They told me it was going to be easy, that all I had to do was follow their instructions and I would be earning money in my sleep. That was 4 years ago, and I still haven’t earned a cent online. I have bought just about every course out there and spent thousands, only to be disappointed time after time.
Can you relate to that? I know many people can and I want to share my reasons why I think so many people struggle to get things going online.
It’s because people want to make money for doing nothing and this is ultimately what leads to their failure. The usual cycle is they see a product that promises easy riches so they buy it, only to find out that they have to actually do some work. Then they see another product that promises easy riches so they buy that, and the cycle continues.
Do you know why there are so many done for you and push button products out there?
It’s because people want to make money for doing nothing.
Now don’t get me wrong, once you get things going you really can make money in your sleep but I want you to understand one thing, to get things going is no easy ride. It takes lots of work, usually for very little reward in the early days, you will hit roadblocks, you will struggle, you will seem like you are doing this for nothing, but get this.
Once you get things going it becomes easier than you could ever imagine.
I struggled for 4 years before I saw any results online, mostly because I didn’t have anyone to show my where I was going wrong. I was making the same mistakes most people make, I was looking for the automated push button solution. It never came, but then it hit me. If I wanted to have a successful business online I had to treat it like a business. Not just something I did in my spare time.
Once I changed my mindset into building a business things changed. I became more focused, more determined and that’s when I started to see results.
So let me ask you.
Are you trying to make money online or are you building an online business?
Most people if they are honest will say they are trying to make money and this is the wrong mindset to have. You will usually find these people messing about on Facebook or moaning in the forums about the latest product they have just bought that ‘doesn’t work’.
To become successful you need to build a business, not just mess about trying different things every week, not spend half your life clicking ‘like’ and not buying every product that’s put in front of you. When you do buy a product you need to apply what you learn to take your business to the next level. Not just give it 5 minutes of your time looking at the menu.
You have to put the hours in and you have to understand it takes hard work. Once you realize that success can come easy. You see we are living in an age where we can sell digital products to people on the other side of the world while we sleep. If that’s not enough to motivate you I don’t know what is.
As always your comments are welcome. I’d love to know where you are at and if you have became a success what the turning point was for you.
98 Comments
Chin M C
November 22, 2012Thank you John to remind us again that making money online is no easy feast. Yes we have to treat it as a business. Therefore we need to be trained as a business owner who use the online tools and strategy in the right way.
themadtyper
November 22, 2012I to have tried many ways to make money online and have found out that there is a quick way to earn online but you have to build that speed because your constantly will be tweaking and adding on to your business for it to grow just like a B&M Business. John reading this was like listening to a freind. I get a ton of emails but the one yours is a blessing you have a fan sir looking forward to more gems like this from you in the future!
James Hughes
November 22, 2012Hi John
Thanks for sharing this. I totally agree.
It all starts from your mindset. You have to look at the bigger picture and think ‘Long Term’ rather then ‘Quick Fix’.
Training your own mind to think like a strategist instead of an opportunity seeker is the first and most important step to success.
I’m not where I want to be yet. BUT I will continue with my strategic mindset and aligned with hard work, I’m confident I will get there eventually.
James Hughes
Eamon
November 22, 2012Hi John.
A lot of people do want the easy way out, sadly though they’ll find that it isn’t what they expected it to be when buying product after product that promised them over night riches…then the blame game begins.
I agree with you – keep the money aspect aside and concentrate first at giving considerable value and the rest will follow.
Your post is a “stark reminder” that one has to put in the hours required and also understand that it takes hard work and determination to push through.
Eamon
Wayne (Joe) Evans
November 22, 2012Hey John,
Thanks for letting us know that it took 4 years for you to make any money on-line… There’s hope for us all (well those willing to work at building a business anyway).
Thank you too for being in work… being Thanksgiving my emails have been really quiet…
Llwyddiant!
Joe
louise topping
November 22, 2012Hi, that’s me !! that person at the beginning of your blog….I have bought too many products that are sitting on my computer, being un-noticed. I spent a few hours this morning “tidying up”. After having a long talk to myself, I am going to focus my self on a specific problem. At the moment, that is, outsourcing the design of my website. It is just too unprofessional at the moment. Then I will take things from there. I work hard and long hours at this, but have been going off at a tangent ! Focus….
Affiliate
November 22, 2012Love the post…especially the first part. They told me it was going to be easy. haha…that is far from the truth.
It is still work and you must put in the hours… I do it every day. My $500+ per day takes hard work and lots of dedication…just ask my wife
James Scholes
November 22, 2012Totally agree John
Problem is in my opinion, people come online not to build a business but to make money online, and to me… That’s the wrong mindset.
People should come online with the mindset of building a business and be prepared to but A LOT of time, effort… And tons of initial research.
As it goes, my “Gate way drug” when I first started out was your Auction Profit Streams (Remember that!) and you said back then it requires hard graft to make this work.
Thanks anyway John for the post.
James Scholes
Jo O'Connor
November 22, 2012John. I agree with you because I believe nothing comes easy and you have to work for it and hard work depending what you do for a living. I just want to learn the basics of seting up an online business for starters. If I can make just 1 $ as a start, then I can make more of them, thats why I am on your One Month Mentor Programme, cos I believe you need a coach or a mentor to help you initially.
God bless anyway John
Jo
Claudine
November 22, 2012I think that people do to many things at the same time therefore diluting the success they want to achieve. When that happens they say that thing do work, or it should be easier that this.
If it was easy there would be more millionaires.
Its all about giving value, giving value, giving value …. One product, one solution, keeping it simple.
