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Stop buying stuff and start SELLING: It's time to annoy the scammers...

by Bryan Kumar
61 replies
Hi Warriors,

Yes, I know it's strange for a marketer to tell you to stop buying stuff. But, I feel it's time for a reminder...and in some cases, a wake-up call...


I haven't posted too much here in the past few years, for reasons I won't go into right now.

And, what I'm about to post below will probably annoy many people, especially if you're new to marketing, business and making money. (And, of course, it will annoy the scammers who are purposely taking advantage of the new folks.)

But, if you listen to what I'm about to share, in just 2 to 6 months from now, you are going to be giant steps ahead of most people who don't read and follow this.

Okay, here it is...

You need to stop buying products and start SELLING something.

I'm not the first person to give this advice. Many brilliant marketers who came before me have shared it.

This applies to both new folks as well as those who have been here for a while.

And, you don't need your own product to get started. (Heck, I know many marketers who never create their own products and make a nice income simply by promoting other people's products.)

Next...

If you're brand new (or even if you're not) and can't afford to buy any marketing/moneymaking products right now, anyway - even if it's $5, that means you don't need that product/knowledge right now.

I realize it's strange for a marketer, on a marketing forum, to be telling you to NOT buy stuff. (Some will even think that I've finally lost it.)

But, if you can honestly say that you can't afford to buy any products, even if you cut back on pepsi's or coffee or whatever, then I can honestly tell you that you do not need to buy any products right now.


So, what should you do instead?

Just start reading through the 100's of valuable posts in this here forum.

There is more than enough solid, powerful moneymaking/marketing knowledge here to keep you busy for several months. (But, you only get a maximum of 3 months, for this round anyway.

So stop buying, and start learning.


THEN... start putting what you learn into action. Draw up a plan, set some deadlines, and get moving. (You can keep learning new stuff too, that's fine. But, you'll need to take action on the stuff you've already learned in the first 1 month, and up to 3 months, from now.)

You don't need to invest a lot of time (nor money) to get started, either.

If you don't have a web site, use the free blog interface at wordpress.org, or create a page on Facebook, etc.

I know many marketers who are making good money by using the above two free sites.

That's all.

There are no excuses really. You don't need any money to get started.

So, get started already. :-)

Bryan

PS. If you're wondering who the heck I am or what makes me qualified to give you any advice? Well, I've been selling online - and making a living off it - since 1995. So, I know at least one or two things about it. :-)

EDIT: I will try to dig up some valuable existing posts that offer solid "start up" info, and post 'em here soon. (The first one that comes to mind is titled "If you're desperate" or something like that.)
#buying #selling #start #stop #warriors
  • Profile picture of the author dougp
    Right on the spot. I would also recommend setting clear distinct goals and writing out how exactly you'll get there. So many people want X amount of things but they have no roadmap on how they will get there which drives me bonkers.

    Doug
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  • Profile picture of the author robg1
    I can't vouch for the more experienced guys here, but what you say about buying products is a trap that most if not all newbies fall into. After a few more weeks research you realise that most of what you bought is either not needed or it's completely useless.

    So if you are a newbie (like me), I would carefully consider Bryans advice and take it on board.
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    True dat.

    You also learn so much more about yourself and what works and what doesn't and what you can improve upon to make work by putting yourself out there and selling.

    I see so many people complaining about this doesn't work, that doesn't work, but if you ask them to show you what they've done and see if you can help, they hem and haw until they admit they've done nothing or very little.

    Dreaming is great but you have to get out of that dream mode and into action mode to make those dreams come true.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
      Yes, absolutely.

      Additionally, there are many people who believe (read: trick their own minds into thinking that) they are taking action, just because they're emailing and/or chatting with some experts, i.e. "getting advice."

      When in reality, they are only "collecting" information. They may learn some new things and then go on believing that they're actually taking action.

      But, unless you start applying what you've learned - unless you put it into action, you're not really moving forward much.

      Bryan

      Originally Posted by J Bold View Post

      I see so many people complaining about this doesn't work, that doesn't work, but if you ask them to show you what they've done and see if you can help, they hem and haw until they admit they've done nothing or very little.

      Dreaming is great but you have to get out of that dream mode and into action mode to make those dreams come true.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by dougp View Post

        Right on the spot. I would also recommend setting clear distinct goals and writing out how exactly you'll get there. So many people want X amount of things but they have no roadmap on how they will get there which drives me bonkers.

        Doug
        I'm with you half way.

        Setting clear, distinct goals - check. Agree 100%.

        Writing out exactly how you'll get there - nope. Disagree. At least the way it's phrased now.

        The problem with the detailed, exact how-to comes when life doesn't cooperate, and one or more of the detailed steps doesn't work out. Then, for many people, it's a total failure rather than a detour requiring a correction.

        IMO, it's better to lay out a series of milestones and use those for course corrections. Let the micro how-to steps come as they come.

