No predictions this year. I’ll share what changes I’m making, though.

I’m Giving Up On Email Marketing

For two full years, I’ve been complaining about how email marketing wasn’t working for me. Stupidly, instead of listening to my gut, I chose to hear what other ‘gurus’ were saying about it. Result: In 2010, my email response rates plummeted to the lowest they’ve been since 1996 when I started!

Oh, I tried many tricks. My bag is deep, and holds a lot of them. None were very effective. From a collective 200+ email broadcasts sent to 27 sub-lists I manage, one message was crystal clear. Email marketing doesn’t work. At least for me. So I’m giving up relying much on it (Though I’ll still have my lists, the approach towards email marketing will change – see here)

I’m Going Social

That’s what works today, in 2010… and I’m sure will beyond. I’ve picked the networks to focus on. They are Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn and Tobri. The rest are either too niche’d, too tiny, or too fragmented to deliver value for the time I’ll invest on them.

And on social media, I am going to do what I regularly do… engage and interact, make friends and develop relationships, and hopefully get more people involved in my non-profit work to help under-privileged children with congenital heart defects.

I’m Leaving The ‘Make Money’ Scene

For the first time since 1999, my online business made a smaller profit than the previous year. And so there’s no way I can, with a clear conscience, teach other people how to ‘make money online’ – when I seem to have lost the knack for it! (No, I’m not saying what I teach won’t work… it’s just that it needs some tweaks to be more effective, and takes a bit longer to fructify than before)

A part of the reason was my reluctance to abandon what wasn’t working (like email marketing!). The other was a lack of focus on my market and audience, where I stopped observing carefully what they wanted. Plus, I found something more exciting to get involved in… and that’s what is coming next.

I’m Moving Into Niches

By the time I noticed the trend my earnings from the ‘make money’ niche were following, I was less concerned – because I was deep into something else. Niche marketing. I’ve loved and enjoyed niche marketing since 2004, and the style I’m adopting now is different, and better suited for 2011. (Yes, it includes information marketing… that still works very well, thank you!)

In the last 2 months, I’ve created and taken many niche websites to the front page (often top) of Google, Bing and Yahoo. They’re getting steady Web traffic for free, and are already profitable! Imagine scaling this over the year ahead. It’s fun and exciting.

I’m Getting More Serious About Blogging

The one thing I’ve done in 2010 which will be continued into the coming year is blogging. I enjoy it, it works for the purpose I’m using it, and indulges my craving for some creative writing.

But even here, I’ll be experimenting with something new – an idea that’s been nagging away at me for a few months, and now has taken clearer form. You’ll see what it is when you follow my blog at Money.Power.Wisdom

I’m Writing My Second Novel

Yes. The first one sold all of three copies. My wife bought one of them. She hasn’t yet read it!

So why am I writing another one? Good question. Two people already asked me that – the young ladies in my life! The answer is simple. Because I want to. And because I can. Isn’t that good enough?!

The story outline is (sort of) done. I’ve drafted two sections (one is a steamy torrid romance!), and the novel itself will be a fast paced action thriller. Yes, I have a title. No, I won’t reveal it now!

So those are my plans for the year to come.

How about YOU?

What are you doing in 2011 – or planning to?

The questions started just a few hours after I emailed my list about Jason Fladlien’s brilliant blog post.

“Why don’t you write blog posts like that?”

I thought about it. There are many reasons I don’t often point the spotlight on these issues, like Jeremy Kelsall did in a passionate rant lately. Here are some.

1. People hear without listening

Most of the time, folks behave like the Simon and Garfunkel song says. They hear (or read) the words. But they don’t take in the meaning. That’s why directing them away from a scam is usually a waste of time and energy.

2. The school of hard knocks

Life teaches us best through personal experience. Yes, sometimes these ‘Rocky Lessons‘ hurt… badly. But the more the pain, the quicker the learning – and the longer those memories last.

3. One man’s bread is another’s poison

It’s possible to let one’s opinion cloud one’s judgment. I may sincerely believe a particular product, concept or strategy is wrong. Someone else may take it, put it to work, and completely revolutionize his or her level of success. Criticizing roundly and in an opinionated fashion may actually be doing someone a disfavor.

