This is going to be candid blog post.
You see, over the past few months, me and my wife Laura have faced some of the most challenging battles in our short entrepreneurial life.
We were overworked… Toiling 12 hours straight nearly every day… And were on the verge of throwing in the towel.
It was as if we were sowing so much seed, yet seeing little fruit for our labor.
Yet 6 weeks ago, on the verge of hitting rock bottom… We stumbled across a startling secret that saved our skins and put us back on the track of rapid profitability.
I’ll reveal what this revolutionary principle is in a moment, for now I just want to lay the foundations.
Here’s a Biblical concept that the world readily agrees it…
“You reap what you sow…”
In other words, the more time, resources and energy you put into something, the bigger the harvest you’ll reap — be it financially, relationally or spiritually.
So if you put in your elbow grease and late nights, you’re guaranteed success right? WRONG!
Or more rather, the Sowing and Reaping analogy is only a half truth.
You see, we followed this principle to the tee… We “slaved like dogs”, yet we were “rewarded” with disappointment, stress and relationship strain.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes you work so hard, and yet don’t seem to reap the bountiful harvest you deserve?
Here’s something that may come as surprise for you…
There’s a missing dimension to the concept of sowing and reaping. If you miss this, you’re potentially setting yourself back months, even years from where you’re supposed to be.
In one of the Biblical parables, Jesus talked about the parable of the sower.
The gist of it was that the farmer was scattering seed across the land. However, he was rather indiscriminate about it and the seeds fell on stony paths, thorny soil, shallow earth and fertile ground.
The seeds that fell on the former 3 types of soil ended up with stunted growth, or worse… Not growing at all.
Here’s the awesome part…
The seed that fell on fertile ground produced a magnificent harvest of tenfold, hundredfold… and even a thousand-fold!
What made the difference?
It’s about WHERE the sower threw his seed.
That’s right. WHERE you sow is probably more important then HOW MUCH you sow.
It’s a principle we call STRATEGIC SOWING. And we believe it’s the single most important trait of mega-successful entrepreneurs.
Once you master this, you’ll get a return on investment that’ll blow your socks off. Because every ounce of blood, sweat and tears is going to give you a windfall.
One of the biggest bittersweet lessons we learned is that Laura and I may be world-class marketers, but we’re still newbies in terms of building a long-term sustainable business.
The single most vital trait that separates entrepreneurs from marketers is the ability to effectively allocate one’s limited resources. Unfortunately, it’s an ability that comes from hard-worn experience rather than any $997 home study course.
But hey, since we’re nice people and all, we’re going to reveal to you the top 5 areas you should strategically sow in (from our admittedly limited experience).
1) Alliances
As maligned as the whole “Guru Club” in our industry seems to be, it doesn’t change the fact that JVs work. In fact, I attribute networking to be the no.1 driver why the Puppet Master is where he is today in such a short time. However… Do note that you need to screen through the people you intend to partner with. Some are a complete waste of time. Some are middling. A few will deliver the breakthrough growth you crave. Just don’t be over-eager especially if you’re new.
2) Content
As mentioned in an earlier blog post, it’s about articles, articles, articles. Google cares more about frequency of unique content than about the quality. So invest in a reliable ghost writing team, a spinning service like HumanSpinner and submission services like Easy Push Button Traffic, SENuke or Unique Article Wizard. As article marketing guru Jeff Herring says, “the bigger the number of articles, the bigger your other numbers will be.” So get crankin’.
3) Basics
Ignore the fads out there. Marketers have made pushing your emotional buttons such an art form that they can make any product “the next big thing”. Learn to resist. Stop grabbing at every push-button solution. Most of it is crap. In fact, 90% of what I study seems to be just rehashed information. Master your internet marketing basics.
- Are you doing PPC?
- Are your sites optimized properly?
- Heck… Are you even using the right keywords to promote your site?
As a sidenote, keyword research is the most important skill you need to master. Get this wrong and all your efforts will be flushed down the loo.
4) List
Social media seems to be the craze, but honestly, the best response rates seem to come from the humble email mailing list. Even though open rates may be down industry wide, your autoresponder service is the most potent income-generating asset you may have. Build up the numbers and you can honestly pay off your mortgage, go for a safari in Kenya or buy yourself a new car with just ONE email blast.
Of course, don’t make it a pitchfest and give good content to build up the relationship you have with your list.
5) Character
This may sound surprising, but according to Seth Godin’s excellent blog post on the Hierarchy of Success, without good character your strategies, tactics and execution are going to fall flat on its face.
I mean… If your mindset is “I’m doing this on the site for some (hopeful) part-time income”, you’re not going to make a million dollars online, are you? I knew a guy who was eager to learn so I hooked him up with some of my $1997 products. Guess what? Because he has such a crappy attitude, he’s now worse off than where he started. Read the Bible or listen to Dan Sullivan (my entrepreneurial guru du jour).
Whew, that comes to the close of my rather lengthy blog spot. Hope the Strategic Sowing principle impacts your business the way it did for the Puppet String Marketing business.
As an aside, I’m going to introduce something remarkable that’s worth the strategic sowing. I may not be the biggest fan of its title or its positioning but the principles inside contain some of the biggest shortcuts to running a super-profitable business.
Indeed, what I’m about to introduce is fertile soil, and every dollar you sow in WILL result in a bountiful harvest if you do what it says. Just opt-in to my mailing list by clicking on the button below to get further details soon.
So back to this post… What do you folks think? What are the biggest areas of strategic sowing you think I might have missed out? Feedback is most welcome, as always. 
