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Reflections of the Year Past…and the New Year to Come
Greetings from a VERY snowy Atlanta, Georgia! The weather here has been crazy here lately and it seems we are all stuck inside for at least another day. I’ve put a picture of our new house in the post below. it was taken from our curb…and you can’t even see where the driveway is! Anyway, between the snow and the fact that it is 1-11-11, I figured today is the perfect day to wrap up 2010 and talk about 2011. So – let’s get started!
First off, I hope everyone had an amazing New Year! My hubby and I spent New Years in Las Vegas. New Years Day is our wedding anniversary and we really enjoyed being out of town – especially after all the craziness from moving into a new house and then holidays that we just survived. The weather out on Vegas was REALLY cold. We planned to go out on The Strip to watch the fireworks on New Years Eve, but it was just too darn cold. Instead, we opened the blinds in our room at the New York, New York and had a great show of the fireworks INSIDE.
As I’ve said previously in my New Years posts, I am not a fan of traditional New Years resolutions. I’m not quite sure what it is about human nature that causes us to wait to the start of a new year to make all these MAJOR changes in our lives in one big swoop when we have the opportunity to make small changes every day of the year.
EVERY day is a GREAT day to make a positive change – don’t you think?
Whether the changes are personal, health-related, or changes in your business mentality and/or productivity. Every minute of every day is a good time to make a small change that could end up making a BIG difference.
Reflecting on 2010
2010 was an amazing year for me – both personally and professionally. I kinda hate to see it go…lol! I started out the year in Las Vegas at the exclusive Wealthy Affiliate Super Affiliate conference, my hubby started his own business, we traveled a lot, went to Boise to an invite-only Clickbank Mastermind Meeting for top earners on Clickbank…. My family is all healthy and well…my granddaughter had a birthday…we found out we have another grandchild coming in the spring… Power3Marketing opened and has had an amazing response from the thousands of members that have joined us… we bought a new house AND managed to get moved in with barely any time to spare before Christmas so I could have our whole family right here together in our new home for the holidays.
And then, I let 2010 go while quietly watching fireworks in Las Vegas with my husband.
Earnings were very good in 2010….but the lessons learned were even more valuable to me. I’ve been doing this internet marketing thing since the start of 2007 and to say I’ve learned a lot is a HUGE understatement.
And the things I’ve learned are what I am going to let guide me into 2011 and through this year.
2011 – Looking Forward
Today is 1-11-11 – kinda, cool, huh? Feels like a day we SHOULD be doing something amazing, doesn’t it? I’ve been sitting here reflecting on 2010 – looking at my books and my notes and my stats…and making some decisions for 2011.
I’ve decided that 2011 will be the year of P+P+P+P=P
Let me break that down for you…
Perspective + Practicality + Passion + Patience = Profit
Make sense?
Let’s break it down further.
Perspective – I’ve been around long enough and opened myself up to new techniques, people, products, services, and all that good stuff to have my own unique perspective on this business. I’ve spent the past few years watching other marketers from all different areas of this business and took note of things I liked…and the things I didn’t like. For the things I didn’t like, I made myself think about WHY I didn’t like them…and did I not like them as a fellow marketer – or as a consumer (or both)?
I’ve also paid close attention to how others respond to certain tactics that have been used in 2010 – both by myself and by other marketers.
It’s crazy, but some things remain true…
1. People LOVE “free stuff” but the value of said “free stuff” is gone the moment the warm fuzzy feeling of getting a gift is gone. The more it costs, the more value is put upon it and the more seriously folks take that training or information.
2. People HATE to be sold to – but every one complaint tends to equal MANY sales from others.
3. Fear of loss is WAY stronger than desire for gain.
Does all this mean that in 2011 I will become a hard-selling marketer pushing time-limited over-priced products?
HECK NO!
What is DOES mean is that I’ve put all this into my own perspective and will continue to do all I can to help others in spite of our natural human instincts and reactions. I have a good grasp on what I believe people THINK they want, but will continue to offer the training and products that actually work and are NOT “flash in the pan” shiny things.
I am very picky about what products I refer to others – very picky… and I have no plans of stopping. Could I make more money by changing my perspective on all this? You bet! I have met many marketers with a totally different perspective on this business and they make tons. They simply keep offering their folks what their folks think they want/need.
