“$549,784.82 on complete autopilot…”
“…easy $10k per month working from home…”
“$174k in 30 days using this…”
I have a lot of people in ThePerfectBizFinder Program who ask me if these stories are true.
A lot of people figure since I’ve built so many successful businesses over the past 39 years I might have some insight into this question. How about you? Do you want to know what I think?
Well, to tell you the truth, I have no idea if these stories are really true; I mean specifically.
Do I think it’s possible? Yes I do…really.
BUT! And this is really important, I also believe that it never happens the first time and that the likelihood is very very very very remote for the average person. Does it surprise you to hear me say that?
Well, it might also surprise you to hear that I don’t really object to this kind of advertising. I mean in truth we live in a buyer beware world and even I admit to loving the idea that I might make a half a million dollars a year knowing very little and doing almost nothing.
Who wouldn’t for cryin’ out loud?
But here is an important distinction for you to learn:
There is a REALLY big difference between money making schemes like these and building a business. The sooner you get a grip on this one, the sooner you can get real with your success expectations.
To be clear, there is nothing categorically wrong with “make money fast and easy without any experience knowledge or risk” programs. I just happen to believe that even if they work (which is very rare), they can’t be mistaken for a real businesses. This is one of the uniquely recent problems that accompanies the maturity of the internet. People actually equate these two and mistakenly believe that if they somehow manage to draw the “Willy Wonka Golden Ticket” and make a bunch on money online that they have a business.
Ahemm. Nope sorry. This model fails a key principle of businesses success; To have a true business you must provide an identifiable and sustainable value to a market-place of consumers.
I remember when I first decided to write my eBook, “How to Find Your Perfect Business in 21 Days or Less Without Breaking a Sweat” I initially thought that when I packaged this collection of powerful key success principles and practices into an eBook, marketing it would be a simple matter of putting up a web site and advertising for traffic.
Where do you suppose I got that idea?
It couldn’t be the ‘get rich easy on the internet’ programs, could it?
Well, I bought a couple of these programs; several for thousands of dollars. When each arrived I opened them optimistically and with great enthusiasm. After-all, what better medium than the internet to reach more people and help them realize the kind of success my coaching clients had realized.
Unfortunately and for brevity, suffice it to say that as I reviewed the material, it was clearly not what I needed. I returned them and instead retained a specialized coaching partner to help me. That’s when I learned this really important lesson about selling information products on the internet. Here is what I want to share with you:
Selling information products on the internet is much more than publishing a PDF file and throwing up a website. Selling information products on the internet is a business.
That’s right, an entire business. Did you get that?
An entire business. And it needs to be treated that way.
The eBook part is just the product.
You will ultimately need to establish all the same business systems and procedures necessary for any business. You’ll need:
- Marketing to research, identify, test and develop your market niche(s)
- Sales and distribution to provide a predictable method of generating revenue.
- Information technology both to market and deliver your product and well as report the results of your marketing efforts.
- Customer service or support to deal with the inevitable customer inquiries or issues.
- Finance for tracking and reporting sales and expenses and so forth.
- R&D to identify and create follow-on products or programs to service your markets.
–
The point is that when building a business, regardless of distribution strategy, business model or target market, ALL the basic necessary elements of a business still exist. Again, that’s regardless of the business model; Internet business, franchise, MLM, consultancy, software shop or store-front.
In the case of an online business (home based or not), just because you are using the internet as a medium for marketing, sales, and distribution, it does NOT mean that you don’t need the fundamental operational and organizational elements of a sound business. It’s not just a web site selling an eBook, it’s a business.
The good news is that in today’s business climate there are dozens of creative, inexpensive and low maintenance ways these functions can be fulfilled. You can recruit and retain employees if you wish. However, there is a veritable army of independent and freelance specialists of every kind available to take on various aspects of any business project. Everything from contract web developers listed with references on sites like ‘Rent-a-Coder’ and ‘eLance’ make the process of finding reliable help quick and easy. Outsourcing and Virtual Assistant contractors abound for every conceivable business function.
While it can be very seductive to envision easy riches and fame for writing and selling an eBook about your favorite past-time, be aware that if you intend on delivering value to a market-place of consumers, then you are building a business. And if you’re building a business, you’re going to need to go all the way with it.
So, forget the get rich fast and easy promises. Don’t fall victim to the seductive lure of these
empty claims. Instead, build a real business that delivers real products, and real value to real people.
