Strategic Profits

Things Are Calming Down…And Heating Up

Rich Schefren — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:10:36 +0000

I know, I know--how can things be calming down and heating up at the same time?

Well as you know, at Strategic Profits, ANYTHING can happen.

For example, tempers have soothed since the "Smackdown" we had earlier this week (see previous post). Hands were shook, apologies were made, and business got back to normal.

In addition, Tropical Storm Hanna made landfall today with less force than anticipated, which all of us in South Florida are very thankful for.

So that's the "calming" part.

But as much as things have mellowed in the office, they've become hotter than a firecracker with you, our blog readers.

Because you set my 3 question survey on FIRE.

As i'm writing this we have received a whopping 723 replies. That's a tremendous response, and we thank you for it.

And when we began poring over your answers, a few things popped out at me...

--I was FLOORED by how many people were having the very same problems. And the most incredible part was, it didn't matter whether they were newbies or internet marketing veterans--they were STILL having the same issues. Just think about that and keep it in mind for now.

--I was also amazed at how many people are working harder than ever, yet still seeing little or no results. They're spending more of their time working on their business--sacrificing the important things in life like family--yet not getting near the return on their investment they expected.

And finally, one thing became perfectly clear.

I was right.

(Note to self: print out this blog post and show to Debi. I don't get to say this around her very often.)

It's obvious that many of you struggle with a plethora of issues. And I know for a fact that they've been responsible for the demise for hundreds--if not thousands--of promising businesses.

But I DO NOT want you to be another casualty. So here's what we're going to do...

On Tuesday at 2pm, I'm holding a special replay of the mega-teleseminar with a few of my high profile coaching clients that will be on Monday because the Monday call is full.

We're going to address some of your issues directly and reveal exactly how to eliminate them once and for all.

There's a reason why people who have had an online business for 7, 8, even 10 years are having the same issues as people that have been online for 6 months and it's probably not what you think because It has not allways been like that.

Because things have magnified--even in the short 2 years since I released the Internet Business Manifesto.

And you need to know which strategies and tactics are pulling in profits right now...and which ones aren't.

Finally, I'll be gazing into my crystal ball and giving you my predictions again on where I think our industry is heading--and how you can cash in BIG on these upcoming trends.

And who knows? Maybe you'll get a sneak peek inside my newest report.

Can't promise you anything, but I've been known to overdeliver from time to time.

So go here now and get signed up. And do it quickly...

Because this thing is filling up FAST.

I'll see you there...

To Higher Profits,
Rich

P.S. We're still concerned about two more tropical storms headed this way, so please continue to keep us in your prayers...

But in the meantime, why not dig out your copy of the Manifesto and give it another look? We'll be talking at length about it Tuesday, so you might want a quick refresher before the replay.

And if you can't find your copy (or never downloaded one), don't worry. We'll have a special link on the registration page where you can download a copy instantly.

A WWE Smackdown At Strategic Profits? What a Rush!

Rich Schefren — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:28:22 +0000

Things are getting a little out of hand at Strategic Profits this week...

Tempers are flaring. Veins are popping. Normal conversations are turning into shouting matches.

I swear, you'd think this was the WWE instead of a marketing business (was that a chair that just went flying over my head?).

Seriously though, we did have a major rift in the office this week. And here's what's happened...

We were THIS close to releasing the new report. All the graphics were done, the formatting finished, and it looked fantastic.

The only thing left to do was cut it down to a more manageable size (if you recall, my first draft came in at over 300 pages). So I got the team together and the editors and asked them one question:

"What goes and what stays?"

We started poring through the report, line by line, and discussing how and where to trim it down.

And that's where the trouble started.

Everyone had a different opinion. Some wanted certain sections left in, while others felt that they only hindered the main message. Still the editors thought most--if not all--of the content should be left as is.

And as we went on, it was blatantly apparent that nobody wanted to give in. Discussions became more and more heated. The fur started to fly. I even had to separate a couple of team members before they came to blows.

It was ugly. And I mean UGLY.

Like, why not put out all 300 pages right? That's what some want because they felt it was so good.

I will explain why not soon.

Then, like a ray of sunshine through the dark clouds, a single voice spoke up:

"Why don't we let our readers decide?"

It was Kristen, one of our newest (and quietest) employees at Strategic Profits.

Kristen is the voice you hear when you call our offices. She hadn't said two words throughout the entire debacle until just now. But when she did, they were pure GOLD.

