Something Cool’s Happening This Friday

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.

But here’s the cool part…

As I was researching a certain aspect of this major project, something stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb…

It was all about establishing systems in your business…coming up with processes that help you “take action” and get things done..finding the road map to take you from A to Z with the least amount of effort.

All the research showed, it was painfully obvious across the board that most people were missing a key component–THIS is one of the biggest pieces of the business building puzzle.

If you are struggling in your business you need to get this. You need to really look at your business and identify the processes and systems or lack of.

One on the biggest hurdles holding companies back are the lack of fundamental systems that can really help expedite it’s growth.

This might not be a huge surprise to you but in the mist of all the research I have been doing it is clear that people who know this still don’t take action on it.

Why? Because in most cases they don’t know what to do, or at least what to do first. In a lot of cases if they just had a road map they would be able to supercharge their business and short-cut lots of hurdles. Thereby jumping ahead of competition significantly.

Now, I could have tucked that little tidbit away and kept it for a piece of the “big thing” I’m working on. Goodness knows it would have been a welcome addition.

But I’m not going to do that.

No, I’ve decided that this is something you need to know about right now. Because it’s something that can help you–RIGHT NOW.

So as soon as I hit the last keystroke in this blog post, I’m going to call my team together and get them going on this little “side project”.

I figure we’ll need about 48 hours to get it together. So check back on Friday August 1st to see what’s up.

Seriously–mark your calendar. Because you will not want to miss what I’m about to do.

(And best of all, it’s FREE for you)

Gotta get to work now…

But I wanted to hear from you first.

1. Let me know what major processes you implemented that positively helped your business in regards to what I am saying here.

2. Looking back in time, what would you have done differently that would have put you much farther ahead in your business?
To Higher Profits,

Rich

P.S. Like I said, I’ve had my head down, working furiously on this MASSIVE undertaking for the past several months…

And I’ve been doing my best to keep it under wraps. But as it tends to happen, some info has leaked out.

So to satisfy any curious minds, I will go ahead and confirm this much:

I’m about to set the internet marketing community on its ear (again)
There’s something HUGE on the horizon for September
We’ll announce more details in the coming weeks.

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Comments:

http://internet-viral-ebook-marketing.com Paul Gallion

Hey Rich,

One of the processes I recently implemented in my business was setting up a “Quick Upload Folder” for JV giveaways. Not only does it provide everything you need for filling out registration forms for the giveaway, it gives you an automatic process to follow and saves a “lot” of time.

Looking back one “major” thing I would do differently is to evaluate and plan first instead of just taking action. Planning brings more “focus” to the process along with taking the “right” action that will do the most for your business in the least amount of time.

I totally agree that knowing what to do first with a road map to follow will supercharge your business. I can’t wait to see what you have come up with!

Regards,

Paul Gallion
http://internet-viral-ebook-marketing.com
P.S. Thanks for picking up the shipping for 7FigureSecrets…It’s Awesome!
Janet

Hi Rich,

First – thank you for creating the CASHMAPS! I am completely convinced that you have one of the best business minds ever, the new Jay Abraham, if you will.

I just hope you don’t get your head so swelled that you can hardly fit through doorways. :-) But honestly, I hardly read anyone’s emails anymore (delete delete delete) since I find that it’s a time saver to focus on the really knowledgeable people who give away so much information free that it is absolutely awe inspiring. Those CASHMAPS were remarkable. Some a bit redundant, but probably necessary to be that way.

Thanks for all you do to help people. Looking forward to more of your mind-sharing.

What would I have done differently that would have made me more successful today? Hired better. And kept ALL my people at arm’s distance, not gotten so personal and friendly – that was my biggest mistake. And yes, systems are what everyone needs to have a well-oiled machine.
http://www.copywriting4b2b.com Carol Bentley

Ideas are crucial to my copywriting business. I used to use the notebook & pen system to note ideas as they occurred. Then I migrated to tape recorders / memo machines. Now I use my MP3 player that has an inbuilt microphone / recorder.

Automated follow-up procedures (both online and offline) are crucial in our business for keeping in touch with people and generating more business.

In the office my PA has process flowcharts, which she creates for every system we use. The intention is that anyone joining the company can pick up the chart and know what steps to follow and where to find any other related info they need to accomplish the task.

