NOTE: This post was first written in 2013. Amazingly, much of what I wrote still fits in 4th quarter 2016.
Want to know how some online experts really feel about the world of Internet marketing? It may shock you to learn that sometimes we just get plain fed up with the garbage that goes on.
On both sides of the fence there are unrealistic promises and expectations.
Seems like my friend and colleague, Lynn Terry, had one too many people make false promises when she said, “I don’t like the Internet Marketing space anymore.” Click here to read her post.
She’s not alone. I’ve felt this way on more than one occasion, as has anyone who’s worth their salt in the reputable Internet Marketing space.
Making a great living online is truly a blessing, but it does come with a price. Those of us who understand that this is the real deal of business are willing to pay the price.
Unfortunately, there are a bunch of people out there who will mislead the uninformed budding entrepreneur that they don’t have to do a darned thing to succeed.
Some of the misleading headlines read:
In as little as 10 minutes a day you can make a fortune!
Make hundreds of thousands of dollars at the press of a button!
Make millions while lounging on the beach!
The fact is, if you want to have a successful business you have to work at it. If the headlines (and promises) seem too good to be true, well… they are. Simple as that.
There’s no shortcut to success. You have to work for it. And you have to invest in it with time, money and effort.
Any of us who make a great living online have done all three.
As much as there are those who will lead you to believe you can make millions without doing a darned thing but buy their “turnkey” product, on the flip side are those who try to get everything for nothing or do as little as possible and somehow be wildly successful.
Recently, there’s been an increase in the inquiries from men and women who want to know, “Can you guarantee me if I buy your program I will make money and can I do it by putting a few minutes a day of effort into the process.”
With the most recent inquiry I received along these lines I responded by saying, “How can I guarantee you anything when I know nothing about your industry, your work ethic or the quality of what you put out to market.”
My gut instinct is that this person would cut corners on the quality of what they do because they are already trying to cut corners on the amount of time they are willing to put into their business.
Just this morning I received an email from a colleague with a similar message from someone on her list. “I want to make $100,000 a year and work under an hour a day. Can you guarantee me I will do this if I buy your product.”
How in the world can we guarantee your results based on you trying to do as little as possible and make a windfall of money? This is where I say, “Give me a break.”
This is real business with real entrepreneurs. This is not some pie in the sky BS of sitting on the beach doing nothing but getting a tan.
For those who are always seeking the discounts, the freebies and the “I’ve never made any money but I’ll give you a percentage of what I make if you’ll mentor me for free mindset” think about it from an entrepreneurs perspective. You must be willing to invest in the right resources in order to run a profitable business.
Before you start asking for the world and are not willing to give anything in return, would you want people to do that to you?
If you’re not making any money, let’s get really honest… are you investing in yourself and your business? Or are you trying to get everything for free? If you try to get something for nothing every opportunity you can is it any wonder you cannot generate money?
Energetically, you are attracting what you are putting out.
Okay, now it’s time to get off my soapbox.
Now before anyone writes and says, “Why are you so angry Kathleen?” I’m not angry at all. I just feel it’s time to call it as I see it.
Here’s what I know to be true. You can make an incredible living online in a variety of industries. There’s a whole world of opportunity out there. But… this is real business. Treat it as such. Don’t assume for a minute you don’t have to work for your success.
When you have a plan, a great mastermind group, the right information you can learn and apply and a willingness to take risks, you are well on your way to building a great business.
What are your thoughts on those who pretend you can make millions with no effort and those who try to get something for nothing? Comments encouraged and welcomed.
You’re invited to How to Pitch the Media about Your Book on October 12, 2016 at 5 p.m. Pacific. Click here to register.
Thanks for sharing this post. I see people with claims like that as well and wonder how they can do it working less than an hour a day. It surely hasn’t been true for me I have worked countless hours in the past few years to get my business where it is today. I still have a long way to go to be anywhere near as successful as you are in your online business and I am sure it is going to take a lot more hours of hard work to get me there. I am willing to put in the hard work and hours unlike many people who think there is a quick fix to everything. Blessings to you and your business.
Have a blessed day,
Deborah H. Bateman – Author
Thanks for your comments Deborah. It is amazing that people think there is no work involved in success.
Commitment and walking the walk is everything. If there’s a way to do it, people will make things happen.
But people who believe the “10 minutes a day will put you on the beach with millions in your bank account” hype would have more chance of success if they bought a lottery ticket (how many millions-to-one?)
I keep buying those darned lottery tickets Marya. The store sells me the ones that never win. LOL I try returning them saying they are defective, but it doesn’t work. They tell me to buy another one.
Well said! In fact, I’ve been thinking of an “invest in yourself” style post that I’ve been wanting to write for a while now… You’ve just given me the motivation to get ‘er done.
I think it’s funny (in a sad sort of way) how people think I’ve become an overnight success “so quickly.” When they ask how I did it, I tell them my business is 10 years old, I’ve been working at it full-time for almost 6 of those years, I lived frugally off my husband’s income while building the business, and in the past 3 years I’ve invested tens of thousands EACH YEAR in my own education. They walk away with their shoulders slumped.
The fact is, you get what you pay for, you earn what you work for. If you have zero work ethic, you have no business being in business. Go get a J.O.B. and quit complaining about your life. When you’re ready to do what it takes and invest those long days (I worked 7 days a week, sometimes up to 18 hours each day when I was first full-time with my business) and money in your business, THEN you’ll be ready to be a success.
