Posted on December 1, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm fed up. I've really had enough. I've just seen it too many times.
Again and again, I meet people who wonder why they aren't Internet millionaires yet.
When I ask them how long they've been online, they say "Three months, and it's just not working!"
It takes about ten minutes to buy a computer and another two minutes to turn it on. Continue Reading
Posted on November 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Whenever I attend a conference I always try to listen to as many of the other speakers' talks as possible.
I can't think of a single talk that hasn't taught me something.
But some of the most powerful and valuable information that I've learned at conferences didn't come while sitting in front of a professional marketer. It came while sitting in the café afterwards and chatting with my students.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 20, 2008 08:00 AM
Online publishing is a business. Like any business it requires work. It requires paying taxes. And it requires investments of cash to keep going.
That last hurdle is the one that many people stumble over.
They think that because the only equipment they need to set up an online publishing business is a computer, that's the only expense they'll ever need to pay.
Wrong.
Continue Reading
Posted on November 17, 2008 08:00 AM
"What's the secret to creating a successful online business?"
I probably get asked that question about a million times a year.
Here's the answer...
But first, I should warn you. You're not going to like it...
In fact, you're probably going to hate it and run off to Google to look for something else to read.
But I have to give it to you straight, so here it is Continue Reading
Posted on November 10, 2008 08:00 AM
Every Internet business -- every business of any sort in fact -- starts in the same place.
In the future.
Most entrepreneurs think first of how they want their business to look when it's all set up. They imagine the products prepared, the marketing streams in place and the revenue flowing in while they relax and cash the checks. Continue Reading
Posted on November 3, 2008 08:00 AM
There's a huge amount to learn when you set up an online business. You have to know how to build a website, how to bring in traffic, and how to monetize your visitors so that your site gives you an income.
There are plenty of very experienced experts around who can teach people how to do all of those things.
There's one thing though that no one ever has to teach a new business owner. Continue Reading
Posted on October 30, 2008 08:00 AM
It took me a while to figure it out. It took me a little longer to accept it.
(My wife, by the way, was way ahead of me on this one. She'd been telling me this for years...)
I'm not...
Continue Reading
Posted on October 29, 2008 12:02 PM
Steamboat Springs, Colorado has always been one of my favorite ski spots. Well, there's no snow... yet. But I am vacationing here with my family this week. After Elevate 2008, I needed a break, and this place is just what the doctor ordered. With that said, I took the Macbook on the deck to broadcast Joel Comm LIVE! The following videos are replays of today's broadcast. There are no flying monkeys or top ten lists... Continue Reading
Posted on October 27, 2008 08:00 AM
Stuck for a blog post?
Fed up writing how-tos and list posts?
Want to write a piece of content that will not only be original, unique and genuinely interesting but which is almost guaranteed to deliver at least one return link from a targeted traffic source?
So try
Continue Reading
Posted on October 23, 2008 08:00 AM
Online publishing has all sorts of advantages. You become your own boss, you have your own schedule, you get paid to produce content and bring in users. It's all great fun... and you can do it without leaving your house or having to cope with office politics. It's those last benefits that can look so appealing and be a little dangerous too. Social networking sites have made it so easy to chat with other people... Continue Reading
Posted on October 16, 2008 08:00 AM
Did you ever walk into one of those old mom-and-pop hardware stores, the sort of place where piles of dusty boxes filled with metal things are stacked from floor to ceiling and nothing's got a label on it? You walk up to the counter, explain what you're trying to do and the store owner nods, starts bringing down boxes and in no time at all finds exactly the widget you were looking for. Those people... Continue Reading
Posted on October 15, 2008 02:12 PM
It was a one-of-a-kind show today, with special guest J.T. Foxx.
Nationally-syndicated radio show host, J.T. has plenty of opinions on politics and business. With the election coming up, it was interesting to hear his point of view.
Dan brought us a new Top Ten list, and the long-awaited destruction of our desk finally happened.
It has all the components of a classic show. Watch the replay now!
Continue Reading
Posted on October 13, 2008 08:00 AM
Become an Internet publisher, and you'll need to learn a whole bunch of new marketing skills. You'll have to unwrap the mysteries of search engine optimization, figure out how to make pay-per-click advertising pay for you and get to grips with "link bait," banners and keywords to name just a few. None of it is really very difficult and all of it can be learned but for anyone just starting out, it will all be... Continue Reading
Posted on October 8, 2008 08:00 AM
I often talk about the different tools that you can use to complement the AdSense units you put on your site. Sure, AdSense is always going to be the most effective ad system on your pages. But you also want to earn for your impressions, and from affiliate links too.
A mixture of different revenue generations systems will help to increase the value you receive for your users.
