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June 30, 2006
eBay IDs: How To Effectively Use Those eBay IDs
Ebay no longer allows you to use a URL as your eBay ID, but here's a way to get that URL out there ...
All you need to do is place an asterick (*) in front and at the end of your URL and you have what the ebay system thinks is NOT a URL. For example, your ID on ebay could be *www.auctiongeniuscourse.com*. This would be perfectly "legal" and would get your URL seen by hundreds and even thousands of people.
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 11:32 PM | TrackBack
June 27, 2006
Using AdSense & Affiliate Programs To Create Wealth
A really good guy in Pennsylvania, named Declan Kennedy, is in terrible trouble. Declan has an aortic aneurysm and needs an operation to prevent an impending all-but-certain fatal explosion in his heart.
Declan has recently adopted three kids from China. His son Adam just had surgery to repair a cleft chin and his two daughters have also received a lot of medical attention since they were adopted. Major expenses, for sure. Plus, the family has lousy medical insurance.
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A Great Deal For You:
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One of the people helping Declan is a good friend of mine, Dave Tropeano. He is one of those "unknown" marketing geniuses - unknown, that is, except to a handful of people who are the leaders (in terms of money-making) on the Internet. Dave earns a huge sum of money every month from affiliate programs and AdSense and is one of my greatest teachers.
In order to help Declan, Dave has volunteered to teach a class on how to build your own "Virtual Real Estate empire". This is a term coined by John Reese, the entrepreneur who made a million dollars in 18 hours. A VRE refers to John's notion that the way to financial independence is through owning "real estate" on the Net. Of course, net real estate is much cheaper and less risky than buying physical property.
Dave is going to conduct an online class to show participants how to build a network of sites that will make money through:
1. Affiliate programs
2. AdSense
3. Pay-per-lead programs
Here is what you get:
1. You attend the class online
2. You get an MP3 of the call
3. There will be a Camtasia video of the class
4. There will be a an opt-in page generation script
5. Dave has assured me that there will be more goodies
The page to signup for the class:
http://www.aneurysmguide.com/auctiongenius.html
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The Urgency:
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A financial institution named Thrivent Financial has agreed to match all funds collected <
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My Personal Assurances:
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I have never extended a personal endorsement of anything except my own products. This is the first (and probably the last time) I will ever do so. But I know Dave very well and here is what I can assure you:
1. Dave knows more about building a network of small sites to create revenue with AdSense and affiliate programs than anyone I know. He is known as a "master" to people like Brad Fallon, Andy Jenkins, Jonathan Mizel, Michael Campbell, John Reese and myself. Dave never, ever, speaks in public. He doesn't talk at seminars, publish information products or give away his knowledge except to a handful of fortunate friends and co-workers like myself. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in this subject.
2. Dave is not making a penny from the class he is teaching.
3. I am not making a penny from this newsletter.
Everything goes directly to Declan Kennedy.
Every day we are bombarded with stories about terrorism, environmental degradation, war, starvation, abuse of humans and animals and so much more. I don't know about you, but I feel helpless to do much about any of it. At least this is one time I can help. My partner and I have contributed $1,000 to this fund.
Once again, here is the link:
http://www.aneurysmguide.com/auctiongenius.html
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 2:58 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 26, 2006
"Insider Secrets Of An eBay Millionaire" Raises Troubling Questions
In the past two weeks, I have had numerous questions and messages about an eBay course called "Insider Secrets Of An eBay Millionaire". The course is produced by the Internet Marketing Center, the company owned by the former Corey Rudl and now run by Derek Gehl.
The course claims ""Learn how this REGULAR guy from Nebraska made over $8,000,000 in just one year selling everyday items on eBay!" It costs $197. But according to all my recent contacts, there is a follow-up offer of a coaching program that costs $8,000 for 12 sessions or $16,000 for 24 sessions.
The problem is that the 'Regular guy from Nebraska" is Brandon Dupsky - who declared BANKRUPTCY on March 4 of this year! I don't know Mr. Dupsky and I have great sympathy for him. And there's nothing wrong with selling this course and program - IF the people being propositioned to sign up know that he has declared bankruptcy.
However, the folks I've talked with are unanimously shocked at this news! 100% of them declare they knew nothing about this business failure and a couple have become irate, claiming they do not want to be coached by someone who has failed so dramatically.