        If you set the goal to sell X number of units of Widget by Date using Adwords on example.com, and example.com goes down or quits using Adsense or gets their account banned, then what?

        If you set the goal to sell X number of units of Widget by Date using paid advertising, you have options. Like a good quarterback, you go through your progression and hit the open man, scramble, or eat the ball and call another play.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
          John,

          I don't know how detailed doug was advising folks to be

          But, I do agree that being open and willing to adjust/correct/adopt your plan as you go along is important.

          Most plans - whether extremely detailed or not - rarely go as planned. That's just a fact of life, I suppose.

          So yes, paying attention - and making adjustments to your plan along the way - is vital.

          Thanks,
          Bryan


          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          The problem with the detailed, exact how-to comes when life doesn't cooperate, and one or more of the detailed steps doesn't work out. Then, for many people, it's a total failure rather than a detour requiring a correction.

          ...

          If you set the goal to sell X number of units of Widget by Date using Adwords on example.com, and example.com goes down or quits using Adsense or gets their account banned, then what?
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          • Profile picture of the author Lance K
            Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

            But, I do agree that being open and willing to adjust/correct/adopt your plan as you go along is important.

            Most plans - whether extremely detailed or not - rarely go as planned. That's just a fact of life, I suppose.

            So yes, paying attention - and making adjustments to your plan along the way - is vital.

            "No battle plan survives contact with the enemy" ~ Colin Powell

            "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell

            BTW, nice to see you posting here again Bryan.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hamish Jones
    It's amazing how many people you see who call themselves Marketers or something similar that don't have a clear product or service to sell.

    You can't make money if there isn't something for people to pay for!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
      Hamish,

      Yes, you do need something to sell - or at least promote - even if you don't have a product of your own.

      There are lots of marketers making lots of money selling/promoting other people's products.

      So, you don't need a product of your own, especially if/when you're starting out.

      Focus on learning how to sell. And, it's much easier and quicker - for most people - if you start with an existing hot product, i.e. become an affiliate.

      Bryan


      Originally Posted by Hamish Jones View Post

      It's amazing how many people you see who call themselves Marketers or something similar that don't have a clear product or service to sell.

      You can't make money if there isn't something for people to pay for!
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      • Profile picture of the author Hamish Jones
        Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

        Hamish,

        Yes, you do need something to sell - or at least promote - even if you don't have a product of your own.

        There are lots of marketers making lots of money selling/promoting other people's products.

        So, you don't need a product of your own, especially if/when you're starting out.

        Focus on learning how to sell. And, it's much easier and quicker - for most people - if you start with an existing hot product, i.e. become an affiliate.

        Bryan
        I love affiliate marketing and, you are right, it's an ideal way to start out if funds/ time is short.

        Learning to sell is key because you'll struggle to make it in business without being good at sales - and constantly educating yourself (which doesn't need to cost money!)
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  • Profile picture of the author intergen
    Nice Bryan - funny thing I just launched my first WSO a little over a week ago. Finally making back some of the hundreds of dollars I spent on WSO's over the past couple of years.

    The good news - the WSO's helped me with the selling process etc.

    The better news - I made all of the cash I spent back in the first day

    Agreed - so folks sell something - just be sure it provides extreme value!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
    Great post, Bryan... makes me wanna buy your WSOs, except I don't want to go against your advice.
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  • Profile picture of the author RWB
    I agree totally, it's so easy for us to get caught up on trying to get the latest and greatest thing and many times we already have exactly what we need to get started and make some forward progress...Clarity is Key!!! What do you really want???
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Good post Bryan. I stopped "buying" and started SELLING since November of last year... (around my birthday).
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  • Profile picture of the author willay
    Great post Bryan. Guys, if you need to keep it simple remember the universal business building formula of get leads, sell em shit and sell em more shit. Online this means pick a market and start building a list in this market. Build value with your list and start doing affiliate marketing to your list and start creating your own products ever increasing in price until you have a full suite of products.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Hugall
    Wow what happens if all the people that are currently buying in the IM niche stopped buying and started selling....... Well we would have a lot of success stories because there would be a new group coming in. This post like all the other ones like it are more the highest value threads on this forum. Yet I am sure people will read it open their in-boxes and buy just one more product.

    I think that this dream can sometimes be far more attractive to people then actually succeeding. It is sexy to believe that you can one day live that life. What is not sexy is the "WORK" involved. Lets' face it. No matter how many posts are made like this. Most people will never actually make money. Not because it is hard, but because they simply don't believe in their core that this will ever be possible for them. I don't really care what people think. It takes a certain mindset to actually "start selling".

