9 Ways to Sell the Same Idea
Issue #2163
- WEALTHY: You only need one idea to develop an entire product line (Alex Mandossian)
- HEALTHY: Lose 3 percent of your body fat with a simple routine (Craig Ballantyne)
- WISE: Napoleon Hill on developing ideas
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
- Getting a billion-dollar company to notice your tiny start-up (Michael Masterson)
- The best place to meet other entrepreneurs (Suzanne Richardson)
- It’s Good to Know… about the world’s nastiest storms
- Add "didactic" to your vocabulary
Revealed: Probably the Biggest Red Herring in History!
While the world’s been stock watching (and losing!), the elite quietly play a different game with different rules…
Feeling cheated and disillusioned by the stock market? Sure, you may have made a good trade here… but then lost on another. The people dutifully pour their hard-earned cash into investment banks to put into the stock market for them… and those investment banks gladly oblige, for a fat fee… which they invest somewhere else! I’m no conspiracy theorist, but in my opinion the stock market is really a diversion for the masses… a distraction from where the BIG and consistent money is made… in the world’s money mountain. And when I say “Money Mountain,” I speak quite literally… the BIGGEST mountain of money on the planet. Click here to read more…
"First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination."
Napoleon Hill
9 Ways to Sell the Same Idea
Since 2001, I’ve trained entrepreneurs, independent professionals, and small-business owners to use teleseminars to amplify their bottom line. And I practice what I preach. In fact, teleseminars have changed my life. On 16 separate occasions in 2006, I made more money per hour than I made in the entire year of 2001.
In my experience, teleseminars are a fast, easy, and economical way to increase your sales. Plus, you don’t need to spend extra money on marketing or advertising costs. Even better, you can conduct them from the comfort of your home, your office, a hotel room, or practically anywhere in the world.
One reason teleseminars are so profitable is that they give you fodder for making more money above and beyond what you make during the live event. This is called "repurposing" your content, or turning the audio content of your teleseminar into new and different products. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that, for entrepreneurial CEOs like me, repurposing is the most powerful moneymaking force in the information-publishing world.
Here are some ways you can turn your teleseminars into brand-new products that you can sell:
Turn Your Teleseminar Into a Hardcover Book
Creating a book out of repurposed content or creating a compilation book is an inspired way to profit. If you have anything that is collection-based, such as letters, articles, lectures, seminars, or product reviews, you can do it. Think of it as your "greatest hits" - like the many compilation albums produced by the music industry.
For instance, I turned a teleseminar about podcasting into a chapter in my book The Business Podcasting Bible, which I sell for $20.
Then Turn It Into a Softcover Book
A softcover or paperback book is the repurposing of your hardcover book. Know that a softcover is nothing more than a repurposed message that is more affordable. And I’ll tell you something - many people who purchase hardcovers also purchase softcovers.
The Business Podcasting Bible also sells as a softcover for $15.
Then Turn It Into a Digital E-book
An e-book, or electronic book, is the digital equivalent of your printed book. E-books are downloaded directly from the Internet as a PDF file, and can be read on any computer or specialized e-book reading device. Many people prefer e-books, because they can pay, download the book, and start reading it in moments. E-books satisfy the desire for instant gratification. And for you, there is no cost to print, ship, or store inventory.
When I turn products into digital e-books, I usually price them at $97 and include an audio version.
Then Turn It Into a CD or MP3
Audio is another powerful way to repurpose a physical or electronic book. People may not be able to read your hardcover book while driving to work or taking a jog around the block, but they can listen to your audio book on a CD player or MP3 player.
When I did a series of teleseminars on how to give teleseminars, I bundled the recordings into a home-study course for $997.
Then Turn It Into a Blog, E-zine, and Website
Creating a blog, e-zine, and/or website is an easy way to get your content on the Web. Everyone thinking about getting into the Internet marketing business should start with a blog or an e-zine. I prefer a blog, because it’s so simple and easy to put up, especially if you use a program called WordPress.
Google and other search engines love blogs because of the constantly updated new content. Readers love the new content, too. Give them unique, useful, free content, and lead them to your sales message - and, ultimately, to your book. The name of the game is getting your content and message to as many different markets as possible.
Even if you are technophobe like me, you can put up a blog. If you know nothing about blogging, a great place to start is emiDOMAINS.com. It has everything you need, all in one place, to get a site on the Web. You can check domain names and purchase or transfer domain names. You can also get information about website building and hosting, along with marketing tools.
I turned my teleseminar series on teleseminars into blog posts, which have resulted in the sale of thousands of dollars’ worth of my "Teleseminar Secrets" program.