I contacted the Internet Marketing Center by email and phone but they have not replied. If the information I have received is accurate, it raises some troubling questions.
About Brandon Dupsky's bankruptcy
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 4:20 PM | TrackBack
June 25, 2006
"The Day God Spilled The Paint"
No need to even comment on this.
The east side of the Carrizo plain in the Temblor Range, bbout 50 miles due west of Bakersfield, California.
Photo taken by Barbara Mathews
May 14. 2005
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 4:05 PM | TrackBack
June 24, 2006
eBay Shipping Becomes Easier & Easier
If you live in the US, you gotta be happy that eBay shipping just gets easier and easier. If you use the US Post Office, that is, because the PO l-u-v-s eBay!
At the recent eBay Live event in Las Vegas, one of the speakers was the Jack Potter, who is the Postmaster General for the US. He announced that there is a new priority mail box for SHOES. Very cool!
He also announced that this fall the PO would allow "batch" printing of postage labels, rather than the current tedious one-by-one.
eBay already has a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service. eBay sellers can receive free co-branded shipping boxes for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Flat Rate Service. These boxes will be delivered directly to your home at no charge. To get this service, you must be a registered eBay user.
* Boxes may only be ordered online and you can only order 1 set of boxes per sku per day.
* In addition to ordering free co-branded boxes, you can purchase and print shipping labels, insure your item and request free carrier pick-up, all from your computer!
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 10:12 AM | TrackBack
June 22, 2006
Auctions Online: eBay Becomes Addiction?
According to the Center for Online Addiction, auctions online - eBay in particular, have become an addiction. Actually, I'm skeptical about claims like this because it seems as though EVERYTHING is an addiction and/or a disease. Whatever happened to self discipline???
According to the addiction story from the Fox news website:
"... one psychologist says eBay addiction is real — and is no laughing matter.
"There's a growing number of eBay addicts," said Dr. Kimberly Young, director of the Center for Online Addiction. "Usually at the point they come to me, there are marital problems. They've lied to their husband or wife about how much they've taken out of the 401(k). It's a real problem."
Young said it's common for true eBay addicts — for whom the auction Web site has become a compulsion — to dip into retirement and children's college funds or take out a second mortgage to support their habit.
They're typically lying to loved ones about how they're spending all that time and money. One woman who sought help from Young was fired from her job over her eBay use at work.
"I've had people lose $400,000 or $500,000," said Young. "The element with eBay that I find with clients is the issue of winning, like gambling: 'I beat out this other person."
I don't mean in any way to belittle people with serious problems. But, I have my addictions, too. Who doesn't? Some of them are very healthy and positive addictions that enrich my life. But others ... well, let's just say I'd be better off without them.
But I don't call everything in my life an addiction. What about that old-fashioned word HABIT?
The point is that I take responsibility for my actions. My habits are MY problem and its my responsibility to deal with them. The folks mentioned in the story above undoubtedly have serious problems, but I'm unconvinced that labelling them as addictions or a disease does anything towards bringing a solution.
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 1:30 PM | TrackBack
June 20, 2006
Finding Happiness: Forget The 'Pursuit' Of Happiness
I've been cleaning out my hard drive and found the beautiful story below (author unknown). It's about a little girl who knows all about finding happiness and it's what we all knew when we were young children. Forget the 'pursuit' of happiness and just live it, like she is ...
"She had been shopping with her Mom in Walmart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.
It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.
We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Walmart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.
Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.
"What?" Mom asked.
"Let's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.
Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing."
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories ... So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday."
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 9:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 18, 2006
Assist2Auction Continued ...
Frank Ross, who writes very intelligent posts on home business, added some comments on the Assist2Auction franchise "opportunity". Specifically:
1. The amount of time it would take to individually list a van full of junk ... er, stuff. We can be certain that the franchise isn't going to do it for them. And the offer of software is pretty meaningless. Software is great for submission, yes, but somebody has to take the pictures, somebody has to write the copy, etc.
2. Franchises are usually assigned territories. As Frank rightly comments: "That would mean you would probably be restricted to a certain limited area to work in. Unless the area is densely populated, you would eventually run out of potential customers or your growth would slow significantly."
