You don’t need a website – you need an audience!

Posted by in Email Marketing tips, Finding Cutomers, inspiration, reputation and influence | 106 comments

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You are being lied to!

Did you know that building a website is probably THE WRONG WAY to start your online success?

It’s such a shame that many people get fooled into starting at that point though. Listen to this short recording to find out the proper order of things. It’s about 10 minutes long and will be some of the best big picture advice I can possibly give you.

This is some foundational stuff I’m giving you today. It’s like a reset button for your brain if you find yourself a bit overwhelmed. Maybe you feel new to all of this and you are heading in a bad direction, or you’ve been around awhile and you’ve forgotten what the ground rules are for success online. Either way let me know what you think – I’m trying to keep it simple with my advice.

Get the full MP3:

http://www.MySilentTeam.com/udontneedawebsite-uneedanaudience.mp3

Some links I mention in the audio:

My FaceBook page

Aweber.com – the “autoresponder” or “buld email management” tool that all Internet Marketers need to learn to use

SilentSalesMachine.com – the book that is foundational to my concepts.

And finally – the “report card” site that ranks me at the TOP of all current Internet Marketing Experts! Wow – I’m honored!

Please leave me a comment or any feedback by using the comment button below – also if you use twitter click the green retweet button above and let other know about this free info!

UPDATE: I’ve added ‘Part II’ based on the comments left below. Here’s a link to the update click here

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  • James

    Jim, I have been a member of your mailing list for some time now and have yet done anything on the internet because of all of the information that I have bought and downloaded. I have just now statrted listing and reading your newsletter and the information that you taked about in this newsletter has open my eyes. I am now going forward on reading some back issues and going to strive to start a following. I will work on a niche that I have in mind. Thanks for all this great information you give us.

  • http://www.jrmpublishing.com/ Jim Maginity

    Another awesome audio filled with down to earth advice. Thanks for sharing and being a voice of reason in this confusing world!

    Jim M.

  • http://davidlovelace.com Dave Lovelace

    Hey Jim

    Congrats on your ranking. It's no surprise to me ;-)

    Dave Lovelace

  • Ed

    Thanks Jim AND a well-deserved CONGRATULATIONS! We all need a 'reality check' now and then and your points are well received. Please keep the good stuff coming!

  • http://www.joojinmo.org Lilia

    Jim, it is always great to hear from you. You try to remind me not to be distracted from the right track – actually I got a lot of distraction in the past 1 year when not being able to see the result. I'm glad you are here – helping me. You are here really for help. My Silent Team is the greatest model I have ever seen online – you created a great community for internet marketer newbies like me.

    Thank you – I made my first $800 online in July with what I learned from you. I'm scared with the easiness and my luck – hopefully it can last. I write to say 'Thank you'. Really appreciat your kindness for teaching people real IM stuff.

    I'll definitely stick to you.

  • Michelle

    Great information. Thank you for your opinion. With some information around, it's hard to focus on one thing. You definitely make it easier to see through the forest!

  • Mike

    Hey Jim,

    Great advice, as always. Congratulations on your being number One!

  • http://www.susan-may.com Susan May

    Hi Jim,

    First, a huge CONGRATULATIONS on your #1 placement. Truly, it couldn't go to another person more deserving.

    I always hold in high regard any and everything you have to say. And a very pleasant surprise I have noticed lately is your willingness to speak about your Christian background and beliefs. It means a lot to me to know that I am putting my faith in a fellow Christian. It makes me trust you even more.

    Thanks for everything!

  • UKDave

    Congratulations Jim on your 'Report Card' ranking and thanks for the timely reminder of where I should be focusing my attention. Been feeling a bit lost lately in the sea of information but will now make getting to know Aweber my priority. Thanks once again.

  • Sandy

    Jim, thank you for always, ALWAYS being the steady and solid voice of common sense that cuts through the cacophany of those Internet sirens that promise endless wealth if you'll only send them your credit card number. I'm convinced you're the "real deal," and I feel blessed to have found you.

  • Jerrold

    Great recording Jim. I am exactly the person you are talking about. Your advice gives me hope and inspiration. I have already updated my eBay me page and will work on improving in other areas you mentioned. Next step will have to be to go to the help menus over on Aweber. First I'll try and join you on Facebook. Keep up the great work.

