Everywhere I go, people ask me how they can make money online.
Every time I show up at a conference, I am swamped with people interested in owning their own Internet business.
My Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts receive contact from people on a regular basis. Emails, tweets and submitted forms are always asking what tips I can provide for those who want to learn my strategies.
Yes, even my email box is regularly under assault by those eager to learn something that can help them generate cashflow on the web.
Now, before I go down this road there is something I want you to know.
My goal is to bring value by providing strategies and techniques that actually work... provided you do the work!
And that's where the breakdown happens.
The vast majority of people who invest in Internet marketing training material never do anything with it!
It's called "I want this but I don't want to lift a finger" syndrome, better known as IWTBIDWTLAF (for those who enjoy acronyms)
It's pretty common amongst the human race. And we're all guilty of having good intentions and not following through.
Think about it.
Have you ever purchased exercise equipment that you haven't used?
Have you ever bought nutritional supplements and left them on the shelf until they spoil?
Have you ever bought a book at the store and never cracked the cover?
I'm guilty of all of the above, so I get it.
But as a service provider who wants to see people succeed, it is hard to watch knowing that a segment of the population paying for your goods or services will never lift a finger to see benefit from it!
I've been doing business online since 1995. I know a few things, and I share much of the wisdom I have gained from my own experience in my products.
My Elevate Blueprint Internet business course is amongst the best in the industry. You'd be hard-pressed to find better training for those serious about building a serious Internet business. Those who have participated in the training and apply it to their own business confirm that it is the best training available.
My Top One Report monthly magazine is the absolute best publication in all of Internet marketing. We offer people a trial issue for $1, which converts to just $29.95/month afterwards. Subscribers know the value they receive and are happy to continue paying the monthly subscription fee.
And my online training course, The Profit Vault, is a great way for anyone to get started building their online business... provided they do the work!
And there's the rub. Too many people who purchase these products never lift a lazy finger to actually do anything with them. In fact, our records show that 80% of people who sign up for member sites NEVER login to consume the material?
At conferences, there are some people I have turned away and discouraged from purchasing my products because I could tell they didn't understand what they were getting in to.
But for the most part, I can't pick and choose who purchases my products. I can only hope they understand the investment they are making and that they have what it takes to commit to their own success.
What's the bottom line?
If you just want to make yourself feel good by buying a product that can help you, but you aren't planning on actually implementing what you learn, don't bother buying it.
Honestly, I don't need your money if you are not going to put these products or services to good use.
There is a reason I call my physically-printed magazine The Top One Report. It's because only the top one percent of those who invest in my products will actually find the success they hope to achieve.
What's the difference?
They understand that little four letter word which paralyzes so many... W.O.R.K.
There is no "easy button."
There is only drive, determination, and persistence.
Is this the stuff you are made of?
If not, don't buy my product. You won't be doing anyone a service.
But if you are SERIOUS about your online success, I encourage you to invest in my products. They work if you do.
What say you?
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
October 12, 2009 04:27 PM
You hit the nail on the head Joel!
WORK...Follow-up, Follow-thru. Never stop dreaming and never stop learning and implementing what you buy. Thanks for the good word and encouragement!
October 12, 2009 05:37 PM
I think the main problem is those squeeze pages and videos that make the product or service look like I almost don't need to lift a finger.
So I guess in a nutshell the first problem I have is making the product look better or easier than it really is.
That's strike 1!
Next is not telling me what the product is or what it does unless I signup for an email list. I still kinda consider it spam because I was only interested in knowing about product #1, not products #2 through #2,874.
That's strike 2!
And finally.....Giving stuff just to get the next product/service in the consumer's hands? How about I just pay for what I want/need at a reasonable price? Whatever happened to that? I have a need, and somebody has a perfect solution for me. Sounds simple enough to me. I'd rather pay maybe $20 or $30 more for something I'm going to use than pay $10 less for a package deal with a bunch of free stuff I'll never use, or have the time to look at.
That's strike 3! Game over!
October 12, 2009 06:42 PM
Joel, Thanks for your regular articles! I also thank you for giving me advice while you were at Henderson Hills. Yes, Joel Comm played congas!
October 12, 2009 06:48 PM
I thought it was a Danish Only-problem that people wanted to make money online, but didn't take action, but reasontly I joined a competition online (Marlon Sanders). We could win a great product, if we made 4 short videos. We were only two persons who actually took action and entered the competition. I was shocked!
