Making Money Online; The Reality.
"Yes, this works for ME!"
My last blog post was about setting up an online business, expressing your passion, and making the decision to make money online. Just about every type of industry you can think of that might interest you is represented by some type of sales opportunity.
Here’s the problem as I see it. You need money. You have been downsized, laid off, fired, or unemployed. Maybe you just need extra money each month to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head… and oh, yeah, eat. Then someone approaches you with the idea that you ought to try an online business. It might be top tier direct sales, regular direct sales, MLM or network marketing, affiliate marketing, article writing, or something along these lines. Maybe they even suggest doing a bit of everything simultaneously.
As I stated in an earlier post and video, this makes things very confusing for the newbie to qualify an opportunity. I’m going to clear things up for you so you don’t spend too much time or money to see if this is really something that is a good fit for you! I know, tons of websites promise you that “If so-and-so can do it and be successful, so can you!” Well, of course that’s what they will say! They’re trolling for a big fish (a Golden-Member type). They don’t have much to lose, but YOU do. Not everyone is going to be successful with an online business. Why do you think sponsors “qualify” potential partners, candidates, enrollees? This is BUSINESS. Forget that you might be their neighbor, friend, ex-co-worker, or relative… they don’t want to waste their time (and remember time is money) on those that aren’t gonna make it. THAT’S the truth! The majority of people that take the hook and the worm will either quit or never ever make a cent. There are opportunities where you just sign up, buy products each month and hope for the best. I’m not referring to those but the real money-making opportunities where you can achieve 7-figures annually and then some.
Here are a few facts that you need to consider as you look around the Internet at all the opportunities that exist today.
1. Passion. My last post was about passion. This is W-O-R-K. So, what will motivate you? What really excites you in life? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? If you have a few ideas on just what your passion might be and do a little research online, you’ll find some good companies out there that sound interesting. But, be aware: I have known stubborn people who have spent tens-of-thousands of dollars trying to find the right opportunity, or the right technique to make enough money to have a purely online business income lifestyle. If you’re ready to gamble and spend some dollars, there are people out there who will take your money! If you were to ask the people that spent all that money and eventually did get back on track what they would do differently, they would say they wished they would have paid a good qualified coach or mentor $125 per hour for a few real lessons and instructions on what to do! Did you know that a sponsor, coach, or mentor is almost absolutely necessary in order to insure your success so you don’t get off track and get completely confused and lost? Isn’t hindsight a great teacher?
2. Entrepreneurial Mindset. Along with passion, which I categorize under an emotional reaction to something you enjoy, it takes a certain mindset to succeed online. An entrepreneur enjoys the day-to-day challenges, becomes adept at being a great strategist and understands that they must have several streams of income not just a couple. They know that passive long-term income is as essential as the fast short-term so that their entire income is not dependent on their time. This way, they are not “selling” time for money. Otherwise, they still only have a j-o-b working for themselves. An entrepreneur knows how to gain the greatest benefit from each opportunity, knows how to bring in new prospects and convert them to paying clients; not just once, but repeatedly. You have to be willing to plan, follow the plan, learn to strategize, be able to understand and read the results, take calculated risks, re-evaluate, and learn from the strategies that fail. You will fail, we all do. Just learn from the experience and don’t repeat! Master the appropriate mindset and achieve.
3. What is your budget? Every real money-making opportunity that could really make you money fairly quickly and get serious for the long-term will cost to get into it. So what kind of a one-time fee or monthly commitment can you realistically afford? Be honest with yourself. Realize that as you learn and grow, you will have to commit dollars to grow this investment. Yes, a business is an investment (time, money, effort, implementing what you’ve learned, training others, teaching, duplicating systems…
4. You may not be aware of it right now, but you will be EXPECTED to be a Leader! That means you have to draw others to you, get them to trust you. You will be expected to teach others what you have learned if you become successful. The main business systems today rely on duplication. So, you first need to know how to follow directions, instructions, and learn it all yourself. Then, you share it with others and teach them to do the same.
