What Is Your Time Worth?
November 21, 2008
I’ve been around this Internet Marketing niche for quite a while now, and I participate in a few forums. Every now and again, someone who is obviously new to the market and trying to get opinions or recommendations about a product or coaching program will ask,”Hey - how good is XYZ…?”
Legitimate question. It’s obvious that you have someone doing their due diligence BEFORE buying into a product or program.
What I really like are those that answer like this:
“Don’t waste your money. You can get all the information you want for free on the internet or in this forum.”
There’s an old saying… “Knowledge is power”.
That’s only half right though. Knowledge itself is useless unless applied. So APPLIED knowledge is power.
So telling someone who’s looking for a way to succeed that they can find all the info they want for free is only giving them potential access to the power.
There’s all kinds of value out there. Money is surely value. But so is time.
So let’s say you are considering joining a coaching program that costs $997 and you ask about whether it’s worth the money. Then someone answers “Ah, you can find all of the info in that coaching program for free all over the internet”.
That answer may be true, but then you need to ask yourself a few questions too:
- What is your time worth?
- Do you know how to apply the information you’re finding for free?
- Do you know what your best “method” is for achieving your goals? Surely there are lot’s of methods…
- Can you constantly motivate yourself to move forward - especially when you have setbacks and failures? You can bet your bottom dollar you’ll have both.
Don’t be afraid to spend money (when you have it) on speeding up your education. It’s an investment in your future. Just be sure to research your potential investment as thoroughly - and objectively - as you can.
Even if you don’t have money to spend at will, there’s other things you can do.
Bartering is alive and well on the internet. Several years back, when I was fully five figures in debt, I decided to teach myself a few things…web hosting, script installations and general webmaster duties. Then when I saw something I thought would do me good, I contacted the product owner and suggested trading their product for my time.
While this didn’t work 100% of the time (naturally), it worked more than it didn’t. Subsequently, it helped speed up my own on line education significantly…and the money came faster.
There are never any guarantees in life. Most people realize this already. But one thing IS guaranteed… as Wayne Gretzky once said, “You are guaranteed to miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.
Time is money. And your money (well spent) will help shorten your time.
To Mentor or Not to Mentor…
November 12, 2008
…That is the question.
I don’t mean should I mentor anyone. What I mean is should you get a mentor.
This is a question that gets hotly debated in the forums and on blogs, but I have my own thoughts on this…
Mentoring success depends on many factors. MANY factors. It’s even hard to quantify it. So for starters, let’s understand some of these basic ideas…
- Are you a good candidate for mentoring? You not only NEED to ask yourself this question but you must be 100% honest with yourself when you answer it.
Let’s face it, we all like to think of ourselves as astute learners. Generally people see themselves very differently than we really are (including yours truly).
So ask yourself - Are you a good listener? Do you comprehend easily? Are you shy and won’t ask questions? Will you put yourself to the test? Are you a good problem solver? What’s the best way for you to learn? Reading? Video? Audio? Group? One on one?
All of this is important because no matter how good or successful your chosen mentor may be, if you’re not a good student and don’t ask questions…if you don’t challenge yourself, mentoring is probably not a good way to go for you.
Unfortunatley, the mentor takes the bad wrap when people don’t “learn” what the mentor is teaching, even when it’s not their fault.
That’s not to say all mentors are good teachers either. But it’s important that you also have a good rapport with your mentor. A relationship where you are comfortable asking them questions, or challenging them when you feel it’s neccessary.
- Do you know what it is you want to learn? Do you have a plan?
What good will it do you if you hire a mentor and not know what your long term goals are? No good at all. Don’t take this lightly. If the mentor you hire is any good, these are some of the questions they will ask you.
- Are you convinced that higher priced mentors will guarantee your success?
If you do, you’re in for a rude awakening. You may indeed get much better information, and a better method of teaching…but if you are not receptive, or if you believe everything should be “push-button”, you WILL be dissapointed.
That being said, if any mentor tells you that their system is hands-free, requires no effort, etc. than you are best off running. Quickly. Because there’s no such system out there that does not reqire work to be successful.
In fact, I would argue that - assuming your mentor is a good one - the more you pay for the service, the more work you can expect to do. The more advanced tactics, systems, etc. you will learn.
If you decide that a mentor is the way to go for you, remember these basics:
- Do your due diligence. Look for information - preferrably from several students of the mentor or coach.