October 13, 2009 04:16 AM
I know you couldn't get anywhere by being impulsive. Emotions are really powerful, this could push you to do things which apparently make you regret later. Although, logical and emotional centers are both in the head, we should shut down our emotions and be logical in making a business decisions. We must realize that without actions great guides to success such as Joel's will not make as a dollar richer.
October 13, 2009 05:19 AM
Thanks for the post Joel.
I bought your "Instant Resale Templates" (or something) a while back and NEVER did anything with it... my fault, not yours :) and that included the upsell !!!!!
We work at our online business, or we work in our jobs when someone tells us we MUST !!
Those are the options... and one of the options SUCKS !!
Regards.
October 14, 2009 12:17 AM
Hey guys,
I just wanna tel you it takes a great guts & courage to post with this title & really mean don"'t buy". But I know, it ain't bout you or your business, you know. I can so clearly see the urge to make a difference in lives of your consumers & that' what supports the work to convert it into results.
I think it is worth an applause, man!
October 14, 2009 04:39 AM
Darn good kick, Joel. :-)
So true indeed. I am also amazed at how little action people take. You bring them quality content, and they won't even make the smallest of efforts...
But pessimism about earning money online is everywhere because they like to bring their negativity all over the place.
Good to hear a direct message that could CHANGE people's perspective for the better. Well done. :-)
October 14, 2009 10:24 AM
Hi Joel
You know you are so right. I have hundreds of program and no money. Not because I don't do the work. Nothing has worked for me. Oh well I will keep trying. The other day I read something that made sense to me "I am only getting data, from all my test" Not wasting time and money.
Meg
October 14, 2009 10:29 AM
Many people live their lives on autopilot, thinking if I can just get that raise or promotion that they would be ok. But as Jim Rohn says. Work harder on yourself, then you do your job. If people were completely committed to working on themselves and their interest in Internet Marketing, then they would pursue it with all of their being. Or as Anthony Robbins puts it "Certainty" If you were certain that you could do all of the things you wanted to, what would you do? Most people are uncertain and unsure of themselves.
I have been reading a ebook of yours and will CERTAINLY be looking for more. thanks for the everything
Rob
October 14, 2009 10:31 AM
lol The longest acronym I've ever seen (IWTBIDWTLAF. That is awesome Joel. Thanks for the informative post.
October 14, 2009 10:31 AM
I think it's easy to blame ourselves for being lazy, but many people just need more personal guidance and support to follow through.
October 14, 2009 10:40 AM
yeah, I'm also one of those who bought and haven't done anything with them, That is going to change, from now on, when I buy any product, I'll make sure, not just that I'm able to use it before I buy my next product, but that I've actually used it. Well, that's all I have to say for now, I should be getting to those instant resale templates and coming up with ways to use it.
October 14, 2009 11:01 AM
Hi Joel!
I have been reading all the email/article related to fast internet cash business. and have been studding Internet marketing tips and techniques to setup a successful business.
The main problem with the people is , may be including me, they have a lot of material/contents that they got through mail or internet, that they download on their HD, they do not have SUCH Free time to even read all of that.
If I find a useful tips I do try to implement it for me and my customer too.
Thanks for such a nice Article.
qammar feroz
October 14, 2009 11:09 AM
Hi Joel and everyone who reads this!
I've read a lot of the comments regarding this post and can relate to a lot of what is said.
I'm also guilty of purchasing a product with great intentions, but never followed it through! Was this lazieness? not really, I got caught in believing that you needed every product to learn everything before you got moving on anything.
The result you burn yourself out trying to learn everything and don't put anything into practice, because you don't know which way to turn.
(How stupid was I, this cycle of information overload held me back for so long and if you can don't fall into the same trap)
Joels not paying me, when I say he his a good guy, but he is!
The difference is that he learned a lot quicker than me and most that you need to focus on one area or two related possibly at most to succeed.
With regards to comments surrounding the claims of squeeze pages and email marketing once you have a list. This is just good business practice, and I believe that anyone who signs up should expect this.
I do and I just evaluate the offer, and whether its good or not, something that we can all do and this is not a crime.
Offline businesses don't want you to come into their store, buy something and leave without another bite of the cherry for future promotions. For all they know you could visit once and never be seen again, so what do they do?
They offer incentives to join store cards and store credit cards so that they can post sales information to you and get you to visit again.
This is an accepted system, but is no different to some one who wants to secure the details of the visitors to their site, its just good business.
If any one who reads this believes that squeeze pages and registration pages following an online purchase to secure the names and email addresses of those who visit or buy is a questionable practice it is likely that they should reframe from ever looking at an online business.
Personally, I do not buy every product going, I'm more discerning and following a long time of ignoring the obvious I now take action and attempt to have some structure to my future plans.