4. Influence bears great responsibility

The same advice, actions and behavior are much more impactful when they come from influential people. So when influential people behave without responsibility, the level of damage can be extensive. That needs more aggressive exposing than others, which even if worse in nature, are less ‘dangerous’ because they aren’t as widely copied or modelled.

5. Positivity beats negativity

Though I take my responsibility in guiding people who trust me away from dangers in the marketplace I’m involved in, there’s much to be said for positivity and hanging around people who inspire, lead and empower. My short list of favorites include people like Terry Dean, Ryan Healy, Randy Smith, and some ‘over-looked’ and under-rated quiet geniuses like Bertil Jenner.

6. Fan boys!

Every unethical scammer who manages to pull off a sizable con builds a crowd of groupies around him. (In time, some of these groupies develop passionate fans of their own, too! ) And these starry-eyed fan boys are quick to rush to the defense of their hero whenever they see bad things said about them – never mind that they are true!. They’ve got all the time in the world to debate and argue. I don’t.

7. I pick my battles carefully

When you rant and rave against everything you find unfair or wrong with the world, you’re soon perceived as a cranky crack-pot! And quickly lose influence.

Far better to stand for a few things, but be relevant for them.

I usually pick broad issues that deal with mindset, belief and confidence – traits that entrepreneurs need in abundance, but are easily weakened by ‘brain toxins’ in the form of negative thoughts and feelings.

I do come down hard and heavy when I see them as particularly damaging.

Like when Tony Blake once questioned if I was even a real heart surgeon and compared me to an infamous scammer in the I.M. niche from many years ago – a line of musing that could have seriously hurt my reputation and impacted my credibility, which therefore I addressed forcefully and immediately.

Like when John Reese appeared ghastly on a video, and proudly attributed it to having worked non-stop for 36 hours on a project – unwittingly sending out the message that this is a requisite for success. (I rebutted this so strongly and harshly, John commented that I had “thrown him under a bus” – that post has since been deleted, because John is one of the few I still respect for what he’s achieved).

Like when Joel Comm stuck a clause that would auto-register buyers of his ebook to a forced continuity rebilling arrangement… into the last line of the third bonus! Joel’s a gentleman. Very soon after the clamor around it began, he took down that page, and modifed his sales letter to CLEARLY state the rebilling feature upfront.

Like when Rich Schefren released his famous manifesto – and implied that the days were over for the “little guy” who was running his online business as a hobby. I don’t accept anyone’s right to destroy another’s hopes and dreams, and was really frank in my response to that one. (I just checked, but unfortunately seem to have accidentally deleted that blog post too!)

But barring these rare occasions, my commentary on the sorry scenes and events that tarnish the Internet marketing space is limited to a more abstract remark or reflective blog post, like the one about “Internet Marketing Influence” or “Working In Your Business“.

But I’ll always look out for other interesting commentary – and point them out to you… just in case you like to keep up with that kind of stuff.

Far better though to focus on growing your business!

I don’t know (yet) where I’m going with this blog post. But I just had to start writing it after reading Warren Buffett’s promise to the “Giving Pledge”.

Ever since I first heard it as a school boy, the story of how Jesus valued the poor woman’s pennies more than the rich merchant’s gold coins (because they represented ALL of her meager possessions) had resonated on a visceral level with my young conscience.

In his letter, Buffett echoed the sentiment in these words:

“More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. Measured by dollars, this commitment is large. In a comparative sense, though, many individuals give more to others every day.

“Millions of people who regularly contribute to churches, schools, and other organizations thereby relinquish the use of funds that would otherwise benefit their own families. The dollars these people drop into a collection plate or give to United Way mean forgone movies, dinners out, or other personal pleasures. In contrast, my family and I will give up nothing we need or want by fulfilling this 99% pledge.”

It brings up the thorny question:

“How much is enough?”

At what point does one begin to ‘give away’ instead of mindlessly accumulating more?

Warren Buffett has been my idol and role model for a long time. I’ve read his essays and books with great interest, not only for the wisdom and knowledge about investing that he generously shares, but to better understand his work ethic and philosophy about wealth.

His Philanthropic Pledge is another extension of the same worldview he has expressed for decades.

An attitude of a supremely gifted expert who applied his talents dutifully to maximizing opportunities in a niche he chose to pursue.

One that’s rooted in a sense of deep and sincere gratitude for serendipitously having been thrust in the path of great wealth.

