A Formula For Online Business Growth: VCx2P=$$$

And the streak continues…

Here’s a quick recap of what went down yesterday at “action-central”….aka the Strategic Profits blog.

Yesterday’s post “How 3 Blog Posts Cause Explosive Traffic, Engagement and Profits” is causing quite a flurry of feedback already. As well it should…I showed you what I was up to (behind the scenes) and how you can steal the tactics to grow your business fast.

(By the way, if you haven’t already read the post yet – CLICK HERE – to read it first)

Now, are you beginning to wonder… how I decide what I’m going to write about each day?

A client asked me yesterday if I had the series written in advance. I hate that idea. To me, it seems like cheating. I feel obligated to stay focused on you and your questions. I’m doing my best to make each post both timeless and timely. I won’t always succeed but I’ll sure try.

In any case, I don’t decide what I’m going to write until I’ve read all the comments from the previous day –- sit down at my “beach office” — and my pencil hits the yellow legal pad.

It keeps me focused on you. It keeps me on the edge.

BTW – yesterday I showed you the view from my “beach office” today I’ll show you what it looks like:

the back view of my beach office.jpg

(rather simple, huh?)

Anyway, on the drive over here today I cheated. I began to wonder “how best can I help my readers today? What could I do that would help them generate huge profits in their business?

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!

Will it work for you? Strangely enough the answer is probably.

Providing, of course, you’ve got at least a modicum of talent and, much more importantly, the ability to take action, and an appetite for very hard work.

Egads! Did I say VERY hard work?

Yep – sorry to burst your bubble – if you really want the success you’re after, you’re really going to have to do the work required.

There are no free rides to the promised land of business success.

You know, I’m sick to death of people who can’t be bothered with the little nitty-gritty details of “hands on” heavy lifting experience. Of people who believe that somehow somewhere there’s a sure thing out there waiting to be discovered. A “Sure thing” for the brain-dead that’ll require little effort on their part.

Of course there are many ‘Gurus’ who peddle that crap and even more naïve prospects who eagerly trade their hard earned money to keep the dream alive. But count me out – I don’t travel in those parts.

Wow! Not sure what sparked that little rant. Maybe I had too much coffee this morning.

Forgive me, I digress. Let’s get down to the matter at hand.

Now, obviously, this is going to require more than a single post. So, I guess today we’re starting down a new path together.

The good news is if you’re just getting going in your online business…and you’re willing to stick with me during the series, I promise to tell you everything you’ll need to know to be successful.

And you know what? Even if you’re a seasoned veteran like me, you’ll benefit just as much.

Because like Vince Lombardi said, “Success comes from mastering the fundamentals.”

THE FUNDAMENTALS TO
GETTING WEALTHY IN YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Today, we’re going to start by talking about value.

How to create it and more importantly…How to cash in on it.

It’s trite but true so it’s worth repeating – - you’re income is a direct reflection of the value you’re currently creating in this world for the number of people you’re creating it for.

If we turned it into a formula it would look something like this…

VCx2P=$$$

Don’t worry – you don’t need to learn algebra.

Here’s what the variables of the formula stand for: ($$$) is the money you’ll earn; (VC) is the value created; and (P) is the number of people it impacts (either directly or indirectly).

OK, now let’s really break this formula apart. Obviously, if you increase either VC or P your income rises. But – and this is vital – because (P) is multiplied by 2, you’ll see bigger profits and faster growth by growing the (P) side of the formula.

But it should also be clear you need both numbers to be substantial to get wealthy.

Also, I must admit this formula is quite simplistic, and could be refined a lot more – but hey, I’m on the beach writing this as I think it – and under that context I think its good enough for now. Although it doesn’t tell the whole story – so we’ll refine it in future posts, OK?

Alright, so let’s talk a little more about…

VALUE… WHAT IS IT REALLY?

Well, it can be a lot of things…

Providing entertainment is value, right? Think about actors, musicians, sports stars, etc…they all create value through entertainment. And the bigger the celebrity the more people they entertain. So our formula holds up here.

Solving problems creates value too. Hence our original focus on problems. And the more pressing the problem the more value a solution has. Also, the more severe the problem, the greater the value the solution has too.

Improving things/making something better can also be a source of value creation. And the list goes on and on….

Now, before we press forward, I should point out that a multiplier of value is its uniqueness. Entertain, solve a problem, or improving something in a uniquely superior manner increases the value substantially.

That’s a really important point – - you might want to read the preceding paragraph again and then really reflect on it for a moment. In fact, when I’ve got this post finished – I’m going to reflect on that paragraph in my journal because I think there are huge implications to it.

Anyway, for now I’m going to assume you’ve got the value creation side of the equation handled. You probably don’t have it mastered, and God knows we can all improve here, but we’ll pick this up again in a future post.

So now, let’s talk about the other variable in the equation…

(P) – THE # OF PEOPLE YOUR VALUE IMPACTS

You getting this? You are? Good! Then let’s proceed…

Right out of the gate I should mention that if you’re creating exceptional value (solving a pressing, severe problem with broad implications in a uniquely superior manner) you’ll find it a lot easier to leverage your way to impacting lots of people.