Thanks Kathleen – I just wrote part of my blog post here! 😉
-Kristen
Yes, we are all overnight successes and it only took X number of years to get there. LOL
Thanks for your input and your insights.
Business owners are the hardest working people I know! Coming from mufti-generational businesses owners and being one myself for 39 years, I know how much work it takes.
I suppose it could take 10 mins a day- if you outsource absolutely everything! I just hope people wake up to the fact that while there is an easier button- there’s no real easy button. The one thing those guys don’t tell you is how long they struggled at least that was -until they figured out that it made a good story for their “overnight success” spiel.
And the old saying is true- if it sounds too good to be true…………………
Thanks for posting this. and Kathleen, I agree those lottery tickets ARE defective.
Excellent points Kathy. There are those of us who do tell people it takes time, there is a lot of effort involved, we deal with frustration, and yet, we keep going.
The ones looking for the “easy button” seem to ignore this information no matter how many times they hear it.
Those entrepreneurs grounded in reality know it takes time, commitment, effort, money and training to get the end result they want. Far too many people have been sold a bill of goods (and taken it hook, line and sinker) that they don’t need to do much of anything and they will become wealthy.
Thanks for your comments.
I have just started my own business this year and I aim to reach my definition of success in 10 years. You have confirmed that I’m being realistic (as opposed to lazy). Congratulations on your success.
Oh please…
First, that blog post of Lynn Terry’s you link to was written three years ago. If both of you have been so outraged, why have you continued within the Internet realm?
Also, Kathleen, don’t think of yourself as different from other IMers who make promises they don’t keep. I’ve been disappointing experiences with you and your customer service. There’s a good reason why people are leery of you…and they should be.
Wow Jenna. The reality is there’s more good than bad.
On the issue of our customer service I do hope you will email me and let me know what the situation was. I would never want you to think we are not willing to resolve a situation.
Actually, unless I am aware of a problem there is no way I can resolve it.
Please do contact me.
I think you handled that situation with as much grace as anyone could Kathleen. The person who wrote that did not seem to want a resolve, just to make trouble. If there was an oversight, which can happen to us all, your are willing to make it right, and you certainly did not deserve this persons attacks.
Thank you LauraBeth. Truth be told, it comes with the territory and the more visible one becomes, the more this can happen. The most important thing is when our true tribe knows the truth.
Jenna. I tried to look you up in my database and the email you posted as yours and it is not in there. So if you would be willing to post your real name and real email perhaps I can help you with your issue.
Jenna I think you are a fake, if not why didn’t you post your real name? I hate people like that they are such cowards.. I know for a fact that Kathleen bends over backwards to rectify any problem a client or customer might have so I know what you are saying is BS. She is the real deal, As for you I say you are not.
Before starting out in internet marketing, I had another kind of business. I quickly learned then that there are a lot of people who aren’t willing to work to get the things they want. Many of them want things done for them, want it to be easy, and give up when things don’t go their way.
Simple solution to not wanting to do something ourselves is to hire someone to do it. Hmmm, that means a budget. Hmmmm, that’s part of running a real business.
Great comments Kim. Thanks
As I’m starting another week of 12-16 hour days, I have to laugh.
Good thing is, it pays off.
Love your comments Jeanne.
Thanks for sharing this Kathleen! As with everything in life, you get out of it what you put into it! It’s like someone buy a nutrition book, and saying “Can you guarantee that I’ll lose weight if I read this, and continue to eat junk food and lay on the couch?”
There’s a saying “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” You’ve got to be willing to work to create a business or build a relationship, or lose weight, or make any positive change in your life.”
Your materials are always top notch. Whether I apply them is up to me!
Finally, I would say that you have to enjoy this! If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then why are you doing it?
Doug Foresta
Darn!!!!! “Can you guarantee that I’ll lose weight if I read this, and continue to eat junk food and lay on the couch?”
You mean I can’t keep eating bon bons and watch television all day and succeed. Darn!
Great post Kathleen! I’m in the social media industry and I get the same thing! When I explain to them that it is a process and that you have to build relationships, they mentally stomp their feet and whine. And there’s the brain pickers! Boy do we love them!
I think the biggest thing we have to teach people is that we ARE a real business. Just like your cable company, electric company, your local grocery store…
You don’t expect your cable company to keep giving you FREE cable, or your electric company to keep your electricity on when you don’t pay the bill, so why should we be any different?
I love the “Mentally stomp their feet.” And yes, the brain pickers. As soon as I see this coming I will let them know we are moving into consulting and my fee is….
That often ends the conversation from the freebie seekers and converts others into great clients.
Well said, Kathleen. Way to tell it like it is. It does take work and effort to create a thriving online business. It also takes time. I often say, a business is an orchard, not a green bean. It takes time to grow. But I also believe some budding entrepreneurs make things a lot harder than it has to be — harder in their minds, that is.
I think it’s because they see they need to do something like “create a product and sell it” and have no clue where to begin. It’s overwhelming. They don’t know how to break it down into manageable steps. That’s why your programs are so great because you help people do that. Yet, as great as the material is, that doesn’t mean they’re not going to have to put the time and effort in to study and apply it. Success always requires some elbow grease. 🙂
You are so right. No matter how great the material one must apply the information. When I buy an information product I always schedule time to study and apply the information. Otherwise, the product is useless, no matter how much success others have gotten from it.
Implementation is key.