5. Marketing (getting the word out) will be crucial. What is your background with either running or operating a business (online or offline)? Many things that will be necessary for your success can be taught; other things cannot. I am preparing to utilize a complete A-Z Automated Marketing System. The results of the system from both people I know and case-studies show great results with Alexa.com rankings within just a couple of month’s time. This means qualified leads will be driven straight to me and joint-venture opportunities will open up for me. If you choose or have to do each aspect of marketing personally, you have to prepare yourself to learn each crucial step, set up your own system step-by-step, and then maintain it and watch over it. Dollars don’t just flow into your account like magic! You will also have to keep on top of all the latest trends, dos and don’ts. Your marketing system will make or break you. Part of this system is that you have to create an email list to market your stuff to. Are you willing to do what it takes to make that happen? To do it right, you don’t market “to the list” but build relationships. Do you like people? Are you motivated to help others? Do you honestly care about what THEY need above your own needs?
6. What would you do if you had a great sponsor and they quit your particular opportunity? You know that excited person that couldn’t wait to lead you down the path to making a fortune online? Hmmm… where did they go? I know many who go through several network marketing or direct sales opportunities each year! That’s right! Whatever looks like the next hot thing, they quit their current company and go running! You have to make sure you have a solid support system in order to really succeed.
7. Do you have true desire to be successful? This is a mindset and an emotional thing. Many people say they want to create true wealth from home instead of making someone else rich at a job, but only 10% really have a core desire to do so. So, do you have the core desire or are you part of the 90% crowd?
This is not the entire list of things that I feel are important for you to consider. Maybe after reading this post you just might think I’m negative about these sales techniques. Not at all! I’m just being real with you. It’s not for everyone. But, for those that catch the vision, are willing to spend the time and effort (and some reasonable dollars, too) I’m willing to share more helpful tips to help you identify what is working and what is not working online today. In the end, the decision will indeed be yours. You just might be the “Golden-Member” or “Golden-Candidate” that everyone is looking for or you might be someone that doesn’t really qualify and decide it’s not for you. I’m not writing this post to convince you what is right for you. I’m just trying to take you through the reality of the process and you decide for yourself if you really want it. If you do, I want to help you see what will be necessary to achieve the success you seek online. If you do it right, it can be extremely lucrative. It works for me!
Since you don’t know me all that well just yet, I thought you might like the perspective of an expert. David Bach is a well-respected author that devotes an entire chapter on Direct Sales. Don’t hesitate to contact me and let me know if this post has been useful to you.
To your prosperity and online success,
Thank you for providing a more candid approach to entrepreneurship then most websites/blogs.
wind0506 recently posted..paleo diet menu
Welcome!
Thanks for leaving your comment. The philosophy behind your marketing is extremely important. Your online “brand” can be very powerful if you do it right. The methods and techniques of marketing change very frequently online so to blog about them is a total waste of time. Marketing is very industry and owner-specific. It would not be possible to go in-depth enough on a blog to really do any good. It would raise more questions than it answered.
Enjoy your online journey!
Deborah
This blog really fits me. I have been out from work since 3months because of downsizing. Now, because of my determination to learn online marketing, I got a job and enjoy learning more about online marketing.
tonypix recently posted..singles websites
Hello, Tony:
Nice to have you stop by! Online marketing tips come and go very frequently. It’s hard to keep up! What I try to do is stick with the basics and not jump on every latest marketing gimmick that comes along. Most are gone within a month or two and you can go broke trying to see what works! I have been building my business blog so I have not been back to this one as often as I should. I will be making updates shortly. I am so glad you enjoy it!
Much success to you,
Deborah
For me, the major setback is probably the budget, very limited, but my determination is just unstoppable and i am willing to keep pushing till i get there. I can see the reward coming already, it’s not too far.
Loic, I like your gravatar… cute!
It is true that persistence is a major success trait that has to be there or you will not succeed. Your determination will win out in the end. You are a visionary and I wish you all the rewards you so richly deserve. Keep the faith!
Deborah
Deborah,
I love the bright flowers on your blog! So full of energy, enthusiasm and happiness! I also appreciate the word count and est. time to read – that’s cool!
This post is full of information that people need to consider before they plunge into any business!
Job well done!
To our success,
Linda
Linda G. Cox recently posted..Baby Boomer Generation
Linda, so glad you feel at home here! That was exactly my intention. It makes me happy that you see value in my work. I appreciate your comments. It adds even more to my blog!
Looking forward to getting to know you,
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Looks like a powerful post. Making money online is hard. Unless you know what people want and how to tap into the psychology of your prospect.
Having your passion is very important like you said, but just make sure there is an audience who has a problem which you can solve. If there isn’t then you’ll be blogging for free because no one will pay unless they can see you as the solution to their problems.
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money from other people’s hard work.