Continue Reading
Posted on October 3, 2008 08:34 PM
I don't go to the movies much. I enjoy movies, I just don't enjoy the theater experience. Why pay top dollar to sit in a crowded cinema with chatty teens and people noisily crunching popcorn and nachos when I can buy or rent the DVD for less and enjoy the peacefulness and comfort of my home theatre. I choose to go to the Metrolux today in order to get a glimpse of An American Carol... Continue Reading
Posted on September 29, 2008 08:00 AM
Want to know the difference between a successful entrepreneur... and an entrepreneur who wants to be successful?
It's really very simple...
An entrepreneur acts. An entrepreneur who wants to be successful thinks of acting.
But successful entrepreneurs don't just act. They act at the right speed.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2008 08:00 AM
It's been a long time since I optimized my first AdSense ad. Many things have changed since then. Some things have stayed the same. The principles of AdSense optimization have stayed the same. You still have to blend your ads into your site. You still have to produce good quality content. And you still have to bring in traffic to look at that content. The content itself has changed though. Videos are now an important... Continue Reading
Posted on September 22, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm amazed that there are people out there -- somewhere -- who aren't making money from AdSense. It's not as though you need a doctorate in computer studies and a professorship in literature. You just need a website and an AdSense account.
And ever since blogging came along, the website bit has been a breeze. It takes all of about five minutes to sign up on Blogger and it's a perfect match for AdSense.
Continue Reading
Posted on September 20, 2008 06:58 AM
I've got some pretty exciting news. I've been asked to write the definitive book on Twitter for business by a major publisher! I just got done with the launch of Click Here to Order, but I have already begun writing this new guide. There's a great demand for it and the time is right. So, would you like to help in my research? I am looking for stories of how you have used Twitter to... Continue Reading
Posted on September 15, 2008 10:25 PM
It's been two years in the making. Finally, Blizzard Entertainment has announced the long-awaited expansion pack to the world's most popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft. Wrath of the Lich King is set to hit stores on November 13th, and I expect it to be another huge best-seller. Some people are surprised to find out that I play computer games, but I like to work hard AND play hard. Those who know my story would know... Continue Reading
Posted on September 12, 2008 12:02 PM
It's always a thrill to see your new book on the shelf of a major bookseller. Mary and I went to dinner at Hu Hot last night (yum!), and then made our way to the Barnes and Noble on College Ave. in Ft. Collins. Lo and behold, there I was on the business shelf. I asked Mary to shoot a snapshot, and we were subsequently reprimanded by one of the employees. Apparantly store policy says... Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2008 08:00 AM
I'm always going on about the importance of networking at conferences. That's because I don't know of any strategy that can improve an online publishing business's success rate faster. Networking puts you in touch with opportunities that you can't find any other way. It builds the sort of business relationships that can last for many profitable years. It really does make running a business fun. And there's just no better place to do it than... Continue Reading
Posted on September 6, 2008 06:00 AM
You've probably noticed that I'm often talking about seminars and conferences. That's not just because I talk at some of them. It's because I think that they're essential stepping stones to online business success. I'd like to believe that's because the information that I and other marketers provide at these seminars is more valuable than magic-encrusted gold dust. As soon as someone takes it home and applies it to their business they immediately become an... Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2008 03:46 PM
When I was researching "Click Here to Order," there was a story I kept coming across time and time again. Marketers would tell me how they were down to their last penny, ready to throw in the towel, on their way to looking for a day job... when something happened. For copywriter Michael Fortin, who had already declared bankruptcy by the age of 21, it was the discovery of the power of a well-written sales... Continue Reading
Posted on September 4, 2008 10:06 AM
There's nothing better than welcoming a new child into the world and your family. Being a father of two, I can tell you that the health and welfare of your children is the utmost priority. We had a bit of a scare when our daughter was born and spent the first few days of her life wondering when she would be able to come home from the hospital. It all turned out well, but some... Continue Reading
Posted on September 2, 2008 07:32 AM
Google.
Amazon.com.
eBay.
Yahoo!
MySpace.
Facebook.
Everyone has heard of these Internet giants.
These companies have generated billions of dollars in revenue and made their founders multi-millionaires.
The mainstream media talks about them religiously.
But ask yourself a question... Continue Reading
Posted on August 25, 2008 08:43 AM
Over the years I have spoken at a number of Internet marketing and personal development conferences.
The one question I am asked again and again is "when are you going to hold you own conference?"
The time has arrived!
On October 24-26, 2008, I am going to welcome fifty (50) people to join me for a 3-day event in Denver, Colorado.
It's called "Elevate 2008"
What is going to take place at this event? Continue Reading
Posted on August 15, 2008 09:21 AM
Amazon.com recently reported that they had sold nearly 250,000 Kindle units since the digital book reader launched in November 2007.
