MAY 2003 Greetings & Salutations: No matter what you think Internet Marketing is all about, I can find probably 5 or 6 gurus who will swear by heaven and earth that THAT is the "only" way to make money on the Internet -- BUT - I can also find 5 or 6 who will swear that THAT won't work. ALL of them are right and ALL of them are wrong! For that reason, whatever you think Internet Marketing is, it is probably based upon which of the gurus you have listened to. -- But ... "Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world." -- Arthur Schopenhauer The reason ALL of the gurus are right and ALL of the gurus are wrong is because each has become successful by doing what ALL successful people do. -- They find one thing ... just one thing ... that works for them, then, they do it over and over and over and over; letting their success pyramid on itself. When you read what they have written, or listen to what they say, all they tell you is "what worked for them" - but - most people accept those teachings as the ONLY way it should be done. -- Because ... "People only see what they are prepared to see." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson Once you accept the fact that ALL of the gurus are right - but - ALL of the gurus are wrong, too ... (even me) ... you will be ready to start learning for yourself what Internet Marketing is for YOU. But ... but ... but ... ALL of the gurus do have something in common. What do ALL the gurus have in common? Is it a fancy web site? I took the time to visit all of the web sites of the gurus who published their great success stories. -- Some of them were fancy ... others were relatively plain ... some were so fancy I abandoned them before they even finished loading. -- Nothing in common. Do each of them have a unique product of their very own? Granted MOST of them did offer a product of their own - but - there really wasn't anything unique about most of them ... there were other similar products on the market - and - some of them were actually selling someone else's product under their name. -- Nothing in common. Do they have a really unique selling proposition (sales letter)? Believe it or don't ... although most of the sales letters attempted to create a Unique Selling Proposition, most of them failed miserably. It was just the same'ol, same'ol. -- Nothing in common. They must, then, have a big email list? Although some of the email lists were LARGE by anyone's standards ... some of them were relatively small by comparison - and - some of the smaller email lists made more dollars than the bigger lists. -- They did have that in common - BUT - in varying degrees - AND - Where did they get those big lists? How about a great ezine? Some of the marketers didn't even have an ezine. -- Nothing in common. Great bonuses and other FREE stuff? Almost every one of them offered bonuses and other FREE stuff - but - not ALL of them - and - some of the bonuses had to be included because the product itself depended upon it. -- Nothing in common. And ... while we're on the subject, let me take a minute to tell you something about FREE stuff ... Almost ALL of the gurus tell you that you MUST give away something FREE to build your email list - and - it does work - BUT - statistically, in most cases you have to give away anywhere from 80 to 120 FREE things to get one (just "one") 'BUYER'. -- So, when you start giving something away for FREE, be prepared to give away a lot of it before it produces any orders. -- As always, the exceptions make the rule ... occasionally, you'll hit upon something you can give away that actually converts the "freebie taker" into a buyer - but - it really is a rare occurrence. Okay, so ... What was the common denominator? -- What did ALL of the gurus have in common? It's NOT what you know ... It's NOT who you know ... Rather, it's ... Who Knows You! Think about it. -- You can know thousands of people but knowing them won't really put any money in your pocket. But, if people know you, they will be more willing to do business with you or contribute to your success. Consider an actor who is unknown. -- By letting themselves be known ... not by knowing other people ... they will be offered the opportunity to display their talents. When that same actor becomes known to millions of moviegoers; or teevee watchers, they become a "Star" ... able to bring an audience with them and, thereby, demand higher and higher pay for the display of their talents to "the people who know them." It's the same in the marketing world. Those who are known to their potential customers are those who can demand higher and higher rewards for their efforts ... unless, of course, they are "known" for their dishonesty, lack of commitment, neglectful attitude, or grasping personality. Then, they will receive greater and greater punishments by and from those who know them. So ... to succeed in Mailorder, or Internet Marketing, let yourself be known. Drop the barriers. Be what you are perceived to be ... let the people (your potential customers) "know you." -- That means you must ... Be totally honest with the people you do business with and, even more importantly, be brutally honest with yourself. The "secret" is to get more and more people to know you as an honest, trustworthy source for those things they need or want. As the number of people who know you increases, so will your fortunes. ALL of the gurus who have told the stories of the BIG Money they have made have been "known" to the people to whom they were marketing their wares. They didn't just happen to be known ... They "made themselves known."