Personally I find I get more done when I block my time for specific projects and activities. Also gives a great sense of achievement when looking back through my diary ;)

Love the info you provide. BTW – your Internet Joint Venture course is great and I’m recommending it to my blog readers (in tomorrow’s post) as a resource for offline Joint Ventures as a way of Recession Proofing their business.

Carol
http://www.managepro.com/blog Rodney Brim

Your mention of systems makes me think of two points when it comes to helping businesses. Very simply systems need to help you manage and leverage information to do primarily 3 things:
1. Stay focused on your goals, what’s working and not, and the changes needed,
2. On top of your tasks in a project or prioritized fashion,
3. In touch with people.

What’s very fascinating is all the psychology around using systems and the leadership involved in implementing systems that are intended to improve performance. The challenge of implementing systems when you or others have run out of the motivational driver of immediate interest or fear. I write a bunch about that, as it’s probably more important than any one system you implement – see http://www.managepro.com/blog/index.php/category/leadership

Will be interested in what you present.

Rodney Brim
http://www.managepro.com/blog Rodney Brim

Cory,
I liked your comment. I know and have talked with Michael Gerber. Yes systems (and knowing what to do with them) and people are important. So is the technology to leverage all the information that starts getting acquired when you use systems.

Our software fits the E-myth orientation really well (www.managepro.com) Went you went through the course, did they have a software tool to help you implement the program?

Rodney Brim
http://wegivestudentdiscount.com/ The Best Student Discount Site

Rich,

Now you got me guessing what it is> I just can’t wait to find out though I am sure that it is going to be ground breaking as all of your other products have been.

I await patiently Rich
http://www.selfcare4rsi.com Sharon

Hi Rich,

Thanks for asking a great question! I really ahd to think about this one.

I was out of commission with an extended illness when I created my website. My main focus was to generate income to replace the money I was not earning due to my illness. So I quickly created the e-books I sell on my website.

If I had known better, or paid more attention to the guidance I was getting about creating a profitable website, I would have taken the development of my website much more slowly. I would have built a dynamic list, contacted them frequently, found affiliate products that supported the message of my e-books, and built an additional list of products with low – to – high price ranges.

Now I find myself having to backtrack to recreate what should have been there in the first place. It’s going to be a lot of work.
I am breaking down my main website into seven different websites, one for each e-book, and building them properly from the start. I sure hope this is the right thing to do at this point. I’ve got good, unusual products that have no comparison on the market and it’s important that people can find out about them.

If you, or anyone else has good suggestions for me, I sure would appreciate hearing them. I really want this business to work.

Sharon
http://www.grand-slam-daily.com/?id=3493 william Oestreich

Thanks for the info
http://www.theebookcoach.com Ellen Violette

Hi Rich,
Looking back I would have created less product and made sure each one was complete before moving on-that means autoresponders in place and affiliate tools plus driving traffic to that specific ebook or product.

On implementation, my newsletter used to take days, now I whip them out in a couple of hours. What I did was simplified it so that I could repurpose Q & A’s and use them in my newsletter. Take articles submitted to Ezine Articles (written by a ghostwriter taken from my teleseminars) and change them 30%, have my VA add the tech tip since she’s better at it than I am and tell me who the top affiliate was. And keep my eyes open for free stuff and keep a list so I have something juicy in each newsletter.

Another system is having a page where joint-venture partners can go to get the questions to ask me, get my bio and picture,
get the affiliate link to my products-basically everything they need so I don’t have to do it manually each time. It works really well.

Thanks for addressing this-it’s huge!
http://pelle88.blogspot.com/ Birger Kung

C’mon – it’s friday! :)
Post post post!
http://www.supportandresistance.com/ Erich

Deb, you hit the nail on the head with this comment: “If I could go back in time to change one thing about my business, I would not have bought so many products, but instead paid for coaching from someone I respected.”

How true…and come to think of it, this applies to many industries, mine included. There is NOTHING like having a good mentor.

-Erich Senft, CTA
SupportandResistance.com
http://www.traderways.com Ron Carmichael

Hi Rich,

I love your stuff, it has significantly shaped my thinking & been instrumental in a number of decisions.

