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Author Archive | Carol Heksem

Get More Visitors from Your Signature File

You know it’s smart marketing to place a signature file in your emails, in forum posts (where allowed), and at the end of guest blog posts and so forth. But what is your sig file saying about you? That you’re boring? That you and your business look like every one of your competitor’s businesses? Or does it stand out and grab attention? If getting more clicks and visitors to your offer is what you want, you must have a compelling signature…

Get More Visitors from Your Signature File

Here’s an example of boring:

“For The World’s Best e-Course on Driving Traffic to Your Website, Go to: sameoldsameold.com/wake-me-when-its-over

Sure, you’ll get a trickle of traffic. Maybe.

Instead, let’s apply some imagination and make a signature file that creates burning curiosity.

If your website is about weight loss, you might use:

“Click here to see a picture of my wife’s abs”

“Click here to see a photo of my ex when he saw me in my new bikini”

Notice in these examples we say to “click here to see a photo.” This phrase works really well at attracting clicks.

If your website is about building muscle, you might use:

“Click here to see me try to bench press my girlfriend”

“Click here to see me try to bounce a brick off my abs”

“Click here to see my wife try to beat a loud-mouth male body-builder in a push-up contest”

Notice all of these use the word “try.” That’s because we’re building suspense – Did I manage to bench press my girlfriend, or not? The reader has to click to find out.

Maybe your website is on dog training:

“Click here to see my dog chasing the mailman”

“Click here to see my dog greeting guests with a cold beer and a bag of chips”

“Click here to see my dog herding chickens into the living room”

Notice all of the verbs in these examples end in ing, as though the action is happening now, not in the past.

Using these techniques you should get far more people clicking the link in your signature line. Your job is to fulfill your promise on the landing page, thereby building rapport and credibility. Once this is accomplished, you then entice them further into subscribing to your list to get your outstanding freebie.

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Best Online Business Ideas

Best Online Business Ideas

Starting an online business has never been more appealing than in 2024. More people are shopping online, working remotely, and looking for digital solutions to everyday problems. This shift creates a bumper crop of opportunities for anyone ready to jump into the digital entrepreneurial pool. You’re not just limited to old-school online retail shops anymore. The landscape now includes everything from digital marketing services to online education platforms, and it’s expanding every day.

One of the biggest benefits of starting an online business is the flexibility it offers. Want to work from a beach in Bali? Go for it. Prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy café in New York? That’s cool too. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you’re good to go. Plus, online businesses often come with lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar businesses. No need to pay rent for a storefront or worry about stocking physical inventory when you can utilize dropshipping or digital products.

Why is everyone jumping on the online business bandwagon now? Trends are taking off that make it the best time to start. Mobile commerce is growing, with people doing everything from their phones. Social media platforms are becoming powerful marketing tools. The rise of remote work means there are more potential customers online at all hours of the day. These trends mean there’s a ready-made audience just waiting for your great idea.

If you’re considering starting one, now’s a brilliant moment to take the plunge. With the right strategy, a good idea, and some determination, you could carve out your niche and join the thriving world of online entrepreneurs. It’s exciting, and the potential for success has never looked brighter.

Top Online Business Ideas for Beginners

Setting up an online store is like opening your own little digital shop without worrying about physical space. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to start selling products people want. Whether it’s handcrafted jewelry or eco-friendly home goods, you get to decide what you want to offer the world.

Digital marketing services are booming. Every business wants to boost its online presence. If you’ve got skills in SEO, social media management, or content creation, why not put them to good use? You can help businesses grow their brand, increase traffic, and convert visitors into customers.

If you’re knowledgeable about something, why not share it? Creating and selling online courses or offering tutoring in a subject you’re passionate about can be a rewarding venture. Websites like Teachable or Udemy can help you reach a wider audience. Plus, you’re not tied down to a specific location or schedule – you set the pace.

Freelance writing and content creation are fantastic for folks who have a way with words. Businesses need blogs, articles, web content, and marketing copy. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients searching for talented writers. Imagine getting paid to do what you love while working from anywhere.

Advanced Online Business Opportunities

Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the most promising avenues for those with a knack for tech and problem-solving. By creating a software solution that solves a specific problem, you can attract a dedicated user base willing to pay for ongoing subscriptions. Think of services like Dropbox or Slack – they started with a simple idea and have become indispensable tools for millions.

Affiliate marketing offers a way to earn by promoting other companies’ products. It’s about finding a product you believe in, promoting it on your blog, YouTube channel, or social media, and earning commissions on sales made through your referral links. Sites like Amazon Associates and ShareASale can get you started.

