Rich's current Twitter status:@copyblogger i probably do - if you've got the time give me a call
My office has been under siege for the past two days and it looks like a horde of English World Cup soccer fans were parked here.
Ever since I released my Internet Business Manifesto, the phone has been ringing non-stop, Sheila my assistant has walked off the job three times because people insist on talking to me about the contents of the manifesto, and Debbie the secretary has told us we’re getting more calls coming in than the call center up stairs.
And to really top things off, my wife and daughters saw what was going on and high tailed it over to the other side of Florida for a "girl vacation."
Our Alexa ranking is a cool 492 today and over 16,612 people have downloaded the manifesto.
It’s been one of the hottest topics on the Warrior Forum and I’ve been getting rave reviews from people like John Reese, John Carlton, Jim Edwards, and many more.
Here’s what Jim Edward’s told his list:
"Most people don’t know this, but 18 months ago I was so stressed out… strung out… and just plain tired, I was ready to quit the Internet at the "height" of my career…
All I did was work, sometimes 16-18 hours a day for days on end… and there was absolutely no end in sight. Yeah, I was making a good living, but my organization sucked and I was trying to do everything myself…
Then I met a guy who helped me understand that I was in charge of a *business* — not the "one-man band" that was getting ready to put me into an early grave. He is one of the main reasons I stayed online and now have a REAL organization that is growing by leaps and bounds with each passing month!"
Then, my server crashed briefly under the number of people trying to get their hands on the report. Let’s just say my bandwidth bill isn’t going to be cheap.
Plus, Dan my right hand man has found hundreds of bloggers from all corners of the web, discussing the manifesto and declaring it "the most important report to be released in years."
Another one of my assistants, Kate, tells me there are thousands of people emailing me asking questions about the manifesto.
People are asking me what I’m going to be presenting at the Dan Kennedy Infomarketing Summit, and my new partners at the 300 million dollar company I’m working with are wondering why they can’t get through to me.
At one point, 17 people were opting in every second.
No wonder it’s so crazy around here.
But I’m not done. People have been begging me for more details about my strategies.
So I’m going to actually let you create the content for the follow up to the Internet Business Manifesto.
Here’s what I’d like you to do…
Answer the following question…
Q: After reading the manifesto, what is the one thing that you think will prevent you from achieving success similiar to that of my clients?
I’m preparing a video you should expect to see in your email box in the next few days. In it, I’ll try and answer some of
your questions.
I feel like Noah trying to hold back the flood…
Rich
The report really opened my eyes to the fact that I’m opportunistic. How to I become strategic when I’m not even sure what I should be doing? Thanks again for the incredible insights.
Mike
The Manifesto was great - and I really see your point about staying focused to achieve scalability, but how do I figure out what niche to go into since I assume your advice might be different from a lot of the other gurus out there? Thanks for what you are doing, you are certainly making internet marketing a better place.
Is it better to outsource to people over the Internet or to hire people locally? Incrdible report!!!!
Rich, your manifesto absolutely changed the way I look at my business. I couldn’t believe that I’ve been working “in the dark” for sooooooooo long! I don’t know what it was, but you made it so easy for me to understand, that something just clicked, a light went on, and I “got it” So thanks a million… Here’s my question… How do I begin to develop a strategy from the current mess I have? Should I start from scratch or should I work with what semi-successful “opportunities” I’m currently working on? Thanks again…
You mentioned about outsourcing and project management. Can you describe more details on the outsourcing - I saw some one already about local vs. online outsource,how about some matrix on the outsourcing. On project management - can you give some checklist -prioritize on things that people need to learn about project management. Thanks for the greate report.
thanks thanks..
so…how do I get to participate in your 11 week intensive..?
jj
Hi Rich!
I am happy for you!
In answer to your question:
The one thing that will prevent me from achieving success is if I am not accepted into your program:o)
Following your direction would be a slam dunk! Your strategies are spot on…
Thanks again for the manefesto…
DrT
Every time I look at the “You” chart, I get physically ill.
