Is it Really Possible to Make Money Online?
| Category: Online Promotion | Date: 2001-03-13 |
I was asked a couple of questions this week by a subscriber. Many of you are probably wondering the same things so I thought I would try to answer those questions to the best of my ability.
Am I making a living on-line?
Everybody's definition of 'a living' is different. I could be making a lot more if I charged every person I offered advice to and promoted every reseller program I am involved in each week in my newsletter and everywhere else, but that's not my intent. I enjoy helping people and the messages I receive from some of you make it all worthwhile.
When I started marketing on the Internet in 1997 I was working a part-time job, three days a week, in addition to tending to family needs. As of August 24, 1999, I quit my part time job and am working full time online. Am I making a killing? Not in some people's eyes. However, each of us have our own goals and objectives. What makes me happy isn't what would make someone else happy.
Do I believe it is possible to make a living online for someone who will put forth the effort?
Yes! But I also believe that it takes time. Just like any off-line venture, nothing happens overnight. It takes a good three to five years to establish a strong business structure. Granted there a few who claim to strike it big overnight. But, this is not the majority. If you have a product or service that people want and you promote it correctly, I truly think it can be done. Too often people give up too soon and waste a lot of time performing meaningless tasks.
I think for the small business person, the net makes success even more possible. I live in a rural area in the mountains of Idaho. It is very difficult to build any type of small business locally here. I see the Internet as a way to expand to the world and not be limited to just my local area and wish I could have been connected when I had my sewing business. The possibilities would have been endless.
As with any business an online venture takes time to structure and build. The first questions you need to ask yourself are: "Is this something people want?" and "How strong is my conviction about this product or service?"
If people don't want your product or service, it won't fly. You will also need an inside love for what you are doing. There are always times of discouragement and challenges in any form of business. If you don't have the inside conviction you won't be able to make it over the hurdles.
The next step is to make your web site work for YOU.
You have provided useful and informative content on your site.
You have told your visitors what you want them to do and have provided the means for them to accomplish this (a means of contact for more information and ordering, etc.).
You have combined your autoresponders into your web site and automated the process as much as possible without losing the personal touch.
In other words, your web site and autoresponders do your initial work for you so now your time can be spent marketing your product or service. Who do you market to and how do you accomplish this?
Decide what types of people would want your products or services.
Get involved in discussion groups that those types of people would frequent, subscribe to newsletters in that area and either place ads or exchange ads and articles with those newsletters, get to know others (even competitors) in your area of expertise and exchange reciprocal links, spread the word about your product or service anywhere and everywhere that is ethical, become a part of that community.
Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up with your prospects.
Write articles in your area of expertise and submit them to the newsletters that target your audience.
Use your imagination.
Spend a designated amount of time each week marketing and promoting your products and services. Be consistent and persistent!
One of my favorite sayings that has helped me keep going when times get rough is included at the end of this newsletter. I have it on my office wall so I can see it every day. I have even copied it and carry it around in my pocketbook so I have it with me all the time and can read it whenever I need to.
There are always discouraging times in our lives no matter what we are doing. It is our choice how we handle those situations. The main thing is DON'T QUIT! If your desire is strong enough you will find a way to overcome the challenges and become a WINNER!
About the Author
Pam Jones is the publisher of PIP News and PIP Quick Tips. She specializes in offering informative information and services that will keep you on the right track with your online marketing to help you explode your online profits. Visit the Internet Marketing Resource Center at http://www.i-m-r-c.com or find out about services available at http://www.profitpowerpromo.com
pam@profitpowerpromo.com
http://www.i-m-r-c.com
Am I making a living on-line?
Everybody's definition of 'a living' is different. I could be making a lot more if I charged every person I offered advice to and promoted every reseller program I am involved in each week in my newsletter and everywhere else, but that's not my intent. I enjoy helping people and the messages I receive from some of you make it all worthwhile.
When I started marketing on the Internet in 1997 I was working a part-time job, three days a week, in addition to tending to family needs. As of August 24, 1999, I quit my part time job and am working full time online. Am I making a killing? Not in some people's eyes. However, each of us have our own goals and objectives. What makes me happy isn't what would make someone else happy.
Do I believe it is possible to make a living online for someone who will put forth the effort?
Yes! But I also believe that it takes time. Just like any off-line venture, nothing happens overnight. It takes a good three to five years to establish a strong business structure. Granted there a few who claim to strike it big overnight. But, this is not the majority. If you have a product or service that people want and you promote it correctly, I truly think it can be done. Too often people give up too soon and waste a lot of time performing meaningless tasks.
I think for the small business person, the net makes success even more possible. I live in a rural area in the mountains of Idaho. It is very difficult to build any type of small business locally here. I see the Internet as a way to expand to the world and not be limited to just my local area and wish I could have been connected when I had my sewing business. The possibilities would have been endless.
As with any business an online venture takes time to structure and build. The first questions you need to ask yourself are: "Is this something people want?" and "How strong is my conviction about this product or service?"
If people don't want your product or service, it won't fly. You will also need an inside love for what you are doing. There are always times of discouragement and challenges in any form of business. If you don't have the inside conviction you won't be able to make it over the hurdles.
The next step is to make your web site work for YOU.
You have provided useful and informative content on your site.
You have told your visitors what you want them to do and have provided the means for them to accomplish this (a means of contact for more information and ordering, etc.).
You have combined your autoresponders into your web site and automated the process as much as possible without losing the personal touch.
In other words, your web site and autoresponders do your initial work for you so now your time can be spent marketing your product or service. Who do you market to and how do you accomplish this?
Decide what types of people would want your products or services.
Get involved in discussion groups that those types of people would frequent, subscribe to newsletters in that area and either place ads or exchange ads and articles with those newsletters, get to know others (even competitors) in your area of expertise and exchange reciprocal links, spread the word about your product or service anywhere and everywhere that is ethical, become a part of that community.
Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up with your prospects.
Write articles in your area of expertise and submit them to the newsletters that target your audience.
Use your imagination.
Spend a designated amount of time each week marketing and promoting your products and services. Be consistent and persistent!
One of my favorite sayings that has helped me keep going when times get rough is included at the end of this newsletter. I have it on my office wall so I can see it every day. I have even copied it and carry it around in my pocketbook so I have it with me all the time and can read it whenever I need to.
There are always discouraging times in our lives no matter what we are doing. It is our choice how we handle those situations. The main thing is DON'T QUIT! If your desire is strong enough you will find a way to overcome the challenges and become a WINNER!
About the Author
Pam Jones is the publisher of PIP News and PIP Quick Tips. She specializes in offering informative information and services that will keep you on the right track with your online marketing to help you explode your online profits. Visit the Internet Marketing Resource Center at http://www.i-m-r-c.com or find out about services available at http://www.profitpowerpromo.com
pam@profitpowerpromo.com
http://www.i-m-r-c.com
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