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17 Proven Ways to Boost Your Creativity

Whether you’re solving a problem, writing a blog post, crafting a review or creating your next product, creativity is one of your best tools for getting the job done with finesse and style. With that in mind, here are 17 methods anyone can use to become more creative.

17 Proven Ways to Boost Your Creativity

Free write – This is where you just start writing anything and continue to write as the words and ideas flow. At first it may be silly nonsense, but you’ll be surprised how fast your words and ideas can coalesce into something truly inspired.

Carry a notebook – By jotting down ideas as soon as they appear, two things happen. First, you don’t forget your ideas because you’ve got a written record. Second, the act of writing them down tells your subconscious that you want ideas, which will encourage it to give you even more.

Make lists – The very act of writing things down frees up your mind to be more creative.

Take breaks from your work – Get up, walk around, play 5 minutes of hopscotch – whatever. Just take a breather.

Get up and go – Leave your computer at home, take your notebook and get away from the office. Go anywhere – a park, the mall, a coffee shop, a museum – just get out, get away and soak up some different surroundings.

Get near water, especially if it’s moving – Studies show that being near moving water floods you with negative ions, which makes you feel good and can boost your creativity. Remember how you get some of your best ideas in the shower? That’s part of the reason why.

Talk nice to yourself – Positive self talk on how creative you are will produce more ideas. Beating yourself up for being a dummy won’t.

Have caffeine – If you don’t normally drink caffeine, one cup of coffee or tea can have remarkable effects on your thinking.

Clean off your desk – Nothing stifles creativity like a messy, cluttered desk.

Read something different – Read an article on a topic you know nothing about, a page out of the dictionary, a chapter out of a random book, etc. Learning outside the box can trigger many new ideas for you.

Practice writing or bouncing a ball with your non-dominant hand – This can help activate the connection between the two sides of your brain.

Be open to new ideas – All too often we dismiss an idea before giving it a real chance. Even if you think it’s a bad idea, try playing devil’s advocate and find all the reasons why it’s a good idea – you might be surprised.

Collaborate and mastermind – Two heads are better than one, and 5 are better than 2. Form a mastermind group, present a problem, and then let the ideas flow. The only rule: No one shoots down an idea.

Sleep on it – Give your subconscious your problem or need: “I need 3 new blog post ideas by tomorrow morning.” Then let it go and see what your subconscious finds for you.

Make friends with mistakes – When you goof up or make the wrong decision, realize it’s not the end of the world. It’s simply something that didn’t work at the moment. This allows your creativity to continue to flow.

Purposely break rules – Don’t break the big ones like “do not steal,” but do break the little ones like “this is what a blog post / new product / video should look like.”

Be you – Don’t worry about what others might think because no great idea is without naysayers anyway. In fact, if everyone thinks your idea is great, then it’s probably not.

One last tip: Ask “Why?” and “Why not?” a lot. Oftentimes we just accept things as they are, when there could be a whopper of an idea just staring us in the face the whole time.

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Beginners Guide To Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing might sound complex at first glance, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you break it down. At its core, it involves promoting someone else’s product or service and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link.

The fundamental idea is simple. You, the affiliate, market products through various channels like blogs, social media, or YouTube. Each product has a unique tracking link, and whenever someone clicks on that link and makes a purchase, you get a cut of the sale. It’s a win-win for both parties.

Understanding the jargon can be a bit daunting initially. Terms like ‘affiliate link,’ ‘commission,’ ‘conversion rate,’ and ‘cookie duration’ will pop up often. An affiliate link is a unique URL given to you as an affiliate. The commission is the percentage of the sale you earn. The conversion rate is the percentage of people who click your link and actually make a purchase. Cookie duration refers to the length of time a tracking cookie stays active, allowing you to earn a commission if the customer makes a purchase within that period.

Affiliate marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are various models out there. Some programs pay per sale, others pay per lead or even per click. Pay-per-sale works great if you have an audience ready to purchase. If you’re building trust, a pay-per-lead model, where you earn money for getting people to sign up or fill out a form, might be better. Pay-per-click compensates you for every click on your affiliate links, regardless of whether there’s a sale. Choosing the right model depends on your goals and your audience’s behavior.

Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing

Venturing into affiliate marketing can be an exciting journey, particularly when you start by identifying your niche. Think about what excites you or where your expertise lies. This could be anything from tech gadgets to fitness gear. Picking a niche you genuinely care about not only keeps you motivated but also makes your content more authentic.