MAY 2003
Greetings & Salutations:
No matter what you think Internet Marketing is all about, I can find probably 5 or 6 gurus who will swear by heaven and earth that THAT is the "only" way to make money on the Internet -- BUT - I can also find 5 or 6 who will swear that THAT won't work.
ALL of them are right and ALL of them are wrong!
For that reason, whatever you think Internet Marketing is, it is probably based upon which of the gurus you have listened to. -- But ...
"Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world." -- Arthur Schopenhauer
The reason ALL of the gurus are right and ALL of the gurus are wrong is because each has become successful by doing what ALL successful people do. -- They find one thing ... just one thing ... that works for them, then, they do it over and over and over and over; letting their success pyramid on itself.
When you read what they have written, or listen to what they say, all they tell you is "what worked for them" - but - most people accept those teachings as the ONLY way it should be done. -- Because ...
Once you accept the fact that ALL of the gurus are right - but - ALL of the gurus are wrong, too ... (even me) ... you will be ready to start learning for yourself what Internet Marketing is for YOU.
But ... but ... but ... ALL of the gurus do have something in common.
Is it a fancy web site?
I took the time to visit all of the web sites of the gurus who published their great success stories. -- Some of them were fancy ... others were relatively plain ... some were so fancy I abandoned them before they even finished loading. -- Nothing in common.
Do each of them have a unique product of their very own?
Granted MOST of them did offer a product of their own - but - there really wasn't anything unique about most of them ... there were other similar products on the market - and - some of them were actually selling someone else's product under their name. -- Nothing in common.
Do they have a really unique selling proposition (sales letter)?
Believe it or don't ... although most of the sales letters attempted to create a Unique Selling Proposition, most of them failed miserably. It was just the same'ol, same'ol. -- Nothing in common.
They must, then, have a big email list?
Although some of the email lists were LARGE by anyone's standards ... some of them were relatively small by comparison - and - some of the smaller email lists made more dollars than the bigger lists. -- They did have that in common - BUT - in varying degrees - AND - Where did they get those big lists?
How about a great ezine?
Some of the marketers didn't even have an ezine. -- Nothing in common.
Great bonuses and other FREE stuff?
Almost every one of them offered bonuses and other FREE stuff - but - not ALL of them - and - some of the bonuses had to be included because the product itself depended upon it. -- Nothing in common.
And ... while we're on the subject, let me take a minute to tell you something about FREE stuff ...
Almost ALL of the gurus tell you that you MUST give away something FREE to build your email list - and - it does work - BUT - statistically, in most cases you have to give away anywhere from 80 to 120 FREE things to get one (just "one") 'BUYER'. -- So, when you start giving something away for FREE, be prepared to give away a lot of it before it produces any orders. -- As always, the exceptions make the rule ... occasionally, you'll hit upon something you can give away that actually converts the "freebie taker" into a buyer - but - it really is a rare occurrence.
Okay, so ...
What was the common denominator? -- What did ALL of the gurus have in common?
Think about it. -- You can know thousands of people but knowing them won't really put any money in your pocket. But, if people know you, they will be more willing to do business with you or contribute to your success.
Consider an actor who is unknown. -- By letting themselves be known ... not by knowing other people ... they will be offered the opportunity to display their talents.
When that same actor becomes known to millions of moviegoers; or teevee watchers, they become a "Star" ... able to bring an audience with them and, thereby, demand higher and higher pay for the display of their talents to "the people who know them."
It's the same in the marketing world. Those who are known to their potential customers are those who can demand higher and higher rewards for their efforts ... unless, of course, they are "known" for their dishonesty, lack of commitment, neglectful attitude, or grasping personality. Then, they will receive greater and greater punishments by and from those who know them.
