Becoming an Online Entrepreneur: Let Perseverance Do Its Work…

Becoming an online entrepreneur is a process, an evolution that requires you to develop skills and characteristics that you may not already have (read more about the evolution).

Dictionary.com has two definitions for perseverance: 

1. Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

2. Theology. Continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

At first glance, you may not think that these two definitions are related. But they are…

You see, “steady persistence” and “continuance” are both a process with an ending state. As you are persisting, you are in continuing in your effort.

If you persevere in theological terms, you end up with eternal salvation.

If you persevere as an online entrepreneur , you end up building your business and making an income.

In both instances you achieve success. But we have to allow that success to happen.

James 1:2-4 (New International Version) says:

²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

You see, we live in a society that wants instant gratification. We don’t want to live through trials, and we’re always in a hurry to get somewhere (even when we have to wait when we get there, you know… hurry up and wait).

If we get the opportunity, we’ll take the easy way or take shortcuts. But most things don’t work that way, and sometimes the shortcuts end up taking longer.

By going through the trials, our faith is tested and develops perseverance…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James 1:3).

By going through the trials, we allow ourselves to learn, grow, and finish…Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4).

We must work through the process. We must allow perseverance to finish its work in us. Then we will mature and complete whatever we are doing.

So keep up the “steady persistence” as you “continue” in your entrepreneur evolution.  I think you’ll like where you end up.

Yoli

Becoming an Entrepreneur – Taking A Leap of Faith With Bagels

The Today show had a story today about a couple, Kim and Mark Bensen who took their last $18,000 to become entrepreneurs.

Mark lost his job two years ago, but instead of becoming victims of the economy, Kim and Mark saw it as an opportunity to start a business.  So they took their last $18K and started Kim’s Light Bagels.

Three years ago, Kim weighed 347 lbs. She became a food and nutrition expert after she lost 212 lbs. That’s where the idea for light bagels came from.

Kim and Mark didn’t even bother looking for employment. They didn’t any experience with being an entrepreneur and learning how to run a business. A pretty scary prospect when you consider they had 4 kids and a mortgage.

Even though Kim and Mark have more of a brick and mortar business, there is a lesson to be learned about an internet marking business. In fact I’ll think you’ll agree that their brick and mortar has an Internet connection.

Internet Marketing Lesson:

Kim started with one product and then expanded into other products. She started a website that runs weight loss meetings and she has written 2 cookbooks.

Kim puts her story and website on the back of the bagels and in her cookbooks. That’s how back links work. Everything is related and connected together.

That’s how your online business needs to work too.  Start with one product or service and then build upon that and connect all the parts together.

This approach builds your credibility and establishes you as an authority.

You can watch the video here. Even though some experts will say that Kim and Mark took on tremendous risk and got lucky (which there may be some truth to that), their story shows what faith, consistency, and perseverance can do.

You can watch the video here.

Yoli

Becoming an Online Entrepreneur is Like Becoming a Christian

In my devotion the other day, the scripture lesson was Colossians 3:8-14 (NIV):

⁸But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

You’re probably thinking what does this have to do with becoming an online entrepreneur.

It has to do with the process.

You see, when someone becomes a Christian, they’re not instantly what a Christian is, depending on what you think a Christian is.  Colossians 3:8-14 is telling Christians to get rid of the old stuff and put on the new stuff that will mature them into being a Christian in all its fullness.

It’s a transformation, a renewing of their mind… “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

It’s the same process with becoming an online entrepreneur.  It’s a renewing of your mindset, thinking, and habits that will make you an entrepreneur.

Becoming an entrepreneur starts with a decision, just like deciding to become a Christian. As you put on, i.e., learn the new stuff, you mature into an entrepreneur.

The road to becoming an entrepreneur has a lot of bumps, hills, and potholes just like the road to becoming a Christian.  Learning new habits and skills will keep you on the road…kind of like being in 4 wheel drive.