List building needs to be a part of that to mitigate the constant fight for new customers, building a relationship with an existing customer is a valuable lesson to learn and provides the bedrock of anything else you do.
Whether, Joels product is for you or not will be something you need to decide. I've listened to some online experts whose products have been questionable in terms of the quality and what they teach.
With regards to Joel, that for me has not been the case, but if you purchase and absorb you need to put it into practice.
Kind Regards
Chris Raine
October 14, 2009 11:12 AM
I agree with Steve. I recently purchased Commission Ritual by Brian Johnson (it is very recommended) but the long of the short, got my money back and was able to keep the product and, yes, I have and am using it. What made me mad was that if I had any questions it would cost me $59 a month to become part of the inner circle. Well, I know you need to make a living, but if you had mentioned that up front of the recurring charge than I would of never brought it. Thankfully I am resourceful and was able to find the question answered from google webmaster central and also purchased Wordpress for dummies and finding it very helpful. Lots more to know but it's a work in progress and am already trying to find my next idea for a another site. I do recommend again, this product, but buyer beware. At first you don't know what you are doing and are not making any money and you have to plunk in more money to get answers....NOT.
October 14, 2009 11:12 AM
I love the article. Ebay is proof of what you said in the letter. I have bought real estate products at garage sales with the shrink wrap still on. My gain their loss. I must say I have read all of your stuff and now have finally decided to set time aside for me to do it. The old adage of if you don't plan your time,someone else will. Ok it's usually my wife! Love all the feed back comments also. Hope to see you one day.
October 14, 2009 11:14 AM
Delicious food for thouhgt Joel, newbies like me get carried away with the avalanche of products decietfully advertised on the net,confussion therefore sets in resulting in inaction,your admonition is well timed. Thanks
October 14, 2009 11:26 AM
Steve just hit the nail on the head.
The marketing these days makes it look as if you don't need to lift a finger once you buy the product...and it actually works - people buy and don't lift a finger.
Mission Accomplished.
Thanks to the FTC and their new rules, I just hope things get better.
October 14, 2009 11:35 AM
WORK...Follow-up!!! all my best from Greece
October 14, 2009 12:00 PM
Yes it's true, people don't want to do the work. But secondly, they don't want to CHANGE. And the fact is, if we don't change, we don't grow.
But Joel, seriously, what makes your *stuff* different than any of the other "get rick quick on the Internet" GRQOI stuff we have seen? How do we know it's not another scheme? Really. Can you please answer my question?
October 14, 2009 12:08 PM
Great comments! Thanks for participating.
To answer Wendy's questioning of me and my credibility. I guess you need to check out my reputation. I don't tell people they can get rich quick. I always tell them they have to WORK. In fact, I just did it in this blog entry.
I teach strategies and techniques people can apply to their own passion and business model. Your success depends entirely on your ability to implement and your desire to see it through.
Joel
October 14, 2009 12:22 PM
Unfortunately, the internet marketers know that they are selling hope -- hope for a lot of money without any effort -- hope -- that you can quit your j-o-b -- hope that if you buy the latest and greatest you can sip margaritas at the pool every day.
Face it -- there really is no free lunch. Stop reading offers and start working Joel's methods. Yeah -- you have to put in time and effort -- but that's what makes anything worthwhile.
October 14, 2009 12:29 PM
Ifiok you have also done a good thing by talking about the comments themselves.One reason we may not be making money is because we don't talk to other Marketers and care about their opinion.I see Joel also has his
Autoresponder perfectly Timed.I have Registered with some Programs and the Affiliate turned me off by sending Multiple E-mails in a Very Short Time,Joel gives you Time to think about what he Said in his last mail before he sends out the Next one
October 14, 2009 01:52 PM
I've purchased many products online. And yes a few from Joel! After a few years, I've refined my purchasing. I realized that I have to buy according to my own passions and business plan. I often refer to Joel&CO as the ToysRus of social media. Whenever I want something so cutting edge that it is still dripping blood, I go to them. BUT when I need another tool I go to someone else that is the master in that area.
The hub in this whole process is my personal business plan. It has taken me awhile to understand this. And yes, the Internet Marketers do have some ethical guilt to swallow. ( I actually woke up thinking about this issue) There is easy money available for those willing to cash in on the hope and desperation of newcomers. There ARE many sharks out there. Is that the game I want to play? NO But yes unfortunately, those sharks are using many of the same technical techniques as ethical marketers.
