How I’m Quitting Internet Marketing – And How To Tell A Lot About Yourself

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WARNING: If you did not yet do this exercise, please do it NOW.

If you read this post before doing the exercise, you’ll lose all benefit of it. It only takes 5 minutes and can give you tremendous insight – so please go do it NOW!

Keep reading ONLY IF YOU’VE DONE THE EXERCISE

Okay, so as I mentioned, Eben mentioned that Joe Polish taught him this exercise, and it’s supposed to reveal your life purpose.

The top 3 things are things you need to accept and develop, and the bottom 3 are your shadows – things that exist in yourself but you don’t yet want to recognize.

If you write “liar” for example, remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lying to others (though that could be true) – it could also mean you lie to yourself.

Here Were My Results:

The 3 people I admired were:

Mother Teresa – unwavering faith, dedication to goal

Albert Einstein – open-mindedness and intelligence

Piperlyne (my mentor) – not accepting fear, being OK in the face of anything

I thought and thought and could only come up with 2 people I didn’t like:

A popular “guru” that I’ll leave nameless – scammy, willing to do anything for money, doesn’t care about people

A copywriting client I once worked with  – unnecessarily aggressive, liar

After I Saw My “Shadows”, I Had To Do A Double Take.

I thought, “I care about people! How could that make sense?”

Then it hit me. Hard.

I’ve been telling people I want to get out of internet marketing for years now. Being totally transparent, the whole “make-money” market kind of disgusts me most of the time.

My pattern has been that I’ll want to get out, think of a new idea that can make a good amount of money and “help people”, and convince myself that if I’m helping people, it’s OK.

Don’t get me wrong here – I believe in the products I put out, knew they worked, etc… but still – those products are NOT my greatest gift to the world. At all.

After doing the exercise I realized that putting out 99% of my make-money products is not coming from my heart. A factor is helping people, yes, but there’s also the factor of wanting instant money without having to do that much work. It’s amazing how so many people just automatically buy products without even thinking about it, and it’s beyond easy to make 5-6 figures with a good information product.

Then I started thinking…

How Can I Feel Good In A Market That Disgusts Me So Much?

My first thought was, “I know I can still help people with some of my products.  How can I do it from a heart-centered place? Or do I even WANT to?”

The first thing I thought of was to do more webinars and teleseminars so I could follow up with people to ensure their success. After thinking about that though, I realized I really don’t want to tie myself down to any weekly commitments.

Then I started thinking… why do I make products in the make-money niche?

I had a few answers:

  • Good money
  • Helping people
  • I love when people tell me they quit their jobs

And I asked, why do I hate the make-money niche?

  • Feels sleazy often
  • Many people hand me money they need in order to get something they’ll never use
  • I would hate if someone I just met were to Google me and see long-form sales letters that just scream of “Scam” (even though they’re not.)
  • Making money is important when you’re in survival mode, sure… but it’s not that big of a deal once you’re “comfortable”. There are a lot more important (in my mind) things that could be done to help the world – such as having people do nice things for others, inspiring people to push themselves, and really pushing their SPIRIT.

I also realized I usually put out the make-money products when I’m in survival mode (bank account getting low, want to pay for something, whatever). Sure, I could do the offline tactics that I teach, and they work – but internet marketing is pushbutton. Put out a product, put a price tag on it, send it to the list, and bam – tons of instant money.

Again I want to be clear here that I NEVER put out crap and really worked hard to ensure quality – but still – the point is, it wasn’t coming from a super-heart-centered place, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise.

So if I ever do internet marketing again…

Here’s My Commitment To You:

I don’t even know if I will make a “make-money” product ever again.

If I do, though, it will be different.

Every product I have will have an application process with a few questions people need to answer in order to get the product. I feel this step alone will knock off 50% of people who just buy on autopilot without even thinking about what they’re doing.

If my assistant and I approve the application, I will give access to the product for free and then the customer will pay what they feel it’s worth.

If they pay nothing, it means they never went through the product. That bans them for life on all my other products.

I may also allow people to do nice things for other people as payment.

This makes me a lot happier to do internet marketing products, *IF* I ever do them, because I work with only qualified people and will only hear from those who are actually going to do something with the information I teach.

I want to mention 2 things with this:

1. Nobody has this model yet. I may continue to recommend other people’s products that ask for a set price, and they will only be products I have used and 100% believe in. I will find these ON MY OWN, so marketers… please don’t send me joint venture requests any more.

2. I have already committed to an event series with several marketers to give in-person conferences. I will continue to do that, and those conferences will have a set price. I am continuing to do this because:

a) I already committed to it
b) The price is very inexpensive compared to the value
c) I will speak about outsourcing, which is something that I could believe in, since I know outsourcing gives people the power to live a more fun-filled life. It’s just not just about make-money rubbish.

I am also not sure if I plan on changing my old products out or not. As I think about it I will continue to keep the old prices up. Most of them are with partners and I don’t want to shove this down other people’s throats.

That being said, I don’t think I’ll be doing a lot of marketing any more. It’s just not that stellar to me.

My True Goal Is This:

I want to get 5,000 people (short-term) to post on my blog with something nice they did for the world.

THAT is something that gets me jazzed and pumped. It comes from my heart and aligns with the exercise.

For the next few weeks I need to focus full time on a specific short term goal I have, and when I’m done, I’ll be doing a ton of work on this blog.

I want to get it redesigned and have it tracking people who do nice things. There will be prize giveaways and other awesome motivations, and I’m super-excited to get those rolling out.

I feel it’s high-time I started doing what my heart and spirit want again, and NOT what my bank account feels good about.

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0 thoughts on “How I’m Quitting Internet Marketing – And How To Tell A Lot About Yourself”

  1. Hi Rachel,

    Ahhh, it’s so refreshing to read a post that’s so transparent and open with their feelings.

    I’ve gone through some of the same thoughts and feelings as you.

    That’s one of the reasons that I don’t sell products to the IM niche and I’ve avoided doing so for the last 10 years.

    But some of the most caring, compassionate, driven, nice, competitive, smartest, heart-entered people I know sell to the IM niche.

