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Who have you helped?

Andy Black

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Since @Andy Black wrote me a PM after I followed him (thx to his valuable posts on this forum), I have been pondering on "Who have I helped recently / Who can I help?"

This question has been in my head ever since he wrote me "Can you start sooner and simpler?" This was his answer to my elaborated plan of finding out real needs in the market with identifying some niche that interests me and following up with perfectly worked out cold calls.

It was one of those questions that just don't let go. I had to take action.

I went on to listen to his awesome recordings with TFLF members (still binge listening) Andy Black to understand better ...

This one was especially interesting because of the speed of execution - Who have you helped?

I wrote down everything I helped people with in the past year - tasks, goals, inspirations.

First hiccup in the analysis came up - I love executing, instead of just going to Quora and answering people's question. I just love making things happen, instead of long talks [I guess it's my hate for long and useless meetings I had to go through in my corporate career].

Not saying I don't stop in the beginning to come up with a proper strategy and plan, but I love making ideas happen! Insights, research, gathering as much info as possible in the shortest possible time frame and making it happen - throw it out there for the market mind to evaluate & reward you with value exchange. It's about learning on the go - very influenced by Lean Startup - build - measure - learn. Just to clarify, "build" doesn't mean building in the dark room for x days and then [fanfare] launching only to experience tumbleweeds [sad trombone sound]. It's about building MVP/S getting it in front of the market mind, get feedback, adjust and cycle goes on ...

So I decided to help people in my network who are small entrepreneurs, doing honest business, focusing on what they do best - helping their customers. Opened Linkedin and found at least 5 of them. All of them have a lot of room to improve in terms of getting quality leads and more sales so they can help even more people.

Instead of complicating things, like "what if they misuse my good will, what if they are the worst type of clients, what if there is nothing out of it", I'd rather say - "what do I have to lose?" I will do my best work, learn tons of new stuff in real market conditions and as a bonus I can get future referrals ... so get the f*ck out there and help somebody! You have tons of skills and knowledge to share!
That’s for taking the time to write this up. Rep+


Here’s one to think about:

Instead of “what have I got to lose?” ... how about “what’s the best that can happen?”.
 
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Andy Black

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While on this forum I typically feel overwhelmed or humbled by the knowledgeable advice OR I’m utterly annoyed by the massive flow of new people who ask stupid questions and pray to God I won’t be like them.

But this? This post made me happy. Since reading MJ’s books (I’m at 87% on Unscripted !!) I’ve thought over and over on how to help more people doing new stuff or how to inspire my children to be problem-solvers. But I never actually sat back and thought, “I belong here, I’m an entrepreneur.”

Because it’s kinda terrifying thinking that, for me, even though I own a business.

But. I help people every single day. My clients love me, they refuse to go to other people, they get on a waiting list to see me.. huh.

Anyhoo.. I had a bit of a eureka just now.. and I wanted to say thank you. It IS about helping people and doing that is a wonderful thing.

Hugs. (If you’re ok with hugs. Lol)
Thanks. I love hugs.

People overcomplicate what business actually is.

It’s quite simple: “Add value. Get paid.”
 

maikooo

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That’s for taking the time to write this up. Rep+
Here’s one to think about:
Instead of “what have I got to lose?” ... how about “what’s the best that can happen?”.
Good one! Glass half full approach :)
 

maikooo

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While on this forum I typically feel overwhelmed or humbled by the knowledgeable advice OR I’m utterly annoyed by the massive flow of new people who ask stupid questions and pray to God I won’t be like them.

But this? This post made me happy. Since reading MJ’s books (I’m at 87% on Unscripted !!) I’ve thought over and over on how to help more people doing new stuff or how to inspire my children to be problem-solvers. But I never actually sat back and thought, “I belong here, I’m an entrepreneur.”

Because it’s kinda terrifying thinking that, for me, even though I own a business.