Dropshipping is great for those who want to run an online store without dealing with inventory. You set up an e-commerce website, list products from suppliers, and when someone makes a purchase, the supplier handles shipping directly to the customer. It reduces risk and keeps overhead low. Platforms like Oberlo can help streamline the process.

Subscription box services are becoming the talk of the town. From monthly snacks to beauty products, people love getting curated boxes of goodies. If you have a niche you’re passionate about, creating a subscription box business can be a fun and lucrative venture. The recurring revenue model provides consistent income, and sites like Cratejoy can help you manage subscriptions and shipping.

Strategies for Starting and Growing Your Online Business

Choosing the right tools is a game-changer for an online business. From website builders like WordPress to email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, having the right tech stack can streamline your operations and make your life easier. Research and invest in tools known for reliability and ease of use.

Effective marketing strategies are crucial. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great for reaching your audience. Engage with your followers, create interesting content, and don’t be afraid to try paid ads to boost your visibility. SEO is another big one. Optimizing your website to rank higher in search engines can drive organic traffic and generate leads.

Every business faces challenges. Whether it’s dealing with competition, cash flow problems, or technical issues, it’s important to stay resilient. Join online communities, find a mentor, or even take a course to improve your skills and keep up with industry trends. Solutions are often just a conversation or a Google search away.

Success stories can be incredibly motivating. Look at entrepreneurs like Sara Blakely of Spanx or Brian Chesky of Airbnb – they started with an idea and turned it into a multimillion-dollar business. Their paths were filled with ups and downs, but perseverance and creativity paid off. Learning from those who’ve walked the path can give you insights and inspiration for your journey.

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Become an Internet Marketing Detective

At the risk of stating the ridiculously obvious, Internet Marketing is changing. Just because you’re making money today won’t guarantee you’ll still be making money tomorrow. There are the obvious examples: Possum, Penguin, Fred and what not. But then there’s new regulations, new technologies, changing interests and priorities of consumers, more competition (sometimes bad, sometimes good) and so forth.

Become an Internet Marketing Detective

Without a doubt, the money is still there to be made – but you might have to get creative and expand your horizons to find it. And when you do find it, don’t rest on our laurels. Don’t think you can set a funnel up and just ignore it and it will continue to deliver forever. You might wake up in a month or two and be shocked to find your account balance hovering near zero if you do.

That’s why you’ve got to always be on the lookout for great ideas, and even mediocre ideas that are profitable. Make it a daily practice to write down at least 3 or 4 new ideas for making money and growing your business.

What happens if you don’t walk for a week? Your legs atrophy. And your brain works the same way. Either work your brain relentlessly and it will get stronger, or don’t use it and it’ll harden into something useless.

The economy has been having it’s own set of challenges for years and while it’s better now for many people, there are still millions of people who are out of work or not making the money they used to make. So what are they doing? Many are turning to Internet Marketing. You might think this is bad because of increased competition, and it can be. But if you make a list of ideas on how you can capitalize on this, what will you discover?

First, these people will need training on how to do online marketing. That covers an entire realm of possibilities, including step-by-step courses and coaching.

Next, these folks will need help. They’re not going to be experts at everything from building websites to creating products to getting backlinks to designing product covers. So if you’re willing to perform services, there’s money to be made.

Remember the TV detective Columbo? He would be asking the suspect questions, always very polite, very nice, acting like he needed help in figuring out what happened. Only he was smart – he was playing the suspect right until the end. My favorite part is when he would be leaving the room, and the suspect would be breathing a sigh of relief. ‘Whew! Dodged that bullet’ the suspect is thinking. But then Columbo pauses at the door, or even walks out the door and then comes back in, and he puts his hand to his head like he just remembered something, and he says, “Oh, you know, I almost forgot, one more thing…” And then he’d nail the suspect with the real question, the one the suspect just didn’t have a good answer for.

This should be you. You’re a detective, always on the lookout for that “one more thing” that will make your campaign more profitable, that will increase your subscriber rate, that will double your conversions and so forth. Always be searching for the questions your prospects ask that lead to a breakthrough product. Always be asking, asking, asking “What do people want? What problem is keeping them up at night? What would they pay to fix, improve or eliminate?”

Get in the mindset of a detective and you’ll view the world differently. You’ll see things you missed a hundred times before. People will start to think you’re psychic or something. You’re not. You’re just asking questions and paying very close attention to the answers. And you’re using your brain – something a lot of people are too lazy to do.

Bottom line: Things are changing and they’re going to change a whole lot more. Fall asleep at the wheel and your business will crash. Rely on what worked before and you will go broke. Continue to provide the same old products and the same old solutions and you’ll find yourself standing still in the middle of a very fast race.