    -Waremouse-

  • Marie Krasch

    Dear Jim,

    While others are purposely preying on the desperation of others to pad their own pockets, you are giving away more truly valuable information FOR FREE, than they are fooling people to pay highly for, using Hype and Misrepresentation!

    I have personally benefited from this and have learned a great deal from what you offer, with free access!

    I have become a True Fan of yours, and plan to subscribe to your paid Forums as soon as I raise the money. I have already enthusiastically and confidently recommended you to others!

    I was not at all surprised to find out you were a sincere Believer and Follower of Jesus Christ. It only confirmed what I sensed because of your integrity and the way you do business.

    CONGRATULATIONS on your #1 Ranking. You are reaping what your have sown. Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

    May God continue to prosper you as you bless others.

  • chris

    To Jim,

    Thanks for that audio, it will help me hopefully get off in the right direction for future internet success. As im only new to all this, i feel like im chasing everything i see, your audio's and articles directed for begginers really help with information overload and help you stay focused.

    Thanks again

    Chris

  • Mike Ryan

    CONGRATULATIONS!! Jim, on your #1 ranking. It doesn't surprise me though… you've been at the top of MY list ever since I "met"

    you! You're the first one I suggest to all aspiring internet marketers.

  • Ken Mason

    Jim:

    Thanks for the great information. Somehow you always remind us it is the simple things that can make you a success, not all the bells and whistles. It's all about baby steps. Thanks again for reminding me of that fact.

  • robin

    Hi Jim

    I am confused.

    1. How do you collect emails from people that purchase something on ebay?

    2. Other than information and hobby / collectibles, can you give me a few examples of items you could sell and then later sell something else to them via a list?

    thanks

    robin

    [reply from Jim]: You REALLY need to read my book at SilentSalesMachine.com. The possibilities are quite endless. The eye opening moment for most people is when they realize that people are looking for INFORMATION typically when they are online. If you provide them the info they want they'll give you an email address. With eBay you do have to be cautious that you don't violate eBay policy, but there are several ways of going about it that are well within eBay policy.

  • http://www.xvdg.com Rod Farrell

    Great Post Jim. As a web developer at Websites With Purpose I keep trying to drive home to potential customers that there is NO POINT having a website just for the sake of being online. Until you have a need in your business or a PURPOSE for a website, don't waste your money. There are more productive things for you to do in your business. When you have a real defined need, then I will build you a website to fulfill that purpose.

    [reply from Jim]: Well said.

  • Jim Dickens

    Congratulations on your listing. As a pioneer, it is well earned and I am sure it was not easy — that is something those of us who are green with envy forget many times.

    That notion of the list being the prerequisite for earning a comfortable income has been echoed by many internet marketers. I think I understand and I think I can believe. But how? Do I build a list with giveaways or with content or with random acts of financial desperation or what?

    I have an extremely limited budget. My notion is to go after as much free plr as I can find. Revise, reformat, and rewrite much of a specific niche or two. And then offer the products in an ebook while using articles in blogs. But will that get me traffic?

    Thanks

    [reply from Jim]: Get your self in the game. Have a purpose and be the best at what you do. The "short cuts" don't work. Good solid content given away to gain a loyal following is the best way to grow an audience. Sample idea: Partner up with people that have a large list and make them look good while building your list. For example – write an ebook, give it to them, and request that a link remain in the book (or as part of the download process) that adds each reader to your mailing list. Use aweber to manage all of this.

  • Jim

    Thanks, Jim! You are the voice of honesty, sincerity, and true helpfulness–not breathless hype, “opportunity” hysteria, and con-man tactics aimed at people’s vulnerabilities.

  • Joe

    Mr. Cockrum,
    Your audio seemed unscripted and to the point.. Surprised there was nothing to buy but be a friend on Facebook. You promised help backed by your integrity and dealing honestly over the last ten years. I originally got your first book but like hundreds of others never did anything with the information.Now that I work p/t and on S.S.;looking for extra income via the internet. Subscribed to many of your contemporaries products but everything is about websites,hosting and niche markets.