In a nutshell, that’s my story with the Internet Business Manifesto. When I wrote it, I was completely alone in the Internet marketing world. Back then no one was talking about core business skills so my solution was unique. Also I could prove with all the dramatic success stories it was a superior solution. So it was uniquely superior.

But that’s not all. Since financial success for most people is a pressing, far-reaching, high-impact, serious issue… it was even more valuable.

So I was solving an incredibly important and urgent problem with a proven uniquely superior solution. And the results speak for themselves.

I bring that up for two reasons….

it’s the reason the report went viral – which exponentially increased the number of people it impacted which therefore exponentially increased my income and…..

it’s also the reason many JV partners who first declined my request to promote it after reading it, decided they had to get it in their subscribers hands. So they called me back and said “yes” – which once again increased the number of people it impacted and increased my income.

Now, I want to really STRESS point #2 was much more common than you could possibly realize. There were many JV partners who fell into this category.

You’ve got to remember this was yours before the syndicate of Internet marketing gurus was established (which by the way I’m not a member of) and all the back scratching of “I’ll promote you if you’ll promote me” was firmly entrenched.

A STORY HOW (VC) GREW (P) AND ($$$)

Like I said, many partners fell into this category. Right now, as I write this, one top JV partner comes to mind…

It was famed persuasion expert Kenrick Cleveland. I knew him well enough to track down his phone number and call him. At first he politely declined because he was in the middle of his own profitable launch.

I completely understood and told him so. But sent him a copy of the report for his own benefit. And guess what? He said “he thought it was so vital for his subscribers” he put his own launch “on hold” and mailed aggressively for it. Thank you Kenrick.

Like I said Kenrick wasn’t alone – he’s simply the first that came to mind as I’m writing this.

And you know what? Let me say this right now, right here…

If you are in the internet marketing niche, the business growth niche, the entrepreneurial success niche, or even the self-development niche… and you write a smoking hot blog post that oozes value for my readers – I’ll publish it here (if you let me do it first) with a nice prominent link to your site.

If that’s appealing to you – after you’ve got it all written send a copy of it to my assistant – Janine. Her email address is jshea(-at-)strategicprofits.com

You see, that’s one particular way to grow the (P) side of the equation. Create such high value that others who’ve already got a lot of those profitable (P)s will eagerly share it.

And please, don’t think that’s a generous offer on my part – because it isn’t. Anyone with a high traffic blog would do the same. Which is a huge opportunity for you.

Of course, in order to make that scenario work for you, when my readers are blown away by your post and click over to your blog – you better have more of the same – or the potential profit increase for you will be fleeting at best.

Now, where was I? Oh yeah, the (P) side of the equation.

HOW VIPs MULTIPLY (P) AND ($$$)

Here’s another way I leveraged it in the past (when I was just starting out).

I’d do projects with people who already had lots of (P)s. Let’s call them VIPs for simplicity.

Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea here – so let me break this down for you…

When I did a project with a VIP, I came up with the idea, did the majority (if not all) of the work, they got the majority of the credit, and we split the income and the list.

Of course, before they would agree, I had to get access to them, and prove I could pull it off. But you know what? That sounds more difficult than I ever found it to be.

And I did it in the marketing niche, but I also did this in other niches too. Like the poker market.

That opens up a can of worms, which I’m going to keep closed for this post – but if you’re a fan of the WPT, odds are that some of your favorite players were eager and willing to agree to these sort of arrangements.

Someday in the future I’ll share a lot more about this.

Anyway, my point is I created a lot of value for the VIP. So, to sum this point up… I created lots of value for the VIP and for their (P)s, and everyone involved was dammed pleased with the arrangement.

In addition, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you the first deal was the most difficult. But once I had initial success it was almost too easy to set these deals up.

In fact, they were so easy to set up it delayed me starting my own business because I was seduced by the one-hit profitable scores.

But, that’s a topic for another post… let’s stay on track…

A QUICK RECAP OF (P)

O.K., let’s sum up what we’ve covered so far on the (P) side:

1-The (P) side is where all the leverage is…

2-Large (VC) is one ticket to leveraging (P)…

3-Creating (VC) for a VIP is another way to leverage (P)…

Whew… I’ve written a lot more than I thought I would… And yet I’m not as far along as I’d like to be.

Don’t get me wrong – there’s lots here to think about – and think about it you should.

I already told you what I am going to reflect on when I revisit my journal later today. I suggest you do the same…

Pick a single issue I surfaced here, and spend an hour or so on it’s specific implications for you (that’s what I am going to be doing).

So we’ll call it a day here…

I wanted to get more tactical here – but I think tactics without understanding the theory is sort of worthless. I hope you agree.

Having said that – if there are certain tactics that relate to what we covered today that you’d like me to break down for you – please tell me so. Just put it in the comments below.

*************************************************************

Now, before you go run off, please help a brother out…

Tell me two things in the comments below:

1 – What point (if any) will you be reflecting on?

2 – What do you think should follow this tomorrow?

*************************************************************

Remember, this is a conversation – so you’re input is not only tremendously appreciated (it’s how I judge my own performance), it’s essential (to give me direction) if you’re going to get the most value from the time I’m spending writing these posts for you.

