Getting Past the Technical Side of Business Online

Issue #2450

• WEALTHY: When prudence means spending (Andrew Gordon)
• HEALTHY: Two easy exercises for your abs (Craig Ballantyne)
• WISE: Vinton Cerf on the Internet business

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

• The technical side of online business shall stump you no more (Derek Gehl)
• “Talk” to us (Judith Strauss)
• It’s Good to Know… how they’re keeping Grandma happy
• Add “xenophobia” to your vocabulary

A Who’s Who of World-Class Marketing Experts

You are hereby invited to join Early to Rise in Delray Beach, Florida this November for our Information Marketing Bootcamp: “The Internet Ultimatum: Zero to $1.2 Million In 12 Months Flat”.

The premise is simple: Come with (or even without!) a specific idea for launching your own start-up business… or exploding you existing business… and you’ll leave with all the information you need for building that business into a raging river of cash through the power of Information Marketing.

And specifically, you’ll leave with at least a dozen ideas for taking your new or existing business to an extra $1.2 million or more over the next twelve months… and then to $10 million and beyond.

We’ve got a who’s who of world-class Internet Marketing experts lined up for you, including Yanik Silver… Howie Jacobson… Rich Schefren… Bob Bly… Buck Rizvi… Alex Mandossian… and many, many more. Check out the full lineup here.

For Companies, Spending Isn’t an Extravagance… It’s a Must

By Andrew M. Gordon Answer me this: Why have Exxon Mobil and some of the other oil majors been spending more of their cash on share buybacks than on exploration and production?

If you answered that it’s because the price of crude has dropped over 15 percent, I’d congratulate you for your common sense. But you’d be wrong. No, the buybacks happened in the second quarter of this year – before oil prices dropped. They had, in fact, been at record highs.

The simple answer is that these companies didn’t have anything really promising to spend their tens of billions of dollars on. All the easy oil has already been discovered and drilled. With easy oil disappearing, so has the easy money.

Intel doesn’t have that problem. Nor do Google, Verizon, and a slew of other firms, including BHP Billiton, the big global mining company. BHP digs for profits just as oil companies do. But it’s spending loads of money on dozens of mines worldwide.

Mobil Exxon’s record profits look real impressive. Its revenues are more than the GDP of half the countries in the world. But they’re not reinvesting their profits back into the company at a rate that will keep them growing… and keep the oil flowing.

Investing in the big corporate spenders at a time of looming recession sounds a bit risky, no? Well, you have to spend money to make money. You know that. The companies that are spending wisely on exciting projects now are planting the seeds of future growth. When the economic winter recedes (and recessions don’t last forever), their profits will blossom.

Behind these so-called prudent corporate spenders are companies that have lost their way. They’ll tell you they’re just being careful. Maybe they are. If you don’t have anything good to spend your money on, not spending it on anything is the careful choice. But is that the kind of company you want to invest in? Give me one bursting with new projects… technology initiatives… products in the pipeline. That’s a company that has future growth written all over it.

[Ed. Note: One sector that's got a lot of new projects in the pipeline? The energy sector. And ETR Investment Director Andrew Gordon can point you to two best-in-class rig companies that will be on the receiving end of a $10 trillion tidal wave of cash. Learn more here.] Comment on this article

Vinton Cerf

Overcoming the “Technical Learning Curve”

By Derek Gehl Starting an Internet business takes work – but it’s easier than you may think. Unfortunately, many people are stumped by the “technical” side of it. Here is just one example of the kind of e-mail I get from frustrated entrepreneurs on a daily basis… “What if you do not know your way around a computer? What if that is why you are sitting with $1,000 worth of products and cannot use them because you just do not understand the technical stuff and do not find any material or help on the subject… and it takes so long to teach yourself that you just give up? “Wouldn’t it be great if someone would write a manual for newbies, telling them what to do and how to do it and translating everything that their webmaster is talking about!” Does that sound familiar?

If you are new to computers, the learning curve involved in starting an online business can seem insurmountable. On top of trying to figure out the business and marketing part, you’re faced with technical challenges around every corner.

So if you are a complete newbie with very little computer experience – but are desperately eager to start a business on the Internet – where do you begin?

Here is a step-by-step action plan that will give you the technical knowledge you need to get your business up and running as quickly as possible… Step #1: Assess and build your general computer skills. If you are reading this newsletter, it’s safe to assume that you have basic computer skills and know how to use common programs (such as Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer), send e-mail, and navigate to different files on your computer.