  • http://yourtealife.com Pat Hartman

    Thanks so much, Jim. I find your advice very helpful and refreshing. I’m on to your FaceBook page…

  • http://www.rc-airplane-flying.com James

    Hi Jim

    Congratulation on your 1# ranking.

    I love your MST the best membership site online. I have learned some great ideas, that

    really do work.

    Focus on ONE income stream at a time!

  • http://www.nonasnews.com/blog Nona Sangalang

    Hello Jim

    Congratulations! People will know whom to trust in the industry and this list shows it. I could not contain my glee seeing this list, it just proves to me I was not wrong in joining your site, which was my very first. After having experiences with other experts, one thing I can say is you are one of those whom I hold in high esteem. You have in you a high moral ground backing up all your actions in this business.

    Best regards,

    Nona

  • http://www.proactivemarketing4u.com Tim

    Hey Jim,

    Great info and true to the point!

    Tim

  • http://FreshwaterAquariumFun.com Jim Vickers

    Jim,

    Enjoyed your thoughts on the importance of an audience over an awesome website. I agree 100% but I'm a bit uncertain about how one devlopes an audience without a website or some reasonable online presence?

    Thanks again,

    Jim

  • http://stores.ebay.com/ITS-ALL-ABOUT-THE-DISCOUNT Stacey

    Hi Jim!
    I’m already a friend on facebook! Ebay’s really starting to pick up, so this was a great reminder to get busy with the aweber and start a relationship with my customers. Haven’t finished reading your book yet but plan to soon – and create my About Me page! I feel like things are slowly coming together – and I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve got in mind! Definitely owe you a big THANKS for the great information you share – without the HYPE! Congrats on making #1! You deserve it!

  • steve jajczyk

    Thanks so much for your concern. I have been so confused with all the so called”Experts”
    on the net that I’ve literally become frozen
    on what to do.
    You brought clarity to the subject of internet marketing. Thanks for making internet marketing simple again and not a gigantic mountain to climb.

    all the best.
    steve Jajczyk

  • http://whatcanidotogetmyexback.com/ Faith

    Dear Jim,

    You are a real down to earth kind of guy. I can just hear the honesty and responsibility to people in your voice. =)

    That is rare in this day and age.

    Again, this audio was full of facts, but what I would have liked to hear more of, is how to get the audience, if one doesn't have a website?

    Did you mean places like twitter and facebook? Still, how to make them work would have been a nice little addition in your audio. Apart from that, it was great!

    You are probably the only online "guru" that I actuall trust. Keep up the good work!

  • Ken Langdon

    Good Afternoon from Australia Jim,

    Just throwing in a comment here about being a Christian, and being trusted because you are a Christian.

    Some others have made the comment about how they can trust you because you are a Christian, and this coment is not to suggest that you cannot be trusted.

    My wife and I were reading Genesis 26:1-33 this morning, and as the commentator pointed out, Isaac allowed fear and selfshness to compromise his integrity. He was afraid to name Rebekah as his wife and was prepared to risk her her virtue for his personal safety.

    The commentator alerts us to the following truth: 'Don't ever think that God's people have a monopoly on virtue!'

    Most of us are very much aware that some non-Christians put us to shame sometimes in the matter of virtue.

    Thought for the day from an 80 year old Aussie!

    • MsLaughOutLoud

      Just read your comments, and I have to totally agree with you.  Like I used to say to my non-Christian friends, “human nature is human nature is human nature,” for better or worse!

      • http://www.JimCockrum.com/ Jim Cockrum

        I never expect any extra “favor” from people because of my Christian beliefs. My reputation is tied to my actions just like everybody else. Great points you make.

  • http://www.twitter.com/Aussieover80 Ken Langdon

    Hi Jim, again,

    Being a guy from 'the horse and buggy days'of the 1930s when we did not have telephones or motor cars, refrigerators or washing machines,had to write letters to friends and relatives with 'pen and ink'or go to the Post Office and send Telegrams by Morse Code, I am still trying to come to terms with the 21st century. All my working life was in the years BC (Before Computers), and I eve worked for Australia's leading bank in a country town without electricity!