Deborah, just a quick note. I’m not sure the adverts within the text work well on your blog? I’m not a great fan of them + the links are hard to read.
Chances of people clicking on them are very slim and you’d do much better to remove them. Show people you care like you do anyway and continue to offer great value.
Hope that helps,
Thanks
Gavin
Gavin, thanks for stopping by!
I agree, you need to solve people’s problems to make extra income. I’ve had many come to me saying their biggest challenge is discovering their passion and niche. Therefore, I tried to point them in the right direction with the video and post!
I have taken several months deciding on how I would like to help others rather than just signing up for every network marketing or direct sales opportunity that has been shoved at me. So that’s where I’m at in this process online. I cannot advise others on the rest of the process if I have not been there myself. That would be wrong!
I am taking my community on a journey with me as I go along. This blog is not my income producing blog. This blog is about my thoughts, my journey, and my best free advice and giving value! I am just now setting up my sales and marketing funnel. That blog will be for the purpose of training, duplicating, and making an income for those that desire to join me in business.
Thanks for your help!
Deborah
These were some great “in a nutshell” ideas that anyone thinking of going into business needs to focus on. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting, Alexander!
May you enjoy much success online!
Deborah
Great Post Deborah. I look how you really spoke about all aspects of what it takes and some of things most people do not think about. I find that many business out there give out to much excitement without giving the right information and the right leadership, especially to those new to the business. Thank you for the great info.
Julie Elliott recently posted..The challange and power of Change
Hello, Julie! It’s my pleasure to have you come by! You totally understood my reason for the post! I, too, am tired of all the hype and no substance! Excitement is a factor, you should enjoy whatever the business is that you choose. However, we need to keep it real. New people need to know all the factors before making a decision. How can a person make an honest and knowledgeable decision when they are just given the hype? Your sponsor’s success may be completely different than your success. You need to evaluate what you have and what you want.
Thanks again, continued success, Julie!
Deborah
I loved this post Deborah. It is so important to go and find a great mentor with the same values as you have. Another important quality to have is persistence. Success doesn’t happen overnight and it’s easy to be discouraged and give up but if you have determination along with all the other keys you mentioned above, then anyone can have the life they’ve always dreamed of. I look forward to your next post.
Juniper Currie recently posted..How To Simplify Your Life And Enjoy It – Part II
Juniper, nice to meet you here!
Persistence is indeed a requirement. Too many give up too soon! You have to REALLY want it! I truly appreciate it when people stop by and take the time to not only read, but leave a comment. It’s like you left a little bit of yourself here. Thanks for such a positive response.
Wishing you the very best,
Deborah
I love you separating the really serious 7 figure income potential opportunities and making a point of that because it’s a huge difference. Just a couple of additional comments. While support from your sponsor or a coach is a consideration ultimately it all depends on you and your commitment and belief in the company. I believe when people put their faith in their sponsor they are not truly taking responsibility for themselves. A good sponsor guides you in the right direction and does not tell you what to do but lets you discover for yourself. I have an expression I tell all of our new distributors. I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but I will always tell you what you deserve to hear.
Michael
You are absolutely correct there, Michael. I think a sponsor in the beginning for a newbie is very important but reality is, many jump around and may leave you high and dry. It sounds like you are a great sponsor! That’s a true compliment!
Keep being real!
Deborah
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Hey Deborah,
These are excellent points to consider when looking for a business opportunity of any kind. I especially like the last one… Do you have true desire to be successful? Not everyone was created to be an entrepreneur and business owner. It is sad when people are told that they can do it without this major piece of the puzzle.
Thanks for sharing this with us all.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
Edward recently posted..Share Your DREAM Friday – with Special Guest Dreamer Donna Merrill!
Thanks for agreeing with me, Edward. I appreciate your feedback as you are doing everything right online! I am watching and following your lead.
Appreciate your comments. Best wishes & God bless you and your endeavors.
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Great advice for those who are unsure whether they should begin an online business or not. You really touched all of the top reality issues for sure. I think the sleeper here is the leader requirement. I think most people have no idea that they will be expected to be a leader. Thanks for sharing such great information.
Debbie Stevens recently posted..Every Setback is Temporary
Debbie, thank you so much for the great comments!
I really care about people and I just think that if we really want to help them, we have to say it like it is. It took me quite awhile to decide what my interest online for making income would be. It’s not something to be taken lightly, we all make mistakes, but I want to help people make as few and as many minor mistakes as possible.