Be a detective like Columbo and you’ll always get your paydays.

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Successful Online Business Models

A business model is more than just a buzzword—it’s the blueprint for how a company creates value and makes money. In the digital age, the way businesses operate has transformed dramatically, introducing a variety of online business models that cater to different needs and niches.

Over the years, online business models have evolved to accommodate changes in technology, consumer behavior, and market demands. From the early days of simple e-commerce stores to the complex platforms and subscription services we see today, the landscape has become diverse and dynamic.

Understanding the range of online business models can provide a roadmap to success in the digital world. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or pivot an existing one, knowing the options available can help you make informed decisions and strategically plan your next steps.

It’s essential to remember there’s no single ‘right’ model for everyone. What works for one business might not work for another. Your unique goals, resources, and customer base will play critical roles in determining which model suits you best. The key is to be adaptable and willing to refine your approach as you learn and grow.

E-Commerce: The Powerhouse of Online Retail

E-commerce is undeniably a cornerstone of online business. It has reshaped shopping habits, connecting sellers and buyers across the globe with a few clicks. No matter what you’re selling, there’s space for you in this expansive marketplace.

E-commerce isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. You’ve got several types to choose from: B2B (business to business), B2C (business to consumer), C2C (consumer to consumer), and D2C (direct to consumer). Each model offers unique opportunities and challenges. Picking the right one depends on your target audience and business goals.

Crafting a successful e-commerce business involves more than listing products online. Prioritize a user-friendly website, seamless checkout process, and strong marketing strategies. Ongoing customer engagement and excellent customer service are also crucial for building brand loyalty and reputation.

Looking at some real-world success stories can be incredibly inspiring. Think of Amazon, which started as an online bookstore and morphed into a global e-commerce giant. Small businesses, too, have made names for themselves by carving out niche markets and delivering exceptional value. These stories show that with the right approach, the sky’s the limit.

Subscription-Based Models: Building Revenue Subscription through Consistency.

Subscriptions are like the golden tickets of the online business world. They offer a reliable stream of revenue by ensuring customers return month after month. This model is favored not just for its financial stability but for the lasting relationships it helps build.

One of the big perks of a subscription model is the predictability of income. Knowing what you’ll earn each month helps in planning and reducing financial anxiety. Plus, consumers appreciate the convenience and often the cost savings that subscriptions offer.Various industries have embraced this model successfully. Think of streaming services like Netflix, software providers like Adobe with their Creative Cloud, or even monthly subscription boxes that deliver everything from snacks to books. These businesses thrive by offering consistent value to their subscribers.Managing a subscription-based business isn’t without its hurdles. Maintaining customer satisfaction is key. If the value diminishes, subscribers can quickly cancel. Regularly updating offerings, listening to customer feedback, and ensuring great customer service can keep your subscribers happy and loyal. Keeping an eye on churn rates—how many subscribers you lose over time—is crucial, too. The goal is to always strive for improvement.

Platform-Based Models: Connecting Users for Profit

Platforms have revolutionized the digital age, creating spaces where users can connect, transact, and interact. Think of them as bustling hubs where the magic happens. Whether it’s a marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, a social media network fostering connections, or gig economy apps bringing service providers and customers together, the essence is the same: creating value by facilitating interactions.

Success stories abound. Platforms like eBay and Etsy made it big by offering marketplaces tailored to specific needs, while giants like Facebook turned social connections into gold mines. Meanwhile, Uber and Airbnb leveraged the gig economy, creating new ways for people to earn and spend money.

A crucial element of a platform-based business is the network effect. As more users join, the platform becomes more valuable for everyone. It’s a positive feedback loop—more users mean more value, which attracts even more users. But getting there requires balancing supply and demand and ensuring a smooth, valuable experience for all participants.

Engagement and loyalty are key. Keeping users coming back involves continuous improvement, meaningful interactions, and a community feel. Use gamification, rewards, and personalized experiences to hook users. And always listen to feedback—it’s the lifeblood of any successful platform.

Remember, building a platform is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to grow a user base and achieve that critical mass where the network effect really kicks in. Patience, persistence, and a focus on creating genuine value will carry you through.

My favorite E commerce is SFI.

Here’s to your success!

Carol Heksem

 

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Eliminate Brain Fog and Build Your Empire

One of the hazards they never bother to tell you about when you become an online marketer is brain fog. You know what I mean… you’ve been sitting at your computer for 10 minutes or 10 hours when you realize your brain is moving slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter.