    Not only do you need believe it. you need to map it out and live it first. Even those who have succeeded and don't know they had this mind set had it. Sometimes it is being blind to failure. So I agree fully that you should start selling. I must say that you should also start believing that you are selling and you do know enough to START. Great post!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ali Rangwala
    Hello Bryan,

    Personally, I think the problem is more to do with the 'sell, sell, sell' mentality than anything else. WSO sellers become pretty good at pushing newbies' buttons and keeping them in a constant state of confusion, that's their whole business model. A lot of them don't really know how to do much other than to sell by preying on desperate people, ie. it's not about the product or results, it's about the sale. Quality only matters in terms of minimizing refunds.

    The only real solution I see for newbies is to stay out of the WSO section entirely, and to unsubscribe from those constant promo lists. It would be good to see some more responsibility on the side of sellers, but it's not really going to happen. It's too easy to make money from this pay-per-education thing, and it lends itself too easily to corruption.
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    • Profile picture of the author moreno
      Originally Posted by Ali Rangwala View Post

      Hello Bryan,

      Personally, I think the problem is more to do with the 'sell, sell, sell' mentality than anything else. WSO sellers become pretty good at pushing newbies' buttons and keeping them in a constant state of confusion, that's their whole business model. A lot of them don't really know how to do much other than to sell by preying on desperate people, ie. it's not about the product or results, it's about the sale. Quality only matters in terms of minimizing refunds.

      The only real solution I see for newbies is to stay out of the WSO section entirely, and to unsubscribe from those constant promo lists. It would be good to see some more responsibility on the side of sellers, but it's not really going to happen. It's too easy to make money from this pay-per-education thing, and it lends itself too easily to corruption.
      I AGREE WITH YOU 100% , I HAVE TO SAY THAT SOME OF THE PEOPLE POSTING HERE ARE EXACTLY DOING THE ABOVE AKA SELLING USELESS GARBAGE OVER AND OVER .STOP LOOKING AT WSO AND START TO MAKE MONEY ....
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
      Originally Posted by bilkat19 View Post

      Wow what happens if all the people that are currently buying in the IM niche stopped buying and started selling....... Well we would have a lot of success stories because there would be a new group coming in.
      Crazy, right? ;-)
      Crazy enough to work? Let's hope so.

      This post like all the other ones like it are more the highest value threads on this forum. Yet I am sure people will read it open their in-boxes and buy just one more product.
      The majority would do that, yes. But, if it makes a difference for even one or two people, that's a start.

      There's nothing wrong with buying products. I buy a lot of 'em myself. But, you've gotta buy only what will help make your existing business plan better. Keyword is "existing." And, heck, you can buy more - IF you can afford it and IF it won't distract you from your current focus/goal/plan.

      Most people will never actually make money. Not because it is hard, but because they simply don't believe in their core that this will ever be possible for them. I don't really care what people think. It takes a certain mindset to actually "start selling".
      Yes, I've posted and written a lot about this over the years, both on this forum and in many of my products.

      Ali,
      Originally Posted by Ali Rangwala View Post

      Personally, I think the problem is more to do with the 'sell, sell, sell' mentality than anything else. WSO sellers become pretty good at pushing newbies' buttons and keeping them in a constant state of confusion, that's their whole business model. A lot of them don't really know how to do much other than to sell by preying on desperate people, ie. it's not about the product or results, it's about the sale. Quality only matters in terms of minimizing refunds.

      The only real solution I see for newbies is to stay out of the WSO section entirely, and to unsubscribe from those constant promo lists. It would be good to see some more responsibility on the side of sellers, but it's not really going to happen. It's too easy to make money from this pay-per-education thing, and it lends itself too easily to corruption.
      I started to answer the first part of your post as I was reading it, but then realized that you had already posted the response yourself, in the second part of your post. ;-)

      As you said, more responsibility on the side of the sellers probably won't happen. It's up to the buyers to become more educated about what they're buying and why. Just as we can't blame a restaurant for selling crappy food. If we keep buying it, then whose fault is it really? (I realize I'm opening up a whole other debate here lol but anyway...that's my take on it.)

      Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

    So, what should you do instead?

    Just start reading through the 100's of valuable posts in this here forum.
    Great points, Bryan.

    I'll add just one more, a swipe from my reply to another thread in the
    Adsense/PPC/SEO Forum:

    It's a little story

    Years ago, when I was chief resident in general surgery, I had a
    senior registrar who was talking to a patient during his post-op
    review. The guy had a hernia repaired, and wanted advice about
    his diet.

    "What can I eat, doctor?" he asked.

    "Anything you like. No restrictions" replied my reg.

    "Can I eat bananas?"

    "Sure"

    "How about potatoes?"

    "Yep. Potatoes are fine, too"

    "Beans?"

    My registrar replied patiently, but with a tinge of annoyance,

    "Everything is fine. If it suits you, eat it"

    The patient wouldn't take the hint.

    "How about onions, doctor? Can I eat onions?"

    "You can - but only if you slice them lengthwise, not into tiny bits!"

    THIS reply seemed to satisfy the man, who left the surgery smiling!

    Why am I telling you this story here?

