I like to think I've come a long way since I first started turning The Dallas/Fort Worth Software Review into WorldVillage.com.
I now have a string of profitable websites. I speak regularly at conferences across the country. I've produced a top-selling iPhone app. And I've written a bunch of books, including a New York Times bestseller.
But I know I didn't do any of this alone. Not only did I always have the support of my family - and I couldn't have done anything without that! - but I also have a fantastic team at Infomedia who buzz with great ideas and have the talent and the skills to put those visions into action.
Even before setting up Infomedia though, I still relied on other people for help. The articles that went up at WorldVillage were initially written by volunteers who were paid in computer games and a byline. When those pages started bringing in advertising revenue, I shared that revenue with the writers.
As I began meeting people who were already enjoying success as Internet marketers, I began learning valuable lessons about list building, affiliate relationships, search engine optimization and a million other things that have brought me and my company millions in return.
Whenever I could, I've thanked those people publicly and recommended that others make the most of their knowledge too. I'm grateful to them, and they deserve it.
You could try creating an Internet business by yourself. You could learn all the techniques and strategies alone, through experimentation and trial-and-error. But it will take you a very long time and cost you a great deal of money.
Part of being a successful Internet entrepreneur means knowing where to find help and how to use that help when you find it.
It also means giving credit for that help whenever you receive it.
That could be something as small as ensuring that the Creative Commons images that use on your blog are properly attributed or including a small bio for your writers. It might also means something as big as forming an affiliate relationship with someone whose advice and strategies have already boosted your own earnings.
However you give credit, always remember that success should be a team effort, even for entrepreneurs. There is help available, so don't be afraid to make the most of it... and remember who supplied it.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
April 8, 2009 09:44 AM
Great article.
It seems like I'm doing everything myself.
Whats a good way to meet people who may want to form partnerships?
April 8, 2009 11:50 AM
Hey Joel,
I totally agree! You can't do it alone! It always takes a lot of people to make someone sucessful. I'm only beginning to learn how much effort it takes to colaborate with others to help make something like a blog sucessful. I'm not there yet but I know if you don't have readers and people spreading the word then you can't hope to get too far.
April 8, 2009 03:01 PM
Hey Joel!
Coming from you, this is nice nugget to pick up.
In fact team work is the straight way to success.
Who can do anything signiticant without others'
contributions?
Brainstorming, masterminding, outsourcing are
like looking up a definition in a Dictionary.
It's all about using third-party expertise.
And very important as you said: "give credit"!
Thank you for this gem
April 8, 2009 04:51 PM
Great thoughts Joel. I try to thank everyone regularly who helps me in my mini-victories along the way to my success. Just the other day I posted a long list of "thank you's" for everyone who helped me in getting awarded a research grant from my University - everyone from my English professor, my roommate, and of course my mentor Lewis Howes. There is much to be said for a brief acknowledgment - it goes a long way.
On that note, thank YOU Joel for such wonderful insight. You are becoming a virtual mentor to me and I appreciate thoughtful posts like this one!
April 9, 2009 02:59 AM
Thanks Joe for inspiring me once again.
April 9, 2009 04:08 AM
Great post about gratitude!
I recently ran a large workshop and the team I had supporting me were incredible. They made the event a success. It is nice to see a team product something special.
Congratulations on all your success!
Regards
James
April 9, 2009 08:14 AM
I completely agree, Joel. There are so many people that are willing to help others succeed - and credit SHOULD be given where it's deserved.
I personally offer my new friends (and past friend as well) my gift of friendship from my blog. This gift also mentions those people that have gone out of their way to help me on my path.
Thanks for the great advice.
Michelle Flores
michelle-flores.com
April 9, 2009 09:52 AM
It is good to hear those words because I think we all for get to thank the people that help us out in whatever way. Thanks for the reminder.
April 11, 2009 03:24 AM
well said Joel, no man is an island, it's all about team work and especially support from our family.
August 24, 2009 01:16 AM
"Part of being a successful Internet entrepreneur means knowing where to find help and how to use that help when you find it. It also means giving credit for that help whenever you receive it." I believe such an attitude shouldn't apply just to Internet entrepreneurs, but to anyone in a position of "power". Our self-centredness tends to act up that either we tend to trust no one but ourselves, or we take all credit for work that included our employees' work. We need to acknowledge and give credit to not just those who have provided help, but also the employees who work under us.