Should that be you sitting in that computer desk chair building your affiliate business?
If you are reading this and taking offense, please understand that it’s to help illustrate the difference between people who actually end up making a living for themselves online, and those who drift off into the darkness. There are a lot of people who have went on to work full time from home as a result of having their own affiliate business, or another type of online marketing model.
Every once in a while I get letters from members of my subscribers on my list. A lot of these letters are either thank you letters..or they could be letters asking for help. Hey, I get the odd “I hate all marketers” types to! But, I think most list owners come across that every once in a while.
It’s funny though, but, for every great letter I get, I probably get 5 or so that go something like this.. (yes, there is sarcastic pun intended here)
Hypothetical But Realistic Letter From Subscriber
“Hey, it’s been about a month now and I’m still not making any money from that one web site I built with like 5 pages on it. I went through the gruelling effort of building 3 backlinks to it as well.
Still no money! I’m in dire straights here and I need to pay off a $5500 loan in 3 weeks. I thought this was going to do it for me.
What a scam that product is that you sold me..I want my money back and I’m going to request a refund!”
(I want a refund so I can go buy some more marketing courses from somebody else..and request a refund for those to)
Sincerely,
Lost In Space
The Opportunity Seeker Or The Business Builder – Which Are You?
Over time in marketing you come to realize that there are two types of people who are into this Online Marketing thing.
1. The Opportunity Seeker
2. The Business Builder
It’s unfortunate, but, the reality is that “the opportunity seekers” outnumber “the business builder” by the thousands.
The Opportunity Seeker
So what’s an opportunity seeker? Basically, it’s a person that wants success and is thrilled about how wonderful the whole experience may be, but, they either aren’t ready or willing to actually work for it. These are the people that seek the “quick fix” or that “push this red button and poof”..”I’m rich” type.
Now the sad part is that this makes up the majority of people trying to work their own affiliate business from home. It doesn’t matter how many products and courses they buy, “coaches” they may try, or anything else. Most of the time it’s not the courses they buy either. There are tons of great courses and products out there. But, they won’t succeed because they WON’T work..or at least they won’t work hard enough or long enough at proven methods until they start having success.
Until such people take responsibility for themselves and their actions to do whatever it takes to succeed, most simply they won’t. These people can’t be helped until “they decide to help themselves and get things done…then keep going until they succeed!” They waste their own time, other people’s time, and essentially could be called an energy drain.
Can you imagine what a lot of these people would actually accomplish if they put all of that energy they use into blaming others for not having success, blaming the products they bought and requested a refund, and the countless complaint support tickets they put in, and actually put it into building their affiliate business?
I’m sure you get the point. I’m not trying to be harsh here, merely trying to shed light on an all to common situation.
The Business Builder
Now, the business builder is a whole different blend of cloth. He/She understands that whether it’s an offline business, or an online business, it’s going to take time to build. They also realize that the building of such things take a lot of work, and they are willing to do it.
People like this, once started, don’t know how to..or even want to quit. They are willing to make the sacrifices needed. If they fall on their butt for a while because something isn’t working, they get right back up and keep fighting for what they want. They realize there are no secrets and magic pills, and know by diligently applying proven methods they will eventually get the success they deserve.
The truth of the matter is this, “You aren’t going to be a success until you decide you are going to be a success!” It’s that simple..no more statements need to be said.
“The Opportunity Seeker” or “The Business Builder”..who are you?
I wish you all the best in your success with your affiliate business, or any of your online ventures..never quit!
Tags: affiliate business, business builder, opportunity seeker
Davin,
I like to think I’m a business builder, at least I know that’s what I need to be. Tire kicker is easier cuz it requires less committment. But, that’s a more personal issue isn’t it. I sometimes think the self help industry should not be split into so many different camps for self improvement until each and every one of us first understands the need for personal leadership and improvement first before we take on the pain involved in seeking out those opportunities which confront us. It’s a lot about the way we are taught or learn to deal with things. I think I’ll hold that thought and be back to the conversation later after reviewing your Helpful Related Products. Hope someone else cares to continue in this important topic which I believe is a lot about the need for personal growth and development for anyone considering learning to do internet marketing in any niche.