I know what it is to be oppressed by your lack of financial empowerment, to be homeless, poor and clueless about how to get out of poverty or make my dream a reality. Marnie, your insight here hits it right in the nail. When you find yourself in this situation it can feel overwhelmed and desperate.
When I started my business I had no money. I had lost everything and was homeless. I educated myself by going to every free teleseminar I could get my hands on. I manifested a business scholarship with my intent. And as I manifested my first money, I invested it all in more business education.
But it did not occur to me to lash out to blame or oppress someone else by demanding something for nothing. What motivates that attitude is not being oppressed or not knowing what to do. It’s not even desperation. It is being a blamer. Blaming others for your conditions in order not to assume responsibility leads to the mentality of “I’m oppressed, so the world owes me” and anyone who’s “made it” is dumped into this “other side” of those who owe you, who are responsible for your oppression.
The reason why this shows up so much for entrepreneurs is that in any group, there’s about 60% or more of blamers!! Ouch!
As someone who has been homeless myself, with not even the money to buy a cup of coffee, I know that our success begins with the gray mass between our ears. And I too have listened to countless free teleseminars, webinars, downloaded ebooks and done what I could to learn, learn, learn.
I am not saying that people should not take advantage of free offerings. Heck, I give a bunch of stuff away.
I am clear there is a difference between accepting the amazing gifts all of us can enjoy and those folks who are not willing to work for their dreams to come true.
Thanks so much for your insights Maria. Much appreciated.
Can you hear me applauding wildly? Thank you for shining light on a couple real problems in the online world. I am fortunate enough to know many successful authors and online business owners. They all work hard, invest in mentoring, and are willing to put the hours in because they love what they do and the people they serve. Believe me, there is no magical formula for getting rich by doing nothing.
However, success is possible and can be lots of fun.
Thanks Kathleen for telling the truth and being a great example. You work harder than almost anyone I know!
Thanks for your input Lynne. Yes, success is possible and can be lots of fun…especially when we know we have put the effort into it.
And they say, what we see in another is a part of who we are… you work harder than almost anyone I know.
I don’t blame you for lashing out Kathleen. I feel like that towards the local internet marketers who gouge small business owners and deliver nothing…it gives all of us a bad rep.
People who demand and actually believe you can become super rich by doing nothing deserve what they get….I mean talk about being dumb, greedy, and having a huge sense of entitlement!
Sorry for being so blunt.
Viola
Aghhhh Viola. So well said. And this is not lashing out on my part. It’s calling it like I see it and doing what I can to help people understand what the truth of building a business is.
Viola, I understand, but I don’t see this as entitlement. Actually, most of us need to heal our sense of entitlement that has been stripped away by our socialization. In my experience helping women manifest their dreams, lack of entitlement is what keeps us from moving forward and stepping into our greatness.
What I see in these people is lack of maturation. Imagine this person as a child and you will probably find out that they did not learn the lesson in “consequences”– instead they were abused by being spoiled into been given everything without having to contribute. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of this going on in parenting. The child that did not learn consequence and contribution grows up expecting everything to be given to them without them doing anything in return. But lift that rock up and the opposite shows up. The real wound is that not having learned consequences, they do not believe that anything they do has any consequence. Therefore, their entitlement to fulfill their purpose has been stolen.” As with nasty people, these takers are very hard to feel compassion for and yet the ones who probably need it the most.
This said, compassion in this case is holding your limits in place. These people are not assuming responsibility and the more you give, the more they take. They take, but they cannot receive. That is the tragedy. They feel “in control” by taking, as if they’d snatch it from you. You are the fool and they are smart because they got you to give it up. But they cannot open their heart to receive, which would allow them gratitude and therefore, growth.
Kathleen,
Great blog! One of my favorite quotes is “The secret to success without hard work is still a secret!”. Don’t know who said it but he/she was wise! Everything worth doing takes time, energy, effort, and financial effort. There are wonderful plug-and-play courses, like the ones you offer, that will allow a person to build a successful and sustainable business by working the plan. It’s up to the individual to decide how fast they want to go, how much integrity they are going to tie into their business, and their ability to move through those lovely learning curves every opportunity provides. In the beginning, you are working to work more than you would at a job… but after time and effort, you’ll see results. We own an organic dairy farm here in MN and when it’s cold, snowing, and we don’t want to go outside. But the cows can’t milk themselves. And neither can a buslness flourish without work. Now I’ll get off my soap box! (or milk can!)
Love it! “The secret to success without hard work is still a secret!”. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your input.
So true! I can vouch for the truth of what you say. I notice that when I slack off on my business my income drops dramatically. Worse, people forget who you are and you start over.
Thanks for telling it like it is.
Yeppers! there’s a direct correlation to slacking off and lacking revenues.
Thank you Kathleen.
There are so many things that contribute to this type of mindset where ‘you do nothing and expect to make millions.’
EVERY entrepreneur I have talked or read about LOVES what they do, time passes quickly and they are absorbed in their efforts. So in this sense it is easy to see that the concept of ‘Work’ is then one of contribution and fulfilling that natural drive to make a difference in the world.
I don’t know what people are thinking when asking to make a million dollars with less than 1 hour a day of effort. It’s like to them “work” is a dirty word and one to avoid.
I would imagine they have no idea what it means to love what they do. If they did, perhaps they would be too busy doing “it” than asking such a question.
Perhaps they haven’t yet been hit with real hard knocks, to have have taken 100% responsibility for the consequences of their choices; or to know what it is to lose everything in the blink of an eye; or know what a gift it is to be alive, to have this opportunity to live life in this incredible time.
