Taking A Chance On Someone
In a minute I’m going to share how you can win a $497 gift but before I do, I want to share a story…
When I made the decision to go out on my own and start my own business, I did it starting from complete scratch. I had just graduated university, had a student loan and had zero contacts or experience within the industry I was looking to enter.
Sounds promising doesn’t it? 
With all that said, one of the most frustrating experiences for me was having an enormous desire to learn but not having the money to invest in myself or my business.
I wanted to attend seminars, buy home study courses and receive coaching but the money just wasn’t there.
However, that didn’t mean I didn’t want to. I would listen in on all the free teleseminars, download all the free reports and sign up to all the free email newsletters.
But I knew at some point that the only real way to get the “good stuff” was to pay for it.
So how do you get paid content for free when you don’t have any money?
I found a way and I want to share it with you
Here’s what happened and how you can do the same thing…
Many people don’t know this but when I started my own business I began as a professional speaker delivering presentations to the high school and college market. The problem was, I knew nothing about being a professional speaker!
However, I was smart enough to recognize that in order to learn how to grow my business quickly, I needed to learn from someone who was already successfully doing what I wanted to do. So I decided I had to go where all the “professionals” hung out - that meant I had to get to the industry conference.
The problem was, I had just graduated university, had a big fat student loan and didn’t have the money to fly to the opposite side of the country… let alone pay the entrance fee to the conference.
So I knew I had to be creative if I was to get there.
That’s when I devised a “campaign” called “Help Stu Be Like You”.
It was my desparate attempt to raise the funds I needed to pay for this trip.
The concept was simple…
Make a presentation to my fellow professional speakers (at one of our Chapter meetings - which had roughly 60-75 people there) and tell them that I was willing to do any “grunt work” jobs like making sales calls, writing letters or articles, or licking envelopes.
Heck, I was even willing to cut their grass if they wanted!
But in exchange for the work, they would provide a financial contribution of their choice and all the money would go towards getting me to this conference. So in theory, they could have paid me $1 for a days worth of work (obviously I was hoping they wouldn’t do that otherwise it would have been a VERY long campaign…. hahahaha).
So it sounds like a win-win doesn’t it?
They get cheap labour and I hopefully earn enough to pay for this trip.
Here’s what happened…
Just as I nervously finished my speech explaining the details of my campaign, a man at the back of the room stood up and immediately grabbed everyone’s attention.
It was in that moment that I felt my heart fill with so much gratitude that tears came to my eyes while at the same time my feelings of nervousness instantly turned to excitement.
The man’s name was Bob Urichuck and he stood up and without hesitation said…
“I’ll pay for your entire flight and hotel expenses”
I couldn’t believe it.
And then, things got even better…
Juri Chabursky then stood up and followed Bob’s lead by generously offering to pay my fees to attend the entire conference.
I couldn’t believe my ears.
In less than 30 seconds, two people (who I previously didn’t know and they didn’t know me) decided to take a chance on me.
I firmly believe that was a major turning point in my life because it taught me a number of very important lessons.
Lesson #1) No matter what you want in life, you’re always just one “creative idea” away from making it happen.
From the moment I started my business I was behind the eightball. I knew nothing about the market I was entering, had zero experience building or running a business and had zero contacts in my industry. To make matters worse, I had NO money to invest in myself or my business.
If you can relate to that, then hopefully this story has provided some inspiration because with some creativity, you can make anything happen.
My silly little “Help Stu Be Like You” campaign created the result I was looking for.
The key is just having the courage to go for it!
So what ideas have you been holding back on?
Now is your time. Get creative and go for it!
Lesson #2) If you don’t ask for something, you’ll never get it.
Immediately after Bob Urichuck offered to pay for my travel expenses, he gave me a copy of his book called “Online For Life“. In it he circled something on page 37 that read “You Have The Right To Ask”.
Bob told me that it wasn’t the “cheap labour” that convinced him to help. He said that he was rewarding me for having the courage to ASK for what I wanted.
He went on to tell me that he’s known many other people who thought about doing something similar to my little campaign but they didn’t have the courage to take a chance on themselves.
So many people go through life “wishing” for things but never do anything about it.
Unfortunately most of these people sit at home and bitch and moan about how “unfair” life is.
The secret I learned that day from Bob is, you’ve got to know what you want and have the courage to ask for help in order to get it.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Asking for help is actually a sign of strength.
So will you ask for help the next time you need it or will you struggle to try and figure everything out yourself?