- Interview your potential mentor. If you plan to spend $5,000 (or even just $500) for their services, at the very least you should talk with them by phone and see if you hit it off.
- Understand what it is they are teaching and make sure it aligns with what you want to learn. Is it right for your business?
- DO NOT spend money you don’t have based on hype or high pressure! If you tell them you don’t have 5 grand and they tell you to put it on your friends credit cards…run. Fast.
- Do your due diligence. I mention this again because it’s very important. It’s your money. Be an educated consumer.
Again, this is a hot topic. Feel free to leave your comments below. I am interested in your viewpoint.
Too Young For This
October 7, 2008
It seems like only yesterday we buried my mother, but it’s been more than a year and a half. Where does the time go, I wonder.
I wrote a mothers day tribute to her last year, only two and a half months after she passed.
I still miss her.
But it’s easy to understand - and even accept - her death, considering things like her age, her lifestyle, the fact she raised four kids and got to know 13 grandchildren. There’s a sense that she lived a good and full life.
It’s so much different when it’s a child.
One of my mothers granddaughters - my niece - my sister’s daughter - has been battling colon cancer since March. At the “ripe old age” of 17, no less. The doctors tell us how rare it is that a person of this age gets colon cancer (they should only have the same luck in the lottery!).
We’ve all been asking ourslves during this time “Why?” - Why her? Why now? It’s a question no one can answer of course. This kind of thing happens and there’s no reconciliation. Which is frustrating, of course.
So, we move away from the why’s and start looking for ways to battle this ugly monster.
Doctors, hospitals, radiation, chemicals, and surgery.
We have watched a once vivacious, lively, sarcastic, bubbly baby/girl/young woman turn into a shadow of herself. Scared, drastically underweight, hollow eyed, girl.
You can still see her sass and sacrcasm. That’s because she’s also brave. Though there have been many tears shed, she has vowed to fight until the end or until she beats it. Determined.
And she has a lot of help. Between her family and her LONG line of friends, she has more support than she knows what to do with. People to talk to, shoulders to cry on, people to vent with…you name it.
So, now after several months of some very aggressive chemo therapy, it was time for the big surgery. One that would last between 10 and 12 hours. It would take that long to remove the tumor(s) from her colon, and now also from her intestines and stomach.
When I heard that two days before her surgery, she was looking at college brochures (she’s just a senior in high school, but she wants to be a nurse ), I couldn’t help but admire her determination to win. Her bravery. Her grit.
I drove her, my sister, and brother in law to Mt. Sinai hospital in Manhattan. We had to be there by 5:30 am. My other sister and brother in law came too for support.
My niece walked in to admissions - no wheelchair here, even though she was weak. Still being brave.
At 7:30 they wheel her in. We set up in the waiting area for a long wait. We estimated no earlier than 5 PM to see the doc again.
10 AM - the doc comes to see us. We knew it wasn’t good, him being out so early. We were right.
The mass around her intestine was so hard, he compared it to a small brick. There was no way to get it out without the real possibility of killing her on the table.
So they closed her up and came out to drop the news…time to start making her comfortable.
“How long?” my sister asked, eyes red and filled with tears.
Couple of weeks to a couple of months - can’t be sure.
We all joined my sister and brother in law in their tears.
Now we are faced with looking for miracles. And you can be sure - we will look under every rock. There will be a big fight against this ugly monster.
We are a very close family. My sisters, brother and I have always been there. We have spent every Christmas together since we all went out on our own, got married, and had kids.
My oldest son is 20 and he has NEVER known a Christmas without his cousins, aunts and uncles.
The thought of losing my niece has me profoundly sad. And mad, too.
I told my niece yesterday after her surgery that she was the bravest person I knew. After all of this, she’s not ready to quit. She is a fighter.
So why write all this and put it here, on a marketing blog?
Several reasons…
It’s a marketing blog, but it’s run by a human with a family.
Writing about it helps me deal with it.
This is the best way I know to start getting ideas and directions in our search for a miracle.
I know also that there are miracle stories out there - I personally know 2 - and my niece could use all the hope she can get. Reasons to fight.
You never know - miracles DO happen.
This One Hits Home
July 14, 2008
When I was 9 back in 1973, my parents went out with our neighbors to some function. My brother, two sisters and I were being looked after by our neighbors 14 year old daughter.
We were having a great night - T.V. until late, popcorn and drinks, games…typical stuff.