This beats many analysts estimates and perhaps an indicator of where the book industry is headed.
I am excited to announce that several of my books are now available in digital format for Kindle users!
Here are the titles you can now enjoy on your Kindle... Continue Reading
Posted on July 31, 2008 11:40 PM
I was all set. Today was going to be the day. I knew from the pre-orders on my new book, "Click Here to Order: Stories of the World's Most Successful Internet Marketing Entrepreneurs", that we were on the verge of making history with an instant best-seller. And then... it happened. I received a call from my publisher, David Hancock. David is not one to be given to overexcitement, but there was something in the sound... Continue Reading
Posted on July 27, 2008 10:34 PM
Social Media is all the buzz right now. It started with MySpace, continued with YouTube and has brought about Facebook, Twitter and a host of other sites promising the help people interact in new ways. These sites have become very popular and two were purchased for a tidy sum. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp purchased MySpace for $580 million and Google bought YouTube for for $1.65 BILLION. I'm sure the boys from Facebook and Twitter have... Continue Reading
Posted on July 17, 2008 11:13 PM
What do you do if you are 38 years old and told by a doctor that you have just one year to live? That's exactly what happened to my friend Sylie Fortin. Shortly after getting married, Michel and Sylvie were face-to-face with the horrible diagnosis of breast cancer. But if you know Sylvie, you would know that this is not something she would take lying down. She pursued radical treatment and is alive two years... Continue Reading
Posted on July 4, 2008 10:29 AM
What is hype?
From dictionary.com, one definition is "exaggerated publicity"
For example...
"The amazing super-duper fantasmagorical stapler can save thousands of dollars each year in lost time and help you lose 30 pounds in three minutes!"
Ok, that IS over-the-top hype.
What about where Internet marketing products are concerned?
Is there hype?
Continue Reading
Posted on June 19, 2008 12:47 AM
Have you ever wondered what people did BEFORE they become Internet marketers? It's pretty cool to see that the greatest success stories are people just like you and me. I will tell you this about me. I used to be a DJ. Yup, I worked in the nightclubs to begin with, but then the entrepreneur in me discovered that there was more money to be made in playing music at private events. So I started... Continue Reading
Posted on June 18, 2008 12:55 PM
Today's show was very interesting.
I am on my way to San Francisco to speak at a conference, but I really wanted to do my show.
So I decided to broadcast from the back seat of the car that was taking me to the airport!
I was hoping my new Verizon broadband modem would do the trick. From what viewers told me, it worked pretty good. Continue Reading
Posted on June 17, 2008 08:20 AM
Question: What is the one of the biggest obstacles that people have to creating an online business?
Answer: Building a web site!
I have a confession to make.
I am NOT an expert at building websites.
In fact, I hire out all website design and creation. I am just not good at it.
But what if you can't afford to pay someone to do it? Continue Reading
Posted on June 16, 2008 12:30 AM
I've been frustrated lately. Here's the thing... As you know, I speak at a number of conferences. At these conferences, I teach people how to make money online and many of them purchase one of my products to help them build their online business. I know that what I teach works and that the products I offer have value. I know this because I receive testimonials from people all the time. But its the ones... Continue Reading
Posted on June 11, 2008 12:46 AM
I need to back up a bit because I left out Sunday from my journal. On Sunday, I spoke at Chris Howard's "Ultimate Wealth Symposium" on the grounds of the Sydney Olympic Park. I had a fantastic time sharing my story with 800 or so people. I've got to say, the Aussies are a bit difficult to get moving, but I think everyone had a good time and learned a thing or two. I also... Continue Reading
Posted on June 4, 2008 08:17 PM
We departed Los Angeles at 11:30 pm on June 3rd and arrived in Fiji at 5 am on June 5th. Go figure.
I am really glad we paid the extra cash to get seats in Business Class on Air Pacific. It was well worth it!
Check out this video to get a taste of the good life. :-) Continue Reading
Posted on June 3, 2008 09:24 PM
It's been a long time coming. I've been asked to speak in Australia several times over the past couple years, but the timing just hasn't worked out for one reason or another. On Sunday, I will be speaking at a major event in Sydney, and I've decided to bring my lovely bride with me. Mary and I are currently in the International Business Lounge at LAX. It's still a few hours until we head to... Continue Reading
Posted on April 30, 2008 01:23 AM
I've been blogging since 2003. That seems like an eternity in Internet years! If you aren't blogging yet, you are missing out on a KEY component of your Internet business and online presence. The thing is, many people are totally and completely intimidated by the thought of blogging. You may even be reading this and thinking, "I'm too embarrassed to tell Joel that I don't even know what a blog is!" Don't sweat it. You... Continue Reading
Posted on April 29, 2008 10:54 PM
When Mike Filsaime visited last week, he suggested that I get a the DVD documentary, "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters". It is the story of a the men who are completely dedicated to owning the world record for the highest score in the videogame, Donkey Kong. Yes, you heard me correctly. There are people who obsess about having the high score for a videogame. After all, there is an entry in the... Continue Reading
Posted on April 28, 2008 12:51 AM
I'm going to let you in on a little secret...