It is the wild west on the internet. The answer seems to be: 1. know yourself and your business plan 2. Buy tools from the leader in your choice of business 3.Put together a list of trusted advisers to help in buying decisions ( one of mine is Eric Holmlund) 4. Set aside a block of time to implement what you buy 5.( and I hate to say this) if the product doesn't work within the promised time, with an honest effort,get a refund.
All that being said, I must also comment on giveaways. Joel's Elevate Video was so amazing that I was twittering that he blew Tony Robbins out of the water (big claim). The reason is that Joel is a pioneer and you can benefit from his experience. Tony is a beacon, showing you the potential and opportunity. For me, I need more nuts and bolts and less high wattage inspiration. For you? Well, only your business plan can answer that.
October 14, 2009 02:52 PM
Joel,
The FTC recently had a ruling, as you know, that testimonials must reflect the common experience with a product, not the result of super-achievers.
Should the FTC provide that service. You betcha. Although you have written a truthful, sincere article on this subject, my bet is that you will not hesitate to market without caveat to the overwhelming numbers' of people who like to collect products and cyberdust on their hard drive.
Personally, I have always wondered how marketers could focus on the "You could make $250,00 in two weeks" message at the expense of stating the obvious truth: "Ninety-eight out of 100 of you are throwing your money down the toilet bowl because you won't lift a finger to the mouse to even read the introduction to the product. This product will suck for you, and I'm sorry but I don't want to sell to losers just to make a quick buck or a million."
That last disclaimer will only happen in the Heavenly Kingdom. So Joel, though you do have good intention in writing this article at the end of the day you are a marketer with a product you believe in and want to sell. The customer must look out for him-/herself and get real about his/her true intentions.
Correct me if I'm off.
October 14, 2009 04:33 PM
Well said Joel. I must admit I have been one of those people in the past who have bought your product and did not implement what I had read.
It was not until one day when the penny dropped and I thought to myself I realy need to get my rear end in gear. I then devoured your information again and implemented your advice and started to get great results.
If there is one thing I wish, it would have been to implement your instructions immediately. I could have had more than what I have now in my bank account if I did.
Keep up the good work Joel.
October 14, 2009 08:39 PM
That about sums it up. We want the results but we don't want all the stuff in the middle, aka work. Not to say I would like to have the results I want without the work but I know this is not going to happen. We have the freedom of choice, buy, work, play, or buy, sit around, cry.
October 14, 2009 08:41 PM
This is really plain and simple. Most folks world wide have commone sense and some don't. Most folks work hard at whatever they do offline or online.
If you work hard you will become successful at whatever you desire to do. But if you become lazy or unsure you will become average or ordinary.
If you really want't to get the top you have to "WORK' harder than the other guy. I believe this is Captalism at is inner core.
Paul
October 14, 2009 09:41 PM
Thank you Joel and thanks to you all for your comments about this issue. Don't be surprised, I am just a name sake to Joel. This discussion is really of great help to me. I love the saying that "hard work pays hard" I just discover that I have to sit down to think very well on how to know what to do, and work towards building a massive list.
But, please, I will like to ask this question; what is the best way of building a list?
Hope to hear from you all.
God bless you all.
Joel.
October 14, 2009 09:53 PM
Hi, I agree with Steve. I came across internet marketing and online business concepts half a year ago. And during this 6 months of period, I have invested quite a lot of money and time on those home study courses and online courses. Some are great, like Mike Klingler's and Ang Sieg's Marketing Merge and Renegade Pro (I am recommending this totally). There are tons of materials inside, it's like a university for internet marketing. But I did come across many mediocre products too, I won't disclose them here, but really they're just not like what they claimed. I won't blame them because this is business and you will try all your best to sell your products, right? This is marketing techniques. So, sometimes, when you are new to something and you are excited, you are tends to lure by those offers. They are experienced internet marketers and we as a newbie will be easily got "lured". So, I signed up quite a lot of courses and I was overwhelmed. Too many stuffs and I got lost and don't know where to start with. So, my advice to people just got started online, pick one product from friend's recommendation, then start learning, follow through and finish it till the end. Stay focused and don't distract by other "good" or "best" products. When you finished one course fully, you will roughly know how this internet marketing or business work. Once you are in the intermediate level, you will know how to differentiate what is "hyped" product and good product. This is actually my own experience. Some people will tell you to get a coach, so my take is unless you are lost, you don't need one. We will only lost when you have too many "great" products in hand. So, when you stay focused on one, you will come out from the forest. Last advice deep from my true heart is there is no "make easy money" product in this world, period. One more recommendation from me, if you wanna learn to start do business online for free, just go to Eric Holmlund's website (www.ericstips.com), I respect this guy.