I don’t see the way out.
I, too, have jumped from opportunity to opportunity, but I realized what I was doing to myself and am now focusing on my main goal… My question is this… It sounds great to be able to leverage your business to the point where you can make it grow very quickly, but since my income is limited at this point, I am not able to hire help out and I am stuck doing all of the tasks myself. What kind of advice would you suggest to someone who has to spend their time working on the “little things” as well?
As an opportunity seeker, I have chased the goose that laid the golden egg for the past year. I think now it’s time to switch my focus into building a nest so the goose can come sit beside me. Thanks
Hi Rich,
Loved the Manifesto Report! Right on advice. It seems to me that you have two sets of people here. Brand-Newbies and Not-so-Newbies eating up your stratagies. There are those of us who understand the concepts you teach but really need a more detailed, step-by-step plan because we are at a different place than those who have established internet businesses. Those with established internet businesses would greatly benefit by your personal or group coaching skills. How about creating a mentoring system where you teach those who have the experience to teach those who do not? Just a thought. ;>)
Thanks again!
Eileen Hebert
Yes,,, a much better and realistc reading then the volatile fluff written by the same “experts” that apparently learned from you.
I now wonder if they learned much about product creation though. They learned the strategies no doubt. You are an awesome strategist, but maybe they should also be advized that it is NOT OK to sell rubish.
Other than that, I must say, this is a rarely written and well presented truth about business in general. Not just online concept. I know a bunch ‘mass mentality’ oportunistic wanabies that could use to read something like this. They may put logic rather then oportunism in action.
Unfortunately, I believe it will not be the case for majority which is still a great thing for bad product creators.
Great work Rich.
OK-
I agree that this report is by far the most ‘real’ thing that I have read on the Internet in months - if not ever.
The thing that could be holding me back is figuring out where to focus and how to prevent information overload. I’m just tring to absorb too much at once I tend to research things to death.
Ahhhh! I could really use some good direction!
After reading your manifesto I believe nothing is going to hold me back! This is the best paper I have ever read. Powerful - life changing.
I sure hope i will be one of the lucky ones who will have the honor of being chosen to be part of your next coaching seminar.
Thanks for asking,
Timothy Rea
What I’ve read so far looks great. I am already having success and expect that to grow when implementing some of the new strategies. ; )
The one thing that might prevent me from achieving success similar to that of your clients is distractions, lack of focus.
In other words: Me
Excellent report. I see that I am suffering from “outsourcing turnover” and then I fall into the trap of “It would be easier and faster to just do it myself”. Where do I find talented, stable people to outsource to? I know about Elance and Guru.com but is there a better source or an easier way than wading through all the portfolios/resumes, which can be like looking for a needle in a haystack? Thanks.
The problem is money.
If I had the money to afford your coaching, or to buy the serious tools required then I am sure I could be successful.
Having money means you can afford to fail a few times, then still have the funds to eventually succeed.
It is alot easier to make money when you have money to start with, than to make money from “nothing”.
I know I need to automate things and outsource help. There is one thing that stops me. Trust. Trust has been broken in the past several times by people I tried to hire to write programs I needed for website ideas. It is either trust and/or cost these days. Ideas of where to find the trusted help needed to go the next step in my business?
The one thing is……………..
myself….either seeing that rather large map of yours as either an “I could never do all that s**t”….or “Yippee, for my hyper visual learning…..just systemize that sucker!”.
I’m posting it on my wall for two reasons:
(1) Just seeing that someone can indeed map it means it must be do-able.
(2) Diffuse the overwhelm by creating a system for all those freaking boxes.
Bonus Reason: Remember that I should not even try to do it all as a one woman show.
Thanks Rich!
To being honest,
Elizabeth
Hi Rich,
My question would be how do you get to the point of outsourcing and building a system for everything if your business is very new and you aren’t yet making any money? Do I have to do everytthing myself at first until I can afford to hire it out…or is that just a trap too?