It’s a simple concept…and it can make you very rich – but it’s not for me. I got to where I am today and have enjoyed the success I’ve had by KEEPING my own perspective on this industry and the great folks I work with. If I make less money because of it – so be it.
In 2011, I will continue working within my own perspective of this business and remembering how I got here. My story – my path – is doable by just about anyone. It’s all about hard work, dedication, and keeping true to yourself.
Practicality – This one is a bit tough for me…. I’m not always the most practical person in the world. I’d like 2011 to have more practical and efficient actions and much less time spent wasted on things that just don’t make sense in the big picture.
In short, I want this year to be the year I stream-line my business. Less busy work…more productivity and enjoyment.
Passion – I’d also like 2011 to be a year where I do a lot more of what I really love to do…and lot less of what doesn’t thrill me. There is such a sense of reward when you are profitable doing something you love. That’s the definition of success, isn’t it? I think so.
For example, I have a TON of little niche sites out there. I’ve been letting them sit and mature in Google’s eyes for some time now and it’s become time to start building them out. I’m one of those marketers who likes to start small and then grow out – not vice-versa – so all these sites are “micro sites” that are doing very well in their “micro” world online. They are ready to be put into a bigger pond and do better.
Thing is, some of the topics do not interest me at all. Yes, I can get content for these sites written and pay someone to do everything about those sites – but wouldn’t it be better to sell them off to someone who just might really care about the content and energy that site adds to the internet?
I think so… and those are the types of decisions I’ve been making.
I’ve spent the last years building and creating as many streams of income as I possibly could – and I did really, really well with it. The things that didn’t do so well are just waiting for me to come make them do well. Thing is, it’s just not practical for me to still be working 14+ hour days – and spending it doing things I don’t like doing. So – in 2011, I’m not doin’ it. I will sell it, stop it, or outsource it.
Patience – This is the one thing that I can’t seem to sell, give, or force upon anyone… Patience. If you’re practical, productive, passionate, and patient with the project/training/campaign/etc – it will work.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and risk getting fussed at, but I believe that 97% or so of the training programs out there DO work…but very few are patient enough to truly work them.
We want it yesterday. If not yesterday, then we want it overnight….lol!
My experience online has given me the gift of patience – calm patience, not forced patience.
I bet those all sound like very bold statements….but think about them for a moment. They apply to ALL of us.
Profit – And that brings me to my point…that last “bold” statement I made:
“I know I can make any amount of money that I want, if I give people what they want, be practical, be passionate about it, keep my perspective, and BE PATIENT.”
No fancy tricks or loopholes required =)
Know what’s best about it? Yet another “P” word… Pride.
When you run a profitable business that is fueled by perspective, passion, practicality, and patience…. you suddenly find yourself having an amazing amount of pride in yourself.
Internet Marketing has the ability and the potential to change almost everything about your life – not just your bank account balance.
Yes, as I’ve said many, many times… money is cool. As John Carlton said, “Having money takes care of the problems that NOT having money creates” – but that’s about all money does on its own.
And that is something I wish for everyone in 2011 – keep “money” in perspective.
The most important thing I have learned these past few years is this –
You have GOT to love this business. It’s easy to “love” the money and the good results, but ya gotta love the mistakes, the epic fails, the Google changes, the product launches, the complaints, the refunds, the mass copy/paste launch emails from 50 million marketers in one day, the hours spent trying to figure out ONE little thing… you gotta love ALL of it.
Do you love it? Or are you just hoping to make some money online in the easiest way possible?
Wrapping up
In my travels since I’ve been back at work I came across 2 really great things to share (both are completely free).
1. Trouble Writing Articles? This Free Software can REALLY Help
Writing content is both one of the most important skills you can have to do well online AND the biggest thorn in our sides as we attempt to do it. I’ve been trying out some new software that really, REALLY helps with writing good content (and more).
It is totally free right now as the creator is running the software thru the final stages of beta testing. I believe the opportunity to try it for free is over on the 17th or so, but since I’m not the owner, I can’t guarantee that. But it is free NOW….all you have to do is drop your email in and you can download it and use it to your hearts content.