And one ever-conscious of the fragile thread of random, even ‘unfair’ reward-and-punishment continuum, that any student of life is painfully (or joyously) aware of.

It’s a belief system that I also see in the writings of George Soros – another of my heroes, who without fanfare gives away nearly $700 million every year to causes he believes in and supports.

And it is subtly distinct from that of a Bill Gates, whose (unquestionably noble and generous) activities in the realm of philanthropy are a modern reflection of the same ruthlessly manipulative and obsessively focused visionary zeal that guided and directed his rare brilliance and extraordinary intelligence to out-negotiate less talented competitors, and dominate a marketplace, acquiring massive wealth in the process.

Warren Buffett says, in resigned acceptance of the inherent inequity that governs our universe:

“I’ve worked in an economy that rewards someone who saves the lives of others on a battlefield with a medal, rewards a great teacher with thank-you notes from parents, but rewards those who can detect the mis-pricing of securities with sums reaching into the billions. In short, fate’s distribution of long straws is wildly capricious.”

I concur with this point of view.

It’s why I’ve never felt the pride of performance, or the arrogance of accomplishment at my own work – but rather have a sense of awe and deep gratitude at the steady, if slow, growth of my not-for-profit enterprise (boosted by ever-increasing donations from caring supporters) that has touched the lives of 70 little kids, helping them receive life-saving heart operations.

That stems from my view of life itself. One I can explain to myself, and sustain/defend in debate through both scientific (quantum physics, quarks and parallel universes) and spiritual (advaitism, maya, or even the Book of Genesis) argument, if called upon to.

A view that’s rooted in the randomness, uncertainty and utter unreasonableness of Fate’s caprice, that puts paid to “the best laid plans of man and mouse” with a casual, even accidental swish of its cruel (or benevolent) hand.

Yet so many spend so much of their limited existence in pursuit of the symbols of success, putting off until much later (or even forever) the act of ‘giving back’.

Or even turning that into another focus of their quest for glory, fame and attention.

Why?

Can you tell?

Delivering a “WOW” experience can generate enormous goodwill and viral pass-along – as I realized during our recent 4 day holiday in Coorg and Mysore.

We were booked into a home-stay in Coorg. Raksh Cottage was a delightful place, right out of a story-book. Clean, comfortable and nestled quietly in the heart of a coffee estate, we woke up every morning to a rich variety of bird-calls, the scent of diverse spices, and the sight of colorful blossoms.

Just the accommodation and delicious cuisine would leave a guest feeling happy and satisfied. But the proprietors of Raksh Cottage go beyond… and deliver a “Wow” experience!

Starting at 10 a.m. and before we even arrived at their homestead many hours later, Mr.Sujay Subbiah called my cell-phone four times – to check if we needed any directions, to make sure we weren’t accidentally taking a longer detour, and to invite us to dine at Raksh Cottage that night.

Without being annoying or intrusive, he conveyed the impression of being available to lend a helping hand… and we appreciated his concern, as this was our first visit to Coorg.

When we finally reached Siddapur, at 8:30 p.m. (after touring Srirangapatnam, the historical seat of famous Mysore ruler, Tippu Sultan), Sujay went over and above – by driving out to meet us! He guided us down the unfamiliar mud-roads, through a partly hidden gap in the row of trees, and up a tiny incline that led up the driveway to Raksh Cottage.

Without his assistance, we would surely have missed that turn!

A delicious dinner left us stuffed and satiated. When we woke up the next morning, Sujay took our family on a walk around a portion of his 35 acre coffee and spice (pepper) plantation, patiently and passionately answering even our silliest questions.

It lasted almost an hour and a half – and was easily the best part of our trip!

We returned for breakfast, and met Mrs.Subbiah. She instantly established a warm rapport with the kids, my sister and wife, and soon they were prattling away about the best shopping spots (the ‘Green Shop’ in Madikeri came highly recommended) and where to eat (it was a toss-up between ‘Rajdarshan’ and ‘Crystal Palace’).

If you’ve ever tried to find a good eatery or store in a strange place on your own, you’ll realize the value of these recommendations!

It was these personal touches that led me to write in the Raksh Cottage guestbook, when the time came for us to reluctantly leave:

“Coming to Raksh Cottage was more like visiting family than staying in a resort. We look forward to repeating the experience – and bringing along our friends too.”