    Congratulations on your accomplishments! I am but one of many here to learn what I can from 'the master'

    Winter temperature here today is 23C

  • george

    Jim, thanks for telling the truth. I have spent a lot of money and have gotten nowhere I want you to know that I will take a different step and quit feeling sorry for myself.

  • http://www.demandmovies.net Reg B.

    Jim… Congratulations on beating every one of the Gurus that just want to sell us a Shiny new toy that we never use… For all the years I been following you,you have never put any pressure on selling your stuff…That is what I like about you. You are my mentor… Keep it up… Say Hi too Ron C. ( if he remembers me from Jan 09)
    Thank care

  • http://www.john-edwards-blog.com John Edwards

    Hi Jim,

    I have started a mailing list at AWeber for my blog but at the moment i only have six subscribers, but hey its a start!

    At the moment i am putting the finishing touches to an ebook i personally have written about how to sell Skincare products on eBay and beyond, called “Skincare Profits,Auction Goldmine” i am cramming it with tutorial illustrations along the way !

    And the point i am getting to is this, on my sales page i will have an opt-in box, on my Affiliates page an opt-in box, and this will be my system with all future product releases!

    And i totally agree with buil;ding a list first and foremost as you can now see.

    What a fantastic audio Jim , your crown is well deserved!

    Regards….John Edwards.

  • http://clearwater-trading.com Florian

    Hey – congrats for being #1… but you know what: I knew that already, way before this contest!

    it's good to be reminded of the core elements of a stable online business.

    It's also true that many other online business models rely on instant – short term traffic that can be gone from one day to the next if a PPC Engine decides to change its algorithm or that it doesn't like your web site.

    So build your online business on a captivated audience through an email list that you care about. Even a small list in a niche of a couple hundred people can bring in consistent and substantial revenue. If you send them topic specific information that adds value, that people are passionate about, and from time to time recommend a product or service that you know will add value to them, you will make repeat income from that list.

    I tried it, and it works great.

    my 2 cents.

    so long, Jim!

  • http://www.thegifthutch.etsy.comEbayID:creativelegance J. Thomas

    Hi Jim,

    Congratulations on your ranking! Thanks for the great advice. You are truly display integrity; very refreshing!

  • Doug Renz

    Great content as always Jim… working on Auction Acrobat / Aweber / PLR products on eBay as I write… so I can do exactly what you teach, build an audience and a list… I don't have one "yet", but hope to in the future… Doug Renz

  • http://www.rahsiarajalelong.com Eruwan Gerry

    Hi Jim,
    thanks for your absolutely brilliant take on what is the right skills that we need to have a successful internet business.
    You hit the nail right on the head with this info.
    Thanks again for it.

  • http://none Terry Menig

    Hi Jim:

    I have just started to receive your newsletter. I am a 54 year old grandmother and work as a church secretary. I would like to earn extra income to help my two adult disabled foster children and grandchildren. I am taking notes on all your information and hope to start my business as I order your book and begin to put it all together. I have to admit, it is a little foreign to me, but I have the basic computer skills. Thank you for your down to earth and clear advice that I can easily follow without feeling overwhelmed. Presently, I am not sure what niche would be good for me. Thanks, Jim.

  • http://jamesreports.com James

    Thanks jim, always the best. jm

  • http://www.capefearweddingminister.com Dale Curtis

    Congrats to you Jim and thanks for all the sincere, quality information and encouragement you provide! I am and shall always be in your debt!!

    Humbly,

    M Dale Curtis

    PS I love having you as a Face Book Friend.

  • Ana-Maria

    Hi Jim,

    Congratulations in your ranking, your deserve every bit of it.

    Ok, here is my question.

    Let's assume you are a complete newbie and just listened to your recording.

    Where would you start?

    1)Find a niche you like? 2)Right your own ebook or buy the rights to the info materials on the niche? 3)List your info product on eBay? 4)Start to drive traffic from eBay to your website etc (Silent Sales Machine) 5)Create a blog……

    I find all of this very confusing. Can you tell me with all you know right now, how would you start if you had to start again?

    Thanks a million.

    All the best for you and your family.

    Ana-Maria.