I am glad to know the difference and wish there was MORE time in the day for ALL of the ‘Work’ I am doing and love doing!
Thanks again so much for what you do and for being a continuous source of inspiration!
Love your perspective and input. Thank you.
I love what you say Tracy! It goes to the soul of the mindset of not wanting to “work” — a lack of purpose and caring for serving others and contributing to the world. Then work becomes a 4 letter word. When someone is wounded like this, their cables get crossed. Success becomes about “pulling one over” about “getting” something for nothing; instead of about giving your best and receiving what you deserve. These people waste their time magnanimously and work harder at not working than they would do if they’d get on with it.
Hi Kathleen,
Being new to internet marketing, I’m still in the “stumbling my way forward” stage. That being said, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get educated as to just how those of you who are successful have become that way. I have to say, there is a lot to learn and implement just to get started, but I suspect it’s even more so as you work your way to the top.
In a way I’m grateful , because I possess a little gnaw in the back of my brain that says there is a direct correlation between the amount of effort spent and the rewards received.
But unfortunately we have too much of the entitlement mentality everywhere, I guess internet marketing is no different.
So, your post is very much needed, and similar ones will be need again and again.
Next time, maybe it’ll be me, after I have earned my space to say it.
Thanks for your comments Jeff. And yes, “there is a direct correlation between the amount of effort spent and the rewards received.”
The best insight I can offer is don’t take everything at face value. Nowadays it’s very easy to check people out, especially because of social media.
Due diligence is well worth the effort.
I hear you Jeff, and I agree. However, I want to add that we often confuse effort and struggle. Attachment to struggle can lead to us working more than we need because we are attached to or have learned that the only path is working “hard”. I’ve been there and spent a lot of time spinning my wheels on place until I was able to distinguish struggle from effort and where to put my effort so that it would yield results. That’s working “smart” and it can save you time and effort. Which is not the same as wanting to get everything without effort.
Just one question, Kathleen: When is the East Coast tour coming to us? It’s been too long since we last saw you here in Cary/Raleigh or nearby.
Hmmmm. Maybe someone would like to invite me to the area. Would love to come there.
Hey Kathleen, great post. I am finally realizing my first 2 big launches tomorrow. Yes I’m doing 2. I owned a retail bizness for 5 years. I worked my ass off in that bizness. Guess what, It has taken me 2 long years, trial and error, making mistakes, and doing this Part-Time, but with hard work, I’ve at least got a product to launch. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome later this week.
I look forward to hearing your results. Best of luck Corey.
Great post Kathleen, It is so funny how people have this illusion.
I would rather put in 60 hours a week growing my business and doing something I enjoy, than a 40 hour a week job that caps out on income and limits my time.
You have to work to make a living so you might as well do something that will make you happy.
Chad
Great input and reality check Chad. Thanks
Yes and No. Isn’t that how it’s been set up and positioned by Internet marketers and infopreneurs alike? As Dr Phil likes to say, we teach people how to treat us. We dazzle, we offer “lead magnets”, we optimize our CTAs, we hone sales and squeeze pages, we work those sales and marketing funnels, we craft our “irresistible offer” and we continue as an industry to raise expectations. Lets be even more honest, we need people to be excited by our special product and to believe it can change their lives or we don’t make make sales.
Different approaches yield different expectations and responses for different folks … and these are ours.
Yes. We definitely need people to be excited and we need to make sure we are not making false promises.
Thanks for your input Lee.
Love this post! And i would like to point out this is not just evident in the I.M industry it is everywhere. It seems more and more people want the quick and easy without the true understanding that the “work” actually brings about. I cringe when i hear people ask for the “fix me now or else” solution. If you want to see results with anything you have to put in the time, clear your resistance, firm up your commitment and walk through your fears. Not going to happen in a couple of minutes a day.
You’re right Leeza. It is in virtually every industry. Time takes time.
I can see your frustration Kathleen. And I think most of us who are hardworking entrepreneurs with a dream understand how much time and work is involved. Nothing worth having in life comes easy or for FREE. Of course there are those individuals who want the PIE IN THE SKIE, get rich quick things, but they are unrealistic.
On the other hand, there are people like me, who are very hard working, have put in a crazy amount of hours, and invested all resources possible, and still struggle. I gleaned valuable information from a package I purchased from you, but did not have the funds until recently to be able to make the changes necessary to my site. I have done everything possible that did not cost; as far as learning, social media, networking etc, but disagree with you that I am attracting what I am putting out.
Sometimes a person just needs the “connections”, like on the show “The Shark Tank”, to get their products or talents noticed. I have seen the investors believe in a person and their passion for their dream, as well as all that went into the development, yet they were stuck until the investors gave them a percentage, and partnered with them. They were willing to work hard together!
From someone who is working hard, and not seeing the financial rewards yet, this article seemed just a little bit on the harsh side to me. Thanks for hearing my thoughts on the matter.
Sincerely, Laura Beth~
Great example of the Shark Tank. Truth be told most people would not do what needs to be done to get on a show like the Shark Tank. And it’s very likely the people on the show put a lot on the line to be there. Imagine how many people attempted to get on the show compared to the handful that actually do.
LauraBeth, you are not someone I am referring to in the article. You do work hard, you have invested and you are working at your vision. The people I am referring to are doing none of that.
