What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?

53 replies
I'll start. My vote goes to:

The ability to design rational thought experiments.
That's the most useful skill that I learned throughout the years for future-proofing anything.

I continue to get great value in using that to iteratively deconstruct, customize, test, tweak, scale, and morph any concept.
In any field. For any task. In any conditional situation.

I mean, think about it.
Just by looking at an arbitrary model, you'll be able to understand how it works.
** And customize it to best suit a different use case. In a different field. To hit different targets.

We're talking about any model. For example:
Any business model. Any sales strategy. Any marketing technique. Any conversion tactic.

And there's no better way to learn that skill than to practice. Here's what I do:
Imagine a goal. Imagine solutions to achieve that goal. Imagine ways to tailor-fit 'em for a particular starting point.
** Think of problems to solve along the way. Think of strategies to avoid or reduce negative impact.
** Visualize the deployment of scaling methods. Visualize the execution of expansion plans.
And iteratively run it all in your mind. While creatively changing fields, goals, and use cases.

** For that skill to be useful, I continue to invest the rarest, most valuable commodity of all = Time.

Best of luck!
#best im related skill #future #future proof #imrelated #learn #learn today #skill #today
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  • Profile picture of the author Zoheb M
    Very interesting, and I would like to know more. Are there any books you recommend?
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  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

    I'll start. My vote goes to:

    The ability to design rational thought experiments.
    That's the most useful skill that I learned throughout the years for future-proofing anything.

    I continue to get great value in using that to iteratively deconstruct, customize, test, tweak, scale, and morph any concept.
    In any field. For any task. In any conditional situation.

    I mean, think about it.
    Just by looking at an arbitrary model, you'll be able to understand how it works.
    ** And customize it to best suit a different use case. In a different field. To hit different targets.

    We're talking about any model. For example:
    Any business model. Any sales strategy. Any marketing technique. Any conversion tactic.

    And there's no better way to learn that skill than to practice. Here's what I do:
    Imagine a goal. Imagine solutions to achieve that goal. Imagine ways to tailor-fit 'em for a particular starting point.
    ** Think of problems to solve along the way. Think of strategies to avoid or reduce negative impact.
    ** Visualize the deployment of scaling methods. Visualize the execution of expansion plans.
    And iteratively run it all in your mind. While creatively changing fields, goals, and use cases.

    ** For that skill to be useful, I continue to invest the rarest, most valuable commodity of all = Time.

    Best of luck!


    Isn't that a description of the critical thinking process?

    IMO and based on my own skillset, I think that the most
    important IM skill to learn now and also for the future is
    website or WP development.

    Other things you should know include:

    Registering domain names, understanding their purpose
    and the multitude of things that can be done with them.

    You should know how to create affiliate or other links to
    drop into your YouTube descriptions and other places.

    Knowing how to list a product or service somewhere like
    eBay, Etsy, Amazon, etc. is useful.

    Writing is important, as in composing things that people
    will actually want to read such as books, sales pages,
    and product descriptions.

    Reading is fundamental, as well as the willingness and
    ability to follow simple instructions and not re-inventing
    the wheel for things that other people have been doing
    successfully for years.

    Graphics. This is much easier now since we have AI
    but you should know how to create something visual
    using photos, Kittl, Canva, software or whatever.

    Understanding basic business concepts such as buy
    low, sell high, or build it and they will come. It's a
    business, so you need to comprehend things.

    Learn how to use AI, this includes the language ones
    like GPT, but also image, various content generators,
    video, etc. Learn to use AI tools to your advantage so
    that you don't get left behind.

    There are other basic skills that one should possess
    to be successful in IM, but those are the main ones
    that I think a person needs to get started and build
    upon for the future.
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    • @Monetize,

      Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

      [SNIP]Isn't that a description of the critical thinking process?[/SNIP]
      Well, could be for others. But fleshing out how the process works gives me the depth and clarity that I need to be able to design rational thought experiments.
      • I mean, this is a skill that blends creativity, critical thinking, and an iterative understanding of multiple overlapping subjects at play.
      And that's a pretty convoluted singular process, if you ask me.
      ** Unless I take it apart. Unless I think of each component exclusively in nuanced ways. Unles I realize its contextualized role in the overall design.
      And that's where it begins to be useful for me.

      @Zoheb M,

      Originally Posted by Zoheb M View Post

      Very interesting, and I would like to know more. Are there any books you recommend?
      I think the books below are helpful for developing required foundational skills. They're useful for customizing a training process.
      And that, I believe in turn, can enhance a person's unique ability to design rational thought experiments involving various methods of problem-solving and creative thinking.

      1. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
      This delves into the dual-process theory of the mind, exploring the different ways in which we think: fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, rational thinking.
      Understanding these processes can help in framing thought experiments more effectively.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast.../dp/0374533555

      2. "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli
      This outlines common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that can distort our thinking.
      Being aware of these can aid in designing thought experiments that are clear and unbiased.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-.../dp/0062219693

      3. "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" by Douglas Hofstadter
      Here, the author explores fundamental concepts of mathematics, symmetry, and intelligence.
      It's structured as a series of dialogues, which serve as thought experiments on these topics.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/G%C3%B6del-Es.../dp/0465026567

      4. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas S. Kuhn
      This helps to understand how scientific paradigms shift and evolve.
      It provides insights into designing thought experiments that challenge existing paradigms or introduce new ones.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Sci.../dp/0226458121

      5. "Intuition Pumps And Other Tools for Thinking" by Daniel Dennett
      The author offers various strategies, which he calls "intuition pumps," for tackling hard problems in consciousness and philosophy.
      These tools are essentially thought experiments designed to provoke insights and expose flaws in reasoning.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/Intuition-Pum.../dp/0393082067

      6. "Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull
      While this is primarily about managing creative organizations, it also delves into fostering creativity and innovation, essential when designing thought experiments.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-In.../dp/0812993012

      7. "How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method" by George Pólya
      This is a classic in the field of mathematics education, providing strategies for solving mathematical problems adaptable to designing and iterating thought experiments.
      ** https://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Asp.../dp/069116407X

      I hope this helps! [ all are non-affiliate Amazon links ]
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      • Profile picture of the author Monetize
        Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

        I think the books below are helpful for developing required foundational skills. They're useful for customizing a training process.
        And that, I believe in turn, can enhance a person's unique ability to design rational thought experiments involving various methods of problem-solving and creative thinking.