Also, I really appreciated all the retweets yesterday – so can we keep that up? I sure hope so!

To higher profits and beyond,

Rich Schefren

***THIS POST IS CONTINUED IN THE
NEXT DAY’S POST — CLICK HERE TO READ IT!***

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Comments:

http://www.NahyanInc.com Nahyan

@Alex – that’s awesome man, i’ve read your previous report (it was great) so it’s cool to know you still continually learn/study/think about what you’re teaching unlike many copy-cat marketers
http://www.NahyanInc.com Nahyan

Man o Man – this post and upcoming posts sound absolutely fantastic.

Actually when i read “WHAT I WOULD DO IF…
I WAS JUST GETTING MY BUSINESS GOING!” i felt some butterflies in my stomach, getting excited.

This topic selection is exactly what I’m personally interested in, and would especially love to learn it from you.

1) the “2P” – so far my blog content has been valuable (judging by comments) so now my goal is to reach larger audiences. My traffic growth is incremental, but I know my relationship with “ma ppl” is strong.

2) I’d love to get your insight into:
- generating word of mouth from after producing quality content
- how you did VC for the other businesses you mentioned
- making the transition from free VC >> paid
- where does “TIME” fall in here, since initially the audience and reputation will be next to zero so how long do we produce valuable content to accurately gage our audience and marketplace to see if I’m making major progress or just treading water (this may sound confusing)

Either case, I’m looking forward to “tuning” in tomorrow for “a blog series of epic proportions” :)

Take care,
Nahyan
Greg P

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the great insight.

Right now I am in the planning stage to launch a new business online. I am confident of where my strengths lie, but I’ve hit a speed bump.

My question is, how do you build (VC) on the foundation and within the context of personal strengths so that the process remains authentic and strategic – and at the same build a brand that engages and appeals to the (P)?

I took to heart your brilliant insight on the flaws of opportunistic thinking, and dug a little deeper – now, there are a whole lots of new questions since the fluff to which I had been accustomed has been jettisoned. :-)

While feeling a little strategically naked at the moment, I am extremely excited about the prospect of doing things the right way – thanks to you.

Best,
Greg P
http://online-marketeers.net Eric Hendrix

I think I may have ADD tendencies. I have been a “student” of Online Marketing for over a year now. I have some knowledge of what to do.

BUT….

Any time I try to get going I think well I need to do this first, and half way through that task I think what about that, that needs to be done as well.

I get a list going as to what needs to be done but have no idea as to what has priority over the other. I then get frustrated and end up working on a website I have had for six months and revamped it again this month.

Yep you guessed it, I am the only one who ever visits the site. I never feel it is ready for any visitors. I need to get more content on it. The backend needs more tweaking. something doesn’t work the way I want it to.

What to do?

You have mentioned a journal. I have heard others in the business talk about having one as well. Please tell me how you use it and do you think this will help me focus on what priorities may be needed to grow anything?

As of right now I am on a spending freeze by my wife. After one year and not really making any real profit I have no working capital.

I will be focusing on all the free marketing I can. When I get focused enough to get something in place and ready to go.

h e l p m e…..

If I can get on track and get going in the right direction I can make it happen. I know it.

Thank you,
http://instant-website-traffic.com Steve Texter

Love to share my thoughts. On how to TRACK – (VC)

Before my explanation, let me say this; Rich You are a Genius! This was exactly what we needed to measure our performance.

I am not sure if everyone can see the genius behind your theory, but what I hope, what I am going to share might help expose how TRUE your equation actually is…

Furthermore, your equation has already being factored into my tracking system and statistics as another way to measure our results, hope you don’t mind we termed the NEW category “VC”, You might say I am a statistical tracking FANATIC and I find your equation simply genius.

Here is what we are doing.

First we have broken up all our content into logical groups, like blog posts, video, email etc… This will allow us to compare each type of content to similar content.

After gathering a good amount an empirical data we would be able to create equations for each type of content, but let’s keep it’s simple to help everyone get started.

Now we have simply used a little algebra to create the following equation, keeping the equation uniform, but now it will show our (VC). The equation now reads

VC= $$$$/2P which simply means VC is really a factor of how much money you made as it is compared to the amount of people touched or influenced by your content. Therefore, the VC factor is directly equals to how much money you made and how big your list directly related to that campaign grew over a period of time.

You can track your results daily, weekly, monthly. That is up to how much of a fanatic you are about tracking. Since, you can’t really track other lists, you will have to base your results on your own data and how it directly affects your business.

Here are some examples:

Let’s say I produce a valuable post on a cool site like yours and of course I leave a trail back to my site, where in turn I track the leads and money that came from THIS post…If any at all, of course.

Now let me out some real numbers on this…

I put a post up, it generates 1,000 leads and then in turn we convert 100 leads into sales AND we know factually these leads came from the (VC) post. Our total sales from the post are $2,000…

Here is what the VC would be for this type of (VC) VC= $2000/ (2 x 1000). This means VC= $2000/2000 = 1 so for this offer my (VC) was 1.

Let’s change the results a little.