Remember, it’s ALWAYS faster to get help from someone who has the experience you want or the resources to be able to support you.
What’s the worse that can happen?
They say “no”.
Big deal. You’re not in any worse of a position. So go for it!
Lesson #3) At least once in your life, take a chance on someone
The moment Bob stood up and made a public commitment to support my efforts I knew that I wanted to someday do the same for others.
Without sounding all “dramatic”, the truth is Bob literally changed my life. No kidding.
By getting to that conference I learned so many strategies for taking my business to the next level but even more important was that I met so many people who helped get me to the next level faster, easier and with a lot less effort.
It marked the beginning of a massive upswing in my business and life. It helped me create a lot of momentum and it’s carried through with me even to this day.
Today I’m in a very privileged position.
I have the most amazing wife, a tremendously supportive family and I’ve been able to create the lifestyle of my dreams. I work when I want, on the projects I enjoy most and the income potential is limitless.
The best part about that is I’ve learned (thanks in large part to my wife) that the more I make, the more I can give. And the more I give, the more I live.
Through our charity (World Teacher Aid), we’ve been able to follow the generosity of Bob and Juri and duplicate their kind gesture over and over again.
We now feed hundreds of kids every week in countries like Ghana and Uganda, sponsor students to attend school all over the world and we even pay the full-time salary of many teachers in underprivileged countries.
I’m not telling you this to “brag” (even though I’m VERY proud of what we’ve done).
I’m telling you this because I firmly believe that because Bob and Juri took a chance on me, my life has never been the same. Hopefully through all that Amy and I are doing with our charity, someday one of those kids will turn around and look to help others much the same way.
Now I want to do the same for you.
Yesterday I received an email from a couple of my best customers (who have HUGE hearts). I met them last year at one of my seminars and their names are Malia and Dave McKinney.
They were scheduled to attend our upcoming Affiliate Incubator seminar but because of scheduling conflicts, they can’t make it.
But in their email, they made a suggestion that immediately made me think of the story I shared above.
They suggested that Russell and I offer their tickets to someone who normally wouldn’t be able to attend this kind of event. They suggested we offer a “Scholarship Program” and to use their tickets as the first two scholarships.
I immediately told Russell (my business partner) about this and he said absolutely. But then we both agreed that we would match their contribution and offer a total of 5 tickets to people who show us (in the most creative way) why they deserve to attend this event on one of our scholarship tickets.
Now is your chance.
We’re willing to take a chance on you. Will you make the most of this opportunity or will you sit back and let another opportunity slide by?
I guess we’ll see
If you’re committed and ready, here’s what you need to do…
1) Make a comment below and share why we should give you a VIP ticket to this year’s event
If you’ve learned anything from my story above then you know the most creative ideas usually attract the most attention.
So get creative!
You could create a video, submit it to YouTube and include the link in your comments.
Or, you could tell us a story about your worst affiliate experience…
…or…
Share your best affiliate marketing experience and why you want to learn how to make it happen again and again.
Perhaps you want to meet one of our speakers?
Tell us who and why you want to meet them.
The point is, the more creative you are the better chance you have of winning.
2) Tell your friends to comment and say why they think you should win.
The more people you have pulling for you the better
I have always been blessed with a very supportive family and because of that I’ve had the courage to take a chance on my ideas.
So tell your friends, family, neighbors or who ever you can think of to visit this page and make a comment indicating that they think you should win. Their support will get your creative juices flowing
3) Have fun
It’s not possible for Russell and I to give tickets away to everyone but we do want to reward everyone who puts a valiant effort into their application.
That’s why we’ll send everyone who submits an application a surprise gift for your efforts.
So let’s be clear…
Leaving a one line sentence like “I should win because I need help” just doesn’t cut it.
But if you put some effort into it, you’ll be rewarded regardless of whether you are chosen to receive one of our scholarship tickets to the Affiliate Incubator.
Sound fair?
The deadline for entries will be:
Sunday, September 7th, 2008 at 11:59pm
So now it’s up to you.
Be creative and go for it.
Hopefully I’ll see you at our event
Take care.
Wow, cool idea! I’ve already got my ticket though, so I’ll be quiet now and let the competition get going! =)
See you in Dallas!!!
Hey STU this is Darrell. I won’t be able to make it to the event since I am booked solid during that time frame. But I want to say that’s a great move on your part…to give the ticket to a very lucky person.
