Man, did I get a bad case of something this week. I woke up Sunday morning feeling like I had been hit by a truck — but it was more likely a virus. I got some well wishes via twitter, so for those of you that were rooting for me, thanks!
It was a crazy week last week. The hurricane (IKE) missed Dallas for the most part, but hit my parents in Houston. They are without power, and will be for several weeks. I have also noticed that many internet marketers from the Houston area (and there are a lot of them) are off the air. Their sites are up, but the pages are sparse and their lists are quiet.
Build Business Systems Into Your Business
Still, this reminds me about one of the important things about internet marketing. Internet business gives you the freedom to build income around automated systems that still operate when you are not around. If you have read The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, you know exactly what I mean.
In my case, I was away from MasonWorld.com for a couple of days, but readers kept stopping in. People kept opting into my list, and the many people on my list got automated messages that I had preloaded months ago with helpful information that was “evergreen.”
My information products (like Niche Adsense Themes for WordPress) continued to make sales. Since the payment and delivery is automatic, this all runs on autopilot. AdSense clicks kept coming, and so did other affiliate program clicks (including eBay).
So, my adivce to internet marketers is to avoid creating businesses that “require” you to be there. If you are selling a product that requires shipping, automate the order process. If you are doing consulting, consider creating an digital information product instead. If your business depends on you to generate content every day, look for trusted people for outsourcing.
In general, you need to look for ways to take youself out of the daily equation. This allows you to grow your business way beyond what you can do alone, and it allows you to possibly sell it some day. Who know, you might even find time to get off the computer and spend an hour with your kids.
Hey Mark, I agree with you about the whole automation thing. When the **** hits the fan and it eventually will, it is always good to have things already planned out so that you know what is going to happen.
Luckily for me I don’t have kids!!! Haha and I don’t think I ever will. I have a snake but he just sits there and doesn’t really care if I hold him or pay attention, hehe. But I will admit that there are somedays where I just NEED to get off the computer and go do something. While I do enjoy spending time on the computer I get tired sometimes and need a break.
Plus I need to keep my tan as well 😉
Hi Mark,
very good info. I like the automation concept because it allows me to go on to new ventures as I tend to get bored quickly. In addition, I still work in the real world (hate it!) and I just can’t be working my virtual businesses during the day.
I am a new RSS subscriber. …Found you through Garry Conn. May I ask why you link the title of your post at the bottom of the post itself?
I have seen others do this too. Is it a good SEO technique?
thanks!
AL
@Jarret — I completely understand what you mean about needing to get off the computer. But don’t be too quick to make the decision about kids. They can be a real joy (and add to you definite major purpose).
@Allyn — Thanks for stopping by. I recognize you from the write up that Conn did on your very cool site. I was not sure about the link that you were talking about. Are you talking about the related posts links at the bottom of the page?
@Mark
Hey Mark, Welcome back to the land of the living. 🙂
@Allyn
Would you be referring to the way his post looks in a feed reader perhaps? I saw the post title at the bottom as well, but not on the post itself.
Wasnt that the pipe dream of technolgy back in the days huh. Get a computer and put your life on auto pilot. Too bad more people arent hip to it. Nothing better than going out and doing your thing and coming back logging in and seeing money sitting there from something you did a while back. Do the work once and get paid “forever”
Good to hear your product is selling dude.!!!
Mark,
It only appears that way in the RSS reader. I realize now that it is just there so when I am done reading the post in the reader, I can come to the actual site easily to comment.
I assumed it was a part of the actual post.
thanks, and looking foward to your updates,
AL