Coaching: Do You Have Someone to Call?
For 2008 I told myself I was going to treat my internet business more like a business. As in, put work into it every single day (even if it was just a little bit) instead of putting a ton of work into it every now and then (which is a hobby).
It wasn't a "New Year's Resolution." Those never work. I just kept telling myself every day that I was going to have a business instead of a hobby, and after several weeks, it finally stuck.
Building A Business Requires Personal Coaching.
My friend Steven Schwartzman (I've mentioned him before) is my consultant. I have joint ventured with him on projects for the past five years and flew to New York last summer to meet him and attend a Warrior luncheon.
I make more money than him but that's only because I put out more products. As far as internet marketing experience goes, he and I are equals.
Earlier this year he got back into internet marketing after a break for several months -- he was studying for the LSATs to get into law school. I've made it a point to call him every weekday to ask him what he accomplished that day, then tell him what I accomplished that day.
I've noticed a gigantic boost in productivity by doing this. If I have nothing to report I feel like I'm letting him down, and I think it has the same effect on him. We motivate each other pretty darn well this way.
So far in 2008, I've earned $30,247.38 just from PayPal sales alone. That's not counting my day job, that's not counting my Clickbank income, that's not counting my stock trading income (usually that last one loses me money... I hardly do that nowadays anyway).
That's 1,762 sales in the past 100 days. That's right, doing some simple math in your head will tell you: 17 sales and $302.47 per day.
I've launched 24 products since New Year's.
I'm telling you, you need someone like this. I'm not talking about instant messaging, that is a huge time waster. You need someone to actually call on the phone (not Skype, you should be away from the computer) at the end of the day and talk for 5-10 minutes maximum about what you both accomplished.
It needs to be someone far away, it needs to be someone who does the same things you do (marketing on the internet). It can't be someone you know, it can't be a real friend or a family member.
At one point Steven was very sick, on the couch, watching Jeopardy, but we randomly got the idea to get him to watch some internet marketing videos so at least he can accomplish something until he gets better. In the meantime he assured me he was less than a day away from finishing his special report.
As soon as he was all-better, I'm bugged him on the phone every day until it was finished.
I have been feeling a little bit down from these product re-launches, because I put a lot of work into videos for existing products, but each launch only gets me a few hundred dollars because most of my list already owns these products and I deliver free upgrades. (For brand new products, I am used to bringing in a couple thousand dollars in the first few days.)
However, Steven assured me that, in his words, "A few hundred dollars a day is nothing to shake a stick at." It's consistent income and though I have seen several $100-$150 days lately.
My combined income, taking into account PayPal fees, Clickbank, and day job income, equals $34,000 year to date or $136,000 per year. Profit from the past 12 days equals $275 per day on average... or $100,000 annualized.
I must be doing something right. Considering I made $90,000-ish last year INCLUDING day job income, I could be in for quite a boost if I keep doing what I'm doing all year round.
Sometimes it only takes a simple comment like "it's nothing to shake a stick at" to put everything in perspective.
You don't need to spend $2,000 a month on professional personal coaching unless you are making so much money that you need to get rid of that $2,000 for a nice tax write-off... yeah, I wish I'd thought of that before getting my bigass five-figure tax bill this month.
(For the rest of 2008 I have to pay more money per QUARTER in taxes than I made in INCOME for an entire year just a few years ago!)
You just need someone to talk to on the phone. Someone who won't steal your ideas and won't lead you on the wrong path. They can be your equal, it doesn't matter... you just need someone to TALK to.
Could you comment below and tell me if you have a business mentor? Are they paid or free? How often do you communicate? Has it helped you?
Filed in: Product Creation
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Ok, THAT was slick. I HAVE to know how you put my first name in the middle of your blog post! Cookies + PHP?
I have a business mentor. Paid. Communication is through a weekly group coaching call. It has helped me a great deal, as I’ve progressed in my business skill set at a much more rapid pace than I could have done on my own.
–Andy
P.S. How did you do that?!
Robert
While I agree it’s nice to have someone to talk to (I’ve always referred to it as an accountability partner), I don’t think that’s the same as a coach. A coach is someone who is solely focused on your business – not what you can do for them. It’s not an exchange – it’s a focus.
I’m a firm believer in a paid coach. I have a coach and I am a coach. All of us have something we can learn from someone at a more advanced strategic level than we are. And all of us have something we can share with others who are behind us in experience.
The problem with putting all of your eggs into a peer relationship is that you can both go down the same path (the wrong path in some cases) quickly, together. And that doesn’t do either of you any good. And with daily reports, you tend to focus on the technical or low level to-do list, rather than seeing if you are meeting your strategic goals.
With a paid coach you talk less frequently, but you focus on the big picture, rather than the individual to-do list. You can accomplish more faster, because you know where you are going.
I think it’s great you’ve found someone you can touch base with to be sure you’re taking care of your task list. But I’d bet with a good coach, you could go twice as far, twice as fast.