But. I help people every single day. My clients love me, they refuse to go to other people, they get on a waiting list to see me.. huh.

Anyhoo.. I had a bit of a eureka just now.. and I wanted to say thank you. It IS about helping people and doing that is a wonderful thing.

Hugs. (If you’re ok with hugs. Lol)
Congrats on your accomplishments!!
 

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What were your takeaways?

'Just go out and help someone' was great, following it up with '...you see kids going around mowing people's lawns. They didn't need a logo or a big fancy website.'

Short, blunt and really helps you reflect on yourself and any potential action faking.
 
Last edited:

WealthyMarketer

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Thanks for pointing me towards this audio Andy! I just spent the past few hours answering questions on Quora (and hopefully helping people too!) and I will continue to do so.
 
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Giving Value for free, who have you helped? was foreign.

Not that it hasn't been said here many times but it's more the fact that entrepreneurship and starting a business is foreign to me as a whole. So i guess I have just been conditioned to think money first.

Even when you said the other day to cook someone a nice tasty lunch, i new what you where saying but at the same time thinking is this even gonna work? who does work for no money?

I guess it's just a mindset change i am going through, never had to think in this way before if that makes sense.
Really appreciating! I mean who cares, everyone wants to earn money and nobody is interested in helping someone without any benefit.
 

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Darn, why the hell I missed this thread?!

Thanks @Andy Black this deserves REPs++
 
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Andy Black

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sonny_1080

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Thank you @Andy Black for keeping me grounded with what you contribute to the forum.

I found this thread after I got 11 responses from a survey I made. I unintentionally spammed a ton of people to gain market research. Ouch. Frustrated, I turned to the forum... again lol.

Heres what I got from this recording:

The only thing I need to focus on is helping people. If the actions I'm taking aren't helping people (or trying to find someone to help), then Im F*cking up.

So I went to Quora like @arobinson04 was talking about and started to find questions people were asking that were related to the business I'm planning on going into. Then I realized I couldn't answer them. This led me to Andy's "radio interview 2", then "radio interview 1"

Now that I've found my natural skillset, I can take my list of ideas and see which ones fulfill an existing need that I'm most qualified to help with. Then I can go on Quora and start answering questions. Whatever I need to learn (digital marketing, app development, etc.) I can learn according to the critical path of what is in front of me and who my direct customer is.

I loved how @arobinson04 focused on one specific question. I'm very familiar with tackling too much at once and being so overwhelmingly splayed that I end up making a ton of progress going nowhere.

Thank you gentlemen
 
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RockinRA

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I had a chat with Tony who describes how:
  • One simple question got him unstuck.
  • He's only been on Quora for 30 days helping people.
  • He's only posted 29 times but is now top ranked for his subject matter.
  • His bio sends people to a survey where he asks opened ended questions (as per the Ask book by Ryan Levesque).
  • He's had 300 surveys and email addresses.
  • He's done 5 free 30 minute coaching calls.
  • One free coaching call converted on the spot to a $400 coaching package.
  • His advice to people who want to start by building a website and autoresponder series.
What he's done is such a short space of time is inspiring.

I spent over 2 hours personally chopping this call down to only 25 minutes so it's no fluff and actionable. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen.

Well done @arobinson04


> Click here to access the recording <


What were your takeaways?

What will you do differently going forward?



(For other recordings click HERE.)

This is great Thank you for directing me here.
Cheers!
RA
 

Andy Black

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RockinRA

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Good to hear.

What’s your takeaways?

Mainly I have to "Just do it"... as that famous slogan goes, help people (which I have been doing but will do more of now) and in helping them learn what their industry needs also, if they ask for more help - I can start charging them for more in-depth help. Spot on advice. Cheers!
 

David Fitz

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This is great. Thanks Andy, very valuable.
 

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"What were your takeaways?"