THAT SAID…..

I completely agree with a number of points you make about systems & processes. This is something most people say little or nothing about.

You see…I consider myself pretty good at what I do…training people to trade financial markets & developing software apps to ease that process.

But I have been very slow to harness IM and in truth, am a complete newbie, well almost.

What I have learnt, cutting through all the info overload and “opportunist” stuff, is that systems & processes are key.

This should ring true with you, as I believe it is your mantra.

The real difficulty…

Understanding what your business actually needs & how to put it all together to maximise your effort.

No one had told me how difficult & involved this piece would be…

I can see why it would be easiest to become an affiliate. But as I have created some truly high value training products, that was not an option for us.

So to my point…

I have discovered that the single most important (that’s if it is indeed single) is the autoresponder, shopping cart system at the very core of your business.

I have opted for 1shoppingcart because it is functionally rich (no pun) and meets most of my core needs.

I know you have had a working relationship with the founder but I have found it far from easy to set up. Quite a lot does not seem particularly intuitive to me or logical.

So, it is an absolutely crucial area of your business but far from straightforward. I have found this to be true of others I have looked at.

So I would say, that others must be going through the same problems/issues & spending a truckload of time on this.

This is non productive time!. Yes, I could outsource but as a business owner, I need to undertstand. I think this is too important to be left to chance.

From experience & dependant on what sort of business you want to create, these ‘central systems & processes’ are absolutely fundamental to the success of your business.

I should know, I have been fumbling around for years making a mess of it…now I have woken up!

Wow, the power of some of this stuff…at the price…is truly awesome.

Such a long post, have got to Friday…..

To Your Success!

Ron
http://www.traderways.com Ron Carmichael

Brenda,

I think you are like so many other people. I almost fell in to that procrastination trap (sorry)& opportunist mentality.

Set your sights on what you want to achieve and just go for it.
You hear a lot about TAKING ACTION & FOCUS but that’s exactly what it is.

Although I am in the trader training space, I decided to start sharing my first hand experiences and frustrations about internet marketing with everyone. Which I will continue to do….but you know what…it made me take action! (Even with no one listening, although that bturned out not to be the case)

If you are not sure, find something you are interested in and look for products to promote as an affiliate.

This dramatically reduces ‘time to market’ but again you must be serious. Focus & get on with it, you will learn a lot!

Good luck,

Ron
PS Don’t spend any more money, you already have eveything you need. Go read Rich’s Manifesto!
http://infusionsoft.ebusinessgrowth.com/ Geary Jones

This is a very impressive article about systemizing Rich. Most businesses as we know have some sort of operations system. What most dont understand is the need for there more valuable marketing system. I have noticed your marketing system you use is by infusionsoft which is stated at the bottom of your emails as Delivered by infusionsoft. I have downloaded there ebook and viewed a few demo’s. I believe this is a all-in-one database, contact, customer relationship management program thats good for any business. I would appreciate more information about how this software system has been working for you Rich? If anyone is interested in more about this system click on my name and it takes you to the page. You can get a no-cost ebook and a demo.
http://www.TheMoneyGym.com Nicola Cairncross

Dear Rich

The Money Gym has changed beyond recognition since I first came across your teachings and joined your coaching programme.

We now have a carefully structured customer journey, front end free rebrandable report products building our list virally, two back end products, an offline presence which pays for itself, and creates back of room passive income, a social networking presence, finally some statistics we can trust and we are now starting to use Google Optimiser to really hone our sales pages.

And yet, in spite of a 1000 page blog which is now on a sub-domain on our URL, our traffic levels are tragic and that is the next thing to really focus on – we are going to work through the John Reese offering very systematically.

My major challenge is that we are not outsourcing yet, and so while I love creating systems, process flow charts, etc., I bloomin’ hate sticking to them myself. I find myself resisting the dull things that need to be done till the very last minute. I’m not proud of that and wonder if it’s the different side of my brain at war with each other?

Outsourcing seems to be the way forward – I create the content and do the speaking, online video etc, while the checking, ezine and statistics compiling and posting of articles to various sites all gets done by someone else – so that it actually does get done!

Leverage other people’s time while I concentrate on what I’m good at, enjoy, and have a unique advantage with.