I can't write computer code.
It's true... I can't code my way out of a paper bag.
Well, maybe that's not a big surprise, but here's another secret...
I can't do graphic design.
That is, unless you count stick figures. I can draw those.
May I tell you another secret? Continue Reading
Posted on April 25, 2008 11:21 AM
Everyone has heard of Chicken Soup for the Soul and the zillion titles that were derived from this massive best-seller. What you don't know is that I am friends with the man who helped make that series so huge! His name is Rick Frishman and he knows a few things about getting attention. ;-) Rick has just released a new book of his own called "Where's Your Wow?" that reveals 16 ways to make your... Continue Reading
Posted on April 19, 2008 11:16 PM
I remember seeing Ben Stein for the first time in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Who could forget the monotone deadpan teacher repeating "anyone... anyone... Bueller... Bueller". And then there was "Win Ben Stein's Money", a campy television quiz show that demonstrated Ben's ability to stand toe-to-toe with the best of them. I sure would have liked to have seen him go up against Ken Jennings. As a columnist for the Wall Street Journal and a... Continue Reading
Posted on April 9, 2008 12:58 AM
While I'm still enjoying my family vacation here in Hawaii, I wanted to take a moment to let you know about a ground-breaking new tool that is guaranteed to increase your sales. Part of the reason I am able to enjoy vacations like this is because I've leveraged technology and employees to keep my business running, even when I'm away from it. Most people understand the concept of hiring employees, but many people don't understand... Continue Reading
Posted on April 6, 2008 01:39 AM
What is the definition of true success?
Is it having a large bank account?
Is it having a garage full of cars?
Is it having a mansion with so many rooms you can't fill them all?
I would say that all of these material things are an indicator that a person may have succeeded in business, but without one key component I don't believe a person is truly successful. Continue Reading
Posted on April 5, 2008 12:55 AM
It was fall of 2005 when I was scheduled to speak at Robert Puddy's Focus 4 the Future Internet marketing conference. It was the first time I had spoken at an event and I was on a roster with Mike Filsaime, Gary Ambrose and Craig Perrine. Yes, I was nervous. But why should I be? My AdSense ebook was a huge success and my name had begun to spread in the Internet marketing community. The... Continue Reading
Posted on March 29, 2008 09:36 AM
I'm not a big fan of the major airlines. In fact I have written several entries that demonstrated poor customer service by United and American. However, I had a uniquely good experience on United a couple days ago and wanted to share it with you. I was traveling to Los Angeles with Joel Ownby and Tim Prince, en route to Yanik Silver's Internet Underground conference in Los Angeles. The three of us board the 737... Continue Reading
Posted on March 27, 2008 10:43 AM
Be careful... If you don't add the right amount of each ingredient, you could ruin the entire meal. Easy now... If you mix those chemicals incorrectly, it could be explosive. Watch it... If the calculations aren't perfect, the shuttle may never make it off the launching pad. Many things in life demand precision. There are some absolutes that do not allow for the least bit of give. One wrong step and the greatest ideas can... Continue Reading
Posted on March 24, 2008 01:54 AM
I've got a pretty colorful past. I got my first job when I was fourteen-years old, working behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant at Northbrook Court shopping mall in Northbrook, Illinois. After all, I needed to save up money to buy a TRS-80 Model I computer from Radio Shack! Once I acquired my driver's license, I worked in the health & beauty department at Venture. Yes, I was a stockboy. At the age of... Continue Reading
Posted on March 20, 2008 03:19 PM
Just got a fun email from the Google AdSense team. They have printed up a batch of AdSense stickers and are offering them for free. All you need to do is send a self-addressed stamped envelope to them and they will drop a sticker or two in it for you. AdSense has been good to me, so I'll probably find a good place to put my sticker. Would it be sacrilege to deface my Macbook... Continue Reading
Posted on March 15, 2008 12:05 AM
I'm currently in Atlanta for Matt Bacak's Marketing Madness conference. I'm set to speak to 150 or so people tomorrow. So Dan Nickerson and I are in our hotel room right next to the airport. I mean DIRECTLY next to the airport. Our balcony overlooks all the runways, so we've enjoyed the sights and sounds of planes continually taking off and landing. But as we were coming back from dinner tonight, I noticed lightning in... Continue Reading
Posted on March 14, 2008 12:59 AM
So I've got this great idea for a screenplay. The story goes like this... Due to severe beatings she had received as a child, a thirty-something year old woman develops a strange phobia and doesn't leave the bathroom for two years. I know, bizarre, yes? It gets more interesting. The woman spends the majority of her time on the toilet. Yes, on the toilet. In fact, she spends SO much time on the toilet that... Continue Reading
Posted on March 10, 2008 01:32 AM
I'm about to share a hard truth with you.