        1. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
        This delves into the dual-process theory of the mind, exploring the different ways in which we think: fast, intuitive thinking, and slow, rational thinking.
        Understanding these processes can help in framing thought experiments more effectively.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast.../dp/0374533555

        2. "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli
        This outlines common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that can distort our thinking.
        Being aware of these can aid in designing thought experiments that are clear and unbiased.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/Art-Thinking-.../dp/0062219693

        3. "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" by Douglas Hofstadter
        Here, the author explores fundamental concepts of mathematics, symmetry, and intelligence.
        It's structured as a series of dialogues, which serve as thought experiments on these topics.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/G%C3%B6del-Es.../dp/0465026567

        4. "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas S. Kuhn
        This helps to understand how scientific paradigms shift and evolve.
        It provides insights into designing thought experiments that challenge existing paradigms or introduce new ones.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Sci.../dp/0226458121

        5. "Intuition Pumps And Other Tools for Thinking" by Daniel Dennett
        The author offers various strategies, which he calls "intuition pumps," for tackling hard problems in consciousness and philosophy.
        These tools are essentially thought experiments designed to provoke insights and expose flaws in reasoning.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/Intuition-Pum.../dp/0393082067

        6. "Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration" by Ed Catmull
        While this is primarily about managing creative organizations, it also delves into fostering creativity and innovation, essential when designing thought experiments.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-In.../dp/0812993012

        7. "How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method" by George Pólya
        This is a classic in the field of mathematics education, providing strategies for solving mathematical problems adaptable to designing and iterating thought experiments.
        ** https://www.amazon.com/How-Solve-Asp.../dp/069116407X

        I hope this helps! [ all are non-affiliate Amazon links ]

        That is an interesting list, but most internet marketing professionals
        have no use for that type of information because it has nothing to
        do with the industry and people don't need to be a genius to engage
        in it.

        IM is something that most anyone can do, regardless of education
        or background. A person doesn't need a high IQ to make money
        online. Most of the methods are as easy as falling off a log and they
        are so simple that children are doing it.

        If you are a brainiac that enjoys reading about Leonardo Da Vinci's
        thought process, that's great, but most people aren't going to read
        about such topics, nor do they need to.

        Those books have nothing to do with developing IM-related skills,
        you're not being realistic.
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        • @Monetize,

          Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

          [SNIP]Those books have nothing to do with developing IM-related skills, you're not being realistic.[/SNIP]
          Just for the right depth and the right clarity:
          Except for the book on managing creative teams -- The authors and publishers of those books didn't design their content to "develop IM skills", as you said. But I didn't say that at all. And they don't even promote their books across those communities!
          Instead, they're designed to "enhance the ability to design thought experiments", as I said. And that's also how 'em publishers and authors designed and promote their books.

          And that was the ask = "books on the topic of the ability to design thought experiments".

          Though if you want us to talk about the topic that you arbitrarily chose, then I'm up to it.
          Seems you want to zone in on "developing IM skills" and the books designed for that? That's good. Feel free to list 'em here.
          Also seems you want to talk more about how IM is a no-brainer, how making money online is easy, and why anybody could do it? That's good. Feel free to elaborate here.

          But again, Zoheb M asked for books about the ability to design thought experiments.
          The ask isn't for developing IM skills. Nowhere was that mentioned in the request.

          Contextualizing any nested conversation within a nuanced forest of conversations greatly requires the ability to design rational thought experiments.
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          • Profile picture of the author Monetize
            Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

            @Monetize,



            Just for the right depth and the right clarity:
            Except for the book on managing creative teams -- The authors and publishers of those books didn't design their content to "develop IM skills", as you said. But I didn't say that at all. And they don't even promote their books across those communities!
            Instead, they're designed to "enhance the ability to design thought experiments", as I said. And that's also how 'em publishers and authors designed and promote their books.

            And that was the ask = "books on the topic of the ability to design thought experiments".

            Though if you want us to talk about the topic that you arbitrarily chose, then I'm up to it.
            Seems you want to zone in on "developing IM skills" and the books designed for that? That's good. Feel free to list 'em here.
            Also seems you want to talk more about how IM is a no-brainer, how making money online is easy, and why anybody could do it? That's good. Feel free to elaborate here.

            But again, Zoheb M asked for books about the ability to design thought experiments.
            The ask isn't for developing IM skills. Nowhere was that mentioned in the request.

            Contextualizing any nested conversation within a nuanced forest of conversations greatly requires the ability to design rational thought experiments.

            Right. I wanted to talk about IM because that is the topic of this
            thread that YOU started.

            The ability to design rational thought experiments and all the rest
            of your posts has nothing to do with IM, by listing these advanced
            books you are making it seem as though people need to read and
            comprehend them in order to engage in the IM business.

            Saying that someone asked you for that book list is disingenuous.
            And I don't need to make an alternate list because I tell people to
            read books on a regular basis and provide them with topics they
            should search for because the industry is too vast to list a handful
            of books.

            I also think that people should read about whatever interests them,
            topics and authors that they are curious about and have a desire to
            learn from, not give them some highfalutin recommended reading
            list of books that I think they should read, knowing they probably
            never will.
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            • @Monetize,

              Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

              [SNIP]Right. I wanted to talk about IM because that is the topic of this
              thread that YOU started.[/SNIP]
              My bad.
              I assumed that what I thought the topic that I started would be understood as, "IM-related skills that can help in the future" (specific > broad), and not "skills that can help with" > "IM in the future" (broad > specific).
              ** So from that perspective, I reacted to the stuff you said as an attack. Something like shooting down the conversation, just for the sake of it. That's what I mean by "attack".
              ** Instead of me explaining this just now. Unable to think of that, I guess.

              Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

              [SNIP]The ability to design rational thought experiments and all the rest of your posts has nothing to do with IM, by listing these advanced books you are making it seem as though people need to read and comprehend them in order to engage in the IM business.[/SNIP]
              ;( Didn't mean what I shared here in this thread to offend anyone.
              I mean, Megamind's the image that pops up when I'm thinking of somebody who devilishly crafts a scheme to "list advanced books in WarriorForum to make it seem as though people need to read and comprehend them in order to engage in the IM business", as you said.
              ** And I don't want to be that guy now. Don't want to be caught as a maniacal sociopath with a goal like this [especially, a goal like this] in a 2D cartoon that's set at pre-mobile times.

              But hmmm ... I guess no harm trying here now:

              Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

              [SNIP]Saying that someone asked you for that book list is disingenuous.[/SNIP]
              [steely gaze] Curses! :| [slow head bow] I was ... [pauses] ... [slowly looks up] I was aiming for depraved [left eye glint].

              Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

              [SNIP]And I don't need to make an alternate list because I tell people to read books on a regular basis and provide them with topics they should search for because the industry is too vast to list a handful of books.[/SNIP]
              [fist clench, near chest] Foiled! [slow head bow] Tsk, tsk ... [whispering, head shake] I've been made.

              Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

              [SNIP]I also think that people should read about whatever interests them, topics and authors that they are curious about and have a desire to learn from, not give them some highfalutin recommended reading list of books that I think they should read, knowing they probably never will.[/SNIP]
              [alarmed!] A do-gooder! [brow crease] And he has ... [rubs chin] he knows my plan. :| [looks around] I need a drink. :|

              [half smiling] And a new plan.
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              • Profile picture of the author max5ty
                Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

                @Monetize,



                My bad.
                I assumed that what I thought the topic that I started would be understood as, "IM-related skills that can help in the future" (specific > broad), and not "skills that can help with" > "IM in the future" (broad > specific).
                ** So from that perspective, I reacted to the stuff you said as an attack. Something like shooting down the conversation, just for the sake of it. That's what I mean by "attack".
                ** Instead of me explaining this just now. Unable to think of that, I guess.