True, ‘Good enough’ would have left us satisfied. But the ‘Wow’ experience we had simply delighted us.

We talked about it. And I wrote this blog post – which you are now reading. (Maybe you’ll share it with YOUR friends!)

Points to ponder:

How can you create a ‘Wow’ experience in your business?

What do you think it will generate, in repeat sales or referrals, as compared to the cost of delivering it? Is it worth creating?

On a recent 4 day holiday, I learned powerful marketing lessons by observing some smart things people and businesses did. One of them was a very effective, visible, and inexpensive exercise in branding.

I had finished reading Jessie Paul’s book, “No Money Marketing“.

Jessie had been global brand manager at Indian I.T. major, Infosys. In her book, there were many amazing ideas to build a brand relatively inexpensively – by being smart.

As we strolled around Mysore zoo, either gazing in awe at a white peacock strutting around showing off its pretty plumage, or admiring the majesty of the White Bengal tiger pacing its cage, or laughing at the antics of little chimpanzees swinging high up in the tree-tops, one more thing caught our attention.

The interesting words that many cages had painted on them.

“Sponsored by employees of InfoSys.”

Apparently, groups of software engineers pitched in to contribute to the upkeep of these rare, endangered and protected animals, probably because they care about preserving our wildlife.

It’s also smart marketing and brand building!

Thousands of people thronged the zoo on that Sunday morning. As they probably do every weekend. And MANY saw those words emblazoned prominently on animal enclosures. Talked about it.

And positive word-of-mouth that InfoSys probably could never buy for millions, was theirs for the taking!

The cost to sponsor an animal for a year was not exorbitant, or out of the reach of any modest sized company, even an individual. Yet not many names were visible other than InfoSys.

Was Jessie Paul behind that campaign? I wouldn’t be surprised!

Points to ponder:

What opportunities exist for your business to take advantage of to get similar brand exposure?

In your business, how can you create or set up opportunities for others to brand themselves?

As kids, we’ve read fairytales where a pauper becomes fabulously wealthy overnight – when the princess picks him as her consort. He goes on to govern a country, wielding enormous power instantly.

And we wish… “Ah! If only I were that pauper!”

Like Cinderella, we often long for a fairy Godmother to come, wave her magic wand, and transform our pumpkins into royal carriages, our mice into noble horses and our rags into party dresses.

In fact, it has started happening for some lucky (and smart) people, who are grabbing a unique opportunity presented by the TURBO FAREWELL blowout.

John ‘Turbo’ Delavera is selling off a HUGE collection of his Turbo products, which means you now have the chance to INSTANTLY set up your own business empire… literally overnight!

I’ve known John for over eight years, first as a fellow member of the Internet Marketing Warrior Forum, then as a delighted customer of many products (including the flagship JV Manager, that went on to become Fantasos), and later as an affiliate of his Turbo line of business products and services.

Out of curiosity, I was reviewing my stats as John Delavera’s affiliate this morning. In 4 years, I have generated 241 sales for his Turbo business, generated many thousands in revenue for John, and earned myself $5,773.86 in affiliate commissions!

All this to say…

I buy their products. Use them. Recommend them to others.

Now, YOU can buy the entire range – and sell them AS YOUR OWN!

That’s why, when I heard that John was selling off PRIVATE LABEL RIGHTS to his entire product line, I dropped everything else I was doing to make a compelling offer that’s attractive to the special THREE (or four) people on my email list and in my network.

Yes, you heard me right. This is NOT suitable for everyone. In fact, it is NOT right for most people who will read this.

Turbo Farewell is a package for serious business owners (or developers) only. Not the ‘merely curious‘, ‘casually interested‘ or ‘lethargic lazy‘ kind who throng the Internet marketing niche, playing and pretending at being Web marketers and business owners.

It is not even suitable for more serious players who haven’t yet got their feet wet. Because there will be quite a few others buying this Turbo Farewell package between April 1st and 30th, you WILL have competition… and so, you need a competitive edge to set you apart from the crowd.

But with that experience, a burning passion to succeed, and access to cash you’ll have to invest into marketing the products, you will definitely be able to spin what you get in Turbo Farewell into a business EMPIRE within a few months to a year!