So ... to succeed in Mailorder, or Internet Marketing, let yourself be known. Drop the barriers. Be what you are perceived to be ... let the people (your potential customers) "know you." -- That means you must ...
The "secret" is to get more and more people to know you as an honest, trustworthy source for those things they need or want. As the number of people who know you increases, so will your fortunes.
ALL of the gurus who have told the stories of the BIG Money they have made have been "known" to the people to whom they were marketing their wares.
They didn't just happen to be known ...
Now, let's do some ... Questions & Answers, Comments & Other Good Stuff! Ronald L Coble (ron0852@blazenet.net) sent me a "testimonial" ... "Jim, (my testimonial about your e-letter) -- I have got to tell you that your Business Lyceum e-Letter has got one of the most responsive group of subscribers I have ever encountered in my 15 years of business. -- Within 45 minutes of us receiving our own copy of your e-Letter, we received 2 phone calls (both within 5 minutes of one another) and sold BOTH of the library materials packages we were offering. Now that is what I call RESPONSE!! -- Thank you so much for publishing our advertisement, keep up the great work and please feel free to use my testimonial in your newsletter. -- Thanks again!" By the way, Ron offers ... FREE Business and Industry Trade Publications to e-Letter readers who visit ImportExportHelp.com. There are 181 valuable Business & Industry Trade Publications that are ABSOLUTELY FREE to those who qualify. Take advantage of EVERY trade publication that is applicable to your industry NOW! http://www.importexporthelp.com/redir/sidebarbanner02.htm
Now, let's do some ...
Ronald L Coble (ron0852@blazenet.net) sent me a "testimonial" ...
"Jim, (my testimonial about your e-letter) -- I have got to tell you that your Business Lyceum e-Letter has got one of the most responsive group of subscribers I have ever encountered in my 15 years of business. -- Within 45 minutes of us receiving our own copy of your e-Letter, we received 2 phone calls (both within 5 minutes of one another) and sold BOTH of the library materials packages we were offering. Now that is what I call RESPONSE!! -- Thank you so much for publishing our advertisement, keep up the great work and please feel free to use my testimonial in your newsletter. -- Thanks again!"
By the way, Ron offers ...
FREE Business and Industry Trade Publications to e-Letter readers who visit ImportExportHelp.com. There are 181 valuable Business & Industry Trade Publications that are ABSOLUTELY FREE to those who qualify. Take advantage of EVERY trade publication that is applicable to your industry NOW!
Frederik Samsing (fredegold@yahoo.dk) wanted me to tell you ... "I've been a long time reader of your business lyceum ezine. It's a great read! I'm writing to give you a heads up on a great affiliate program that I've just joined. -- They offer FREE installation of a satellite dish and $50 towards your next bill. If you could include this in your next edition of business lyceum I would be very grateful!" Okay, Frederik ... I told ever'body. Now, if any of you are into selling that kind of equipment, here's where you can find it. http://www.vmcsatellite.com/?aid=48138
Frederik Samsing (fredegold@yahoo.dk) wanted me to tell you ...
"I've been a long time reader of your business lyceum ezine. It's a great read! I'm writing to give you a heads up on a great affiliate program that I've just joined. -- They offer FREE installation of a satellite dish and $50 towards your next bill. If you could include this in your next edition of business lyceum I would be very grateful!"
Okay, Frederik ... I told ever'body.
Now, if any of you are into selling that kind of equipment, here's where you can find it.
Frank Kern (Macon, GA) wrote to tell me ... "I bought your Real Estate options book. It inspired me to do a deal and I ended up making a hair under $30K ... on my 30th birthday at that. Just goes to show that this stuff works when you actually get out there and do it." Wanna know how he did it? Check it out, at: http://www.businesslyceum.com/REOptions.html
Frank Kern (Macon, GA) wrote to tell me ...
"I bought your Real Estate options book. It inspired me to do a deal and I ended up making a hair under $30K ... on my 30th birthday at that. Just goes to show that this stuff works when you actually get out there and do it."
Wanna know how he did it?