Choosing the right affiliate programs is crucial. Look for programs that align with your niche and have a good reputation. Read reviews and check the commission rates. Some programs offer higher payouts but require more effort to convert, while others have lower commissions but higher conversion rates. It’s about finding a balance that suits your goals and effort.

Setting up your online presence is the next significant step. You have options like creating a dedicated website or leveraging social media platforms. Websites give you more control and storage for content, while social media channels can provide quicker engagement and reach. Your choice depends on your preferred style of communication and where your potential audience spends their time.

When planning your initial investment, budget wisely. You might need to spend on a domain name, hosting services, website design, or even advertising. Start small and scale as you learn what works. The key is not to overstretch your finances in the beginning. Smart budgeting ensures sustainability, making it easier to stick around long enough to see the rewards.

Creating Quality Content that Converts

Knowing your audience is half the battle. Dive deep into understanding their needs, problems, and preferences. The more you know about them, the more effectively you can tailor your content to resonate and address their pain points.

Valuable and engaging content is the backbone of successful affiliate marketing. Offer your readers real value, whether it’s through informative blog posts, how-to videos, or honest product reviews. Shallow content won’t cut it—people crave depth, insights, and practicality.

SEO is your best friend here. Use relevant keywords naturally in your content. Well-optimized articles can increase your visibility on search engines, driving more traffic to your affiliate links. But be careful not to overstuff your content with keywords; balance is key.

Transparency builds trust. Clearly disclose your affiliate relationships. Let your readers know that your content may earn you a commission if they purchase through your links. Honesty reinforces credibility and fosters a loyal audience.

The right mix of educational and promotional content can make your affiliate marketing efforts more effective. Educate your audience first—solve their problems, answer their questions, and then subtly introduce your affiliate products as solutions.

Tracking Performance and Scaling Your Efforts

To make your affiliate marketing efforts count, tracking performance is essential. Several tools can help with this, such as Google Analytics, which provides insights into visitor behavior, and affiliate dashboards, where you can monitor clicks, sales, and commissions. Accurate data helps you understand what’s working and where you might need to tweak your strategy.

Focus on key metrics like conversion rates, click-through rates, and return on investment (ROI). Conversion rates tell you the percentage of visitors who take the desired action, such as making a purchase. Click-through rates show how often your audience clicks on your affiliate links. ROI helps you measure the profitability of your efforts. These metrics provide a snapshot of your campaign’s health.

Adjust your strategy based on the data. If a particular piece of content or affiliate product isn’t performing well, don’t hesitate to make changes. It might mean updating your content, trying new keywords, or even switching out the affiliate program. Being flexible and responsive to data is a smart way to optimize your efforts.

Scaling your efforts can lead to bigger rewards. Once you have a strategy that works, look for ways to expand. This could mean diversifying your content types, targeting new audiences, or exploring additional affiliate programs. Growth often requires reinvestment of resources, whether it’s time, money, or both, so plan accordingly to ensure sustainable scaling.

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15 Free Ways to Get More Blog Post Views

You’ve written a truly terrific blog post. In fact, you’ve written dozens of them – yet your traffic still looks more like a ghost town than the bustling metropolis you were hoping for. Here are 15 ways to drive traffic to your blog posts without monetary cost.

15 Free Ways to Get More Blog Post Views

1. Add social sharing buttons to your posts. The easier it is for your readers to share your posts, the more likely they will do so.

2. ASK your readers to share your content. At the end of your post, you might write something simple like, “If you found this helpful, please share.”

3. Build up your own contacts. Make list building a priority so you can capture as many visitors as possible. Encourage people to join your list, follow you on social media, etc. Use bribes and offer great info to get them on board, then take good care of them to ensure they stay with you. When you write a new post, ask them to not only read it, but share it liberally with their own networks.

4. Email your list each time you post great content. This one seems too obvious, but it’s surprising how many bloggers don’t do it. Make sure your email is optimized for all sizes of screens. And rethink the timing of your email. It used to be that first thing in the morning was best, but now that people are deluged with marketing emails, later in the day when they’re not so rushed might be better.

5. Build up your V.I.P. Contact list. Make friends with those in your niche. Promote their blog posts and their work. Build relationships. When you write posts, they’ll want to reciprocate and promote you as well.

6. Link to websites, blogs and authors who have large social media followings. In your blog post, find ways to mention these folks in a positive way. Maybe you reference one of their posts, or a technique they’re using. When your blog post goes live, send them a message letting them know you mentioned them. Often they will tell their followers and you could get a nice flood of traffic along with a new contact.