    [reply from Jim] : As a total newbie I'd likely join Offlinebiz.com (honestly) and start working with local businesses that are desperate for help with Internet Marketing. Even if you have NO tech skills you can outsource all the work and get plenty of help from the over 4,000 other members that are there. It's the lowest hanging fruit out there!

    There are literally hundreds of approaches that work though…so it's hard to say what one approach I'd recommend since I don't really know you or your skills. As long as you are generating traffic and then giving those customers the info they want (on autopilot using email) by adding them to your mailing list – you can't go wrong.

  • Brian

    Great Info as always Jim, I’ve followed you for sometime (2 years) through your newsletters, you’re quite trustworthy. I’ve never been able to do anything myself as all of this info continues to be overwhelming for me, too many ideas, too much free range. I’m more of a step by step person and of course someone who doesn’t have a lot of free time. Once I get something working, a predictable routine then I can inject some creativity into it. My point is that it’s great to be able to see that you’re out there helping so many and new ones as well, I know there are many who can catch right on to what you’re saying and take off with it! Keep up the good work!

  • Jill

    Hi Jim,
    I’m a member of your other membersite – and have just started talking with Offline businesses to help them with their Online marketing. Thanks for the reminder that even with a storefront… the best thing I can help them with is their list and comunicating with it. You Rock. I’ll go sign up for your Facebook.

    Question – a client yesterday who is a Florist thinks he should be on Twitter. I find it to be a LOT of work… do you use Twitter? Worth it for you?
    Thanks again, Jill

    [reply from Jim]: Twitter can be a useful tool IF it is generating email opt-ins. I’d suggest that they start by growing their email list by getting their customers to subscribe…and THEN ASK the customers what social media they use. It’s likely that facebook will be a more likely place to focus for them. They can easily add facebook followers from the store and a little sign would encourage patrons to “follow them”. There is a section of OfflineBiz.com dedicated just to florists where you’ll pick up some good ideas for florists…check the “Business Specific Ideas” department on the site.

  • Tony

    Jim, great audio glad to here that you don't need a fancy website. I'm having trouble getting started, I have an ebay account just having trouble on selling goods and would love to sell digital goods. I would love if you could help mentor me in the right direction.

    Thanks,

    Tony

  • John Bradley

    Before you start putting all your carts before your horses, TEST your niche. For instance, do a classified listing in ebay and use your own EMAIL address to deliver a report or web address (and keep track of it). It you get a lot of hits, then you may have a winner! Then sign up with aweber or getresponse.com (and getresponse.com is better in my view)and set the classified ad on auto pilot! I wasted MORE money by not testing and putting the cart before the horse. And you DO NEED a simple website or blog in your niche – just start out easy, TEST, TEST and more. We all want it NOW!! Bottom line is if you put too many carts before the horse, and your niche fails, you will lose money – I learned the hard way, hope you don't …

    John

    John

    [reply from Jim]: GREAT advice John…you must be a member of MySilentTeam.com! :0)

  • dan starsia

    Jim, thanks for making sense out of all the info. overload I've been dealing with for 3 months and getting nowhere. I have sold successfully on ebay with hard goods, but can't figure out how upload and make available for download an info. product. My 1st post on line is on squidoo. I'll run with your advice and start learnig the other social networking sites. Thanks for the guidance.

    Dan

  • peter

    Straightforward, to the point and useful. Thanks Jim.

  • mark hall

    jim you never fail to amaze me the advice you give is so simple yet pratical i have signed up for insider secrets and started working on it and its just amazing if nobody has bought this i advise people to buy this and the audio was great mark

  • Jeffrey Maddox

    Jim, I thought your audio message was terrific. We get bombarded with SO much marketing for SEO systems, PPC systems, minisite systems! Thanks for cutting thru the noise. I am going to place some classifieds on ebay that can sell products and build a list.
    Jeff

  • Jay

    Hi Jim ,thank you. And your newsletters are always inspiring me. I have a question.

    I happend to know some marvellous webserver through your ebook and i have seen you referring that software via your newsletter. I am now using that product paying money.

    And my question is that "Does 'having website' make online business easier or not if I do exactly what you advised?"

    Thank you for reading my comment.

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