Thanks…you’re report changed a lot for me.
JS
G’day Rich,thanks for the maifesto and the worthwhile info.
Here’s my question…
I’m trying to get capital by taking advantage of some of the opportunities, so I can turn those into the outsource strategy. But how do I get off that roundabout??
thanks, Glenn
Awesome Report Rich!
The 1 thing for me that seems to prevent me from achieving success similar to that of your clients is…
See that’s my challenge; picking just 1 thing! Since 2 things stick out in my mind, I’m going to go with that
The 2 things that hold me back seem to be #1 - not being able to solely focus on 1 niche long enough without getting a bit bored and
#2 - Delegating projects, etc. to others, when I have a limited budget…I see clearly the beauty of Outsourcing, however I keep saving/investing the bulk of my funds in advertising and learning instead and then I end up being the only one left that I can afford to hire.
At times it seems like a Catch 22!
Awesome info Rich, on time and on point. For me the most important point was that we need to capitalize on the oportunities we have NOW before big business comes in (the Wild West was a long time ago). To answer your question, the only roadblock to me achieving results similar to your clients are the limitiations of my own imagination. After reading the manifesto 10 times so far, my limitations are being shattered. Thanks for the insight.
2 things:
1 - funding outsourcing (haven’t been able to get someone to donate time for % profits)
2 - managing outsourcing (people)
Rich, you left me short of words. Still trying to put my jaw back in position. Mate you’re spot on you’ve been watching over my shoulders all this time.
The only thing preventing me from getting into your program would be if you don’t allow me to pay by instalments. Whatever the price you’ve convinced me already. . . u r too good mate!
Regards,
Jose Espinoza
Rich,
Good for you. Something to clear up the fog and reduce the madness. Keep er coming buddy.
ATB!
Perry
Money, in particualr seed capital, is all that stands in the way to prevent me from achieving success similiar to that of your clients. To me your manifesto is a very compelling and accurate insight that bridges a gap between theory and reality. In many ways it has brought clarity to my current http://www.h4h.biz ebook co-author project that when systemized would make a good contender for a joint venture with you.
Thank you and may fortune continue to dignify your good work.
Brian
what is the one thing that
you think will prevent you from achieving success similiar
to that of my clients?
money is my issue..just starting in business…no way could I afford your services when I’m not making money yet.
I printed this thing out, poured a nice jug of coffee and went out on the porch to soak up some nature while reading it.
Great job!
A really well-consdered report; nice that it’s coming from an internet perspective rather than off-line. Project managing growth is not new in the offline environment, but comes with new challenges online. Areas I would like to see addressed are how one perceives one’s own role, which aspects of an operation are value-adding and which aspects do you vow never to touch again! (helpdesks and customers take at least three hours a day at the moment) and most importantly developing strong sustainable relationships with outsourcing partners. Certainly all great food for thought.
Rich: I loved what you wrote. It was direct and to the point. It was easy to follow and easy to understand. It reminded me of some of the things I learned in marketing class and long since forgot. I am one of your newbies. My biggist problem with succeeding is lack of passion for anything but helping people break free from the 9 to 5 and helping people break free from distructive habbits. I have tons of product but need to take your advice and use the first thing I learned in College, Start that Business Plan. Your article has given me a great format. I am one of the 90% who has lost all most all I have on scam deals or junk. I would love to be able to afford to be one of your chosen. My advice to anyone who can afford it is to go for it now and quick. Hugs and thank you for such a wonderful free set of instructions.
Hello Rich,
The one thing that is holding me back from achieving success like your clients is one on one personal coaching sessions with you Rich.
I’ve watched a couple of the people who have given testimonies about you. They seemed to have increased there activity online. But I’m convinced now that they have more people doing there work.
They are definitely building there organizations with hired help. This makes sense to me.
Where should you start in building your organization? Which key employees should you start with?
Thanks for your assistance.