About 1 A.M., I recall the babysitter waking up my brother and I, telling us we had to leave because the
upstairs apartment was on fire (we lived in a 2-family house at the time).
We all filed out the back door and down the driveway. I remember looking up and seeing flames shooting out two of the windows, like a fire breathing dragon.
I remember the fire department was not there yet, but the police were. They ushered us over to the neighbors house to wait for our parents.
To this day, some 35 years later, the smell of smoke still takes me back to that night. Thankfully, we were all fine (and in fact, the baby sitter was even featured in our local newspaper and received a plaque!).
So when I read about a family that just lost everything to a fire (thankfully, they are all fine), I knew I had
to do what I could to help.
The family who was affected is fellow marketer Lisa Prestons sister and family. And they could sure use
our help.
They lost everything except the clothes on their backs and have to start over.
Imagine being a mother and realizing you almost lost your children.
Imagine being a teenager and realizing maybe for the first time in your life just how precious life is.
For the record, this is NOT a charity. Instead, Lisa Preston put together a huge package. It’s bursting with resources to make you money fast.
Here is what you’ll be getting…
* Exclusive, Unique Products Available Nowhere Else!
* More Than 50 Products - Including Software - with Master Resale Rights And Private Label Rights!
* Sales Pages And Graphics To Make Money Right Away Selling These Hot Items Individually!
* EXCLUSIVE Mastermind Call With Several Top Marketers, Discussing Their Best Strategies And Techniques!
* And so much more…
This is a perfect opportunity to get your hands on a bunch of terrific products while helping out a family in need at the same time.
Let’s rally and help a family get back on their feet.
Great Days and Tragedies…
June 27, 2008
Yesterday was a day for celebration for my family. My son graduated from high school (2 down and 2 to go…).
It was a happy day for me, but it started out not very happy for him and my older son (who graduated 2 years ago).
The night before, there was a very upsetting tragedy in their town. My sons are friends with two brothers, one also graduating on the same day. The older brother (my older sons friend) drove up from Texas to watch the ceremony.
Unfortunately the night before he apparently made some poor choices and was subsequently shot and killed by a police officer in a small town nearby.
I won’t speculate on what happened as the facts are sketchy and have not been officially released. I can say that this is the first time my sons have had to deal with a death of a friend and someone so young, so suddenly and so senselessly. It will be interesting to see the “official” report of the incident.
You can read more on that by clicking here. There are many reports and all speculation at the moment.
My heart goes out to the kid and his family.
My heart also goes out to the cop. I would have a tough time believing he feels anything but extremely bad about the whole ordeal.
As a parent, we live in fear of something like this - news in the dead of night about one of our children. I don’t wish that on anyone. But I did use this incident to talk to my boys about consequences of the choices they make. Hopefully they remember the next time they get behind the wheel of a car, or get pulled over by the police, or drink, or any of the “dumb” things young people do. (Not judging here - I did more than my fair share of dumb things when I was their age…).
I also hugged them tight.
They are grieving and they now have to go to a funeral to bury a friend.
I hope for their sake they will walk away from this ordeal smarter than before, more aware than before.
To my son Vincent… Happy Graduation Day!
This was before the graduation, soon after he got the news.
This was taken after the graduation ceremony. Feeling a bit better.
The boy who was killed was my older sons friend. You can see on his face how upset he is. This is after the ceremony as well.
Meeting My Idol…
May 19, 2008
For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with drums. I actually had my first set before I was 5 years old. Unfortunately, at that age, the only thing I knew how to do with them was poke holes in the heads… 
During my childhood, through my teens and on to adult hood, drumming would remain a dream. You know how it is - single mother raising 4 kids, apartment living, no money. Drums were the last thing on my mothers mind.
Even so, for as long as I can remember the drums have always intrigued me. When I listen to music, I listen for the drums. I listen to the beats. I woud close my eyes and imaging myself on the throne, keeping time. Playing one of those Bonham style rock solos.
Back in 1980, I discovered the group Journey. This group had become one of my “staples”. The music of such albums as Escape, Infinity, Evolution and more defined my late teens through early 20’s. No other music transports me back to this time period the way Journey does.
But aside from the awesome lyrics, the crooning of Steve Perry, or the unique guitar style of Neal Schon, the drumming of Steve “The Animal” Smith is what caught my attention. His drumming exudes both power and style. From both a technical and creative standpoint, he immediately became my favorite drummer. You could immediately hear the jazz influence in his play.
