The Lunar New Year celebration is over. It’s the year of the Ox and I believe that everyone should stand strong and start working smart to overcome the recession.

Valentine’s Day is over. Spend the afternoon having a take away picnic lunch with my girlfriend. We had Spaghetti Alio Olio with Teriyaki Chicken and Seafood each with a bottle of white wine. And of course, a bouquet of roses for her. How did you spend yours?

So much for catching up.

Today, I want to talk about the topic on “Selling”. The fact is everyone sells. They’re either are good or bad at it.

Can’t be, I’m not a salesman! Frankly, you don’t have to be a salesman to sell. Let me just bring you back to Valentine’s Day. If you want to ask a lady out for a date, what would you do?

You’ll probably do a pre-sell right? You’ll dress up smart and reasonably fashionable, style your hair, pluck your eye browns (pretty common for guys now) and put on perfume. You’ll then ask the lady of your choice out for a pre lunch so that you can upsell her to be your date on Valentine’s Day. Right? Everything sound familiar? Yeah, good old fashion style of a guy wooing a lady and it work for god who knows how long.

Get what I mean? You’re trying to sell yourself that you are the best guy among the other 10 to go out on a date with.

You sell to your boss that you’re one of the best in the company, you sell to your children that you are the best dad and mum around, you sell to your business partner that your new business idea is going to work big time… the list just goes on.

If you are going to sell anyway why not learn to sell the right way?

I went to check them out. Pretty normal company website. After asking some questions I put a down payment and they send me a MS doc file to gather the necessary information from me so they can start working on the design. I email back a long and detailed piece of MS doc.

My expectations are HIGH! (who doesn’t right?) And here’s what I’ve got after 2 weeks…

It didn’t meet my expectation. Here’s why…
- No innovation
- No creativity
- Show no effort
- Even I can do it, seriously! (It’s just cut and paste work using photoshop)

Continue the story…

At first I didn’t want to blow things up (maybe I should), I went on and made the 2nd payment and move onto the programming phrase. I set up my e-commerce setting and have everything ready for their “programmers” to start work.

Then I realize that this Merchant solution (platform) doesn’t accept payment in my country’s currency. Bad thing because my business is local and this was mention to Company A right from the start.

Immediately, I wrote an email to Company A to let them know and they gave me a butch of crappy replies like… oh you can convert your business worldwide, get a drop shipper and everything will be solve. Ok, thanks for their suggestions but that’s not what I want.

Obviously, I asked for a refund but was rejected. Cut to the chase, I managed to get back slightly less than half of what I’ve paid. Not too bad huh?

My initial launch plan for my website is delayed by 2 months because I’ve to re-look for another company (I’ve found a local company) to do my e-commerce site. Imagine the sales that I can generate for this 2 months? If I were to take all this into consideration, I probably lost 10 times more.

What I’ve learned?

Go the extra mile, do a little more research. Things like, do your want a ready merchant solution or do you want a customized e-commerce site? How complex and flexible you want your marketing to be? Do you want a customer account? Can an online based company get the job done or do you need to meet up in person with the designers and programmers?

The above are probably some questions you need to ask when you start a web based business.

And you know what? I could probably get 3 website designs at GetAFreeLancer with $675. (A good place for you to outsource some of your work, go sign up for an account)

Interested to know what happened after I’ve found another company? Look out for my next post.

Some marketers are more focus on the words that they put on the site while others are more concern how the design looks. And some are a little bit of both. For me, I’m right in the middle. Recently, I read a book, Purple Cow written by Seth Godin. He doesn’t talk about the techniques or strategies, he talks about being different. And I quote from his book, Transform Your Business By Being Remarkable - sound simple yet profound.

Give you an example (also quoted from his book), when you drive down a road along green pasture with cows grazing away. It’s exciting to see them at first right? After 30 minutes of driving, you still see the same cows, same green pasture, same side of the road, you get bored. Then out of no where, a Purple Cow appeared - It’s a Purple Cow!

Want to know more about innovative marketing and how to beat your competitors by being remarkable go check out Seth Godin blog.

