Startup – Alphadog Success

How To Start Over & Build A Business From Scratch In 3-Months

Someone asked me what I would do if I had to start a business from scratch in 3 months (90-days). And that got me thinking, if I could take the experience I have and use it to start over from scratch… How would I do it? When I say starting over, I mean it. In this hypothetical I wouldn’t have my mailing list. I wouldn’t have organic traffic, a following, name recognition – none of that. Just my experience as to what works and what doesn’t and the drive to make it happen. Now let’s say that my life depends on me having a full-time income at the end of those 3 months. No pressure there, right?It sounds unrealistic, but a lot of people find themselves in a remarkably similar situation – make more money or else… Or else they’re in trouble, or else the bills go unpaid, or else they’re facing losing their home, or… worse. So, with that in mind, here’s what I would do: I would stop looking for magic ‘make money online’ products, strategies and ideas. There is no secret combo of tricks and buttons to make money. It’s not a printing press – It’s a free market. It may sound counter-intuitive, but in that free market the way to make money is to stop focusing on the money. Simply make yourself indispensable to people who need your solution to their problem. That’s the best way to start a business. Do that and the money will follow. When you’re focused on providing solutions, you no longer be distracted by ‘Shiny Object Syndrome’ that steals your time and your money. Now, I’m not saying all programs are bad. In fact, many of the “how-to” and “step-by-step” trainings are useful as building blocks to the larger puzzle. But that’s usually all they are – they’re puzzle pieces – not full-blown businesses. So, I would start with the outcome first. What is my market? Will I offer a product or a service? What solution can I provide that people will gladly pay for? What’s THE ONE BIG BENEFIT I can provide to my customers? What is my goal (How will I know when I’ve “made it?”) Clarity is key here. You must know where you are going and how you plan on getting there. I don’t mean that you need to have all the specific tactics worked out. I’m talking about the big picture. Think of your business as a GPS. You must know exactly where you are and exactly where you want to end up; plus your chosen method of transportation, in order for it to work properly. This is the starting point of everything that will come next. Next, I would build my website. Odds are it’s going to be a blog. Now, I’m not going to spend a ton of time on setting this up because I only have 3 months to start a business and generate an income. I’ll spend an hour maximum choosing the URL, I’ll get the hosting, I’ll choose a simple, streamlined theme, I’ll get the autoresponder and I’ll be ready to get started. Yes, it takes money to get started. Not a lot, but some. You’re making an investment into your future. And if you think spending a couple of hundred dollars to set up your internet business is somehow a lot of money, consider the alternative: Spending at least that much each month just to drive to and from a job, or spending tens or hundreds of thousands for a brick and mortar business. Time to create content for that blog. But this isn’t about running a blog, it’s about running a business. The blog is just a tool to get the business done. So, here’s what I would do: Look at the big benefit I deliver, and then write down all the stumbling blocks people encounter trying to get that big benefit. Then pick out 3 of these and write detailed posts on how to overcome those barriers. Then repurpose those posts into videos (for YouTube or Facebook) and podcasts, or some type of lead magnet/incentive to get people to join my list. Notice I’m only creating 3 pieces of great content initially, not 300. And I’m repurposing those in multiple ways. Some folks spend years trying to get everything exactly right, but in this hypothetical, I’ve only got 3 months, so forget perfection and just get it done. Don’t get carried away with content creation either. Keep it simple to start, there will be plenty of time to expand later on. The blog posts should be highly focused on getting my prospects to take the next step, which is likely going to be a free consultation. Think about the format of a successful sales funnel that drive people to take a specific action. It’s not very easy to sell a $300 a month coaching program or a $1,000 website optimization package online. Especially if you are under a time constraint. But its typically much easier and faster if you can talk on the phone or in a meeting first. Next, I would offer a service or coaching. Do you know why? Because it’s the quickest way to make real money. Offering products is great, but it takes time to create the products and more time to build the lists to promote that product to. When your list is small, it’s best to focus on services or coaching because it’s the fastest way to start a business that generates a profit. Most people are already experts at something. And to be an expert you just have to have lived through and overcome a specific problem. Get people on a free call, help them solve a problem, and invite them to participate in your coaching program where you will share what is actually holding them back and how to overcome that based on your personal experience. In its simplest form, we are simply sharing our personal knowledge. Now, I’d focus on getting as many people on the phone as I can, because I know two

How To Start Over & Build A Business From Scratch In 3-Months Read More »