I just wish more marketers would open their hearts and do the same.
Keep up the great work and have a wonderful time at the event.
Darrell
First off, whether I get the ticket or not, thanks for spreading the vision for helping others out. It says a lot about your organization.
I need the ticket for several reasons: 1) I need the knowledge and the experience of others. I’m a newbie. I have a lot of desire but I need to drink from the fire hydrant. A concentrated time of seeing how it’s done by others that have succeeded would be life changing. 2) I told my wife I really wanted to go to this, and that I set my goal to raise the $500 by September 15. But our oldest daughter started college this week, and I didn’t prepare for books to be so high ($141 for a single math book!). And so I had to use my credit card to pay for her books that exceeded my book budget, wiping out my Adsense budget to raise the funds. There are other ways to make quick cash online, but I had been focusing on Adsense-related avenues. I’m not down for the count, but it become much more challenging to make $500 in a few weeks. 3) I make a promise to give back. It’s part of my driving force to succeed online and gain financial independence. I have a vision to start an organization, down the road, that gives back to people and organizations that made an impact on them–start a scholarship fund at your old high school or college, give a teacher that made an impact a financial gift, challenge a matching funds drive for a worthy cause, etc. I registered the domain wadebridgefoundation.org last year as a goal to one day provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to share in their success. Wadebridge is the name of the street I grew up on, with my dad on one end of the block and my grandfather on the other. They made a huge impact on me.
Awarding me the ticket would be a down payment on realizing that vision. I’ll soak up everything I see and hear and put it to good use. I’ve got a degree in business administration, though the Internet wasn’t around then ;-). Thank you for your consideration. I will leverage your investment in me to last well beyond my circle of influence and hopefully beyond my lifetime.
Blessings,
Joe Dacus
Joe,
It still amazes me how much one textbook can cost!
It is also great to see that you already have a vision in mind on how you can give back in the future. Since your family seems like they are a great support group for you, get them to post to show why you should come to the Affiliate Incubator.
Best of luck with your entry,
Stu
My husband asked me to follow-up on his email earlier this week. I hope it’s not too late. If it is, it’s my fault and not his.
He told me he really wanted to go to this conference because he would be able to meet others that are trying to do the same thing he is (he said “more successfully” though). He has been working hard for the last couple of months, staying up late and getting up early, studying and learning new things. I’m sure everyone falls into that category. He’s doing all of this for our family. We have four children, one whom just started college.
If you’re looking for reasons to give Joe a pass, I would say this:
* He really wants to succeed at this. he tells me ideas he has and projects he’s working on. he’s really motivated.
* He’s excited about what the conference is about, especially since it’s only two hours away from our house.
* I know he’s my husband, so I’m suppose to say this, but he’s smart. He will take what he learns and put it to good use. He lives, eats, and breathes this. He really wants to be successful at it.
* By spending a few days around all of this will, hopefully, after a week or so, let him spend more time with me and the kids. I know he will dig in after he gets back, but I hope he will see some success and not have to work so hard.
* And last, I read what he said about giving back. He really means it. He’s a very giving person. He’s told what he wants to do with some of the money after we pay off our bills and catch our savings up. He would be embarrassed if I said them here, but he will give back.
* One more reason is that he already has a plan (a commitment) he’s made on how he’s going to use the extra income. So before any money begins coming in, he’s already decided how it’s going to be used. And before this contest ever came up (months before), he’s already committed to giving back to others.
I hope you will consider giving my husband a free ticket to the conference.
Excellent post about the “Pay It Forward” concept.
Me, I’d really like to go, but am unable due to prior commitments,
but I wish for the “winners” to get all that they can from this, and
to remember to “Help Others When You Can”, and to ask, you might
be surprised at what the answer is…
Be Well!
ECS Dave
A few weeks ago, I was on the phone with one of my coaching clients. He told me about how he got an affiliate link on a Super Guru’s product launch and asked me to help him promote it.
I didn’t get a link of my own (I hate to beg for an affiliate link for a launch…), so I told him we would work something out.
I was crazy with traveling, so the morning of launch, I took 2 hours to apply a system I’ve been testing to his link.
With 3 hours until launch, it took about 30 minutes for me to snag #1 on Google for a buying term related to the product.
It resulted in 3 sales on a product that pays out $100 per month. I made my client a residual $300 per month for as long as they stay with the program.
It isn’t going to make him rich, but these were his first affiliate sales.
I popped into your last Incubator and had a blast, I wish I’d spent more time.
