Here’s the exact “no rules followed” plan I’ve used to sell millions online:
- Have a story to tell, and write a book about it – but sell it super cheap (practically give it away).
- REWRITE and update the entire thing every 18 months or so to keep it current.
- Each time you rewrite it, send it out FREE to all of your past buyers.
- Grow your email list and truly SERVE subscribers with great content while undercharging for everything you sell.
- Leave EVERY customer far better off than you found them – even when they don’t deserve it and they ask for a refund.
That simple business plan is the entire foundation of everything I’ve accomplished online in the past 12+ years. We’ll easily go over $2 million in total sales volume this year, and the entire foundation is right in front of you in a few bullet points. Can you use this plan? Maybe, and maybe not. It’s my “no rules” plan. You might have to use your own plan.
When I first wrote my book “Silent Sales Machine” several years ago, I never could have imagined that I’d be updating it eight times over the coming 12+ years. I could have asked 50 different marketing experts if that was a good biz plan, and they all would have told me probably not. I’m so glad I didn’t consult the “experts” and go with the established “rules” of how to build and market a business.
Some lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Email marketing still works VERY well when done right
- Giving away great content for next to nothing and then taking care of the audience REALLY pays off
- Small successes can be leveraged into great successes if you share the story
- Your best story is NOT about you. Make sure your customers become the hero of your story. It’s NOT about YOU.
- Growing a loyal community is more valuable, rewarding and sustainable than is launching products
- Slow and steady not only wins the race, it kicks haste in the butt in a big way
- Big ego = pride = a fall pending very soon. Run away from those leaders who are ego centric – they are close to falling
Now go break some rules!
Karen Jones Briody says
October 31, 2014 at 12:38 pmGreat article Jim, as always! You’re a true inspiration!
Dan Miller says
October 31, 2014 at 12:50 pmJim – man I love these simple steps that still work. And I think you’re right – the “experts” would tell you it can’t be done. Keep rockin!
Jim Cockrum says
October 31, 2014 at 1:56 pmThanks Dan. You inspire so many. I’m honored you are a reader!
Bwampler says
October 31, 2014 at 2:09 pmI remember those early days well, Jim… congrats bro 🙂
KevinGriffith says
October 31, 2014 at 2:30 pmHi Jim,
Thanks for the reminder that people really can think outside the box, break all the rules and still be hugely successful! You’re living proof that people can follow your teaching and also become successful. You’ve been a major inspiration to so many people who’ve read your books and follow you! Thank you for all you’ve done and for setting such a great example for the rest of us! God Bless you and your family. Happy Friday (no, it’s not a holiday!) 8^/
Faith Clayton says
October 31, 2014 at 5:32 pmJim, you are living proof that the simplest explanation is often the best (and only) highest truth. Thanks for being such a bright, shiny light.
Shawn Searcy says
October 31, 2014 at 9:45 pmGREAT JOB breaking down the Rules Of Success for us! Taking your eyes off of yourself and putting them on Customers and Other People is the way you’ve taught us…
Pickers University says
November 4, 2014 at 7:31 amThanks for the great article! I am a new eBay blogger and I am trying to build up my readership slow and steady! Thanks for always being authentic an honest in your teachings! I have mail chimp to build up my email list, I’m still figuring it out so I’m happy to take it slow and steady!
James Devlin says
November 6, 2014 at 1:15 pmThanks a million for sharing the way you got to where you are.
LuxuryCardStore says
December 2, 2014 at 11:36 amHi Jim, I love your blog and when I came across this, I had to tell you about it. I’m sure you’ve heard of crowd funding i.e. Kickstarter. A lady who is an artist started a Kickstarter campaign and got 150 people (including myself) to donate various amounts for a total of $2175 to join her mailing list. At first I thought it was obnoxious, then after I thought it over, realized it was pure genius! I donated $2 to get a weekly email which I’m SURE will showcase her latest piece of art for sale! So genius I think I might try it myself. Check out her campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1356478958/meow-mondays-2015 Just so you know, I am in no way affiliated with her which is also why I waited until the campaign was over to see if it worked, before telling you about it. Now, it is true she is giving things in return, so she still has to perform for the money. Very similar to an internet marketer selling his new ‘program” What do you think of this approach to earning money on the internet?
Jim Cockrum says
December 2, 2014 at 2:40 pmTrust is an incredibly fragile asset. If she continues to deliver and earn trust, this will be a great story for her and interesting for is to follow. Thanks for dropping by my blog!
Jimmy Swag says
March 27, 2017 at 8:59 pmDo I happen to be related to you? This is an obvious pseudonym, but I have relatives who are cockrums. Email me if you are intrigued.
Jim Cockrum says
March 27, 2017 at 9:43 pmHaha…it’s my real name. If I had to pick a pen name I’d be wise to choose one that doesn’t trigger spam filters! There are many with my exact last name. A proud family tree.
Jimmy Swag says
March 31, 2017 at 1:10 pmI meant my name, but that is good. Hehe, I wondered if you’d see this
Jim Cockrum says
April 2, 2017 at 7:54 amgot it! 🙂