Check it out, at:
Alvin Corbett (jazzieintl@yahoo.com) needed to know ... "I have a question for you. I have had a problem with this over the years. So here is the question. -- How do you go about setting minimum order quantities ... for wholesalers, retailers and jobbers?" Alvin: Although it varies from industry to industry ... Usually the minimum order for a retailer is 1 packing unit (i.e.; if the product is packed 12 to a carton, the minimum would be 1 carton; 12 units). -- The jobber minimum is usually established at the master carton packing (i.e.; probably 12 cartons of 12 units each). -- The wholesale minimum is usually 12 (or more) master cartons - BUT ... When determining minimums to place on their products, most companies usually check out their competition to determine what the competition are requiring for minimums. That way, their minimum order requirements are within the accepted standards of their industry.
Alvin Corbett (jazzieintl@yahoo.com) needed to know ...
"I have a question for you. I have had a problem with this over the years. So here is the question. -- How do you go about setting minimum order quantities ... for wholesalers, retailers and jobbers?"
Alvin:
Although it varies from industry to industry ...
Usually the minimum order for a retailer is 1 packing unit (i.e.; if the product is packed 12 to a carton, the minimum would be 1 carton; 12 units). -- The jobber minimum is usually established at the master carton packing (i.e.; probably 12 cartons of 12 units each). -- The wholesale minimum is usually 12 (or more) master cartons - BUT ...
When determining minimums to place on their products, most companies usually check out their competition to determine what the competition are requiring for minimums. That way, their minimum order requirements are within the accepted standards of their industry.
Do you need capital? The International Entrepreneur Network (INTENET) would like for you to have a copy of the book "Marketing Your Venture to Hometown Investors". . . at no charge! You can get your copy here ... http://hometowninvesting.com/book.html
The International Entrepreneur Network (INTENET) would like for you to have a copy of the book "Marketing Your Venture to Hometown Investors". . . at no charge!
You can get your copy here ...
Alan Heldman (alhs@earthlink.net) was in a quandary ... "I've enjoyed reading your reports. (I even paid for one.) I'm considering having a go at the used car lot idea but my biggest concern is security. I'm in a large city and I would imagine the lots wouldn't be in the safest of neighborhoods. With a number of cars sitting in one place at night, unless you could afford a security guard, it would seem a prime candidate for vandals. And I can only imagine the insurance costs would be thru the roof! -- One incident could put you out of business. Do you have any ideas how to solve this problem, not only for the safety of the property but also important for my peace of mind and to somehow assure a potential customer his car would indeed be taken care of. -- Many thanks for your ideas and suggestions." Alan: You can have the customer sign a waiver stating that they accept the responsibility for maintaining insurance on their own automobile, just as they do at any public parking facility. Their own car insurance will cover them in case of accident, fire, vandalism or theft. You might even make a few extra bucks by getting an insurance agent to write separate policies on each car ... 30 day coverage.
Alan Heldman (alhs@earthlink.net) was in a quandary ...
"I've enjoyed reading your reports. (I even paid for one.) I'm considering having a go at the used car lot idea but my biggest concern is security. I'm in a large city and I would imagine the lots wouldn't be in the safest of neighborhoods. With a number of cars sitting in one place at night, unless you could afford a security guard, it would seem a prime candidate for vandals. And I can only imagine the insurance costs would be thru the roof! -- One incident could put you out of business. Do you have any ideas how to solve this problem, not only for the safety of the property but also important for my peace of mind and to somehow assure a potential customer his car would indeed be taken care of. -- Many thanks for your ideas and suggestions."
Alan:
You can have the customer sign a waiver stating that they accept the responsibility for maintaining insurance on their own automobile, just as they do at any public parking facility. Their own car insurance will cover them in case of accident, fire, vandalism or theft.
You might even make a few extra bucks by getting an insurance agent to write separate policies on each car ... 30 day coverage.