Fast forward to 1998. At 33 years old, I FINALLY decided to get myself a drum set. I took a few lessons from a good friend who used to play professionally, but then I really just stuck to playing along with the radio and my CD’s. Mostly rock and roll from the 70’s and 80’s because most of it is simple.
My goal was never to join a band, but to simply fulfill my childhood desires to play. I stll play, though not all that well…
When I started drumming, my musical taste expanded more into the Jazz scene. Let me tell you, if you like drumming, there is simply NOTHING like Jazz Drumming. And this is where I rediscovered my Journey hero Steve Smith.
I won’t go in to his history, as you can find out all about it at his website, Vital Information (his jazz/fusion band he started in 1983).
Fast forward again to earlier this year…while checking out his tour dates, I found his band would be at the Irridium Jazz Club in the heart of New York City. I bought tickets on the spot! The show was a few night ago (May 16th).
My wife and I got a table up against the stage, so close to the drums that I could reach out and touch them. Here’s a really dark picture of his drum kit:
When the show started, we were treated to about 90 minutes of some of the best drumming I have ever seen/heard. Now, the entire band and the music was absolutely awesome, but for me to be sitting close enough to my drumming idol to see the sweat pouring off his bald head, well, let’s just say I was in heaven.
After the show the band got a table in the back of the club to meet and greet and sign autographs. Of course, I couldn’t miss that. Here’s yet another dark picture (new high-tech PPC with camera…):
Now, it turns out that not only is he an awesome drummer - he’s a really nice guy. We chatted for a good 10 minutes. Told him about being a fan for the past 27 years or so…he took everything well in stride.
So, meeting my long-time idol for the first time is an experience I will always remember. I plan to see them next time they come around. Like I said - his drumming is phenomenol. To get an idea of what I mean, check out the video on this page (it will auto start…but really watch).
Ok, enough of this off-topic stuff. Thanks for taking the time to read. If you have a dream, I highly recommend trying to make it happen. It’s awesome!
I’m Better Than You?
April 28, 2008
In the years since I started my web business and my newsletter, membership sites, etc. I have exchanged
emails with many people who seem to be frustrated.
Many think I have some magical abilities because of my online successes. They think I’m “better” some how.
Then I tell them a bit about my past and my present. So let me tell you now, too. Maybe after you finish, you’ll really understand that anyone can do this…
Let’s talk financial…
As recently as four years ago, I was so deep in debt that I came very close to bankruptcy. In fact, the ONLY reason I didn’t file was because I did not have the $938.00 fee for my attorney. If I did, I would have filed.
Since then, I have had a mountain of education in the “fine art” of balancing a checkbook, paying off debts
and spending wisely.
And thanks to my on line business, I am not only debt free - but have been in the black for the past two years. And…my wife and I are going on our very first cruise this coming January (can’t wait for that!).
Another revelation for you…
All of my on line success (until recently) has been PART TIME. I had a full time J-O-B and worked on my business at night. For about 4 years I averaged just four hours of sleep per night. Here was my typical day:
- 4:30 AM, wake up
- shower
- breakfast/newspaper
- 5:15 am, emails, misc. stuff on business
- 6:15 am, go to work
- 4:30 pm, home from work - check emails
- 5:00 pm, family time
- 6:00 pm, dinner
- 6:30 to 8:00 pm, work on sites
- 8:00 to 8:45 pm, play with son and put to bed
- 9:00 pm to midnight, work on business
- Midnight, go to bed
That was it for four years. Lots of work and commitment.
Of course, there is a lot of things I did, people I met and so on that have helped me along the way. We call
that networking.
But I hear the same excuses all the time…
“I don’t have the time”
“I don’t have the money”
“I don’t have any talents”
“I can’t even write a newsletter”
Time - look, we all are given the same amount of time every day. 24 hours to be exact. So you DO have the
time. What it comes down to is how you choose to spend your time.
I recently met a woman who has a very successful on line business. She also has six children…and all are
home schooled. Tell me you’re busier than she is…
Me - I still get ample family time too. I simply choose to work on my business over, say, watching television.
Money. You don’t need a lot to start with. I started five figures in debt. I made many friends and traded my time for products, services, etc. The barter system is alive and kicking on the internet.
Talent? There are many people having success on line that lack certain talents. They simply find their own
strengths and work with it. My biggest strength is networking.