It’s kind of ironic because some people assume that for online marketers who are succeeding we never get frustrated. The fact is, we are human, just like everyone else. And sometimes we need to pull back the curtain and share things that may seem “harsh.”
To not do so is doing our market a disservice. The fact is, the deeper you go into your business the more you deal with situations that leave you scratching your head saying, “Did I really just hear/see that?”
By the same token, the more visible you become, the more you open yourself up for criticism and the opinions of others.
Wayne Dyer said it beautifully with, “If I speak to a group of 500, there are 500 opinions of how I did.”
Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your reply Kathleen. I have always liked your honest and direct style, and respect very much your integrity. I am just a “sensitive” soul, and perhaps misunderstood.
Great quote from Wayne Dyer too, I may have to borrow that sometime. (-:
LauraBeth,
I have a tendency to spin my wheels more than necessary and have had to learn the difference between “effort” and “struggle.” Effort, now I understand, is the time, energy, money, resources and attention I give to my business for it to move forward. That’s the fuel I give my intention.
On the other hand, “struggle” indicates now to me that I am not working “smart” –that I may be putting my effort in the wrong places or that I may need to look again to see if I am misaligned.
What I am discovering is that when I am in alignment, my life flows better, in a state of Grace. In this state, I attract what is best for me better, flow creatively and in so doing, spent less effort and definitely, no struggle.
Well said. And even when we are in complete alignment it takes effort.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for you input Maria, I do know what you mean about things flowing when we are in alignment with our creativity. When I refer to struggling, I mean in the sense of making ends meet. You have to be able to pay the bills, and it takes money to invest in your business in order to make progress. I have recently been awarded grant money after working very hard on a 30 page business plan, that was way out of my comfort zone, and it was a struggle to complete it. But I did, and now have the ability to implement the changes needed to generate some income! It has not been easy, but I am certain in the end the effort will pay off! (-:
I
Laura Beth,
I can relate to what you say about working hard for a long time and not seeing results. But keep at it, because I have found there’s a cumulative effect. Seeming “overnight successes” aren’t that, but it does seem like there’s often a point when it all comes together somehow.
I had that happen for me 3 years ago. In one week, things I had worked on, some things for years, came together all at once. Looking back, I think the real key was dealing with the “heart issues” (unconscious beliefs and memories) that were holding me back. When I worked on those (with a tool called The Healing Codes), things really shifted for me. (This process worked so well, I became certified as a practitioner in it, after working with Dr. Alex Loyd on his book.)
So keep at it, build your skills continually, make connections, and one day, I think the money aspect will fall into place.
That is awesome Diane! I am in the heart healing business as well! God has done so much inner healing in me, and I love helping others with that as well! I appreciate your encouragement! Something you do not know is I live with a spinal condition that for over ten years left me bed fast. I had a procedure that allowed me to walk again a few years ago , but I still have about three good days to most everyone’s seven. I have had many “pauses” in my business due to my health, but have never let it stop me! I always think of how long it takes fully able bodied individuals to reach their dreams, and though it may take me longer, I do believe I will reach that turning point in which you described! Last year I was able to complete a 30 page business plan, and prove that my business would be a success, and was awarded funding to make some major changes I have been wanting to do for a long time. I accomplished this with battling double pneumonia for two months, as well as had two spinal surgeries last year! Now I am back on track and moving forward! Believing God for a major breakthrough in 2013!!! (-:
Well said LauraBeth. One of the most profound speakers/writers I have had the opportunity to learn from is the No Arms, No Limits Guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHyzatcBq8
Our most important lesson is compassion and to know, unless we walk a mile…. we can try to understand, but we will never really know what it is like for another. This is where love, caring and sharing comes in and is so important.
I work so much harder online than I ever did in a real life job! Sure, I fell for the ‘in only minutes a day’ lines I read so often in the early days. I was desperate for a way to make money and so I would grasp at anything I thought stood even the slimmest chance of working. Thankfully, I am way beyond that and recognize that the efforts I put in today will pay off tomorrow, next week, etc etc.
If there was just one things I could get new entrepreneurs to know and understand is that there IS no easy way (at least none that are honorable) but with effort and constant learning it is achievable.
Early on I fell for some of the hoopla and empty promises too. It was when I got really honest with myself that it was going to be about foundation and effort things turned around. And finding the right people to learn from.
Nowadays, I have mentors and I learn from my clients too. Some are amazing teachers.
Kathleen,
I’m fed up too. I can’t tell you how many people have approached me wanted me to work for “a percentage” of their profits – but they aren’t willing to do their part to get their business growing. For example, they don’t want the expense of paying for product images. OMG how can I market their product online without an image? I am tired too of people thinking anything on the internet should be free. My time and my expertise are valuable! I understand the concept of promos and special offers – but to my fellow internet marketers – let’s not promise that everything is going to be free. You get what you pay for. Thanks for the rant, Kathleen! Vena
And thank you back at cha!
So true. Some do live with the pie in the sky mentality.
I can’t imagine NOT using the Internet for marketing my business! I was at a friend’s home, taking care of her 5 year old for the past week …and the orders were coming in while I was racing him back and forth to daycare (I have a real appreciation for all the single moms out there!). I am always on the lookout for great solutions to make it easier and faster…but we all need to be realistic about the investment of time and money it takes to grow ANY business…on or off line.
Last week I got a ton of promotional email from a well-known Internet Marketer touting he was going to teach me “Recurring Income Stream with NO WORK!”. Pluuuuuleeeez! (turns out…in his presentation he changed it to “almost no work”)
A thump on the head to marketers like him – it just makes it harder for the rest of us to set realistic expectations with our prospects and customers. Good on ya, Kathleen!
