My first attempt at a business - 95% failure

**Gymjunkie** · Sep 1st, 2011, 12:23 PM

Very good thing you followed up with the unsubscribed member. Always do it. Good job

Share more as Rocksolid said, it's not about ideas, it's about execution, so even if someone else starts doing similar thing, you can outperform them. I know it's tough to let go but ideas are dime a dozen and there is always someone doing what you think already (or at least there are always people who get same idea, but only few or one have the balls to do it)!

Originally Posted by bernieshawn

Is there anyway I can get this thread moved to the Progress threads? I don't even know if it's possible, but just asking.

Quick update:

Today hasn't been my day - just been feeling very pessimistic about this business. Not only that, but it's been one of those days where you're waiting on people to do something or contact you and you get nothing.

Here's what I've done in the past few days:

-Submitted a sales thread in the 3rd big forum that I'm targeting. Still waiting on approval so nothing happening there yet.

-I lost one member. I decided that I should reach out to him and follow up. Sent a message saying (summed up) "Hey, noticed you canceled your membership. No obligation or anything, but just want to know where I fell short with my service."

-I decided that I should follow up with all new members a few days after they sign up. I sent a quick message to the 2 people that signed up within the last week saying something like "Hey, it's been a couple days since you signed up, please let me know if there's anything I can do for you or if you have any question about using it."

Hope I get some kind of either positive feedback (I need the encouragement) or negative but constructive feedback that I can use to make my service better.

**bernieshawn** · Sep 2nd, 2011, 07:38 PM

Just made a progress thread and revealed my service: The SEO Marketplace - here goes nothing...

**Gymjunkie** · Sep 3rd, 2011, 05:43 AM

Oh that's a really encouraging name you chose for the thread.. come on man.. be more positive!

**linda** · Sep 28th, 2011, 09:03 PM

This is a great startup story. I am very new to this forum and building a business so I can't say much but your story and the comments are very inspiring to read.

I once read somewhere that if a new business launches and it does not succeed for the first 3 months, then it's got no potential. I am somewhat conflicted about this. What do you think?

**mmtprofile** · Jan 18th, 2012, 12:19 PM

I've just got a couple things I want to say about this.

Internet marketing takes about 6 months to really start understanding the money-making process so don't feel bad about that. If you continue to push yourself, you will start making it.

Celebrate those wins my friend! They're great stepping stones. I remember the first time I woke up and had more money in my bank account, I haven't had that feeling since so I made sure to celebrate.

Also, ask yourself if you're really doing whatever it takes... and be dirt honest. If the answer is no, just correct and continue. It's better to admit you're not doing whatever it takes rather than pretend (if that is what's happening).

Thank you for the post!

**Moneymadness** · Jan 22nd, 2012, 01:53 AM

Your business sounds a like positive feedback in my book. You were able to experience a whole new concept of business, a fast lane one that is. Secondly, like MJ had said, you can't have 10,000 subscribers overnight, It all starts with the first.

It really opens your eyes when you actually see someone is interested in your product and is willing to PAY. Like man you can make a living off of this. If only you know how to attract more traffic to your site. Now, what if you found a larger market? Advertise your business outside of forums? Perhaps blogs, youtube...try thinking of various ways to promote your website and be creative.

Every time you fail, you are one step closer to your goal. Pay attention to what your customers want and fulfill those needs and improve. Learn, adjust and move on. Keep plowing through! Don't give up!

Thank you for your story!

**ideapad** · Apr 20th, 2012, 06:40 AM

Indeed the story is very motivating. I hope you'll be even more successful in the future. And it teaches that hardships are necessary to arrive at success. Keep going.