That's all from me, good articles, Joel. You have pointed out the problems that most of us have, including me.
Rick
"Think Long Term, Work Hard, and Perseverance Will Lead You To Any Success You Want"
October 14, 2009 10:46 PM
Hi Joel,
I get the message, and your point is well taken.
HOWEVER, It has been the standard sales mantra of all IM gurus for years that "I make a gazillion dollars, working part time, working just a few hours a week, working in my underwear,. . ." ad nauseam.
Perhaps the marketers who have perpetuated this half-truth should bear some responsability for attracting the very people they've been proselytizing to. Just a thought :)
October 15, 2009 05:20 AM
I AM A NIGERIAN AND I HAVE WASTED A LOT OF HARD EARNED MONEY BUYING PRODUCTS. YOUR REASON IS PARTLY CORRECT BUT MY OWN OBSERVETION IS THAT SINCE THERE IS NO CHECKS ON THE INTERNET THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY CRIMINAL PARADING AS GURUS. ALL THEY DO IS COPY AN OLD WOEK AND PAY A SLEEK COPY WRITER TO DECEIVE THE PEOPLE. SO WHWN YOU BUY THE PRODUCT AND SEE DIVIATIONS FROM THE PROMISE YOUR SPIRT IMMEDIATELY RUNS COLD AND THERE IS NO ACTION YOU CAN TAKE WITH A RUN DOWN SPIRIT. THESE SAME CRIMINAL, ONCE YOU PAY FOR A PRODUCT THEY SET YOU UP FOR ANOTHER SALES TO COMPLIMENT OR MAKE THE ONE YOU HAVE PAID FOR TO WORK BETTER.
THESE CRIMINAL HAVE RECKED A LOT OF HAVOC AND YOU SEE CRIMINAL WRITING TESTIMINIES FOR ANOTHE CRIMINAL. THE SITUATION IS BAD.
October 15, 2009 06:27 AM
Do adsense sites still work??
October 15, 2009 11:13 AM
I bought the whole-enchalada AdSense package and attended Elevate but was visually overwhelmed by all of the information-laden CDs I had to read through, in connection with AdSense. Furthermore, I'm older and very new to web 2.0 and internet marketing. Also, at the time, I was going blind. (No kidding --- but I finally found a specialist who was willing to recently operate and all is more-or-less okay!) The point is, that I couldn't deal with all of the "new-Tech" info, plus trying to read through it, understand it and APPLY it. I don't have an information-based web site, either: I'm a fine art photographer with an on-line gallery. I was under the impression that AdSense and internet marketing applied to what I'm trying to do, as well! Then, I was told that unless you have an info-product, there's no point in using AdSense... I'm not even sure what type of info-product to try to begin developing. (Help, Please!!!)
October 15, 2009 12:00 PM
Phyllis,
That is NOT true.
Content sites are for AdSense. You do NOT need an infoproduct to create a content site.
Joel
October 24, 2009 02:28 PM
I'm one of those people who have recently been looking into internet marketing as a way to either create a separate stream of income or as a way to be able to ditch my "day job". Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get something to be able to "set it and forget it" as a lot of internet marketers claim they can do for you? Absolutely.
Most of the sales letters on the websites are pretty enticing and there are even a few people that have decent reputations (like Joel). However, it all costs money and it appears to require some work and perseverance. A lot of the products are so robust they border on overload and, like one of the commenters mentioned above, if you have never done anything like this before, a little hand holding would be nice. (of course, I guess this is called coaching which costs even more money).
Having said all this, I know, in my heart of hearts, that it is really my personal responsibility to act and to accept the consequences of my mistakes (like buying bogus product/content or buying good product and doing nothing).
October 27, 2009 02:01 PM
Great post Joel.
Most people never do anything with the information they buy. I make a living online and I help people to do the same.
Sometimes, customers will send me an email and tell me that they never downloaded the book... months after.
They just bought it. It's sad, because I know that what I teach work. I didn't know those products (yours). I remember a couple of years ago, you were selling adsense templates (was one of your affiliates by the way)
Franck
October 30, 2009 10:17 AM
Why are most people lazy to lift a finger? It's because of those sales copies that bombard you with "no skills required" and stuff. You get the package and realise there is tons of work to be done.
Personally I reached a point where I unsubscribed a lot and just got down to doing what was working. I am down to blogging and article marketing now. The jury is still out but the business model is set.
It all changed when I chose a model I am comfortable with and got to work. It will pay off. I can see the light.
Thanks again Joel