Comments on: Making a Sale by Turning It Down

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:38:36 +0000

Brad, I suspect that is the case, and I suspect that the greatest potential from blogging, in terms of producing an income, would be as a form of support to an existing business rather than as a stand alone business in its own right. That said, I have no doubt that blogs can be viable as stand alone businesses for those who enjoy writing and are prepared to invest the time and effort required. Bottom line - prospective blog entrepreneurs should adopt both a positive attitude as a realistic attitude at the same time - and keep their day jobs until such time as any income earning potential of their blog has been proven. Andrews last blog post..Fund managers are not paid to hand money to scam artists

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:56:55 +0000

Andrew, You express it very well. I do think that sometimes, bloggers put these unrealistic expectations in their own minds, or do not realize the kind of effort it takes to establish a high traffic blog capable of producing significant ad revenue. For most bloggers, I think indirect revenue is where the real opportunity may be - in generating leads, establishing credentials, building a business network, creating opportunities for collaboration, etc. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Making a Sale by Turning It Down

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:41:39 +0000

Brad, I have said it before on this blog, but it's worth saying again - if you have a truly viable offering, you should be able to make adequate sales by promising only benefits equal to what your firm can deliver, and then meeting (or better, exceeding) the promised standard. With respect to Ulla's comment about getting rich quick via AdSense or similar type of programs, I detest the hype and promises which some sights make with respect to the income earning potential of blogging. I like how Darren Rowse of Problogger.com provides a more realistic expectation with regards to this. According to an annual poll which Darren conducts, only about 20% of bloggers make more than $1,000 American dollars per month from blogging (I think the actual figure is 17%). Don't get me wrong, as a legitimate form of media, no doubt the blogosphere has considerable potential for those who adopt a diligent approach - and you never know if you don't try. But expectations must be realistic, and those who purposefully sell newbie bloggers on unrealistic expectations are cruelly setting them up for failure. Andrews last blog post..Fund managers are not paid to hand money to scam artists

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:20:22 +0000

Robert & Karen, Be sure to tune in Tuesday!

Brad Shorrs last blog post..Making a Sale by Turning It Down

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:49:01 +0000

Brad, what a great point. I definitely respond better when I feel that someone is actually considering my needs and being honest as to what their product/service can do. I look forward to the guest post, you've got my curiosity meter on smoking! Karen Swims last blog post..Five in the Morning

By: Robert Hruzek

Robert Hruzek — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:06:09 +0000

An interesting approach that I think will ultimately net more interest. Can’t wait to hear what he has to say.

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:26:39 +0000

Hi Kimberlee, Thank you for visiting and commenting! There must be another side to the sales equation that we are both missing, because you see the kind of thing you describe time and time again. The only conclusion I can reach is ... it must work. However, for every sale the "hard sell" makes, I still think ten sales are lost. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Making a Sale by Turning It Down

By: Kimberlee Ferrell

Kimberlee Ferrell — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:13:01 +0000

I totally agree! I was having this conversation on Twitter the other day, with just a slightly different slant. I was asking about product sales pages, and if there was a reason they needed to be overinflated and gaudy. The only answer I got was that "the customer needs all the information." Many more people agreed with me, that I need very little information about the product. If I click the sales page from a "soft sell" page, I already know that I am interested in purchasing. All I need to know from that point is the price. I don't even read the sales pages! I just scroll until I find out what I need. I think that honesty, sincerity, and straightforward facts will accomplish more in today's world than the "hard sell." Kimberlee Kimberlee Ferrells last blog post..Sincere Online Community Building Winners

By: Brad Shorr

Brad Shorr — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:59:47 +0000

Hi Ulla, Isn't it interesting that even though we all know there's no such thing as get rich quick scheme, people still go for that sort of thing? Iain, True enough! Next to politicians, sales people have the toughest time adhering to that policy. Brad Shorrs last blog post..Making a Sale by Turning It Down

By: Iain Broome

Iain Broome — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:37:23 +0000

You know what they say, honesty is always the best policy! Iain Broomes last blog post..10 things to write on in an emergency!