Same scenario, but now instead of producing 1000 leads we produce 100 and instead of making 100 sales we make 1 and the sale is for $47. Our equation VC= $47/ (2 x 100)
VC= $47/ 200 = .235 BIG difference from above.

Now lets say someone with major leverage, like Frank Kern, puts up a post and in return he grows his list by 13,000 people and makes something CRAZY like $1,050,000 in sales. His equation would look like this. VC= $1,050,000/ (2X13000) = A WHOPPING 40.38 VC— That sounds about right for Mr. Kern.

What has me boggled, no matter how big or small the business becomes, the results can be measured and tracked factually. Even though it will vary from person to person, you can see how YOU are doing as it compares to other tactics.

You always just want to make it better…Get your VC as HIGH you can!

FREAKING GENIUS…

The coolest part, no matter how big or small you are online, you can apply this simple equation to really measure your results, as long as you track and understand the concepts outlined in this post and on this page.

Hope this helps,

Steve Texter
http://www.elbeeservicesllc.com Lalitha Brahma

1 – What point (if any) will you be reflecting on?
How I can create a system to increase VC and P in my business by being my authentic self?
Question-Would you consider publishing my articles that are already published in article directories? I would love to send for your consideration.

2 – What do you think should follow this tomorrow?
How to consistently increase VC and P without giving up, even when the revenue is not that much/growth is not appreciable.
Thanks Rich for answering each question patiently.
http://hillbillydirect.com Jeromy

Hmmm, I am pondering this whole equation. While I understand it is just illustration it still is so very true. It seems to me we ultimately have two jobs, one to develop the value that will attract and keep our audience coming back. With this task comes the technical aspects of providing value online, posting, web development, html, linking, etc.
The second job is (p), getting traffic, which requires the strategic application of SEO principals and practices (unless your buying traffic).
A third step, I think, is aligning your ‘niche’ or topic with a QUALITY product/service. It has to be quality if you hope to develop longer term relationships with your visitors, which you should be aspiring towards.
So that leads me to my thoughts for your next post. What comes first, the idea, then the product, or the product, then the idea (to market it)? I have heard people recommend both ways and I have tried both ways. But what is generally better. Talk about your topic, then find a product that is related or find a product and find a unique way to talk about it?

Regards,

JeromyS
http://mariosingh.com Charles

Wow this is the BEST post I have read in a long long time! I’m so excited right now. Wait let me bookmark this post…

Ok I have a question.

What if people don’t recognize your VC? I think I am providing high VC, but what if my prospects think it’s not?

Is there a difference between MY perceived value and THEIR perceived value? If it’s not, then is Giving what they want = High VC?

What if you know that Giving what they WANT is not going to help them in the long term, but Giving what they NEED is, yet they don’t see giving what they NEED as high value?

Oops, look more like a few questions… But yeah, appreciate your comments… if you are still awake :-)
Patrick

Rich,

Excellent, thoughtful post. Thanks for providing outstanding value to your readers/followers. I have enjoyed your teaching via the blog, the Extraordinary Minds series, and resources.

I am currently providing internet marketing expertise for local businesses in my metro area. I am using the things I have learned from you, Jay and others like Perry Marshall on how to both help businesses with general marketing advice and specific internet advertising help.

I see this as phase one. Ultimately, I will have a blog, a mentoring series for both small businesses and aspiring SEM business marketers.

My question is: do you have recommendations of good resources or people to follow or connect with that would provide specific help or marketing insights/advice for small business owners and those who serve them? My clients are roofers, painters, plumbers, pest control businesses, etc. They wouldn’t necessarily follow the same path as those that would benefit from setting up a blog or marketing information products.

Thanks for your help. Keep up the good work!

Pat
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

thanks nahyan,

making the transition from free vc to paid vc – great idea! that’s definitely an upcoming blog post.

the time question is going to have to wait for my series on time mgmt – but that’s coming.

keep the comments and questions coming nahyan – and once again thanks.

rich
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

greg that is music to my ears – in fact the whole reason strategic profits was started was to rail against the opportunity seeking mindset and provide a better path (one that works).

regarding your question – can you ask it in another way – cause i’m not entirely clear where the challenge is…

and thanks for commenting – it really makes the blogging much more worthwhile for me.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

stick with me eric and we’ll get you on the right track.

regarding the journal – i am going to write an entire post on it – but for right now, i can tell you it is probably the most valuable activity i ever started – and i started journaling over 15 years ago. in fact, i can’t think of many things that i have done that long – which i think is a testament to the value i continue to receive from writing in one daily.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

thanks for the comment lalitha!

regarding question number 1 – no, sorry… but if i am going to take a day off and post someone else’s content and have them exposed to literally thousands of new prospects then it must be entirely original and not be published anywhere else, i think you can understand why… but in case you don’t – i’ve written lots of great content over the years – and practically no one searches the archives – if i was going to use recycled content i’d simply use my own.

i do like your second question for tommorrow – i’m getting ready to call it a night – so we’ll see what i discover tomorrow and then write from there.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

marketing always comes first – even in the idea of developing the product. that doesn’t mean you are a slave to the market – it simply means that the best products are those designed heavily on marketing’s insights and influence.