Jeanette
Robert, I paid for a coaching program once before and quite frankly was taken for a ride. It started out fine with weekly tasks to keep me focused and on track. Then the weekly coaching phone calls turned into weekly online video lessons that seemed to repeat themselves. It was a waste of a lot of money… I am determined though. I have not quit but I definitely need to focus in on one thing and stick with it versus running the whole gammit and having so many ideas and tangents on which to fly off.
Love your stuff Bro, keep up the great work. One day I will be working with you!
No I don’t have a business mentor – the ones I always wanted to have were to expensive 🙂
Besides, is there a way to reach you Robert? You just don’t seem to read my emails….
Thanks.
Marian
Frankly I paid a Kathleen Gage, a Marketing Expert $5000 for 6 months intensive training. I learned more about Marketing in that six months than my entire 10 years on the Internet.
Do I need a an accountability partner? No. I set my daily goals and don’t have a problem obtaining them.
I think a once a month mastermind group would be more beneficial where many minds are bouncing ideas off each other.
But if being accountable to one person helps you and him, that’s all that counts.
Judith
Making the Complicated Simple!
http://www.agoodread.com
Hi Robert,
Great to see what a difference a bit of discipline and accountability can make.
Yes, I have a coach and I have several mentors to whom I can go for specialist advice and guidance.
As you have discovered, it’s not a luxury, it’s an essential part of doing business.
And, I very much agree with your comments about making the distinction between a hobby and a business.
Another insightful post.. Thanks.
John
Brilliant Robert! You’re an inspiration (give yourself a pat on the back – you probably already have).
It goes to show the potential if you get the basics right and really work hard.
I don’t have a coach or anyone really to make me accountable – I did for while and was super productive. It just goes to show what a difference it makes.
Will
Hi Robert,
From the stand point of being mentored and mentoring, I find your post to be right on the money! The mentoring that you are speaking of truly does boost people’s productivity, and I am so glad the two of you are doing it together. I know I wouldn’t have made the 68K I did this year if Ididn’t have someone on the other end holding me accountable.
I think sometimes people get the idea that it is better to do things alone, but it really isn’t the best way. Too many times I still hear the old adage that says, “If you want it done right, do it yourself.”
Although it’s not exactly the same, I do believe people subconsiously think this applies to all things, including business.
For anyone who does not have a mentor or someone to hold them accountable, please find one NOW! You’ll find it to be the best move you ever made. 😉
All the best …
Mary
Hey there Robert,
I’ll be your 8th comment! 😉
Great post, and very true. Having someone to chat on the phone with does help – and long as it doesn’t turn into a 3 hour long phone call when you should be working. LOL!
I’ve spent plenty on “coaching” and some works well, some doesn’t. My favorite so far is a membership site I’m in right now that has an hourly Q & A each night through video/chat – where all the members can go in to ask questions each night.
Also within the membership site, there is a daily task section – that you login each day to find out what task you need to get done. This type of membership site really is “coaching” that is way better than some I’ve paid 3k for. At 25 bucks a month, it’s a no brainer.
This also keeps a person more “focused” – something that periodically eludes me. One task a day doesn’t overload your brain, and everything gets done in small manageable chunks – instead of wondering “OK, now I needed to do WHAT first?”
Keep on doing what you’re doing Robert. Sorry about the taxes! Ha! Paying quarterly doesn’t sound all that appealing, but hey – that only means you’re making great cash. 😉
Thanks!
Michelle
Hey Robert,
So does your Blog post for today qualify as your daily Business activity? 🙂
No, do not a formal coach that I am using, but I do agree with AT LEAST having an “accountability partner” as Jeanette put it. Someone to bounce ideas off, joint venture with, and keep each other on target for one’s goals, etc.
The fact that Jeanette points out that she HAS a coach, and that she also IS a coach is an important note to make with regards to IM. Besides the usual route of selling ebooks or software based on your niche, the fact that someone has experience may easily lead into the possibility of adding “Coaching” as a new income generator.
I don’t know how Jeanette has her system setup as far as getting a lead through a low end ebook or free course and then eventually working up to having a customer become part of a coaching club.
That is something that I am looking at moving towards with regards to my Web & Marketing consulting for small business owners that are offline. Getting them to signup for a business website for a minimum monthly fee and THEN upgrade to a Business IM Coaching program for $97-$197 per month in addition.
I am part of Jimmy D. Brown’s Membernaire.info membership and this is a model that he does. $27 a month for his weekly “how to” PDF reports with steps, ideas, strategies etc and he always includes an option on the download page and in his reports for being part of his limited Monthly Coaching club where you can send him any questions regarding the membership material 4x a week.
One of the reasons I really look to Jimmy as an Online “mentor” is his straight-forward approach. As a matter of fact, he shares 3-ways to implement Coaching as a viable part of anyone’s Online business. http://yourowncoaching.jimmydbrown.info
Thanks for the insight Robert!