Next week I will be sharing some of the wrong move and choices I’ve made, and how I lost $675 on a website design that I didn’t like which forced me to look for another Design and Programming company (this company gave me 3 website designs which surpass my expectations)

Today I will be closing down (redirecting) my very first blog. There’s a few reasons why I’m doing so, pay close attention so that you won’t end up switching domains down the road. Here are my reasons…

1. I find the old URL too long. Any name with 10 letters or more is not easily remembered by your friends or customers. Any domain names that are just 2 words and below 10 letters will be ideal!

2. I don’t like the word “secrets”. Ok, don’t ask me why I have it in my domain name, it just happened (it sounded nice at first but not for long). It sound like its some kind of goofy site.

Why didn’t I use my name?

I wanted to use TerryTay.com but it already registered. Not sure what this site is about but if you go over, you’ll see “Test Page” on the main page.

Anyway! If you notice, I got a new theme for my site it cost me $87. Pretty expensive for a plain theme like this huh? You’re wrong, it’s more than just another wordpress theme. It’s an easily customizable theme with lots of flexibility when it comes to graphic design and layout. It’s just that I haven’t got the graphics to put into my blog.

It’s better that you go have a look here.

The question is will busy readers take the time to read every single word you have on your blog or article? It frustrates them when they can’t find what they are looking for and they’ll probably hit the “X” at the top right corner of the browser and never return.

Only write what you need to. Never go beyond.

Remember you are not writing for the Search Engine or neither are you writing long fluffy articles just to make yourself look an “expert”. Your readers are as busy as your and they want information fast!

Give it to them and they’ll come back for more.

P.S. If you look through my archives, you’ll know that I was once a victim of over writing.

If you have been reading my blog for the pass 2 years, you’ll know that my previous blog was named TerryTaySecrets.com and it’s a blog dedicated to Network Marketing. Look through the archeives and you’ll find some old post that I’ve made.

Frankly, my passion to build a world class Network Marketing team died off. I ceased most of my programs and all the marketing related to it. But I’m very sure that Network Marketing got me ignited for my next venture - to build my very own company. Although, I may not be active in Network Marketing anymore but it thought me lots of realy life business experience and they are valuable lessons that I have learned along the way. I’ll still continue to support the industry and you probably find me making a couple of post on Network Marketing in the future.

In a way, I’ve topped myself and took on the challenge to start my own company. Building a Network Marketing business is much more simpler and straight forward because in most companies they have a ready built, state of the art system in place for you to exploit - all you need to do is to learn the art of selling and presenting yourself to your prospect.

So much for this un-official launch post. I have change my direction and to me it’s a good change. This blog will be different and I’ll talk more about financial education and businesses (maybe a little on investing). The thing is, I want to share with you that if someone like me can do it, you can too! Bet you to my last dollar - it’s all about changing yourself from within.

Till my official launch! (I’ll let you know soon)

Today I want to talk about some of the most common questions that network marketers will face when out prospecting. Sometimes these are the questions that really hit hard on them and make them wonder if network marketing is really for them or not. So here goes…

Networking marketing has become an increasingly popular form of earning extra income or of establishing an addition income stream. However, many people aren�??t sure whether or not network marketing is the right choice for them. They have some important questions about the opportunity. If you�??re one of those people, then you�??ll find some answers to those tough questions below.

Can I Really Make Money from This?

The answer is yes. Many people have made money from network marketing. However, there are a good number of folks who do not make anything from the experience. The difference between the two groups comes down to expectations and efforts.

If you realize that most people do not become millionaires through network marketing, you�??ll be more likely to be satisfied with the revenue you�??re earning through your part in the program. Also, the more effort you put into the network marketing the bigger the returns you will see. Don�??t expect to join and be showered by cash for doing nothing.

Do I Need to Do Sales?

Generally, you won�??t need to do any selling. You can let the web site or other materials do all of the selling for you. However, you may need to make some efforts to get more people to join your down line so that you can increase your financial possibilities.

Is This a Pyramid Scam?

No. A pyramid scam is illegal. Network marketing is completely legal. A pyramid scam involves taking money from individuals and funneling those funds into the pockets of people at the upper levels. Each level keeps making money until the people at the bottom lose everything they invested. Pyramid schemes are not business opportunities �?? they are ways to rip off people in much the same way that phishing schemes and Nigerian scam emails are doing today.

Network marketing, on the other hand, is a legitimate way for people to make money. Each person who joins has an equal chance of earning money by recruiting more individuals and by selling the products. The only people who lose are the ones who do not put forth any effort to succeed.