Cathy, you are enjoying the orders pouring in because you are applying the information. And to think you are juggling the care of a child with this. Now I KNOW you are superwoman. Thanks for your comments.
I think that’s why I’m so glad that my business is centered more around helping people find their tools of success within themselves, rather than “out there”. As an Evolutionary Astrologer its just more rewarding to help others find their own path, rather then filling their heads with unfulfilled promises. Making lots of money is probable, but finding true fulfillment within is priceless, because that is really what makes a plan work.
And when we can do both, it’s amazing!
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Kathleen, and that’s why so many businesses fail, both online and off. There is just no substitute for having the passion and doing the work required. But therein lies the rub—doing the work.
Thank you Nancy. And yes, the rub is doing the work.
Ahhhh, yes Kathleen … there are a gaggle of Predators out there with their targeted eye on the credit card of authors and entrepreneurs–and there are the unrealistic authors (and anyone who has something they want to sell) who refuse to do the work that it takes to get their stars lined up so they can soar. It comes down to my question I always ask: What’s your Commitment Factor? How much time, energy, money are you will to put into this to get it off the ground? What’s your Vision and just home much Passion are you putting behind it. There is no get rich, get success, quick stop on the publishing board. It’s work–and when it comes to marketing–the author better be in it for the long haul. Learn what’s out there; what feels “right” for you and the book/product. For you. And rest assured–many of these who are pushing their marketing stuff have zip of a track record except selling their workshop. Work with those who walk the talk and talk the walk. Which includes yourself. Don’t suck someone else’s energy/time/expertise–it’s not a free ride. Invest in yourself. Three guarantees: birth, arthritis, death. Everything else, you earn. My rant. Good post. J
There are many measures for success. If any marketer promises something the challenge of the prospect is to go, can I afford not to buy this. There is BS in so many marketing pieces and always has been. Whether it was the snake oil salesman or the local witch. If the client believes and applies it, then it will work. I have paid successful people thousands of dollars and failed to apply what I learned from them so who is responsible for my lack of success? I teach people to manage business, but many fail to apply the lessons. I mentor people in business but they fail to take action.
Yes there are scams. Yes there are creeps. And sometimes the biggest creeps are well known. I can think of hundreds of respectable people who endorsed or pushed scams that cost others their life savings.
You make good points though and we each need to remember that while work is a four letter word, either apply your brain or apply your time and effort to achieve ANYTHING. Thanks for an interesting perspective.
Kathleen, as always, you are a breath of fresh air in an industry tarnished with hype and false promises. And while your outrage seems fresh, you have been consistently and faithfully delivering this message in the several years since I have been following you. In fact, it’s one of the early reasons you got on my radar screen, because you were very clear that no one was going to get rich with your own programs or anyone else’s unless they applied what they learned and kept their nose to the grindstone.
What I love is that internet marketers like you (and Lynn and Marnie and Lynne and Cathy and some others who have responded to this post) have “found” each other and do a lot of work together (e.g. NAMS). It has been enormously empowering for me to realize there is a whole community of internet entrepreneurs who are dedicated to integrity and authenticity.
Who the heck cares that Lynn’s article was three years ago? It’s as timely today as ever…
Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for your input and kind words Elizabeth. I very much appreciate it.
Yes, we do take what we do to heart and try to “shatter the myths” when possible.
Kathleen I find your authenticity refreshing. Sometimes the truth hurts. I must admit I am looking for away to achieve success without action. Just press a button and instantly it’s here. i also looked for a lounge on the beach, sipping margarita job and couldn’t find one… heck I was willing to do some labor by pushing the sand around with my feet.
Until I find the magic “success button,” I’ll continue put in long hours, take inspired action, learn the skills, gain the knowledge, get up when thing don’t go quite as planned, build the relationships, do the seminars, research, follow wise women like you etc.
I do plan to eventually create the lounge on the beach position in my biz. Looking forward to the day my hard work let’s me personally fill that position.
Keep up the inspiring articles.
Last year I was able to make money while play on the beach in Kauai. But I also put a lot of time into being able to do this before I ever put the tanning lotion on.
Thanks for your input Ann.
This reminds me of that commercial with the Dad and his 20-something daughter who says “it says so on the internet so it has to be true”! These empty promises are all scams and shams, no different than snail mail, phone and face-to-face scams other than the method of delivery. No intelligent person would fall for them except out of pure desperation or simple greed. They don’t deserve the time of day from those of us who are legitimately trying to build a business based on helping others which can in today’s world be accomplished much more effectively with the global communications available. Effective, efficient communication of our legit businesses is what you are great at Kathleen! Thanks!
But of course, “it says so on the internet so it has to be true”
Thanks for your input Melinda. Appreciate it.
This reminds me of that commercial with the Dad and his young 20-something daughter who says “it says so on the internet so it has to be true”! The empty promises these people make are all scams and shams, no different that what we’ve seen historically with snail mail, phone and face-to-face scams other than the method of delivery. No honest, intelligent person would fall for them except out of pure desperation. They don’t deserve the time of day from those of us who are legitimately trying to build a business based on helping others which can be accomplished in today’s world much more effectively with the global communication tools available to us. Effective, efficient communication of our legit businesses is what you are great at Kathleen! The folks not willing to do the work will reap what they sow.