Darrel
atowncrier media services
Hi, thanks for your this information sharing and left a corner for me to share my thought and feeling here too.
I had stuck in this internet business too…felt frustrated too when can’t make single money from this business model. Firstly, i would like to point out, i still not making any money is due to i not really understand or fail to understand the overview of this business model and development. I understand there were many “guru” outside stated can make a lot of money. But from the other of point of view myself, i fail to ask how to develop a business model i want. There are so many strategies, newbie always flooded with information cause loss the direction we suppose to focus on.
Never give up easy, there was no easy or fast way to make money..need time to digest and flow with the market…built the foundation first then slowly can see the seed glow and growth.
Well, firstly to said that, we need a mentor (a trusted mentor) to guide from the beginning. Ha ha…would Davin would like to be my mentor? Till now i still not making money !!
Perhaps all the newbie here can also continue to pursue your dream in one day.
Good Luck. Reagrds
Hey Darrell,
It’s great to hear that you are considering yourself a business builder. I agree with much of what you said about “self improvement” and personal leadership. It’s actually quite nice to find somebody that has a similar interest in that area.
Actually, the “Helpful Related Products” thing is just a Wordpress plug-in I thought I’d test out. This is a brand new blog for 2010..I felt I could cover more areas on this one, as opposed to my older viral marketing blog. But, to be honest I don’t think I’m going to continue to use the plug-in. It’s bringing up some things I simply just would never recommend… I never recommend anything unless it’s fully reviewed and I can back it with personal knowledge of the product or service. But, for some reason that plug-in is bringing back some results I simply didn’t ask it to…not good…I think I’ll disable it now, since I’m thinking about it.
Cheers and thanx for the comment.
Davin
Hey Vicky,
As well, thanx for the comment. Well, one thing you have to ask yourself is exactly “Which online business model are you using?” There are several to choose from. Are you attempting to become successful as a “blogger”? Is it building “niche websites” and trying to make money with affiliate income? Are you building ECommerce stores in niches and making money by using drop shippers? As I said…there are many of them. The key is to try and pick one model, and keep implementing until you become successful in it.
If you have your hand in to many baskets Vicky, you will essentially not become very successful in any of them. Or at least, become successful in one area, before you begin implementing other models as well. This way, you can use profits from your first efforts to help fund your new ventures until they become successful to. I hope that makes sense!
As for being your mentor? Well, I certainly don’t mind chatting with you, and perhaps point you in the right direction from time to time. I seriously don’t think I have the time to help people on a one-on-one individual basis much anymore. I use to do it a lot, and it’s very disheartening at times, when you help people for months and months..then they decide to quit in the end anyhow. I’ve never understood that myself..a lot of people expect “instant gratification” and “instant success”, but it doesn’t work that way. Anything worthwhile having in life, takes a lot of work, and it’s not any different with this. This business takes a lot of drive, perseverance, and dedication. I’m just being honest with you here….
I also work as an affiliate manager, as well as my own business Vicky….so my time is somewhat limited these days.
If you’d like to chat sometime or something though..then by all means..get in touch.
Take Care
Davin
Thanks Davin, for your time and effort to speak the true. I understand your feeling of hurt. i do agree, when to become a good person may not easy. In nowadays world a lot of people expect instant success and instant money making…
I had trying more than 2 years…really hands on is only 1 year…but i do belief sure have a way to success in online business.
Well may be i need to focus and restructure my development plan of online business again in which business model i prefer to start up.
By the way, thanks Davin brother share your experience and your feeling here too. I still want to pursue my this dream and vision cause this is the things i like and enjoy to work on.
Actually, i almost have a business model plan, but i have a lot of doubts about this business model. Anyway, i may have a lot of doubts would like to ask from u, perhaps u can have same little time to guide me.
Thanks & regards.
I read part of the article above and it’s clear to me the difference is in the person as an individual. When that person decides to change his mindset from an employee or job hunter to an entrepreneur they become a business builder (self help or development is important, but to relate more specifically; it’s really about getting “real world” understanding and maybe even teaching about being an entrepreneur).Another way this could be looked at like this. Is an individual going to consciously make the “selfless” decision to start solving other peoples problems or continue to seek ways to solve their own problems? I truly believe that once someone starts solving others problems, their problems are solved (even business growth issues) with greater ease.