I think I can fit this into my schedule and would love to come and show my support.
Thanks,
Ross
Ross,
Sounds as if you are really making things move for others! Thanks for spreading the word of this online - Greg Taylor entered based on your twitter.
Hope to see you there,
Stu
Hello,
The reason why I would like to attend is very simple. It may not be as touching or tear jerking as others who will post however it is one thing that you cannot deny…. Honest. Simply stated, I would like to attend in order to learn how to make more money online. I am a no nonsense worker who will put in the 12, 14, 18 hour days necessary to succeed and in turn will become another great case study for you to feature.
Sincerely,
Loren
Loren,
Thanks for giving such a honest answer. Have you already started an online business or are you just new to everything?
Good luck,
Stu
Hi Stu,
I’d love to come to this event, but since I live in Australia it’s a bit far.
I’m writing to reiterate what you’ve said in your post. When I began my internet business it was solely to make money.
Of course that didn’t happen. No passion, no money.
When I changed my mindset to helping others, the money began to flow.
My first and foremost reason for my internet business is now to help other writers get published. In the course of that process, the money flows.
I encourage anyone who wants to run an online business to make it happen. The first step toward that is - as Stu has said (in another way) - take action!
If you don’t have the commitment to take action, nothing will change. Ever.
The second step is to have the passion for the subject. If you don’t, nothing will change.
Don’t expect overnight changes - this is a long process. Anyone that says you’ll go to a full-time business in speed-warp is lying. A lot.
Have fun at the Affiliate Incubator. I wish I could go… (The travel costs are way out of my range.)
Cheryl
Cheryl,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Only if Australia wasn’t so far away!
Stu
Stu,
Excellent way to give back to the industry that has given you so much.
I have been working online since 2005 and have had some success.
I’m thankful to have been on Russell Brunson’s list so I received his e-mail
about your contest.
Currently, I work for an auto-buying service and I am responsible for marketing and business development. However, I hate my job.
I used to own a plumbing construction company for a number of years and enjoyed the freedom of going my own way. But, since I wrapped up my business, I have to work to bring a paycheck while trying to get my online
business moving.
I have learned so much from folks like Russell Brunson, Mike Filsaime, Rich Schefren, Ed Dale and many more who are now providing outstanding content for
those of us who desire to be fulltime online business owners.
I strive to give back in my own way by offering to assist those who are trying to develop an online business or increase their exposure online by sharing what I know and learned. In fact, I will be conducting a Q&A on Monday through my business blog.
Anyway, I have never had enough money to get to these great events that are put on by the elite marketers like yourself and I know that if I can get to one, make good contacts and develop relationships with these elite marketers who can show me some of the easier methods of working my business.
I believe in what I do, I just need a leg up. I am “asking for the help” to the next level.
Thanks for your consideration.
Anthony,
Learning from Russ, Mike, Rich and Ed is a great place to start on how to create a very successful online business.
Hopefully your Q&A went well - it is evident that you have passion to help you succeed.
Good luck with your entry,
Stu
Hey Stu….that is a beautiful story of manifesting your abundance!
“I have fallen….and I can’t get up” like the old TV commercial.
I have been blessed with many challenges in my working life. I would create some awesome situations (be put in major leadership role for business….start up companies…massive downlines in Network marketing and on and on….and something would happen and I would lose everything and start from zero…again.
See proof of me living in storage unit in Lake Forest California before living in my car 2 weeks on my Myspace profile http://www.myspce.com/internetmlmmentor
I was living in an apartment in Tustin for $2200 per month and consciously made the decesion to live in a storage unit so I could buy the software and membership to learn how to market with Craigslist.
How bout them apples?
I am comitted to learning how to make a living on the Internet and live the lifestyle I deserve.
Keep in mind I was The National Retail Sales manager for Nutrition company making $50K plus just a year before this and quit that job because my Internet network marketing business had equalled my income so I quit that job on my 1 year anniversary….and months later my home based biz income “residual??” went to ZERO so I ended up working at Costco for 11.50 per hour while trying to learn more Internet marketing skills.
I am not afraid to ask for the ticket…I have endured every embarrassment & humiliation already having to move back to Virginia and have my 71 year old father help me get back on my feet.
My creative idea in this last 2 minutes is show you a video on my Myspace profile that is on YouTube…of proof of me living in a storage unit so I could afford marketing software and associate with mentors & teachers who could help set me FREE!