Yoli

Leadership Crisis: How GG Kept Texas in the Game

I sort of watched the BCS championship game between Alabama and Texas yesterday because my husband and son were watching it. They were rooting for Texas. Why? Because they are huge Auburn fans (my husband is from Auburn).…and fans of anyone who plays against Alabama.

I’m not really much of a football fan. I’d rather watch a game live than see it on TV. But the game was interesting. Texas ended up in being the underdog in the first quarter. Their star quarterback, senior Colt McCoy, got sacked and injured and couldn’t play anymore. And this was his last collegiate game. So Texas had to send in their freshman quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, or GG, as my son nicknamed him.

So here was an inexperienced, young quarterback… playing in probably the biggest game in his college football career up to this point…having to lead a team of older, more mature team mates against a top rated, well established football team. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to be in GG’s place.

Can you imagine?!?

I wonder what was going through GG’s mind. What?! Me?! Now?! I’m sure those questions were accompanied by a big dose of butterflies.

The first half didn’t go well. I do remember a couple of plays.  GG threw the ball in the right direction…but it hit the ground before it got to the guy who was going to catch the ball. Like I said, I’m not a big football fan, so I don’t know the name of the position, but I’m sure you know what I mean.

Alabama also scored on a 28 yard interception. The cameras showed GG putting his hands on his head and kneeling down in disgust. He had to be wondering if he could lead his team. I’m sure his team mates, coaches, and fans were wondering the same thing. In fact, the commentators were reporting on McCoy’s condition hoping that maybe he could come back in to play.

At halftime the score was 24-6, Alabama.

The second half of the game went better. GG showed he was quarterback material by throwing two touchdown passes. Despite the comeback, Alabama ended up winning 37-21.

Some will argue that Alabama got lucky. Others will say that Alabama was just the better team. But no matter what you think, the game illustrated what can happen in everyday life and in business…a crisis occurred and someone unexpectedly had to fill in the gap…rose to the occasion despite the odds.

The story would have been better if Texas had won the game. But I think the game the end result reflected life more accurately.  Many times all you can do is fill in the gap when the unexpected happens. So be willing to be there when the time comes.

Yoli

P.S. A piece of trivia for you.  I finally found out that BCS stands for Bowl Championship Series. Most people don’t know that. I know because I asked and no one could tell me.

Becoming an Entrepreneur: Weight Loss Principles That Work

The 30 Dec issue of People Magazine features people who have lost half their weight without surgery or diet pills. Through diet and exercise, they completely transformed their bodies and the way they feel. The Today Show featured them on 30 Dec and 6 Jan (video links are below).

Each person looks like a totally new people compared to their before pictures. They had a combined weight of 1649 lbs, and lost 881 lbs. That’s a difference of 786 lbs!

Although every person lost their weight differently, they followed 5 principles that allowed them to achieve their goal. We can apply these same principles to becoming an entrepreneur.

1. Goal: They had a goal and got focused. Something pushed them over the edge to make the decision to lose weight.
2. Commitment: They made a commitment. They had to change their thinking, eating habits…basically their lifestyle for the transformation to take place.
3. Support: They found a support system and resources to help them achieve their goal. They humbled themselves to search for and ask for help when they needed it.
4. Action: They executed. They took the necessary action. They didn’t just study and think about it.
5. Persistence: They overcame their obstacles. They accepted their weaknesses and worked through them.

Just like losing weight requires major changes, becoming an entrepreneur requires major changes as well. You have to learn new skills, change your thinking, and change your behavior. Just like a computer translates a high-level language into machine language the computer can understand using a complier, you have to re-program yourself and then let your brain (thinking) compile the new program.

Even though they won the battle, these weight loss heroes still face everyday challenges and temptations. But they accept these moments (they’re part of everyday life) and found ways to overcome and make adjustments to keep them on track.

Entrepreneurs have to do the same.

The overall lesson from these weight loss winners is that there are no excuses. Anyone can do it if they make the commitment and persist. 