i’ll provide examples of these when i get into products – so have no fear – your questions will get answered.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

patrick… thanks for the comment and compliment…

there’s a great need for what you are doing cause every local business needs to market online more and more.

regarding a recommendation…. i need to think about that – no one in particular is coming to mind. i’m not even sure i could recommend anyone in this area – but maybe by me saying this, someone i know will remind me – so we’ll see.
walter daniels

What will I “take away?” I think it’s two part. 1) Do I have the VC part down right? I think I do, but no real external valuation yet. 2)How do I find/beg/borrow what I need to get the blogs up on a website? After I pay for “net service,” I have the magnificent amount of $26, to pay all other expenses. With a projected cost of $150 to $300 to get it all up, you can see my problem.
If I try to borrow the money, I have to be sure that I can pay it back in some reasonable period. Right now, I have the “free product,” and the actual book in “Final(?) Draft” form, but is it really done? No one I can borrow from is much better off than I am, so defaulting is not an option.
With regard to the second point, how do we make sure we have real VC? Not just those with IDD, but those like me that have minuscule financial resources. I know that a lot just need a swift kick in the a-s to get moving, but some of us have real problems to overcome.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

i hate to say this walter and it’s probably not what you want to hear – but when you need immediate money and your business isn’t off the ground yet, sometimes it’s better to get a job than to try and force a business to pay you back right away – i’m not saying it’s impossible but the pressure must be ridiculous – and i’d feel better about you if you had income from a job and then you could grow your business without all that pressure – hope that doesn’t sting, just trying to give you the best advice possible.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

noel… i hate to reverse things on you… but you are selling a wealth system and you aren’t generating wealth… is that a little hypocritical?
http://Inprogress.., Clari

Feb. 2010
Hi Rich!
I’ve marveled at the elegant and productive way you write and convey your education to us.
I’m a newbie.
I’m also a “heart broken” and broke Chiropractor.
The business side of my profession has eluded me since the beginning of my setting up shop here in Atlanta in 2002.
I had no skills as an entrepreneur or the discipline to do what’s required for a successful practice.
I have the deep desire to develop discipline so I’m learning from people like you to see what it takes to make a business grow and prosper…..
And believe me………. growing and prospering is something I’m very passionate about.
So much for my introduction….
Much of what you write is extremely valuable to me.
It makes sense. It rings true and I trust it.
First, I appreciate the fact that you share with us how you go about doing things.
For instance, you “focus on” us and our questions.
You want to make each post, “both timeless and timely.”
This tells me that, you don’t delegate this to others.
You’re doing this yourself……Thinking and relaying what your intuition tells you we need to know.
And…….. you write in a very casual and informal manner that appeals to me and I can understand yet the content, I feel, is rather sophisticated.
I believe my skills as a Chiropractor and Healer are good and even inching up to “great,” yet when It comes to mastering the fundamentals of business….. I’m “clueless.”
How to run a successful business….that is the question.
My clients heal from their….Asthma, headaches, bad posture and all kinds of symptoms yet few refer and I’m broke, puzzled and pissed.
So…….. if someone you loved, [G-d forbid] had Asthma and after 3 months of care stopped needing her inhaler, stopped getting headaches, could move with greater ease and flexibility, would that make an impact on your perspective about the care I provide??
Wouldn’t you want to tell the world of those results?
I’m baffled.
Well, I’m looking to learn from you how to market my Chiropractic business so I can stop being baffled, pissed and disenchanted.
I don’t yet have a website but I’m working on its content and I’m not sure how to create it so it works to brings in clients.
Perhaps you have some suggestions.

It’s a clue finding process and I’m exploring.
I’m just grateful to you for the wealth of information that you have already shared with me and feel hopeful that soon….very soon, I’ll start earning an income that reflects the many, many years of study I’ve given to this Health and
Wellness field.
With Appreciation,
Clari, the Atlanta Chiropractor

PS. I received your Business Success by Design Report and find it to be excellent in its content and appreciate the way you laid it out.
I’m working with your instructions, doing a lot of self introspection, doing lots of writing and laying out the foundation for being “The Founder” of my organization and not its slave.
Thank you for making that possible.
http://www.yourtravelplanners.com John Spark

Bit of a blow about no quick fix pill out there…we hear that all the time but still keep thinking it is there…somewhere?

Just kidding about the no quick fix. In all honesty though I was once guilty of believing the instant success hype.

I am rapidly learning there is no subsitute for FOCUS and good old fashion “nose to the grindstone” approach.

Thanks for the reminder and the huge lessons you are sharing.

I have passed this blog onto others it’s that good. But most importantly I am taking action on what you suggest…nice change for me.

Even writting this post is taking action…the signs are good.

Tomorrow maybe you could consider stepping back to the very beginning of starting a blog or if you already have one just how you position your content from today onwards.

That would be good for me and I am sure others as well.

Cheers
John C Spark
http://www.yourtravelplanners.com
http://www.nahyaninc.com Nahyan

very sound advice indeed…
http://dreamdriver.psyrk.us Stafford “Doc” Williamson

Rich,

You are doing good work here, and part of the VC is that you are getting a lot of other people’s points of view exposed, and a lot of other people’s brains to do the content creation for you. That’s not a negative, stimulating the exchange of ideas and especially best practices is certainly a VC activity in itself.