I personally believe that Turbo Farewell has the same potential to create a tribe of millionaires in the same way that Mark Joyner’s ‘Retirement Package’ did many years ago. That’s why I responded to John’s invitation to suggest a price for Turbo Farewell with this message…

“John, I know you hinted at no more than 500 copies, at around $2,000.

And that’s a BARGAIN price for anything you create and sell – not to mention the complete bundle.

Pricing it at that level would, I believe, devalue the material. I say this only because SINGLE products/programs by equally well known names as yourself are going for $1,997 to $2,997.

Also, you’ll have to realize and accept that not all buyers will use what they get to near its potential. So even if $2,000 is ‘affordable’, there will be some angst and heartburn when you see how many buyers didn’t quite get their money’s worth in value or return.

On the other hand, since it is often the higher-end clients who tend to act on their investments, pricing your Turbo Farewell package HIGHER may attract only the ‘best’ buyers – who will reap richer rewards than other groups.

That’s why I came up with this proposal – which also has a cadence of numbers… 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 – like this:

123 copies at $4,567 – for 8 years of your life!

And 9 free sets

(Give them away as special prizes for various contests!)”

Then, after making this suggestion, I also went on to think about how I could enhance an already generous and comprehensive offer for a prospective buyer who decides to order it on my recommendation… and came up with

You can read all about it here.

Then, learn all about Turbo Farewell here.

Even check out some of the Squidoo lenses I created about the package – here, here, here, here and here.

Then, if you decide Turbo Farewell is right for you, go ahead and lock in your order before John sells out – I’m practically sure he will… fast!

To YOUR thriving business empire and success.

I created some free things for “47 HEARTS“:

• Download a five-page special report from Scribd
• See a short, inspirational video on YouTube
• Find posters with pithy quotes on Flickr
• Decide if the book is right for you on Squidoo

Each of these is free. Anyone can see, read or listen to them. And if you like what you find, you may want to share it with others.

That’s why I created them. That’s why I’m giving them away.

On the other hand, there are some things I created specifically as BONUSES for “47 Hearts”. You, and anyone else who makes a donation or joins a “47 Hearts Group” or buys a copy of the book on launch day will get them.

Here are some of the bonuses:

• “Think, Write & Retire – How to turn words into wealth, easily!” – a PDF version of my best-selling print book
• “How To Sell ANYTHING On The Web” – a special report with a blueprint to follow while launching a product or service on the Internet (This is the only way to get this bonus – it is not on sale, for any price)
• Some other bonuses, with a retail value of over $100

To get them, you have to buy a copy of “47 HEARTS” from Amazon.com and email me your receipt – OR join a “47 Hearts Group” by making a donation. Others don’t get the bonuses. They are not ‘free’.

The bonus material is also limited – both in quantity, and in time. That means, they won’t last forever. If you want them, act now.

I was wondering today about what makes one rich or poor.

There are people with a lot of money. They are rich. But are they really?!

If you have a lot of money, and spend it lavishly or generously on things that matter to you, then you’re really rich.

If you have a lot of money, but hoard it and deprive yourself of things your money can buy you, then you’re actually one of the “rich” poor!

And then, there are people who don’t have much (or any) money. They are poor. But some are different.

If you don’t have money, and therefore do not spend it on even things that are important or matter to you, then you’re really poor.

If you don’t have money, yet stretch out your debt and max credit cards to live the “rich lifestyle”, then you’re one of the “poor” rich!

So, what kind are YOU?

For practice. To me, writing is a craft, just like heart surgery.  When you don’t do it for long, your skills get a bit rusty.

For catharsis. Much of my writing puts emotions and thoughts into words.  It calms me afterwards.

For sharing. Some blog posts are meant to guide, direct, help, inspire or support readers from my own experiences and insights.

For feedback. A few blog posts are intended to get back responses and suggestions from viewers, on a range of issues.

For networking. I’ve met some nice people through my blog (and tweets).  The relationships built this way are sometimes lasting – and deep.

For spotlighting. When I meet or hear about someone or something so inspiring or exciting that I’d love to tell others about it, I blog.

With that said, I don’t really expect blogging to make me famous, get me a fan base or following, or generate engagement and impassioned debate with a huge crowd.