    To make a point.

    When someone gives you an answer that's as comprehensive as it can be,
    given the reality that NOTHING is perfect in online marketing and there
    is a TON of testing involved even with implementing the most complete plan,
    then you risk the danger that you'll be given a totally stupid answer
    if you keep on asking more questions!

    That's not to say you shouldn't ask any questions. But when you keep
    digging into nitty-gritty issues that can ONLY be convincingly answered
    by running an inexpensive test, then you run that risk of being fobbed
    off with a non-sequitur.

    An ounce of testing is worth a pound of opinion - imho

    Most of your niche minisite tests won't cost more than $20 and/or 2 to
    3 hours of your time.

    What you'll learn from those tests will be PRICELESS.

    Get going and DO something with what you already know!

    All success
    Dr.Mani
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  • Profile picture of the author topkat13
    This has to be one of the best threads I have ever read. Education before you buy is vital. We constantly promote education, it's all we do! If you like, you can visit our site for a FREE 16 video education course on traffic generation. It is packed with 3 hours of ideas that are low or no cost. Good luck and stick with it, and remember: Everything is hard until it's easy! But make it easier faster with education.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisMoon
    Awesome thread, thank you for the sound advice. Too many people are looking for quick fix easy solutions and aren't prepared to do basic preparation and research.
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  • Profile picture of the author hebsgaard
    Imo, if you are totally clueless about where to start, the all-in-one threads might be a good place to start. Most online marketing methods work, at least for some people. It's dangerous trying them all at once.

    Start by learning and mastering one method. Trying everything at once is the bane of many beginning online marketers, trust me I know

    Solid advice Bryan, good to see you posting. Some of your stuff really helped me out in the past!
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  • Profile picture of the author DianaHeuser
    Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

    You need to stop buying products and start SELLING something.
    So true, and the best part is that when you do start selling, you will find that you have money to buy the right sort of training or products that will catapult your business even further.

    I still buy products on Kindle marketing, Offline consulting, Social Media Marketing and WP Themes ( I just LOVE themes and plugins), but I don't allow myself to buy the first time I see it.

    I subscribe to the thread in question, and then come back the next day to see if I still hyper-ventilate when I see the offer

    Di
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
      Originally Posted by drmani View Post

      "How about onions, doctor? Can I eat onions?"

      "You can - but only if you slice them lengthwise, not into tiny bits!"
      Haha! Love it!
      Cool post, doc. :-)
      Testing and tracking results is vital.

      Originally Posted by hebsgaard View Post

      Imo, if you are totally clueless about where to start, the all-in-one threads might be a good place to start. Most online marketing methods work, at least for some people. It's dangerous trying them all at once.

      Start by learning and mastering one method. Trying everything at once is the bane of many beginning online marketers, trust me I know
      Yes! And, yes.

      Focus is important. Pick one thing and get some results from it before you jump to something else. (You may often find that you don't have to jump to the 2nd thing at all.)

      Originally Posted by DianaHeuser View Post

      So true, and the best part is that when you do start selling, you will find that you have money to buy the right sort of training or products that will catapult your business even further.

      I still buy products on Kindle marketing, Offline consulting, Social Media Marketing and WP Themes ( I just LOVE themes and plugins), but I don't allow myself to buy the first time I see it.

      I subscribe to the thread in question, and then come back the next day to see if I still hyper-ventilate when I see the offer
      Agreed. Good stuff, Di! Yes, buy only what will take your business further. Not stuff that will distract you from your primary goal/plan.

      "...if I still hyper-ventilate..."

      Haha Nice. Good strategy.
      Maybe I'm not buying/browsing enough. I haven't seen an offer that made me react that way in a long time. ;-)

      Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author yougpeter
    That's true.Most important is learning,but also very important is put knowledge in the action.Without that success will not come.
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  • Profile picture of the author Killara
    Bryan, thanks for starting this thread. It's an excellent read - all of it!

    What I find amazing is that off -line, consumers have their cynic glasses on and most just tune out with sales spiels. Most of us can spot a touter a mile off. Yet, on-line, too many are just suckers.

    So, I'm with you, Bryan:- To all Newbies, stop buying and start learning. Follow the forums and LEARN. There's masses to absorb and study - you'll then figure out that the key to internet marketing is traffic and you don't get traffic unless people trust you and want to revisit your site.

    There are those who'll say the most important thing is to build a list - but, there is no list unless you have traffic and lots of it. So Newbies - start learning (from the forums) how to create return traffic.

    ...and Bryan is right - you don't need to buy anything to create traffic. Just needs you to figure out what to do and then DO IT.

    Warmest

    Killara
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Silvey
    Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post


    PS. If you're wondering who the heck I am or what makes me qualified to give you any advice? Well, I've been selling online - and making a living off it - since 1995. So, I know at least one or two things about it. :-)
    Just wondering how you made a living off of IM back in 1995.

