Success Advice

6 Things I Learned From a $1,000 an Hour Consultation

Published

9 years ago

Dec 19, 2014

Alden Tan

About half a year ago, I made the step of paying $1000 for an hour of somebody’s time. I handed out that large amount just so I could pick his brain.

His name was Ryan Holiday, and in that hour Ryan taught me how to be a better writer.

And it wasn’t just about writing per se. It was about standing out in your pursuit of your dreams.

It may sound crazy, to pay a thousand dollars for just an hour of somebody’s time, but it’s well worth it.

Sometimes, you just have to take the leap to make big strides in yourself.

1) You cannot play safe, so be afraid

I learnt that before I publish a new article on my blog, I absolutely have to feel afraid, anxious and uncomfortable.

This is not a cheesy idea where as if only artistic people can relate to on some spiritual level.

Look at it this way: If you’re not afraid, anxious or the least bit uncomfortable, that means you’re playing it safe.

And if you’re safe, then you’re like the rest of the world.

You cannot stand out if you’re like the rest of the world, that is why you need to be afraid in the art you create.

So don’t play safe. Be very afraid and get uncomfortable. Your passion, art and message are dying to come out.

2) Ask yourself, “Is this something only I can make?”

Ryan told me this,

“Before you publish an article, ask yourself, ‘Is this something only YOU can show to the world?“

It sounds obvious enough, but I think it’s something most of us miss out on.

We keep thinking we need to follow the rules and emulate our idols or those we look up to. As such, we forget that we have something special to say in the first place.

From time to time, we should give ourselves the benefit of the doubt that we’re actually right, that our unique voice or message is something part of the world wants to hear.

You may not follow suit with the world, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. So trust your gut. That’s how you relay your message.

3) Sometimes you need to feel the pinch

Did I feel like I was crazy for spending a thousand bucks just for an hour of somebody’s time? I sure did.

But that’s okay.

I knew I had to make that step. Anything less would mean that I’d take it for granted.

So sacrifice. Feel the pinch.

Most people in the world want freebies and discount to the point that they don’t recognize the value of the great things they have.

You’ve way more than you think. If you really want something, then go all out for it.

4) If it works so well, why would they teach?

I think way too many of us are caught up in the rules of business and marketing. We think we need to follow the same path other marketers and entrepreneurs always try to teach.

And it’s very easy to get trapped by them because they’re seemingly successful.

But remember this: They managed to create their own path.

They’re trying to make you follow the same path, but there’d never be enough space for you to tag along.

There’d be a time when you eventually have to follow your own instincts, break the rules and feel entirely uncomfortable all the way.

So just do it. Create your own experience and learn from them. Your experience will never lie to you, whereas what others teach you may be questionable.

5) “Good content is giving a piece of your own humanity, back to humanity.”

That is the exact quote I was told.

Great content isn’t just about following a set of rules or learning from a bunch of teachers.

You need to harness your own energy and tell the world what you’re about; what your unique message really is. And no amount of mentors, coaches or courses can give you that. You can only learn so much from what others have to teach you.

Look deep within. Again, break some rules. If you’ve spotted something wrong in life and have something to say, say it.

The right people would appreciate you for that and those will eventually become your loyal fans.

6) The work is the goal

As a writer, I always thought that my eventual success would mean being “discovered” or experiencing some ultimate break.

But that is not the case. Why? Because that is like hoping to score the lottery and thinking that all your problems will be solved then.

The real goal is the work.

You’ve to do the work every day. You’ve to put in the effort for all the little things all the time. You’ve to persevere even though there is not end in sight.

And with every small step you take, you’ll get closer to your goal. With every small thing you do, you’ll have created something big at the end.

Your just rewards will come eventually. You’ll know it when you feel it.

So don’t ever give up. Keep working hard and put in the daily work.

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Alden Tan

Alden Tan writes about honest and real stories at his blog. He's both a passionate writer and Bboy. Check out his free book, 12 Things Happy People Don't Give A F@#k About!

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How to Choose the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers

Published

1 week ago

Apr 10, 2024

Addicted2Success Editor

how to choose the best affiliate programs for your blog

Picking the right affiliate programs for your blog is really important. It can make a big difference in how much money you can make and how much your readers get out of your blog. With so many choices out there, deciding which ones to go with can be tricky.

This guide is here to make it easier for you. It will give you clear steps and helpful tips to choose affiliate programs that fit well with what your blog is about, what your readers like, and what you stand for.

For more articles on this theme, please head over to this blog https://blog.partners1xbet.com/.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Before you start picking affiliate programs, it’s important to really understand what affiliate marketing is and how it works.

Basically, affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or service on your blog, and then you get paid a little bit every time someone buys something or does something because you recommended it.

It’s great for both the person selling the product and the blogger, because the seller gets more sales with low risk, and the blogger can make money from their blog.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

1. Assess Your Niche and Audience

The key to doing well in affiliate marketing starts with really knowing what your blog is about and who reads it. Consider the following:

Your blog’s content: What topics do you cover? Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant.
Your audience’s interests and needs: What solutions are they seeking? Choose affiliate programs that offer products or services that solve their problems or enhance their lives.

2. Research Potential Affiliate Programs

Once you know what your blog is about and what your readers want, start looking for affiliate programs. Choose ones that are well-known for good products, great customer service, and helpful support for affiliates. Resources to find these programs include:

Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, and ClickBank.
Direct searches for “[Your Niche] affiliate programs” in search engines.
Recommendations from other bloggers in your niche.

3. Evaluate the Commission Structure

The commission structure is a critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer competitive rates that make your efforts worthwhile. Consider:

The percentage of commission per sale.
Whether the program offers a flat rate per action (e.g., per sign-up).
The cookie duration, which affects how long after a click you can earn commissions on sales.

4. Consider the Program’s Reputation and Sureness

Join affiliate programs with a solid reputation for quality and sureness. This not only ensures that you’re promoting good products but also that you’ll be paid on time. You can:

Read reviews from other affiliates.
Check the program’s history and background.
Look for any complaints or issues reported online.

5. Analyze the Support and Resources Offered

A good affiliate program gives you things like ads to use, training on their products, and helpful managers. Having access to these resources can really help you do a better job at promoting their products.

6. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before signing up, thoroughly review the program’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:

Payment thresholds and methods.
Any restrictions on how you can promote their products.
The program’s policy on affiliate marketing on social media platforms.

7. Test the Product or Service

If possible, test the product or service before promoting it. This firsthand experience allows you to offer genuine charge and build trust with your audience.

8. Look for Recurring Commission Opportunities

Some affiliate programs pay you again and again for subscriptions or services that charge fees regularly. These can provide a more stable income compared to one-time sales commissions.

Implementing Your Choice

After choosing the best affiliate programs, the next step is to smoothly include your affiliate marketing in your content plan. This includes:

Creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate links.
Disclosing your affiliate affairs transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
Tracking your results to understand what works best for your audience and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Picking the best affiliate programs for your blog involves careful planning, research, and making sure they match what your audience likes and needs.

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers.

The real key to doing well with affiliate marketing isn’t just about the products you talk about, but also how much your audience trusts and values your advice.

With enough time, patience, and hard work, your blog can grow into a successful space that earns a good amount of affiliate money and helps your readers choose the right products.

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