I hope you are sitting down, cause here we go...
Most of the people reading this newsletter will never make money online.
Ouch.
Sure, read it again. You heard me right.
Now before you go questioning me, calling me insensitive or flat out cursing me out, let me say this...
Continue Reading
Posted on March 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Whenever something big happens in the world of online advertising, I'm left scratching my head and wondering what it means for me. It doesn't get much bigger than Microsoft offering tens of billions of dollars for Yahoo!. So what does that mean for me... and for you too? At the moment, nothing. Yahoo! has rejected Microsoft's bid and probably holding out for more money. If the deal goes through, it won't happen overnight. Even then... Continue Reading
Posted on March 2, 2008 08:11 PM
I regularly receive joint venture proposals from people.
A small percentage of them have some really good ideas and products, but the majority of them are not good at all.
Today I received an email from a couple gentlemen in Australia. I hope the email and my response will be instructive for the recipients and for others as they seek to do joint ventures. Continue Reading
Posted on February 29, 2008 12:57 AM
You can have a great idea for a web site. And developing the site can be a very rewarding experience. But without one thing, it doesn't matter how nice your site is... That thing is traffic. Traffic is really the "life blood" of our business. Without traffic you can't make sales, you can't generate affiliate commissions, you can't build a list... (you get the picture). So today I want to focus on traffic, and tell... Continue Reading
Posted on February 26, 2008 11:22 PM
I've just spent an incredible three days in Las Vegas at the Affiliate Summit. This gathering of nearly 3000 people was one of the largest concentrations of affiliate marketers in history. While I did enjoy some of the workshops, the greatest benefit was from networking with others in the industry. I finally got to meet famous bloggers such as Amit Mehta, John Chow, Andrew Wee and Zac Johnson, just to name a few. All these... Continue Reading
Posted on February 25, 2008 05:54 PM
I've been wanting to meet Jason Calacanis face-to-face for some time. For those that don't know, Jason is the co-creator of Weblogs, Inc., which was sold to AOL for $25 million. I'm at Affiliate Summit in Las Vegas where Jason Calacanis delivered the keynote address this morning. I really didn't know anything about Jason as a person, so I was looking forward to an insightful talk with fresh ideas. Wow, was I in for a... Continue Reading
Posted on February 24, 2008 12:28 AM
I'm in Las Vegas for Affiliate Summit and am looking forward to the a few days of networking and learning. And while I have nothing to say about the conference yet because it hasn't started yet, I do have an experience to share with you. As you know, I enjoy blogging about my customer service experiences... especially the bad experiences. Why do I do this? I place a very high value on customer service and... Continue Reading
Posted on February 22, 2008 12:10 AM
Admit it. You are passionate. Oh, I don't know what you are passionate about. But I guarantee that you are passionate about SOMETHING! You may be crazy about parakeets. Or perhaps you know more about bonzai trees than anyone on the block. Maybe you are one of the world's leading experts on Mt. Everest. Or it could be that you make the best french silk pie in the hemisphere! The point is that everyone is... Continue Reading
Posted on February 21, 2008 12:33 AM
A few months back, I launched this groundbreaking Internet marketing course to the world... The Secret Classroom ... and the feedback has been fantastic! I regularly receive emails from people telling me what an impact this course has had on their online business. I wanted to take a moment today and share one of these emails with you. I think it says way more about the value of The Secret Classroom than I could ever... Continue Reading
Posted on February 20, 2008 01:54 AM
I get a lot of questions from people who are eager to start Home-Based Businesses. They wonder if they can afford office equipment, pay for outsourcing, purchase expensive courses, and go to Internet Marketing Seminars. What many people don't realize is that having your own home-based business offers many tax advantages that will really help you with these expenses. Whether you're joining a Network Marketing Company, starting a commercial website or plan on being a... Continue Reading
Posted on February 19, 2008 04:16 PM
The Pink Floyd classic album, Dark Side of the Moon, is though to be the greatest rock album of all time. I might support that assertion. If you listen all the way to the end of the album, Roger Waters says, "There is no dark side of the moon. Actually, it's all dark." I know, it's profound. Still, the album is an absolute classic and one for every music-lover's collection. And speaking of the moon... Continue Reading
Posted on February 19, 2008 12:58 AM
Today's entry may be one of the most important ones I have ever sent out.
Why?
Because your response to this newsletter is going to help guide the direction of all future newsletters!
This is the day that I am asking for participation from every one of my readers...