Joseph Carducci
November 22, 2012Good post. I think the key is that most people think making money online will be somehow different than working a “real” job. The fact is that most people just play with this, whether it is due to a lack of knowledge and guidance or just sheer laziness.
I also suffered from the mentality of thinking it was easy. I figured if I just created an eBook and threw up a little site I would be a millionaire overnight. Needless to say, it did not happen that way!
Once I was really backed into a corner I decided to get serious. And then I started out as a writer, actually producing online content in the form of articles, blog posts, press releases, even sales letters and email copy. While I had sold some ebooks in the past, the writing was the first decent money I made online.
Now, finally, I am understanding that it actually takes just as much time, effort and dedication to build something worthwhile and sustainable online. I am just starting to get back into product creation and marketing. This time, I am in it for the long haul. I understand that I need to actually work and have started building a mailing list. Currently, I have around 130 people on my list and getting more each day (around 8 to 10).
I will keep you posted….and welcome any suggestions that you might have.
Gordon
November 22, 2012Hi John,
Absolutely spot on, and you don’t have to be a Guru or a rocket scientist to know it. The realization that you have to roll up your sleeves and start “producing” something, anything but get something out there that you can call your own. If it’s your first product it may not be the very best product to hit the market, but you can always improve upon it. It’s better to get something out there that is your own work even a plr product that you have made your own than reading another ebook or watching another video about how to do it.
Basically I think people, like me, are scared of making a pure hash of it (hash is the polite word for what I really mean) for fear of being thought incompetent or foolish.
This is what brought me around there are 4 stages of learning the first is unconscious incompetence which basically means your not good at it and you’re not even aware you’re not good at it
the second is conscious incompetence which means you have grown aware that you’re not good at it.
thirdly conscious incompetence this means you’re starting to become good at it, but you need to keep your concentration up and think through each step, but you are aware you are starting to get it.
Fourthly, and finally, you become unconsciously competent; you have arrived you can do it, you are good at it, and you don’t even have to think about it. Remember when you learned to drive a car? Crunching the gears, nearly running over next doors cat…those were the days, but now you’re driving in traffic having a conversation, admiring that pretty girl in the mini skirt at the bus stop, it’s become simple no problem. Internet Marketing is like that too.
At least I hope it is I can’t stay this bad at it forever. lol
Gordon
November 22, 2012Made a mistake with the third part it should have read “thirdly conscious competence”
Hopefully I will get better at writing comments
Roger Weavers
November 22, 2012Hi John,
I totally agree. Building a Internet business is like building any other business, it takes a lot of hard word are determination before you can reap the rewards. I think it’s now harder than ever to make any money online. I started making a bit on money online about 8 years ago with affiliate programs, do you remember “Google Cash”? I ended up running a web design and SEO business but I’m still looking to take things to the next level. The problem for people just starting out now is there is so much information out there that information overload sets in and nothing gets done.
I’m half way through your one month mentor program and this has really helped me focus.
Thanks
Roger
Arne Larsen
November 22, 2012Hi John, thanks for reminding us.The person you describe could as well have been me.I have during the last year subscribed to and purchased different program, ebooks, courses etc, and I admit most of them are just laying on my harddisk covered by “dust”
However, to me it has also bee usefull to learn a little bit of what’s going on out there. Some lessons have been tough, but we also learn from our mistakes.What I have learned is that to have a business up and running online is hard work,a lot of new skills to learn, but also that you don’t have to do everything yourself.There is help out there and I think the most difficult task is to find the right person you can trust and relie on. Glad that I found you John.
Arne
Carl Picot
November 22, 2012Hi John
I always try and look what problems people are having and then focus on providing the amswers for them – at the same time providing as much value as I can to them.
That means helping them to get as much out of the information I give them as I can so thay get maximum leverage and move forward themselves.
I feel that providing value is the best way forward for any business.
I am slowly moving forward and upward, but it is hard work and requires dedication and knowing what you are doing.
Thanksd for thr great post.
regards
Carl
Annegrete Krings
November 22, 2012It took me more years than most to reach the point where I can say “I DO make money online”. I never lost the faith but lost control over my life a long the way. I am back on track again. It’s been a journey that started Offline in 1998.
Been there as well, buying and requesting money back. Followed useless advises. Subscribed to this and that, just to find that most of it could not be done for the money I had available, did not work or simply was TOO complicated at that time.
Now I do make money online but still needs to know HOW to drive more traffic to my website and that is exactly where you come in John.
If I should say one thing, I think, most people would benefit from, it would be a step by step lesson. All that takes is for people to really want to do this and then stick to it.
Steve Gilligan
November 22, 2012Hi John
1oo% true, as usual and of course always welcome.
I was that person you described at the begining of your post but as well as buying all the crap out ther I managed to get some top quality tools also. I have now shifted my focus and am starting to make use of my “investments”
It is impossibe to play at “making money on line” sure you will make a little bit here and there but nothing to boast about.
Concentrate on getting your name out there and give massive value, lay solid foundations and your business will grow stronger and stronger.
The road is littered with good intentions, so “dream BIG, start small but most importantly… START”
Harry
November 22, 2012Hi John,Like almost everyone reading this I have gone from one system to another, going round and round not getting anywhere at all.
Until I finally realised you need to get yourself a Mentor and follow there example, I now know it takes Hard work and time.
But I have finally began to build my business the correct way and also putting the hours in to do so.
Kind regards
Harry.