                ;( Didn't mean what I shared here in this thread to offend anyone.
                I mean, Megamind's the image that pops up when I'm thinking of somebody who devilishly crafts a scheme to "list advanced books in WarriorForum to make it seem as though people need to read and comprehend them in order to engage in the IM business", as you said.
                ** And I don't want to be that guy now. Don't want to be caught as a maniacal sociopath with a goal like this [especially, a goal like this] in a 2D cartoon that's set at pre-mobile times.

                But hmmm ... I guess no harm trying here now:



                [steely gaze] Curses! :| [slow head bow] I was ... [pauses] ... [slowly looks up] I was aiming for depraved [left eye glint].



                [fist clench, near chest] Foiled! [slow head bow] Tsk, tsk ... [whispering, head shake] I've been made.



                [alarmed!] A do-gooder! [brow crease] And he has ... [rubs chin] he knows my plan. :| [looks around] I need a drink. :|

                [half smiling] And a new plan.
                Speaking for myself...

                I have a lot of respect for you and everything you have accomplished.

                Being blind is something most would find as a huge obstacle...you have and are finding ways to achieve success even with that handicap...

                also, I think you're brilliant when it comes to AI and everything related to it.

                I love your posts and hope you continue.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

          Those books have nothing to do with developing IM-related skills, you're not being realistic.
          I personally have read all of these and many more that by definition have nothing to do with "IM" but have absolutely everything to do with IM. Just throwing it out there "War and Peace" - Leo Tolstoy probably belongs on that list

          It has nothing to do with a Subject, and everything to do with a process. The process's can be applied universally.

          I personally am a programmer... without question think very linearly A then B then C then D. BUT - as most programmers do, I can be given the goal ( X ) - visualize it, and the steps from A to W just fall into place - I call it a Curse, most call it a Gift. That list of reading, starts to put you in that direction.

          You want to jump into something that is more topic oriented... try this: ( https://meclabs.com/ ) The actual mechanics - science backed and what and how someone will buy - if you dont understand this at a very minimum level, regardless of what you do, will never work - You start internalizing this stuff, and it becomes game changing.

          I kind of geek out on Dr. Flint McGloughlin stuff, and have for years. His equation for Conversion:

          C = 4M + 3V +2(I + F) - 2A


          Was stupidly mind blowing back 10 years ago... and even today ask the question "what is a conversion?" and better yet, "how do you get one?" and the answers are just muddy.

          To Clarify: C = 4M + 3V +2(I + F) - 2A
          • C = Probability of Conversion
          • M = Motivation of User ( When )
          • V = Clarity of The Value Proposition ( Why )
          • I = Incentive To Take Action
          • F = Friction Elements of Process
          • A = Anxiety Over Entering Information

          What gets real interesting about studying what appears to be outside of your wheel house, is the MORE you learn, the more you understand information is parallel in nature/understanding. What applies to A will likely apply to B and D and E and F... May not apply to ALL things, but will probably apply to most things..

          Another example of this... a rabbit hole unto itself is learning about "Kaizen" Then take that a step further and look at the 13 pillars of the Toyota production system ( https://mag.toyota.co.uk/kaizen-toyo...uction-system/ ) - kind of fond of Hansei - dont repeat the same mistake over and over.

          And I do get it, who needs to learn all this crap - what does it have to do with IM? Toyota builds cars... has nothing to do with iM... And yet has everything to do with IM.

          Its not what you are doing, its about the process of doing it.

          In todays world, we are BLESSED with the world at our fingertips... and yet we get caught up in the now and me... that we miss the fact there are others in the now, that have been there and done that, that we can learn from. and learning how to systematically, programmatically, and rationally work through the things we do - regardless of what the thing is - its just brings the opportunity of success that much closer.
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        • Profile picture of the author DABK
          I both agree and disagree.


          It is true that IM professionals can make a buck or 1000000 without reading any book on that list or any book not directly related to IM. However, those who do, can make a lot more money in IM if they read a book or two that's got nothing to do with IM but with the topics of those books (and a few other) Because they read those books.


          The same is true in many other areas.


          Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

          That is an interesting list, but most internet marketing professionals
          have no use for that type of information because it has nothing to
          do with the industry and people don't need to be a genius to engage
          in it.

          IM is something that most anyone can do, regardless of education
          or background. A person doesn't need a high IQ to make money
          online. Most of the methods are as easy as falling off a log and they
          are so simple that children are doing it.

          If you are a brainiac that enjoys reading about Leonardo Da Vinci's
          thought process, that's great, but most people aren't going to read
          about such topics, nor do they need to.

          Those books have nothing to do with developing IM-related skills,
          you're not being realistic.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11790947].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jamell
    There are lots,of jewels in this post for me to absorb and soak up .I think listening is a skill that gets under utilized but is,very important .
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

    The ability to design rational thought experiments.
    That's the most useful skill that I learned throughout the years for future-proofing anything.
    Oh My... This is next level thought, the unspoken if you will. We do NOT live in a build it and they will come world... we live in a build it and tweek it til they come world, You are absolutely right when you suggest the skill of a rational experiment process to get from A to B ( non workiing to working ) is the absolute most important skill - is ( after reading that ) YES absolutely the most important skill one can learn. A great portion of my daily business is applying exactly that for myself as well as clients.

    Its not about building a thing.. its about getting the desired results from the thing - regardless of what it is.
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    • @savidge4,

      Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

      [SNIP]Its not about building a thing.. its about getting the desired results from the thing - regardless of what it is.[/SNIP]
      This. 'Nuff said.
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      • Profile picture of the author DABK
        Not quite. Throw choosing the right result (or one of them) into the mix, and than, yeah, 'nuff said.

        Many a warrior has failed because they chose the wrong, for them, result to go after.

        Maybe you meant this too, and I just didn't get it.

        '
        Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

        @savidge4,



        This. 'Nuff said.
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        • @DABK,

          Originally Posted by DABK View Post

          [SNIP]Maybe you meant this too[/SNIP]
          Yep. Though thanks for fleshing it out. The clarity's much appreciated.
          And also, I'm pretty certain @savidge4 meant "targeting the right results" as the default state of "desired results" when he said, "[SNIP]Its not about building a thing.. its about getting the desired results from the thing - regardless of what it is.[/SNIP]" -- But of course, I don't go around speaking on behalf of others, especially without their consent.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by DABK View Post

          Not quite. Throw choosing the right result (or one of them) into the mix, and than, yeah, 'nuff said.

          Many a warrior has failed because they chose the wrong, for them, result to go after.

          Maybe you meant this too, and I just didn't get it.

          '
          As much as yeah I ment targeting the right result... isnt that a part of the process to learn a right and wrong result? And doesnt this end up happening systematically?

          I want A.. and once you get A... well crap thats not what I need.. I need C.

          I talk about the Ad, Lander Sale formula... probably the easiest process of progression for most to understand. If your ad is not getting impressions... you obviously need to change something, if it is getting impressions and not clicks you obviously need to change something. Once on the lander you are getting traffic, and no sign ups something needs to change - and here is where understanding "Right" comes into play... is it the lander that needs to change or is it the targetted traffic to the lander that does?