Thanks for being here and supporting me in this message.
Deborah
Hi Deborah:
Thanks for another great post. Honest input and integrity are of the utmost importance to me. You just don’t see many people telling you what you need to know, because it’s easier and more comfortable to tell you what they think you want to hear.
Unfortunately, they kind of shoot themselves in the foot because now they have a completely unqualified person that they will pour time and effort into training, and then the new person will leave. What a waste!! Be honest. Tell them the facts they need to make an informed decision…
Gee Vanessa, get on a soap box much?
Thanks again. You have really valuable information.
Live with passion and purpose,
Vanessa
Vanessa recently posted..It’s 2010…Do You Know Where Your Clients Are
Vanessa, thanks for such a great comment! I, too, obviously can’t stand all the hype out there. Most messages to a newbie are about how they can “be successful online easily, no experience necessary, just click and pay here.” These statements may be popular, may make the marketer some bucks short-term, but quickly they will get a reputation that will make that online income dwindle down to nothing. People aren’t stupid and should be respected. Once the person feeds into the hype, then realizes that it was just another empty promise, they will become another negative, frustrated person that thinks we are all liars. No one wins in this scenario!
Best wishes, Vanessa. Keep doing it right!
Deborah
Deborah, as I see it the biggest asset needed to make it on line is the Entrepreneurial Mindset. So many look at the internet and think that is a piece of cake. However they soon fall by the wayside because they lack the mind set to get past splat. An old blog post of mine. This post is great advice to those who want to better themselves. Thanks for giving this to us.
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Hello, Nelson:
When I was hosting workshops, the very first thing I did was place responsibility of the success of the workshop in the weeks to come on the attendee. I can talk “at” someone all day but if they don’t have the right mind set, attitude, or really want to succeed, I used to say, “I can’t drag someone into success.” I appreciate your feedback and experience.
Best wishes in all your endeavors,
Deborah
Deborah
Thanks for this post some really great points that you have mentioned. It is crucial that people really look into an opportunity before they jump in. Making money online is an alluring idea but not everyone is suited to it.
Belinda
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Thank you, Belinda. I see too many people leap before they really look. Often, they trust the advice of someone trying to drag them into an opportunity and so they just go with it. I believe this is why so many are very negative about network marketing. They had a bad experience and think MLM or network marketing is a scam. I hope to show those that have the right qualities that it truly is a viable option.
I wish you continued success!
Deborah
Hi Deborah
I really love this post and your straight forwardness.
It doesn’t take long to figure out who the leaders are.
I think some people fall in love with the idea of “network marketing”
but, don’t understand what it really takes to be an entrepreneur.
This post I’m sure will act as a guide!
Warm Regards
Debby Beachy
Debby, I thank you for reading and commenting. I most appreciate your positive feedback. So many people just market, market, market and couldn’t care less about what their email list or their blog visitors need or want. As I learn and grow,I want to make absolutely sure anyone interested in working with me understands my philosophies and strategies and that I put THEM first!
I have been following you for awhile and enjoy the special message you have!
Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Fanatic posting, you listed some important facts you need to consider when looking at all the opportunities that exist today. If you do not have passion, the mindset and desire I don’t think all these facts will matter.
When looking for an opportunity, I feel you must decide exactly what you want to do, what are you passionate about and focus on getting it. You have to want success and work to be successful.
Thanks for the helpful tips, Deborah.
~ Corneal
Thank you, Corneal, for your insight! It really does take a great deal of dedication and some people just don’t have it. You can have the greatest product or service in the world to promote and offer the world, but if you are online for all the wrong reasons, you won’t earn!
I appreciate the comment!
Deborah
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Thanks for the tweet, Scott!
Deborah. Thank you for providing a more candid approach to entrepreneurship then most websites/blogs. Becoming, and more importantly, remaining an entrepreneur is not for everyone. It definitely takes the right personality to survive and thrive – regardless of how large or small your budget is when you get started. I look forward to reading future articles on your blog.
Scott Pollov recently posted..Why Write A Business Plan – Eight Great Reasons!
Thanks, Scott for stopping by and commenting. I know it’s important to “be real” with people after they’ve been searching the Internet for truth. How can we assist others if all we are thinking about is our bottom line? It’s irresponsible for us that are “in the know” to mislead others intentionally. Thank you for your support!
Best online wishes,
Deborah