Trevor Lundstrom
November 22, 2012Great article John, I recently had an awakening along these very same lines and I am much better able to focus on a real plan and most of the HARD work now seems much easier. Probably because I now have a clear goal in mind and can see progress much clearer.
Have a top day – Trev
Dean Thompson
November 22, 2012Hi John,
You’re totally right in saying that you have to adopt the correct mindset and put a lot of hard work in, to make your business succeed.
But I’d like to turn this ‘push button mentality’ on its head.
It’s always the consumers who get the backlash for wanting an easy, get rich quick, business in a box experience.
The main culprits are the unethical marketers who preach this kind of thing. There are a lot of so called experienced marketers who should know better before writing such sales pages.
I liken these marketers to dodgy car salesman. All they’re bothered about is getting the sale and aren’t too bothered about the experience of the buyer.
They know what sales copy sells, and aren’t too concerned about the moral issue of writing headlines such as: “Start earning $50,000 in 7 days from now.”
This post is a nice reminder for everyone that mindset, determination, the ability to learn and hardwork is what’s needed if you want to succeed.
Regards,
Dean.
Marco
November 22, 2012You are right John, everyone that is starting their online ventures need to know that there isn’t a push button software.
Basically you need:
1. educate yourself
2. take action
3. profit
4. rinse and repeat
Fnu Ghaleib
November 22, 2012Thank you so very much, John.
Your post is completely right.
Since I joined your One Month Mentor, I realized I cannot expect too much in a short time. There are so many preparations to be successful, but it is worth it.
Thank you again.
Srinivas
November 22, 2012The wishful mindset starts with the grand intro and portrayal shown and it takes a while to realize that, it is not what is real. The mental change needs to be overcome, which is hardest.
Subsequently, It is not the knowing that it will take work to make income online. But where I have failed is trying to do too many things at the same time, being not focussed and not setting time lines to do the things we need to do.
I have decidied that NOW is the time and hope to make 2013 a grand success.
Srinivas
Amitav Borah
November 22, 2012You are absolutely spot on John!
Unfortunately, This is a terrible disease that most of the the beginners suffer. Just buy, buy and buy…. and then just learn, learn and learn.
But the very fact is that buying & learning won’t make a dime for us. Its the massive action, hard work and implementation that will make us money at the end.
I think whenever we buy something; we get a momentary excitement of false achievement that we are going to get rich and earn millions by next week now. Every time we buy something new and shiny, we get this high-kick inside of us that gives an immense sense of pleasure…. It’s just like a drug addiction! But it dies very soon as it was nothing but temporary and false.
Its high time we get out of it and start building our business by giving value to our market! By actually doing whatever we learn. Take one course, pick one business model and just role with it. Give all our sweat and blood to that ONE thing and squeeze every ounce of potential it holds within itself. And only then, move to something else. That’s the key.
Thanks a lot for the awesome post. Loved it!
Regards,
Amitav
Gunawan
November 22, 2012That’s absolutely true John. I know it because I’ve taken that road too. There is no shortcut to success. And we have to build our business, not just trying to make money online.
There are so many distraction in the Internet that will delusion us to make a wrong decision.
Sometimes we still hope that there is a push button software / tools that can help us become rich in a short time, but John is right. There is no such things.
We have to change our mindset and do our action to build our business.
Robert Chua
November 22, 2012One handed typing here…I have the other one up high. Guilty…errr….guilty…guilty and guilty. Same goes for any other venture. One that comes to mind is Forex Trading, this is a monster all by itself,it can bite you where it hurts most, it can frustrate you, it will bring the dark side into the open. And oh, it will cause a lot of water specks on your monitor/s lol.
Galen Anderson
November 22, 2012Thanks John,
Another post that’s right on from a man who’s been on every wrung of the ladder! I agree that one must build an online business, and the money part will follow. Unfortunately, I have bought many products and courses, with the lesson learned that there is no magic button, just some hard work.
David
November 22, 2012Good post, John, and good comments too. The first step is a good plan and the second is to put it into action. You can help me with the first and I can do the second.
Randy Smith
November 22, 2012Nice post mate
Although in defence of the newbies – You can’t blame them for ‘Believing’ it will all be easy…
After all – every salespage they’ve seen says so!
It’s just a shame they leave good old common sense at the door when they enter the online world – Or they would question and figure out for themselves that ALL Businesses – offline OR online – need work, committment and investment of time, labour and cash!
But yeah – It IS REALLY NICE to wake up to extra cash in your paypal every day once you’ve puit in the initial effort
Randy
http://www.mediakettle.com
Ed
February 6, 2013I have too agree there Randy…in some cases the seller is right…like John says down the line…BUT most deliberatly lead the buyer atray…sad but true!
Cararta
November 22, 2012It is funny, you (No I) work and work, do the content thing, the blogging, the “social net working” but develop a paralysis a roadblock…I’ve been sitting here for over two weeks, have the plr, done most of the editing but need to package, upload, squeeze page, thank you, download page,etc. Write and load some followup emails (aweber already set up) you can’t build an email list if you don’t do something!
Can’t figure out how to move on.
Dave Austin
November 22, 2012What you say is very true, especially now compared to back in the 90’s when Google wasn’t trying to control the world and there weren’t so many people out there selling rubbish get rich quick schemes.
Yes the learning curve is steep, the hours are long but the rewards are great and the commute to to your home office is much easier than an hour each way in congested motorways.
But, the watchword is dedication and more dedication and belief in yourself – simples!
mick adams
November 22, 2012Hello John, sound advice indeed.
I have been studying affiliate marketing for the last two years, with the hope of eventually having a successful online business. I’ve taken my time as I didn’t want to make too many mistakes and waste money that I didn’t have.