          Most everybody reading this has read me say something to the effect of "The sooner you can take YOU out of decisions, and replace YOU with Data, the better off you will be." Be it SEO, CRO, Content ideas, Ads, Products... anything and everything.

          This: "The ability to design rational thought experiments. is exactly that. And through this process the ideas/concepts or what is right and wrong - can or can not become clearer - not everyone gets it, and that is understandable.

          Build a website they say
          Create content they say
          Get traffic they say
          Build an e-mail list they say
          Its easy they say

          Yes maybe do all those things, but NO its NOT easy - there are simply variables... variables that happen to repeat themselves over and over - if you are actually paying attention.
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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            It is. Yet, somehow, tons of people do not end up there. And, it seems, they do not know they had the choice. Like a guy I know who's an unhappy attorney (his father wanted him to be an attorney; he wanted to be an attorney because his father wanted him to be that; 10 years in, he's started to switch to something he likes... He likes getting his hands dirty, touching stuff, fixing stuff...). There are people on this forum who've done similar things. How do I market my videography company, my SEO agency, etc., they ask. Later, you find out they hate doing vidoes, SEO, etc. Some just hop on the next thing, put in some time and effort, and never slow down to figure out if that's what they want. Again and again. I thought someone should make it extra clear to them. And that I can be that someone because why not?



            Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

            As much as yeah I ment targeting the right result... isnt that a part of the process to learn a right and wrong result? And doesnt this end up happening systematically?

            I want A.. and once you get A... well crap thats not what I need.. I need C.

            I talk about the Ad, Lander Sale formula... probably the easiest process of progression for most to understand. If your ad is not getting impressions... you obviously need to change something, if it is getting impressions and not clicks you obviously need to change something. Once on the lander you are getting traffic, and no sign ups something needs to change - and here is where understanding "Right" comes into play... is it the lander that needs to change or is it the targetted traffic to the lander that does?

            Most everybody reading this has read me say something to the effect of "The sooner you can take YOU out of decisions, and replace YOU with Data, the better off you will be." Be it SEO, CRO, Content ideas, Ads, Products... anything and everything.

            This: "The ability to design rational thought experiments. is exactly that. And through this process the ideas/concepts or what is right and wrong - can or can not become clearer - not everyone gets it, and that is understandable.

            Build a website they say
            Create content they say
            Get traffic they say
            Build an e-mail list they say
            Its easy they say

            Yes maybe do all those things, but NO its NOT easy - there are simply variables... variables that happen to repeat themselves over and over - if you are actually paying attention.
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            • Profile picture of the author savidge4
              Originally Posted by DABK View Post

              It is. Yet, somehow, tons of people do not end up there. And, it seems, they do not know they had the choice. Like a guy I know who's an unhappy attorney (his father wanted him to be an attorney; he wanted to be an attorney because his father wanted him to be that; 10 years in, he's started to switch to something he likes... He likes getting his hands dirty, touching stuff, fixing stuff...). There are people on this forum who've done similar things. How do I market my videography company, my SEO agency, etc., they ask. Later, you find out they hate doing vidoes, SEO, etc. Some just hop on the next thing, put in some time and effort, and never slow down to figure out if that's what they want. Again and again. I thought someone should make it extra clear to them. And that I can be that someone because why not?
              You are right, tons of people do not end up there... this thread is a clear example of why that does not happen.

              Then you jump right into CHOICE... oh my... If there was a soap box I could stand on for hours... CHOICE would be that box... my brain is still messed up from the video thread... I took a few days away, just from that - I dont understand it.

              And then there is the somewhere in the middle... to understand even with Choice, you end up seeking an amount of knowledge outside of that box in particular to learn how to maximize, or mitigate ( for that matter ) your choices. If you are focused on a thing or better yet the result... the path that gets you there is blurred - your not seeing the possible choices along the way, the ability to see even within a choice there can and will be a series of choices along the way that may not appear to get you to the thing in the beginning but only make the thing better in the end - its all about the journey, and not the destination
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              • Profile picture of the author socialentry
                Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

                You are right, tons of people do not end up there... this thread is a clear example of why that does not happen.

                Then you jump right into CHOICE... oh my... If there was a soap box I could stand on for hours... CHOICE would be that box... my brain is still messed up from the video thread... I took a few days away, just from that - I dont understand it.

                And then there is the somewhere in the middle... to understand even with Choice, you end up seeking an amount of knowledge outside of that box in particular to learn how to maximize, or mitigate ( for that matter ) your choices. If you are focused on a thing or better yet the result... the path that gets you there is blurred - your not seeing the possible choices along the way, the ability to see even within a choice there can and will be a series of choices along the way that may not appear to get you to the thing in the beginning but only make the thing better in the end - its all about the journey, and not the destination

                Not sure where to put this , but
                I actually found myself a job shortly after you gave me advice about it. At one point i just got tired and axed all the stuff that I thought was useless from my CV but that everyone swore up and down was necessary and just focused on what I thought was worthwhile. The moment I did I got hired.I think my CV got filtered through the blonde HR ladies.


                And I compared what I thought made good decisions in 2012 and what actually happened and most of my "safe" guesses turned out to be flat wrong.
                In reality, most of the choices that I brushed off then were viable especially with respect to the more whimsical stuff. I don't think the safe choices would have gotten me anywhere.

                I stopped and actually really thought about it: "What if I had made a ridiculously over the top and expansive wish list in 2012?. Was there a way out? Was there really a way to connect the dots?".


                I came up with this conclusion:

                "Yeah , but its not trivial , and I didnt have as many tools as I do now, I have 20/20 back vision, there is no way I could have known how to connect the dots. It would not be a shot in the dark today but would have been a shot in the dark then. " But truth is ,I would have gotten back up had I decided to go down that path and for whatever reason failed.

                The more expansive and off the beaten path that wishlist is, the more exotic, difficult and esoteric the skillset but there is no field that is not challenging and that skillset ends up being in demand by virtue that few take risks.



                Even if I did not know the unknown unknowns I would have learnt about them in the process. In my experience the "safe" paths takes as much effort in the long run and is not that safe either. You end up making a lot of compromise with people you dont like.
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  • Talkin' to the widest range of people you can find, 'bout stuff gowin' on rn.

    Soak up their viewpoints.

    Refine your own on this basis.

    Meantimes, read up on shit appeals to yr intrest, enthoosiasm & XP.

    Plus also, pull in a few stuffs you wouldn't normally look at.

    In a world of platform an' delivery media *disruption*, nuthin' moves without the essential people stuffs.

    So don't evah be distracted by THE LASTEST THING.

    Mostly it is crap, an' nowan on their deathbed evah evah demands it.

    "Up hard an' inta
    the aney-hole of irrelevance
    do we disappear regulah,
    fulla misguided diligence."
    Signature

    Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

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  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

    I'll start. My vote goes to:

    The ability to design rational thought experiments.
    That's the most useful skill that I learned throughout the years for future-proofing anything.

    I continue to get great value in using that to iteratively deconstruct, customize, test, tweak, scale, and morph any concept.
    In any field. For any task. In any conditional situation.