Who do I Need to Approach to Join my Business? My Friends? My Family?

You can approach almost anyone to join your business. Generally, your friends and family members will be your first targets but you�??ll do better if you attempt to broaden your focus. For example, you could establish a web site and use it to sign up new members to your down line or to advertise the products. By approaching people from all over the Internet, you will stand a better chance of achieving success in network marketing.

Do I Need to Spend a Lot of Time?

The amount of time you devote to your network marketing efforts is completely up to you. You may need to spend a little more time at the beginning in order to establish yourself and your recruitment techniques. After you get started, however, your network marketing can probably run on auto-pilot.

I hope that this article has help you understand about the network marketing industry better but if you want to go really deep, do check out this powerful course here.

Signing off,
Terry

Disclaimer, disclaimer, disclaimer… this is not some kind of misleading post that is going to use any kind of controversial tactics to catch your attention. I won’t want to be ban for doing such things. John Reese is taking it seriously in protecting the integrity of Traffic Secrets 2.0 as well as the company so I totally understand why he is banning affiliates for using “misleading” marketing tactics. If I were him, I will do the same to protect my products. Traffic Secrets 2.0 is the cream of the crop Internet marketing course that’s available on the Internet today and without a doubt John has to the necessary precaution to keep his brand and reputation intact.

Ok updates aside now, that’s not the main thing I want to talk to you about tonight. Now you probably have an idea that Traffic Secrets 2.0 is not some crappy ebook that’s going ripped you off. It’s a highly respected Internet marketing training course in the industry… It’s not digitalize, no it’s NOT. It’s a physical product that will be deliver to your door step by mail!

Enough of my introduction, what I want to address today is if Traffic Secrets 2.0 can help network marketers build their business online?

My answer is yes! and no! Looking at the sales page, this course is designed for people that wants to generate more traffic, make money online and to grow their business online. But then again, some of the modules in the course can help you generate more potential leads using a smaller budget. Let me just run through which are the particular modules (I’ll run down the sales page) which I feel could benefit you as a network marketer right away.

CD#1: The Foundation

This module teaches you the principles of traffic generation which means, the fundamentals of driving visitors to your website. Put this context into generating more leads for your network marketing business, if you want to generate more leads to your business capture page you need to drive traffic. There’s 101 ways to drive traffic to your site and if you want your network marketing business to grow you need to find more new targeted prospect. That’s when traffic generation comes in… you’ll save money doing it online.

CD#5: Content Factory

Many Internet marketers probably call this the “Grand Daddy” of all Internet marketing techniques - Content marketing. In this module, you’ll learn how to write an article that attracts your niche market. For instance, if you are in the health industry, you probably write an article on why you need to take this vitamin or that supplement and so on. You brand yourself as an expert in your industry and educate your niche so, very similar you’ll establish yourself online with lots of content educating your nice - Attract targeted traffic or people.

CD#6: Video Marketing

Ok! This is one of the latest and hottest marketing methods currently. Do a business presentation video, be creative and put it on YouTube! Guess what, YouTube is not the only place to share or market your videos. There’s more to what video marketing can do for your MLM business. Just think harder…

CD#7: Social Strategy

The word “social” suggest being together with people right? We all know that network marketing is a people to people business and only through building good relationship the business can grow wealthy and healthy. I bet this module will make a significant difference in your marketing efforts to grow your business.

These are the 4 CD modules can help you grow your network marketing business online. I’m not sure about the rest of the CD modules but I’m sure that they will come in handy in the future. Marketing is about innovation and marketing online can be a great place to test your creativity and innovation.

That’s all I can share for now. I would need to review the course to actually know if the all of the strategies can help grow a network marketing business online. Some strategies do work but some not as effective. So until my Traffic Secrets 2.0 arrive I won’t be able to say much.

I’ll see you on my actual review and meanwhile do check out Traffic Secrets 2.0 here.

Today I’m going update you on what just happened lately in the Internet marketing industry. If you have been marketing on the Internet long enough, you probably know a guy name John Reese. Back in 2004, John launch his very first Internet marketing course, Traffic Secrets. The whole Traffic Secret course cost $997 and in just less than 18hrs, John generated $1 Million Dollar worth of sales. This event made history on the Internet (go do a search on Google). Many things have change since the first version of Traffic Secrets.