I have had great help along the way (Potpie Girl, Andrew Hanson, Matt Carter, Chris Farrell etc.)and I knew all along that having something worthwhile would take time, and a great deal of hard work.
I have a background in graphic design, so I felt fairly confident that I could build websites that were pleasing to the eye, and I know that I will get there in the end.
I have published four affiliate sites, but as yet, have not made any money. I’m not bothered by this, as I realise that getting traffic to those sites could take months.
I love building sites, but I find the SEO side of things very tedious. I have decided to outsource the writing of my articles etc. allowing me more time to learn more and build more sites.
I am aware of Squidoo and Hubpages, and everything that I learn is carefully documented for future reference. I have been using “Weebly” to build my sites, but realise that I must get used to using “WordPress” as that seems to be the norm.
Anyway John, I’ve rambled on long enough. I know that I have the right mindset, but know that I have a long, long way to go. With help from people such as yourself, building this business just got a whole lot easier.
I’m so glad that I have met you, as I feel that I can trust you, and add you to my list of mentors.
All the very best…Mick Adams
Gerald
November 22, 2012Hi John,I myself have fallen into this trap of buying one product after another. In fact almost everyone I have come across in internet marketing have had this problem. It is almost like an addiction, shiny object syndrome as some like to call it.
I think that this is one of the MAJOR reasons people fail online.I have recently come to realize that I have all the information that I need to succeed. All I have to do is apply and FOCUS.This has been the turning point for me. Funny enough my latest blog post is about this exact problem and I wrote that about two days ago before reading this post.
Once again thanks for a most informative post.
All the best,
Gerald.
Steve King
November 22, 2012Hi John
Great post and exactly right.
As someone who has been through your Marketing Masterclass course (a few times) I understand the need for having a “building a business” mindset.
There aren’t any push button fixes in the offline world (except maybe a lotto win or an inheritance) so I wonder why so many people think there are…maybe it’s like Randy says ‘because every sales page tells them’.
Planning & taking the correct action is definitely the way forward.
cheers
Steve
Erfan @ WordPress How To Videos
November 22, 2012Great post John. You really hit the nail on the head.
One big issue is trying to set up too many things at the same time and not doing a great job with any of them. This will lead to a mediocre business, not seeing any results for your efforts and so losing motivation.
I have found it always best to concentrate on just a couple of ideas and seeing them to completion.
Also trying not to get distracted by the latest trends & gimmicks, if you still don’t have a solid foundation for your business.
Ben Doyle
November 22, 2012Hey John
How true!
I took me ages before I made any money at all online.
I worked myself into the ground ‘trying to make money’ online but as soon as I focused in my business from a ‘business’ mindset, things started happening and making money became a whole lot easier.
Thanks for the post
Ben
Gareth Kentish
November 22, 2012John,
When you stated that there would be some work involved to build a successful online business, you were absolutely right. You made this point as clear day right at the outset, before I ventured onto your course.
I trusted your advice and now recognise the effort involved. …BUT when you do put the effort in the results can be so satisfying and I thank you for that.
Newbies should dismiss the “hype”, really they should and realise that like any business, effort is needed. Solid advice indeed.
It’s like the law of nature.
Thanks John for your tremendous guidance so far.
It is appreciated
Regards
Gareth
Carlos
November 22, 2012What you have mentioned is very true. In fact I myself have started my blog more than a year ago and I find it not easy to earn especially without the proper mindset.
Clive
November 22, 2012It takes a long time for most people to figure out where they are going wrong with this. It takes a lot of dedication and focus for sure, I am determined to succeed but had I known what I was getting into I am not sure I would have chosen this path.
Not turning back now, actually learned to love it.
I really hope people take your wise advice on board John and not waste as much time as I have getting going in the focused direction.
Phil
November 22, 2012That’s real information there. And so true. I was caught in the same trap for 2 years until I finally got a mentor that shook me until I understood the reality of the dream. Work IS required and so is dedication to a strategy, NOT a bunch of magic tactics.
Good stuff as usual John!
Eddie
November 22, 2012John, I am afraid you are right. I am trying to build my online business part time (on the top of regular 9-5 job). And it is an extermely exhausting. Everything takes too long as I have only couple hours per day to deal with this. I guess it takes a lot of courage to take this full time.
Magnus Eklof
November 22, 2012Hi John
You are of course spot on but then again the “push button to riches” is what every newbie sees everywhere, so who’s to blame? Each and every Internet Marketer has at one time or another pushed one or more of these products trying to make some easy bucks as a “payback” for the purchases they have made in the past.
Who can quite honestly stand up and say that they have tried every product they have promoted and it really worked for them as the product creator claims?
The only way to build a lasting business is to listen to the honest questions out there and either create or find an existing product that solves the problem and then promote it to the “needing”. Because at the end of the day your business is only as good as your reputation.
Steve Gilligan
November 22, 2012Just one step each day, ever upwards.
Igert
November 22, 2012You’ve hit the nail on the head.
At the beginning though the whole IM process is quite bewildering for the newbie. Many so-called tutors and teachers fall into the trap of assuming the student knows more than he or she actually does. They tell you to do this and that and you have no idea what they are talking about.
After more than a year I finally stumbled upon someone who is a great Internet Marketer, but an even greater teacher. No prizes for guessing who that is.
Thanks John. You have made my hopes to make a success of Internet Marketing come alive. I am more motivated than ever.
