So you’re all gung ho to get to selling on the Internet. I mean, everyone’s doing it and you want your piece of the ever-growing WWW pie. Let’s face facts – if it was all that difficult, then how did your neighbor make five grand last year selling those tacky crocheted toilet paper covers on Ebay? The word of the day is passion.

Now before you hurl with mental pictures of Fabio in your head, think about it for a minute. As much as I loathe the man, his name and face have definitely become synonymous with all things passionate whether we like it or not. If you are persistent and believe in what you’re selling it is possible that you can garner a bit of that sort of name recognition for yourself without the flowing locks and 32 psi man breasts.

Choosing a Product

The first crucial step doesn’t take a genius to uncover – you need to have a product (or service) to sell. Now before you go off half-cocked and just sign up for every affiliate program on LinkShare or Commission Junction, take some time and think carefully about the direction you want to head in. As you read through the information on each program, create a list of the products that catch your attention, along with the commission you stand to earn by selling them.

When you have a list of 5 – 10 items, write each item at the top of a piece of paper and just start brainstorming about each. No idea should be ignored regardless of how off-the-cuff it may sound. If a man can market a spring into one the world’s most well-known toys (ever heard of the Slinky^®?), you can think of a way to sell a product.   It’s already caught your attention, right?

Next, get an outsider’s point of view if at all possible. Ask your friends, co-workers or strangers on the street what they look for in a particular product and take notes. People will buy only if they are convinced the product has some sort of value to them and it is up to you to find that value. Pay attention to TV commercials and print campaigns that may be relevant as well. Why not let companies with major bucks do some of your legwork for you?

On Thursday, we’ll discuss the next step in the process – Planning Your Attack.  See you then!

Michael Nolan
IM Rookie Contributor

For more internet marketing tips & strategies: imrookie.com

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• Setting Your Online Business Goals
• Multi-Level-Marketing and Affiliate Marketing – Don’t Get it Confused.
• Planning Your Online Marketing Attack
• Helping Your Website Close the Sale
• Is Your Web Content Marketable?

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