Thank you Stu for this opportunity & thanks to Ross Goldberg for directing me to this blog from Twitter.
PS I have the Pay it Forward movie clip on my Myspace profile..I believe!!!
Greg Taylor
Greg,
Living in a storage unit is definite a sign of your commitment to your goals in internet marketing! Thank you for showing us your video
Also love the story of the opera singer on ‘X Factor’ - so inspiring.
All the best with your entry,
Stu
I’ve been an affiliate marketer for about six months. And for those six months it has been my only income, if we can call it that :-} Not too long ago I had to move back in with the parents{ Help Me Please!!!}. It actually hasn’t been bad at all, things could be worse right? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and my father knows this. Working odd jobs here and there, trying and wanting to make it like everyone else. Now me and pops have tried a few business opportunities which failed, but not from a lack of trying. So he comes to me one day and tells me to see if I can find some type of online business, he’ll fund it as much as possible and I’ll do the work, “dont worry about a job right now”. Now before I knew anything about ppc, ppl, seo, commenting on blogs or any tactic used to drive traffic to websites, I thought just putting up a website and some affiliates would get er done, I was so wrong. But over time I’ve read, researched, signed up for anything free, ebooks, newsletters, teleseminars, anything. I’ve desinged my own websites, my pride and joy, neither one a money maker yet, but proud of them nevertheless:-} I’ve seen myself evolve and believe I’m on the right track to getting out the red{or getting pops out the red} working on it dad! Just trying to get things on auto pilot, so all I have to to do is minor tweaks and updates. The main goal is to become successful and give back to my dad for all the days he would give me 20 dollars here or 20 dollars there for my ppc or to help me get a program I thought would be useful. Now he’s been sick for sometime now but still gets up and goes to work, even with the possibility of a layoff hanging over him, still gives up a twenty here or a 30 there, still supports me unconditionally.
Appreciate the email Russ, the story Stu, and David and Malia for being a spark for this competition. Whether I win or lose, I’ll take satisfaction knowing someone who really needs and wants it, receives it. Good luck to everyone in there endeavors, were only one product, campaign or person from reaching whatever we want to achieve.
Peace&Love
Domenick
Domenick,
Living with the parents isn’t always so bad - I started my business from my parent’s basement as well!
Having the love and support of your loved ones will always help you and push you through. Get them online and show their support for this contest!
Good luck,
Stu
Hey Stu and Russell,
Great idea about giving the tickets away! I can’t wait to collect them and here’s why I think I should win them…
10 months ago I didn’t know what internet marketing was. I guess I could have figured it out if asked, but I’d never looked into it. My beautiful wife (who is a sales director, free car driver and general butt kicker with Mary Kay) dragged me to a Millionaire Mind seminar.
I was hesitant to go because I thought it was a load of bunk to just give them an opportunity to pitch their other courses to us. While that was naturally part of the deal, something strange started happening to me only a few hours in on day one.
I brought a notebook that I didn’t plan to use because in my mind, I had no good business ideas and no real business sense to speak of. I looked down at the page and had TONS of ideas written down.
My mind was racing with the thoughts of finally getting out of the rat race and becoming my own boss but FAR more importantly I was now able to see that the future that lie ahead for our now 3 year old daughter held a lot more options and possibilities than what were made available to my wife and I when we were kids.
You mean…instead of doing the whole “go through school to train for a job where you sit and rot away doing something aren’t passionate about” isn’t the only way to make a living? People can actually become entrepreneurs for zero money or close to it and be in complete control of their own future and destiny? I can build a business that allows me to actually work from home (or anywhere) , watch my daughter grow up and see her whenever I want rather than just after 5PM like all the other parents?
I was floored and still get butterflies at the thought of the possibilities and what lies ahead.
Now, I did underestimate things a bit and this is a HUGE industry. There is an awful lot to learn. I haven’t become a millionaire in 10 months like some eBooks promise. My daughter starts school September 17th and my wife and I are expecting our second child September 12th. As my daughter is only in junior kindergarten and will only be going to school 2-3 days per week, I will be taking Thursdays and Fridays off for a couple months when the baby gets here. I’ll be using that time to spend time with wife and both kids but also to show myself how great it could be if my business ramped up.
THIS IS MY YEAR TO SHINE!! I plan to work as hard as I can to jumpstart my business and this gift from you guys will be a perfect boost that I need.