    Believe it or not, there is some truth to what Lorance is saying.

    Sometimes we need to get over our own inner demons to help a lot of people.

    _______________________________________

    An Exercise that Changed My Thinking
    _______________________________________

    I am one of the leaders in SendOutCards.com.

    One time I was at a leadership meeting with about 60 people. We all sat in a circle.

    We were asked to take out a $5 bill, $10, $20, and $50 bill.

    We were then asked to write the names of the four people IN THE CIRCLE that had the most impact on our lives.

    We were then asked to hand out the bills to those people according to the level of impact they’ve made on us.

    The results.

    The four people with the most money were the ones that were (1) the highest income earners in the company, (2) had recruited the most people in the company and (3) were the most visible in the company.

    That exercise taught me that the people that make the most impact in the world are the ones that (a) step out of their comfort zone, (2) work very hard to carry their message to the masses, and (c) position themselves as leaders so that people will listen to what they have to say.

    Guys like Russell Brunson, Ryan Lee, Eben Pagen, Mike Filsaime etc… have done just that and that’s why they are the ones that have had the most impact on people’s lives.

    You CAN be the person. You ARE that person. Participating in the IM niche IS okay and you CAN help a ton of people.

    Anyway, those are a few of my thoughts on a Sunday morning.

    Have a wonderful day!

    David Frey

    Reply
    • WOW. That’s a really, really fantastic point, David!

      I actually have started to change my perspective on IM (blog post coming soon) for reasons that you just said. I am just being VERY careful about it.

      Your exercise example was amazing though…. and really drove home a point. Thank you very much for taking the time to post that :)

      Reply
  2. Rachel,

    Congratulations on stepping into your power and setting on the path of your life’s purpose! This year seems to be an awakening for many people. I hope our paths cross in person sometime. I’ve met Jaime before and would love to see what a group of powerful, purposeful women can do together!

    Look forward to hearing more about your journey!

    Rachel Karl
    P.S. Don’t listen to Lorance :)

    Reply
  3. Hi Rachel,

    I liked this exercise, although I must admit I was a little shocked at what the despise category meant. I had listed Hitler because he was a killer but I thought about it and it could apply to another meaning of killer which could be a killer of dreams or ideas because I find myself doing that a lot. I think of a ton of ideas but tend to shoot them down maybe because I don’t believe in myself that much, a lot of stuff that I know I need to overcome.

    I like the fact that you have kept true to yourself and that you are going towards a direction that you feel passionate about. As I mentioned in my other comment I know that there is money to be made in the online world and for now I’m sticking to it but eventually I have a million dollar idea in the spa niche that I am VERY passionate about that I would like to implement as soon as I get the funds. This is what is really going to light my fire! You are awesome either way so keep up the great work!

    Anna

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for all your comments, Anna :)

      I definitely think you have a LOT of potential and am so excited that there’s an idea you’re super-passionate about!

      Is there any way you can start it before you get huge funds? Or at least start taking momentum somehow? It sounds like that would make you super-happy

      Reply
  4. I really enjoyed reading this! I have been trying to volunteer more and be an overall nicer person latelly… One nice thing I did this week was that I volunteered for a day at my local clothesline. It’s not hard, but it still makes a difference in other people’s lives. Can’t wait to read more from you!

    Reply
  5. Wow, I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to think at first, but then the more I read the better it got. Your post has really made me smile today. I hope it inspires people to do something good in this world. I am part of a group in my small town called Pay It Forward. Every Wednesday evening a bunch of us get together, eat, pray and then go out into the community to do something nice for someone in need. Sometimes we paint, sometimes we mow, we have even torn down a few houses. We do all this not expecting anything in return and it has been very rewarding. I think being a part of something like this is why God has always provided somehow for my family since I am currently broke beyond imagination. Thanks again for your article. I really did enjoy reading it.

    Reply
  6. I think this is a wonderful idea and if people want to be repaid with other people’s kindness then it will be worth the effort and attaining your goal of spiritual wellness.

    Reply
  7. Hi Rachel,

    I love your concept. It’s so important to be in integrity in everything we do in life and it seems to me that you’ve figured out a way to do that for yourself.

    I truly believe that business is about relationships and not about money. Money is simply the by-product of building strong and healthy relationships in business.

    Look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much, Olga!

      I am definitely trying – guess it’s all a huge journey, eh?

      I am 100% with you that business is all about relationships. Have you read Celestine Prophecy yet?

      I would LOVE for the world to get to that point, where people exchange value and not money :)

      Thank you so much for the vote of confidence :)

      Reply
  8. P.S. I really love how this DOES serve all types of niches. I think I might do something similar in one of my niches soon, actually, now that I have the idea. :)

    I am right now putting full time focus into selling some of my sites and as soon as that is over, I think the blog idea could be a LOT of fun. The other cool thing is I’d learn a ton if I wrote the content myself versus outsourcing everything (which I usually do). :)

    Reply
  9. Hey Gina! It’s great to hear from you, and thank you so much for taking all the time to post your thoughts out!

    What you outlined sounds really great. I think charging a one-time $14.95 for all those weekly calls is incredibly inexpensive and a VERY “free-line” way (it practically is free!) to serve customers – not to mention all the stuff in the 30 Day Challenge!

    I can definitely see how that would be very, very successful for you.

    You’ve given me a lot of food for thought today and I really appreciate it! I’m going to have to let all of this simmer in so I can make an educated decision :) – thank you very very much again, I really appreciate the perspective!

    With love,
    Rach

    Reply
  10. Hi Rachel:

    AMAZING post!

    I want to suggest that there is one other model that achieves the same objective that you are looking for. Its both the system that I teach and the system that I use in my own business I developed this system based on a number of things:

    a) What Eben Pagan teaches about “moving the free line”
    b) What I learned from Kevin Nations about selling big ticket products
    c) What I know about selling products through affiliates as a result of my many years of being “The JV Queen”, and
    d) What I’ve learned from studying relationship marketing and influence over the last 14 years

    So here’s the model in a “nutshell”…

    You’ll want to use a blog (much like this one), that really SERVES your readers. Your blog becomes both the thing that causes the traffic to happen as well as the place that ALL traffic comes into your world. Your blog then becomes a traffic director for you with each post sending people to a resource that helps them get bigger results, better results, or faster results.

