it’s been a very long time since i worked for anyone else – but i am sure there’s plenty to be taken away from your job that you can apply to business.
your employer was your biggest customer – what value did you create for him or her?
how did your employer create value for their clients and what would you have done differently?
these questions are starting points. but i think there’s probably more to derive from your experience than you realize.
Rich,
My biggest take-away is that you are describing an idea- sifting process that takes the ideas through 4 specific funnels:
1. Ideas most dangerous for your competitors.
2. The above ideas in #1 that are best for your prospects.
3. The above ideas in #2 that create the best VC.
4. The above ideas in #3 that get the most P.
By the time one gets to #4 and completes it, one should have great clarity and certainty by having a few very strategic ideas.
What would be helpful for you to deal with in your next post is how one goes about formulating products from these ideas.
Keep up the good work.
Curt Siemers
nice curt – i don’t think many people will get what you laid out here – but you did… fantastic!
it might be hard to talk about product ideas because i think they might be too specific and can’t be generalized. but i may be wrong – did you have certain general things you wanted to know?
Hi Rich;
Friday’s post is right; It’s the beginning of online’s business.
Todays’s post is true. I don’t have product (physical or software), I don’t have money, I don’t have any clue where to start, but a have an idea.
A message, I want to deliver to people like me, who are desperate on money and think that online’s business is their way.
I need traffic and your advice.
Tomorrow, you can speak about anything else which goes in the same direction.
Thank you
Ashley
thanks for your comment ashley.
and press on..
after reading the post..i’ve been thinking how to actually implement it .
its easier to read than to put to practice in this situation.
where are you getting stuck?
i’ll point you in the right direction.
anyway, isn’t everything easier to read than to DO?
I’m struck by how your writing style appears and reads like a long-form sales letter!
Is this unconscious or deliberate on your part?
Wild Guess: This style may be the variable limiting the number of comments today. Perhaps people feel like they are being sold to by a hypnotic barker?
Thanks,
Rich
as far as whether it’s unconscious or deliberate – i’d have to say it’s a little bit of both. i go out of my way to write like i talk – and i think it makes reading the blog more engaging.
but, i disagree about that being the reason for a slow-down in commenting. i’ve been writing in the same style all along.
I appreciated seeing my biggest takeaway in your assumptions Rich…..
1. You do not have a product
2. You do not have any money
3. You do not have a clue where to start
In my case, the 3rd one has progressed after reading so much of your inspirationally practical marketing material to the extent that I’ve found many strengths/passions & areas of offline expertise which obviously need refining down to what could be profitable online information requiring niches before I can get on with Step 1, ” identifying possibly successfull competitors ” in each of a multitude of potential niches. If there’s the possibility of a little focus on that gap prior to step 1, I would find it hugely helpfull tomorrow.
mel – thanks for commenting and read today’s follow up post – because i think it’ll give you more direction and help you address the question
Rich,
Thank you for sharing your formula.
You’re right about finding it easier to focus on the negatives in a product. I spend some time looking at what my competitors are not doing. I also look at ways to constantly improve my own services and products based on customer feedback.
My takeaway for today is how I can systematically create new products or improvements to existing ones. My biggest problem is not a shortage of ideas but knowing which ones to concentrate on. Your formula will allow me to weigh up which ones will resonate with my prospects the most and bring in the sales. This is a very important thing to get right especially when you have limited resources for marketing and product development.
What I would like to know more about tomorrow is developing the counter-intuitive ideas. I get these ideas often but I’m scared to develop them even though deep down I feel that they are the ones that will give the greatest rewards. When I look at what everyone else in my market is doing I would love to shake it up a bit. I don’t want to play it safe. What stops me is that I think my prospects will run away if I go too far. It’s a bit of a mental block for me but something I’m working on correcting.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
Kind regards,
Carl
thanks carl – i am going to blog about the power of counter-intuitive ideas… although i’m not sure when yet.
i think today’s follow up post (which i just recently posted) will help you get greater clarity – at least i hope it will.
thanks for the comments and for giving me direction – it certainly makes my job more fun and more focused.
Thanks for the post Rich.
Alexa is a good tip. I use this to align the demographics and to SPY on where the competitors traffic is coming from.
I belief we need
WOW with being a newbie I think I just learned a valueble lesson I can i use in
my arsenal along the way to becoming a successful entreperneur in internet marketing along with the other bolgs/post and the manifesto and the tid bits
I have learned in my search in hopes of bring it to a starting point and beond
thanks rich I will be looking forward to the next blog/post and to think of the value we have in our hands a value not only beneficial to our customers also to ourselfs with
is the next blog/post here yet
thanks bob… and good luck on your journey.
know that i’ll be with you every step of the way – and thanks for commenting
Biggest takeaway? You ask! The 3 steps of course!
I didn’t comment on the last posts yet but i’ll read your articles more often now and i’ll comment regularly when i read it – promise.
And i’m gonna take even more action thanks to your advice and i’ll post it in the comments section, too. Pinky promise.
Thanks man, you really live up to your name.
All the best,
Sebastian Schertel
- The German Guy -
glad you are going to take even more action… and happy you’ll be commenting more (thank you for that).
you rock sebastian
We need more of it. We need to learn to be independent. To share a mission with the world. Go for it!!!
Hi Rich,
Great stuff. As a senior, 62, I find this internet marketing a great opportunity to apply and spread the wisdom I’ve developed over 50 years of hard knocks that conventional methods don’t. In a short period of time, you can “give”away the trust that it would take several face-to-face visits and never achieve. 1 on 1 is a tediously slow way to build credibility, I’ve learned painfully.
Thanks,
Ray
Not only was that a fantastic idea, I really appreciated the step by step structuring. I’m a positive man at heart, so at first, I was put off by the idea presented. As I actually read it, however, I found myself converting!
If more comments help you to be inspired, I am going to search the web for some autoposting software which will seek out great historical quotations from the web and post them on your blog. Why? Because you are the best! The League of Extraordinary Minds was just that. Keep those cards and letters coming. Check out my site for disability resources and share any opinion you have about it. We are trying to help a lot of people. Thank you again.