The Launch of Traffic Secrets 2.0

Just 2 days back, there was a new launch, Traffic Secrets 2.0 was born! John Reese has revise and improve on the previous version, a lot have change since 2004 and Traffic Secrets 2.0 will be touching on some of the fundamental marketing techniques as well as some latest Internet marketing strategy. Here’s a sneak preview of what this course is about…

* Social Media Marketing
* Advanced Content Syndication
* Video Marketing & Optimization
* Search Engine ‘Backdoors’
* Using Cheap Armies Of People To Build Your Traffic
* Widgets & Software For Lead Generation
* New Methods For Affiliate Marketing
* And So Much More.

Now that’s a lot of new stuff…

Here’s what this post is about, John Reese has gone nuts!

So how has John Reese gone nuts? Well kind of, in my opinion. Let me show you a statement that John has made which has gotten me to call him NUTS!

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An Extract From John’s Email:

Once you buy your license to Traffic Secrets 2.0 you don’t have to buy it ever again! Even by the time that “Traffic Secrets 11.0″ comes out you’ll have gotten all of the other versions FOR FREE. (What an amazing offer.)

You *know* that traffic generation techniques will continue to change over time so it’s great to know that you’ll be getting all the updated information and strategies for free. (This is truly an INVESTMENT in your business.)

You’ll also get access to John, his staff, and all the other TS2 owners in a private community. You’ll get unlimited, lifetime access for ZERO monthly fees. It’s all included with your single purchase of
the course. (This makes it a no-brainer offer that every serious marketer should take advanage of.)

But you’ll need to ACT FAST and get your copy of the course right away so you can be guaranteed to be ‘grandfathered’ in and never have to pay any additional fees to access the course updates or the private community site…

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Now that’s crazy! Now imagine this, John Reese is one of the top Internet marketer around today and he will definitely be on top of all the latest Internet marketing strategies and techniques. Guess what, like he have said it, he will not charge additional fee for the on going updating to Traffic Secrets 2.0 and that’s what most people want - constant information about the Internet!

Now if you are a serious Internet entrepreneur or someone learning about driving traffic online, you have to check out Traffic Secrets 2.0. I have placed my order and it should be on its way. I’ll be reviewing the course once I receive it, so if you are thinking if this course is right for you, you probably can check out my review later.

Click here to learn more about Traffic Secrets 2.0

2 days ago, I happened to drop by John Reese’s blog and found out something interesting. John Reese was attacked by other netizen! They were calling John Reese a scam artist in disguise, preaching other internet users to sign up with Twitter (follow me here) so that he could sell some cheap ebooks to them. How funny?

If you have been using Twitter, you know that you can choose who you want to listen to and who you don’t want to listen to. It’s crazy when some body actually accused him of selling ebooks via Twitter. Oh common! There’s a ton of ways to sell ebooks and frankly I wouldn’t click the link on Twitter’s update if it says something like this… “Ebook Reveals Secret to Generate $12,399 a Day…. on and on… Click this link to…”. That’s really a turn off and I don’t think John Reese, an expert Internet Marketer will be dumb enough to do that.

Back to the title of today’s post, will the Internet exist without any marketing?

I seriously think that this can’t happen. John Reese mentioned that the Web 2.0 wouldn’t exist if there weren’t any Internet marketers. That’s really true if you come to think about it. It’s the same for offline market, the world we are living in wouldn’t even be what it is today if there wouldn’t selling and buying. That’s the way of life and human beings have been doing it since civilization (whenever that maybe).

Everywhere you go online, there’s ads, freebies, headlines, free membership signup. All these are what constitutes to marketing in general. If there’s a demand, there’s a supply. People are hungry for fast information and to be honest, I would rather buy the correct information for a reasonable amount than to spend 6 months figuring how to do it. We are living in the Information Age for goodness sake!

John Reese is probably right, the Internet wouldn’t have exist with any marketing or selling. It will just be another dead town.

Here’s a quote from John Reese’s post…

The survival of Ideas, Sites, Services, and Companies on the Web are ALL dependent upon the activity from Internet marketers. I just wish more people would start to realize it.

* I would like to encourage my fellow Internet marketers to spread the word about this post. Thank you.

Visit John’s blog now, I bet you will learn a thing or 2 from his postings