TheAlmighty
Contributor
User Power
Value/Post Ratio
581%
- Mar 29, 2013
- 16
- 93
Hey guys,
Pictured below is a customer of mine.
I've been selling grills (and not the BBQ kind) since January (idea hit me last December).
That first month we made over $22k and have been consistently around that number since. I was even featured Forbes this past March.
Because MJ's book (and this whole community) has been a huge part of that, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and personal experiences on how I built a six figure e-commerce business with zero outside investment.
1). It all starts with an idea (kinda)
Building a thriving web-based business ain’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be risky or take forever. The foundation of any successful business starts with an idea, but it can’t just be any idea – it has to be the “right idea”. Now, what’s the right idea? It’s an idea that meets the needs of the marketplace.
Here’s the fastest way to prove your idea has million dollar potential:
• Listen for code words: What are code words? They’re phrases like “I wish” or “I hate” or “I love” or “If only”. These phrases often express a desire for an alternative of some kind which may not already exist (or be readily available). Create that alternative. Whether scratching your own itch or someone else’s, this is the best way to get started.
• Scour Amazon reviews: 3 star reviews on Amazon are often an excellent source of information on how your potential market is feeling. Why 3 star reviews? 5 star ratings are too bubbly and 1 and 2 star ratings are oftentimes pure hate. Search for the pain points or points of praise in these reviews and address and/or improve upon them with your idea.
2). Test, Test, Test
You know that whole thing about entrepreneurs being crazy risk takers? It’s bullshit. Before you even spend a penny you’ll want to vet your idea in as many ways as possible. The first and best place to do this is via the digital deity Google using their Keyword Planner Tool. Consistently high search volume and competition are good indicators that there is indeed a need for your potential offering.
The other 2 steps, screenshots, etc. are all here: http://readsource.com/business/from-0-22k-in-30-days-how-i-did-it-and-how-you-can-in-4-steps/
Here are questions I ask manufacturers, sample mockups, a press release that got my brand featured on Hypebeast (a huge, high-traffic blog popular amongst my customer demographic) and other tools I use: http://readsource.com/business/from-0-22k-in-30-days-additional-tools-tips-tricks-and-resources/
Ask away and I'll help as best as I can!
Pictured below is a customer of mine.
I've been selling grills (and not the BBQ kind) since January (idea hit me last December).
That first month we made over $22k and have been consistently around that number since. I was even featured Forbes this past March.
Because MJ's book (and this whole community) has been a huge part of that, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and personal experiences on how I built a six figure e-commerce business with zero outside investment.
1). It all starts with an idea (kinda)
Building a thriving web-based business ain’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be risky or take forever. The foundation of any successful business starts with an idea, but it can’t just be any idea – it has to be the “right idea”. Now, what’s the right idea? It’s an idea that meets the needs of the marketplace.
Here’s the fastest way to prove your idea has million dollar potential:
• Listen for code words: What are code words? They’re phrases like “I wish” or “I hate” or “I love” or “If only”. These phrases often express a desire for an alternative of some kind which may not already exist (or be readily available). Create that alternative. Whether scratching your own itch or someone else’s, this is the best way to get started.
• Scour Amazon reviews: 3 star reviews on Amazon are often an excellent source of information on how your potential market is feeling. Why 3 star reviews? 5 star ratings are too bubbly and 1 and 2 star ratings are oftentimes pure hate. Search for the pain points or points of praise in these reviews and address and/or improve upon them with your idea.
2). Test, Test, Test
You know that whole thing about entrepreneurs being crazy risk takers? It’s bullshit. Before you even spend a penny you’ll want to vet your idea in as many ways as possible. The first and best place to do this is via the digital deity Google using their Keyword Planner Tool. Consistently high search volume and competition are good indicators that there is indeed a need for your potential offering.
The other 2 steps, screenshots, etc. are all here: http://readsource.com/business/from-0-22k-in-30-days-how-i-did-it-and-how-you-can-in-4-steps/
Here are questions I ask manufacturers, sample mockups, a press release that got my brand featured on Hypebeast (a huge, high-traffic blog popular amongst my customer demographic) and other tools I use: http://readsource.com/business/from-0-22k-in-30-days-additional-tools-tips-tricks-and-resources/
Ask away and I'll help as best as I can!
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