    This assumes that throuh your blog you are helping your prospects and customers to solve their problems. You freely GIVE them the solutions they need right through the posts themselves. But, it’s totally fine to then offer them a resource that can help them get better results in applying the solutions you gave them. This resource can be something you sell instead of just another freebie.

    You’ll want most of your blog posts to refer people to a multi-part free course that’s delivered through a member’s area. This shouldn’t be some hype-filled piece of junk, though. It needs to be a course that most so-called “gurus” would sell. An example is the course that I call the “30-Day IM Challenge” which you’ll find at http://www.30dayimchallenge.com. It contains 16+ lessons that share at a very high level my system for building a business using your profitable passion. If you were to transcribe the lessons and print them out, it contains more than 800+ pages of information — all of it 100% FREE — no catch whatsoever!

    Each and every lesson teaches a different element of my system. At the end of each lesson are both “Action Steps” and “Resources”. If someone really follows every single “Action Step”, they will absolutely start making money in their business! However, applying each “Action Step” can be a bit overwhelming as this 30-day course crams in the same information that I normally teach in my 1 year long mentoring program. Obviously, I can’t go into as much detail in the 30 day course as I can in the 1 year program. So the Resources at the end of each lesson then provide additional help that makes it easier to implement each lesson.

    If you look at building a business as being similar to putting together a jigsaw puzzle, most people coming into the Challenge already have all the pieces of their puzzle spread out on the table in front of them. What they’re missing, though, is the puzzle box containing the picture! If you’ve ever put together a puzzle before, you know just how challenging this can be!

    So, through the 100% free lessons, folks are getting that picture in chunks. One lesson might give them the picture of the upper left corner,the next of the upper middle of the puzzle, etc.

    Even that, though, can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. So, I then offer the one thing that I have to offer that is more valuable than anything else I could give someone — my own personal help! I do this through an upgraded membership called the “GOLD Challenge” for which participants pay a one-time tuition of just $14.95. This gets them weekly teleconferences with me personally where I work one-on-one with people in a group setting helping them to apply what they learned in the lessons. They also get the lessons in pdf format so that they can refer to them whenever they want.

    As people go through the Lessons, if they get stuck, they can get access to the myriad of resources, including the 15+ information products that I’ve created over the years. As a Challenge member, though, they get a discount on all of them!

    AND — anytime someone gets one of the other info products, it comes with a Complimentary Strategy Session that helps them build the strategic plan for their business. I used to do all these calls myself, but I just can’t keep up with it any longer. Now, my husband heads up the Strategy Session Coaching team which consists of him plus a number of graduates from my mentoring program who all use the same system that I teach to build their own businesses.

    If the customer has a positive, abundant mindset and is TRULY serious about getting results in their business, the Strategy Session Team then extends an offer to enroll in what I call the “Directions University Bachelor’s Program”. This is a 1-year long comprehensive program that teaches students the entire system, step-by-step, through recorded lessons delivered every 7 days. The recordings also include flowcarts, action step checklists, and other materials that make implementation easier. Students also get access to a once a week mentoring call with me personally. I will NEVER give up teaching this one call as it would totally change results that students get if it were a coach teaching this.

    There are people who come to Strategy Sessions who for some reason or another are just not a good fit for the program (or should I say that the program is not suited to them?). These people NEVER even har abou the Bachelor’s Program at all! It would make no sense to tell them about it if they wouldn’t receive an invitation to enroll in it.

    I also offer scholarships to students from time to time when the program is the exact solution they need but money is really so tight that they can’t afford the tuition. These scholarships take many different forms, but ordinarily, they don’t have a reduction in the tuition but instead have a unique way for students to cover their tuition. The system takes this into adcount as well and, based on your chosen niche and audience, you then research how you can impelement something similar in your business.

    What really makes this system so incredible is that through your blog, you’re taking your prospects by the hand — people who didn’t even know you existed before getting to your blog through some mechanism — and guiding them through the process of solving their problems one by one. You truly change lives in the end in a way that SERVES people instead of SELLS people!

    The system works in ANY niche, too! If you’re in the golf business, you’re helping your prospects solve problems with their golf game. If you’re in the crocheting niche, you’re helping your prospects solve problems with their crocheting or helping them to solve the other problems in their lives that cause them o become crocheters in the first place (i.e. they really are just looking for a way to fill their time so they take up crocheting — but really, they would be better served if they knew of other ways to more productively fill their time and feel fulfilled in the end). I think you get the bigger picture here.

    As a former intern of mine, I am very grateful for all the help you gave me. So just let me know if you’d like more details about this system as I think it would really help you to achieve your goal of being true to yourself in a way that makes a difference. That’s really why I created this system in the first place — I wanted the same things for myself!

    If I can ever do anything to serve you our your community/students, please let me know as I would be honored to do so!

    To Your Abundant Success!

    Gina Gaudio-Graves
    Dean & Founder, DirectionsU.com

    P.S. Sorry for such a long message but I really wanted to make you see one important thing… By charging your clients for products that are not the solutions to their problems but instead help them to apply the solutions their problems that you already gave them, you ARE serving them! Pretty much EVERY person that I’ve ever “given” something that I normally charge for has absolutely NEVER applied what they learned in that product. This happens for the same reason that less than 10% of all infoproduct buyers ever even download their purchase in the first place! It’s simply that they don’t value the product! Sales letters (by design) help to agitate the problems that your reader has. The mere act of making the purchase makes the person “feel” like the problem has been solved and they therefore never apply what the hproduct they purchased tells them. By accepting payment for that product, you are making sure that the person has a vested interest in getting resuts and that they value what you just shared. If they truly value it, they will definitely take action. In fact, those who really stretch to come up with the money for a product are MUCH more likely to use the product to get a result. Those who can easily afford the product, though, don’t value it in the same way and therefore just don’t apply what the product tells them to do. Keep this in mind when pricing your products so that the price can be both flexible for those who need it AND be high enough to cause people to truly value (and therefore APPLY and USE) the product.