Read your blog and so glad you are calling people on their BS. One comforting thought…. those folks who want something for nothing don’t have what it takes to build a successful business, with or without experts like you. It must come from the inside, not just the “want the money”.
You are right, it must come from the inside. And it is about serving our market, not just about the money.
Great post Kathleen! Whenever I write about my vacations to my community, I always add how hard I work for this. I don’t want them to get the wrong impression about what it takes to build their business.
And I can totally relate to your feelings about the guarantee question. Recently I had my first ever refund request. After the reimbursement, I asked the person why she was asking for a refund. She told me that she had no problems with the content, but she doesn’t have the time to go through it. Ouch! I have hard time understanding how someone invests in something and will not find the time to use it… Which made me re-think my guarantee – in my future programs I will first want to see their program Action Guide filled in before giving a refund. I might have less clients with this unconventional guarantee promise, but at least I will attract action-takers… Keep up the great work Kathleen!
Many of us have gone to the “we will refund only if you have taken all the steps” model. What people don’t realize when they purchase and don’t do a darned thing, then ask for a refund is that this is a lack of integrity on their part.
Additionally, they are not considering the costs involved such as service fees from the initial charge and the refund service fee.
Yeppers! We do pay the fees because someone chose not to dig into what they purchased.
I often tell people, “If you’re not going to do the work, don’t buy this.”
Hi Kathleen, Im with you on this! Luckily there are a lot more AUTHENTIC businesses succeeding. People want to know you more and trust you more before parting with $! There is definitely work involved. I didnt know how much was involved in getting to an amazon best seller! Even with outsourcing the week before I was pulling it all together with 3 hours sleep per night! OK my one year old was up too, but it still counts!! Outsourcing has been the key for me and getting it right! So you can use your time much more effectively. Your courses have been v useful on covering this too. xxxxx
Until we “dive in” we won’t know how much is involved. Thanks for your post Amanda.
Thank you for saying what has needed to be said for a long time now.
You are most welcome.
Well said Kathleen and thank you.
I have come across countless fast, work one hour or even 15minutes online marketing success gimmicks. But as someone said “Everyone want to go heaven and no one want to die”. Everyone want to be successful but do not want to work.
I tried a couple of fast techniques when I just started online and I regretted.
After coming into Lynn Terry blog … all changed.
Kathleen as you say, there is no guarantee of your program works if I never follow all your directions.
It is foolish of me to ask a guarantee and not following directions.
Definitely, everything depends on individual whether he or she wants to succeed in life.
I thank you for this mind digesting post.
Yes, Lynn Terry is a game changer for a lot of people. She’s definitely the real deal and is someone we can all learn from.
Personally, she is one of my favorite people both on a personal level and professionally.
This evening I am calling my accountant. I started “tweeting” to share interesting information with friends. Now, I have people wanting to work with me. I have to talk with my accountant to find out how to set up my various collaborations under one roof.
All the hours, sometimes all nighters, I spent learning all the social media marketing techniques that have been shared-and just scratching the surface-has truly been a blessing. I did not have any income coming in when I started. Now, that is changing, and I am excited! Thanks for your honesty, Kathleen!
And thank you! Fredena.
Great blogpost, Kathleen! I see so many of these people who advertise that “you can write a book in a weekend.” As a writer and publisher, a quality product cannot be produced in such a short time. On the flip side, the people who want to make millions by doing nothing are a product of our instant gratification society. Both sides are completely unrealistic, as those of us who own businesses know all too well.
Oy vey. Do I know this with my newest book. I’m really enjoying the process and I can tell you, it’s taking a lot longer than a weekend. 🙂
When I first read your title, I was thinking about leeches, the people who always want something for nothing (the ones I know). Then I read your article about the same type of people but with a different mindset. Both groups have a “gimme” attitude, but the latter group wants to get paid and the former group don’t want to pay. Sigh…..
Thanks for writing this article because it brought to light a topic that had been brewing in my mind for months now.
Yep, I was the colleague that shared the email from a subscriber saying that he wanted to make $100,000 but only work one hour each weekday. It’s not just the IM niche, I get all the same things in the real estate investing niche. Great post Kathleen. It does get frustrating that everyone wants what we have but they aren’t willing to work their ass#$ off for it like we did (do).
Gotta love it. Doesn’t matter the industry. We all get ’em.
LOL Your comment about “write a book in a weekend” Carol makes me laugh because I DID write a book in a weekend. Well, sort of. I already had most of the content – all I did was rework it into an ebook. But there’s no way I could have – or would have wanted to – write a book in a weekend. How much value could I really have given people? This is a GREAT topic, Kathleen. Look how many people are reacting to it!
Kathleen, I paid for my course. Then I discovered I had a squatter in my HOME, who was put there by someone i had trusted and considered a true friend for eight years.
The resulting legal entanglements kept me from performing the actions, but I took the time to download them to my hard drive, because most people stop access in a short time. Now I’, “taking” the course — many months late. I started the second one and got a virus which cleaned my downloads. Saturday I went back to your course connection and was still able to have access. Your course and support [having taken more than one of your excellent courses] have always exceeded my expectations. Thank you and I always Daniel Hall for leading me to you. : )
Thanks so much for your comments Lee. Sounds like life has been a real roller coaster for you. Hope things are settling down.