Barbara Ling (btl@barbaraling.com) ASKed ... Would you like to know ... * The one sentence to add to all outgoing emails that will get your e-mail circulated to the people who would be interested in buying your products/services. * The more than a dozen broad places where you can access passive customers (people who would be interested in knowing more about your products/ services if only they knew you existed). * How to uncover business directories and Chambers of Commerce for any specific city or town. * How to find every page online where you are encouraged to view resumes. * How to find every possible company within a 20 mile radius that would be a potential targeted customer. * How to take advantage the local classifieds of your town in their online format. * Where to track down alumni clubs from your 'ole alma mater. * Where to find thousands of industry professionals online. * How to create an Internet marketing schedule of less than 15 minutes a day that works for you. * Techniques for accessing the thousands of resources from the dozens of jobs and resumes newsgroups (the original communication vehicle of the Internet). * How to research back to 1981 for companies in the newsgroups. -- The best ways to zoom in on your own killer selling points * Simple methods of tracking from where your customers are viewing your information. * How to get high search engine visibility for your business web site. Learn how to use the "Entrepreneur's Toolkit" to make "Profits From The Hidden Internet" at: http://tinyurl.com/anzk P.S. -- I keep this book in my personal ready-access library. It has a world of information in it and I refer to it often ... when I really want to find something, or do something, on the Internet. -- It would be cheap at 10 times the cost.
Barbara Ling (btl@barbaraling.com) ASKed ...
Would you like to know ... * The one sentence to add to all outgoing emails that will get your e-mail circulated to the people who would be interested in buying your products/services. * The more than a dozen broad places where you can access passive customers (people who would be interested in knowing more about your products/ services if only they knew you existed). * How to uncover business directories and Chambers of Commerce for any specific city or town. * How to find every page online where you are encouraged to view resumes. * How to find every possible company within a 20 mile radius that would be a potential targeted customer. * How to take advantage the local classifieds of your town in their online format. * Where to track down alumni clubs from your 'ole alma mater. * Where to find thousands of industry professionals online. * How to create an Internet marketing schedule of less than 15 minutes a day that works for you. * Techniques for accessing the thousands of resources from the dozens of jobs and resumes newsgroups (the original communication vehicle of the Internet). * How to research back to 1981 for companies in the newsgroups. -- The best ways to zoom in on your own killer selling points * Simple methods of tracking from where your customers are viewing your information. * How to get high search engine visibility for your business web site. Learn how to use the "Entrepreneur's Toolkit" to make "Profits From The Hidden Internet" at: http://tinyurl.com/anzk
Would you like to know ...
* The one sentence to add to all outgoing emails that will get your e-mail circulated to the people who would be interested in buying your products/services.
* The more than a dozen broad places where you can access passive customers (people who would be interested in knowing more about your products/ services if only they knew you existed).
* How to uncover business directories and Chambers of Commerce for any specific city or town.
* How to find every page online where you are encouraged to view resumes.
* How to find every possible company within a 20 mile radius that would be a potential targeted customer.
* How to take advantage the local classifieds of your town in their online format.
* Where to track down alumni clubs from your 'ole alma mater.
* Where to find thousands of industry professionals online.
* How to create an Internet marketing schedule of less than 15 minutes a day that works for you.
* Techniques for accessing the thousands of resources from the dozens of jobs and resumes newsgroups (the original communication vehicle of the Internet).
* How to research back to 1981 for companies in the newsgroups. -- The best ways to zoom in on your own killer selling points
* Simple methods of tracking from where your customers are viewing your information.
* How to get high search engine visibility for your business web site.
Learn how to use the "Entrepreneur's Toolkit" to make "Profits From The Hidden Internet" at:
P.S. -- I keep this book in my personal ready-access library. It has a world of information in it and I refer to it often ... when I really want to find something, or do something, on the Internet. -- It would be cheap at 10 times the cost.