    Reply
  11. Hey Roger,

    Thank you for your comment!

    Those are both super-interesting thoughts that I’m going to take some time to reflect on.

    The Pay It Forward has always really resonated with me and I definitely may incorporate that in some way. I’m not sure how I want to do it with my products, but you’ve certainly given me some food for thought :)

    Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Hi Diane,

    Thank you so much for your comment – it’s always really nice to hear you!

    I completely agree that the “can’t be responsible” is a bit back-doory.

    I really respect and appreciate what you said about us all having a responsibility of what we put out in the world. That’s actually a really good thing to remind myself of if I want to say something in the heat of the moment, you know?

    You’re wonderful Diane :)

    Reply
  13. Hey Ashish,

    Some people who didn’t agree with the methodology realized they were trying to avoid having to think about certain things – maybe consider that?

    Of course it’s entirely possible that this also doesn’t work for you at all – who am I to say, right? :)

    Thank you so much for the comment :)

    Reply
  14. That’s beautiful, Deena! I really love that you’re so in love with your profession. That means a lot to read because you have such a crucial, crucial job, you know?

    Thank you so much for everything you do. :)

    Reply
  15. That’s a HUGE point Robert, and a really good one! :)

    I’m not saying nice things can’t still be done for others of course, but obviously the more in touch you are with yourself, the more your light can shine on others.

    Thanks so much for your perspective :)

    Reply
  16. WOW – those are some REALLY nice things to do. I know how long those business plans can take, and helping out your neighbors… slipping in bills… you’re an incredible person, June!

    I must not have read your comment fully the first time I saw it because now that I’m re-reading it I’m all kinds of energized to do some more nice things! Thank you so much for the inspiration :)

    Reply
  17. Hey Sam!

    Thank you so much for your comment – and for the compliment!

    I definitely agree that things seem a lot easier by focusing on the positive. :) I’m finally now realizing that it’s OK to embrace the negative too, though like you said, the more positive I am, the less “hard” the “negative” stuff is. :)

    Thank you so much for sharing your story too! That is awesome – and what an incredible story of insta-karma! ;)

    Have a wonderful day :)

    Reply
  18. Awww, that’s a beautiful good deed! Thank you so much for sharing it, Sara :)

    I do my best to live in the present, though it’s definitely not always easy :D

    Reply
  19. Aww, thank you so much, Chris! :)

    I guess I just want to use my knowledge for things I 100% believe in from now on, and not stuff I need to justify to myself. :)

    I definitely agree more than ever that perception is reality. I am REALLY getting that now. :D

    And speaking of design, I can’t wait until you see my new blog design!! It is so awesome!

    You’re incredible Chris, and CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN on your wedding! By the time you read this, you might be a husband!! :)

    Reply
  20. Hi BJ :)

    First of all, awesome on the senior center!! Thank you for sharing!! Did you learn a lot working there?

    I’d love to hear something you do today or tomorrow or something too – that would be wonderful!

    hahah – “Need a bath every time I make a few bucks” – I TOTALLY hear you!

    I am trying to appreciate the experience for what it was and not shame myself about having done it so long because you’re right, there’s definitely some value in it :)

    Thank you very much for your comment :)

    Reply
  21. Hi Matt,

    I really appreciate your taking the time to write a comment. :)

    I think reviewing products could be super-helpful, and you could of course make affiliate commissions on that too. I had considered doing that but then thought I didn’t want to have to sift through so much information – especially if some of it was crap ;)

    I was also thinking of hiring people to implement the instructions in every product and then telling people exactly how much we made from each product – maybe later on or something, who knows. :)

    I find what you said about Mayahana Bhuddism very very interesting! I just studied the eneagram which put me at a 2, which means I’m a person always making other people happy (except I do it to achieve acceptance and not 100% out of love). I am looking forward to the point when everything I do is always for the sake of doing it and not for anything else. :)

    I think meditating on the shadow self is pretty smart too. I will have to do that, and instead of trying to eliminate the shadows, I’ll invite them in and see what they serve for me. One of the things they said at the event was that “that which you need to do is what you fear the most”, and it REALLY resonated with me. :)

    Wow – working at your personal emotional expense – does that take a toll energetically on you or is it more fulfilling than anything else?

    Thank you again for the comment, I REALLY appreciate it :)

    Reply
  22. Hi John,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to post a comment!

    I love that you took care of your grandmother even though she may have been difficult to deal with. Those are usually the people with which the best lessons come, eh? I’d love to hear any insights you got from that. :)

    Reply
  23. Hi Jonathan,

    Thanks so much for your comment!!

    Crystal healing – fascinating!! I checked out your site and some of your stones are BEAUTIFUL!!

    Where do you find them? Do you order them from somewhere else, are they yours, or…? I’ve always been fascinated by that.

    Your home (if that’s where you keep the crystals) must feel amazing.

    Good for you for your amazing act of kindness, too!! Thank you for sharing that with me. That was a really wonderful thing for you to do. I am so excited to get this plugin going so we can start automatically tracking everyone! :)

    Have an amazing day and thank you again :)

    Reply
  24. Stewart,

    WOW. That story was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it. I actually FELT the energy from the cup as you described it, so I don’t think you’re nuts at all. :)

    All the other nice things you’re doing are so incredible too!!! I will count yours and can’t wait until I get the plugin completed that automatically counts :)

    I so appreciate you leaving a comment. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  25. Interesting point about letting them vigorously defend why they wouldn’t like it!

    That would definitely be a challenge to my ego, hahaha – I kind of like it!

    You’re right anyway, I think 99% of the inappropriate buyers will be weeded out with a quickness :)

    As for a potential rabid highly focused customer base – that would mean there are a bunch of people in alignment with how I think and that would be awesome!!! :)

    Thank you so much for the comment :)

    Reply
  26. YES!!! Such a good point. I find myself reminding myself of that a lot – especially when saying “I want” (just attracts more wanting!), or “I should”. I will double check on “I don’t knows” too :)

    Thanks for the reminder :)

    Reply
  27. Woohoo!! #3 nice thing now!! Can’t wait to get my tracking system developed!!