Someone earlier said they thought they have ADD “tendencies” I know I do, and I have also been a “student” of direct marketing and specifically internet marketing since before most people had ever heard the term “internet”. There is an infinite amount to learn in the subject.

I have had a weekly column on the net with the American Chronicle/Santa Barbara Chronicle/World Sentinel syndicate of web sites for well over 3 years, with enough online material still there that thousands of peope read (at least parts of) my columns every month. I haven’t made a dime from it, and that is not its purpose. It is strictly a “reputation builder” a “marketing tool” not a sales tool. That’s a good thing, because my “sales tools” don’t work and it’s pretty rare that I make a dime from most of them.

I also have a couple of Twitter accounts. I’m enjoying learning my way around, but the one thing I have really gotten a handle on is how to build a following on Twitter. It’s a “tool” that I’ll share with your readers. Try it. It costs money but a tiny amount, and has been well worth it for me. I’ve got thousands of followers in less than a month starting a new Twitter account from scratch.
Get more tweeps here.

I will be contemplating how to create the kind of HIGH VC bloggish thing for your readers that will match the video VC I’m giving away. You might want to talk about that, and how, especially if you dominate a “long tail search term” how to funnel folks into it.

Sincerely,
Stafford “Doc” Williamson

p.s. Thanks for acknowledging my point about the terrific contribution made by your JV’s in raising awareness of your Internet Business Manifesto. Your supporters are very enthusiastic.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

it does help steve – and i want to discuss this more with you… but wouldn’t the average amount made per person per source be easier to determine and give you the same data?

blog readers are worth = x
ppc buyers are worth = 2x
etc…

it’s late – so maybe i’m missing something… you tell me…
http://DreamStyleVacations4You.com Roger Due

1. Rich, this series has really been thought provoking. Let me elaborate. In addition to what you have been writing, I have been reading the comments & your various replies. The other day someone mentioned “Internet Marketing Sins” by Sylvie Fortin and I decided to pursue that trail and am glad I did. Not only does Sylvie point out the major problems on both sides, but she also shows how to do it better. I started by listening to the part 3 video and then read part 1 and am half way through part 2. This all comes at an opportune time since as a student I have made some of the mistakes she identifies and was about to make some of the marketing mistakes she identifies. Now I have a better approach since she took the time to identify the better approaches.

Next, I decided to read your “Internet Business Manifesto” again after seeing it referenced a few times these past days. I will finish it this evening after posting this. I have been trying to start some internet businesses and realized I have been going down the ‘opportunity’ route you identified. Yes, I do need to find a way to generate some income via the internet, but I really want to build a ‘real business’. One of my biggest challenges has been to identify what internet business do I really want to build.

So last year I decided that I really must just get started with something and figure it out along the way. I have many decades of software development outside of the internet working for other companies, so I have had to learn the internet side. Eventually I decided to focus on a specific affiliate product and learn how to build a WordPress site and generate frequent relevant postings. In one sense I really didn’t care if this would turn out to be my longer term real business. I just needed to learn the ropes.

So now I am still faced with the challenge of: exactly what internet business do I really want to build? But now, because of all that has happened in the last few days with your dialog and everything else that I have been doing, I think I will eventually be able to figure out this last piece of the puzzle. I am very persistent and will keep at it until I find my real business focus.

So hopefully you can see that a lot has been happening here.

I really appreciated your simple equation. Once I have something of value to promote, then there are a lot of good ways to get it in the hands of the right customers to generate significant income. This simple formula helps stay focused on what is important.

2. Not sure I can answer your 2nd question now. My head has been spinning as I explained above and I really want to finish your “Internet Business Manifesto” before I turn in. This interaction with your blog & everyone’s comments has been most rewarding. Thanks.
http://DreamStyleVacations4You.com Roger Due

Curt, just want you to know that I really like your question in the last paragraph! That is really the question I would liked to have asked. Thanks!
http://DreamStyleVacations4You.com Roger Due

Karen, Great to see your comment. My wife & I sure would have liked to meet someone like you last September when we were in Australia for 4 weeks. We didn’t get close to Queanbeyan but will have to get over your way next time. We traveled by car from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, to Adelaide, to Alice Springs, back through Mildura, to Melbourne and many wonderful points along the way.
http://www.thewellnessdirectory.co.nz Jon

Completely agree Rich – you should only preach what you successfully practice!
http://twitter.com/LoydLarue Loyd La Rue

here’s a Good question from Curt Siemers: “Were these flashes of insight or the result of months of research or both (flashes of insight directly and immediately coming out of the research)?”

So often we are instructed especially w/in “social media” that content content content increases (P) # of people or prospects to your website/blog. When; as I see it, Rich in the Internet Manifesto and Missing Chapter reports has illuminated the “context” of what we all face. He has universally applied basic fundamentally sound ethical practices which will grow business regardless of the niche.

So my question is: Do we survey the market (VC) enabling the (P) prospects/people to tell us what they are willing to pull out the wallets for??? or do we find a niche and then drive uninterested (P) there to inform them of the (VC) in order to make the sale???