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Kenneth,
Great post!
Next week I finish my MBA in Marketing….isn’t it interesting that an MBA concept like “target market” “market positioning” etc. has been taught in the Bible for 2,000 years ?!
Mike
http://www.MarketingHuddle.com
Hi, Thank you for sharing this article. I have had my share of burning the midnight oil and disappointments. That said, I’m determined to make it happen and I am learning a lot from individuals like yourself who have found ’shortcuts’. What I mean by that is everyday I’m learning better, more effective and efficient ways to build my business.
There are no shortcuts to success but there are easier ways. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that I need to give value to others and I do have so much to give. Having that mindset is allowing me to really enjoy building my business.
I’m so thankful that I have the opportunity to share my experiences, knowledge and skills with others. I’m thankful to be living in a free country and pursue my passions.
Ness,
Hi Kenneth,
The sowing seeds in the wrong place is a great analogy. I was in a program with 60 referrals. I offered help with advertising and also Free information I have accumulated over the past two years. Only 1 person responded back and thanked me. Out of the 60 only 2 followed the plan the rest were tire kickers and not willing to do even a simple task. We all need to find like minded people, the others just don’t get it. To make money there is time and money involved, mostly time. The money is in the list is so correct, but, it better be a targeted list.
Wishing you all the best
Nick
This is what I got from your post: networking, frequent unique content,
, good character and a sincere intention to add value, keyword research. And frequent unique content means writing good posts, like this one. Thanks Kenneth.
resist grabbing every push-button solution people whose lists you’re on are trying to sell you, a targeted email mailing list (so you can be the one selling
Building Alliances and Collaborations is a fantastic move.
Nevertheless it has to be mutually beneficial and
we got to ensure that the other party gains as much as we do from it.
Kenneth, I like the way that you RELATE to us. You don’t show the pretentiousness seen everyday with many so-called experts calling themselves “Wealth Coach”. You show great humility in sharing your trials with us. Your paragraph on character really struck a chord – you tell it like it is – and you’re so right. Another aspect of character that seems to be missing with a lot of internet success aspirants is perseverance. When they come across obstacles they stay in their comfort zone by jumping to another so-called internet business. They give up and succumb to the glitter of the next best thing. They have yet to realize that the internet itself makes no real difference on the path to business success. A business-owner’s attitude, rather than one based on false hope, usually associated with expecting to win a lottery, is the hardest thing for a lot of people to accept.
Thank you for such a refreshingly candid post.
Virginia
Hi Kenneth,
I agree with your STRATEGIC approach. It’s amazing how easy it is to get lost in details and minisicule repetitive work. Anyone thinking of starting an online or offline businesses should always be concerned with big picture. He or She can always give the details, repetetive work to someone else for a fraction of cost.
Regards
Amarjit
Thanks for the article. I always get something I can use from the information you share.
Terry A Shackelford
Thanks for the great kick in the pants. I too, have been struggling with staying on course and working towards better targeting for my content. It is extremely easy to get distracted.
Now I need to go write a couple of articles.
THANKS, I love hearing from others and their analogies. I am with you on who knew that by sharing our mistakes we would endear those we want to help. That happened a few times in 2009 so I will remember to share more.
Keep up the great posts.
Great post, Kenneth. Appreciate your advice and honesty. As the Irish blessing so poetically says … May the road rise to meet you.
Hi Kennth
Great content as always. it’s good to know that even the ‘experts’ have difficulties sometimes. I am in the baby boomer range and trying to get my ‘head around’ internet marketing is ‘doing my head in’
there is such a lot to learn and just understanding the different terminology is at times enough to make me want to throw in the proverbial towel. however, i ain’t no quitter, and it keep hauling my a.. back to the keyboard and read some more.
i too have been sidetracked into trying this, trying that and mostly coz i dont really understand what the heck they’re talking about i end up losing a lot of time and some times money too.
my poor daughter who is the epitome of patience!!! helps where she can.
so since perseverance is my middle name… i continue and maybe with some luck and the hard work you talk about…i may just figure it all out. any tips on marketing a book on twitter?
Thanks again for your interesting articles, i also enjoyed reading the other comments.
Cindy who is ‘notjustagranny’ but ‘notyetaninternetmarketingexpert’
How honest and humble and from an Internet marketer! You are on the right path, thank you for bringing me back. We’re all here to spread the words of Jesus and you have done Him proud! God Bless and thanks!
John
Kenneth,
Great point : Character – “without good character your strategies, tactics and execution are going to fall flat on its face. – Godin”
so many people out there right now that are “preaching authenticity” and then write most of their articles complain, complain, complain and blame.
Your article was authentic, while taking ownership, learning a lesson and then passing on that info to make it easier for others.
More people need to take this approach to creating relationships!
So, you’re trying to tell us that in 6 weeks you and your wife were ’saved’… and you learned ALL this stuff in your blog within that time and all your troubles were over? Give me a break… you berate other ‘opportunities’ as being 90% ‘crap’ and yet you ’sell’ the same ‘crap’.
I’ll quote you:
“… 6 weeks ago, on the verge of hitting rock bottom… We stumbled across a startling secret that saved our skins and put us back on the track of rapid profitability”…
6 weeks ey? and you learned ALL this and it changed your life right around? Sounds very familiar – in fact, I’ve read it a zillion times on the net EVERYWHERE.
P…l…ease. I so wish people would stop wasting everyone’s time on the net. It gets so very boring.
J.
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