Helena
November 22, 2012So true…
People just want the quick and easy way but if you look at any brick and mortar business you will start to realize that any business takes hard work.
When we started with our brick and mortar business we used to work 12 hours a day including Saturdays and Sundays. It pays off and now I’m doing the same with my new online venture.
Steven Stuart
November 22, 2012I totally agree with what you’re saying. I’ve been so guilty of what you’re talking about. I’ve make a commitment lately to make my blog better and work on the things that will pay off in the long run. It’s also very important to make sure you have a clear plan in mind for your business. I’ve also started giving it a day or two before considering buying anything and not worrying about getting in on the “dimesale”. Thanks John for all the great imformation.
Galina St George
November 22, 2012Hi John,
Interesting that I have just shared my story and sentiments exactly on this subject. I am glad that I came across your article – good to know that I am on the right track now. I also used to believe that I could start making money just by applying a few strategies, as taught in the products I used to buy. The problem is – those products are for people who want to keep spending money on similar stuff, and who do not really want to invest time and effort into building a business, or do not understand the concept. So the goodies keep coming.
I am now out of the loop, using your wonderful Partnership to Success program to learn and build a proper business. The time when I believed in push-button quick riches is gone, and thank God for that!
Best wishes,
Galina
Mr.Mom
November 22, 2012truer words have never been spoken!
It took me two years chasing my tail before I realized I needed to be my own hero and run a business instead of an online hobby.
Now I have over a dozen sites that pull in a little money everyday (do in part to your coaching program and blog posts, thanks!)
Belinda
November 22, 2012Hi John,
So true. I’m coming to the realizing that I have to treat this as a business. And I’m going through changing this kind of mindset. I still get tempted, that maybe, just maybe, there is something. The internet is so big how do you not know. Nobody’s come to end of the internet and have look at every website. And that is the struggle for me.
Tasi Feite
November 22, 2012Sounds like me John.
You are correct in that it does take a lot of work to get it going .
One must persevere, be consistant and have a goal in mind. I found and to this day not having a goal makes it near impossible to get anywhere.
I had the wrong mindset, listening and believing all the stories about how easy it is to make money online.
Thanks for sharing.
Sue Worthington
November 22, 2012So true John!
I have been online for 3 years and the quicker you realise that it is just like any other business in that it takes hard work and persistence, then the more successful you will ultimately be.
I really thought that I had overcome most challenges but even after 3 years I have just hit a big roadblock which was literally giving me sleepless nights, but thanks to John’s Partnership to Success program I was immediately surrounded by people willing and able to help me – including of course John himself and so I am feeling wonderful that another lesson has been learned and I can now move on with my business.
I believe it will be 5 years before I see the results I am striving for and that it will get a litle easier for me to actually make more money – but that’s ok because every day I get nearer – but you do need not only a mentor but the right mentor for you. You cannot do this in isolation, and you may spend thousands on mentors but that is business investment, and you should see a ROI.
With John’s Partnership to Success program, which I have been a member of for 6 months, I am totally confident in seeing a return on my investment and much more within the next few months.
I can totally understand why most people fail online – it is because they give up when they realise the level of work involved – you will work more hours than a normal job, it will be more frustrating and you will not finish work at 5pm and have weekends off.
But the results that are possible, and the satisfaction you get in helping people and making a difference really makes it all worthwhile. Yes it will be 2 steps forward and one back for a long time, – just do not ever give up if you truly want to succeed.
Gordon Meagher
November 22, 2012Hey John. Timely post. It’s not easy but you gotta keep with it. If you don’t give-up you can’t fail.
I am actually half way through your One Month Mentor course and really enjoying it. It’s been a real breath of fresh air.
David Caudill
November 22, 2012Hello John,
I am actually going on my fourth year of internet marketing and it has just been in the last year that I my eyes have opened. Not that I just opened my eyes cause believe me I seen ever ‘shiny object, overnight miracle’ that hit my inbox and just knew…” Oh if I get this, it is the one”.
And I had someone teaching me ( not a mentor by a long shot) for a year and half maybe two years. And it is no excuse but everything I was taught and following then, was wrong in so many ways but I really thought that was the way it was. Now it is what tell and show people to stay away from, the “Blackhat Marketing World”
Then I was lucky or blessed to find real marketers such as Omar M., Dave N. Lonnie Robinson, yourself and some others that have a real desire to see their students (or not in allot of cases) become successful.
It is really amazing the difference it has made in our business and lives having a business plan, achievable goals, and I think by far one of the most important of all a good mentor. It has made all the difference in the world for us.
I personally want to say “thank you” just “keeping it real” and for all that you do for so many.
To your continued success,
David Caudill
Sue
November 22, 2012Hi John
So true it takes hard work and time. It has been about three years for me now and am finally starting to see regular money coming in. Have been working hard on developing relationships and helping people.
Thanks
Jonathan
November 22, 2012John, I am some one that has been online for the last 4 years and yes its been a hell of a journey, I could not agree with you more when you need to wake up and stop thinking that there is a push button software system that makes you rich over night! Becoming an Internet guru takes time and alot of dedication, to maximise any opportunity in life you have to work very hard at the start! any way’s it’s not different to an offline business, I would just like to thank you for all the great content that you put out there for others to learn!!! I am loving your one month mentor and only wish i did this in year 1 of me starting my journey online and have been going through simple traffic and affiliate promo, great content and just need to take action and will see resaults soon, again thank’s!!!!