    Thank you very much for your comment and for the inspiration!

    Reply
  28. Thank you! I like the fact that I can know for a fact I’m helping people this way, you know?

    I appreciate the comment!

    Reply
  29. :D

    I adore you Jamie.

    I really do hope this may start a trend and people start to catch on but it’s highly unlikely.

    The amount of people who buy things and never do anything with it is extremely high, so selling products with no accountability is extremely lucrative.

    To do a ‘pay what’s worth’ basis could slash profits bigtime, you know?

    Also, IMers really can reason that it’s not their problem to hold people accountable – and they’d be totally right.

    For an IMer with money as their main concern, I could see them staying away bigtime from this. :)

    Reply
  30. Wow, Bonnie! Thank you so much!

    Your corporate job sounds crazy-awful! I guess you quit and are living off savings now?

    I can only imagine what you’ve had to hear about/deal with. My small taste of retail management left me pretty disgusted, and if you did it for 15 years – oy oy oy!

    I would imagine IM is pretty tame compared to what you’re talking about. I guess I want to go to an even more tame version :D

    That being said, I do think IM can be awesome in a contextual basis – it’s more the sales letter, make-money type thing that I’m shying away from.

    Thank you so much for your comment and for letting me know where you found me. That’s awesome!! I adore Tim and his blog!

    Reply
  31. :) Thank you so much, Robin!

    And I completely forgot about that guy! I read about him ages ago. I think the ‘choose what you pay’ model can be really brilliant in a lot of niches.

    I actually did start something with Maruxa Murphy at http://www.ChooseThePay.com and that has been slightly disappointing, but I think it’s the I.M. niche – a lot of people in the niche seem to feel a bit more entitled than with other niches (and I say that in the nicest way possible)

    I guess we’ll see! :)

    Reply
  32. Thank you so much for your courage in posting this, Lillea! I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate it and how amazing it was to read.

    First of all, thank you for being so vulnerable and open. It’s so inspiring to know there are other people that feel the same way, you know?

    It would be incredible to see IM change for the better :)

    I have complete faith that you’re going to find something that you feel very drawn to – sooner than you think maybe. :)

    I so love hearing that my blog resonates with you too. Confirmations like yours are just so helpful for me and really keep me going.

    I’m planning on making a lot more posts shortly – just waiting on my tech guys to restore all comments before I have to go through a headache again. :)

    Man. Thank you again. I really can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you taking the time to write. :)

    With lots of love,
    Rach

    P.S. Thank you also on the dress! That particular one makes me very, very happy :)

    Reply
  33. LOL!

    I don’t know which part to respond to first, so I’ll just say thank you for the analysis… and for the laughs.

    :)

    Reply
  34. You’re already ridiculously incredible, Jill, so learning anything else is just going to radiate you even more.

    It’s actually an awesome opportunity, not depressing, eh? ;)

    P.S. You’re seriously one of my favorite people in the world. :)

    Reply
  35. Hey Tom! :) Thank you so much for the nice words :)

    It’s definitely risky but Mother Teresa is one of my top people, and she had unwavering faith. If I am to “accept and develop” what I admire out of others, I’ve got to do it myself, right? :)

    I will definitely post my progress and let everyone know!

    Haha – cute titles :)

    Thank you so much for the admire list add, too ;)

    I’ve also got to ask – was BM for Brian? =)

    *hugs*

    Reply
  36. :) :) :) I think this time is changed for me because I’m putting it out there in the world and have something I believe in so much more, you know?

    Thank you so much for the kind words about it :)

    I definitely want to come back to Florida sometime soon – but AFTER humidity season!! ;)

    *hugs*

    Reply
  37. Jonas you are AWESOME!

    How have you been??? I was thinking about you too lately!

    Are you coming to the states again any time soon?

    I’m really glad you liked the exercise. :)

    And thank you for participating in the do a nice thing – that is SUPERB!!! =)

    Reply
    • i’m doing great :-)

      i’m definately coming back to the states, but i dont know when…
      i’ll let you know

      have a beautiful summer :-)

      Reply
  38. Hey Mona! :)

    I’m not sure if you saw this paragraph, but I’ll paste in case:

    The top 3 things are things you need to accept and develop, and the bottom 3 are your shadows – things that exist in yourself but you don’t yet want to recognize.

    If you write “liar” for example, remember that it doesn’t mean you’re lying to others (though that could be true) – it could also mean you lie to yourself.

    … so basically, you would look at your attributes and realize what your shadows are.

    This is just an awesome way to look and see stuff you may have been hiding to work on it and become an even fuller person :)

    Reply
  39. Awww, that’s awesome! Thank you so much Melody for being the FIRST person to respond!!

    I am so looking forward to getting that mission completed in a big way!!

    Reply
  40. Thank you so much Feldo :)

    I was just thinking about you and wondering how you’re doing! It’s so great to hear from you!

    I also REALLY appreciate the kind words. This blog is really important to me and any affirmation just fuels me even more :)

    Reply
  41. Hi Rachel,

    I came to your blog for the first time, and found this posting. Wow, very inspiring. As you were explaining your plan, I thought of a slight different model.

    Take all your existing products, and release them all for free, with one condition. That the receiver will do something for others (sort of a pay-it-forward thing).

    For those people who buys stuff and never use them, it will just be on their hard drives. For those who are “slow,” they will use the tools one day. For those who want it, need it, and do it, they will be helped.

    In the meantime, you use your “pre-approval” tactic and instead of “selling” internet marketing to approved customers, you make them “partners” for a percentage of increased business. You can set your requirements (including a percentage of profits toward charity for example). Then you can pick your clients.

    Just a thought. Takes for inspiring. I, too, will think through my own business model.

    Reply
  42. I had that same realization in 2008 – that the IM world was all about selling stuff that I knew 95% of people wouldn’t use and I was told I can’t be responsible for people not using it but always felt that was a back door – a way out.