It seems that most online guru’s prefer the latter..driving large #’s of (P) to a site and live off the income of 3.4% conversion…

Your thoughts??

Loyd La Rue
http://twitter.com/LoydLarue
http://instant-website-traffic.com Steve Texter

I 100% agree. Especially after a little time, you will have concrete results to measure with.

Without any real data though, who knows? I think with a a a decent amount of empirical data, we could honestly create an equation that will provide real feedback and be custom fit based on it’s content, placements, etc.

- Like what type of content is better
- Where a Better place to post
- Better sources

etc.

The more we apply this very technique you sharing,
the more we will know.

Ultimately we will have variable for all types of scenarios, posts, etc.

Let you know how it is working since we have worked it into our number

Thanks Again,

Steve
Greg P

Rich,

Sorry for the ambiguity.

From what I understood in reading the Internet Manifesto, your success in turning several businesses around was predicated upon merging your personal strengths/skills into the process. If fact, that’s largely what made it strategic and authentic and gave the business a new character.

So, to avoid the opportunist thing, which would be to simply find a ‘needy’ niche and milk it – which would not necessarily mean that it plays to my strengths – I am looking to start my business being entirely strategic from the get go.

To me, that means building (VC) with personal strengths as the foundation, and the content created on top of that. This way, the content is not merely manufactured for effect, but crafted with heart – which I believe is what (P) really relate to.

Perhaps I am being a little too complicated in my approach… :-)
http://www.leadguitarzero2hero.com Charl

Hi Rich,

I love these kind of formulas and I do try and follow that as best as possible. I’m in the learn to play guitar niche and we have a whole month’s of free Acoustic Guitar Lessons at our site plus loads of other resources and videos.

Our list is growing but I think that we need to restructure the value in a way that’s more consumable in this “instant age” we’re living in. People want quick fixes and the only way to excel in guitar playing is to actually sit down and play the guitar.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how to provide good quality value whilst at the same time make in consumable in a short period of time so that the “Value” and “Results in Advance” as taught by Frank Kern will strengthen the bond with readers and get them to act on the information presented which will then deliver great results.

I’m sure you experience similar challenges as you’ve stated in this post about things actually requiring action and an appetite for very hard WORK.

Thanks again for sharing your views.

Much appreciated.

Charl
http://www.JCsedits.com Kerry W

I agree with you 100% – if the foundation of your VC is based on your core beliefs, values, and passion then the enterprise can more easily become strategic rather than opportunistic from the start. i don’t think you are being too complicated. I think you are making every effort to be authentic which is highly valued by P.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

“results in advance” is a very very powerful technique… i don’t think it’s enough but it a strong base to start with….

i’ll be writing more about that soon…

thanks charl for the comment
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

i like something that i think is called psycho-drama…

it’s starts with surveying the market… getting to know the prospects… etc. then i sit in a dark room (no lights, windows covered, etc.) and try to imagine myself as my prospect… i start thinking about what i’d be worrying about… what anxieties i’d have… what frustrations would bother me the most…etc.

and before i know it, i am pretending i am the prospect (sort of like acting) and then i pick up my handy little mp3 recorder and simply rant…

when i take the time to actually do this (i don’t do it often enough) i usually come away from the exercise with profound understandings that often lead to breakthroughs…

the whole process takes me about 2 hours… maybe this should be developed into a blog post?
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

if you can’t figure out where your home is… just keep doing lots of stuff… you’ll eventually bump into it – keep your radar up though…

my friend (deceased) gary halbert used to say…

MORE IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH MOVEMENT THAN MEDITATION!

hope that helps

and thanks for the comment roger
http://www.JCsedits.com Kerry W

Charles,
I have been struggling with trying to figure out how to give people what they need even if initially they don’t feel they want it too.
Pretty difficult so far.
I keep being jolted by the axiom: Perception = Reality.
Regardless, we have to figure out how to work with THEIR perceptions first, right?
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

thanks for your comment doc…

just a word to the wise…. i’ve found twitter is great for traffic to a blog…. but more often than not they aren’t buyers… just saying… of course, if you’ve got slamming content and bond with the new visitors they can become buyers it’s just a steeper climb, that’s all.

wow! about all that content you’ve created. in your next comment, you should provide a link to it all.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

thanks for the pass alongs… and the comment… and taking action… these are the reasons i’m doing this – so BIG THANK YOU!

i hope today’s post helped answer you question here – let me know and i can get more specific.
http://www.strategicprofits.com Rich Schefren

thanks for the thoughtful and heartfelt comment clari… it means a lot to me… and i do appreciate your situation… and i can imagine what you must be going through… stay strong!

todd brown, our director of marketing, has created a whole automated chiropractic marketing program – don’t know the link off hand but you can search for it… and knowing todd it’s most definitely excellent and what it sounds like you really need.
Greg P

Thanks Kerry, you’ve put it in a nutshell, which is just the differentiation I seek in establishing my business.

This is particularly important on the net where ‘sameness’ and ‘cookie cutting’ seems like a rampant incurable disease which certainly does not bring value to (P) – but rather irritation.