Regards
JV
steven guy
November 22, 2012Hi john enjoying your course and im made up with it. anyway i have to agree with you on this one. that was my problem, looking for easy way out a 1 hour job a week so silly but im doing alittle better now noing the crap from the good.
as soon as i seen your product i new you were not blagging and it was ligitemate product not many give like you have and micheal any way im excited at your lessons you give each day. i want to say this to you as if im looking at you now. GOOD ON YOU JOHN THANKS FOR BEING TRUTH FULL not many are. alot of these so called gurus give over view products instead proper training. thanks Catch up with you again Steve Liverpool.
Sue Neal
November 22, 2012Couldn’t agree with you more – I think the biggest mistake people make is flitting from one thing to another, because they want ‘quick’ results, with the result that they never see anything through.
There’s a lot to learn and it takes time and patience if you’re going to succeed. The people who make it aren’t necessarily the smartest – they’re the ones who consistently take positive action and stick with it.
Sue
Andrew Stark
November 22, 2012Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant.
It amazes me how many people think they have a business, when all they actually have is a bunch of affiliate links. They won’t buy a domain, webhosting, autoresponder, or tracker as these cost monthly and free versions are available.
They spend spend on crappy products yet won’t invest in the things you need to run a business. The sooner you open your eyes and think like a business owner the sooner good things will happen.
Well done John for educational posts like this.
Andrew
Robert Axelsen
November 22, 2012Awesome post, John! I was just blogging about my own “4.5 years struggle” on my blog the other day.
“If I wanted to have a successful business online I had to treat it like a business. Not just something I did in my spare time.”
I’ve had a similar realization myself a little while back, and I chose to act on it! It so much easier acting from a place of determination and business minded focus, instead of mindless “fumbling about”.
I am more eager and passionate than ever about creating an online business, and I am sure I will succeed this time around!
All the best,
– Robert Axelsen
Johannes Stockburger
November 22, 2012Hi John,
I think the next step in the discussion is to think about how a business is distinguished from the mere whish to get some money.
My short list would be:
First the eill and ability to invest – if not a lot of money, at least time and effort
Second a clear goal.
Third a plan how to approch the goal.
Forth a way to measure progress abd success.
I am curious what you think about that
Tina Lindgren
November 22, 2012Crystal clear article – And also my personal story. I have been in and out of internet marketing 3 times, before I changed my mindset and took my business and myself seriously.
I think there are two great things about this article: First of all reading articles like yours a couple of times helps us all to realize that “YOU MUST BUILD A BUSINESS” – and You must adapt your mindset to a business owner.
The second great thing about this article is all the great comments from all these honest people, all telling the same story.
It is my hope, that it is very NORMAL and HUMAN to mess around for some years and then finally – we get our shit together
So Pull up your sleves and start building!
Do You know how to eat an elephant — One Bite at a time
Warm Regards
Tina Lindgren
omecool20
November 22, 2012I could not agree more with this article. I just recently restarted my own IM business as I realized that my focus was wrong all this while. The key is to focus on the stuff you have and not to buy every ‘shiny object’ that appears without working on the stuff you have first. There is no holy grail in IM, just smart and hard work. But the problem is that a lot of people in IM are looking for that Holy Grail. This fact was endorsed by a super affiliate whose seminar I went early last year. Important to think long term.
Dick Weber
November 23, 2012Wow John,
63 comments since about 2:00 Pm. I agree! I am taking this mindset & building a business to a whole new level with my program. I am in your PTS program and building a program called IM Success Formula and it should be ready for your review in early January. I have been teaching self motivation and mental attitude for 40+ years now. My program will be highly useful to anyone online or offline. It will teach everyone a new and exciting way of looking at everything they do with a clearer vision than they would have thought possible.
Have a great weekend!!
Dick Weber
Jenny Wren
November 23, 2012Had to scroll down a ways to get to the new comment spot. Certainly a lot of people who seem to have ‘been there done that’ and then found a way to make the grade and get their business going. I am at the point of working on making the grade. Great post and reminder that I have still a lot of work ahead of me.
Here’s to hard work and eventual success.
Jenny Wren
William Dorich
November 23, 2012This is my 3rd email and 3rd request to be fully refunded what I have paid you. Yet, you lie through your teeth claiming all I need to do is ask for a refund and it will be forthcoming. What bullshit. If you do not respond to this email by tomorrow I will launch a “Charge Back” on my credit card. Apparently unethical scum like you do not know how to respond to an unhappy customer and your election to ignore me is quite insulting after reading about you. I think you deserve to go back to the automative assembly line as you do not deserve to claim an honorable position as a businessman.
William Dorich
dorich.william@gmail.com
John Thornhill
November 23, 2012I have decided to allow this comment to show people that unfortunately we have to sometimes deal with people like yourself. The only ticket I have from you is one moaning about my live webinar and you telling me how successful you’ve been and that you don’t need my help.
I have now found your details and refunded all of your purchases so now you can go and moan somewhere else.
Jerry Lyons
November 23, 2012JT “Unethical scum,you lie through your teeth,bullshitter,not an honorable businessman..What an a***wipe.Think hes got the wrong John Thornhill. Clicked he’s name and took me to his site, successful businessman for 25 years! His site is as tired and sad as he is. Guess you can handle one unsubscribe from your list. Thanks for sharing the negatives as well as the positives John. Dont go back to the production line John, Internet Marketing without the master…Unthinkable
Peace
Jerry.
Ed
February 6, 2013ERM…I wonder if this guy actually woke up the day after…realising…that Disneyland had disappeared….because the drugs had wore off…because to kick off like that SO dis-respectfully…the guy as got to be a *space cadet*?