We instantly stopped arguing, looked shamefully at each other, and collectively thought the same thing:

"DUH!"

So long story short, we're putting the editing job into your hands. We want to know what YOU want to know. And here's how it works.

Be One Of The First 50 People To Email Us With Your Response To These Questions...and get a rare transcript of Gary Vaynerchuk's Web 2.0 presentation at our live conference in February. Only home study buyers have this heart-pounding transcript of one of our most popular speakers.

Clicking on that link above (or email to BlogReply (AT) Strategicprofits.com ) within the next couple days and it will send us an email where you can answer 3 simple questions:

How long have you had an online business?
Are you making the kind of money and achieving the level of success and freedom you thought you would be by now?
Why or why not?

That's it. Once we get your answers tallied, we'll dive back into the report and tailor it to your particular wants, needs, and desires.

I assure you that all your questions, concerns, and stumbling blocks will be addressed in your report--BUT you have to tell us what they are first.

So please go here now and do exactly that. It will only take a moment.

Be One Of The First 50 People To Email Us With Your Response To These Questions...and get a rare transcript of Gary Vaynerchuk's Web 2.0 presentation at our live conference in February. Only home study buyers have this heart-pounding transcript of one of our most popular speakers.

I'll try to hold the fort until you do. Anybody got a taser I can borrow?

To Higher Profits,

Rich

P.S. As if our in-office Battle Royal wasn't enough, now we've got an even more serious situation brewing here in South Florida...

Hanna, Ike, and Josephine may sound like a 60's folk singing group. But they're actually 3 deadly tropical storms that are barreling through the Atlantic on a beeline towards our Delray Beach office.

So needless to say, we'll be keeping one eye on your answer submissions and the other glued to the Weather Channel. Because when these things make landfall, they can wreak SERIOUS havoc.

Please keep us in your prayers...

The Rumors Are True: A New Report Is Coming…

Rich Schefren — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:20:05 +0000

Okay, time to come clean...

It's been rumored all over the internet, I've been teasing you about it for a while, and I've even let it slip in a few emails and blog posts.

But what you're hearing is true--there's a new report on the way.

Watch this video and see if it whets your appetite...

Now, I must tell you: this report is very unique from the others...

Because the previous reports only took me a few weeks, maybe a month at most to put together. All the info was upstairs--I just had to spill it out on paper.

But this one was totally the opposite. In fact, it's been coming together, slowly but surely, for almost a year now.

See, I started noticing certain things about our business...certain "rules" that used to apply but don't anymore.

And with each discovery, I would tuck it away in the back of my head, thinking "That's something I need to change in my business right away and tell my blog readers about."

But then something interesting happened. To put it into disc jockey lingo, "the hits just kept on comin'."

As I went on, more and more discrepancies started popping up...significant differences in how things used to work and how they work now.

And we're not talking about subtle changes. We're talking MAJOR shifts in business building strategy.

These are died-in-the-wool principles and standards that are still revered as age-old gospel today...but in reality, aren't worth the paper they're written on.

So as the "back of my head" began to get a little overcrowded, I began jotting them down into my notes.

And before I knew it, I had the makings of a KILLER report.

Now, I knew I had to get all this down as quickly as possible in order to get the word out to thousands of entrepreneurs who were still following the old paths.

And to be honest, there was no way to get it done around the office. Too many distractions.

So I got away from it all--and I mean GOT AWAY--jetting to the remote wilderness of the Canadian North.

I spent the next 3 weeks with no phone line, no internet, and nothing to lure me from my task at hand.

And when I finally returned to Delray Beach (tired, unshaven, and resembling Grizzly Adams), I was completely tapped out mentally--but BURSTING at the seams to show everyone what I had on my laptop.

Right now, I'm still putting the final tweaks and edits on this baby (first draft came in at 380 pages but the final report will be slimed down to the best parts...talk about your mother of all brain dumps).

And the best part is, you'll be the first to see it.

That's correct--when I unleash this report on the world, everyone on my lists will be the first in line to get their hands on a copy.

I'll send out an email with a link to the download page.

So if you're NOT on one of my lists (and why aren't you?) and you want to be among the first to see what all the fuss is about, then go here NOW and sign up immediately.

Because what's inside my newest free offering is unlike anything you've seen before. And it very well could mean the difference between success and failure for your business.