The world has no shortage of problems and many have voiced them privately as well as publicly, especially online, in your sphere of influence such as friends, family, and coworkers. Once you know what that is, help.
Simple. Helping people in such a way builds social currency and recognition as an expert, without saying "I'm an expert at XYZ."

"What will you do differently going forward?"

Tune in to what people are having problems with, listen to them from your spouse, child, boss, coworker, someone on the internet, and provide a real, well-thought, quality solution to their problems. If you don't know the answer or it's not something in your field, find the person who is and either point them in the direction or connect them to the person.
 
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Andy Black

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"What were your takeaways?"

The world has no shortage of problems and many have voiced them privately as well as publicly, especially online, in your sphere of influence such as friends, family, and coworkers. Once you know what that is, help.
Simple. Helping people in such a way builds social currency and recognition as an expert, without saying "I'm an expert at XYZ."

"What will you do differently going forward?"

Tune in to what people are having problems with, listen to them from your spouse, child, boss, coworker, someone on the internet, and provide a real, well-thought, quality solution to their problems. If you don't know the answer or it's not something in your field, find the person who is and either point them in the direction or connect them to the person.
Exactly. Keep helping people and things start falling into place.
 

Andy Black

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This is great. Thanks Andy, very valuable.
Thanks. What were your takeaways? Is it helping your business endevours?
 

David Fitz

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Thanks. What were your takeaways? Is it helping your business endevours?

I'm not sure yet but I'm in the groups helping people and I've had 5 Zoom calls already. 2 more scheduled this week.

I'm just helping people set up their Google Ads the right way and I'm not asking anything about hiring me.

Should I be mentioning something about hiring me? Or will they feel obligated to help me out down the line?

One girl I helped in the UK is getting great results. She's always messaging me asking about this and about that but she's getting click's and calls.
 
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Andy Black

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I'm not sure yet but I'm in the groups helping people and I've had 5 Zoom calls already. 2 more scheduled this week.

I'm just helping people set up their Google Ads the right way and I'm not asking anything about hiring me.

Should I be mentioning something about hiring me? Or will they feel obligated to help me out down the line?

One girl I helped in the UK is getting great results. She's always messaging me asking about this and about that but she's getting click's and calls.
It’s great you’re getting traction helping folks. Be careful of those who might be takers.

You could say some space has cleared up in your calendar and ask if they know anyone who might want help with their campaigns?
 

David Fitz

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It’s great you’re getting traction helping folks. Be careful of those who might be takers.

You could say some space has cleared up in your calendar and ask if they know anyone who might want help with their campaigns?

Yeah I need to start saying something at the end of the call like if you feel that you stilll need help with this then I do run Google Ads for local businesses or if you know anyone who needs help please pass on my information.
 

Andy Black

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Yeah I need to start saying something at the end of the call like if you feel that you stilll need help with this then I do run Google Ads for local businesses or if you know anyone who needs help please pass on my information.
That could work. I think it’s a case of trying different angles to see what works and you’re comfortable with. Asking if they know someone who needs help is a good angle as they’re not put on the spot.

My client roster is normally pretty full so I don’t bring up them hiring me in the call unless they do first.

I do say I’ll send a quick email to summarise what we went through, and/or list links to articles or videos that go into more detail.

That email helps me later to remember what was discussed, and sometimes people circle back or refer people on years later.

It’s also opened a dialogue where they can continue if they want, and possibly ask about rates etc without doing it on a call.
 
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David Fitz

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That could work. I think it’s a case of trying different angles to see what works and you’re comfortable with. Asking if they know someone who needs help us a good angle as they’re not

My client roster is normally pretty full so I don’t bring up them hiring me in the call unless they do first.

I do say I’ll send a quick email to summarise what we went through, and/or list links to articles or videos that go into more detail.

That email helps me later to remember what was discussed, and sometimes people circle back or refer people on years later.

It’s also opened a dialogue where they can continue if they want, and possibly ask about rates etc without doing it on a call.