    I mean, think about it.
    Just by looking at an arbitrary model, you'll be able to understand how it works.
    ** And customize it to best suit a different use case. In a different field. To hit different targets.

    We're talking about any model. For example:
    Any business model. Any sales strategy. Any marketing technique. Any conversion tactic.

    And there's no better way to learn that skill than to practice. Here's what I do:
    Imagine a goal. Imagine solutions to achieve that goal. Imagine ways to tailor-fit 'em for a particular starting point.
    ** Think of problems to solve along the way. Think of strategies to avoid or reduce negative impact.
    ** Visualize the deployment of scaling methods. Visualize the execution of expansion plans.
    And iteratively run it all in your mind. While creatively changing fields, goals, and use cases.

    ** For that skill to be useful, I continue to invest the rarest, most valuable commodity of all = Time.

    Best of luck!
    Thanks for the interesting topic...

    my thoughts, in no particular order:

    1. Establish your proof of concept quickly. It shouldn't take long to determine if your idea is worth pursuing or not. I've had ideas I thought were earth-shattering...and nobody else cared. Then...there have been ideas I thought were useless and they took off. Learn how to figure this out quickly. It will save you a lot of time.

    2. Don't get too attached to your product. You may like blue-eyed Billy Goats and decide to sell sweaters for them...and then end up banging your head trying to figure out why the call to action on your landing page isn't working. The truth is...see point 1.

    3. Learn how to network. Early on learn how to network with others in your niche. You can make a ton of profit by sharing customers.

    4. Understand the principle of advertising. If you've proven your concept and run an ad that costs $100 and get a return of $110, you've made $10 (duh). Now, understanding this simple principle you know that if you run 100 ads your profit will be bigger. It's like an ATM machine. Simple concept but hard for some to understand. The whole idea of taking that ad and tweaking, twerking, or choosing where to place it is another whole issue.

    5. Use your current customers to build your business.
    I've talked about this before...but it's probably the cheapest way to build your business...and yet one of the most undervalued ideas.

    I think all of these are skills that can be honed over time and are important.

    Just a couple of thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author spartan14
    In my case as on online business person i think an esential skill its to learn traffic generation as if you can get huge amount of traffic you will make money

    I will also focus on learning sales psichology .The proces of selling it was always and will be so i think these 2 are 2 aspects very important to learn
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by spartan14 View Post

      In my case as on online business person i think an esential skill its to learn traffic generation as if you can get huge amount of traffic you will make money

      I will also focus on learning sales psichology .The proces of selling it was always and will be so i think these 2 are 2 aspects very important to learn
      In a whole lot of ways these 2 are one in the same. In order to present an offer to someone, you have to get them to your offer. The psychology behind getting them there is what is used to get those same people to buy.

      Falling back to Ad, Lander, Sale... The ad has to target someone that has an amount of probability in buying your product, and have motivation to do so. A google ad is basically a headline "Lose 10 lbs in 5 days" Or if you want to get more direct "Ladies, Lose 10 lbs in 5 days" or "Ladies with Diabetes lose 10 lbs in 5 days" Each one of these basically does the same thing, but the probability of someone clicking on the more defined ads is far greater - and because they have clicked at that point.. The motivation is as good as it gets.

      Yes these are things many IM focused people want to learn... but as stated by the OP... there is stumbling across a combination that works, and then there is a methods to rationally experiment these things out. AB testing comes to mind. And in general I believe ( know to be true ) that the VAST majority of people never stumble on a working combination - because there is this absolute false narrative that IM is easy

      Someone like me can say "Yeah IM is easy" but i have a system of rational experiements that have proven to work time and again... Its a process, a process I can apply to any and every IM application.. selling products, getting people through the door of a store, acquiring about a service, anything and everything - and this gets us right into Form follows Function... the form may change, the function remains the same. Traffic is traffic, and Targeted traffic is far better... Selling is selling, and selling to those that want to buy is far better, and again the form of what that looks like matters not - its the function of how one does this that matters.

      Lets look at Kaizen for a moment.. in a nut shell how to improve and get better over time... I can do this and make X more streamline. An example of this you can watch on YouTube is Tested with Adam Savage... he piddles around his work shop and talks more than often about "first order of retrieval" The tool you need when you need it with the least amount of friction putting it in your hand

      So lets take that concept and do a minor stretch and start applying first order of retrieval to websites. Website navigation - easy and frictionless access to the information the end user may need or want to move forward - building cars vs building websites all of the sudden are a lot more alike than one would think
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    • Profile picture of the author majikk
      Completely agree with your point. Traffic generation goes along with SEO of course.
      Sales psychology also plays an important role in elevating your business especially if your main thing is online business/shops.

      As an online shop owner I find it easier to be supported by as many tools as possible, in order to boost my market reach. They cover all my needs, helping me significantly to better market my products -and my reach-.

      From my POV, data analytics and SEO are the most important. You should focus on those two (try to use external tools along with your perception) along with those you mentioned.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    Whats with this forum? I had similar reactions the couple of times where I brought up math. but Polya's book is for high school students. The others seem squarely aimed at a popular audience. How is this pretentious or advanced? You Americans are weird.
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    • Profile picture of the author max5ty
      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

      You Americans are weird.
      Yes, since we've led the world in just about every type of technology there is...some may consider that weird.
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      • Profile picture of the author savidge4
        Originally Posted by max5ty View Post

        Yes, since we've led the world in just about every type of technology there is...some may consider that weird.
        Hmmm I am about as redneck as redneck gets and it almost hurts to say this... but this is not a correct statement... going back to the end of WWII ( if not sooner )... most scientific and technology break throughs comes from the backs of foreigners recruited and hired by American companies and the American Govt.
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        • Profile picture of the author max5ty
          Originally Posted by savidge4 View Post

          Hmmm I am about as redneck as redneck gets and it almost hurts to say this... but this is not a correct statement... going back to the end of WWII ( if not sooner )... most scientific and technology break throughs comes from the backs of foreigners recruited and hired by American companies and the American Govt.
          I was actually light-heartedly joking around. I apologize if it came across in the wrong way.
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  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

    I'll start. My vote goes to:
    The ability to design rational thought experiments.

    Best of luck!
    Thanks Marx for starting an interesting thread. My vote goes to a primary rational thought which most Warriors and IM wannabees overlook:

    What is the cost to acquire a customer?

    Within that thought is wrapped many a question, such as; who is, where to find, how to reach, what to say, and at what price.

    It may be the most ignored thought of most IM starts, big or small.

    One can not put a price on Customer Acquisition until they have resolved the other parts of that Avatar. And it isn't only a money price, but also the cost of time too.

    The reason I think it is one of the most important IM related skills to learn is...it goes to both INTENT and a PLAN of how to get to the end...and be it a process of trial and error or the following of a blueprint, it encompasses thinking and action.

    IM, Internet MARKETING, has within the built in concept of exchanging value ONLINE, on the Internet.

    Determining WHO is going to be your customer first, is one rational way to plan out your Internet Marketing. From that first square, all the other things reveal, whether one needs to learn AI or Graphics, or website or any app, software, or anything else is wrapped up in answering the Acquisition Cost of your customer.