You can now ... Earn Finder's Fees from the Internet! Since 1978, my Finder's Fee course has taught well over 30,000 people how to get paid the Finder's Fees they earn. Some of them have gone on to amass fortunes in the field ... before the Internet (as we know it today) even existed. With the advent of the Internet, many of my students have asked ... "How do I find Finder's Fee opportunities on the Internet?" Until now, I really haven't had an answer for them. Then, this contact ... one of my students ... sent me a review copy of his "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide." I couldn't believe it ... the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide" is jam-packed with vital information for every 21st century Finder using the Internet ... where to look ... what to look for ... how to use the information sources ... how to gain knowledge of who you are dealing with. All in all, using the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide" you will have online Finder's Fees as close as your keyboard. -- Beyond that ... You can choose from over 1,416,536+ potential Finder's Fees? It's absolutely true. You can really have immediate access to over 1,416,536 potential Finder's Fees when you use the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide." As far as I'm concerned, anyone who wants to be a "real" Finder in the 21st century, must have this book. So, do yourself a big favor & order your personal copy, TODAY!! http://www.luisarauz.com/products/21cfletter.htm
You can now ...
Since 1978, my Finder's Fee course has taught well over 30,000 people how to get paid the Finder's Fees they earn. Some of them have gone on to amass fortunes in the field ... before the Internet (as we know it today) even existed.
With the advent of the Internet, many of my students have asked ...
Until now, I really haven't had an answer for them. Then, this contact ... one of my students ... sent me a review copy of his "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide." I couldn't believe it ... the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide" is jam-packed with vital information for every 21st century Finder using the Internet ... where to look ... what to look for ... how to use the information sources ... how to gain knowledge of who you are dealing with.
All in all, using the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide" you will have online Finder's Fees as close as your keyboard. -- Beyond that ...
It's absolutely true. You can really have immediate access to over 1,416,536 potential Finder's Fees when you use the "21st Century Finder's Fee Guide."
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who wants to be a "real" Finder in the 21st century, must have this book. So, do yourself a big favor & order your personal copy, TODAY!!
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members. Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need. This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator. Until next month, keep well ... J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Well ... that's it for this month. -- In order to make every issue responsive to YOUR needs, please send me your questions; or tell me what sources or resources you need to build your business; or give me any thoughts you want to share with your fellow members.
Believe it or don't ... I ain't a mind-reader. -- If'n you doesn't tell me what you need, I may never touch upon the information, sources or resources you need.
This is your publication for you to use to your benefit ... I am just your moderator.
Until next month, keep well ...
J.F. (Jim) STRAW Grande Panjandrum
Thoughts For The Month! "Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." - Robert Frost "The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance." -- Francois de la Rochefoucauld
"Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." - Robert Frost "The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance." -- Francois de la Rochefoucauld
"Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it." - Robert Frost
"The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance." -- Francois de la Rochefoucauld
Can you stump the old master? -- Betcha can't! Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ... No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ... Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me. Send your Questions, Comments or 2 Cents Worth to ... eletter@businesslyceum.com with "Question" - "Comment" - or, "2 Cents Worth" in the SUBJECT. If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you. Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
Over the past 40 years (man and boy), I have made bundles of money in direct selling, service contracting, wholesale merchandising, entertainment (I was a professional Trumpet player, vocalist & Radio Announcer), freight forwarding, import/export, retail merchandising, warehousing, real estate, electronics manufacturing, finder's fees, closeout merchandising, financial brokerage, business consulting, steel fabrication, gold and coal mining, offshore banking, mailorder, writing, and publishing. -- That being the case ...
No matter what business you're in ... whether you're just starting, well on your way, or at the top of the heap ... I've probably been where you are, done what you are doing. -- So ...
Anytime you have a question about 'how' to do something in your business - or - if you have any comments about anything I've said in issues of this e-Letter; or if you want to add your 2 cents worth ... just "ask" me or "tell" me.
If I, personally, don't have an answer to any question you may ask, I will contact some of the professionals in your field of endeavor (I will probably know one or more personally) to get the real 'skinny' for you.
Note: If you want to ask a question anonymously just tell me so when you send in the question. -- Nobody but you and I will know who asked the question.
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MAY 2001
Believe it or don't, I just flunked another test for "entrepreneurial" traits!
From my test score, it appears I am probably better adapted to washing dishes than running a business. Then again, according to the governing laws of aerodynamics, Bumble Bees can't fly either.
Let me tell you a TRUE STORY about those tests. -- You've seen them. They usually have a headline like ...
