I meet two kinds of entrepreneurs at conferences.
The first are the people hoping to get rich quick. They listen to the speakers and they make notes but what they're really hoping is that someone will let slip a giant secret that will enable them to make a huge sack of cash. Their aim is to retire within a year and spend the rest of their life on the beach.
Those are the people who ask me to promote their products - products I've never heard of, created by people I've never met, that do things less effectively than other products already on the market.
They're going to be disappointed.
The Web doesn't work that way.
The other type of entrepreneur understands how the Web works.
They understand that building an online business starts slowly. They create content. They optimize their ads. They focus on traffic generation. Little by little, with a steady supply of good content, by following their stats and learning the techniques that maximize ad revenue, their site grows. It might take a year. It might take longer. But with perseverance and hard work, they end up with a site that has a steady flow of loyal readers - and a reliable stream of revenue.
Then, once they've got a community that knows them, they focus on cementing that community. Through chatting and networking on social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, they give their readers a chance to like them. When that happens, they'll also trust them. At the same time, they look to automate the processes of their website -- the content writing and the ad campaigns - so that the site largely runs itself, freeing them to expand the business.
That's when they start looking to promote larger value items. Instead of just creating blog posts and earning from the ads, they invest their time in information products that take longer to prepare and research but which cost more to buy and strengthen their brand. They learn how to launch them, promote them and distribute them.
Finally, they look to branch into other areas, growing their base and learning new skills and techniques all the time.
It doesn't happen quickly and it doesn't happen easily. But it can happen if you're prepared to put in the time and effort to make it happen. It's how the Web works.
This a great post. Although I don't have much experience in web marketing but I know that every word is true. There are lot of people out there to misguide newbies with get rich quick schemes that should be avoided.
You,re right Joel.Some people are starters but never really finish anything. They are people who want to succeed but never really quite get there. It boils down to commitment. When running a home-based or internet business, you have to be committed and disciplined. According to one success story, "I learned when marketing my internet business that commitment is a real key component. Having action plans, calendar of events, step-by-step instruction, and check lists have really helped with marketing my internet business successfully".That why i,m learn from below now.Because i want to learn.
So true Joel,
I have also met the people looking for the "IT" that will lead them to personal fortune, me being one in the past, and I have to agree that it does not exist. Life doesn't work that way and neither does the internet. I like the way you explain the path of internet success. It is comparable to all of life and anything that is going to last has to be built. It takes time and persistence to have that lasting profit stream.
Beautiful post!! It's always hard to begin a new project and basically takes time, effort, decision and action. But we have to remember things like this to continue and grow to our full extend. People always want to get rich right away but the processes online are different and take time to accomplish... Good reminder!
You're right on, Joel! I get new team members who are so eager and motivated and then their enthusiasm subsides just about as quickly as when they signed up to become a distributor. They want the money (don't we all?), but true entrepreneurs know that it takes time to build a business, it takes time to build great content for your blog, and it definitely takes time to get noticed on social media. Terrific post!
Janette
Too true - I first started my online business almost 5 years ago & remember celebrating when I made my first $100 in a month.
Then I just couldn't see how I would ever make any decent money online but, as you say, with perseverance & commitment it eventually pays off but it doesn't happen overnight.
There is no easy and fast money, you are right Joel. Some people always try to have get quick rich methode and do anything just to have it. They must read your post.
Thanks Joel,
Your honesty is one of the main reasons you have been so successful and cherished by many of us.
Joel, I have great respect for your opinion. Also,my belief and experience says you are right. Takes longer than I though! However, I have a passion for family reunions and am determined to "hang in there". My new theme for 2010 is to "make every family a reunion family".
you are right...making money online is not magic and takes learning and practice...thanks for sharing...and it sure takes time
Hi Joel, your post is really good, I'm writing a blog, but I'm in the mistake you say here, thinking in make money quick, but I really love to write about I do it, and now I understand the things doesn't work as I thougth, this is a career a passion, I´m going to keeep visiting your site I really want to learn about it.
Joel:
yo llevo más de un año en mi web y veo cómo va creciendo poco a poco. Yo fui uno de los ingenuos que pensaba que se podia hacer dinero fácil en cuestión de meses. Cuesta entender el hecho de que hay que trabajar mucho y ser constante para que funcione un sitio, pero es la única manera. Una vez que uno entiende esto recién empieza a trabajar de manera seria. Lei tus libros y te felicito, me ayudó mucho
You're so right Joel! A lot of people seem to be looking to get rich quick.
I just launched my first product and I'm happy to say everything's going great!
I'm very passionate about what I do and really love showing people how to make money. I believe those two things are a big part of why my launch has been successful.
!
John
Thanks for the great post
There is really no short cut to success and the sooner these opportunists realize it the better it is. From my own experience I've met marketers who have not been honest with me and they belong to a category of people who will do anything to secure a sale. Often it is belonging to a community and building relationships with other marketers that help us identify these black sheep.