The challenge is to engage a profitable niche that either directly supports my core values, or one where my core values, beliefs and passions can be applied/superimposed to make it a different animal.

So, where Rich turned around the clothing store – was he passionate about clothing, or did he find a way to apply/superimpose his values and passions in that venture/industry and thereby still remain strategic at heart? Read: not just another project.

If so, how do you do this?

One thing I do know, is that operating from a place of strength, passion and belief makes whatever you do effortless, and it generates the energy to stay the course.

Doing it the opportunistic way is a drudgery. Ask me how I know this…. :-)
http://www.JCsedits.com Kerry W

OK, how do you know this?
Greg P.

Ah.. to my chagrin, I have trodden that mine-laden path before… But… the light is dawning on a new day thanks to my learning from those who know better.
Jacob Smarts

Rich,
I’ve been looking everywhere for just a SYSTEM I can follow.

Can you just give us a STEP-BY-STEP system that anyone can follow to make money online??

I think that would help a lot of people out and I know there’s lot’s of people here who want the same thing!!

You’ve already made MILLIONS OF DOLLARS online so why not just spend your time to write out a simple process that anyone can follow … All this mushy stuff in your blog post hurts my brain and it would be easier if I could just follow a system or a guide. Thanks!!
http://wwwm.com.au Eran

Noel, nothing personal but I went to your site, watched the entire video and can see where your problem is…

1) It comes across like an MLM type deal – all mysterious (no actual info, just sales pitch & hype) and I suspect 99% of folks watching this video are not going to be willing to fill in the form to learn more.

That’s taking the curiosity approach a bit too far… ;-)

Plus, I have seen SOOOOO many deals/programs like this and they all have the same flaws that ensure they don’t work for the vast majority of people involved in them.

2) According to the video, you don’t have to do any work or provide any leads – they do it all for you, so I’m curious as to why you do not have any (P) to share this with? If it’s as good and easy as the video suggests, you should be raking it in with no effort or expense…

It seems to me as though you might want to re-evaluate what this offers. On so many levels this site breaks all the rules of successful online businesses.

Consider building your OWN business – even just a blog on a topic you’re passionate about (and NOT ‘make money online’ – unless you have already been successful doing that) – as long as you are persistant & work hard, you will make more money AND it could well be a successful venture. Don’t use someone else’s turnkey system – if multiple people are using the same website, you’re going to have major problems getting traffic to it.

There’s tons of free quality resources online about blogging for bucks. Darren Rowse at Problogger.net is an excellent resource, as is Yaro Starak, Jack Humphrey and (of course) our own Mr Schefren’s no slouch in that dept either. ;-)

All the best

Eran
http://www.2minutewindowtips.com/ john herman

Hi Rich, what a great thought provoking blog arc you have started. After doing some deep thinking about my secret app. in a dark room with my eye massager turned on (Breo isee360 – very relaxing) I came up with the perfect iPhone app! I would like to learn how to put together a team to develop and launch it. It is universal enough to be a big seller and can easily translate to any language! I am trying to solve the problem of developing it while keeping it under wraps so I don’t get competition before the launch. Keep up the great thought provoking blog conversation!
Andrew Halmos

Hey Rich,

Very cool concept! I like it.

However, as a small side note, the equation should look like this:

VCxP^2=$$$

Because it doesn’t make a difference whether you multiply the left side or right side of a product by two. Raising to the POWER of two does. Sorry, couldn’t help as a math student :-)

Still, it doesn’t take away the slightest from the value of your post, which is great.

Bye,
Andew
http://www.yourtravelplanners.com john

Yes Rich…today’s post has help. Thanks.

I do have one other pressing question though and that is…based on your earlier estimations of how much time these posts are taking you to write..3 hours I think you said…then how long can you keep committing to this length of time?

Do you think a less experienced blogger could find the time and still run their business?

Some where I am sure is the balance…my head spins!

Cheers
John
http://www.bnfreetomorrow.com Kris

Hello Again Rich

Another great post, Thank goodness I came back and kept reading , your insight is astounding,but i suppose that comes with experience. Some of the comments are equally as thought provoking. The only problem is that reading the post and going through the comments keeps me away from other tasks (but as long as I keep learning i’ll keep it up). My focus is actually on not becoming one of the guru’s you described at the very top, and by reading and learning from your posts I hope to attain it. There are so many so called guru’s out there that treat their subscribers as nothing more than Cash Cows. Thankfully you dont seem to be one. Keep these graet posts coming
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Thanks

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http://www.thewebonwheels.com.au Viv

Hi Rich,
as always, great content.

I really latched on to the “solve a problem in a uniquely superior way” … that really resonates with me.

My market is quite different to most of the people on your list. My market isn’t even usually on the internet, they’re older people who are learning to use their computer. So the usual internet marketing techniques often don’t apply.

But the essence of part of your formula still makes the difference to my market: they really need their problem solved. And I really need to stand out from others providing a similar service. So I must always strive to be the best problem-solver and hand-holder for my lovely oldies.

You will have already posted the next blog, so I can’t wait to read what it is.

Cheers – and thanks!
Viv