Don't mean to scare you, but it's true. In fact, some of these discoveries scared ME. Because I was buying into this baloney just like everyone else.

But I immediately put some processes in place to eliminate what was holding me back from doubling or even tripling my bottom line. And I began to move forward on the cusp of the most exciting trends to hit our marketplace since the web was born.

And it's already paying off in a BIG way (more on that later).

So stay tuned...because pretty soon, things are going to get REALLY interesting around here.

Consider yourself warned.

To Higher Profits,

Rich

P.S. As you'll see in the video above, the report is only the tip of the iceberg...

In September, we're going to change the way you do business online (and offline for that matter) with a system that's going to blow everything else out of the water.

It's true--everything you've learned so far, all the dusty old tactics and tired, beaten-to-death methods are history.

It's a whole new world out there...one brimming with tremendous opportunity for unprecedented wealth, success, and freedom...and you're going to be among the first to capitalize on it.

I can't wait until you see what I've got for you. In the meantime, want to speculate?

Because you can in the comments below. Tell me what you think is inside this breakthrough new system, and I'll give you the hot-warm-cold signs.

Go ahead--tell me what you're thinking!

Taking Action: Rich Schefren Talks With David Meerman Scott About The New Rules Of Marketing And PR

Rich Schefren — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:20:54 +0000

Quick--what's the best selling marketing book on Amazon for the past 18 months or so?

Well, if you guessed "The New Rules Of Marketing And PR" by David Meerman Scott, you'd be right. This book is truly one of my favorites, because it breaks down some complicated theories to a simple-to-understand level that anyone can immediately implement into their marketing and business building strategy. No kidding--once you finish this book, you'll be all fired up to take action and start putting these principles into play. I had a recent chat with David about his book, and he answered some big questions for me, such as...

How does PR fit into today's latest marketing techniques?

How do you distinguish between what to give away for free and what to hold "close to the vest"?

Are requiring opt-ins a master stroke...or a major mistake?

Should I think of myself as a marketer--or publisher?

What are the steps needed to take action and get started right away?

Plus TONS more. And you can get it all right here.

Download Rich Schefren's Conversation with David Meerman Scott MP3

No charge. No registration required. Just a cool little freebie to help you along in your "taking action" journey. So do me a favor--listen closely to the interview. Pay attention to what David is saying. The man knows his stuff. And afterwards, tell me what you thought of the interview in the comments below, okay? To Higher Profits, Rich P.S. During this interview, David gave me a brilliant idea... We're talking angels singing, heavens opening, light shining through the clouds, the whole shebang. This mind-boggling approach is something I'll be using for a MONSTER project in the upcoming months. And I can say this with all certainty: It's going to turn internet marketing on its ear. So look for that soon. But in the meantime, download the audio, print out the transcript, take copious notes, and most of all--TAKE ACTION ON WHAT YOU LEARN. It will change your life.

Download Rich Schefren's Conversation with David Meerman Scott MP3

Listen To Rich Schefren Interview Dr. Robert Cialdini, Author Of “Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive”

Rich Schefren — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:12:04 +0000

Someone once said, "Never meet your heroes. They'll only disappoint you ." And that's been true to a certain extent. I've had the privilege to meet and chat with several people who have been a hero of mine in either a business or personal sense, and most of the time I came away discouraged But in this case, the exact opposite happened--I came away INVIGORATED.

Download Rich Schefren's Interview with Dr. Robert Cialidini About His Book, Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive MP3

Ask any top level marketer what their 5 favorite business books are, and 9 out of 10 will have Robert Cialidini's "Influence: The Psychology Of Persuasion" in there somewhere. This book has become required reading for marketers and business owners. It provides a fascinating insight into your prospect's mind, revealing scientific principles behind how we process decisions and the factors involved in making them. Cialdini's works have had a HUGE influence on my business, and are an integral part of what I teach. So when he agreed to an interview with me this past summer, I was absolutely thrilled. . Dr. Cialdini and I talked for over an hour about a variety of different topics, including social media, testimonials, blogging, continuity programs, and his new book titled, "Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive." And as a gift to my blog readers, I've made the audio of this interview available to you absolutely free at the link below.

Download Rich Schefren's Interview with Dr. Robert Cialidini About His Book, Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive MP3

I can't tell you how pumped up I was when I finished this interview. It was one of the most thrilling hours of my life, and I'm grateful to Dr, Cialdini for giving me his valuable time. He's always been (and still is, thankfully) a true hero of mine. And if you enjoy it as much as I did, let me know your thoughts in the comments below, okay?