Eliminate Brain Fog and Build Your Empire

And you know if you could just get your brain in gear, you could get a ton of work done today. But despite that 5th cup of coffee you still can’t seem to focus. What’s a marketer to do?

I take a cue from Nelson Mandela when this happens and I take a walk. If the weather is good, I get some sun on my face, too. Taking even just a 10 minute brisk walk outside can do wonders for your brain, and 20 is even better.

Did you know that making a habit of writing backwards with your non-dominant hand can create an abundance of new connections in your brain that make it work better, faster and more creatively? Leonardo Da Vinci filled entire journals with mirror writing – and you have to admit, the guy was no slouch when it came to intelligence or accomplishments.

Doing things that you don’t normally do, such as taking up a new interest or hobby, will also awaken sleeping parts of your brain. Make it a point to learn a new skill so well, you can teach it to others.

Try going to bed earlier. Most people don’t get enough sleep, and this is one of the biggest causes of brain fog. Sleeping in until noon isn’t good, either. As they say, moderation in all things. Get up at a decent time, drink water and exercise, and then get straight to work.

Take a mid-afternoon nap. Thomas Edison was a prolific napper and look at what he accomplished. And Winston Churchill – despite running a powerful country during a world war – set aside hours each day just for himself to nap, bathe, dress and eat in peace.

Take risks. If you’re taking a risk, it’s going to be something important to you. If it’s important, you’re going to have an enthusiasm for it. And if you’ve got enthusiasm, brain fog tends to vanish. Henry Ford believed that if you’re going to fail, you should do it fast and learn from it. In other words, stop dreaming and take some action. No one who base jumped off a bridge ever felt like they had brain fog at that moment.

Cut out the sugar. The more sugar you eat today, the more tired you will be later today and again tomorrow. It’s not worth it. No doubt you’ve seen the studies that suggest sugar is as addictive as cocaine. It makes for a great headline, but the bottom line is sugar is addictive and as we’ve known for years, it’s bad for you, too. Go 21 days without your favorite sweet tweets – whatever they may be – and see how you and your brain feel.

Bonus: When you cut out the sugar you’ll not only feel better, you’ll look better too. They did a double blind study where men were asked to rate the attractiveness of women. Those women who did not eat sugar the previous day were rated as being more attractive than those that did. Sugar not only makes you and your brain sluggish – it can also make you less beautiful or handsome.

Make health such a big priority in your life, you end up creating a product in the health niche and sell 100,000 copies. Why not? It’s been done before and it will be done many more times because there will always be people who are willing to pay to get their health and energy back. So let them pay you.

See what happens? I start out by writing a few ways to combat brain fog when you’re stuck behind a computer for too long, and I end up creating a new product.

It’s good to be an online marketer, don’t you think? The ideas are everywhere and the market for solutions never ends.

Now put away the candy and go take a brisk walk to clear your head. Then come back and get to work on building your online empire!

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9-Step Video Formula that Sells Like Crazy

It’s important to realize that with the exception of creating a video purely for entertainment purposes (cute kitten videos fall into this category) or simply to inform, in nearly every video you make, you are selling something.

9-Step Video Formula that Sells Like Crazy

Oftentimes you’re selling a click. You want them to click a link in or below the video that takes them to where you want them to go, whether it’s a squeeze page, a sales page, a blog or whatever.

Sometimes you’re selling them on picking up the phone. Sometimes you’re actually selling your product on that very page where the video appears. The point is, you’re selling something, and this is the common point for all videos and the basis of the video script I’m about to share with you.

NOTE: Even if you are making a purely informational video, I suggest you use at least a portion of this script because YOU ARE STILL SELLING. Now then, I can hear your thoughts:

“I’m not selling, I’m making a video to convey info only.”

But if you think about why you are creating a video ‘for info only,’ odds are one reason is because you want to appear as the trusted authority you are. Thus you are selling your viewers on YOU.

You’re also selling them on the material you are presenting. After all, what good does it do to teach something or demonstrate something if no one uses the information you’re presenting, or even believes that it’s true?

Thus when you are making videos, you are almost always selling something.

With that said, here’s the 9 steps to make a video that SELLS LIKE CRAZY…

Your first step is easy – decide what you want your viewer to DO. Do you want them to click an affiliate link? Go to a squeeze page? Make a phone call? Buy a product? Everything else is built on this, so if you’re not clear on what you want them to do, get clear.

The second step to creating your video is to know WHO you are creating the video FOR. Let’s say your video is promoting an affiliate product, and you want them to click a link that takes them to the sales page. (Not really recommended – You should try to capture their email address first and then show them the sales page on the exit regardless of whether they give you their email address.)