    I focus now on building an online presence, an online business – something that takes time to build and will provide you with ongoing income but people don’t want to hear the “take time to build” part.
    So I go small and exclusive – help few but still make enough to live on and hope that eventually people will catch on that this is the best way to go.

    We all have a responsible to be mindful of what we put out in the world whether we want to accept that or not.

    I love the honesty Rachel thanks for sharing.
    Diane

    Reply
  43. I did the exercise and saw the results, and have to say that I do not concur with the evaluation methodology… maybe its just my view.

    But I am happy to have read your commitment – it truly has a reason for everyone to think on the purpose of their lives – though I would say that only those ‘well settled’ will be motivated.

    Thanks for the seeds.

    -Ashish

    Reply
  44. I think the most beneficial thing I do for others is to overcome myself. The things that prevent me from loving more. Both myself and others.

    Robert

    Reply
  45. This post reminds me of why I got into my current occupation, which is teaching. While I do know a couple of people who make a lot of money in more business-related fields (though not internet marketing), and while I have envied them since my job does not really afford me much room for economic advancement, I’m guessing those people don’t get the immediate and daily opportunities to directly affect someone that I have.

    So, something I have done to help improve things in my little neck of the woods? Giving positive attention to people who are starving for it, participating in food drives, Christmas gift collections, even just staying late to help a struggling student?

    Thank you for reminding me that I would not like to do anything else, because believe me, I often forget.

    Reply
  46. Just gave someone that isn’t a subscriber,or a client, who needed help, a specific business plan for his niche with a huge list of keywords and free videos to help him implement the plan.

    Fixed 3 neighbors computers for free.

    Gave some other neighbors plants for their window sills.

    Slipped a bill into another neighbors purse without her knowing to help with an unexpected expense.

    Walked another neighbors dogs.

    Reply
  47. Hi Rachel,

    Thanks for this and to all who took their time to make their presence known.

    Maybe because of my age and perhaps my life experiences, I only read your 1st three because they were very interesting and mature:

    “The 3 people I admired were:

    Mother Teresa – unwavering faith, dedication to goal

    Albert Einstein – open-mindedness and intelligence

    Piperlyne (my mentor) – not accepting fear, being OK in the face of anything.”

    I believe that by giving the positive things and people in our life, our pure energy, thoughts and our precious time, the negative aspects to ourselves will diminish over time. Certainly has been my experience. I worry and fuss less and let life unfold naturally more than when I was younger. I avoid people I dislike or completely eliminate them from my life. I can and I do it often :-).

    Doing a nice thing ? I sure try !:

    I told the lady waiting in line behind me at lunch the other day to go in front of me as she was on her lunch break and I had lots of free time. We ended up having a nice conversation and just 15 minutes later I won a $50 prize for simply “showing up” at that
    cafe. Karma is not a bitch :-)

    Reply
  48. Short term goals are a thing of the past once you get out of high school it seems! It is a shame really. We need to look forward to the future.

    I asked an elderly friend on a very limited budget this week what he missed most about not having a better grocery budget. He said a jar of honey. So our good deed for the day was to sneak a honey bear jar of honey into his cupboards. He will be surprised in the morning!

    Reply
  49. Hey Rachel,

    My first reaction was “GOOD!” then I thought, “hmmm, she’s right, she should have done this a long time ago.”

    You’re amazing at so many things and can offer so much insight, passion, and overall help to lots of people. Rather than “quit” internet marketing.

    It comes down to channeling your energies using internet marketing principles. Discover a new passion, find what really drives you, and GO FOR IT!

    Perception is reality.

    Good design = Good quality.

    Invest in good designers. If you know Vishen and mind valley, they are amazing marketers with an amazing group of designers.

    Have fun, live life, and go after your dreams.

    Whatever you do Rachel… you’ll be amazing.

    The waters fine :)

    Just GO FOR IT!

    with love,
    Chris

    Reply
  50. Wow, you crystallized a few things for me.

    Re what I’ve done in the past, I used to volunteer at a senior center, did a newsletter for them and I’d hang out there one day a week helping dish out lunch. Just interacting in general.

    Re what you’ve made me think about– yes, the IM niche can be slimy, unfortunately. I’ve learned a lot about how to approach the web in general by reading the IM stuff, but I’m going to use that knowledge in another way entirely, I think. One where I won’t feel like I need a bath every time I make a few bucks. ;-) I’ve got the beginnings of a way to do it, got a few things started, now I just have to start working it.

    Reply
  51. Rachel

    Very interesting to read your thoughts and how they mesh with my own feelings and aspirations.

    I am a moderately successful Niche marketer and a pretty damn good virtual real estate trader so am not involved particularly in the Make Money Niche, however for over 10 years i have been a customer in that market that is full of snake oil salesmen. That is what has driven me to my latest project which is a free service reviewing IM products, I mean actually reviewing after buying them and breaking them down so people who visit may still buy crap products, but at least they will have been told how crap they are. Obviously it works positively too for decent products. There will be no charge for this but i do hope that those that benefit from it will contribute to its growth by providing reviews of products to help others. Anyway i digress.

    I study Bhuddism for my spiritual well being and if you are familiar with it you will know that Mayahana Bhuddists subscribe to the notion that the path to personal happiness lies in making everyone else happy (thats over simplified, but may help explain my motivations). I truly want to help people realise their dreams online but i do not have the ability or the will to create a product about what i do, plus the fact that its nothing new! So i thought that this would be a good way to do it.

    I am happy and delighted for you that you are aiming to satisfy your needs by satisfying your spiritual self. I wish you the very best of luck with it and will certainly follow your results with interest, I may also try to leverage your popularity soon when i launch to get the word out.

    As someone who meditates regularly i often focus on my ‘shadow self’ in order to defeat it and be my true self – the exercise you suggest is a great way to identify your bad points which can help you target them and make it so they do not stop you from achieving your goals.

    I try to carry out a random act of kindness every day and i also work in educating disaffected kids so my days are filled with doing good deeds at my own personal emotional expense – i love it!