Then Turn It Into Internet Articles
Internet articles are another vehicle for distributing your content to the masses. You can post your articles on your own website or in your own e-zine, or you can submit them to other electronic newsletters and article databases. Always include a short blurb about yourself at the end, with a link so readers can find your website or buy your book.
Again, I’ve turned my teleseminars into articles to post on the Internet, and that’s resulted in thousands of visitors coming to my sites and buying my products.
Want to see all of this in action? Here’s a case study of one person who turned his book into an empire:
John is an outstanding businessman, lecturer, and author, but he knows what it’s like to experience failure as well as success. He takes his own experiences and incorporates them into his lectures and books as inspiring tales of strength, courage, and character.
When lecturing and teaching around the world, John speaks of three principles that bring wealth, success, and happiness. These principles evolved into an e-book titled PowerPause that can be downloaded directly from the Internet as a PDF file. John started selling his e-book online for $19. He sold one book.
Then he decided to ask $29 for it, just for the heck of it. He sold two books. At $39, he sold a few more. Finally, when he hit $97, the book started selling well - and, to date, he’s sold more than $500,000 worth of downloads.
John initially marketed his books to the self-help audience, but it was Internet marketers who ended up buying it. Once he found a few champions in that marketplace, he had a best-seller.
PowerPause is the perfect example of repurposing. John took his lectures and repurposed them into an e-book. He then created a printed version, which he mails to people for $149. Then he created a user’s manual, which is basically a guide telling people how to do what’s in the book. Repurposing again, he sat down one weekend and recorded himself reading the book, then made the recording available online.
John speaks at seminars about PowerPause. He offers an e-class on PowerPause. At his website, PowerPauseSecrets.com, he offers special bonuses, including PowerPause - The Missing Chapters, The PowerPause Q&A (as a PDF and audio file), and PowerPause - Official Guide (also as a PDF and audio file). And soon he will be coming out with a hardcover version of PowerPause.
Instead of giving up after the e-book failed to sell at $19, John raised the price and then repurposed, repurposed, repurposed.
You can do the same thing with any book or idea. One concept can lead to other products, other information, other lectures, and other repurposing. And with each repurposing, your income increases.
Content is king on the Internet, and repurposing is the key. People go online searching for information about what interests them, and these are just some of the ways to get your message on their screens.
(By the way, this article was created out of repurposed content.)
[Ed. Note: Alex Mandossian, CEO of Heritage House Publishing Inc., has generated over $233 million in sales and profits for his clients and partners via "electronic marketing" media, such as TV infomercials, online catalogs, 24-hour recorded messages, voice/fax broadcasting, teleseminars, webinars, podcasts, and Internet marketing since 1991. Alex will be giving his insights into information marketing at ETR's Info Marketing Bootcamp. To learn more online book marketing strategies, and to download his free e-book "5 Secrets to Making Change Now," log on to www.AlexMandossian.com.]
On October 9, the Most Powerful Force in the Market Begins Again
On October 9, you could be presented with a monumental money-making opportunity as public companies begin to release reams of previously undisclosed information.
The last time this came around, sharp investors had a chance to pocket gains of 149% on Marriott… 217% on Chaparral Steel… 160% on Qualcomm… and 136% in McDonald’s.
No other predictable event results in more price movement than what I have to share with you. Position yourself properly, before October 9, and you could make more money in the next six weeks than most investors make all year.
Dear Michael Masterson: "How do we get a billion-dollar company to do business with us?"
"Let me start by thanking you and the Early to Rise team. I want you to know that even down here in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Early to Rise (though more like a mid-day pick-me-up because of the time difference) newsletter is changing lives. I am forever recommending it to my friends, because the information available in these newsletters is absolutely priceless.
"I have recently started a new business that offers top-quality and unique services that I believe could add value to a couple of big companies out there. One such company in the oil industry currently has a market share of 18 percent and we believe that our product could help them cross over to 20 percent (or perhaps even 25 percent) in the next year. However, seeing that we are a small start-up company (with high potential), we are not sure how best to approach them.
"So how do we get a billion-dollar company to take notice and do business with us? Please assist."
- AK
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear AK,
Because your question is vague, I can give you only the following vague advice.
If your product is as good as you think it is, you shouldn’t have too much trouble making a deal. Billion-dollar companies like to increase their profits just as much as million-dollar companies do. All you have to do is start asking "Who can I speak to about ABC?" - and keep asking until you get to the right person.
Once you know who to speak to - and that person will be the executive whose division is likely to profit from your product - try to make the relationship personal. Find out something about him - what his hobbies are, for example - and then send him something that relates to that. Go out of your way to befriend him, even if it borders on being a pest. Most people in such positions are guarded about their time, so he’ll likely put you off at first. But if you keep pushing, he’ll eventually give in and give you 10 minutes to make a presentation.
