“$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.
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Steve
I have seen you since november, I have the Perfect Biz Finder, the one part, but I dont pay yet, I love it. I´ve been searching in Internet and nothing likely is there.
I paid on other sites trying to get my financial freedom but the results have not been good. Internet is full of fraud.
You seems like a serious person, your work is good so far I think, I’m pretty determined, I only need to have a website or you give me one? and have the money for this, besides living in the Dominican Republic and do not know if this business could work here.
I need my own business, although I’m not sure what kind of business might be, I’m still out of focus, I have much information about everything I read but I’m not clear what I wan, I read and study everything you send me.
Thank you very much and please, can you answer me I want to know what to do.
Marta
Thanks Steve, I’ve been havering over hitting the ‘unsubscribe’ button on several of the ‘can’t fail’ internet marketing advertisers – they are very seductive for someone who is facing financial and life challenges. Your article has confirmed my gut feeling and confirmed what a business is about – inspiring and confirming. I shall be unsubscribing fast and free up time to focus on developing what I’m passionate about.
Serve first, sell later is a recent quote that further clarified things for me.
I have had a slow start in making the switch from 3 plus years and a lot of expensive internet marketing mentors, to using that knowledge to help offline, or what I like to call “real businesses” modify their customer attraction and retention processes.
The people who I was ultimately drawn to in internet marketing, were the ones who new that it was about the end user experience FIRST, and the solidification of an income from providing a product or service SECOND. In fact, they were the only ones who actually succeeded.
Lately, I find myself refusing potential customers due to the fact that they blurt out “I just want to make a lot of money” during our initial 15 minute business brainstorming session.
Having some established expertise in working with “dedicated people” who love what they do has allowed me the luxury of refusing customers, but it only came after a good stretch of doing the right thing and sticking to my “I only work with passionate people who care about the end user” philosophy.
Sharing simple and effective systems that empower the local baker, plumber, and chiropractor or any other serious business owner to thrive, excites and drives me personally, and it allows me to grow in the ways that I can help them grow their businesses even more.
I have been around the block and share the frustration of not having fulfilled my biggest vision for my business (YET), But by knowing Steve and experiencing his program I was able to clarify a lot of what it really takes to make things happen authentically and honestly.
I’m way past simply wanting “to make money”, I want a REAL business that has a solid foundation that’s built on serving others well, and that lets me use my best skills, and Steve has been one of my most valuable assets in the pursuit of my dream business.
If you haven’t experienced the program, I think you should DO IT NOW !
Steve, I love you man !
Take care,
Rick Falls
Hi Steve Great post!. As a skeptical brit with a small design business, I would offer the following advice: \Any business can only survive by serving it’s customers well and giving them what they want, and making a profit\ If some so-called guru places the sole emphasis on what riches you will gain by buying in to their program, with little or no mention of what value or benefit you would provide for your customers, the strong likelyhood is that you will not see any reward, or stay in business long. The internet is the ideal happy hunting ground for con artists or the plain deluded. To be honest, I’m not too convinced by expensive coaching programs either.
I really like your 6 tips for “business.” However, I have relied on my website to bring in income, however sporadic. There is a bit of information technology, plus demonstrations of a product, etc. I would like to spend a minimum of time on externals. I prefer research and development on my own, and am wondering if I really am a “business person?”
Steve, great post! The level of value you continually provide is priceless! Thanks Steve.
Hi Steve
Great post. I agree with the message you are sending. A business is built step by step. A lot of people are looking for a quick fix and get enticed by these progams, myself included. The old saying “buyer beware” is so true in internet marketing. I researched opportunities and programs before becoming involved and having said that have come across a handfull of honest people who have the best interest of their members in mind. Yourself included.
By searching and rumaging through the junk out there you do find a few diamonds. Unfortunately you don’t always find them first!
You also quickly notice what you don’t want to represent and what you do. Particularly how you will promote your product or business. Some of the ways they are using are just irritating. It’s all part of the learning whether it be possitive or negative it will impact your business and your personal values you transfer to your business.
Most definately finding someone who is honest, open and will guide you through the steps is the way to go. You also have to apply what your learning, step out of your comfort zone and not give up!
I agree with you and the person who said to beware of who you choose as your sponsor in NM etc.
My question is:do you coach people who wants to start a MLM or NM business?
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.
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 .
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,
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,
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
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
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.
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
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….
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
Hey Steve,
You’ve told me some stuff that I didn’t want to hear….the truth!
My motto is : if it sounds to good to be true – it usually is!Nothing beats persistence and determination
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
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!
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 .
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’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..