    So maybe the best IM skill would be critical thinking as regards the least amount of slop and mess, the most expeditious route to take, all determined by the choice of who you want as a customer from the get go.

    GordonJ
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Pardon me if I am deviating from the essence of this brilliant thread started by an amazing and highly successful Warrior but I must say I am observing a common and denigrating theme with one particular poster here at WF and it happens over and over again i.e. Getting their panties in a wad and being purposely abrasive and annoying when there is absolutely no reason to be so


      Oh well as they say it takes all kinds
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Tulpana Olsen View Post

      maybe patience
      Energy follows Intention
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    • @Tulpana Olsen,

      Originally Posted by Tulpana Olsen View Post

      [SNIP] [ ... ] patience[/SNIP]
      Yes. I agree. I was able to sharpen this soft skill through my IM-related adventures.
      Patience can go a long, long way. [me imagines running an test ad campaign]
      That's what makes it a base level ingredient. [flashing sign, reads "Bigger Temporal Data = Better Ideas"]
      And it's also critical for any process that aims to future-proof anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author beden bogat
    Maybe! I am not sure!
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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    Tbh video games are more informative than marketing as far as thought experiments go.
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  • Profile picture of the author depotgang
    Let's make this simple. If you do not know how to generate traffic....all the dialog is useless.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Skog
    Here are the skills you should learn to stay future-proof.
    Copywriting: This is the number #1 skill that defines the trajectory of your business. Your ability to drive sales depends on your ability to write compelling copy. Even with the advent of A.I, you still need to understand consumer psychology and prospect's level of awareness to make the sale.
    Video Content Creation and Video Editing: Another key skill that can help you become an authority on YouTube. If you master video creation, you can gain followers and also earn through ad revenue.
    Storytelling: For thousands of years, we humans have relied on storytelling to drive home our message. If you master storytelling, you can compel your audience to do what you want them to do.
    Pay-Per-Click Advertising: Google and Facebook and other tech giants earn their income through advertising. The top advertisers spend millions of dollars each day to sell their products and services. This form of advertising isn't gonna go out of fashion anytime soon so if you master this, your future is bright.
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Future proof? Who is guaranteed a future?

      Anyhow, before SHOULD LEARN, anything...maybe learn about goals, desires, wants and needs? I think that is a better starting point. And copywriting is only needed for those products which need it...a very much overhyped commodity which can be bought for pennies these days.

      If one really understands consumer psychology, they might choose a business which doesn't require the need to persuade and influence, but rather as a provider of goods and services which already have demand in place.

      Video? Maybe, if it too is needed. Again, I guess some need all the things you mention, but whether or not they SHOULD learn THESE skills, is very much subject to debate.

      GordonJ


      Originally Posted by Mark Skog View Post

      Here are the skills you should learn to stay future-proof.
      Copywriting: This is the number #1 skill that defines the trajectory of your business. Your ability to drive sales depends on your ability to write compelling copy. Even with the advent of A.I, you still need to understand consumer psychology and prospect's level of awareness to make the sale.
      Video Content Creation and Video Editing: Another key skill that can help you become an authority on YouTube. If you master video creation, you can gain followers and also earn through ad revenue.
      Storytelling: For thousands of years, we humans have relied on storytelling to drive home our message. If you master storytelling, you can compel your audience to do what you want them to do.
      Pay-Per-Click Advertising: Google and Facebook and other tech giants earn their income through advertising. The top advertisers spend millions of dollars each day to sell their products and services. This form of advertising isn't gonna go out of fashion anytime soon so if you master this, your future is bright.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Skog
        I'm listing these skills for those who wants to stay relevant when it comes to making money from the Internet (that's why we're on this forum, right?).

        I have no idea what to do if you want to thrive in the offline world.
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        • Profile picture of the author savidge4
          Originally Posted by Mark Skog View Post

          I have no idea what to do if you want to thrive in the offline world.
          everything you listed above? there is no difference. Different form ( ish ) same function.
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      • Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

        [SNIP]
        learn about goals, desires, wants and needs?
        [/SNIP]
        I agree. This here is clarity, from the get-go.
        And no process is able to hit optimum efficiency without off-the-bat clarity.

        These for me are creative targets (goals), lifestyle targets (desires), and priority targets (wants and needs).

        Priority targets, in my case (since I can't speak for anybody else), are things like a fully paid home, sustainable income, and good insurance coverage for myself and my family, among other similar stuff.
        ** Essentially, my primary directive here is to reduce and mitigate,if not entirely eliminate, negative effects of unforeseen events.

        Meanwhile, my lifestyle targets are like the latest tech, travel, comfortable cars (with the latest tech, of course), a full time PA and an on-call driver (I'm completely blind), and so on.
        ** This for me is to continue updating a library where I draw inspiration and motivation.

        And, creative targets for me, collectively, is the ability to invest time, energy and other resources in projects that are meaningful to me.
        ** These for me are development initiatives for inclusive skills training methodologies and engineering R&D assistive tech projects, both focused on the disability space.

        And I use my creative targets as fuel for my curiosity.
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        • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
          Off the bat clarity.

          It should be a goal, but seldom is, especially here at WF.

          I like how you separated your objectives into goals, lifestyle, and priorities.

          So few people give answers to the questions, What do you want and why? It is a tough one for many. Since I have five fingers, and am a basic simpleton...I call them the five ring circus of life (or, if feeling generous, the five realms)...but mostly I see the circus metaphor working better for most.

          All at the same time, under the Big Top Tent of one's life the five rings going simultaneously are:

          Money.
          Environment.
          Relations.
          Health.
          Thoughts (spirit).

          We Warriors focus on the center ring of money, making it online especially. But we have seen here that once money or its primary use and need are fulfilled, there are other parts of life which require attention.

          I've always found it to be a good idea to consider all five rings, or if one prefers, the five lane highway, where we drive in one, but constantly are changing lanes...a good idea to consider the journey together. Now it makes for some great niches to market in, that relationship market is huge, as is making money, health, Environment and our spiritual existence. One can make a fortune serving any one of them.

          What we see here, week after week, year after year, are those who try to separate the money making aspect from the rest of their lives, and it just doesn't work. Of course it is possible to make money, that isn't a hard concept to grasp: give people what they want and are willing to pay for.

          We overcomplicate it to the Nth degree...but making money may the easiest of the five lanes to drive in.

          So what works, or what would a complete plan of action look like? Much like what you described here, having AWARENESS of the differences of wants/needs and lifestyle targets, and awareness that few of the newer Warriors possess.

          Why is it hard for so many to have balanced goals? To temper their desires with the reality of their own self inflicted governors, why not have it all? Maybe because, we don't know what we want or why we want it to begin with.

          So I heartily agree that CLARITY from the Get-Go may be one of the fastest lanes a new Warrior could travel in. Thanks Marx for making that point too.

          GordonJ

          Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

          I agree. This here is clarity, from the get-go.
          And no process is able to hit optimum efficiency without off-the-bat clarity.