After the Millionaire Mind Seminar, the first Internet Marketer I found that I “knew, liked, and trusted” was……..Russell Brunson. With all my excitement welled up I swore I would make a decent go of Internet Marketing, meet Russell and a few of my other favourite marketers and go back to a Millionaire Mind seminar and shake Harv Ekers’ hand for showing me that with the power of positive thinking and a slight change in mindset, ordinary people can see that they are actually EXTRAORDINARY and accomplish greater things than they ever thought possible.
Will you guys become part of my story help me become extraordinary? I certainly hope so.
Respectfully,
Mike Murphy
Mike,
First off, congrats on the upcoming arrival of your second child. Looks like you will have your hands full!
It is great to see how much passion you have and the drive to make things happen. It only really does take one event in your life to shake your head up a little and reassess what you want to be doing. You also picked a pretty good marketer to start to learn from
All the best with your entry,
Stu
Hi there Stu and Russell readers posters movers n shakers … I need all the help to get a freebie ticket to this event seeing I’ve just blown all my savings on wild wild women reckless no limits gambling and binge drinking and partying then the last of my savings I’m sorry and embarrassed to admit I simply just squandered … so I definitely should be at this event WHY?? … because I’ve got some ribs cracking funny wild stories to share at least some I can remember!!! …. lol
All my best to you and your rehab
Phillip Skinner
Hi Stu,
I live in South Africa, so I won’t be able to pay for air-fares. Below is my reasons for you to consider me for the tickets + air-fare and accommodation.
I have been trying to make living with IM, but have only increased my debt, which is currently in the region of $30,000. I cannot get creative because my computer does not have a web-cam and the recording side of it does not work either and will also increase my debt.
Living in South Africa presents many challenges to success in Internet marketing. We have to pay for the amount of data we use which is very expensive. Challenges are also presented by our employment laws and the fact that I am 62 years old.
For me the important thing is to have courage to ask for help.
Kosta,
Thank you for your entry - living in the region where you are in South Africa you face some more obstacles then many of us.
My mother always used to say, “You’ll never know the answer, unless you ask”
Good luck with your entry,
Stu
Hi again.
My apologies for not adding these to my previous comment.
My url above is for an affiliate marketing website. I was unable to make it work because I could afford to drive quality traffic to it. One of the worst things I have experienced about affiliate marketing ads is that one is not given all the facts and cost when you sign-up. There also seem to be no mentoring and assistance given to success at affiliate marketing, which surely will increase the earnings of the guys in the chain. I am sure there are those who do not fall into that category.
Regards
Kosta
Hi Stu, I worte to you before but I did not add these numbers. I just wanted to know if you recieved my comment or not.
Thanks Sandy
Why should you consider me for one of your generous “scholarships”?
Well, I am a retired man who has been married to the same woman for 44 years and my children are grown and out on their own. However, I have two granddaughters, one of which is finishing high school and looking forward to college. The trouble is, there may not be enough money for her to go, even with scholarships and work-study grants. As a concerned grandfather, I have always hoped that I could be in a position to help if ever this situation occurred and now here it is.
So, in an effort to earn some “extra” money and try to help where and when I can, I turned to Internet marketing. I have bought a whole lot of ebooks, courses and programs but have not been able to actually begin making any money. My hope is that, by attending a program such as yours, I will gain the needed knowledge and make some contacts with others who might be a help along the way. I know that Russell mentions the value of networking in his teachings (I watched his “DotCom Secrets” video.
Considering my age, I do not have that much time to devote to learning before mother nature takes her course. I have seen some of the testimonials of other older adults who have greatly benefited from your programs and other similar programs and can’t help think that I could be on the verge of the needed breakthrough with an opportunity to attend this conference.
I thank you for taking the time to read and consider this note and I am especially grateful that you even presented the offer.Thanks to Malia and Dave McKinney for their generosity and kindness as well. Five lucky people are going to be absolutely thrilled and I hope that I am one of them.
Richard,
Congrats on being married to your wife for 44 years, that is very admirable. I can’t wait to get to that point with my own wife
Since this seems like a family affair make sure you get them online to show their support for you!