Apply these principles as you become an entrepreneur and your life will be transformed too.  I hope you like the way you look and feel.

Yoli

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34629938#34629938
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34724113#34724113

Here’s a related article on becoming an entrepreneur: Becoming An Entrepreneur: It’s More Than A Decision, It’s an Evolution

Why Some People Succeed and Others Don’t

Have you ever wondered why someone who has all the talent or skills in the world isn’t as successful as you would expect? What about the person who is not very talented or skilled yet is successful way beyond what you would expect?

The truth is that no matter what your talent or skill is, there will always be someone who’s better at it than you. In fact, talent and skill isn’t everything; they just give you a jump start.

What really matters is what you do with your talent or skill…Action.

Action will determine the result.

The person who gets results or is more successful is the one who takes action. This is the person who works hard and continues to grow and get better. This is the person who preserves through the difficult times. This is the person who fails more often. This is the person who will ultimately succeed.

The same principle applies to building a business. The person who does the work, who persists, who continuously learns and applies what he or she learns is the one who is going to succeed.

Taking action isn’t always easy. I deal with this all the time. I have many things competing for my attention. I struggle with getting it all done and things always take longer than I expect.

I end up not getting done or delaying the things that are important to me because of more urgent matters.  I find myself getting frustrated and annoyed and wanting to blame something or someone. I then start to question myself and my abilities. I start questioning if I really want to succeed. I start getting stressed out. Have you ever found yourself in this place?

These are the times when I need to get focused…not always easy to do when you’re in the midst of something. I need to take responsibility and assess my actions and make improvements.

And in the midst of this struggle I’ve come realized is that if building a business were easy, then everyone would be doing it…but not everyone does. So I’ve made the decision to persist and I’ve made the decision to keep pressing forward

I may not move as fast as I like, but as long as I don’t quit and persist, my action will take me to success.  When you find yourself in a similar struggle, remember that you’re doing something that not everyone can or will do. So consider yourself special. Smile and press onward. Success is just down the road.

Yoli

Get Rid of Impossible

I had the opportunity to hear Robert Schuller the other day. He was in San Antonio for the Get Motivated Seminar. Dr Schuller is the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in California and is known for Possibility Thinking. He has written numerous books on this topic.

The point of Dr Schuller’s message was to take out the word “impossible” from your vocabulary.

According to Schuller, the word impossible is not intelligent, it’s emotional and stupid.  The only reason impossible exists is because we teach ourselves it does.

Life is full of “impossibilities” that turned out to be possible:

• Robert Banister, who ran the mile is less than 4 minutes when everyone said it was impossible,
• Dr George Dantzig, who solved 2 famous unsolvable statistics problems for homework,
• The Titanic, the ship that couldn’t sink but did,
• Putting a man on the moon when everyone thought it wasn’t doable, and
• Numerous predictions from experts about the future that were wrong…computers in homes, the role of women, being able to fax, the Beatles, the role of cigarettes in lung cancer, etc.

When you’re facing an obstacle in your business that seems insurmountable, change your thinking.

Don’t think it’s impossible. And don’t let so called expert tell you otherwise…

Think of it as a challenge, a challenge YOU can find a solution for and overcome.

All it takes is a can do attitude (an attitude all successful people have) and a decision to solve it.

Yoli

Post 22: Notes from The Copywriter’s Handbook , a.k.a., My “Learning How To Copy Write” Journey

This is the last post for this series.  Yeah!!  Our topic is writing an ezine.

An ezine is an effective method of building an opt-in list. Most ezines are offered as a free subscription. An ezine is like a newsletter that is distributed online. Once you have a list, you can send promotions to your list.

You can use various methods of driving traffic to a website where people can opt-in to subscribe to your ezine.

The best ezines, ones that get opened and read, offer how-to-tips in small chunks that are practical and easy to implement.  Ezine should include helpful articles and links to worthy news. Try relating your articles to current events which will improve readership.