Best Regards,
Jim
http://www.niche-mart.com
Great manifesto…just enough material to intice one to want more. Your 11-wk program I’m sure will be dynamic. What will keep me from experiencing this kind of success?Missing out on the 11-wk program perhaps.
That was one of the most eye opening reports that I have read. Your map of all the tasks really hit home. It visually exemplified all the things I was trying to do (and then some). Due to the sheer volume of work I have been unable to do any of them extremely well.
I have slowly learnt over my 5 years of being in business that it has been inefficiencies within my business processes that have always cost me money. Reading in your report about the importance of process mapping was by far the one point that hit home with me. I plan to learn as much as I can about process mapping and implement it within my business ASAP. Where can I learn more about process mapping and improving processes?
all the comments and questions apply to me. I bought into an expensive program that was supposed to provide lots of help but all I got from it are emails selling me the latest “best thing”
I need a mentor or guide but from where?
The “Manifesto” is awesome but how di I pick the right niche from the dozens I’ve got around me????
Frank
Myself. I am the problem. I must recognize that I can’t always do “Great” certainly not in all areas, I have to be comfortable with “Good enough” because in most cases that is what my customers really want.
Your report put in writing much of what we spoke of at BS7, when I first met you. It is one thing to know it, and one thing to execute.
For example, my current project, by every account I have an excellent product, however, nobody knows about it. I need to follow through on a strategic plan to create awareness for my market, and then follow through. First I must create the strategic plan
This isn’t easy stuff, but is certainly worth the effort.
BTW, did you know how many YEARS it took Noah to build that Ark? That alone is an encouragement.
Thanks for everything!
I was a complete opportunity seeker. I have already begun the strategist mindset before I read the manifesto so that spoke to me personally. My last hurdle is making that final step to *trust* myself that what I already have is enough to focus on - and quit looking for more opportunities. My mind knows I have enough there, I just have to finally *trust*
Great work!
Great Report. I realized that I am not opportunistic, as I have been working on one goal and one goal only. I have looked at some other information, but only took that which would help in achieving my business goal. I don’t believe in get rich quick schemes so don’t spend much time looking at them. I would love to follow your plan completely, but I am a new business, started in March, and am not making money yet so don’t have the cash to outsource anything. I believe it would be wonderful to be in a position where I was able to outsource, but at this point it’s just not possible. About the only thing I have right now is time and I believe I get more than two or three truly productive hours in a day. It’s probably closer to 5 or 6. Your Manifesto is great for someone who is already making a bit of money, or has other funding to use, but doesn’t do much good for someone in my present position.
My head is still spinning…
Looking at the complex model you laid out begs the question - what model(s) would you suggest? That same model applied to ONE niche?
Success blockers?- Money to fund the outsourcing, step-by-step plan to keep focused, and a pared down, scaleable model.
Thanks so much for your insights, Rich!
The part of your Manifesto which I felt really hit home for me was when you explained how Carl Galetti used to throw up new infomercials every day, during the “wild west” of the infomercial days… and now look at the price of entry into that game. Your manifesto is warning about the changing of the tides, and it has, indeed, already begun. “Network Neutrality” is the topic, and there are many people looking to stop it (see the link in my name) but really, is it stoppable? Or just the natural course of development? Regardless, the internet will become as regulated as television and radio. The wild west has been fun. Time to switch gears and start building a real business.
I’ve filled in the report request form many times and haven’t received anything..and its not being blocked. What can I do to get my hands on what all the buzz is about?
Thx….Reg
Rich,
I just received your email asking what one thing might prevent me from achieving success you’ve helped your other clients achieve.
I think my biggest challenge is getting caught up in overwhelm, information overload, and “analysis paralysis.”
Hi Rich, I took sydney’s class a year ago, to boost my Ebay sales and find products that will sell. The class was more geared toward opening a website. I know what market I want to sell in, but scared to death to make the first move. My wheels are spinning, but at the end of the day, just more of the same, how do I start??? Your manifesto I am sure is helpful to those who have tried to manuver thru a website business, but for me, I am more confused than ever as to where to start….I am tired of ebay, and want to start a business. The end result? My husband can quit his high stress job and join me at home making the big bucks!!!