Good luck,
Stu
Hi stu, I was impressed with your story. Here is mine. After years of having my job threatened by an overbearing boss I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I entered the web-zone. After searching a long time on home based businesses I decided to hire a consulting firm. I studied and learned so much I thought my head would explode. I successfully created my own web-site which I was very proud of considering I have never done anything like that before. I then proceeded to study everything I could on marketing and advertising. The dream of owning my own business was all I thought about. I even did adwords pay per click to send traffic to my site. I have several mentors that I follow men such as Joel Comm. Russell, Erock, and Mike G. I have bought a lot of their material. I came to realize I have done this all wrong. I don’t have back end products or free things to give away. All I had was a product no list no nothing. I felt I was getting no where fast! I have had over 5,000 people come to my site but I have sold only three bears. I even tried affiliate marketing but to no avail! I was not making money at all. The few dollars I did make went to the merchant account that I had set up. I am not a spring chicken either I am divorced, broke have two grown children and 6 grandchildren. I feel like all the money I spent in hiring this consulting firm was being wasted. The dream of quitting my job seems farther and farther away from my reach! I will be working til I am 100!!LOL I would be blessed to attend a seminar where I could learn from the best. I really do need some guidance.
Thanks
Sandy
Sandy,
Getting traffic to your website is a great start! Took at look at your bears - they are very cute! You’ve also picked great mentors to learn from.
Best of luck with your entry,
Stu
Hey Stu!
Awesome work, bro!!
Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge, time and experience!!
You stand out as a great example when people want to whine about how greedy internet marketers are. You shatter the stereotype!
Peace,
Paul
Hello Stu,
I want to believe that this is for real and not another hook and product launch designed to separate another poor soul from his/her money. I am a skeptic. I am also an optimist. Yes, a hard-core skeptic can be optimistic. I want to believe that good people do good deeds in order to uplift our collective consciousness. Our world is in dire straights, and it is our responsibility to heal the rift, if only one person at a time; Hence, paying it forward.
Poor health, incredible debt, lost business… has set me back for the moment. Nevertheless, I am determined to heal myself, my family, my reputation, and to get back on-track in the service of others.
The more I learn, the more I earn, the more I may give. This is and shall remain my primary goal in life.
Yours,
Art
Art,
Thank you for your healthy skepticism, but yes, this is 100% real. We will be giving away five scholarships to the most deserving candidates.
Good luck with your entry,
Stu
Hello Stu,
Thank you for responding.
Also in reference to Shannon’s comment–P.O.’d is putting it mildly. My background is also Corporate Business, Real Estate and Insurance. I am accustomed to asking questions when I want to investigate a successful method/model. However, online, and trying to gain credible advice and direction from one and more self-proclaimed IM “Gurus” is daunting, and usually requires an extraordinary amount of money in exchange for substandard direction. I followed this post from my subscription to IMNewswatch, and against my better judgment, I had to visit. My disability and family commitment may preclude any attempt at participating in your offering. Nevertheless, if this is indeed on the level, then all the more power to you! You are certainly one of the good-guys, and I wish more would follow your example.
Yours,
Art
I’m P.O.’d!
When people are angry, they might say, “I’m P.O.’d” but what I am referring to is much worse! It all started a few months ago. I left the Corporate world, jumped ship over to the Internet Marketing world (the view looked much better) and started on my quest of learning. After only a short period of time in my new career shift in the IM space, and purchasing what were toted as must have products, I quickly got Internet Marketing Product Overload (I’m P.O’d!) which is a debilitating affliction, particularly as a Newbie!
I know the most effective way to become successful in a field is to learn from those that are already successful and replicate what’s worked for them. As well, one of the best ways to start an internet business is to network with other IM professionals. I really want to attend the Affiliate Incubator event for these reason. In sorting through a mountain of IM information, Affiliate Marketing is where I want to head first. I’ve only been recently introduced to you and Russell (would have saved me a lot of time and money if I had found you guys first!). After seeing Russell in Legendary Marketer’s I was thoroughly impressed. Anik Singal was also impressive so having them in the lineup for Affiliate Incubator is exciting. I’d love to create a video for you to state why you should pick me for this contest but I don’t have the know how yet to do it! But I know if I attend Affiliate Incubator I will get that know how from Mike Koenig who I have a lot of respect for and I’m impressed with his material. Ryan Deiss is really sharp on the topic of traffic so with your overall line up and Mr. X I know I’ll be able to walk away with the missing parts to my puzzle so I can get started on line, have wild success, and remove “I’m P.O.’d” from my vocabulary.
My goal is to run a successful and profitable internet marketing business so I can be fully present as my son grows up. I can’t do this while devoting most of my waking hours to a Corporate position. Based on my financial challenges, I would consider it an honor to be judged worthy of one of the VIP tickets. Having seen Mama Mia, like the Abba song says, “Take a Chance on me!” so I no longer say; “I’m P.O.’d!”
