Has anyone seen the movie Inception? I was pleasantly surprised when I watched it.
The movie got me really thinking on a deeper level than I normally do about how I can help others become successful in Internet Marketing.
For those of you that don’t remember the idea I planted in your head last night in your dreams, I’m going to lay it out for you below 
But, you already know all of this.
So, it bothers me that everyone pitches “hard work is the key” and in reality it’s not.
Below are what I believe to be the REAL keys to having success in Internet Marketing.
Smart, efficient work. It’s not about the hours it’s about WHAT you do.
Internet Marketing is not like training to be a mixed martial arts / UFC fighter. The more you work doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to be better. Sure, if you are brand new and you start experimenting you might stumble on something. But, long hours is not necessarily the best way to go about things. In reality, being efficient and smart with your time is more important than long hours. What are you going to do for hours and hours, look at your stats all day and tweak your keyword lists? Sounds like a blast. I don’t condone hours and hours of meticulous non-sense. I challenge you all to get the same work done next week and spend 25% less time by doing it more efficiently. Hmm, can you outsource something?
Are you connected? Networking is crucial.
Are you? Are you really? Seriously? If you’re not , it’s ok a lot of people aren’t. What you need to realize is that the success that someone well connected has is going to be drastically different than Joe Schmoe from Nowheresville. It’s unfortunate , but it’s a reality you need to acknowledge so that maybe you will take some initiative to make yourself more connected. Pick up the phone and call 5 people next week to see if there’s a way that you can mutually benefit each-other on a professional level. Then, while you are at it attend a marketing conference or two and introduce yourself to random people. Get connected in the real world. Make real connections and friends that will want to help you promote your stuff. If all else fails send an email. Heck, send me an email if you can’t figure anything else out and I’ll connect with you.
Joint Ventures. 2 is better than 1, right?
It boggles my mind how many people don’t even consider a JV. If you need something that you can’t get for a reasonable price, maybe you can attract someone by offering them a fair share of your company or venture. I’ve had a lot of profitable companies and campaigns by attracting JV partners.
Do you have the cash that you need?
If you are starting an affiliate network and have $300 or launching a product and have $10 for advertising you are in for an uphill battle. Do you know how easy it is to get a business loan? You need cash to be able to skyrocket yourself to rockstar status qiuckly. Sure, you COULD do things without any money but it’s going to be a much slower process unless you have Frank Kern or some other super well connected guy like myself on your speed dial
Time spent away from marketing can improve your marketing.
You might be wondering, what are you trying to do make me fail? No, I’m trying to make you succeed by accepting these real facts. I can’t tell you how many awesome ideas I’ve come up with playing basketball or doing other activities outside of marketing. I had one of my best ideas come to me that actually went on to make piles of money when I was on a hot streak shooting 3 pointers. And, don’t fall into the drop of TRYING to think about marketing while doing your favorite activities, let it come to you. I’ve already planted the ideas in your mind via Inception so you’re all set. Just let the magic happen 
Final tip for today. STARE at the picture below. A good idea may come to you.
The only hint I can give you about the picture above is that if you add .com to the words List Playbook, then something truly amazing will be available to you.
Great post and I agree that a lot of ideas and things just pop in your head instead of when you’re really trying to think of something.
The movie was AWESOME.
Great post Brian. I agree with everything you’ve mentioned. Especially using your time efficiently.
The fact is a lot of people don’t organize their time so therefore sometimes they lack the ability to be productive efficiently in their time. Also, you need cash to get started, and $300 wont start an affiliate network, but it’ll do a hell of a job with affiliate marketing.
Great post again though. Valuable content through “inception.”
Good point about inception! I completely agree. The first thing I thought of when I read this post title was Dan Kennedy’s idea that when writing copy, the first thing you want to do is join the conversation in the head of the potential buyer.