Cause And Effect:

I'm sure you have heard many times about "Cause and Effect", but most people have never really examined how cause and effect works in their life.  It's easy to blame "bad luck" when things go poorly for us, but what I have found in my life is there is always a cause behind the outcome.   In most cases, my cause has been trying to find short cuts to financial success.  

The Root Causes Of My Failures:

1. Taking too much risk in search of a "Big Payoff".
   
2. Allowing greed to overpower good judgement.
   
3. Choosing opportunities based on immediate earning
   potential, instead of doing something I enjoyed.
   
4. Procrastinating because I didn't like what I was doing.
   
5. Sitting back and waiting for something good to happen.

The way I overcame the first two items was by driving myself to the brink of bankruptcy.  Only once my back was against the wall, did I stop taking unwise risks.  Greed and the desire for instant gratification is the cause of most people's failures.

The last 3 items are all inter-related.  If you choose to pursue something simply because of the potential to earn money, you will not be properly motivated.  You will sit around and procrastinate because you are not passoinate about sharing the product or service with others.

Do You Feel You Have Bad Luck In Business Or Investing?  

Many people feel they have bad luck, but it's most likely that you are simply not making the best choices.  If you are struggling to succeed, you are most likely under stress.  While under stress, it's very difficult to make good quality decisions.  We tend to gravitate toward things that appear to have a quick payoff or where we appear to be "in the right place at the right time".

In the right place at the right time......  that phrase has cost me more money than any other.  It's true that if you are in the right industry or company during a period of tremendous growth you can reap rewards that are above average.  But only if you have an edge or are truly passionate about what you are selling.

Making Better Choices, Based On Your Likes And Dislikes!

My first two successes online were both well timed when I look back, but at the time I chose the companies because I was sold on their products and services.  Not just because of the money I could make.  In retrospect, I believe that is why both ventures were successful.  It was the first time I chose to market things based on the products and services instead of the financial opportunity.

I enjoy finance and banking, it's what I went to college for but wasn't interested in working in a bank once I graduated.  So financial services online has been an area that has always peaked my interest.  In 2000-2001 I started selling credit cards online for Capital One.  They were an aggressive newcomer spending millions on advertising to build their brand.  I was able to ride the wave and make sales through a combination of brand name recognition and through innovative sales techniques which I will share with you later. 

Another area of interest for me is electronics & technology, in fact I took one quarter of electronics in college before switching to finance.  So I'm always keeping an eye on the landscape for new hits in the electronics world to market. 

In late 2001 I started selling Dish Network satellite systems, because satellite tv was experiencing strong growth and Dish Network had the most innovative products on the market.  Tivo was a hot new technology and Dish Network was coming out with their own version that would be much more cost effective.  Between the heavy Dish Network advertising and the new technology I was able to sell over 1000 units for Dish Network and Dish dealers over an 18 month period.

Unfortunately, I was busy with other projects during the rise of the iPod so I completely missed that opporunity.  I'm sure there is opportunity for offering new services to the millions iPod users, it's just a matter of thinking creatively.  I know there are several sites that have been very successful selling protective face covers to keep the iPods from getting scratched.

Here is a much more successful system for finding opportunity:

1. Look for products and services that you truly believe in.
   
2. Use keyword tools to determine if there is a viable market available.
   
3. Setup a simple web site presentation expressing why you endorse the product or service.
   
4. Run a test with about 1000 visitors to guage your results.
   
5. If results appear promising, add audio or video to dramatically increase your conversion rate.

After using this formula for a few weeks you will realize that luck has very little to do with your success in life.  Sticking to a successful plan is the cause that will create the desired effect for you.

Cause and Effect Summary:

In this world, there is an result for everything you do or choose not to do.  By choosing a career path that matches your desires and by choosing to market products or services you believe in, you are putting yourself on the path to success.   If you are on the wrong path, you will be filled with conflicting feelings, sleepless nights and anxiety caused by procrastination.  If you are currently feeling those things, stop doing what is causing this anxiety.  Go to Barnes and Noble and browse the shelves looking for something that grabs your interest.  Then use the keyword selector tools to determine if there is money to be made.