Watch the quick video demonstration – It’s REALLY good stuff.
Get your free article writing software here.
2. Project Mom
My good friends Travis and Jeannie have released a new video to the Project Mom blog that has some super information in it about digging into a market and figuring out what those folks wants (so you can give it to them). Great insight as you are able to watch Travis and Jeannie dig into a market and talk through it.
Otherwise, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!!!!! Thank you for spending another year with me! I’d love to hear each of your plans and thoughts for your 2011 – please feel free to share in the comments area.
All the best,
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
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I’m having a hard time with patience right now. I decided to do this after losing my job in September of 2010, and while I love it, so far I haven’t made “diddly squat”! (Yes, I’m from the South.) But I’m not giving up – heck, I’ve worked too hard to quit now!
Good for you, Kristen (not the “diddly squat” part…the not giving up part)! I’m proud of ya! Hang in there… 2011 could very well be YOUR year!
Your new home is lovely, Jennifer, even in the snow!
Of course my new year will be all about Power 3 Marketing and Patience and Persistence! 🙂 I am learning so much so fast but I want to know it all right this minute. So my pledge for this year is to take it step by step and learn something every day and produce a piece of something at least every day. 🙂
Happy New Year!
Hi Jennifer,
I bought your OWM course last fall and have been working on that, but learning internet marketing can be quite lonely so I decided to take your advice and I joined WA last week. I plan on becoming an expert in article marketing using both OWM and WA. This is the year that I will become my own boss and see the beginnings of financial freedom!
I was wondering, you mentioned having some “micro” sites that you might sell, would you consider offering them to your readers? I’d be interested in growing a micro niche, depending on the topic.
Thanks for all you do, I enjoy reading your blog posts, I always find them inspiring!
~Jennifer B
Jennifer, I am not short on patience but need much more knowledge, still in newbie state, but must say I do love it even when I am stuck and seem to be at a standstill. I seem to get out some how but when I move on, there is no smooth sailing!
You have a lovely home , was in Atlanta for Christmas and sick, spent most of my time in bed!
Love this blog, and the information here is priceless!
you have taught me a lot and I appreciate all you have done, am still hanging in! 🙂
DixieB
Hi Jennifer, I spent lot of my time in knowing the Internet Marketing strategies but not able to stick with at least on due to lack of confidence and lost of money. If I come across a system with which I can achieve my needs and fulfill my dreams definitely I will be with more patience. If you have any such system, can you send me a mail with all the details. Looking forward to work with you and get RICH. Byeee
– Gopi
Note: I lost money by believing in some websites related to Internet Marketing. Don’t want to loose any more. Kindly help.
Haven’t you yet realised that I am not in the least interested in your stuff? I am telling you noe that I am not!!!!
Hiya Jennifer!
I just want to say, I LOVE all of your stuff! You are the most down to earth Internet Marketer that I know of! And frankly, I think we ALL need to be grounded at times….
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for your thoughts and your new resolutions for the 2011. I feel inspired to keep going after reading them even though I’ve had very little luck so far!!!! I have been trying but obviously not hard enough!!!
Your new house looks great, although I’m sure you were a little reluctant to leave your “small bedroom office” where you made it all happen!
Thanks for all your help – I will certainly be checking out what you have in store for us in 2011.
As always, Jennifer, you are spot on. The thing I have to work on is practicality. I tend to waste lots of time doing things that will not further my business. I’ll have to work on it this year.
I am going to try the article writing software as I do sometimes struggle with writing articles.
PPG to answer your question. Do i have the patience? Yes I have been at this as long as you have. I have followed all the training and where possible bought more. The amount I make is £0.12-£0.16 a day (plus Squid money) if I’m lucky. Even following your courses I have only limited success. Do I like doing it after this time? Hell no. I work huge hours a day for this sum, it is making me ill and am wondering if perhaps I am crazy to continue. I am torn between the get in line philosophy that I will make it and the if your business doesn’t work after 1 year it is a charity so close it down philosophy. Your story and help and success are the only things keeping me going, that and all the people who have told me I am useless in the past. Not positive I know but I am right on a precipice. I wish everyone well who is doing this as I know many have come after me and done really well. Good luck everyone, happy 2011 and beyond.