Open the Flood gates!!
Deanna
With my earnings currently barely covering my living expenses, how can I best implement your plan? Should I try to get an investor, borrow money to pay for outsourcing, or work up to that?
I have outsourced very little and done virtually everything on my ecommerce site myself.
I have applied lessons I learned over the net but there appears to be something missing as the sales are not good at all, even though we have a great niche product.
To answer the question put by yourself “what is the one thing that you think will prevent you from achieving success similiar to that of my clients?”
There is nothing to stop me or anyone acheiving what your clients have. Along the way we meet those barriers and in most cases need others to help us over them.
Enjoyed reading the e-book and still ahve it on my desktop so I can go back and re-read it.
Many thanks & Blessings.
Hi Rich,
Thanks so much for this brilliant piece of work. I know it is only the tip of the iceberg of what you have to offer me/us.
What will get in the way of my wild success is me. How can I come up with new and creative ways to pay for outsourcing and your 11 week course after spending so much money chasing opportunities? And, gaining knowledge and experience in marketing…..how to get women to find me and my products and services.
Thanks again,
Megan
Dear Rich, I would like to join you. I agree with what you have said and with what you have accomplished. Why would I want to invent the wheel if I can hitchhike with you in your Hummer. Please allow me to be your next protegee. Thanks.
You opened my eyes to productivity…I spent six hours “working” today but when looked at objectively, only fifteen minutes were productive.
You’re spot on Rich.
I rebuilt an offline business from scratch to 4.9 mil/year in 5 years… problem, I WAS the business. 18-20 hours a day, 7 days a week. Killing me.
I want to do it different with my online endeavors. I have assessed 2 key points…
(1) I know I need some form of mastermind group for brainstorming and focus, but how to go about that?
(2) I understand the concept of outsourcing/assistants… but how to find the right key-players?
The bottom line for most of us, is at the end of the month, we are out of money. So to cut cost, we try to do all the work ourselves until more money comes in. That is where so many get stuck. How can I outsource without additional income? It seems that I am in a vicous cycle.
What I am doing is a business, just 90% of what I am doing is online. This is not a MLM, your typical affiliate program, and yet what you wrote about we help me as much as anyone in one of those programs. It would be very helpful if you could explain how to make the money stretch to allow for outsourcing. Or an inexpensive very effective way to bring the customers to my web page. I have tried so many with not very good results.
Thank you,
Sandy
Thank you,
Your Manifesto absolutely rings true! My husband and I have learned (heard) many of the principles and concepts in your Manifesto in high-end seminars and mentorship programs.
We are passionate about helping people create magical, loving, deeply connected relationships. We have been teaching our relationship workshop for almost six years and I have been working with clients one-on-one for almost 18 years. We have a great vision of the results that we plan to produce and very big goals.
We are just starting to create products. We have attended a few Internet Conferences and trainings. Each time we leave overwhelmed. Neither one of us are technical. There are just too many ideas to deal with and we don’t know where to start. I like the idea of outsourcing the technical stuff, but I have no idea how to find or work with high-quality, reliable people that actually know what they are doing. We have heard lots of horror stories about outsourcing. How do we communicate with someone at that level when we don’t even know what we need for them to do?
We need a logical, step-by-step plan that we can take action on.
We love your theroy. It is sound. We need specifics. How do we come up with the right strategies for our business? How do we find the right vendors for us? How do we create marketing and profit generating systems?
This was a truly amazing read. I found out I was coming from an opportunistic thinking mindset. I was taking notes while reading your Manifesto until my hand got numb. Brilliant stuff!
I would like to comment, but my laptomp COULD NOT pull up your info after I downloaded it. Is there a way you can send it to me in another format? Thanks.