    Ebay was established in Sept 1995

    Paypal was established in 1998. There wasn't a secure online payment system before that.
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    • Profile picture of the author drmani
      Originally Posted by Chris Silvey View Post

      Paypal was established in 1998. There wasn't a secure online payment system before that.
      Sadly (?) some of us remember X.com before it even became PayPal!

      And most of those who do WANT to forget how it was then!

      All success
      Dr.Mani
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by drmani View Post

        And most of those who do WANT to forget how it was then!
        Those were the days ... with a Commodore 64 and Compuserve ... the world at your fingertips back in 80's.
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    • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
      Originally Posted by Chris Silvey View Post

      Just wondering how you made a living off of IM back in 1995.

      Ebay was established in Sept 1995

      Paypal was established in 1998. There wasn't a secure online payment system before that.
      If there are two people on a desert island, one will figure out a way to sell to the other.

      I was selling antiques online in 1993. So how did I do that without eBay?

      Email, Usenet newsgroups, use of print publications such as the Antique Trader Weekly.

      Email digests were popular then and still are.

      fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Good advice for dream chasers. There are some great and indispensable purchases I made early on, like DLGuard for product payment and delivery and other software, themes, etc., but I considered those tools to do what I wanted to get done.

    Buying one "system" after another with BIG promises but short on RESULTS isn't the way to go and you'll only end up broke and disillusioned.

    You're right. There's so much info already here for free, that anyone can get started without laying out a bunch of cash, if they STOP looking for easy money, because in reality, there's no such thing.

    Start learning and then start doing. Good advice Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author ExRat
    Hi Bryan,

    Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

    I'm not the first person to give this advice. Many brilliant marketers who came before me have shared it.
    It's clear to see that you're a copywriter with the way that you constructed those two sentences. I like the way the adjective in the second sentence reflects it's influence back on the first . Plus, the omission of the word 'too' on the end of the second sentence and the interchange of the words 'person' and 'marketer' lend an innocence to the statement, but it still works.

    Respectfully - thanks for the lesson, whether intended, or just Freudian.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Of course, encouraging newbies to sell, sell, sell instead of buy, buy, buy has its downside as well. They then become part of the pollution rather than the solution.

    It's not really buying and selling that's the problem. It's the type of products being bought and sold. Selling dreams ... selling junk ... rehashed garbage and PLR thinly disguised as a product. Taking shortcuts. Teaching how to make money online without any work, particularly when you don't really know how to do that yourself. False promises, false income claims, false testimonials.

    To me, those are more the problem than just buying and selling products.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Of course, encouraging newbies to sell, sell, sell instead of buy, buy, buy has its downside as well. They then become part of the pollution rather than the solution.

      It's not really buying and selling that's the problem. It's the type of products being bought and sold. Selling dreams ... selling junk ... rehashed garbage and PLR thinly disguised as a product. Taking shortcuts. Teaching how to make money online without any work, particularly when you don't really know how to do that yourself. False promises, false income claims, false testimonials.

      To me, those are more the problem than just buying and selling products.
      Yup. And you see plenty from both sides of the fence. The "always buying/learning" crowd, and the "hey, I will sell whatever even if it sucks" crowd.

      I was part of the first crowd for a solid 6 months when I started out (like most are). However, I realized real quick that the more I learned the more I learned how much I still needed to know.

      Once I set my mind on creating a product/service and laid out a plan of action (as Bryan suggest in the OP), only then did I begin to finally apply my knowledge. I still needed to learn certain skills, but they were skills specific to a task at hand.

      I can't remember the last time I purchased a "product" or a "Tool" that didn't directly have an impact on my businesses.

      Plus...nothing can replace the feeling of seeing $$ in your account when something sells (except having it happen constantly!).

      Money was a huge motivator for me...and I suppose its kind of hard to make any $$ when you're not selling anything.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
        Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

        Respectfully - thanks for the lesson, whether intended, or just Freudian.
        Haha It wasn't intentional, but thanks, man! And you're welcome. ;-)

        Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

        Of course, encouraging newbies to sell, sell, sell instead of buy, buy, buy has its downside as well. They then become part of the pollution rather than the solution.
        Actually, the "sell, sell, sell" comment I made later was done jokingly, in response to Ken's comment, "...makes me wanna buy your WSOs, except I don't want to go against your advice."
        :-)

        It's not really buying and selling that's the problem. It's the type of products being bought and sold. Selling dreams ... selling junk ... rehashed garbage and PLR thinly disguised as a product. Taking shortcuts. Teaching how to make money online without any work, particularly when you don't really know how to do that yourself. False promises, false income claims, false testimonials.
        Agreed. All of those are parts of the problem.

        Notice that the 2nd half of my subject line reads, "It's time to annoy the scammers..."

        We can't get rid of the scammers. Even if we do manage to get rid of one, another will take it's place. (Yes, I did refer to one as "it" ;-)

        So what can we do?