I’m interested in reading your thoughts about this article.
Have you been lured into one of the get rich fast and easy programs?
Maybe you’re in one now and are struggling.
What have you discovered and what are you going to do about it?
I’m standing for all that’s possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
PS – This is one of the primary reasons I created ThePerfectBizFinder and ThePerfectBizBuilder Coaching programs. Both are specifically designed to keep you out of these traps and avoid the fatiguing crush of inevitable failure.
You’ve already heard me say that to be successful in business not just any business will do. You must choose the RIGHT business and you must organize that business so you are in the RIGHT role.
ThePerfectBizFinder Program reveals every attribute, aspect, and nuance of the business that is guaranteed to deliver the lifestyle and financial returns you want and then leads you step by step through the process of creating Your Perfect Business
ThePerfectBizBuilder Coaching Program delivers top caliber expert one on one customized coaching support to individually escort you through the process of finding and creating a business that guarantees your most astonishing success, FAST
With the support of my expert success team, your success and satisfaction is absolutely
guaranteed. I look forward to hearing from you there.
I’ve explained to family and/or friends, on more than one occasion: “No, I’m not chasing get-rich-quick schemes on the internet: I’m building a solid business.” Great article – I appreciate this site..
I feel as if I am coming at the issue from various sides at once. I have been sucked into the largely unfulfilled promises of an individualized coaching program (one not even related to Perfect Biz Finder). I have steered clear of get-rich-quick schemes advertising no previous skills or ability to provide value as acceptable. I have made provisions for various aspects of business–more than just website and product. I have been blind sided by hidden costs and requirements. I have hope and some evidence that continuing in a particular direction will bring success. I have uncertainty that the future holds what I anticipate.And P.S., I have mixed feelings about the new FTC guidelines that went into effect officially a couple of days ago in the US. The FTC may protect some unwary customers from misleading promises of health and wealth, and they may enforce the rules in arbitrary or unfair ways. They may do some good holding business people to account, and they may place undue and crushing burdens (e.g., of proof) on businesses. Maybe both.
I totally agree Steve – I was just looking at several offers I have received in my email in the last few days and am amazed at the marketing hype they use. Like buy it now this minute as i cant guarantee it will even be available seconds from now WOW what bull— One of my biggest problems to success has always been putting the cart before the horse and it just dont work that way. This time I am going to do it right and use your system to get a solid foundation to start my online business as god knows I have wasted enough money and time and even more important my LIFE going after the latest and greatest wizbang launches out there .
Good advice there steve!
Anyone who doesn’t agree with Steve on this, I think is kidding themselves!
Any business requires more than just a product and/or service.
After working for myself for 10 years, I’ve had to learn those things (and others), otherwise I don’t think I’d still be here!
My main problem/question is, how to promote my physical product (in my case holidays and creative classes in Italy and my artwork). Most things on the net are about digital products and I have the impression that the hints given by most internet gurus are not fitting to what I have to offer. Also the style of writing often doesn´t fit to the way people in Europe perceive things. We might be a little bit slower here and some might think it to be boring. We often perceive ad copy as counseled by US American marketers as to exaggerated. Our potential clients would rather be driven away by it.So the question remains. What can we do to promote a high class physical product like our holidays in Italy successfully in the internet. Oh, of course we have a website (www.rogaia.com), of course we have a newsletter and do email marketing. We have also started an affiliate programm for our holiday apartments and creative classes. Yet still I have the feeling we are missing out on something. Maybe you can counsel on how to promote a NOT typical internet product on the internet.Sincere regards Wolfgang SandtLa Rogaia
My motto is : if it sounds to good to be true – it usually is!Nothing beats persistence and determination
Hey Steve,
You’ve told me some stuff that I didn’t want to hear….the truth!
I worked as a sales manager for a home improvements company for years. I always wanted my own successful business in two industries: home improvements and network marketing.I am starting a home improvements company soon as the minority partner which is great and I have been struggling at network marketing for 6 months now. I think this business model is wonderful in that it can and has helped many people around the world improve their lives.What Steve says is very true. Any business requires structure and the ability to take emotion out of the research process. This is where I have failed forward for 6 months. Now, I am sure I will crack this difficult network marketing nut.Last comment….be careful when choosing your adviser, consultant, guru, or sponsor. You can loose a lot of money in this area too.Great article Steve.Robert
I have been following along with you and your principles for a couple of months now. I have a hardwood flooring business that I started in Feb. 2009. It was succsessful but, like everybody that starts something new, from the ground up, I have hit a lull and was unprepared. Next year looks very good when things start back up and I will do things alot different. All of your insights have been very helpful and I look forward to working with you and your mentors as soon as possible. This is a business to me and I plan to plan. Things will be different and better. Keep up the good work….