But in our example you want them to click your affiliate link. Ask yourself: WHO ARE THEY? Are they a 40 year old woman who needs to lose weight? A 65 year old man concerned about his health? A 22 year old college grad looking for a job? Figure out who it is that you’re targeting and get detailed. You might even create an avatar of this person, with age, gender, income, location, fears, desires, etc. The better you know your prospect, the better you can tailor your video to them.

Here’s where I see people go wrong: “I’m targeting all parents of all children.” That’s not targeting, that’s trying to throw a net over 3/4’s of the entire planet and it doesn’t work very well. Instead, choose to target specifically, such as young middle class parents of preschool children. Your video will be better for it, and parents of older children will actually respond BETTER than if you tried to target every parent on the planet.

This has been proven to work. Narrow down your niche and TARGET. Write down who your viewer is and then every step of the way, imagine you are targeting this video for that exact person because you are.

Third step: Research your visitor. Let’s say you’re targeting new parents – go to forums and find out what they’re saying, what they’re asking and how they’re asking it. Copy and paste some of their best quotes. Now go to Amazon and read the reviews of products similar to the one you’re promoting and again copy the best quotes. If you clean these up and use them in your actual video script, you will sound as though you know and understand their biggest concerns, worries, fears, dreams and desires.

And everyone wants to feel as though they’re understood. In fact, it’s crucial that you come across as someone who is very much like them, because people TRUST those who have a lot in common with them. Don’t believe me? If someone is a Republican, who are they going to trust – a Republican or a Democrat? The more you can sound just like they think, the more influence you will have on them.

Fourth step: Make the promise complete with a hook. You want them to watch your video but they’re not going to do it out of charity. You’ve got to make them a big promise in the beginning that will entice them into watching.

Let’s say you’re promoting a weight loss product – you might grab their attention by revealing the 4 So-Called ‘Healthy’ Foods That Are Secretly Making Them Fat, or the 1 Weird Exercise Trick That Burns 3 Times As Many Calories.

If you’re doing a product review, it’s not enough to say, “Here I Give My Honest Review of ABC Product.” Everyone does that, which is exactly why you SHOULDN’T do it. Instead, reveal “The diabolical technique on page 42 of the product that should be illegal.”

Which video would you watch – another boring review, or a video that actually reveals something you don’t know?

Mind you, if you use this technique in lieu of a typical review, you’re not going to reveal all of the contents of the product. But you can let a detail or two slip out, especially if you’re telling them WHAT to do and not HOW to do it.

This tells your viewer that you’ve actually looked at the product and you have inside information as to what’s inside. And it’s a great way to wet their whistle and get them wanting to know more.

So regardless of whether you’re selling a click or a product, lead with a big promise that contains a hook. What’s a hook? “22 Ways to Improve Your Golf Score” is a big promise, and “22 Ways to Dramatically Improve Your Golf Score Using Chicken Eggs” is a promise with a hook. The hook in this case is the chicken eggs – who wouldn’t be curious to know how the eggs come into play with improving golf scores? Even I want to know that, and I don’t golf.

What if your video is actually selling a product? Then you still want a big promise with a hook to get them to watch. You can’t really tell people, “Hey, go watch my sales video!” because no one wants to be sold. But you can certainly say, “Hey, here’s my video on the 7 foods that make you lose weight faster than a snowman in Florida.” I’d watch that video, and I bet you would, too.

Fifth step: Lead with a story. You’ve made your big promise with a hook, and you’ve targeted it to the exact person you want to reach. Now before you reveal your great info, it’s time to tell your story. Maybe you’re promoting a program on how to raise amazing kids. Your story could be how terrified you were that you were going to thoroughly screw up your own kids. Use quotes you found from the forums and Amazon reviews to help you write this.

Your story might be: “I researched and struggled and tried to find the answers but everyone just told me, “Hey, do the best you can.” And it was hard because I couldn’t seem to get through to my son and he was driving me crazy. But then I made a discovery and that’s when everything changed, and now I get comments all the time on what a terrific, confident parent I’ve become. Now my son listens to me and our relationship is amazing, and I want to share what I’ve discovered with you because I know it’ll help you, too.”

Sixth step: Next you tell them the secrets you promised in the big promise. But also tell them that those secrets are just the tip of the iceberg, and all the best stuff is found in the course you’re promoting or selling, or the free report you’re giving away.

See how easy that is? If you’re thinking, “Hey this is a lot of work,” then let me clue you in – the entire process can be done in an hour or two if you know your market. And what you’ll end up with is an impressive video that CONVERTS. So hang in there – we’re not quite done yet.