        Educate the buyers, mainly the new folks who don't know any better and get sucked into the dreams and hollow promises, i.e scams for the most part.

        As far as the selling goes, of course they should sell quality, in-demand products. Which is also why I mentioned (and have for years now) that affiliate marketing is a great way to start, for many new comers. That's also how many of the gurus we know of today started out.

        Learn selling the easy (or easier) way, by becoming an affiliate of an existing product that already sells well. Then, later, sure create your own quality product and sell that. Or do both.

        And, btw, they don't have to start by selling/promoting an IM product either. And, in many ways, it's better if they don't.

        Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

        I can't remember the last time I purchased a "product" or a "Tool" that didn't directly have an impact on my businesses.
        That should be the new mantra - or old new mantra - for every marketer/entrepreneur, especiall the new folks.

        Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
    Originally Posted by Killara View Post

    What I find amazing is that off -line, consumers have their cynic glasses on and most just tune out with sales spiels. Most of us can spot a touter a mile off. Yet, on-line, too many are just suckers.
    That's true. They probably also have the advantage of already having/starting/owning a business, which many newcomers to the IM world don't.

    Plus, it's much more expensive to start a business offline. So, many business owners are often on a tight budget as well as more cautious overall of what they invest in.

    I used to be one of them. I came from the direct-response/mail-order industry, where every penny was accounted for and everything was tested and tracked. Mailouts cost you a lot of money, so you would make sure you were using solid, tried-n-tested marketing fundamentals every time, and only selling quality products to targeted prospects/lists (which also cost a lot of money.)

    Originally Posted by Chris Silvey View Post

    Just wondering how you made a living off of IM back in 1995.

    Ebay was established in Sept 1995

    Paypal was established in 1998. There wasn't a secure online payment system before that.
    Oh, you are having me remember the dark days. lol

    Back then, you needed to purchase a merchant account, which cost a lot. And, a rep would come to your house to interview you and check out the place before approving you.

    They would give you one of those slidy-cardy machines. (Remember those? Offline buisnesses, restaurants all had them, and you needed carbon paper and all sorts of wonderful things to make it work.) They would also give you software to use online, for incoming orders. We'd have to ask customers to send us their credit card info via email - or via a web form. And, then you'd have to enter those CC numbers into the software one at a time...and then hit the button so your dial-up modem would transmit the info to the merchant account while making dog-awful noises. No wait, you did the transmitting in batches I think. Anyway, it was not fun is my point.

    We also accepted/received orders via check through postal mail. Oh, and CC info was also accepted via fax.

    I bet other old timers will enjoy thinking about all this fun stuff. lol

    In fact, this here Warrior forum/group also accepted checks via postal mail back then - in 1996. I think I may have joined with a check too. Not sure anymore.

    Bryan
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    • Profile picture of the author drmani
      Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

      We'd have to ask customers to send us their credit card info via email -

      Bryan
      3 separate emails. (Edit: I mean FOUR)

      4 digits per email.

      Just in case it gets into the wrong hands!

      Good times, Bryan

      All success
      Dr.Mani
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      • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
        Originally Posted by DianaHeuser View Post

        That's because I have so much learning to catch up on compared to you
        Oh stop it. You've been around long enough to know more than I do. Especially considering the fact that my IM model, for over 10 years now, has basically been "email marketing." lol

        I've stayed away from most other stuff. (Don't have a pinterest account and probably never will. Am on Linkedin, but I only log in to accept new friend requests. lol I could go on.)

        I did jump on the Twitter craze though (much later than most) but got bored very quickly. But, even that ended up being just another way for me to build a list and then sell to it.

        The only other thing that got me as excited as email marketing was/is Amazon/Kindle marketing, which again I jumped on fairly late, compared to some others. (It's barely even been a year yet.)

        By the way, I just noticed your signature. Very cool. (Speaking of, did you go through the last bonus report I sent out? If not, I really think you should check it out. It relates to your signature. ;-)

        Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat View Post

        I was selling antiques online in 1993. So how did I do that without eBay?
        Wow, you've got me beat!
        I came online in 1993, but didn't start marketing fully till 1995.

        Email, Usenet newsgroups, use of print publications such as the Antique Trader Weekly.
        Ah, newsgroups... I had forgotten about those...

        Originally Posted by drmani View Post

        3 separate emails. (Edit: I mean FOUR)

        4 digits per email.

        Just in case it gets into the wrong hands!

        Good times, Bryan
        Haha Fortunately, I never had to deal with the multiple email thing.
        I did give them the option to either use email, web form, fax, or just pick up the phone and call me.

        Yes, "good times" indeed. lol

        Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

        It is not the knowledge....it is having blueprint customed catered to the individual and the execution. Both of those are a b****
        Actually... believe it or not, there are even a few full-on blueprints in here. I'll look for those posts and add links for them to my original post, above.

        Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Jordan Rhodes
    Thank you for the advice Bryan. Too often I have simply bought eBooks or products I don't need. I should have spent my time learning instead.
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    It is not the knowledge....it is having blueprint customed catered to the individual and the execution. Both of those are a b****

    If there was a basketball training forum there would be a bunch of scattered information on how to be a great basketball player. Of course all of the people there want to be like Mike. Noone can teach you to be like Mike. The intangibles can't be taught, but, only experienced. This is where noobs get into a heap of trouble. They don't know what they don't know....

    They also don't know what works, what doesn't, what's fact, and, what's folklore. Then there is the issue of money. They'll buy information with a broad painted picture and in the real world those methods don't work because they don't know what they don't know. What's worst they'll never figure it out because noone will tell them the truth. Marketers keep the trade secrets in the backroom and if you aren't a part of the fraternity you'll always believe Guru A outsources brokers and is some kind of rainmaker.

    Meanwhile you can't feed your family or speak honestly to these people because they'll ignore your emails, mark them spam, or, respond with some generic answer as if their a freagin robot.

    Oh maybe I justed ranted
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  • Profile picture of the author rizanirama
    Good point Bryan,
    It's not the knowledge that make us success, applying the knowledge is the key. But we can’t just ask people to start selling something, we also have to concern about the quality of products being sold. Always remember that behind every money spent is a REAL person with REAL feelings and REAL hopes and dreams. Someone who has gone out and earnt the money they are now investing in your product. Good things happen when you stop looking at your sales as just money in the bank but instead focus on the actual people behind those sales.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Kumar
      Originally Posted by rizanirama View Post

      Good point Bryan,
      It's not the knowledge that make us success, applying the knowledge is the key. But we can't just ask people to start selling something, we also have to concern about the quality of products being sold. Always remember that behind every money spent is a REAL person with REAL feelings and REAL hopes and dreams. Someone who has gone out and earnt the money they are now investing in your product. Good things happen when you stop looking at your sales as just money in the bank but instead focus on the actual people behind those sales.
      Yes, we did discuss that in the followup posts. :-)

      This is not about creating more junk. It's about cutting down the junk - both the buying and selling of it... and instead, selling quality products.

      Bryan
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      • Profile picture of the author Stephen Root
        Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

        Yes, we did discuss that in the followup posts. :-)

        This is not about creating more junk. It's about cutting down the junk - both the buying and selling of it... and instead, selling quality products.

        Bryan
        Excellent thread, lot's of good stuff here. I agree with your point but what advice would you give to a newbie who is scared to create product that's junk because s/he doesn't know enough about the subject? I have had the pleasure of talking with many beginner marketers and they all feel that there's so much crap in their market that they are unwilling to create their own product before they know that one magic trick. The magic trick obviously doesn't exist but that still seems to be the thing they are waiting. I have tried to steer them towards affiliate marketing so they can get their feet wet at least.
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        • Profile picture of the author EdwinBrownJr
          Originally Posted by Stephen Root View Post

          Excellent thread, lot's of good stuff here. I agree with your point but what advice would you give to a newbie who is scared to create product that's junk because s/he doesn't know enough about the subject? I have had the pleasure of talking with many beginner marketers and they all feel that there's so much crap in their market that they are unwilling to create their own product before they know that one magic trick. The magic trick obviously doesn't exist but that still seems to be the thing they are waiting. I have tried to steer them towards affiliate marketing so they can get their feet wet at least.
          Being scared... I know what you are talking about
          There was a time when I was afraid to post on this forum
          because I didn't want to sound stupid or crazy
          or I was worried about what some else might think

          But I have conquered that one

          But selling products over and over again I haven't got to that stage yet

          I have set up plenty of sites were...
          I had the lead magnet
          I had the offer in place
          I had the up-sell ready
          I had a back-end too
          Then just had to add traffic to the offer
          and follow up

          but I didn't sell anything because of fear...


          but now I am starting to think there is a magic trick and it is to just sell crap...
          because crap can make you rich

          What I do mean by just selling crap and how it could make you rich
          well I could explain it to you but I probably would just screw it up

          So... I will let Million Dollar Marketer John Reese explain it too you
          in his World Famous Thread On The Warrior Forum
          How *Crap* Can Dramatically Boost Your Profits!

          -Edwin Brown Jr
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  • Profile picture of the author therichb
    Selling something brings you with more value & you can feel like a boss

    Lots of people who wanted to learn IM keep them busy buying or looking for stuff which is really not a good factor !!! Better they should concentrate on their expertise & become a master of one specific area.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      The problem is, too many people assume they don't have any knowledge to share, when infact everyone has.

      There's a gold nugget in everyones nut!

      It's just a case of finding it, then unleashing it!


      Daniel
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      • Profile picture of the author grover69
        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

        The problem is, too many people assume they don't have any knowledge to share, when infact everyone has.