Like we should all know the truth is what hurts.I tried to hard to find something I could do and found a lot of professional liaers just wanting to get your money,one was so bad they caused fraud on our credit cards. We turned our cards all over to our attorney so it is impossable to do something good. Boy there is nothing like learning the hard way. Education is expensive so is stupidity. Now you know where I stand .If I live long enough I am going for your system. O T A 11/13/31
Great article, Steve! I needed to hear this right now. I’ve been chasing money with the “Hey, if they can do it, so can I” mentality. Your coaching program has helped me realize the kind of fulfillment that is possible with having my dream business, not just a pile of money.
Sirs, I continually receive mail from you offering knowledge that I really could use, and I know that you must be worth the money. My problem is that I am an old, disabled person living on Social Security. The product and the website I have, I developed by myself and funded myself until it is done, and I have no money to advertise and send traffic to the website., and the knowledge that you sell would help me a ton. If you do a pro bono move sometime, please consider me.Thanks,Wayne
Hi Wayne,
Thank you for your comment.
Here is something to consider. As part of ThePerfectBizFinder Program, you get access to ThePerfectBizBuilder Members Area where you’ll find hundreds of other program participants.
This is a network of ready-made potential JV partners, many of whom have lists of prospect who may be receptive to your product. While I know nothing about your product in particular exploring the partnership possibilities with other members who serve a similar market to do joint promotions will give you access to the most effective and least expensive traffic.
So the program itself will help you make any refinements necessary to your business model and the membership will give you access to a network of potential customers.
Just a thought.
Sincerely,
Steve
Steve,
Like a lot of people, I’m in the group who have been seduced by the claims you mention and certainly have followed down their road to nowhere. I do have my perfect business for me and trying to use these programs to finance it certainly has been disappointing. That said, I do believe that I’m learning a great deal about the ways of the web and some of it certainly applies to my ‘real’ business. I have become a fan of your work and listen to and enjoy many of your insights. It has been a pleasure to see a successful man share his thoughts. I wish for your continued success. It’s nice to see a fellow giving back. Thanks again.
Regards
John
Steve,
I have been checking out many of those “get rich sits”, but i have been sceptical and obviosely for the right reasons. I thank you for sharing this with everyone. I was about to fall pray until you shared this with us readers. I have not started a busness yet, but i plan to be up and runing with in a year.
I did find two sits that are with the BBB and one is a sit that you sent out last week (Kyle Battis) a get rich slow statagy and the other is the same way. This other sit I have acually talked with two indiviguals that have there biz up and runing and making money. These two are the ones that I will chose from. Tell me what you think with an email reply.
Thank you for all your wisdom.
Jason Davis
Steve, The truth of the matter is simply this. When would you sell a map to a gold mine? Well I would sell it when basically all the gold had been removed. Then tell everybody how I got rich and where the mine was. The Guru’s selling all these secret internet businesses are simply selling old methods that have become outdated and over worked. Why else would they want everyone else to know about it? They are making more money telling the story than doing the deed. Save your money and follow what you are saying. Thanks. B.L.
Steve , Many thanks for I do truly believe that thats what they are quick fix to confusion and does waste your time, spent or wasted so much time on all this and still no closer. Honestly never was for me anyhow . My web (touchmylife.com.au) I am of my God and with passion to create love is all that I see, I feel and know Spiritual Healer of our world’s when I say this one and beyond. Blessings as always Estelle .
Hi Steve,
I tried a couple of those get rich quick programs—I was very disappointed as you can imagine. Since I own a real brick and mortar business already you think I’d have been immune to it, but no. There’s something about financial challenges that sometimes make you long for an easier road. You get into the mindset that, okay, maybe THIS one will work. NOT!!
I am working on building a web site. I know it will be a business, so I am willing to take the time and effort to do it right the first time around. It’s not a get rich quick thing—it’s a long term asset that will pay me for years if I treat it right.