Seventh step: Educate – this one I actually covered briefly in step 6 – fulfill your big promise. If you said you would show them 3 ways to increase their bowling score by 20 points, then do it. But here’s the thing – as much as possible, tell them WHAT to do and not HOW to do it. You’re walking a line here, revealing some info but not too much info. You want to get them interested and excited to know MORE but not satiated. You’re building a hunger in them that can’t be satisfied until they take the action and get whatever product you’re promoting.

An example: Your big promise is 3 ordinary spices that speed up weight loss. In this case, you tell them the spices, but you let them know they have to be combined in such a way and at a certain time of day to be truly effective.

Or maybe you’re promoting a physical product and your big promise is to add points to their bowling game. You tell them they can instantly do this by simply wearing a special wrist cuff, but of course they have to buy the cuff for it to work.

Eighth step: Proof. The best way to use proof is to weave it throughout your presentation when possible. “Emma Jones of New Jersey has been an avid bowler for 14 years and was certain this gizmo couldn’t possibly improve her score. But ever since the day she put on the Wonder Wrist Band, her average has improved by 19 points and she refuses to bowl without it.” “Bill Heisenburg reports he was a total skeptic, until he used just the technique on page 142 to get a date with 3 gorgeous women in one night.”

Ninth step: Call to action. This one’s easy – tell them or suggest to them what to do. I don’t know how many times I see people forget to do this in their videos. It’s simple: “Click the link to discover how to ___” Whatever it is you want them to do, ask them to do it. It’s best not to get too pushy on this, by the way. Calls to action like, “If you want to know how a one legged golfer cut his golf score in half in two weeks, click here” tend to work well because you’re not actually telling, you’re enticing.

That’s it – the recipe to make an effective video that converts like gangbusters. Of course you’ve got to add your own special sauce, whether it’s your personality, your fun quirky nature, or whatever it is that makes your videos unique.

Use this script in good health, and it’ll make you plenty of money.

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Start (Before You’re Ready) to Succeed

There’s a ferocious killer that halts success more than anything else. This one success killer has ended the hopes and dreams of countless entrepreneurs. No, it’s not the lack of a great idea, inadequate funding or not knowing how to pull it all off. So… What is it?…

Start (Before You're Ready) to Succeed

It’s waiting to get started. Waiting for the perfect moment. Waiting until everything is just right. Waiting for permission from the marketing Gods to begin building your business.

Waiting has killed more businesses and deprived more entrepreneurs of their fortunes than anything else.

Which is why I propose this: Start now, BEFORE you are ready.

When you come up with a new idea, do you feel like you need to get everything just right before you can get started? Most people do – but the problem is you’ll never get everything just right. You will always find something else that needs doing before you can begin, and so you will never start. Or eventually, one day months from now, you will finally get started only to realize you’ve run out of steam and no longer have an enthusiasm for your venture. It’s too late.

So why not start now? When you wait you get sidetracked and distracted. You listen to feedback from people who tell you it’s a bad idea. You talk yourself out of it. Sometimes you just forget about it completely, and there’s another opportunity lost forever.

Worse still, when you wait someone else can get the jump on you. Realize this – every time you have a great idea, there are other people in the world having that same idea. Do you want to be the first, or do you want to be an “also ran?” Take action and you’ll be a prosperous leader instead of a follower begging for crumbs.

Be impatient. Figure out how to get your idea out there sooner rather than later, even if you’re not ready. Are you writing a book? Give away the first chapters or the first version and ask for feedback. Gather email addresses to let people know when the book is ready. Launch the first version as an inexpensive Kindle book, get more feedback and re-release it as a hardcover. You could have waited until you thought it was perfect and released it as a hardcover to start with, but you would have missed out on the buzz you created and the feedback you received to make it even better.

If you wait to start, you’ll go through the entire process of writing and perfecting and publishing the book before you even know if there is a market for it, before you know how it will be received and whether or not people will buy it. By waiting you could spend the next year of your life on a project that yields nothing but frustration. Had you started marketing it immediately, you could have course corrected along the way to create a product the market truly wanted.

No matter what you’re doing, you can start right now. Even the act of starting gives you a momentum that can carry you through to the end. Take the book – with all the feedback you receive along the way, you’ll write a book people love, so now you can start a coaching program based on the book. Should you wait until you get the coaching program just right? No! Start now and perfect it as you go.