... and I am counting on you! Continue Reading
Posted on February 18, 2008 12:28 AM
Last week, I sat down in my office with several members of my team and we began doing a brain dump of all the great ideas for sites, services and products that we had. We filled my fairly-large whiteboard in no time at all. The fact of the matter is that we have more ideas than we have time or manpower to accomplish! But ideas are not exactly in short supply, are they? There are... Continue Reading
Posted on February 1, 2008 04:27 AM
I grew up watching The Three Stooges.
There was nothing better than watching Moe, Larry and Curly do their schtick.
Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk, and woob woob woob woob... absolutely classic.
I apologize to those of you who have no idea what I am talking about. Go buy a Three Stooges DVD and enjoy.
One of the Stooges' greatest comic routines was little more than a poke in the eye.
Continue Reading
Posted on January 31, 2008 12:07 AM
I'm glad I broke it. I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't broken it. No, I'm not talking about a vase I won in a church raffle. And I certainly don't mean the world 100 meter sprint record. I didn't break a nail, though I could probably use a good manicure. And I didn't break a vow of silence. I'd have to be silent for more than ten minutes for that to take place... Continue Reading
Posted on January 30, 2008 12:33 AM
I just got done having an email conversation with my friend, Jeremy Gislason. We communicate via email because he is in Japan and on a totally different schedule. Anyhow, Jeremy and Simon Hodgkinson have been working on putting together a new member site that has tons of great content to help you build your member site! Basically, this site teaches you everything Jeremy and Simon know about building member sites... and they have over 100,000... Continue Reading
Posted on January 25, 2008 10:50 PM
Over the past few years, I've spoken at a number of Internet marketing conferences. I've lost track of all the places I've been and have a hard time recalling all the faces I've seen. But the truth is that I love public speaking. It gives me an opportunity to share my enthusiasm for making money online and the freedom that owning an Internet-based business can bring. I've put this new video together as a promotional... Continue Reading
Posted on January 25, 2008 05:46 AM
I've had several people ask me what I'm going to be up to in 2008. I'm very excited, because this is going to be a breakthrough year for many people who will increase their online revenue. AND, I am excited because I am going to be doing several things that have never been done before! That's kind of a mantra with me. I don't like to do what everyone else is doing. You have to... Continue Reading
Posted on January 22, 2008 11:05 PM
In November of 2005, I went to Armand Morin's Big Seminar for the first time. My eyes were opened to brand new possibilities, and I can say without reservation that it was one of the most significant events of my life. Since that time I have gotten to know Armand as a friend and a mentor. I've been a guest speaker at Big Seminar, he has been a guest teacher on The Next Internet Millionaire... Continue Reading
Posted on January 20, 2008 12:32 AM
Does American Airlines have good customer service? Once again, I find myself on the "I can't believe this is happening" end of a telephone conversation with a customer service rep. Here's the story. I had booked a flight using reward miles to fly someone from Dallas to Denver in a couple weeks. As it turns out, he is going to drive here a few days early and won't require the initial leg of the flight... Continue Reading
Posted on January 15, 2008 08:06 AM
I make no secret of it. I am a 43-year old man who loves playing computer and video games. And why not? I was a teenage when Space Invaders, Asteroids and Centipede took over the arcades. I was sixteen when I bought my first computer, a TRS-80. It was great for primitive gaming. And I've got a great collection of old computer software in a special room in my basement. Perhaps I'll do a video... Continue Reading
Posted on January 8, 2008 04:08 PM
Before we left Oklahoma, we used to eat at Moe's, a tex-mex fast food joint. It was pretty good. I especially liked the way they trained their staff to yell out "Welcome to Moe's!' every time someone walked in the front door. It made for a friendly environment where they recognized every customer on every visit. As a sidebar, Moe's only played music featuring dead musicians in their restaurant. Interesting... But when we moved to... Continue Reading
Posted on January 7, 2008 12:18 AM
I've been paying close attention to customer service wherever I go these days. In my business, I tell my support team to go the extra mile when assisting customers. I believe this pays off big time in the long run. But I am amazed at how many businesses do not pay attention to the simplest of customer service details. In the past few days, I have made observations at Best Buy, Gamestop, Qdoba and... my... Continue Reading
Posted on January 2, 2008 11:51 AM
At conferences, you can spot them a mile away. They're shaking hands with everyone they meet. They're passing out business cards like they're free hundred dollar bills. They attend every talk and scribble notes furiously through each of them. And you can bet that when they go home they'll spend every waking hour -- which might be twenty in a day -- sitting in front of their computer working on their site, building traffic and... Continue Reading
Posted on January 1, 2008 11:15 AM