I'm starting to notice that a lot of people want help but as soon as I mention a Zoom video call they get turned off.

There's no other way for me to show people how to set them up the way you teach other than a screen share.

How do you think I can get around this barrier?

I've found a pretty good technique for cold emailing. Find people who are doing Google ads but doing them all wrong. Then send them a short email explaining what they're doing wrong. I sent out about 20 emails and got 3 replies but again they don't want to jump on a Zoom call.
 

Andy Black

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I'm starting to notice that a lot of people want help but as soon as I mention a Zoom video call they get turned off.

There's no other way for me to show people how to set them up the way you teach other than a screen share.

How do you think I can get around this barrier?

I've found a pretty good technique for cold emailing. Find people who are doing Google ads but doing them all wrong. Then send them a short email explaining what they're doing wrong. I sent out about 20 emails and got 3 replies but again they don't want to jump on a Zoom call.
I typically don’t cold email folks so take with a pinch of salt.

If I was to send a quick note to people who I saw had poor Google Ads then I’d probably do the following and see how it goes:

Make the email very short.

Give a tip.

Explain there’s more tips in the short video below.

Link to a short Loom video of me reviewing their ad and giving a few tips.

At the end of the video throw in that I’d be happy to hop on a quick call and look over their shoulder at their screen.

I’d know if the email was opened, and I’d know if the video was opened.
 

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Just listened to this and the biggest take aways I got were incredibly simple...

"Build it and they will come" is all wrong.

Like your example with the Kid and Lawnmower, its about going out there and getting business. I've been focusing so much on creating a course and procrastinating due to not being 100% happy with it I've forgotten that is about them, not about me. And more importantly, what’s the point of spending all this time creating a course if I'm not helping people in the first place?

A much better approach would be to help people via Quora, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn etc. and not only will that help me build up a pipeline to sell to in the future but it will build my rep as the guy to go to for my niche, and will provide me with the information to make sure that what I am producing is of value to others.

Business doesn't need to be complicated... It's just about helping other people and giving as much value as possible!
 
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Andy Black

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Just listened to this and the biggest take aways I got were incredibly simple...

"Build it and they will come" is all wrong.

Like your example with the Kid and Lawnmower, its about going out there and getting business. I've been focusing so much on creating a course and procrastinating due to not being 100% happy with it I've forgotten that is about them, not about me. And more importantly, what’s the point of spending all this time creating a course if I'm not helping people in the first place?

A much better approach would be to help people via Quora, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn etc. and not only will that help me build up a pipeline to sell to in the future but it will build my rep as the guy to go to for my niche, and will provide me with the information to make sure that what I am producing is of value to others.

Business doesn't need to be complicated... It's just about helping other people and giving as much value as possible!
You got it!

Yes. Business is incredibly simple:

Help people. Get paid. Help more people.

Start. Sell. Scale.

The only reason it’s not simple is because we over-complicate it.
 

JustMorpheus

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I had a chat with Tony who describes how:
  • One simple question got him unstuck.
  • He's only been on Quora for 30 days helping people.
  • He's only posted 29 times but is now top ranked for his subject matter.
  • His bio sends people to a survey where he asks opened ended questions (as per the Ask book by Ryan Levesque).
  • He's had 300 surveys and email addresses.
  • He's done 5 free 30 minute coaching calls.
  • One free coaching call converted on the spot to a $400 coaching package.
  • His advice to people who want to start by building a website and autoresponder series.
What he's done is such a short space of time is inspiring.

I spent over 2 hours personally chopping this call down to only 25 minutes so it's no fluff and actionable. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen.

Well done @arobinson04


> Click here to access the recording <


What were your takeaways?

What will you do differently going forward?



(For other recordings click HERE.)
My biggest takeaway is to see if you can solve people problems BEFORE trying to create a scalable solution. That way, once we've become deeply familiar with the problems that people want solved we can be sure our solution to the problem scales.
 

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