Download Rich Schefren's Interview with Dr. Robert Cialidini About His Book, Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive MP3

To Higher Profits,
Rich

P.S. On a different note...the machine is cranking up for a massive launch coming in a few weeks. So make sure you're checking back to this page. Because we'll be delivering a BOATLOAD of highly valuable (and totally FREE) content that you won't want to miss. Mark my words--this fall, EVERYONE will be talking about the ultra-powerful tools we're about to unleash. And if you're checking this page daily, you'll be the first to know about it. So bookmark the blog right now--and keep an eye out. Because things are about to get VERY interesting.

Anybody Seen The Instruction Manual?

Rich Schefren — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:10:31 +0000

Whenever one of the girls gets something new, the first thing they do is squeal with delight. The second thing they do is thrust it into my lap saying, "PLEEEEEASE put it together Daddy?"

Oh, the joys of being a Father...;)

Now, when it comes to assembling a toy or a bike or a Barbie Playhouse, I'm not one to fiddle around with instructions. I simply don't have the patience. I mean, let's face it: whoever writes these things has a sadistic sense of humor. First you gotta unfold the origami-esque instructions, which you will never return to its original form no matter how hard you try. Then you have to find your preferred language, which depending on where the toy was manufactured can take quite a while. Then you check the inventory of screws, parts, stickers, and assorted plastic pieces, almost assuredly ending up with too many of one thing and not enough of another.

Then--and ONLY then--are you ready to put it together.

Like I said, I don't have the patience for this. So most of the time I just dive in and start putting pieces where I think they should go according to the picture on the box. And usually it moves along pretty well...to a point. Then suddenly, I realize the thingamajig should have went into Slot D instead of Slot P. Uh oh. Which means Fold B is not actually a "Fold" at all, but an Insert. Yikes. And the Phillips head screw wasn't supposed to go in the Main Unit, but in the Side Unit. Ouch. Meanwhile, my daughter is looking over my shoulder with breathless anticipation, asking the same question every 14.2 seconds.

"Is it done yet, Daddy?"

Oy. Eventually, I get the thing together. But not without a few hours of intense frustration, some R-rated words uttered under my breath, and backtracking several times to fix what I messed up. And of course, all of this would have been avoided if I had only followed the instructions. Which brings me to my point: What I just did with my kids' toy is EXACTLY what many of us do these days with our businesses. I mean, who cares about processes anyway? Right? We jump in and start firing away in all directions, blindly pushing forward and ignoring the road signs that say "don't go here!" And the result? Not good. You get pulled in a million directions at once, lots of things get started but never finished, and eventually you give up entirely because it's simply too much effort to go on. Sound familiar? Now, I'm not saying you should sit back and plan plan plan 'til you're blue in the face. If you've been reading my Taking Action series, then you know that's not the case. But what I AM saying is this: It's a lot easier to build something--whether it be a successful business or a Strawberry Shortcake scooter--when you follow the step-by-step directions or processes. A vital key to transforming your business is the understanding of the processes involved. Now, I don’t want to make a big deal out of this and I know it’s nothing new to you BUT HEAR THIS; Most people still do not do it or take it seriously. That’s why I want to show you some examples and talk a little about it. I know… “What’s the big surprise Rich? This is not rocket science…”

Then why don’t people do it?

While working with our clients, talking with successful friends, and researching for our major new releases, we find that many of the people struggling know this but are STILL not creating systemized processes in their business. You see, most people spend time creating their strategic objectives and big goals. Then objectives are created to hit the overall strategy of the company. Then they create objectives to support the bigger objective. Then they will develop all kinds of goals so that they can measure the company’s progress toward the objectives. And none of the goals will conflict with each other, right? The company’s plans are executed perfectly and everything is great. Just collect the checks because everything is all rosey and perfect. Huh? Welcome to the real world. Most people create these in a vacuum. The list of activities that need to take place in each process is what will determine if a business can meet its goals and objectives. It is an approach that will help assure reliable accomplishments and profitability. It’s an approach that will help assure controls are in place to alleviate risks. You need to understand the processes that will efficiently drive your company forward. These processes play an important part in understanding the way the work is done, even if you THINK you know how it is done. It’s a great way to identify gaps or improvements, hidden steps you may not know about. It will guide your teams or outsourcers on how work is to be done which will improve efficiencies and reducing headaches. It is your “User Guide” or “Instructions” if you will. Don’t confuse this with a business plan because that’s not want I am talking about. Would you build a toy scooter without instructions? Would you build a house or building without a blueprint? Would you try to drive across the country without a road map? I mean, you could, but does it make sense to? Well then why try to build a company without systemized processes no matter how big or small they are? Just think about that. How many people do you know that could NOT show you what they use as a guide? So where exactly do you get those "how to build a business" blueprints? Well, we are about to release a whole series of them but for now, here is an example from our friends over at Cashmaps of an important tool like I am talking about. These process maps are not the “end-all-be-all” but they are to show you examples of processes that can help you get more done faster and in a reliable manner.