Here are some things that make an article ideal for an ezine. These tips come from Bly’s colleague, Ilise Benun of www.artofselfpromotion.com.

1. Pass on useful information.

2. Pay attention to questions, problems, and ideas that come up as you interact with your customers.

3. Capture any lessons into a quick tip that you can share in email, conversations, or in your ezine.

4. Use the problem or situation as an introduction to your tip.

5. Give the solution in action oriented steps.

6. Describe the result or benefit of the tips; give URLs for helpful tools.

7. Provide tips readers can use without having to do any work. For example, phrases they can use as it, boilerplate templates, checklist, etc.

8. List web sites and other resources readers can use. Include the links.

9. Put your best tip first. Some people won’t read the whole article.

Remember that your subscribers includes people who have opted into you ezine but have not purchased anything, and people who get your ezine because they have bought something from you. You have to keep in mind the needs and perspective of each group even if you use the same ezine.

For readers who are not customers yet, make sure the ezine has good content, include an ad in each issue for your product (Bly recommends a minimum of 100 words), and send a solo email ad to this list for your product.

Give your customers news updates, recommendations, and ideas for using your product. You can also highlight product upgrades, accessories, or other related items. And you can give discounts on other purchases.

The bottom line is to make sure you are providing valuable content.

Finally! We are at the end of this copywriting journey! I encourage you to continue your own copywriting journey. There is tons more to know. Some other resources you may want to check out are:

- Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale. I’ve already read this book and actually like it more than The Copywriter’s Handbook.  In my opinion, The Handbook is more “technical” or “science” and Hypnotic Writing is more about the “art.” You need both the art and the science. Hypnotic Writing also has a great list of other copywriting resources.

- The Copywriters Adweek Handbook by Joe Sugarman. He wrote the famous sun blocker direct response mail campaign. This book is next on my list of copywriting books to read.

- The Robert Collier Letter by Robert Collier. I haven’t read this one yet either. But from what I understand, this is an advanced resource. Although it was printed in 1930, it’s still very valuable. You might want to save this one for last.

If interested, the rest of The Copywriter’s Handbook talks about getting a job as a copywriter, which wasn’t the intent of this blog series. But check out the book if you want to know more.

I hope you have learned a lot and that you now have a good foundation for developing your copywriting skills.

We’ll see again on some other posts.

Yoli

Post 21: Notes from The Copywriter’s Handbook , a.k.a., My “Learning How To Copy Write” Journey

Today we’re talking about online conversions and the email series to convert readers into buyers. 

A series of emails to get your reader to buy from you is called online conversion, at least Bly calls it.  The basic formula is:

1. Create some free content.

2. Offer people the free content online.

3. When they accept, sell them products and services they have to pay for.

Your free content could be a repackaging of some of your existing content. The content doesn’t have to be long.  You can repurpose your articles or write some special reports. The content can be available as a PDF file, as a multi-page HTML document, or a set of emails.

When people accept your free offer, you collect their name and email and create your list. Use an autoresponder to capture the email addresses.

Then you follow up with a series of emails designed to convert your reader to a buyer. A conversion will usually take about 7 emails to occur. There is a debate about when you should attempt to make a sale. Some marketers like to include a sell offer in every email. Some like to wait until the third or fourth email, where the first few email are “goodwill” or “free touch” emails. The emails that ask for the sale are called conversion emails.

When the reader clicks on the “buy” link in the email, they go to a landing page or a transaction page. A landing page includes descriptive copy and sells your product. A transactions page is essentially an online order form.

A typical series of emails is:

Day 1: Email 1. Free touch. Thanks the subscriber for requesting your information and stress the value.

Day 2: Email 2. Free touch. Encourage your subscriber to read your free information

Day 4: Email 3. Ask for the sale.

Day 7: Email 4. Ask for the sale. Remind your subscriber of the benefit.