Thank you,
Shannon
Shannon,
From experience starting out, with all the information available can become overwhelming. I encourage you to continue sifting through it and continue to try things
Hopefully you will become less P.O.’d over time!
Good luck with your entry,
Stu
Hi Stu,
I’m Shannon’s husband and I totally support her in the decision to transition from her former career to this new Internet Marketing one. I had experienced her loosing her enthusiasm about her former career on a daily basis. Since determining Internet Marketing is what she wants to do I have seen that enthusiasm come back again. I have witnessed her making a lot of personal sacrifices in order to support our family. I am behind her 100% in her decision but unfortunately we’re now down to one income.
I know she wants to attend your seminar for a number of reasons including to start the income stream flowing however, based on a number of factors there isn’t the financial support for her to attend. In fact we are now up against a wall and this is a great opportunity you have presented so winning a ticket to your course is also a winning ticket for our whole family.
I’m submitting this because I think it is fantastic that you are having this contest and if you grant her one of the tickets to attend your seminar, I can assure you that you are getting a phenomenally enthusiastic, charismatic, sales person that will bring value to those attending as well as promoting you for giving her the opportunity. I am always amazed at her ability to connect people together to help them.
Thanks and kind regards,
Frank
Frank,
Your support of your wife is great to see
Having family members behind you when trying something new always makes the process a little easier.
Take care,
Stu
Hi Stu,
I too know Shannon and she is an energetic, creative woman. I’m her “IT-Go-To-Guy” and good friend. She really is overwhelmed (as am I) with the glut of Internet Marketing stuff. Clarity is the enabler for creativity and success, and I firmly believe that Shannon will get clarity from what you have to offer. Make an investment in Shannon, you won’t be sorry.
Thanks,
Ron
@Stu - My day job is working as a programmer in c#, asp.net,vb.net and mysql. I also do SEO for the company I work for. I started IM in January 08 and have had good success so far with it, been running about 40 websites with help of outsourcing, etc etc. Been promoting through azoogle, clickbank, neverblue and also have some products being created for Clickbank. I’m always interested in learning new tips, techniques and just anything that can help take me to the next level.
Loren,
Thanks for giving us more inside
Stu:
A wake up call is needed for us.
My husband and I started an online business selling candles; went through a training course; spent bookoo money and the candle business was suggested as a strong business for us.
Perhaps it is. At least in theory. My hubby wanted to have a business that he knows and understands. A business like our trucking business where he was in control and knew something about it first and foremost. I wanted an internet marketing business. Both the training facility and my hubby vetoed my idea.
My husband built our site and has kept it up to date. He wants to build another site soon.
I take the orders, sell outside the home, resolve customer issues and bring good results for them.
One thing I have learned through this time is: I have written 12 articles and they are published; have 2 blogs that I try and update each week; know that prayer works.
I have learned to give my best to my customers. It seems that our site has become known for our service for someone with a problem (needing candles in a hurry or a specific candle for a wedding) calls me and asks me to help them. I make sure I follow up with them after I order from my wholesaler; I sent them their tracking code; track their order myself; thank my supplier and thank them for their business. This has happened time and again.
Should you chose us for training, I would work as hard as I do now, even harder since I know that you placed your trust in me to follow through and accomplish something.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Tobey Craft
PS Take a chance on me.
Tobey,
Costumer service is often over looked and is something that needs to be paid attention to as I have learned in the past, so I’m sure your costumers appreciate what you do 100%.
Good luck with your entry,
Stu
Another Australian, chiming in to say - hey, Stu, if you like the place, drop down and visit us sometime!!! Mark’s just next door in NZ - you can make it a round trip.
I don’t want the scholarship. Not because I don’t want to be there (I do) but because I’m knuckle deep in finishing off the 30 day challenge as well as a course in Law of Attraction (the two are kinda synergistically working together, and I’m blogging it at 30 Day LOA). Since I believe in sticking the course, I choose to ‘pass’ on your fantastic scholarship offer so it can go to someone who can give it the attention and energy it deserves.
In the spirit of asking for it, though, as a long time internet spectator who’s finally dived in and is having fun in the shallow end, I’d love to connect with a fellow idea person. When I finish the process I’m working on, and after your incubator’s done, how about letting me hook up with you on skype or something and ask the 3 most important questions I want answered to go the next step?
Crystal