    Keep up the goods stuff – i look forward to developments

    Matt

    Reply
  52. Rachel:

    An amazing journey, thank you. I made a difference by caring for my grandmother. She lived with me for 7 years prior to her passing. No one else would do it becasue she was so cantankerous. But amazingly we enjoyed our time, even when it was difficult.

    As for the guru you spoke of, I may have worked for him. I value the training I recieved it altered my life forever, but am with you in the ” doing it right, and for the right reasons shift”

    Namaste,

    John

    Reply
  53. Hi Rachel,

    Great blog post. I must admit I too rarely involve myself with the Make Money niche anymore as I feel it is full of people touting products they know nothing about. Its the same old strategies, written in different ways. I am bored of it (and I have only been online for 2 yrs!!!)
    I have moved into the Crystal Healing niche and also local business marketing where I can make a difference. My ambition is to get a letter from a business saying that it was my help that saved their business.

    As for doing something good for the world. I have recently become Secretary for a local childrens charity and built them a FREE website giving them access to some PLR products to sell which will give them much needed funds. The website will also form a focal point for the parents for support and advice.

    I look forward to hearing more from you

    Regards

    Jonathan Lake

    Reply
  54. Hi Rachael,

    Love your new direction. All the best with it… My good deed for today.

    Upon my return from the Supplementary school I run for local kids (part of my job), I spotted a man fixing a broken down car at the bottom of my road. It’s really hot today by UK standards.

    Anyway, I firstly walked by, but a voice inside of me started screaming, do the right thing! For once i listened, turned around, walked towards the car and said hello to what were at that point, just a pair of outstretched legs peeking out from under the car.

    He was an elderly, West Indian gentleman, around mid sixties. We spoke for a while. my intentions were to offer him a cold drink. Turned out he knew my mother from way back when.

    I could see the shock in his face when I offered him a cool drink. I went in, brought him out a nice cool one and a banana and asked him to simply leave the glass at my door, because i’d be out shopping by the time he was finished.

    You know Rache, the funny thing was, upon my return home, there was this lonely glass on my doorstep, but it was much more than a glass. I could feel his gratitude, his energy when I picked up the glass may sound nuts to some, but that’s my experience.

    I knew I that small gesture had made a difference and it felt great. I’m welling up just thinking about it again.

    Anyway, thanks again. Everything happens for a reason, we are all connected, go with the flow.

    Peace!

    Stewart

    Other nice things I’m doing:

    http://alittlegratitude.com is a gratitude blog where visitors write gratitude comments about what they are grateful for. I’ve had many people thank me for inspiring tem to stop and think for a moment about how fortunate they are. I also use the poem in schools as part of one of the trainings I deliver. It makes children think about what they should be grateful for and how fortunate they are in comparison to other children in poorer countries.

    http://www.friendsoffreshandgreen.com is site I built and charged nothing for the design because I believe so much in their objectives.

    Same goes for http://www.fightpink.org (accept for the header). The owner has become a great friend of mine even though she’s in the USA and I’m in the UK (thanks to skype)

    Reply
  55. Rachel, that’s a *really* interesting business model… pre-approving your clients, having them place a value on the product (which should reflect how the product benefited them personally or their business directly), etc. For those who can’t find a value in the product, they ought to at least have the opportunity to vigorously defend why they feel that way (why the product has no value for them), but your screening process probably will eliminate inappropriate buyers 99% of the time. This will lead to a rabid, highly focused customer base — not a bad byproduct… ;) Very, very intriguing.

    Reply
  56. I have centered in my mind and heart on living in gratitude and I have been speaking about miracle consciousness directly to those who I know and on my social network profiles…

    Your words, like the words God used to create the universe, are filled with the power to change your life and others.

    Understand when you do not truly “Know” what you are saying, your words lack the power of conscious creation. However, Like Abraham of biblical times…

    When you KNOW what you are saying, and you KNOW your words are meant to create truth, you speak differently and carefully.

    :)

    Reply
  57. Very inspiring article and i love the idea to get 5000 people to post on your blog what they did to the world. I support this idea and wish you good luck. I’m actually interested with internet marketing and this article will suggest me something from your point of view.

    Reply
  58. This kind of introspection is really required by each one of us. Its’ great.
    As far as what I have done nice for people…just a few days back, I convinced a teenager girl to look towards her life, which she hated, from a different point of view and it clicked.she is “living life” now. I know that was more for a person then for people, but then, I think its’ good! :)
    Wish this blog tracks me as well…
    my best wishes are with you.

    Reply
  59. Great! You have a passion on your article. To get 5,000 people to post on your blog with something nice they did for the world, it’s easy. Everyone will got your passion too after read this.

    For me…I want improve my knowledge on internet marketing so I can work at home. It’s my dream.

    Reply
  60. i think your idea is really good one.your idea help those people who have been suffered in many way for money problem and it also make you feel self satisfaction.the interaction of people and you cause a lovely relationship between you and the people.

    Reply
  61. Excellent and highly motivational blog post. I escaped corporate america recently after 15 years in human resources in an industry known for extreme burn out, moral comprimise, and, one in which 90% of management takes prozac in order to function. Really. I found you through Tim Ferriss’s site, you had posted on one of his blogs. I have been reading your blog since I found you and LOVE it. I hope to have a successful internet marketing thing going soon – I don’t wish to go back to selling my soul on a daily basis!

    So my comment about this post is…I really don’t find the internet marketing thing all that sleazy, especially when you think of many ethics that are thrown out the window by a lot of workers who make their earnings from corporate america. The stories I could tell about the inner-workings of the corporate world and what people do to become “successful” in their jobs…now those would be some sleazy stories.

    Reply
  62. I love the idea and yes, the internet marketing side of things CAN be on the sleazy side which is why I shudder any time I come across a sales page.

    There are phenomenal products, services and PEOPLE that are genuine, offer great value and actually help make the lives of others easier.

    Unfortunately there are also scammers that care only about the almighty dollar and treat clients as fodder to be used for grabbing money. This kind of leech mentality sucks.