Back in 1977, an old millionaire friend of mine ... in his late 70s ... sent me a 20-question test with a personal note asking me to answer the questions and return them to him. -- He said he was conducting an experiment and wanted honest answers ... no fudging allowed ... to all of the questions. So, I answered the questions and returned them to him.
A couple months later, the old millionaire sent me a letter detailing his experiment and reporting the results.
The "test" he had sent to me had been published in a big-name, prestigious business magazine, with a self-scoring answer-sheet at the end of the article. -- It was the "work" of a world-renowned psychologist.
After he had taken the "test" in the magazine, my old friend was disappointed to learn that he didn't have what it took to be an entrepreneur. -- As a matter of fact ... even though he had been a real entrepreneur all his life with millions of real dollars in the bank to prove it ... his "test" results indicated that he should have been a 40-hour-per-week wage-slave and put all his money in safe and secure bank deposit accounts.
Having failed the "test" ... miserably ... he decided to send a copy of the "test" to 35 real entrepreneurs he knew, just to see if he was some kind of psychological freak. -- Maybe he was just a Bumble Bee, flying with the F-14 fighters.
All 35 of the real entrepreneurs ... including me ... who received the "test" from him were self-made millionaires ... no inheritors or lottery winners. Their educational backgrounds ranged from elementary school dropouts to a few with doctorates ... ranging in age from their mid-20s to late-80s.
Guess what? -- According to the "test" ... not one of us had what it took to be an entrepreneur. We all failed the "test."
The old millionaire sent the fully-documented results of his experiment to the world-renowned psychologist who had created the "test." To which the learned psychologist responded, "The traits indicated in the test are necessary to becoming an entrepreneur but they are not required to be an entrepreneur."
In other words ...
If you pass the "test," you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur - but - you can't be one.
So ... why did I tell that story?
Well, I'll tell ya. -- After taking and flunking a number of those tests, I, myself, got to wondering ...
Since I couldn't find an answer in my own experience, I started asking each and every successful entrepreneur I met, "What motivated you to start and succeed in your own business?"
As you can imagine, the answers I received ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime ... from mystical hocus-pocus to ultra-logical reasoning ... from irrational psycho-babble to textbook business plans.
Then, a few years ago, a young millionaire ... in his early 30s ... solved the riddle for me. He looked me straight in the eyes and said ...
So ... all it takes to be an entrepreneur is a decision to be one. -- Once the decision is made, you will do it!
A member, who shall remain anonymous, asks:
"Why do you promote other people's products and services in your newsletter but you won't even mention my program?"
Hate to tell ya this, ol'buddy - but - the program you want me to mention is nothing more than a "hot-air sandwich." It offers absolutely nothing of real value to the buyer and is based upon a wide range of misconceptions, misunderstandings and outright lies. -- I won't waste my valuable time or space on it. -- Besides, I don't want any of my readers to fall into the same trap you have.
Jim Bullock, Fairlane Management Co. (Dog428@aol.com) wrote:
"My technical career of 24 years came to a close this past summer. I would like now to position myself as a full-time Money Broker/Business Finance Professional.. I am willing to work to succeed, but would like to receive training from a professional source. My primary interest is in commercial loan brokering and the brokering of discounted cash flow instruments. -- I have searched for a reliable professional course on commercial loan brokering for several years. The funding companies that offer to send a 'manual' and forms for usually around $100 - $200.00 make a lot of spectacular claims. However, my experience has been that most of these operations cannot fund a loan that they describe as 'doable.' I believe their primary interest is in selling this general knowledge in so-called courses. I have also come across a $10,000 'boot camp' type crash course that offers to give a list of lenders to it's 'graduates.' -- Please send a description of any financial training programs that your organization may offer or any others that you may know of, at your earliest convenience."
Well, Jim ...
It really doesn't matter which "course" you purchase. They all teach the basics of becoming a Loan Broker - but - don't pay a high price to get into an "opportunity" whereby the promoter claims to help you place the loans. There is really no need for their help ... all you have to do is have good loan applications, from good borrowers, and take it to a financing company that makes the kind of loan your client is looking-for.