http://www.strategicprofits.com/cashmaps/free-samples

Imagine if you had something like this for all the major aspects in your business… How would that positively enhance your progress? It would take guess work out, and unite teams. It would have clear paths so that you could measure progress effectively and monitor performance. Helps focus people on what matters the most. Identifies bottlenecks and constraints. Helps to streamline delegation. Helps to understand boundaries, and align business activities to objectives. Improves communications. Clearly identifies if your processes are working or not, and much more. EVEN BETTER… what if someone did them for you, or handed the proven processes to you on a silver platter? It's true—processes and process maps helped me build my business and achieve massive success so quickly. I am going to share more with you in the future on this but for now... This "CashMap" (as I like to call it) is just an example of the kind of process maps I use to help systematize my business and accomplish my goals faster, easier, and with less effort. When I need to know what to do next, I simply refer to my process maps and it tells me the exact step to take. No long winded rhetoric. No boring theory. Nothing but good, clean, to-the-point content that shoves me in the right direction. So here’s a free sample process map for you. No opt-in necessary.

http://www.strategicprofits.com/cashmaps/free-samples

(One note--there is an opportunity on the download page to get another 3 of these maps for free as well, but you have to check out the link to find out more.) I'm telling you--this is exactly one of the things you need to assemble a profitable income in the shortest time possible. Talk about your easy-to-follow instructions...I wish someone told me this when I was just getting started. To Higher Profits, Rich

OH, and one last thing...after you download this Process map and look it over, come back here and tell me what you think in the comments below.

Sound cool?

http://www.strategicprofits.com/cashmaps/free-samples

Something Cool’s Happening This Friday

Rich Schefren — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:09:15 +0000

Okay, so I'm really pumped about something and I need to share it with you real quick... For the past several months, I've been feverishly working on the next big thing for Strategic Profits (more on that in a moment). And you know me--I'm the research-aholic. Even as I'm typing this, I'm virtually buried in a mass of books, magazines, printouts, Post-Its, and assorted clippings. (more...)

The Most Powerful Marketing Strategy Ever

Rich Schefren — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:19:08 +0000

Today, I'm going to detour from the Taking Action series a little and ask you to take a different sort of action...

Lots of people ask me what the secret to my success is. And there's really no "one thing" that made it all happen. It's more of a mixture of things.

But there is one strategy that's played a MAJOR part in my success...one that's consistently put millions of dollars in my pocket with very little effort.

(more...)

99% Discount: Clever Marketing or Complete Madness?

Rich Schefren — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:09:23 +0000

I had to blink my eyes about 10 times before I would believe what I just read.

Yep--it said 99% off.

Not 9%. Or 29 or 39. Not even 59 or 69.

NINETY NINE percent off.

But how could that be?

(more...)

Who’s Been Talking About You?

Rich Schefren — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:46:30 +0000

If you read the Attention Age Doctrine 2, then you know how important your reputation is when marketing online.

You need to know what people are saying about you, your products, and your business. Because if you ignore it, things can spin out of control very quickly.

Companies like Kryptonite Locks...AOL...Dell...McDonaald's...even Wal-Mart learned this the hard way. They saw their reputations tarnished with internet revelations of shoddy workmanship, underhanded marketing techniques, and poor customer service.

These billion dollar corporations paid dearly for their mistakes. (In fact, Kryptonite Locks has never really recovered from their ball-point-pen fiasco.)

But you don't have to go through all that. In fact, you can monitor every online discussion your market is having about you and your products on a daily basis--starting right now.

(more...)