    Giving people the chance to let you know how important something is to them is a great idea and this type of approach of donation or % of profits so that you receive payment only if your product or service actually helps someone is brilliant.

    It is something that I try and use myself where possible :)

    Reply
  63. Wow, I’m impressed Rachel. I once heard of a restaurant doing this…..allowing his patrons to pay what they thought the meal was worth. He had a waiting line out the door regularly and his profits increased exponentially.

    I think you are on to something big here.

    All the best,

    Robin

    Reply
  64. Thank you Rachel. :) I look forward to reading your posts and seeing what unfolds.

    And guess what? I just sent a message to an IMer I really like with a niche idea that excites me, so I think you’re right about me finding something that fits me sooner than I thought!

    Writing here today helped me to express emotions that have been weighing me down. Thank you for posting what you did about how you feel and where you want to go next. It’s fantastic. :)

    Reply
  65. Wow Rachel. This is the most amazing thing.

    I found this post as I was looking for a way to write to you. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation at the 1 k a Day Seminar (I have the recordings) – how much I appreciated how open you were about what happened with your outsourcing business AND how much I liked the dress you wore! :) Although I can be shy to give compliments about appearance, I really wanted to tell you that.
    The dress conveyed something about you that is beyond words, really. Something beautiful was being expressed in how you carried yourself, the pattern on your dress, etc.

    Boy, I don’t normally say things like this on blogs, so I hope I’m not coming across strangely. :)

    What you wrote here, how you feel about the IM niche, is how I feel. Although I’ve met some great ethical people in IM but it really doesn’t speak to me personally. Like you, I really like to help people but only if it’s truly helpful and I can feel good about that (just making money does not make me feel good). Your idea to screen customers – that’s excellent. That is EXACTLY what I think should be done in IM!

    I recently branched out and did stuff in the health niche (I’ve been gluten free for about 6 yrs so I can help people with that). That’s a better fit, but I’m still searching for something that will give me a good income AND I feel content with. Anything less and I will feel sick and not sleep well.

    I can relate so well to many of the things that you write about yourself on this blog. My desire to write to you, to just give you a compliment, leading me to find this post – it’s actually making me cry. It’s a good kind of crying because sometimes I lose faith that there are enough truly ethical people in IM, and here you are talking about that in ways that I can relate to.

    I’ve written a lot here, and it’s public, which is a bit scary for me, but I wanted to say this and hope it comes across okay.

    Thank you. :)

    Reply
  66. listen carefully, you have low esteem right now, you want validation, you have anxiety, you are feeling guilty because you haven’t succeeded as you imagined in internet marketing. what the exercise wanted to tell you it’s in fact what I just said, and I just want to help you because I find you attractive for an internet marketer with the plan in mind to get your email and talk internet marketing interesting things with you. you see? I am being honest, why not you be honest to with yourself, the biggest and most damaging lie it’s when you lie to yourself, don’t be ashamed of who you are because your psyche will act with low self esteem in effect. that being said, you know my email if you to talk about it :P marketing hottie

    Reply
  67. Rachel, your power, devotion and heart just SHINE in this post! Congrats for coming to your life’s purpose. I can’t wait to see how you rock the world with your new drive and mission.

    Of course let me know if I can help you with the blog overhaul when you begin it. As you know I just overhauled mine!

    Reply
  68. Very exciting, Rachel. Very scary, too, and risky.

    Please be sure to post on your progress because I think that lots of other IMers want the same but don’t know how to do it.

    How about IH — Internet Helpers — or IE — Internet Enablers (wonder if Microsoft has a trademark on IE?)?

    And if I may add a fourth name to my “admire” list…

    RR — Courageous, gutsy, different, thinks for herself.

    –Tom

    Reply
  69. What a wonderful exercise! And I expect nothing less from such a beautiful caring spirit! I love this and love that you put it out there.

    We have talked about these kinds of things almost 7 months ago…so I hope we “both” follow through with being authentic and heartfelt driven. ;-)

    Thank you for making me remember that and get “re focused”! We should chat soon…since I cannot EVER GET YOU AND JAIME TO COME TO FLORIDA!!!! (I accept loving boyfriends in the Mel-Hotel~!) LOL Miss you!

    Reply
  70. incredibly inspiring :-)
    wonderful move
    Good luck <3

    and the excercise is gold
    the shadow self is always a challenge, always.
    good to be reminded of, hard to admit

    ps: i`ll participate in the do a nice thing thingy

    Reply
  71. Great stuff, Rachel. Love your thought process. Not quite sure what’s suggested for me to do with the list of admires/despises that I came up with. Am I missing another post?

    Reply
  72. Rachel love the heart and the intention. You always amaze me with the amount of passion you have for a better world and doing what you can to give back value to the people and not worry so much about the money.

    That’s something I always admire about and can take a lesson or two.

    Looking forward to any new products that comes from you after this post.

    Reply
  73. Hi Rachel,

    Is this where we post something nice we did for the world? I volunteered for hospice. One of the best things I’ve ever done, and I really need to go back. (No, it’s not depressing…quite the opposite.)

    Reply
    • I tend to think of something nice to do atleast a few times a week, for others.

      My Dad was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer 1 year ago and instead of being sad and just moping around dreading the time that he is going to be sick; etc, I volunteered with the cancer society to sell t-shirts and feed people, took money up for cancer research.

      Reply
    • Hello Rachel,
      First off I want to tell you that your blog is quite different than the other blogs I have read in the past. I am thinking now of any good that I have done in the world. I am no Mother Theresa, but I am an excellent mother in my opinion. Everyday, I am a mother to my 20 month-old son, and I think this is the best job I could ever have. I feel like I am doing good for myself, my family, and my son and possibly the world, by providing the right teaching skills that I have invested in my son. He already knows how to read, and this is a major accomplishment that I have put forward to his development. Maybe I should teach reading to other toddlers. Wouldn’t you think this will provide good to the World? There is no greater gift than teaching the gift of reading and love through books. Good Luck on your goals and I hope you achieve more GOOD in the world! God Bless You!

      Reply

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