What I find most worrying is that the old IM that we all despise is not the same person in costume of female business coaches. I think they are worse than the old IM’ers as they play deeper into your emotions and assume that as they are female it is better. They have a finely tuned sales pitch, that goes on and on about being authentic, leading with the heart and when you have handed over your money the suggestions and coaching style are ALWAYS the same; 1. they just give you an audio or video of a rehashed product 2. you have no one-on-one coaching to apply to your specific needs unless you are willing to pay $1000’s or it’s 15 minute laser coaching (oh please) 3. their solutions are to either set up training or coaching in your area of expertise or sell a product teaching people how to do what you do. This is far from being authentic as they are not teaching you anything new or anything that applies to your business.
You said “Before you start asking for the world and are not willing to give anything in return, would you want people to do that to you?” Some of these female coaches need to flip that statement on the head and say “stop telling the world you can do something and expect payment for it when all you have on offer is the same tired solution. Would you want someone to sell that to you?” The new strategy of get people on skype/phone and then hitting their pain points and then going in for the kill, sorry sale is no better than a lengthy sales page full of promises of riches overnight. Whilst they may be honest you won’t get rich overnight they are dishonest about the sills they bring to the table.
One thing Lynn Terry said on her post that I agree with 100% is “In my opinion, if all you do is coaching then all you are qualified to teach is… coaching.” 95% of coaches out there, especially the business coaches have no business background whatsoever yet charge £100’s sometimes £1000’s
Phew! That’s my rant over 😉
Thanks for your rant Tasha.
Although there are women who do play on emotions, there are many who are definitely the real deal and do deserve to get paid, and paid well, for what they teach.
There is a balance that needs to occur where a win/win is created.
Appreciate your insights.
So the question becomes… how do you TRULY establish trust and credibility when you TRULY want to help others succeed in business? When you have spent hours and days and weeks and MONTHS writing fresh, new content based on research and experience? When you KNOW what you offers works because it has worked for you and the few clients you’ve had the opportunity to work with?
Great question Vena. Gaining trust and establishing your credibility takes time, commitment and effort. Truth be told, most people (and yes, I mean most) may try the following ideas for a while, but get sidetracked with the next bright shiny object, discouraged with how long it can take, and wonder why they don’t have success faster than they are experiencing so they give up.
There’s the old saying, “I became an overnight success and it only took me 15 years.”
With the availability of what we have online, it can take less time, but there is time involved. And one must, must, must be consistent in their approach to positioning their message.
Here are a few suggestions.
1. Have a professional looking blog where you can post your perspective and insights. Consistency is key to gaining visibility with this strategy.
2. Post articles in various directories specific to your market and message.
3. Get involved in forums where your market congregates. Contribute to conversations, respond to thread posts, post questions. Avoid coming across as a know-it-all and never, ever slam others.
4. Look for opportunities to secure interviews. Blog talk radio offers ample opportunity.
5. Start a YouTube Channel and regularly post short, teaching videos.
6. Start a podcast channel. Podcasts tend to get lots of traffic.
7. Post presentations on SlideShare.com
8. Be consistent in getting your message out.
9. Attend industry conferences to learn and network.
10. Look for speaking opportunities at conferences. Often this will require you sponsor the event in order to get on the platform.
11. Host you own teleseminars, webinars and live events.
These are a handful of recommendations that, when done on a regular basis, will help you to become visible and gain the trust of your market.
Kathleen,
This is a great list of marketing activities. Easier said than done timewise, especially when you have a lot of clients already! Would you mind if I share this as long as I credit you and link to your website? Thank you. Vena
Absolutely feel free to share it. Truth be told, I could not get done what I do without a great support team.
This is where a lot of sole entrepreneurs really lose a lot of opportunity. They try to do everything themselves. The reason is usually budget. But fact is, we have to budget for resources. Any brick and mortar business would.
Another fact is, lots of people diddle their day away messing around with things that are not productive and do not monetize their businesses.
It’s a balancing act for sure. And sometimes we need to step back, take stock of what we are doing, reorganize, let go of what is not working, add in other necessary activities and move forward.
Kathleen, thank you for permission to share your insights. Please feel free to view here: http://www.vibrantinternetmarketing.com/2013/04/16/how-to-gain-trust-and-credibility-online/. Let me know if you would like any changes – I want to be totally respectful and appreciate you sharing! Thank you! Vena
Amen! I’m loath to purchase anything online any more (except from proven folks like you!!), especially if it says, “Earn six figures working five minutes a day,” or something similar. I’m working my tail off for low five figures, and most of that goes to my helpers. People have become too used to instant gratification, with TV, social media, and yes, welfare. I’m trying to work on content creation, while keeping my online news source updated daily. I just wish advertisers would realize the benefit they receive from the comprehensive news content they receive on the site and the benefit from the eyes who visit the site and see their ads!
Well said Kathleen, and good preventative medicine for some I’m sure. I’m glad to hear the days of $97 ‘Secrets of Fast Success’ days are passing!
For some of us we will not sell like that, but sadly there are plenty who do.
I appreciate your post here. I coach people who want to become more successful, and am just as honest as you are about what it takes. In fact, one woman recently told me her goal was to become a billionaire in, I think, the next year, and could I help her with that goal? Well, my approach to success is to help people decide what they REALLY want (it’s usually not money, but some inner state), and then show them ways to get what they really want that are truly doable, enjoyable, and in sync with who they are. Too often when people want “something for nothing” they are not at all in tune with their true heart issues.
Wow! A billionaire in a year. You are right. Often when people say they want X amount of money, what they really want is what the money can do for them. And yet, nothing wrong with the money, if we are willing to work for it.