I normally hate semantics, but this is one difference that actually matters.
The real secret of making money is not to provide value, it is to create value then let the world know about it. Start with an idea, then create a means for others to follow. Eventually you will create a movement around your idea. Bloggers use blogs to share ideas, but it is not the only way. Facebook page, website, store fronts, these are all fronts for the idea behind it.
My idea and motivation with this site is to empower you to take control of your life by teaching you the necessary life skills to overcome limiting beliefs, improve the relationship you have with yourself, and find happiness by fulfilling your hearts desire. Remember, every problem you ever had in your life was only a problem because you did not possess the necessary skills to overcome it.
The advantage of taking this route of creating value beyond just providing it is that if you are truly passionate and motivated by your idea, you will eventually strike a synergistic balance between fulfilling your own personal needs and the needs of others. Because quite honestly, when you find something you absolutely enjoy doing. That you would do anyways even if you made nothing. It is very annoying to having to do other things to keep yourself going. Like side jobs or a back up career.
You need to create value so you can find that synergy balance. It will allow you to focus on what you like and are good at.
Resulting in freedom from distractions like side jobs and enabling you to benefit others fully with your idea and passion. The alternative of providing value is useful in a sense however, but it lends itself to you having to do side jobs to pay bills. As I said, this is really annoying when you want to devote all your time to doing what you love. This is why you need to create value around an idea, provide a way for others to follow, and create a movement.. so you can make your passion into a financially stable venture.
The problem is most of you focus on making money by providing value and not creating value.
When I share that I make money online, I ALWAYS get the same clueless newbie questions. There are plenty of monetization strategies on the Internet and a lot of good products that will teach you how to do just that. But that knowledge is only part of the requirements. It is one part knowledge, one part passion, one part discipline. Most lack all three and just want the end result of 20 hour work weeks and $10,000 a month in automated pay checks without investing any time or money to learn anything.
If your reading this, then chances are you’re a reasonably intelligent person. Let me ask you this:
- What is your idea?
- Is it necessary? Is it being provided? Or is their something more important you could do?
What I am getting at is the business idea must have a compelling reason for existence.
If the creation of the business is an option and not a must, then don’t waste your time. The business does not have to be some grand under taking, it could be as simple as a making covers for an Ipad. The world does not have too many of those, but things like make money online blogs, or social bookmarking sites, or digg clones, the world has enough of those. Find a far more important need that needs to be address that links your talents, abilities, and the human needs of others. Simple.
This is what I do with this site. It links my talents and abilities in writing, philosophy, art, personal development, with the human need for finding meaning and happiness in life. For me, even if this site never makes me rich, it is important and fulfilling work for me. It is something I personally feel I should be doing, not because I saw other bloggers making money and figure I could too, but rather doing something else would be a waste of my talents right now.
I can read your mind:
“OK, create and share value. Got it. But what about charitable organizations? Or people who volunteer at soup kitchens? They create and provide value but make no money. This seems to be flawed as it still is necessary to have an income system in place to take and process money”
Charity work, and soup kitchens is an example of providing value for the people who work within them. They don’t create value. The person who created the soup kitchen or the charity organization via an idea they had is the one who created value. Also, value should not simply be limited to charity. Value is value. If I write a children’s book that brings entertainment, laughter, and knowledge. That is providing value.
A fantastic example of creating and providing value via charity is Toms Shoes. It was an inspired idea by Blake Mycoskie who traveled to the poorest parts of the world an noticed children did not have shoes. He came up with an idea for a business. Buy a pair of shoes, get a pair donated to a child in need. Simply brilliant.
Did this business need to be created? Yes, absolutely.
Would something have been lost if it was created? Yes, tens of thousands of children would have fallen victim to illness for not having shoes.
To Conclude
Create value for others, don’t just provide it. To create value for others starts from who you are, not what you do. Start with an idea, then ask yourself: Does this idea need to be created? Will something be lost by not creating it? If the answer is yes, provide a way for others to follow. Build a movement. Make a difference. Live a more meaningful life.
Any questions?
best,
David
ps, if you like my work please support it via links, retweets, stumbles, emails etc. Thanks!