You will find a world of financing sources in each & every issue of my "WorldWide Business Exchange." -- You will find a FREE Preview Copy at:
We don't offer any financial training programs - but - you can learn a lot about loan brokering from the FREE report at:
Hope I have helped in some small way.
Erick Starren (buckmakr@pacbell.net) asked:
"About 'merchant accounts,' accepting credit cards, and 'charge-backs'. A newsletter printed a reader's experience with (at least one) savvy (& dishonest) customers buying goods from him, then 'disputing' the charge with the bank or card service. The reader reported that the banks & card services promptly take the 'disputed' amount back from the merchant, charging a 'charge-back' fee in the process. The merchant could not prove that the buyer actually did possess the goods, and so was stuck with both the loss and a charge-back on his record. -- The back/card service, he claimed, gets money out of him whether a charge goes through or is disputed. Thus, they have no motive to question or control illegitimate disputes and charge-backs. In his view, the small merchant is totally at the mercy of the banks/card services and dishonest customers. -- Your comments, please, Jim. Is this true? Is there more to the picture?"
Erick:
Don't worry about it. The instances of that happening are really, really rare. Last year, we only had 2 chargebacks like that. In both cases, I just let them go ... it would cost more to try to prove our case.
Just another insignificant "cost" of doing business.
Make a Fortune without selling anything ... without starting a business of your own ... without leaving your present job ... without trying to expand any business you currently operate ... in your spare time. -- Become a "Finder" and earn exceptional fees. -- Almost everyone who tries to earn Finder's Fees actually does - but - most of them never get paid. Learn how to get paid the Finder's Fees you earn.
Stan Smith (cfinet@ithink.net) wanted to know:
"I like your e-letter. The April issue is the first one I've seen. My question is whether you have the earlier issues archived and available for online viewing and if so where do I find them. If April is that good, I want to see what I've missed in the previous issues. By the way, I'm a new paid subscriber to the WW Business Exchange newsletter also."
Stan:
Thank You for your kind remarks.
All of the previous issues of the e-Letter are available on-line at:
Read them in good wealth.
Hilton Moore (creativesoftware@cableone.net) sent me a FREE sample of his work and said:
"I'm starting a new 'Corporate Logo Creation Service' that will entail a lot of great original logos that my company will be creating for any online business that wants a great looking logo (not the free ones that everybody seems to use). -- On my site, which is up and running now: http://www.corporatelogoimaging.com I have a special questionnaire that I allow people to fill out so that we can get a feel for what people want and what they want their logos to look like. -- I will be Charging $297 to create 3 different sizes, of the same corporate professional logo, of the same logo. The logo(s) will be devised, created, and distributed back to the customer within a 24 hour period! -- I have an affiliate program that will pay $100 to my partners."
Thank You, Hilton ...
The sample logo you sent was bee-you-tea-full. I couldn't use it but I feel sure that my readers who need a logo designed will get their money's worth from you.
Derek Sloan (sloanderek@hotmail.com) asked:
"I just subscribed to your newsletter. I would really like to order the report on "How To Get Filthy Rich Selling Real Estate You Don't Own!" -- http://www.businesslyceum.com/REOptions.html -- but I want to ask you something. -- Could a person hold options on commercial properties as well as residential ones? Is this program feasible in all fifty states only and not overseas?"
Derek:
You can use options on ANY KIND of Real Estate (or any other tangible property) ... in my opinion, Commercial Real Estate is the more profitable than the Residential properties.
Options work everywhere in the U.S. & Canada - and - as far as I know they work the same in any country based on English law.
J.F. (Jim) STRAW F-14 Bumble Bee
"The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance will rise up to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help!" - Napoleon Hill
Home POWER TOOLS FREE Reports FREE Newsletter About Us Contact Us Affiliate Program You may contact me directly by Mail or eMail at ... J.F. (Jim) Straw 204 Wildflower Way Dalton, GA 30720-8029 jfstraw@businesslyceum.com Be sure to mention you saw it in the Business Lyceum.
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Copyright - 2003, J.F. (Jim) Straw. All rights reserved.