          These for me are creative targets (goals), lifestyle targets (desires), and priority targets (wants and needs).

          Priority targets, in my case (since I can't speak for anybody else), are things like a fully paid home, sustainable income, and good insurance coverage for myself and my family, among other similar stuff.
          ** Essentially, my primary directive here is to reduce and mitigate,if not entirely eliminate, negative effects of unforeseen events.

          Meanwhile, my lifestyle targets are like the latest tech, travel, comfortable cars (with the latest tech, of course), a full time PA and an on-call driver (I'm completely blind), and so on.
          ** This for me is to continue updating a library where I draw inspiration and motivation.

          And, creative targets for me, collectively, is the ability to invest time, energy and other resources in projects that are meaningful to me.
          ** These for me are development initiatives for inclusive skills training methodologies and engineering R&D assistive tech projects, both focused on the disability space.

          And I use my creative targets as fuel for my curiosity.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Re: What's the Best IM-Related Skill to Learn Today That Can Help in the Future?

    There are many skills but the one that is the most important is when one learns how to market online in a way that works for them.

    I have learned that while one traffic source may work for someone, no guarantee that it will work for others.

    If you can learn how to generate your own traffic, you can promote just about anything and succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialentry
    ^ yeah but typically you don't know what is the clear path.


    If it were clear everyone would take it.
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

      ^ yeah but typically you don't know what is the clear path.
      If it were clear everyone would take it.
      Can I assume you were responding to my post? Helpful if you quoted or at least snipped.

      But the PATH is never clear, it is the GOAL, where you want to get to, most adults understand there isn't a clear cut straight path to success, that is where the trial and error come in.

      The point being made is more about having clarity on what it is you want, and that is where most don't even start. They don't know.

      And as far as everyone taking the clear path...there will always be those who want to take the path less traveled.

      I've advocated for years here, that a clear idea of what the intent is, will serve most better in the long run as opposed to I want to begin my affiliate journey. Or whatever IM journey they are going to take. Why affiliate? Why eCom? Why Freelance?

      How does any choice made at the GET GO best be leveraged with skills, talents and knowledge already possessed? The CLARITY is in the desire, and a helpful assist is to know WHY it is wanted, as Marx so eloquently laid it out in his response.

      Now, if u do respond, to this, at least let us know to what you are responding to, fair enough^^^^>>>><<<<

      GordonJ
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      • Profile picture of the author socialentry
        Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

        Can I assume you were responding to my post? Helpful if you quoted or at least snipped.

        But the PATH is never clear, it is the GOAL, where you want to get to, most adults understand there isn't a clear cut straight path to success, that is where the trial and error come in.

        The point being made is more about having clarity on what it is you want, and that is where most don't even start. They don't know.

        And as far as everyone taking the clear path...there will always be those who want to take the path less traveled.

        I've advocated for years here, that a clear idea of what the intent is, will serve most better in the long run as opposed to I want to begin my affiliate journey. Or whatever IM journey they are going to take. Why affiliate? Why eCom? Why Freelance?

        How does any choice made at the GET GO best be leveraged with skills, talents and knowledge already possessed? The CLARITY is in the desire, and a helpful assist is to know WHY it is wanted, as Marx so eloquently laid it out in his response.

        Now, if u do respond, to this, at least let us know to what you are responding to, fair enough^^^^>>>><<<<

        GordonJ

        yea but u dont kno what u really like until u give a real shot at it.
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        • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
          Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

          yea but u dont kno what u really like until u give a real shot at it.
          So, I Googled INTERNET MARKETING, and got some interesting answers, but for the most part, the consensus opinion is/was: A place where offers are made for goods, services and expertise.

          There may be parts of marketing, which seem disassociated with the offer, such as branding perhaps, although it can be seen as one part of trying to make a sale.

          Here at WF, this main forum emphasizes the Online/Internet aspect of your offer.

          Based on the hundreds of I'm New posts we see every year, it is safe to assume that most here are keen on learning how to make money, either with a business, side hustle, or work in the fields comprising IM.

          One may not know what he likes or doesn't like until he tries, but this is where Marx' critical thinking may come in handy, as he stated: From the OP #1:

          And there's no better way to learn that skill than to practice. Here's what I do:
          Imagine a goal. Imagine solutions to achieve that goal. Imagine ways to tailor-fit 'em for a particular starting point.
          ** Think of problems to solve along the way. Think of strategies to avoid or reduce negative impact.
          ** Visualize the deployment of scaling methods. Visualize the execution of expansion plans.
          • And iteratively run it all in your mind. While creatively changing fields, goals, and use cases
          ** For that skill to be useful, I continue to invest the rarest, most valuable commodity of all = Time.


          So, what is the goal of most who come here, the new Warrior? What is their goal? Well, they may all be different but have one common thread, MAKE MONEY with IM.

          Be it a business, side hustle, or selling of knowledge, skills or talent. The GOAL for most IM folk is to MAKE MONEY.

          If I am wrong, I'd like someone to speak up and tell me so, OK? Marx then goes on to tell how he goes about THINKING about the goal, using his active imagination to see solutions, obstacles, deployment (action) and the adjustment needed to continue on.

          And then we have a brilliant IM all in one lesson from savidge4: Post #13;

          I talk about the Ad, Lander Sale formula... probably the easiest process of progression for most to understand. If your ad is not getting impressions... you obviously need to change something, if it is getting impressions and not clicks you obviously need to change something. Once on the lander you are getting traffic, and no sign ups something needs to change - and here is where understanding "Right" comes into play... is it the lander that needs to change or is it the targetted traffic to the lander that does?

          If IM is about making offers, the AD is the Intersection of your potential customer and the completion of the transaction you want to make.

          He lays it out very clearly, concisely. It is in finding out WHAT in that PROCESS isn't doing its job.

          max5ty in post 18 had a lot to give us, but this was a point of importance I think most new Warriors lack an understanding of:

          Understand the principle of advertising. If you've proven your concept and run an ad that costs $100 and get a return of $110, you've made $10 (duh). Now, understanding this simple principle you know that if you run 100 ads your profit will be bigger. It's like an ATM machine. Simple concept but hard for some to understand. The whole idea of taking that ad and tweaking, twerking, or choosing where to place it is another whole issue.

          I feel he helped make my point of the cost of acquiring a customer, which has a lot implied, such as WHO the customer is (avatar)? Or who you want the customer to be? Where are they, how do you reach them, what do you say to them (THE AD), and how do we adjust all this to increase response rate.

          I feel the thread has given some great insight into how we differ in our thinking of what IM is, and what is important for and to us, to be successful at it.

          However,
          this: yea but u dont kno what u really like until u give a real shot at it.

          suggests someone who isn't ready for IM. The context of the OP was IM success, which has a pretty standard metric, the making of enough money that we put our minds on...the GOAL.

          Not knowing what one likes or doesn't like feels like a need for self evaluation and personal assessment, which I have long advocated as the starting point for any new person here or elsewhere.

          But why not start with the GOAL, as was mentioned and presented. If you lack one, here, I'll give you one. $5,000.00 a month recurring income by the end of 18 months from today. Too small? Think bigger. Way above what you've ever made? Downsize to make it easier to believe in.