Check out Frank's full review.
http://www.allbusiness.com/blog/TheHomeBasedBusinessBlog/8180/006031.html
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 11:29 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 16, 2006
Yanik Silver, Robert Imbriale, Debbie Allen, Mark Hendricks, Joe Nunziata & More
Starting tomorrow, my friend Robert Imbriale, will be hosting an online seminar series called "The No Money Down Marketing Seminar Series". There is an all-star cast for this production:
* Yanik Silver
* Debbie Allen
* Mark Hendricks
* Joe Nunziata
* Alan Bechtold
" Russ Von Hoelscher
* Michael Penland
* Shawn Casey
* Donald Moine
* Jo Cavanaugh
* Robert Imbriale, our host
* And me, Sydney Johnston
Many of these folks are good friends of mine and I know how much they have to offer, like Robert, Alan, Michael, Yanik, Russ. The conversations will, naturally, be about Internet marketing and how to succeed with it.
Actually, though, the person I most want to hear is Donald Moine. I've never heard him before but I've surely read his book, "Unlimited Selling Power: How to Master Hypnotic Selling Skills". It's about how to use such disciplines as NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) to ethically persuade customers to buy from you. Everything in the book isn't relevant to Net marketing because some of it depends on personal contact. Still, it's fascinating stuff and I'm looking forward to learning from him.
This is a 12 week session that is practially free at only $97. That's a mere $8 per speaker. What a great deal!
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 12:17 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 15, 2006
The Loser Test!
I've been trying to clean out my hard drive and found this wonderful piece of writing that I am calling the Loser Test! Of course, we're all imperfect and we all fall into some really cruddy habits, at times. However, it's what we do over the long haul that matters. See if you recognize yourself here ... and my apoliges to the author of this great list. If I knew who you were, I would give credit.
1. Quitters think everything is too good to be true, while the successful think that getting a job sounds too bad to be true.
2. Quitters give up when things don't go their way; a few disappointments and they are onto something else, saying things like "it wasn't for me." The successful work harder and become more determined when things go bad, and understand that you have to take the bad with the good to make it.
3. Quitters always have an excuse. Successful people say "my fault" and refuse to make excuses.
4. Quitters think that not getting what they want is OK. Successful people are disgusted at the thought of not getting what they want and will do whatever it takes.
5. Quitters always have to talk it over with their broke friends to make sure no one will make fun of them if they make a decision. Successful people think for themselves and could care less what their broke friends think.
6. Quitters are never coachable and teachable. Successful people are always learning, even when the money starts coming in, they never stop learning from those who were there first.
7. Quitters are scared of others. Successful people trust in others and know that other people are crucial for their success.
8. Quitters are always procrastinating; they would rather talk about it, read about it, think about it, but never seem to do anything. Successful people hate doing anything but getting it done.
9. Quitters are glad when the day is over. Successful people love when the day begins.
10. Quitters think successful people are lucky. Successful people put themselves into a position to be "lucky," and then work hard to make the "luck" show up.
11. Quitters work by the hour. Successful people work by the month. Quitters want to know that after 1 hour of work they have something to show for it. Successful people find Quitters who think like that and make them their employees.
12. Quitters get excited they just got hired. Successful people think it is funny that someone could be fooled that easily; they are just making the successful person more successful.
13. Quitters complain a lot. Successful people are thankful that no one shot at them today, they didn't have to fight in a war, and that they don't have a job.
14. Quitters are too concerned about what other people are doing. Successful people are only concerned about what they can be doing to get more done. Quitters think that if no one is doing something, it must suck. Successful people think that if no one is doing something, it means more money for them. Quitters think that if everyone (all 200 people at the meeting in a city of 1 million) is doing something, it must be saturated. Successful people think that Quitters aren't too bright.
15. Quitters think it is OK for other people to live where they want to live, drive what they want to drive, and do what they want to do. Quitters are OK with the fact that they can't do these things. Successful people get sick just thinking about being average. Quitters think that other people's opinions are worth more than their dreams. Successful people know that their dreams are worth more than other people's opinions.
"To be successful, you must learn from Quitters and do not do what they do nor think how they think."
NOW THE CHOICE IS UP TO YOU!
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 11:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 13, 2006
Online Car Auctions Safe?
Naturally, there is a concern about whether online car auctions on eBay are safe. This is a huge revenue stream for eBay so they have done everything possible to ensure an honest transaction for both buyers and sellers.
In addition, eBay clearly receives revenues from recommended services - like referrals to insurance companies.