Let’s talk about the last one…writing. It’s not one of my strengths either. I can do it, and I even enjoy it most of the time. But I struggle with it at times. For those times, I have a “secret” resource I have been using for over a year now:
http://www.mroverdeliver.com/recommends/InstantNewsletter
These guys publish a private label newsletter every week that you can use as your own. I tend to use it when I am stuck for an idea, or simply in a rush. It’s good quality too.
My point is there are ways to make your on line business flourish even if you are pressed for time or ideas.
I have another “secret” resource I have been using for over a year for a steady fresh supply of products. But I’m going to save that for next time 
Meantime, grab the newsletter resource in the above link so at the very least, you’ll have a good supply of blog posts, email content, etc.
Bottom line - I am NOT any better than you. I made it work because of commitment and resources. You can do it too once you decide to. Even if you are working full time.
Oh, by the way - That cruise I mentioned? You can come too:
http://www.marketerscruise.com
home business internet marketing make money marketingHey Mikey! He Likes It!
April 23, 2008
I couldn’t resist that title. If you are too young to remember, that’s “borrowed” from the Life Cereal commercial from back in the 70’s.
But I have my own reason for using it.
This past weekend I went to Frank Kerns Mass Control Workshop in San Diego, CA. I have to tell you - it was fantastic. Took a ton of notes (I have so much to do…).
But while I was there, I happened to run in to Dr. Mike Woo-Ming. Dr. Mike is a cool guy. We met in 2005 at a seminar. He also contributed a product to my very first firesale. And even though we have traded an occasional email since then, that was the last time I saw him.
So imagine my surprise when he told me he really liked the look of my blog (this site). He loves the template I am using (called Revolution News). In fact, he said it inspired him to revamp his own blog (sort of…).
Funny thing is, I never imagined he would have reason to visit my blog. That goes to show a couple of things…
Even the guru’s keep up with what’s going on out on the net.
Even a regular guy like myself can “inspire” a well-known and highly successful marketer.
The power of going to events and introducing yourself to people.
Anyway, I know to some of you this ain’t no big deal. But to me it is. It says to me that just maybe I’m on the right track.
Keep on keeping on.
internet marketing make money marketingAdded Articles
April 1, 2008
I added a section for Blogging articles. These articles are written with the consumate blogger in mind, as well as for those looking to break into the blogging game.
To read these articles, simply go here:
http://www.mikeambrosio.com/blogging/
Feel free to comment or submit your blogging articles to me and if they are good, I will add them to the blogging area.
Enjoy!
Most Marketers Make This Mistake - Are You?
March 19, 2008
In my early years online I would have been lucky to read, listen or watch one tenth of all the ebooks, audios or DVDs I purchased. And believe me - I purchased a LOT of products!
You see, I was far to busy jumping from one product to the next to worry about actually implementing what I was learning. At times, I would try to “learn” about 3 or 4 different things in a day.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out that I wasn’t doing very well. In fact, I was losing more than I could afford.
Sound familiar?
And that’s the problem.
This is the same scenario being played out by 90% of new marketers online…
…and it is one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) reasons why most people fail to earn any real income online.
YES, it’s important to purchase products so that you can educate yourself on the latest methods to build and grow your online business…
…but unless you actually take action to put in place what you learn and take real action, then you’re fooling yourself. You’re simply wasting your time, energy and money.
Only when you understand and totally accept that you *MUST* take action to implement what you learn will you move forward and begin building a solid future for yourself. I know this from personal experience.
But before you do anything, you first need to decide on what business model you will use to build your business.
Once you’ve done this, you then need to be become a master of that model by studying all the techniques and strategies relating to this area.
For example, if you selected internet marketing as your niche you have the choice of many models to build your online business…
- Affiliate Marketing
- Blogs
- Butterfuly Marketing Sites
- Paid Memebership Sites
- Authority Sites
- Adsense Sites
- eBay
etc.
Each of these models have many list building, traffic generating and other techniques you need to learn.
But a word of warning…
Don’t fall into the trap of trying to use multiple models when your first start out.
YES, using multiple models is a great way to explode your income, but this can only be done one step at a time. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that. You simply won’t have enough time to do this all at once.
First apply and master the various techniques for your chosen model - and then only when you’re showing good returns should you move on to another model.
Now building your business and earning an online income is not going to be easy. It will be frustrating, time consuming and at times it will mentally drain you.
But if you focus on one thing at at time, stay strong during times of adversity and follow your system, you WILL succeed!
That reminds me…
You do have a proven system you’re following don’t you?
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