One more benefit of starting now – enthusiasm. When are you the most enthusiastic: When you first think of an idea, or 6 months later? When you’ve already experienced some success, or when that idea has been sitting on a shelf? By starting today you immediately make progress and get feedback, thus building your enthusiasm even further. When you work in a vacuum getting ready to start, you lose enthusiasm.

All the greats start now, whether that means writing the business plan now, writing the first chapter now, setting up the website now, getting feedback from social media now, etc.

Whatever your new idea is, start now and in 30 days you will be well on your way to seeing your idea not only begin to come to fruition, but also succeed in dramatic fashion.

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Creating Great Content for BORING Niches

It’s a mantra you’ve heard time and time again – write great, interesting, exciting, sharable content. But what if you’re in a boring niche? Or working for a boring client in a boring niche? How do you get readers excited about mundane topics like locksmiths or plumbing, or even icky topics like personal injury lawyers or rash creams?

Creating Great Content for BORING Niches

Here are 10 tips to help you create interesting content ideas for even the most boring of niches.

1. First, change your perspective before you write anything. If you think it’s boring, your readers will, too. Everything is interesting if presented in an interesting manner. It’s simply a matter of finding the right angles to present your content. And the first step is to get fascinated in your topic so your enthusiasm will show in your writing.

2. Find the golden number nuggets. Dig out the industry statistics and find the fascinating bits that pull people into your story. Do you sell nails? How many nails go into building the typical house? Is your niche floor coverings? If you took all the carpet made in one month, how big of a city/state would it cover? Numbers fascinate when used in a way people can easily grasp and share with others.

3. Use stories and anecdotes. Let’s say you sell instructions on how to refinish furniture. “14 year old Annie was always the shy type, afraid to speak up and withdrawn, lacking confidence to do even the simplest of things. Then she got our beginner’s instructions for refinishing simple antique chairs. Within a month she’d finished her first project, and now a year later she’s refinished over a dozen pieces, resold 9 of them for substantial profit that she’s put away for college, and kept or given away the rest of the pieces. Most important of all, she’s gained a new sense of accomplishment and confidence which has spilled over into other areas of her life.” Wow, that’s pretty exciting!

4. Do a daily question and answer. Each day create an “ask an expert” blog post or video in which you answer one question. Create interaction, likes and shares by getting real people to ask questions through social media such as Facebook.

5. Talk about what’s wrong in your niche. Maybe legislation is pending that could hurt your industry, or someone in your niche is ripping people off. Be the leader and speak up about it. You’ll not only capture the attention of your readers – you’ll likely get links from other sites as people join the conversation.

6. Promote a cause. Sometimes when you run out of things to say about your business and your niche, it’s time to look outside of your business and find a cause to make your own. For example, a personal injury lawyer who’s helping homeless puppies and kittens to find new homes – that’s not only unexpected, it’s even warm and fuzzy – literally. And if your business is strictly virtual, you can still choose a cause and make it your own. Put real faces on it – furry or human – and tell why you and your business strongly support this cause. If you can choose a cause aligned with your business, so much the better. For example, a food niche might choose a program to feed the hungry, while a remodeling/building/decorating business might choose something like Habitat for Humanity.

7. Hold content contests. Get your readers to create content for you, based around the keywords you choose. The better the prize, the more entries you’re likely to get. Pick the top entries and then get them to get their friends to vote for the best one with retweets and Facebook shares. Publicize the contest to get more entries, more press and more backlinks.

8. Become a hub for industry content. Who says you need to write all of your website’s content yourself? Ask other industry leaders to contribute if they like.

9. Use images. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – people stay on your blog or website longer when you use interesting, compelling and relevant images.

10. Stretch. Okay, so your niche is car accessories – why not do an article on the top coolest cars in movies? Or maybe your niche is math tutoring – again, find the movies that use math and talk about those. It’s a great way to get your audience to relate to your products.

Even the most mundane of topics can become interesting – you’ve just got to find the right angle to write about.

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Earn Money From Home

Learn from Home

Today, I’m going to be talking about a major shift that’s happening right now – the rise of earning money from the comfort of your own home. The traditional nine-to-five grind is no longer the only game in town, and for many, the home office has become the new corporate cubicle.

So, what’s the big deal about earning money from home? Besides the obvious perks of working in your pajamas and avoiding rush hour traffic, there are tremendous benefits to be had. You’ve got the flexibility to create a schedule that fits your life, the potential to save on commuting costs, and the chance to craft a workspace that inspires productivity.

You’re going to find out about loads of opportunities that exist today, but let’s keep our feet on the ground. Not all that glitters is gold, and that’s certainly true when it comes to remote moneymaking schemes. I’m here to help you sift through the noise and focus on tried-and-true methods that can actually line your pockets.