7. Do a case study on someone successful. This could be one of those bloggers in your niche with a large following. Analyze what makes them so successful, do an interview with them, get quotes from their followers, etc. Again, you’ll get a big surge of traffic when they promote your post to their followers, plus you’ll have a new friend.

8. Target a specific blogger. In this case, you’re choosing a topic that you know is near and dear to a particular blogger. Perhaps the easiest way to do this is to look at their recent posts, find one that was emotionally driven, and write your own post about the topic. You might point out in your post how this blogger was right about the topic, but use a slightly different angle on the story. You’re not copying what they did, you’re taking it up a notch or moving it in a different direction.

9. Get influential opinions. When you’re writing a post, email a pertinent question to several influential people and ask their opinion. Everyone loves to give an opinion, and unlike a full-fledged interview, it only takes a couple of minutes to answer. Then quote these people in your post and let them know when you post it. Odds are they’ll share it with others. Added bonus: Placing movers and shakers in your posts also increases the chances of your post being shared by readers.

10. Use quotes from personalities in your niche. This one is really easy to do and it doesn’t even have to affect the flow of your post. Simply find appropriate quotes from leaders and shakers in your niche and insert them between sections of your post where appropriate. It’s a great way to visually break up the copy and you can link the quotes back to the original author. Be sure to let the authors know you quoted them.

11. Write lists. You might list the “10 most influential people in your niche,” for example, and link to all ten influencers. Posts like these tend to get shared a great deal.

12. Use infographics in your posts. Yes, it takes extra effort and / or money to generate an infographic, but the results can be powerful. People love infographics and are more likely to share them with others. And if you’re on Pinterest, you’ve already seen how viral infographics can be.

13. Go negative. Write a blogpost on the things you’re doing or have done wrong, or the mistakes people are making. Fear of loss is greater than desire for gain. People are more likely to read and share “10 things you’re doing wrong” than “10 things you’re doing right.” Just don’t go too negative or you’ll turn people off.

14. Be contrarian. If everyone else thinks one way, make an argument the other way. Be polite, be nice, but clearly state your case, your evidence, and why you think the way you do. If it’s a topic people care about, your post is very likely to go viral. Be ready for a major traffic surge as well as many heated comments on both sides of the issue.

15. Present one post in several different ways via social media. Let’s say you have a post on how to raise pigs. Different sections of the post might include: Choosing the piglets (or birthing the piglets, if you own the sow), feeding them when they’re young, housing, feeding when they’re older, exercise, training, things to watch out for, health issues, etc. Each of these topics can be individually highlighted in social media, so that you have several different ways to promote your post instead of just one.

If you spend as much time promoting your post as you took writing it, you should see a dramatic upturn in your traffic. One good rule is to do 5 things every day that promotes a post on your blog. Make this a habit and traffic will never again be an issue for you.

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5 Simple Tips to Get Your Content Shared

Well over 5.5 million gigabytes of content is currently being shared daily through social media and email. Want to grab a piece of that viral pie? Here are 5 tips to help get your content moving into new hands and seen by many new people every day.

5 Simple Tips to Get Your Content Shared

Use Great Headlines. This one’s a no brainer, yet it’s the biggest mistake marketers tend to make. Your headline should be short enough to be readable, long enough to be interesting, interesting enough to instantly grab attention, and the more curiosity it provokes, the better.

Use a Story. “Buy this great product” is never going to get shared as often as, “The Customer Service Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Redhead Finds Bliss in a Bottle.”

Use Visuals. Relevant, interesting visuals grab attention, heighten interest, tell a story, make content stand out in social media… do I need to go on?

Use Humor. Nothing gets shared as much as something that makes people chuckle – or better yet – laugh out loud. Find ways to insert humor into your content, both in the words and the visuals, and your shares will immediately go up.

Make It Easy to Share. Add buttons for each of the main social networks. The idea here is to keep the sharing process as easy and simple as possible. Even one extra click can result in no shares.

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Conquer Your Fear of Failure in Business

Personal question: Is it possible that you already know everything you need to know to be successful online – but something other than knowledge is holding you back?

Conquer Your Fear of Failure in Business

If it’s as simple as the mechanics of online marketing – setting up websites and so forth – you can always hire someone to do that part for you.

But if it’s a lack of confidence, or fear of failing that’s holding you back – then it’s up to you to squash that particular bug, or at least quarantine it to the furthest corner of your house.

And if the thought of failing is enough to keep you from starting your online empire, then welcome to the club. Fear of failure is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to success. Fear of failing is so oppressive and destructive, it can cause you to willingly set aside your dreams – forever.