Happy New Year! It's officially 2008, and you know what that means. It means I'll probably mess up a bunch of checks by writing 2007 as I get used to the idea of the new number! But it also means the holidays are over. Time to get back to work. It's a good thing I enjoy my work! How about you? Maybe you've bought revenue-generating training material and software but you aren't using it. Is... Continue Reading
Posted on December 19, 2007 12:36 AM
With 2007 almost gone and 2008 on the way, I am doing quite a bit of reflecting on where I've been, where I am going, and how I can best serve you in the upcoming year. So this is going to be an interactive newsletter, because I am counting on you to tell me what you would like to accomplish in 2008, and perhaps give me an indication of how I can best help you... Continue Reading
Posted on December 10, 2007 11:56 AM
I don't know where I'd be without joint ventures. I'd still have my AdSense income, which is nice, but I'd certainly be a lot poorer. I'd have fewer friends. And the people who acted on my recommendations would be a lot worse off too. Joint ventures are a vital part of my business. They should be a vital part of yours too. I still say that the best place to find joint venture opportunities is... Continue Reading
Posted on December 5, 2007 10:00 AM
The day has arrived! I don't think there has ever been such excitement over one of my product launches, and I am excited to say that the excitement really has nothing to do with me! Instead, this product is all about YOU, and the opportunity you now have to receive the Internet marketing education that can last a lifetime. The Secret Classroom It's not an ebook that overpromises and underdelivers. It's not a software tool... Continue Reading
Posted on December 3, 2007 12:12 AM
You've heard this phrase a thousand times. "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know." Do you believe it? It's true! At the age of 17 I got a dream job at the local computer and video store... ... because I knew the owner. At the age of 20 I got a summer job at an advertising agency and learned a ton... ... because my mother worked there. At the age of 24 I... Continue Reading
Posted on November 27, 2007 12:50 PM
A few months ago I wrote an article discussing why I dislike network marketing.
One of the main reasons is because many organizations suggest that you recruit your family and friends to join you in your quest to get rich.
Bah. I just don't like that.
BUT, as I mentioned on my blog, the Internet now affords an opportunity to get involved in network marketing without having to sell to your "warm" market. Continue Reading
Posted on November 25, 2007 12:59 PM
Did you know Google is on track to make $14 billion in ad revenue this year? And while no one knows the exact percentage they are paying out to AdSense publishers, it is estimated to be in the ballpark of 60%-70%. Only Google knows for sure. And you know I am big fan of AdSense. I've made a lot of money with it. BUT, and that is a big BUT... ... there ARE alternatives to... Continue Reading
Posted on November 23, 2007 12:10 AM
It was only a matter of time.
Google is coming out with their own phone.
But Amazon has beat the Big "G" to the punch with their own electronic device.
It's called Amazon Kindle, and it appears to be a contender for the coolest device of the 2007 holiday shopping season.
Imagine being able to access thousands of books wirelessly and read them on a crystal clear display anywhere you go. Continue Reading
Posted on November 19, 2007 12:40 PM
When I was at Blogworld last week, I came upon the booth of a company called "Entrecard." Their display caught my attention and I introduced myself to the CEO, Graham Langdom. To my surprise, Graham is also the creator of The Million Dollar Wiki. The reason I was surprised is that I had become familiar with that site the week before and had purchased a few pages on the site! Anyhow, knowing how innovative Graham... Continue Reading
Posted on November 12, 2007 10:55 AM
Do REAL people make money online?
Well, I consider myself real people!
Let's face it, before I became known for my AdSense ebook, I was just another anonymous Internet entrepreneur.
It's true!
Now my success story may seem out of reach...
... but it's not.
No way.
If I can do it, ANYONE can do it.
Trust me. I know myself and am still amazed that people consider me an Internet "celebrity." Continue Reading
Posted on November 8, 2007 10:13 AM
If you aren't doing video.. ... do I really need to finish this statement? Ok, I will. If you aren't doing video, you are missing out on one of simplest and sure-fire opportunties to promote your website, business, yourself and your services. Missing out. Those who keep an eye on hot trends know that video is it! This is why I want to you to RUN, don't walk, to the site I am going to... Continue Reading
Posted on October 31, 2007 05:04 PM
What if I told you could pick the brain of a former Google employee for $100. Would you seize the opportunity? Frankly, I can't imagine anyone with even the slightest curiousity not taking advantage of that offer. What if I told you that this person was on the original Google AdWords team? I don't know about you, but I'd pay over $1000 to hear what this person has to say! Well, I've got some bad... Continue Reading
Posted on October 15, 2007 09:11 AM
Cost-per-click advertising, contextual advertising, cost-per-mille advertising, domain name investing, affiliate networks, joint ventures, resell rights, floating ads, banner ads, video ads...
It's enough to give anyone a headache.