The manifesto was truly an eye opener. My question is what do you do when your starting out with hardly any money? I have to do everything myself right now. I’m a one person business.
A really well-considered report; nice that it’s coming from an internet perspective rather than off-line. Project managing growth is not new in the offline environment, but comes with new challenges online. Areas I would like to see addressed are how one perceives one’s own role, which aspects of an operation are value-adding and which aspects do you vow never to touch again! (helpdesks and customers take at least three hours a day at the moment) and most importantly developing strong sustainable relationships with outsourcing partners. Certainly all great food for thought.
Another point - of all the business choices/revenue opportunities facing an internet marketer - what process do you use to (a) choose and (b) focus on just those issues?
Hi Rich, I’ve already started using the Proces map. Thanks, the map is already saving time. I started just 9 weeks ago, and at the starting point I knew NOTHING about Internet Mareketing.
It is NOT as easy for a newbie as every salesletter claims. I am afraid that I arrived the Internet Marketing area too late. Will the big guys win this race even before I have created my first website offering my first e-book?
Hi Rich, couldn’t stop taking notes and highlighting my copy of your manifesto! Thanks for organizing your systems and strategies in a concise 33 page report.
You asked the question about the one thing that I think will prevent me from achieving success similiar to that of your clients?
Personally, I believe what will PREVENT me from that success is TO NOT:
1. Continue with teaching points (learnt from your manifesto) that I’m currently implementing
eg. Niche, Vision & Strategies, Developing solid VA relationships
2. Take action on the (new) teaching points taught in your manifesto
eg. Time Value, PM Methods, SLAs, Core Metrics
3. Return to teaching points tried before but stopped
eg. Process-Mapping
This is what I’ve done and currently doing …
- Carved and am developing my niche in teaching SOHOs simplify blogging with Wordpress via instructional videos,
- Brainstorming and am fine-tuning my vision and strategies on paper,
- Acquiring products & services that will ONLY support my direction and strategies
- Built solid relationships with 4 VAs that I’m currently training and they’ve been instrumental in different aspects of my business
And what I’m going to take action on…
- Specify my time value and strategize to increase it
- Study, implement and fine-tune project management methodologies
- Develop SLAs for my VAs
- Return to process-mapping (loved it, left it, will return to it)
- Develop “Performance-Gauging Core Metrics” for my team
Thanks once again, Rich, for helping me crystalize my path to wealth
Rich,
The “one thing” that I can see holding me back from *that* level of monetary success is not being able to develop effective SYSTEMS of managing the tasks that I *can’t* do all on my own…
- What do I look for when finding a manager (or managers)?
- How do I structure things from DAY ONE so that any project I roll out is both scalable AND easy to manage - even if I’m starting on a “shoestring” budget?
Those types of issues - which is basically growth strategy - are what I can see as “dampers”.
I’ve got the selling/marketing fundamentals down (that’s the easy part)…
…but Management is a whole other story.
And as your manifesto foretells, I also believe that if you don’t become a DOMINATING force in your niche, that you’ll eventually just get snuffed out…
So this IS crucial.
Sincerely,
-Chris Rempel
Dittos to what Paul said above, “MONEY”. $0.00 X 10,000,000% plus, is still $0.00. First, I have to make money (even $1.00 would be a start) before I can spend it on coaching, or outsourcing or anything!
The one thing that is preventing me from achieving my maximum potential is the inability to bridge the gap between understanding and applying. This is where I feel the need for a coach who can help me take the first step in application.
I am perched on the branch near my nest and my mother has been showing me how to fly for two days now. She has been flying from one end to another and returning to me with the look that says, ‘Go ahead and try it. It is the easiest and most natural thing to do for birds.
I wish I can kick myself off the branch and start my journey in the sky. I wish I can outsource somebody to give me that kick!
What fantastic content. A lesson in there for every business owner. Only obstacle I see is maintaining the discipline to follow through, not just for a week or two, but on an ongoing basis.