Thanks, Davin, for being honest. I get so frustrated dealing with all the opportunity seekers. I just got blasted with new followers on Twitter. Almost every one of them had a business that consisted of exactly three things:
1) A Twitter account
2) Some automated tool that autofollows anyone and everyone who follows any of the top Internet marketing teachers
3) An affiliate account with one, single overhyped get-rich-quick Internet marketing product that EVERY SINGLE ONE of their tweets links to
Your follow came in the middle of all of these follows from people who, a month from now will probably have abandoned Twitter for some other overhyped money making approach that yet another hypster will have suckered them into.
I expected to find the same from you. It was refreshing to see someone who actually understood the realities of building a business and has the guts to say it without sugar coating.
The one thing I’d add to what you said is that a business builder understands that their business grows as they grow relationships with others. Their customers are there for them to help, not as suckers to try to trick into some piece of junk that benefits no one but the hypster who tricks wannabe business owners into tricking other people into becoming wannabe business owners.
Thanx Jeff! I really appreciate your comments here. I must apologize for it taking me so long to reply to this. I’ve been really struggling with a lot of technical issues lately, and sort of had to put the new blog on the back burner for a couple of weeks. Hopefully, they will be behind me now, and I can move forward once again.
I sort of have to say about the Twitter thing. Yes, I agree that it’s got so spammy it’s almost ridiculous. I was trying out my hand with Twitter for a while. While I do agree that perhaps some people my have some good results from using it, and perhaps building some relationships through it…I found things like that just simply took up a lot of my time where it could have been better spent else where. For some it may work out (as long as they aren’t spamming the hell out of people) but, for me, I guess it’s not really my thing.
As far as understanding relationships, building and growing them, to help extend your business to new heights I would have to totally agree with you. Most of the progress I have made in my own business has been the result of growing and nurturing relationships with not only other marketers, but, of course trying to bond and just being straight up with customers and subscribers. I’ve come to realize that it truly is a business of helping one another wherever we can. If you can help people get what they need and want to help them progress..it comes back to each of us in spades as far as positive business growth.
Thanx once again for the comments Jeff, and I wish you all the best in the future…
Yup That’s What i am A Business Builder.. i know that this is going to take effort, but if its done right then there will be a residual effect from the momentum that will last for YEARS!! even if it takes 10 years to succeed online, then your retirement will be that much better than all the Joe Schmoes out there who tell guys like us to get a real job.. Another good post!!
A friend and myself are reasoning about a subject just like this you! Now I practical knowledge that I used to be right. lol!
It’s refreshing to see someone very well-informed about what they do. If only I had your writing aptitude. I look forward to more updates and will be returning.Thanks!
Great blog , love the design. Seriously considering migrating to this cms now!
Good work, keep us posted, you are a good writer.
I see you are experinced webmaster, what is the best method to monetize my first blog ?
Hello Davin,
I truly believe that I used to be a person who was drifting in to the darkness – and I don’t take offence in what you are saying.
I used to buy every product under the sun – looking for that shortcut in to wealth. I am glad I did this first because there is no short cuts just hard work and finding what interests you in this business. In my opinion there is no point in doing something that you hate is there – I am very passionate about creating a newsletter once a week. Many thanks for the comments – I have put this site in to my favourites, so I can possibly do a JV with you in the future.
Take care Andrew Chapman.
Hey Andrew,
Thanx for coming by and commenting. It’s great to hear you are serious about building a “real” business. I hope you have excellent success with it!
And yes, you are right, there isn’t much sense in doing something you truly do not enjoy doing. Yes, this business is a lot of work, especially for the first couple of years because of the learning curve. So, it’s not always for everybody…but, for me, I love it..and most people that become extremely passionate about it do end up being successful in the end.
Take care of yourself, and as far as getting in touch with me in the future..feel free..most people will tell you I’m quite approachable.
Cheers and all the best..
Davin