So why do we fear failure so much? It goes back to life experiences that inadvertently taught us it’s better not to risk, than to risk and lose. When you fail at something, it’s natural to worry what other people will think about you and if they will lose interest in you. You worry about how smart and capable you are, and whether you can effectively pursue future endeavors. In fact, when you fear failure you’re actually worried about an entire host of possible outcomes, most of which will never come to pass no matter how many times you fail.

But the mind isn’t rational, and simply talking yourself out of being afraid doesn’t work any better than trying to manifest an iron will.

The secret to overcoming fear of failure? There are several, but I’ll give you one here that you can use right away.

Experiments in the 1970’s showed that there are two distinct groups of children when it comes to learning new skills. There are the “ego oriented” children whose main concern is to not lose face in front of their friends. Some of these children fear failure so much they invent ways to get out of the activity, do the activity in such a way that they cannot fail, or make it impossible to succeed so that failing doesn’t hold a stigma.

The second group of children is what they term “mastery oriented.” These kids don’t care as much about losing face as they do about acquiring a new skill. In fact, they realize that initially failing is simply a part of the process of learning and take it in stride. These kids are happier and succeed much faster than those who fear failing.

Thus, if you can change your focus to acquiring a new skill and deciding that no matter what happens along the way, you’re going to enjoy the process – you are on the way to overcoming your fear of failure.

Gradually Overcoming Your Fear of Failure

You might start small with something that doesn’t hold a great deal of significance, such as learning a new game. Let’s say you’re going to take up billiards for the first time in your life. Your focus would be on learning how to hold and shoot the cue, the angles to use, the rules of the game and so forth. When you miss a shot or scratch, it’s no big deal because you know that’s part of the process and you’re just learning.

You might be astonished at the difference it makes. You’ll be happier, you’ll have less stress, and you’ll learn your new skill much faster.

From here you might stretch yourself further by doing things that scare you. For example, if you’re a shy person you might ask 15 strangers a simple question (“Do you have the time?”) in the space of 30 minutes. Note how you feel after the exercise. Odds are you’ll not only have conquered a fear of talking to strangers, you’ll also get a boost of confidence, which leads us to our next point…

Are You Lacking in Confidence?

You’ve got a great idea for a new business, but frankly you just don’t have the guts to go for it. Or maybe you do decide to go ahead with your idea, but then someone says it’ll never work and you chuck the whole thing. Why? Low self confidence. This goes hand in hand with the fear of failure.

So why doesn’t someone have enough confidence in themselves? Usually it’s because they judge themselves unworthy, or they see major disconnects between what they think they’re capable of and what they’re actually doing.

Growing Unshakable Self-Confidence, Step by Step

The good news is, self confidence can be raised with every new challenge met, no matter how small. Remember the exercise to talk to 15 strangers? I can almost guarantee your self-confidence to talk with strangers will be significantly raised after you do this.

In fact, if you will make it a habit to do one thing every single day that is out of your current comfort zone, you will find that your confidence improves immensely within just a few short weeks.

Make yourself a list of all things you’d like to do that you’re not doing. Maybe you’ve wanted to join a group, take up a new hobby, try a different sport or go to a fancy nightclub. Maybe you want to get better at talking with the opposite sex, or at making friends, or get better at making online contacts. Maybe you’ve wished you could get 5 minutes with the big guns in your niche, or regularly post to forums and blogs.

Whatever it is that you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t, put it on the list. Even small stuff like taking a walk around your neighborhood and ringing doorbells of neighbors you haven’t yet met can go on the list, as well as chatting up that stud or beautiful woman who works in the supermarket. Write down everything you can think of that you’ve been holding back on. Add in skydiving if you’re inspired to do that kind of thing, and keep adding to this list daily as you think of new things.

Now that you’ve got your list, pick one thing and do it right now. That’s right – do it now, or at least before you go to bed tonight.

Notice a difference in how you feel about yourself? You should.

When we don’t do the things we wish we would do – for whatever reason – we lose self-esteem. But when we finally do those things, not only do we become more self-confident, we also find we’re happier, more fulfilled and more ready to take on even bigger challenges.

You’ll notice that most of the examples I’ve given haven’t been IM related. That’s because raising your confidence in any one area can help you in all other areas as well. When you have success learning tennis, you can use that boost in confidence to tackle website building or product creation. And when you overcome your fear of talking to strangers, it gets easier to network on Facebook with people you don’t know.

One last thing – it’s far better to take multiple baby steps than try to overcome the world in a day. Making slow, steady progress anchors your triumphs and makes it that much easier to achieve a little bit more tomorrow.

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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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