        There's a gold nugget in everyones nut!

        It's just a case of finding it, then unleashing it!


        Daniel
        I love this because he gets to the quick of things. It's way too easy to get caught up in thinking "why would somebody want to read my material?" The truth is you just may be the person that describes or explain something in a way that really connects with a specific reader. And until you get something out there you have no idea how you can affect and help others.
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        • Profile picture of the author Thaddaeus T. Hogg
          Dadgumit Bryan, I shore nuff am gonna have to see some credentials fore I believe you! NAH, not really! You been around here longer than crickets been chirpin!

          I DO find it awful strange that you show up here about the time that ole Allan makes a post here. It has been a coon's age since either one a those thangs happened! There has always been rumors to the effect that you and Allen was one and the same person! All you done is get those rumors started again!

          For all those folks who might not be knowin Bryan Kumar, he been here bout as long as Paul Myers and they both wear the same shavin cologne!

          I will be tellin you this right now... when Bryan Kumar goes to sayin somethin, ole Thad's ears perk right up and take notice!
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          Thaddaeus T. Hogg, The Hillbilly Marketeer
          http://www.hillbillymarketer.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicole K
    People use only 10% of their brains and many are even proud to disclose it!

    Everyone has something useful to share and it doesn't have to be something related to IM. It could be from your daily experiences and how you made improvements with improvising through your own creativity.

    Even if you are rewriting something in your own words you are still creating some content of your own.
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    .
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  • Profile picture of the author Noobnoclue
    Bryan, I was going to buy your kindle WSO. But you just told me not too
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    • Profile picture of the author 10zen
      Originally Posted by Noobnoclue View Post

      Bryan, I was going to buy your kindle WSO. But you just told me not too
      Good thing he told you that.
      You don't need it. You want to make money.
      Start reading forum posts to learn instead.
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...desperate.html
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  • Profile picture of the author Paulz
    Bryan is right on
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  • Profile picture of the author Marco P
    Originally Posted by Bryan Kumar View Post

    Hi Warriors,

    Yes, I know it's strange for a marketer to tell you to stop buying stuff. But, I feel it's time for a reminder...and in some cases, a wake-up call...


    I haven't posted much here in the past few years, for reasons I won't go into right now.

    And, what I'm about to post below will probably annoy many people, especially if you're new to marketing, business and making money. (And, of course, it will annoy the scammers who are purposely taking advantage of the new folks.)

    But, if you listen to what I'm about to share, in just 2 to 6 months from now, you are going to be giant steps ahead of most people who don't read and follow this.

    Okay, here it is...

    You need to stop buying products and start SELLING something.

    I'm not the first person to give this advice. Many brilliant marketers who came before me have shared it.

    This applies to both new folks as well as those who have been here for a while.

    And, you don't need your own product to get started. (Heck, I know many marketers who never create their own products and make a nice income simply by promoting other people's products.)

    Next...

    If you're brand new (or even if you're not) and can't afford to buy any marketing/moneymaking products right now, anyway - even if it's $5, that means you don't need that product/knowledge right now.

    I realize it's strange for a marketer, on a marketing forum, to be telling you to NOT buy stuff. (Some will even think that I've finally lost it.)

    But, if you can honestly say that you can't afford to buy any products, even if you cut back on pepsi's or coffee or whatever, then I can honestly tell you that you do not need to buy any products right now.


    So, what should you do instead?

    Just start reading through the 100's of valuable posts in this here forum.

    There is more than enough solid, powerful moneymaking/marketing knowledge here to keep you busy for several months. (But, you only get a maximum of 3 months, for this round anyway.

    So stop buying, and start learning.


    THEN... start putting what you learn into action. Draw up a plan, set some deadlines, and get moving. (You can keep learning new stuff too, that's fine. But, you'll need to take action on the stuff you've already learned in the first 1 month, and up to 3 months, from now.)

    You don't need to invest a lot of time (nor money) to get started, either.

    If you don't have a web site, use the free blog interface at wordpress.org, or create a page on Facebook, etc.

    I know many marketers who are making good money by using the above two free sites.

    That's all.

    There are no excuses really. You don't need any money to get started.

    So, get started already. :-)

    Bryan

    PS. If you're wondering who the heck I am or what makes me qualified to give you any advice? Well, I've been selling online - and making a living off it - since 1995. So, I know at least one or two things about it. :-)

    EDIT: I will try to dig up some valuable existing posts that offer solid "start up" info, and post 'em here soon. (The first one that comes to mind is titled "If you're desperate" or something like that.)



    Thanks to BRYAN KUMAR for starting this Excellent thread

    I guess we all started buying and trying to learn from all and every single new WSO that comes out,and that's all fine (yon can always learn something new from the least imaginable place or in this case WSO).

    but the problem start when you get stuck "learning" and never make an effort to apply what you already learn.

    So like Bryan said "Stop buying stuff and start SELLING"
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