Ed
February 6, 2013Wasn’t going to …BUT….here we go…gotta say what I gotta say…I have NOT been *mega-successful* myself HOWEVER…that isn’t due to John Thornhills teachings THAT is because of the time it takes to gain the momemtum…just like it has for any and ALL marketers online!
Has for your attitude pal…it stinks…HOW can you call any man who has actually created success by just being ethical…AND training students to BE ethical…I’m FAR MORE successful than you…AND I haven’t got the right to call John Thornhill *un-ethical*…
WHY?
Simple the mans NOT…YOU spit your dummy out because it wasn’t ATM easy to achieve your goals….SO you vented your anger targeting *the refund*….YOU sir WILL never amount to more that the NEXT outburst…Congratulations you just severed your ties with a powerfully positioned marketer…ERM one more thing….OOPS!
Phil
November 23, 2012Hi John,
thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I think it’s really important to focus on one thing, rather than running to find the next shiny object (you wouldn’t do this in a “real world” business, too). I’m still waiting for my breakthrough, but I’m sure it will work.
Since some time I focus only on one or two aspects of my business and it seems to work better than before where I tried everything for a fast buck!
Regards,
Phil
Jace
November 23, 2012John, This post is absolutely right on. It is NOT easy! I think once you realize that, you either quit, or it kinda get’s exiting. Because if you didn’t quit, you have what it takes to make it in this business if you get busy. I think the main thing people lack after they’ve figured out that they are going to have to work and treat this as a real business, is planning. Planning sounds so boring. It really is vital to your success though. It’s important to get everything on paper or a mindmap and really plan what it’s gonna take to get there. Put away all distractions and work to make it happen.
Jace
November 23, 2012@ William Dorich, obviously my friend, you have much deeper issues brewing. John Thornhill is one of the most ethical marketers I’ve ever known. I hope your refund was worth the embarrassment you’ve brought upon yourself. I really think if you were very successful you’d not conduct yourself in such a manner. If you don’t need John’s help, that’s great…carry on then, I’ll take it 😉
Kaye Fenley
November 23, 2012I think people want to make money online quickly because their days are already full, and they think they don’t have time. They have to give up some things they spend time on. It helps if you like doing many of the things that have to be done in an online business. I enjoy writing, for example.
James Hughes
November 23, 2012I can’t believe I’ve just read that.
He’s full of pure hatred that guy lol.
Cheers
James
Allen Merkley
November 23, 2012John: Your observations and the people’s comments here are very familiar to me. I’m embarrassed over how long I’ve spent trying to make it work. Lets just say it’s a lot more than 4 years and 10,000 hours.
I’ve learned a lot and have obtained a bunch of skills but in this era whatever you choose to do is an unending challenge because things change so fast … so there is just no end to the learning part.
I would zero in on three fundamentals to shorten the learning curve
– Pick a goal and what and how you intend to accomplish it and then focus only on it. Write it down, put it in your face, and stare and read it at least every morning. You should have the steps outlined that you need to do and filter everything through that process to decide on what to do next. Stay with it no matter what and don’t second guess it every time a new shiny object floats by.
– Don’t get distracted … especially by the WSO syndrome, but keep in mind you need tools to do things quicker, faster, easier, and quite often it is a good source for that provided you follow Perry Marshall’s advice and be discerning about it. ie- Filter everything through your written objectives and say what can this help me with? Have the Johnny Cash type philosophy “it doesn’t matter, drive on”
– Know your own character flaws. Stare at yourself in a mirror and ask yourself the tough questions you need to succeed. Number one would probably be are you willing to do what it takes and put in the hours? Is it within you to do that?
In my case, I have a bad bad case of procrastination and setting time goals to get things done … it’s been a killer and one I continue to struggle with. Like a good boxer though, you haven’t lost until you’re counted out , so get back up when you get knocked down … and as long as you’re still standing, it’s game on.
Good luck everyone … from an old fella still in the game
Lynnae Copen
November 23, 2012Excellent Article John! I have been doing internet marketing for about a year now and I too have been pulled in by the shiny new objects. But I also knew coming in it would require hard work and dedication just as any other business does. People give up to easy and stop at any roadblocks they come across and then they want to bash the person that owns the product. Now don’t get me wrong there are a lot of products out there that are just bad products and really do not provide adequate support. But I have seen a lot of great internet marketers get bashed in the forums and it just makes me sick. Sometimes I just want to put my 2 cents in and ask these people did you take the time to read and learn everything, did you work on it for more than 5 mins, did you even ask for support or do you just want them to do the work for you ? I understand that a lot of the sales pages out their promise you that if you put this product or service in place you will make money in 48 hours. Really people did you think it was going to be that easy! I know as I grow my business I too will run into people like this which I have to say I am not looking forward to. On another note John I would like to thank you for putting the Partnership to success program together. I am just loving the course and everything that it has to offer. I know this is going to allow me to take my business to the next level.
Matthew Crump
November 23, 2012Hey John,
Great Post when I began Online before I found your course I was buying a lot of stuff that was meant to make money online a snap it was long though after I started reading your blog I learn that all that stuff was complete CRAP and I agree with you that this is indeed a business and I do agree that people not treating it as such is a big Reason many people fail online and give up.
Thank You For Showing Me the Way
-Matthew
Carol
November 24, 2012Thanks John! That is definitely something we all need to be reminded of. It is so easy to fall into the “shiny object” syndrome and waste time fiddling with those things. They never get any real results and you always end up pretty much back where you started. Build a business — what a great thing to work towards!