Many Blessings,
Jerold Johnson
Los Angeles, CA
PS – If anyone is interested, Jimmy’s New Coaching Report is here:
“3 Ways To Start Your Own Highly Profitable Coaching Program”
http://yourowncoaching.jimmydbrown.info
Great post, Robert.
I’ve always felt that having coaches, mentors, accountability partners are an important part of personal and business growth.
And it certainly seems that you have found a compatible one in Steven, no matter how one classifies the relationship.
I agree with Jeanette that the various roles are distinct and each can add value to what you are trying to accomplish, but I will stress that one has to find the RIGHT coach, mentor or accountability partner because any of them can lead to the right path or the wrong path quickly.
There are a lot of bloated egos out there mixed in the with the many gems. And a relationship with an egomaniac will pull you off course faster than a black hole.
One should choose a coach, mentor or accountability partner with the same discrimination as one would a potential business partner. And if it doesn’t seem to be working, move on until you find the best match.
My best to all,
Bob
Robert,
Yes, having a coach can definitely keep you on goal for your business, and it looks like you are doing well already this year. That’s great!
One thing to think about though, is that each person needs to stay committed to what they have decided and keep that motivation going in order to baby-step their way to a successful online business.
I’m working on that right now and will be making some goals and then working toward them on a daily basis. Keep up the good work.
Patrick Whitson
Robert, a few points.
Folks only pay big bucks if you are addressing big problems.
Fear, sex and money.
Others are selling very poor information for far more money because they are wrapping it up in one of the above. 99% don’t deliver but that is OK as far as they are concerned because they always blame the failure on the customer, they didn’t link, blog, Digg…enough.
They sell (false) hope to the need and the greedy.
It is your choice buddy if you want to step up to the mega bugs. Honesty and sincerity. Fake those two and you have it made.
Seriously, it is a moral choice that you have to make. If you want to sell telephone numbers then go that route. If you want to sell bigger numbers than you are doing now then sell more and better to more folks and don’t loose sight of what you are already achieving and be happy. How many folks live on less than a dollar a day.
As for your daily pep talks, well if it works for you great. I am not sure why you are asking others to validate your strategy. Surely only your own experince is relevant.
Hi Robert
Just in case you need 11 comments to assure yourself that what you’re talking about is a needed resource among us wannabees; here is #11.
Most of us wannabees really need a friend that knows what he’s talking about and is not out to grab money we likely don’t have until we get a functional monetized presence online that can pay for coaching and your scripts help us do that!
Thanks
Dan
Hey Robert,
I have both an accountability partner, as well as a few coaches/mentors. Some free, some, NOT so free! 😉
I can not imagine my business without either. They add HUGE value to me, and to my business.
The accountability partner keeps me on my toes 7 days a week, and I do the same in return.
The coaches/mentors help with direction, specialist advice, etc.
The combination has had an immeasurable positive impact on my business.
Cheers
Richelo
Hey Robert,
I joined PLF 2 and as one of his bonuses he’s putting people in masterminds, that’s the closest thing to personal coaching I’ve had to date, when it gets all set up that is.
I hope it works in the same fashion as you described about you and your coach. We’ll see i guess.
great post
James
Great post, thanks Robert. I’m interested in having an accountability partner. If anyone reading this blog post wants a mastermind/accountability partner, send me an email. inlakech07 at Yahoo dot com.
Robert, Great Post, As Usual 🙂
I came across your video on youtube you posted once-upon-a-time…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmoEWlZ76i8
you should put a link to your blog there.. and make more of those “old times” videos!
Hi Robert
I do talk to a good friend daily, who is from the same industry. We do very similar work, yet do not treat each other as competitors because the market is so big.
It helps to bounce ideas off someone who appreciates your opportunities and challenges and I have been saved from going the wrong way more than once. Same for him 🙂
Arun
Robert,
I have a mentor/coach at my day job. I am a pretty darn good software engineer but my mentor is a genius iq with a photographic memory. He makes me feel like I just learned basic sometimes, yet he always takes time to help me see things in a different way I had not considered. To me a good coach or mentor should be better than you in at least something so they can push you, and hopefully you can reciprocate.
Thanks!
David T. McKee
There is coaching and there is coaching.
I am a coach. And I was coached by a number of coaches. But not until I started to study with Robert and experienced a quickening that I opened myself up for coaching.
I now use coaching very strategically. I hired someone last November. I didn’t like her, blah blah blah. But I jumpstarted my current business during the one month I could tolerate her new-agey no-negativity bs… I fired her. My net gain from the “fling” was a few thousand dollars net, that would have never come my way without that coaching. Then I hired a copywriter. He was the worst copywriter I have ever met, but I caused myself another 10 grands because I wanted to beat him… and I did. I never used his copy.
I am in another Robert Plank course now, and I have created 5 products, and made an extra few thousand bucks in the barely 8 days since it started.
I think this is the best use of coaching. Use it as a jumpstart.