I love your new home.
It’s good to see someone succeed. Good luck to your 2011 and I sure will follow you.
PS I can’t believe you have snow in Atlanta. It’s in Georgia, right?
Nice “gaff” as we would say here in Dublin Ireland for a house, and a fantastic read of a post.
I like your look of your coming year and will add your inspiration to mine. I am blessed with patience, and thanks to the likes of trusting marketers and great people like you, Marcus and Joel comm have helped and gave me the confidence to earn my first online money in 2010, and look forward to the year to come and to success for all.
Have a great 2011, Stephen.
There’s a sixth ‘P’ word: PotPieGirl.
You have come to be associated with honesty, integrity and all that is real in ‘online earning’. I point people in your direction whenever I can because you always just say it 100 times better than I ever can.
Mostly I send people to your blog posts. They can do what they like after that!
Jen,
It’s good to hear from you again. i hope to hear more from you this year in the form of posts like this on your blog. There were a couple times last year I was ready to take myself off of your email list because it was way too much. I know you are picky about your recommendations which is why you are one of only 2 or 3 lists I am still subscribed to.
I’m glad to hear about your plans for 2011, may you have a lot more success.
Sincerely,
Brenda
To Fay who posted above, please contact me. i’m not an expert, but I’d like to help you out and in turn, you could help me out as well.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Brenda
Loved your “Let Me Count the Ways” series! I know that by educating myself, applying effort and a positive outlook I can make it online. BTW, being an Ohio resident, I CAN see where your driveway is! Beautiful home.
This is an excellent post, as usual. You are an inspiration to me and I have everything in my arsenal (to my knowledge) that you have done. By continuing to follow your work and programs I also continue to learn new ‘secrets’ as others would call them. Basically though these “secrets” are plain common sense well thought through. In this post you have shared some more good common sense. By looking back I realize that I simply have not had the patience to follow through on my projects. I have gotten stuck then while trying to figure things out been distracted by something else that completely sidelined me. Well, my projects are still there waiting for me to return and patiently work through them. Thanks for another excellent post.
Wow! You really have had quite the year! It is great to hear and see all of your accomplishments and inspiration to us all. I love this formula! I think it is great that we can add more P’s to it too!
Beautiful new home! Congrats on it all! =)
Thanks Jennifer for your inspiration. I am a newbie struggling and I keep coming to your site to get more information and stay motivated.
I think this is a great formula for the new year. The 5 P’s are a great way to start slow and prioritize.
Love your P equation! Seems very simple and helpful. I’ll also be applying this to 2011 and see how it works out.
Well said Jen. we all have to motivate each other, and you motivate better than most. I hope 11 is a great year for you and your readers.
Hi Jennifer,
First, I’d like to wish you and your family a healthy and prosperious 2011. Really love your new home, even with all the snow. Makes for a great Christmas card for this next Christmas.
You definitely have the right perspective for this business.
As for being practical, I think you are, even though you may not think so.
Passion, I feel, is what one feels for what they are doing and how they go about doing it. I think you are doing what you truly enjoy.
Patience is the one area where we all seem to falter at times. I truly hope that you and I have the patience this year to make the greatest strides in our businesses. I know I am really going to try my best to get mine off the ground and start helping others do the same.
Thanks for all you have done and will do in the future. Have a great day.
Bud Corwin
bud85296@yahoo.com
A very happy and prosperous new year to all of you!!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I like your P+P+P+P=P formula and wish this year will be P for all of us.I am also thankful to you for sharing link of article writing software.I need it .Thanks.
Your new home is beautiful!
I can’t help but think of that show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and if you live near them or have seen them.
It can be an obnoxious, trainwreck of a show, but also quite entertaining.
Great post as usual, long time reader, first time commenting 🙂 2011 will be a great year!
Passion and Patience is required but difficult to adopt in yourself.
Though there will be a little bits of change here and there but the basics will remain the same.
Good post as always Jen. It makes me feel better knowing that it sometimes takes you hours to figure out one little thing also. That can be so ding dang frustrating…… (I’m from Alabama)
Scott:)
Great Post Jen! You’re an inspiration Your new house looks fantastic.
….P^6
your article its great, nice article….. thanks you…
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
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