If you want to harness the power of the digital landscape to maximize your earnings, stay tuned. Up next, we’ll explore how you can tap into your existing skill set, or even acquire some new ones, to make a steady income from the peace and quiet of your abode. It’s about turning your personal strengths into profit, without stepping out your front door – and trust me, there’s a lot to cover.

Maximizing Your Skillset for Home-Based Earnings

Now, you’re going to find out about turning what you know and love into a profitable venture from the comfort of your living room. After all, this isn’t just about having skills; it’s also about putting them to good use and making them visible to the right audience.

First things first, identify your marketable skills. These are the capabilities you’re good at that can also fetch a decent market rate. Take inventory of your skills, and don’t hesitate to ask peers or mentors for their perspective. That might include writing, web design, coding, tutoring, or graphic design, just to name a few.

Once you’ve pinpointed your strengths, consider boosting them with online courses and certifications. This step not only hones your skills but also provides you with credentials that increase your trustworthiness and appeal in the marketplace. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer a wealth of knowledge across multiple disciplines.

Another crucial element is networking, albeit digitally. Join online communities, forums, and groups that cater to your skillset and area of interest. Engaging with these can lead to opportunities you hadn’t anticipated. Plus, contributing to these communities can elevate your status as an expert in your field.

Lastly, don’t forget the power of an online portfolio or presence on social media. By curating a selection of your best work, you’re equipping potential clients or employers with a snapshot of what you’re capable of. Ensure these are updated and showcase the breadth and depth of your skills.

With your skillset refined and displayed for the world to see, you’re now ready to venture into the diverse ways to channel these abilities into a steady stream of income. Let’s explore how.

Top Legitimate Ways to Earn Money From Home

I’m going to share some of the most reliable methods that you can use to earn money from the comfort of your home. You’re going to find out about diverse options, ranging from active to passive income.

Freelancing is a great way to use your existing skills to generate income. Consider platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, where you can offer your writing, graphic design, or programming services. Your success as a freelancer relies heavily on building a robust profile and accumulating positive reviews.

If freelancing seems a bit daunting, you might be more interested in remote employment. Companies are constantly on the lookout for remote workers. Positions can range from customer service to specialized roles like developers or marketers. Websites like We Work Remotely and Remote.co can be starting points.

Creating digital products might be your jam if you’re into the idea of passive income. Write an eBook, design a course, or develop a piece of software. Once you put your product out there, with the right marketing, it can earn money while you sleep.

Remember, to avoid scams, always research any platform or opportunity thoroughly before diving in. Don’t worry too much about making a quick buck; prioritize legitimate opportunities that align with your skills and values.

Now, let’s talk about how to sustain this momentum. Once you’ve found your groove in earning money from home, the next big step is to keep it going and to see how you can grow further. That’s what we’ll unravel in the next section.

Sustaining and Growing Your Home-Based Income

I really hope that the insights shared here will serve as a trustworthy guide on your path to not just earning money from home, but making a thriving, satisfying career out of it. I’d love to hear about your progress, so feel free to share your experience and tips with the community.

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Do This When YOUR Idea is Already Taken

You’ve got a DYNAMITE idea for a new product and you can’t wait to get started on it – or maybe you already have. Then it happens: You see that someone else has beaten you to the punch and released a very similar product just last week. What should you do??

Do This When YOUR Idea is Already Taken

At this point many people will simply fold. They’ll scrap their product idea and begin a search for a new idea.

Then there’s the successful marketers who wouldn’t bat an eyelash just because someone else released a product like theirs. They would go ahead and finish their product and release it as soon as possible.

Do you know why? Two reasons: First, a successfully selling product on a particular topic means there’s room for another product on the same topic. And the reason there’s room is because of reason number 2: People who are deeply interested in a topic don’t buy just one book or just one course – they buy everything they can get their hands on.

In fact, the person who released their product ahead of yours did you a favor, because you can now see how well their product is selling. You can look for the information holes they forgot to fill and you can be the one to create a better product. You can also see what their price point is and act accordingly. If they’re priced at $17, you might want to shoot for a higher price and provide a much higher value. On the other hand, if they are selling their product at several hundred dollars, you can choose to become the affordable alternative.

So the next time you’ve got a great product idea and someone else beats you to the punch, you might want to thank them, and get excited!

One more thing – don’t be afraid to approach the other product developer and suggest doing a deal together. They might also be open to becoming your affiliate and sharing your offer with their list and customers. Yesterday’s competitors can become tomorrow’s partners.

Remember – competition can be a GREAT thing when you’re marketing online.

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