There are so many ways of monetizing a website these days that it can all get a bit overwhelming. How can you tell which ads would best match your content and which system you should be using to squeeze the most out of your pages? Continue Reading
Posted on September 27, 2007 02:57 PM
Reality TV. The words conjure up images of people doing crazy things for cash. On Survivor its having the endurance to brave the elements and make it on a deserted island with a bunch of strangers. On American Idol its being embarrased before the entire country as Simon Cowell makes you his whipping boy. On The Apprentice its about giving up your well-paying business to take a lower paying job with Donald Trump. And what... Continue Reading
Posted on September 26, 2007 01:56 PM
Episode 6 of "The Next Internet Millionaire" is now online...
... and in this episode, tensions are rising as the seven remaining contestants battle it out in a challenging immunity task and a team challenge that tests their sales ability.
Special guest teacher Brad Fallon instructs the contestants on principles of business and ecommerce, and someone gets a special night on the town courtesy of Brad! Continue Reading
Posted on September 24, 2007 09:08 PM
Are you an entrepreneur?
From Dictionary.com, an entrepreneur is "a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk."
Considerable initiative and risk.
Because of this, entrepreneurs expect to win some and lose some.
But one thing an entrepreneur will never do is stop trying. Continue Reading
Posted on September 23, 2007 10:53 AM
Episode 5 of The Next Internet Millionaire is now online. Watch Now! In this episode, the contestants face an individual immunity challenge that puts their writing skills and creativty to the test. A special appearance from online video expert, Michael Koenigs, provides the remaining eight with insight into how to leverage video to build their business. And an execution challenge that involves filming a 60-second commercial is entertaining and educational. Who will win? Who will... Continue Reading
Posted on September 19, 2007 06:49 AM
It's one thing to have consenting adults eat worms on a reality show.
It's a totally different story when children are being exploited for entertainment.
And that is exactly what is taking place with Kid Nation, CBS television's much-hyped reality show. Continue Reading
Posted on September 11, 2007 12:46 PM
I know I am opening myself up to criticism for this post, but it's been on my mind and I really just want to put it out there.
I dislike the way multi-level marketing has been done by many companies.
I don't dislike multi-level marketers, mind you (well, most of them anyway). I just think that business model has proven destructive to many individuals and families. Continue Reading
Posted on September 8, 2007 12:01 AM
If there's one thing I keep saying time and time again, it's that anyone who wants to make lots of money online needs to go to conferences. And every time I say it, I see some people looking back at me with blank faces. I understand. Conferences cost money. If you're just starting out, it can feel like they cost a lot of money. And if you've never been to a business conference before, it... Continue Reading
Posted on August 27, 2007 10:55 PM
Episode Two of The Next Internet Millionaire is now live!
Watch now
Highlights from Episode 2 include...
... Joshua Sloan from 1&1 Internet
... Armand Morin speaking on the importance of branding your business
... Cast members sharing their REAL feelings about each other Continue Reading
Posted on August 23, 2007 12:57 PM
I've been doing a lot of radio interviews lately. The media is very interested in The Next Internet Millionaire and I feel like I am spending hours on the phone!
Well, I just got off the phone for a radio interview and was asked what is the first thing that anyone who wants to create an Internet business should do.
My answer came with great clarity and without hesitation...
Continue Reading
Posted on August 13, 2007 07:08 AM
I like to keep things short. I know that you're busy. I know that you've got a million things to do today. And I know that if you're reading this, you're not building your online publishing business. So I don't want to take up too much of your time. That's why I tend to keep my posts brief and to the point. In general, my philosophy is that if I can't say what I want... Continue Reading
Posted on July 22, 2007 05:32 AM
Tag me once, tag me twice. What the heck.
Both Rosalind Gardner and Kris Jones 'tagged' me to create this blog entry.
Here goes... Continue Reading
Posted on July 20, 2007 01:20 AM
OK, you know that I love AdSense... it's a great way to build a business.
But if you've been watching me, you know that I like all kinds of different online businesses.
And one type of website that has COMPLETELY transformed MY business is membership sites.
Or another fancy term for this is "continuity programs". Continue Reading
Posted on July 14, 2007 12:37 AM
Here's a pretty cool find...
It's a free 10-question business quiz that can help you find out how well your business stacks up when it comes to marketing, hiring, growth and making big profits.
I just took the quiz and found some very valuable insights.
And as I said, it is free. No catch!
Free Business Quiz
Continue Reading
Posted on July 10, 2007 03:52 PM
I'm not a negative person.
Generally, I've got a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.
But the moment I got off the plane in Miami for Affiliate Summit, I felt like I needed a shower.
No offense intended to any of my subscribers or friends that live at the tip of Florida, but I found it to be just a notch below absolutely miserable. Continue Reading
Posted on July 7, 2007 07:07 AM