Indeed, I moderate all comments (and delete or edit some) because I don’t subscribe to the theory that “your blog belongs to your audience”, and also won’t let an issue that’s peripheral to my interest consume space or waste my time in arguing over.  In this respect, I model my friend and mentor Seth Godin.

How about you?  Why do you blog?

What the… ! THREE posts in a month about the same author?

I know. Sounds weird. The first was about how I first came to hear about Chetan Bhagat. The next was about how this led to meeting him at a live event. This one is about why I’m studying his books, not merely reading them!

As a student of fiction writing technique, and as I grapple with my first fiction novel, I have been fascinated by how skillfully, smoothly and seamlessly Chetan Bhagat introduces his characters, fleshes them out and fits them into his storyline – in an amazingly brief passage.

It’s a kind of formula I see repeated across the books of his that I’ve read – and today, as I started on “The 3 Mistakes of My Life“, this extract simply blew me away with its efficiency.

“But they are still a lot better off than me and my mom. My mom runs a small Gujarati snacks business, and the little bit of money I make from tuitions helps us get by, but that’s about it.

‘We won, we won the series 3-1′ Omi repeated what he read on the TV screen. Of course, it would have been too much for him to express such original insight. Some say Omi was born stupid, while some say he became stupid after a cork ball hit him on the head in Class VI. I didn’t know the reason, but I did know that maybe the best idea for him would be to become a priest. He wouldn’t have much of a career otherwise, given that he barely scraped through Class XII, after repeating the maths compartment exam twice. But he didn’t want to be a priest, so my plan was the best one.

I ate the khakra. My mother made it better than Ishaan’s mom. We were professionals after all.

‘I’ll go home and change and then we will go to Gopi, ok?’ I said as Ishaan and Omi were still dancing. Dancing after an Indian victory was a ritual we had started when we were eleven, one that should have stopped by thirteen. However, here we were at twenty-one, jigging like juveniles. Ok, so we won, someone had to. In mathematical terms, there was a pretty good probability – did it really need jumping around?”

That excerpt is just 248 words long.

But even if you’ve never heard about the book, just reading that section of “The 3 Mistakes of My Life” gives you a wealth of information about the protagonists. Here are just a few facts these 4 short paragraphs convey to a reader:

* The 3 guys are good friends, have been for 10 years now.
* One of them is less wealthy than the others.
* His mom runs a home business, he tutors students to supplement their income.
* They are avid cricket fans, who’ll dance when India wins a match.
* They’re 21 years old, yet have maintained a childish enthusiasm for the sport.
* Omi isn’t the smartest cookie in the box – maybe due to injury.
* He was intended for priesthood – but isn’t interested.
* The narrator has a better life plan – for all of them!
* The narrator shows pride and love for his mom – and their snacks business.
* He also loves math – and is good at it.
* And he offsets a sense of financial inferiority with an attitude of being better than his peers in other ways.

What a fascinating way to introduce three characters in a novel – in just half of a printed page! You don’t just get facts about their lives, you get a sense of their personalities too… and it all fits into the context of the story being told!

I’ve known very few authors who can do it so skillfully. Robert Ludlum and Alistair Maclean come to mind. They do character portrayals in a way you almost feel like you KNOW the person you’re reading about.

And while Chetan Bhagat’s characters often come across in his books as more two-dimensional than completely fleshed out to feel real (my personal opinion!), I totally am in awe of the way he introduces them in his books. I’m studying his work from that perspective, as it nicely complements lessons in technical writing that I’ve gained from the work of Dwight Swain and Randy Ingermanson.

At the core of this lies not superior talent or long hard practice alone (though I’m sure these are in the back-story of any successful writer) – but that elusive and rare trait…

Being able to spin a story that appeals to listeners!

Aesop and the Grimm brothers aren’t age-old favorites with young readers across generations because of their stunning prose or riveting grammar. No, their appeal stems from something more primeval, more atavistic… a love to hear a skilled raconteur spin a tale.

It appeals to the little child that lives inside all of us. And we will willingly follow that Pied Piper to the very ends of the Earth – and beyond!

And to those who attribute Chetan Bhagat’s wild success and popularity solely to the fact that “it’s oh-so-easy to read”, I’ll just say this.

Usain Bolt makes running 100 meters in under 10 seconds look easy too… but just try doing it yourself!