Robert Chua
November 26, 2012We do sometimes get the odd comments don’t we? Unfortunately, in this world, we have people with a short fuse. Imagine a simple keystroke error, costing 15bucks, made for a friend. The number of xxxxxbeepxxxxbeeep I got was beyond believe or called for. His explanation was that I had to be careful and see what I was doing, it was not the money. Ya sure should have made it 1500 error than lets see what is the reaction.
People with short fuse, from my experience, are not in control.
Tim Bonner
November 24, 2012Hey John
This is a really timely post for me.
You’re so right about having the correct mindset. I followed your 1 Month Mentor course and then got sucked in by what was going on offline.
I’ve been blogging since I started the course though and am starting to get a little community together which I really enjoy but that’s not a business.
So, I’m going to go back to the course next week. Thanks for the nudge.
Tim
Tony Clingan
November 24, 2012Hi John
Think you have hit the nail on the head here because too many people bought into an impossible dream that they could earn money without effort
Trouble was though that there was never any shortage of people sending them round in circles without ever telling them how to actually make money doing it
Thanks for sharing Tony
zora
November 25, 2012Hi John,
Thanks for another good post and great tips and lessons on your IM experiences.I enjoy all of your post becouse i get something new out of each one.
Good job!
Zora
Craig Pullman
November 27, 2012Hi John,
thank you so much for sharing this post. I would just like to say that you are the reason I am sticking with IM. I must admit I thought it was going to be easier than what it has been. However, I will not give up. I think for anyone who is struggling this is of paramount importance. I believe failure is part of success and anyone who thinks they will get rich overnight is just dreaming. John, I truly believe in what you are doing. Thanks for all your help.
Regards,
Craig
Philip
December 1, 2012Hi John,
I’ve also been there, looking for a fast cash system, and moving from one thing to another and never making any real money.
But since I started blogging I learned that your best ally is your willingness to work hard and have patience.
I think it’s impossible to get zero results if you are committed to making things work. And above all be consistent in your efforts give it 100% before you think to move to another plan.
I really enjoyed reading your post John, all the best to you mate.
~Philip
Erwin
December 2, 2012Hi everyone,
thanks John for reminding us that to earn money even on-line we need to work and there is no rich quick fromula for doing nothig.
But if you will commit to work hard you will succeed.
And the more you give the more ou get!
Thank you and see us all on top, working hard, doing what we like.
Gunawan
December 6, 2012Yes, people tends to do nothing to get everything they want.
That’s why when we learn the right thing, one of the most important part is always about the Mindset.
Because wrong mindset gets / makes the wrong results.
It’s Fatal.
thanks for the wake up call !!
Cheers
Gunawan
Tom Yevsikov
December 6, 2012Hey john thanks for the awesome post!
But yeah I’ma have to agree.
I’ve been wandering for too long until I decided to take action and change my life.
Once I actually APPLIED I started to see some real results..
I accomplished in ONE DAY more than I have accomplished in 4 months of buying products watching video’s..
People need this wake up call.
To OUR Success,
Tom Yevsikov
George Nieves
December 17, 2012Hi John,
Long time. I’ve finally revived my blog as you taught me long ago…it’s the control center for my business.
It takes hard work & determination to make it in business. It took me a long time to realize this…it also takes focus.
I was lost in info overload for so long. I know what direction I’m heading in now.
Success isn’t going to be handed to me. There aren’t any push button solutions that’ll bring riches over night.
I have to work for whatever I’m going to attain in life.
Phil
December 22, 2012Great post John.
You also have to focus on ONE thing to completion. Trying to do 5 money-making projects at the same time only prolongs your completion time thus delaying you actually making some money.
So focus on one thing, keep the business mindset as you said John, and stay positive through the hurdles!
Gary Wynder
February 6, 2013This is a great post John! You’ve really hit the nail on the head
with this: Success takes WORK!! (NOT “magic bullet” ‘solutions’.
And, this is especially true when it comes to making money online.
The ONLY place where SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the DICTIONARY, and we would all do well to remember that, and to act upon it – This is now a favourite quote of mine, because without any shadow of a doubt it is 100% true and factual.
Best Regards,
Gary
Ed
February 6, 2013As for the post content itself…this is a much needed read…I feel that a small percentage of *ethical* marketers actually place the message of their own blueprint being easy because as I have just hinted at in Randy’s reply….and that is that they want the prospect to know that once the system is in place and that they stay focused as you said yourself John…it starts to get easier!
THEN AGAIN…there’s the un-ethical faction of marketers that simply think $$$$ and WILL and DO say anything in the sales pitch to grab the buyers…HOWEVER to me it’s a good thing in the sense of that these scammers and *take the money and run* merchants WON’T be in the online marketplaces for long…you could say that they are their own demise and when that time comes…they won’t be able to do anymore *damage*!
That’s what I think anyway John.
J. Mark Diaz
February 7, 2013Hi John,
I do believe your Wake Up Call post here is destined to be a timeless classic. We should have these reminders, these wake up calls as our screen savers on our computers, laptops, iPads and iPhones. Thanks for the great post.
Cheers to an awesome 2013.
amit tiwari
March 20, 2013Really cool article which reminded me of an old saying.”A Deer will never enter itself in the lion’s jaw until the lion goes for a hunt, chases the deer, uses its claws etc which means hard work”. Just like that for making money online we need to do hard work and that too consistently, nothing can be gained easily.
thanks for the great tip
amit
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[…] both had written new posts that are well worth reading. Here’s John’s Post called Time For A Wake Up Call and here’s Dave’s Post, seven reasons why you should be using high quality graphics. […]
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