A humorous - but scary - audio clip demonstrates how easily unscrupulous vehicle repair companies can, and do, rip off their customers. Listen and laugh. But it's a lesson in gullibility for all of us. Still ... headlight fluid???
Funny radio clip of unscrupulous car repair shop
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 11:03 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
June 12, 2006
eBay Auto Auctions
eBay auto auctions - or, more accurately, vehicle auctions - are THE most profitable category on eBay and I've been curious about how to sell on eBay Motors. I'm not personally interested, but I have students who are. Here are a few of the tidbits I've discovered about this immensely profitable selling area on eBay.
1. With a used car auction, the single biggest issue is - no surprise - trust. Therefore VINs (Vehicle Identification Number) and current title transfers are MUSTs. Without them, you won't sell a skateboard.
1. Classic car auctions are somewhat different. These aren't folks looking for dependable family transportation. Their numbers are smaller but they are passionate about their cars. There is a dual function for classic car auctions:
* Sell any that you own for a nice profit
* eBay Motors is a great place to acquire new stock. Folks who like to work on old cars can often acquire real bargains that can be repaired and sold. Caution: this only works if you want to do the work yourself. Generally, there isn't enough room to pay a mechanic - and still make a profit.
3. Truck auctions are a very different game. There is no emotion here. Almost every buyer is interested in a truck as a functional vehicle and so the emphasis isn't really on selling. Instead, focus on specifics about the truck, since most buyers already have a clear picture of what they're looking for and have already 'sold' themselves.
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 1:39 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 10, 2006
eBay Helps Sellers Create An FAQ Page
An FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page can cut down on all kinds of questions, thus freeing up our time for money making activities like finding products and writing listings. Yes, it's true that many people don't bother to read FAQs and fire off questions (that must be answered). Still, it's often a time saver - but it hasn't been easy to do on eBay. Now that is about to change.
In the next few days, sellers will be able to choose to display custom Frequently Asked Questions, as well as other important information, to their buyers when they click on "Ask Seller a Question" from any of your item pages. You can opt to show any or all of the following:
* Up to 15 Frequently Asked Questions that you’ve created. For example, use them to answer questions such as "Do you take PayPal?" or "Will you combine shipping if I buy multiple items?"
* Any Item Specifics you used when listing the item.
* Any questions (and answers) that you've already posted on your listing.
To customize your Ask Seller a Question page, go to your Preferences in My eBay. In the Selling Preferences section, click on "Show" next to "Ask Seller a Question". From there, click simply click "Edit" and begin customizing.
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 1:19 PM | TrackBack
June 8, 2006
eBay Scams Become More Costly To Thieves
It's great to see that vile ebay scams are becoming more costly to the thieves involved. Recently Stewart C. Richardson of Detroit was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for an eBay scam involving $300,000 of fake figurines.
From 2001-2002, Richardson claimed to own Lladro, Hummel and Wee Forest Folk figurines. They supposedly came from an estate but apparently were nothing more than pictures from catalogs and nothing he actually owned.
Richardson has shown no remorse. In fact, his girlfriend turned him in to police after he bragged about stealing from approximately 200 eBay buyers.
After he gets out of prison, Richardson is to serve three years of supervised release and pay $323,261 in restitution.
Hoo-rah!
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 1:30 PM | TrackBack
June 5, 2006
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Over the past few days I have had bronchitis and haven't done much but lie on the couch and watch TV. Normally, watching TV is repulsive to me. But on Memorial Day I was blessed enough to watch a marathon on Animal Planet about the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. More than once I was reduced to tears as the zoo employees moved the entire zoo population to save the almost-300 animals from Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina. Each time they returned to devastating destruction, but they never lost heart. In this day of moronic movie stars and a culture whose biggest concern is the latest winner on American Idol, these zoo staff members are a reminder that all is not lost. And a million kudos to Animal Planet for this fabulous series.
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 1:46 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 1, 2006
Shameful Dairy Cow Facts: The Meatrix 2
I have given up all dairy because I'm convinced cows milk products are only good for calves. But if I hadn't given it up for health reasons, I would now do it for moral reasons. The way we treat dairy cows is shameful and I will never give one penny to dairies who mistreat helpless and innocent cows. Shameful is a very weak word! See the dairy cow facts below --- and even though this is produced as entertainment, my research has convinced me that it's true for many or most larger dairies in the United States. For shame, owners of these awful places!
Posted by SydneyJohnston at 11:26 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