How Successful Affiliates Are Making More Commissions Than Their Competitors

Affiliate marketing is the easiest way to make money online, without having to create your own products, build a formal website, or design a sales page with integrated payment processing. So, why is it that most affiliate marketers never make nearly what they could make? Anyone has the potential to make HUGE money in affiliate marketing, yet > 90% or more of affiliates make a pittance. Think about this: If you earn an average of $50 on each sale in a sales funnel you promote, and you make 6 sales, you’ve made $300. Sounds good, right? But guaranteed, there is something else who made 600 sales and walked away with $30,000. Why did they make 600 sales when you made just 6? There are reasons why a handful of affiliate marketers do amazingly well, and everyone else barely makes a profit. And marketers who understand this will always have a tremendous advantage over marketers who don’t. 1. Build a Relationship I know you’ve heard it before, but are you doing it? People buy people, not products. If you want them to open your email and click your link, or visit your Facebook Group and click a link, you’ve got to have a RELATIONSHIP with your people. This is so simple to do, yet few marketers take the time. Start with a blog post that is all about you, and then send new opt-ins to the post so they can get to know you better. Make the post silly, funny and most of all REAL. Talk about the stupid stuff you’ve done, the mistakes you’ve made, where you live and what your goals are. Don’t even think about affiliate marketing yet. Do you have a strange hobby or unusual taste in food? Include that. Do you have 17 pets? Talk about them. Do you work until 3 in the morning and sleep until noon? Mentions that too. Reveal the real you. Not the details people don’t want, but the ones that amuse and interest. You’re looking to make a real connection, not apply for a job, nobody wants your resume. And above all else, don’t make your life seem like a series of magnificent accomplishments. No one is going to relate to someone who turns everything they touch into gold. But they are going to relate to the time you bought Bitcoin when it was worthless and sold it just before it took off, or the time you thought you could fly and jumped off your parent’s back deck into the pool. And don’t stop with your ‘about me’ page, either. Use this relationship building in your lead magnets, your emails, your other blog posts, etc. Always inject a little bit about yourself in everything you do. Not so much that you bore people, or make everything seem about you, but just enough to keep it real. Think about relating an event to a friend. Aren’t you going to give your own perceptions of what happened, as well as tell about how you got out of your car and stepped into the mud puddle just before your big presentation? Use this same method of personal, one-on-one friend communication with your readers and followers. Post on your blog as often as possible, at least once a week, but as much as every day. Encourage your list to follow you on social media or subscribe to your list so they know when you add a new post. Your readers will realize you’re a real person who isn’t out to pitch them a new product every 5-minutes. So, they’ll gladly read your sales emails much more readily when they know there is a real live human being who is sending them these messages. 2. Use Your Own Voice Just because you’re doing affiliate marketing, doesn’t mean you need to act like someone else. How many emails do you receive that say something along the lines of, “Buy this product – this product is the greatest product ever – you will be sorry if you miss this – this is the one thing that will help you create success – but it now.” Yeah. Same old stuff, over and over again. There is a marketer (or maybe several, but I’m thinking of one in particular) who sells MASSIVE quantities of this exact type of emails as a swipe file to new marketers. Like a brand-new marketer couldn’t write their own 25-word email that basically says, “buy this magic product now.” People don’t like getting sold to and are TIRED of seeing this crap. You’re tired of getting these emails. I’m tired of getting these emails. Same phrases, same message, same B.S. If you’re not going to stand apart from the crowd, then you’re going to have to share the same crumbs they’re getting. Here’s what to say: Instead, take 30-minutes and write your own promotional email with your own voice. You can even do this by dictating and having a free software like Google Docs to type the email for you! Forget about all the hype. Be sincere, be honest. “Hey, this product isn’t for everyone. I don’t even know if it’s for you. But, if you have this problem, then maybe this is your solution. Check it out and decide if it’s right for you, because I know it’s worked like crazy for some people, including me.” I’ve written emails where I basically tell people not to buy something unless they really really want it or need it. “Don’t buy this if you already know how to do XYZ.” “Don’t buy this if you’re not going to be doing this type of marketing.” This is only for people who want _______. It’s like I’m trying to talk them out of it, which paradoxically often results in more sales, not fewer. But the point isn’t tricking people into buying, it’s to be honest. You know this, but the latest, greatest product you’re promoting isn’t for everyone on your list. Some of them sure, but

How Successful Affiliates Are Making More Commissions Than Their Competitors Read More »