Day 14: Email 5. Ask for the sale. Tell your subscriber the offer won’t last forever.

Follow the same copywriting principles you follow with other promotions, but always tell your subscriber that they requested the information and you are following up with them.

Make sure your free information provided valuable content. Your subscriber will be more likely to trust that what you’re selling is even more valuable.

That’s it for this very short post on email marketing. You can learn much more by searching on email marketing on Google or even studying the email marketing you get in your inbox.

Okay. Only one more post left. The topic is ezines…until then.

Yoli

Post 20: Notes from The Copywriter’s Handbook , a.k.a., My “Learning How To Copy Write” Journey

Today’s post is about email marketing.  As we discussed in post 18, email marketing is advertising via email.  There are two types of email marketing, solo ads and ezines which are online “magazines.” A strategy many marketers use is to build a list of prospects by offering something, such as an ezine, and then marketing to that list via email.

Bly offers these tips for effective email marketing.

• Include a “from” and “subject” line at the beginning of your email. The subject should be short and attention grabbing (remember what we wrote about headlines?). The “from” line is important because it lets the reader know who the email is coming from. It can be from you (your list) or from the list provider from who you “rented” the list.
• Don’t use the word Free in the subject line. Why? Many spam filters will turn away these emails. Marketers who do use free will sometimes add an extra character to get past the filters. For example, “fr.ee”
• Start off your message with a great headline or very strong lead paragraph. Start with a benefit up front.  Your first paragraph should be a mini version of your message. This is great for readers who want to get to the point quickly.
• The following paragraphs expand on the first, giving more details for those who like detail.
• The offer should be repeated in the email (at the beginning and end at least). You should probably put in 3 links to your offer.
• Use wide margins because you copy could show up weird on your reader’s computer.  Limit your lines to 55-60 characters. This ensures your entire line is displayed on the screen correctly.
• Don’t use all CAPS. They’re difficult to read and give the impression you’re shouting. Use all CAPS sparing and strategically.
• Shorter is better in emails.
• Get the important points across quickly. If needed, consider attaching a document with more detailed information.  The key benefits and offer go up front.
• Write in a friendly, helpful tone. Be informative and educational, not promotional. Don’t hard sell. Provide valuable content.
• Always include an opt-out statement so people don’t feel like they’re being spammed. If you use an autoresponder to capture contact information and to send your emails, an opt-out statement is automatically included.

Although email marketing is considered  the most effective and powerful form of Internet marketing, there are some downsides, mainly making sure your emails gets delivered to your list and is read.

“Delivery begins when a recipient grants permission to receive your messages. You’ll need to let your users know to “whitelist” you, by telling their ISP to allow your emails through.”

Bly goes through a number of ways to help ensure your email gets delivered which I’m not going to cover here. But I will say that a reputable autoresponder will work to ensure your emails get delivered.

You will run into the debate of long vs short copy in email marketing. Offline or online, persuasion copy is what sells. But offline, long copy tends to work better and short copy works better online, especially in email.  This is a judgment call you’ll have to make.

In email, short copy is considered 3-4 paragraphs. Also, with email, your message comes in two parts, the front end (email itself), and the backend (the link to the page with your offer or more information). How you approach the front end and backend is really determined by your intent and where you are sending your reader (to a landing page or a microsite). The four choices are:

1. Short email, landing page. Similar to a traditional one-page sales letter and business reply card used in for lead generation.

2. Long email, landing page. The email is longer than half a page. Similar to a direct mail package with a 4 page letter and simple order card.

3. Long email, microsite. Long email and long landing page. The microsite is usually has a custom URL for the specific offer. Similar to  12-24 page long copy self mailers.

4. Short email, microsite. Good for offers that need long copy but readers prefer short emails.

Well I thought this was going to be the last post, but Bly covers two other topics that I think are worth including, writing an email series (to convert prospects into buyers) and writing marketing ezine.

So until next time, which might be the last post or might not be. But we are definitely close to the end.

Yoli