          So setting a GOAL, now we can look at the OP point, and through our critical thinking which includes an active imagination, we can then examine each and every possible PATH one can take in IM; eCom, Freelancer, Developer, Affiliate, etc., etc.

          I would hope after some extensive thinking, and taking into account CURRENT likes and dislikes, one would then be able to make a most likely CHOICE, and if begins, can quickly find out if he likes it or not without wasting a lot of time, money and effort.

          But if you don't know what you like to do or not, maybe stay away from IM for awhile until you too do some critical thinking, how's that sound?

          GordonJ
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          • Profile picture of the author socialentry
            ^
            well we can start doing critical thinking on ur post.

            id cut at least 80-90% as most of it is redundant but thats up to u obviously.

            im not even sure y u wrote a wall text , the worse i can say about it is that ur way is non specific, overly verbose and it can get u stuck in a local minima. but... thats it. There r worse things in life then following verbose non specific advice that can get u stuck in a local minima.


            edit : actually a lot more can be said but thats about the extent of time im willing to commit to this endaevour. the devil is in the details
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by socialentry View Post

      If it were clear everyone would take it.
      Someone wants to open a sandwich shop... there is doing it yourself OR buying a Subway franchise - in oh so many things the option for a clear path are available.

      Right now... AI has become a clear path... want to write better.. let AI do it.... want need images let AI do it.

      And trust me this is all fine and dandy - but when there is a clear path... the majority will end up taking it. And in this, there obviously becomes a point of saturation.

      I am going to throw out a point of discussion here - as it relates to all things internet, AI will be self defeating. Meaning what works today - will not work tomorrow, and I am not sure there is a way out of the loop. So what is the loop? Content creation is the most obvious... You have a topic, and you need articles written... you ask AI to write you say 10 articles on X subject.... AI goes into the pool of data and puts together the 10 articles... Life is grand, its great... see how easy that was - wow AI is awesome.

      Now 10,000 other people just like you ask AI to do the same, on the same subject ( X ) 100,000 articles later all pulled from the same data and well it becomes a bit redundant no? as we are seeing happen in todays landscape... AI written material is ranking better than crappy written content - sounds way beyond logical.

      The crappy content is being de-indexed - meaning it is no longer present as data. It is being replaced by the cookie cutter AI content in the hundreds of thousands - and all of the content for subject X is written based off of the same pool of data... and consecutively over time that pool of data is the cookie cutter rehash AI content. One has to simply ask, when does Google throw down the duplicate content hammer - because the time will come - IT WILL HAPPEN,, it HAS to happen. and then what?

      AI in no way shape or form can "adapt" It can only spit out based on what it has access to put in... Which just so happens to be AI's advantage in the front end of the curve, but will be its down fall towards the top of the curve and going towards the downside.

      Because I am using content as an example... and because I am using Google as a point of reference, SEO ( Search Engine Optimization ) becomes a thing. Google uses an algorithm to determine value and rank of content... 1's and 0's right? to maybe put this in simple terms if you are looking at a terms top 10 you will see in many ways the 10 ten will replicate it self in regards to word length, and title, and links in and links out etc - the variables of the Algorithm...

      but what happens when AI created content starts ranking? the actual content itself is basically spun material - over and over and over - and Google having proven over and over and over will identify #1 the duplicate nature of the content, and #2 there will be portions ( blocks if you will ) of variables that will be flatlined.

      If the idea of SEO is to fall within the average of all the pages around you, and not to be a mathematical outlier ( meaning if pages 1 thru 10 all have 300 to 500 words, the chances you ranking a piece of content with 2000 words becomes slim and none - by no means impossible, but not statistically as a single one off piece of content on a subject )

      There simply comes a point that Google flippity flops the variables and their values to correct the content... and guess what happens after that? AI then has a "new" pool of data to pull from and does what it does best... and dumbs down the pool of data.

      We are already seeing a bunch of self correction with AI images... I think more sooner than later we will see this same type of correction with written content - and it actual has started - google is labelling content as AI generated.

      There are those of us that see the clear path... there are those that just dont have the vision or experience or knowledge to see the path, and then there is those of us think thru / see the path to its destination, to determine just how "Clear" it may or may not be.

      AI as it stands today is a loop. "Rationally" look at the path, i dont think the above scenario "May" happen, its unfolding in front of us.

      Proof and point... 1 time per week, for 4 weeks in a row, ask the AI of your choice to spit out an article on subject X ( what ever you choose ) each of those 4 weeks you wil get basically more than roughly the same article... you can do this across multiple AI platform and basically get the same article ( a rational thought experiement )

      then multiply this outcome by 10,000 other people just like you doing the same... and what happens then? Your original 1 of a kind piece of AI content becomes dime a dozen.

      There are clear paths - probably 20% of them worth taking.. and then there is the 80% that lead to no where - its a matter of seeing the destination first, and then analyzing the paths in fron of you that actally get you there ( the destination )
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      Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author laurawatson
    Originally Posted by Marx Vergel Melencio View Post

    I'll start. My vote goes to:

    The ability to design rational thought experiments.
    That's the most useful skill that I learned throughout the years for future-proofing anything.

    I continue to get great value in using that to iteratively deconstruct, customize, test, tweak, scale, and morph any concept.
    In any field. For any task. In any conditional situation.

    I mean, think about it.
    Just by looking at an arbitrary model, you'll be able to understand how it works.
    ** And customize it to best suit a different use case. In a different field. To hit different targets.

    We're talking about any model. For example:
    Any business model. Any sales strategy. Any marketing technique. Any conversion tactic.

    And there's no better way to learn that skill than to practice. Here's what I do:
    Imagine a goal. Imagine solutions to achieve that goal. Imagine ways to tailor-fit 'em for a alight motion pro apk, particular starting point.
    ** Think of problems to solve along the way. Think of strategies to avoid or reduce negative impact.
    ** Visualize the deployment of scaling methods. Visualize the execution of expansion plans .
    And iteratively run it all in your mind. While creatively changing fields, goals, and use cases.

    ** For that skill to be useful, I continue to invest the rarest, most valuable commodity of all = Time.

    Best of luck!

    Thanks for the info. How can I dive into that? Is there any book?
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  • Profile picture of the author majikk
    For me these are the best with high potential of helping in the future:
    • SEO
    • Data Analytics
    For the first, the ability to analyze data to make informed marketing decisions is highly practical. Learning how to use tools for data analysis can help understand user behavior, measure the success of marketing campaigns, and optimize strategies based on real data.
    For our favorite and repeatedly mentioned SEO, it's crucial for improving a website's visibility and ranking in search engine results. It involves optimizing website content, conducting keyword research, and building backlinks, among other techniques.

    Data analytics will always be, IMO, a top skill among every sector.
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  • Profile picture of the author olivia lena
    Being a programmer myself, I can only conceive in extremely linear terms: A, B, C, D. However, I can see a goal (X), just like most programmers do, and the steps from A to W automatically fall into place. I call this a curse, but others call it a gift. You're starting to go in that way with your reading list.
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