Associate Programs Newsletter #388

I'm amazed. Allan has only sent me one email since he's been away. I hope that means he's taking it easy!

(Jay Stockwell - Acting Editor)

CONTENTS:

1. My Top 3 Business Models - #1
2. Learning from others' failures (and success!)
3. Thought for today: Learning from others

============================================
1. My Top 3 Business Models - #1
============================================

I was going to leave this business model until last, but I figured as PPC Classroom is launching next week, it's probably a good thing to read.

It could help you decide whether or not you want to throw down for it.

As you might have guessed by now, the first of my 3 favorite business models (in no particular order) is PPC affiliate marketing.

As promised, I've written an article that covers some of the important details you should know before you throw yourself into a business like this.

In my raw dissection I break down the following:
 - An Overview
 - What are the start up requirements?
 - What is the learning curve like?
 - What are the risks?
 - What is the potential?
 - Who does it suit?
 - What do I like about it?
 - How do I get started?
 - The next step...

I've tried to give an honest assessment on who it will suit and who it won't. Simply, I don't believe that this business model is for everyone.

However, for the right folks, it's probably the closest thing to a realistic "get rich quick" opportunity there is.

Read my PPC affiliate marketing business model assessment here.

__________________________________________SPONSOR__________

Just launched, online English learning toolbar www.theddcode.com Only product that changes any webpage into 100% phonetic English 25 years & millions of dollars in research, development & testing FREE 7 day trial. Awesome customer testimonials & test results High commissions up to 30% Signup & CASH bonuses Sales content, banners, multimedia. Fulltime team of 20+ staff EASY to sell. Unique product. Proven results. Earn TOP $$$ Sign up NOW at http://www.rabeck.net/affiliates
___________________________________________________________

==========================================
2. Learning from others' failures (and success!)
==========================================

Over the years I've practiced hard to become a more careful listener, especially when around people who have walked ahead of me on the same road I'm traveling on.

As I've trained myself to try and listen more carefully to what these people say and write, I've found myself picking up some amazing, hidden nuggets of wisdom that I think otherwise I would have missed.

As part of this process, I've started to keep a journal on my computer (MacJournal for Apple folks).

In the journal, I've got 5 different categories set up. These categories follow what I consider to be the five pillars of building a big online business.

For those who are interested, they are:
 - Traffic Pillar
 - Conversion Pillar
 - Product Pillar
 - Backend Pillar
 - Business Building Pillar

Every time I come across something insightful, or someone talking about their experience and the results of that experience, I write it down.

I even write down results reported from split tests and links to sales processes that I like.

Over time, I've built up an invaluable resource.

The cool thing about this, is that most of the stuff I add has been freely shared with me. I've just had to be attentive and willing to listen and learn. To a certain extent, it's about having a bit of humility to admit that you don't know it all.

Every now and again, I get to experience this from the other side of the fence.

I remember one striking example about 18 months ago. I was asked by a friend who ran a small web development firm to help him out with a pitch to a big company who was moving into the online space.

This company had a huge budget (I think it was about 100k for just the website alone).

We sat in the meeting and I freely gave what I felt was a powerful online strategy for their new project. In my mind, I gave them the keys to the kingdom so to speak.

However, as I spoke and shared this strategy, I could tell they simply weren't listening. They didn't even take any notes.

Perhaps they thought they knew better. Or maybe they didn't think a young looking guy with messy hair would know what he was talking about.

Either way, nothing I said stuck.

My friend actually ended up with the contract to build the site.

About 12 months later, I was asked to have another meeting. I found out that the sales had been terrible, the site hadn't grown and the site owners were pulling their hair out.

In the end, they had to redevelop a lot of the site to implement many of my original recommendations. Good for my friend as he got more work, but not so good for the business owners.

Now at least, their business is starting to get some traction.

Maybe if they had been more careful listeners, they would be in a much different position today.

This really made me think about the times I've done the same and what a mistake that has been.

What still amazes me, is the level of insight people will share completely for free.

You've probably noticed this more lately before launches as people are using the "moving the free line" strategy.

It's great!

Sometimes, it's not the complete picture, but they let these little golden nuggets slip. If you're listening carefully and still place value on things even if they are given freely, you can pick up some big tips.

I saw a good example of this recently in the PPC Classroom pre-launch videos. In the second video at around the 18 minute mark, Amit gives away a really insightful strategy that I reckon he was a bit reluctant to share.

The look on his face sort of says "Heck... maybe I shouldn't have let that one out yet." It's kind of funny.

They are the kinds of nuggets I add to my journal. :)

If you want to check it out, unlike the first video, you'll have to sign up to see it. It's worth it though.

(You can scroll to the 18 minute mark with their player if you're short on time.)

See it here: http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/ppc-training

================================
3. Thought for today: Learning from others
================================

"Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself." - Eleanor Roosevelt

All the best

Jay Stockwell