If you are not comfortable with these tasks, you need to get yourself up to speed. You could take an “Introduction to Computers” course at your local community college. But the easiest way to do it is with the following books:

• PCs for Dummies (or Mac for Dummies)
• Windows for Dummies (or Mac OS X for Dummies)

Don’t take the “Dummies” in the titles personally. These books will teach you the fundamentals, so you can spend less time banging your head against your keyboard and more time building your business. (Best of all, they can be purchased for less than $20 each on Amazon.com.)

It shouldn’t take long to learn what you need to know. If you spend an hour a day reading one of the books mentioned above, you’ll be able to do it in just a couple of weeks. Step #2: Assess and build your general Internet skills. Once you’re comfortable with your basic computer skills, it’s time to move on to your Internet skills. You have to know your way around the Web if you want to build a successful online business.

This doesn’t mean you need to know the technical details of how the Internet works. (For example, you’re not going to fail if you don’t know what “http” means.) But you should understand the basic principles of how websites work and how they fit into the big picture of the Internet.

The best way to figure that out is with the book Internet for Dummies. And then you’ll be ready to proceed to the next step. Step #3: Build a basic website. Some people will say you don’t need to know anything about building a website in order to have a successful online business. All you have to do is hire a Web designer to do it for you. (If you can afford it.)

I don’t share that point of view.

I believe it’s important for you to have at least some understanding of how to design and set up a website. These skills will give you a significant advantage when communicating with the designer you hire to build your site for you. (And, obviously, these skills are even more important if you decide to design and build your website yourself.)

If you choose to hire someone to build your site – and don’t have any Web design skills of your own – you’re totally at the mercy of your designer whenever you want to make little changes. Every time you want to change your sales copy… or your images… or your price point… you’ll need to get them to do it. But if you know how to make simple changes yourself, you’ll save yourself both time and money.

You could learn basic Web design skills from a book like Web Design for Dummies.
Another option is to look into taking a Web design course at a local college. It’ll help you fast-track the learning curve and bring yourself up to speed much faster. Or you could find a website-design program that walks you through building a website, step by step. (ETR offers one such program in their 5 Days in July DVD package.) Step #4: Get your business started. That’s it. Now you’re ready to start building your business on the Internet!

[Ed. Note: Once you have the basic "technical skills" necessary to build your own Internet business, you can get started making money. Internet marketing expert Derek Gehl has helped thousands of people grow online businesses that generate $100,000 a year - and often much more! Find out if you have the personality to create extraordinary wealth online right here.

And for targeted advice from 12 money-making masters, you should attend ETR's 2008 Information Marketing Bootcamp. Each of these Internet business builders has promised to give you a rock-solid blueprint for earning an extra $100,000 in 2009. Learn more here.] Comment on this article

How to Get Others to Agree With You

People are different in so many ways in their preferences and personality traits, yet there are common threads you can pull – and just like puppet strings – you can make the marketplace move to your control.

Within reason, of course. But I want to introduce you to a book (that has long been out of print) that contains many secrets for persuading others to see your point of view. Want to harness and direct the desires of an entire industry – for yourself or a client? There are techniques for helping you do that in this book. Want to use these secrets to further your career? You can certainly do that. Want explosive sales growth? Just use the methods and techniques in this book and watch what happens.

But how can you get it if it’s out of print? We secured rights to republish this book. Then, we brought in ad experts and millionaire businessmen who have used these secrets to make millions. These experts explore and uncover why and how these secrets work in great detail. You get it all. The book – and the interviews and commentary as bonuses.

Please hurry if you want a copy, as we are not guaranteeing our inventory is sufficient to handle all the orders. Click here to get all the details and to order today.

ETR Insider Report: The Evolution of Early to Rise

By Judith Strauss I’ve been editing Early to Rise since the day it began – about eight years ago – when Michael Masterson decided the Internet was the perfect vehicle for him to share his thoughts on how to achieve success. Given his personal experience as a wealth builder, business builder, and marketing expert, he had plenty to write about.

And so he did. Every day, he’d sit down at his computer and bang out an issue. I’d give it a quick once-over and send it off to be posted. And that was that. But not for long…

ETR grew in size as well as scope. From one article per issue to two, three, and four. From five days a week to six to seven. Then Michael started to write about other subjects he was enthusiastic about – health and fitness, wine, art, books, travel. “Word to the Wise” was born. And he brought in “guest” writers to talk about their own areas of expertise.