Really looking forward to your next release – the previous ones have, quite literally been life and business changing.

Cheers, Nicola
Garryharper

just to actualy trust myself and do the new thing im, told to do, the ONE thing then the NEXT thing , NOT to try all the things at once FOCUS THANKS……garry
http://www.businessprocessvision/wordpress Jason Nethercott

It’s now the 2nd of August here in New Zealand so please Rich spill the beans!

I’m a little nervous in case you are delivering a system like the one I’ve been working on over the past couple of years that uses full-motion and screen-capture video to capture and communicate business processes and procedures. My vision is to create a small business operating system that creates highly “aware” businesses that can easily improve and share their processes and procedures.

While working for a large Corporate (by NZ standards!), as a process analyst, I was constantly frustrated at the often inaccurate way existing processes were captured i.e. the analyst attempting to understand a process through multiple meetings, data analysis and observation. Often, the process user (the worker actually doing the job), would describe and behave quite differently when interacting with the analyst compared to an everyday work situation. To make matter worse, to have to interpret what someone else does (or what you yourself are doing!), through interviews, writing, mapping, and other forms of documentation can at times be a bit like describing to a Himalayan Monk the process of driving a car!

I experimented with using video to capture processes and procedures and found that it was not only great for capturing rich, real-time process information but also was a fantastic tool for process communication (when you improve them you want others to understand and use them!). I developed a suitable video format that allowed the “macro” process in any functional area to be shown along with the ability to drill into any component process or procedure videos with a mouse click.

The different teams within the organization found that the video format breathed “life” into processes and procedures and made them meaningful and enjoyable rather than group training sessions and hard copy documents with pictures normally prescribed to them!

So Rich, please tell me what you are up to – I’m sure it’ll be great and really love all the good work you have done in the past and your focus on systems!

PS. I’m only just starting-out on-line so have only just kicked-off a blog http://www.businessprocessvision.com/wordpress and associated website (at this stage just dummy text).

All the best – Jason Nethercott
http://www.designercelebrationcakes.com Jason Isherwood

Hi Rich

Really looking forward to seeing what’s coming – even if its now a day overdue !
I have dabbled with creating a system so begin earning money on site – at the moment I’d settle for just covering costs !
Information overload is one of the main things I find really distracting. As we are constantly told, the web is a fast moving marketplace so I often find myself pouring through emails and product literature to find out if i’m missing out on something. The result being I have little time to put anything into practice !

Hopefully, your info will give me a plan to work to so I can confidently ignore the mass of infoproducts that are constantly emailed and promoted.
Our website http://www.designercelebrationcakes.com is great information source for cake decorators and helps publicise my wifes talents and coaching courses but I’m sure it could do a lot more.
Looking forward to seeing whats coming !

All the best
Jason Isherwood
http://www.designercelebrationcakes.com
http://www.business-system-organizer.com Lyle

One key fundamental system that never seems to get mentioned is a system for systematizing. Just drawing process maps is not good enough.

I’ve been through a number of business development programs and while they all discuss the importance of systems none of them had a method for organizing and managing the development and use of systems.

Without this you’ll very soon find you are hopelessly mired in process maps, procedures and system documents. Eventually, many small business owners give up trying to systematize. It just becomes such a overwhelming mess.

I was almost at the point of giving up myself until I developed, what I think is a critical fundamental business system.

Think of it as foundation for your business.

A solid systemization foundation makes the systemization of your business a whole lot easier and saner.

I’ve written a seven part series describing this key fundamental system. If you’re interested in learning more it available free at the link below.

Lyle
Business-System-Organizer.com
Ron Main

Hi Rich,

Well I’m still struggling to get something started but I do an awful lot of reading and am looking forward to seeing this really cool thing you have but somehow I feel I have missed something here. I have been coming back ever since Friday August 1st and nothing changes, no update or notice of slipped schedule, so what’s up with that? Should I just be patient and keep checking or have you deserted us.
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http://www.achievehealth.org/ Roger Langford

Hi Rich

Just deleting old emails from July 30, 2008 and before deleting yours I checked out the link in it. It brought me to here and I like what I am reading. Some really good stuff.
I have wasted too many years hopping from one get rich quick scheme to another. Am just now settling down to building a website and using article marketing.