You will only have 10 minutes, so make it count. Create a sales presentation that emphasizes all the benefits his company will get from your product, and practice that presentation until it is perfect.
The combination of the goodwill you’ve created by making the relationship personal and a perfect presentation will land you a deal.
- Michael Masterson
[Ed. Note: Get Michael Masterson's insights into becoming successful in your business and personal life, achieving financial independence, and accomplishing all your goals on his brand-new website. You'll find updates on all of Michael's books, news on upcoming ETR events, Michael's blog, and room to send in your comments and questions. Check it out today.
Have a question for Michael Masterson? Write to him at AskMichael@ETRfeedback.com.]
Where to Share Ideas and Meet Potential Partners
On the plane home from a recent trip to Florida, I happened to sit next to a nice gentleman from Buffalo, NY. Although he works in product development at a large company, he wants to break out on his own. He eagerly told me about several ideas he has, and sadly explained that he "doesn’t have the time" to create his own business.
He clearly hadn’t heard of Michael Masterson’s theory of "chicken entrepreneurship," so I handed him my card and encouraged him to take a look at ETR.
"You know what else has been holding me back?" this man said. "There’s no online resource for people like me. There’s no single place where entrepreneurs can go to share ideas and meet potential partners."
Fortunately for him - and for you - that’s not true. Ilise Benun, marketing mentor and author of Stop Pushing Me Around!, suggests that interested entrepreneurs check out these social networking sites:
- Ryze.com - With 500,000 members in 200 countries, this free networking site aims to keep people in touch worldwide. The "Entrepreneurs" network on the site has nearly 9,000 members.
- Tribe.net - Much like CraigsList, this site is city-oriented. You can use it to network with people in your own community or reach members around the country.
- LinkedIn.com - This online business community with eight million members is a great place to meet new people through existing contacts and follow-up with people you’ve just met.
- Doostang.com - This free, invitation-only "career community" is a place where you can connect with others through your friends and colleagues.
[Ed. Note: ETR is developing a new Internet business-building program that will show you how to take your own Internet-based business from concept to execution and beyond. If you're interested in profiting from all the benefits of starting an online business, click here to join our priority notification list.]
Why Women Should Lift Weights
Though most women use aerobic exercise to counter the weight gain that tends to accompany age, there is a more enjoyable and beneficial way to burn body fat.
According to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, American women aged 25 to 44 gain an average of 2.2 pounds of fat per year. The researchers divided 164 overweight women into two groups for a two-year study. To test the effect of exercise on the women, they had one group perform a twice-weekly strength-training program, and gave the "control" group brochures recommending aerobic exercise.
The resistance-trained women lost three percent of their body fat over the two-year period, while the control group had no change.
This study shows that resistance training, in addition to its well-known bone-building benefits, can be a powerful way for women to fight fat as they age.
To maximize the results from strength training, focus on multi-muscle exercises, such as squats, presses, and rows. These can be done with bodyweight, dumbbells, or machines.
[Ed. Note: Fitness expert Craig Ballantyne is the creator of the Turbulence Training for Fat Loss system. If you want a free online source of information, motivation, and social support to help you improve your health, lose weight, and get fit, sign up for ETR's free natural health e-letter.]
It’s Good to Know: The World’s Nastiest Storms
Hurricanes that form in the Atlantic Ocean and hit the Caribbean islands or the East or Gulf Coast regions of the U.S. get all the press - at least they do here in the States. So it will probably surprise you to learn that storms that form in the western Pacific (they’re called cyclones there) and go on to devastate Asian countries are stronger, on average.
A University of California researcher who studied all hurricanes and cyclones recorded in the last 150 years found that Asia has more category 5 storms than anywhere in the world. However, 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, which caused $80 billion in damages, still goes down in history as the costliest storm ever.
(Source: Discover Magazine)
Do You Need To Start Out Small?
If you don’t have an Internet business yet, or if your company is smaller than $1 million then you need something different… something that lets you start off small.
One man I know turned $10 into over $500,000. How’s that for starting small!
Let me show you how to get a similar Internet income stream running for almost nothing.
- Patrick Coffey
Word to the Wise: Didactic
Something that’s "didactic" (dye-DAK-tik) - from the Greek for "to educate" - is instructive, but inclined to lecture or moralize excessively.
Example (as used by Frances K. Conley, M.D., in Walking Out on the Boys): "In class, embarrassed girlish laughter joined the ‘hee-haws’ of our male classmates when centerfolds appeared in the middle of medical lectures, ostensibly to add a wake-up jolt to otherwise uninspired didactic presentations."
[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker ... build your self-confidence and intellect ... increase your attractiveness to others ... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's new Words to the Wise CD Library.]
Michael Masterson
Copyright ETR, LLC, 2007
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