With Michael, one idea leads to another and another and then another. And before you know it, an e-zine that was initially sent to a few thousand people has about 400,000 subscribers… 30 employees… and dozens of profitable spin-off products.

The change was gradual but constant. If you scan through the ETR Archives, you’ll see what I mean.

ETR may look a whole lot different now than it did at the beginning, but one thing has never changed: This e-zine is fueled by feedback from our readers. And you can tell how important your input is, because we make it so easy for you to communicate with us.

* If you like – or dislike – a particular article, tell us about it by going to the EarlytoRise.com website and clicking on the “Comment” link immediately following the article.

* If you have a question for Michael or one of ETR’s other experts, write to us at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com.

* If you have advice or information or insights to share… that’s what our SpeakOut Forum is for.

In fact, why don’t you “talk” to us right now – or at least as soon as you finish reading this issue.

We read every comment, every e-mail, and every SpeakOut post. And you can be sure that what you have to say today will help shape the future evolution of ETR. Comment on this article

How to (Finally!) Get That 6-Pack

By Craig Ballantyne You’ve been working on those 6-pack abs for as long as you can remember… and nothing seems to help. Perhaps the solution lies in the results of a new study published in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. The study showed that doing ab exercises “explosively” (i.e., faster) makes your abdominal muscles work harder.

But this information isn’t all good. Before you start doing lightning-speed crunches, here’s what you need to know…

Explosive movements increase the amount of muscle used, but they also cause more muscle damage… which means more muscle soreness. Plus, you can’t talk about the abs without talking about the lower back and spine. Your lower back and abs need endurance exercises for health and safety, but for 6-pack abs you want maximum abdominal recruitment.

So here’s the best way to get both: Do only one explosive ab movement per workout. Then do at least one ab endurance exercise.

Explosive ab movements include medicine ball slams, sledgehammer swings, kettlebell swings, sandbag swings, and band pulldowns.

Here’s how to do the medicine ball slam: Hold a medicine ball at waist height. Step forward with one leg while raising the ball overhead (stretching your abs). As you plant your foot, reverse your arm direction and contract your abs, driving the medicine ball into the ground. Pick up the ball and repeat 6 times.

After you’ve done your explosive ab exercise, you can do something like a plank, side plank, or plank with your arms on the ball for your abdominal endurance exercise. That will help you work more of your abs while supporting your “core” muscles.

[Ed. Note: Building strong abs is a good way to burn fat. For more simple exercises that can help you lose weight and build muscle, check out fitness expert Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training program.

Of course, getting lean and fit requires eating right, too. Discover dozens of healthy, tasty recipes in ETR's natural health e-letter. Learn more here.] Comment on this article

It’s Good to Know: How They’re Keeping Grandma Happy

An increasing number of studies indicate that owning a pet has a positive effect on the health and well-being of the elderly. A study by Judith Siegel of the UCLA School of Public Health, for example, showed that it reduced the number of times they had to visit their doctors. Dr. Warwick Anderson of the Baker Medical Research Institute found that older pet owners had significantly reduced levels of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. And a study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that “animal-assisted therapy can effectively reduce the loneliness of residents in long-term care facilities.”

Having a pet also appears to help reduce stress, blood pressure, and anxiety. And, as a result, many nursing and retirement homes are now allowing their residents to keep a small dog or cat. Aside from improving the general health and well-being of their owners, the pets seem to know when other residents are feeling down and will seek them out to comfort them.

(Source: The New York Times) Comment on this article

== Highly Recommended ==

Stuck With the Short End of the Stick in Life?

Life is unfair, but it’s not for those “in the know.” Quit getting shafted at every turn and instead start enjoying every advantage in most situations. See for yourself by clicking here…

Word to the Wise: Xenophobia

“Xenophobia (ZEN-uh-FOH-bee-uh) – from the Greek for “stranger” + “fear” – is fear or hatred of anyone or anything that is strange or foreign.

Example (as used by Ruth Brandon in Surreal Lives: The Surrealists 1917-1945): “In the embattled atmosphere of wartime France, [Guillaume] Apollinaire’s quenchless appetite for the new was not widely shared. Xenophobia reigned.”

[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.]
Copyright ETR, LLC, 2008

Similar Articles:

• Overcoming the “Technical Learning Curve”
• To join your affiliate program, must one have a website?
• Could you recommend products that would give someone like me a sound foundation for starting and running a successful Internet business?
• Leveraging Your Potential With Contacts
• Talents and Abilities Dont Mean Much