How to Overcome a Scarcity Mindset & Stop Worrying About Money

Introduction Have you ever felt really worried about money? You’re not alone. A lot of people feel like they don’t have enough money to live the life they want. But I’ve been learning how to change from worrying about not having enough money to feeling confident and positive about money, and you can too. What is Worry? First, let’s talk about worry. Worry is when we believe our own fearful thoughts. If we think we don’t have enough money and believe that thought, we will feel and act as if it’s true. This is why sometimes even rich people feel like they don’t have enough money, while some people with less money feel rich and happy. Why Do We Worry About Money? We often worry about money because we think it’s good for us. We think if we worry about money, we’ll be careful with it and we’ll have enough for what we need. But worry actually just makes us feel scared and unhappy, and it doesn’t help us solve our money problems. When you stop worrying about money and start feeling confident about it, you can make better decisions and enjoy life more. How to Stop Worrying About Money Here’s a summary of the steps you can take and how they can help: 1. Understand Your Mind: Remember that how you think about money affects how you feel about it. Try to notice your thoughts about money and choose to think positively about it. 2. Write Down Your Worries: Take some time to write down all your thoughts about money. This can help you see patterns and understand why you are feeling worried. 3. Face Your Fears: It’s okay to feel scared about money, but don’t let that fear control you. Allow yourself to feel the fear, and then let it pass. You’ll find that you’re stronger than your fear. 4. Live in the Now: Try to focus on the present moment. When you catch yourself worrying about money, gently bring your focus back to the now. This practice can make you feel more calm and in control. 5. Take Action: Take small steps to improve your financial situation. Create a budget, save a little money each month, and make smart spending choices. Action can help reduce your worries and increase your financial confidence. 6. Learn About Money: Knowledge is power. Learn about money, budgeting, and saving. The more you know, the more control you’ll have over your money and the less you’ll worry about it. 7. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Changing your mindset about money is a journey. Be patient with yourself and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Talk to friends, family, or a financial advisor about your money worries and goals. 8. Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate your progress and small victories along the way. This positive reinforcement can help keep you motivated on your journey to a worry-free financial life. Wrapping Up You don’t have to live in scarcity, with money worries forever. Understanding your thoughts and feelings about money, facing your fears, focusing on the present, and taking informed actions can all help you move toward a life of financial confidence and abundance. You’re not alone on this journey, and with persistence and the right tools, you can transform your relationship with money permanently. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, where money is not a source of stress but a tool for creating the life you desire. Are you ready to take the first step towards a healthier and happier financial future?

How to Overcome a Scarcity Mindset & Stop Worrying About Money Read More »

7 Legitimate Ways To Make Money From Home

7 Legit Ways to Make Money Online from Home

The magic of home is more than just those lazy Sundays or that aroma of morning coffee. What if your comfort zone could transform into your profit zone? With an estimated three million workers in the U.S. choosing the home over the hustle and bustle of the office, the 9-to-5 is getting a cozy makeover. Let’s be real: who doesn’t want to ditch the tie or the heels for pajamas? 1. Home is Where Your Job Is Did you know that telecommuters report a higher job satisfaction level compared to their office counterparts? If your current office role mainly ties you down to a computer, it’s time to consider relocating… to your living room. Statistics even back this up: when travel company Ctrip made the shift to remote work, they didn’t just save nearly $2,000 per employee on logistics, but also saw a whopping 13.5% spike in productivity. Quick Pitch: Propose a test run to your employer. A one-month trial could be the nudge they need to see the potential. 2. The World is Your Classroom Globalization is more than just a buzzword; it’s a call for more language teachers. With platforms like Skype, you can cross continents without leaving your couch. Platforms like Lingoda could be your launchpad into this virtual classroom realm. Pro Move: A TEFL certification could just be your golden ticket to more opportunities and a better pay scale. 3. Sell Knowledge, Not Time Have a knack for marketing strategies or a passion for Renaissance art? Platforms like Udemy and Teachable can help you design a course that sells. The best part? Once it’s up, it’s passive income. Engage with your learners, grade assignments, or simply watch the enrolments come in. Smart Strategy: Drive traffic to your course through your own marketing funnel. This autonomy can supercharge your sales. 4. Paws and Profits Transform your love for pets into a lucrative venture. Whether it’s grooming, boarding, or just simple playtime, pet owners spent a staggering $5.41 billion in 2015 on these services alone. So, why not grab a piece of this furry pie? Expert Tip: Enroll in a pet first aid course. It adds credibility and ensures safety for your adorable clientele. 5. Be the Virtual Go-To Guru Every startup or business owner has that overflowing task list they wish someone else could manage. Enter the world of virtual assistants. From email management to data entry, the internet is your playground. Platforms like LinkedIn and UpWork can be your gateways to these opportunities. Valuable Insight: Know your worth. A race to the bottom in terms of rates is a short-term strategy. Aim for value, not just affordability. 6. Affiliate Your Way to Affluence Recommendation is the new age marketing. Dive into the world of digital marketing and get paid for promoting products you believe in. By partnering with brands and leveraging your online presence, your endorsements could be your income stream. Golden Rule: Authenticity is key. Promote what you genuinely believe in, and your audience will trust you more. 7. Trade in Pajamas, Not Just Stocks Ever considered turning market fluctuations into financial opportunities? Day trading or options trading could be your forte. With the right strategy, research, and risk management, you could be sipping coffee while studying stocks. Cautionary Tale: Remember, high rewards come with high risks. Equip yourself with knowledge, practice, and always have a financial cushion. The confines of your home have evolved. Once merely a resting haven, it now brims with potential. As the lines between work and home blur, you’re not just defined by your job title, but by the boundaries you break. Ready to redefine ‘work’? Your home office awaits. Conclusion: Bringing It Home Looking for that push to make the dream a reality? Reach out, and let’s chat about crafting your home success story.

7 Legit Ways to Make Money Online from Home Read More »