I just paid way too much money for an ebook.
Granted, it feels more like a program since it comes with videos, forums and other content, but I never would’ve plunked down the credit card if it hadn’t been for the power of referrals.
About two years ago, I started reading Marian Schembari’s blog. This was before she started her Pajama Job Hunt, moved to New Zealand and hired on with an ad agency. Over many months, I read along as she began a freelance business and took a course with Marie Forleo.
I saw the changes Marian made to her blog, to her business model and to the pricing of her services as she gained clients and experience. I heard her praise for Marie Forleo and how Marie’s influence connected to Marian’s growing successes.
So I started reading Marie’s blog and signed up for her newsletter.
Then, the other day Marie sent an email advertising her Rich, Hot and Happy B-School, which sounds completely awesome if you have a good business idea. I clicked through, waded around and landed on an ebook giveaway. Unfortunately, the giveaway was connected to the more-expensive-than-I-expected B-School, but a quick Google search lead me to another version of the book.
That’s the one I paid way too much money for.
I’d watched Marian’s business grow. I’d read the blog of her mentor. So when her mentor recommended the content of this book, I was influenced enough to buy it.
Now, I’m in the midst of the program, and I’m stuck on chapter two’s brainstorming activity.
The whole point of my purchase was to jump start some good ideas, and I refuse to move forward in the book until I’ve conquered this task. So, for now, my really expensive ebook will remain unfinished.
But if it can eventually help me find a profitable idea, it will pay for itself.
Stacy Boyd's Blog 
This is super cool! Good luck – I hope you rock out. I never really thought how much of an influence Marie had on my business. While I DEFINITELY paid too much money on her course, looking back on it – so freaking much has happened and inspired me, that I have to give her a crap-ton of credit. I hope you find your path soon!!
Thanks, Marian. And, I hope you rock out in your new role with Young & Shand. Can’t wait to see what how your blog and writing changes as you deal with new challenges.
Stacy, Interesting article as usual.
There is a guy from Australia, Yaro, who is very good at blogging and gives away much for free. He has made millions blogging.
http://www.becomeablogger.com/
I think you will find it very useful.
I checked the twitter followers on the staff of the company Marian works; in total it only came to a few thousand which is only about a tenth of my followers. If you ever need any help on twitter or blogging, please let me know, and I will not charge you a cent.
With that said, it is good to follow people and their careers. Yes, it only takes one very good idea to make a difference. But that one ides has to be developed. Much like writers telling the same story; it is all in execution and follow through.
It is great to see you posting on a regular bases. I hope you have a great holiday tomorrow my friend.
Sir John
Thanks, Johnny. Right now, I’m not so concerned with gaining followers or monetizing my blog. I’ve read a little about ways to turn blogging into passive income. While it seems great in theory, it is a lot more active to get it set up. It involves creating a lot of content that I don’t have time for. And most of the successful money-making blogs that I’ve visited are about money-making–not a topic I care to tackle right now.
I haven’t checked out Marian’s new company yet. (I’m a bit behind on my RSS feeds and didn’t even know she’d gotten that new job until I checked her site for links as I was putting together my post last night.) But for what seems to be a relatively small company in New Zealand, a few thousand quality followers sounds pretty impressive.
And you’re right, the idea is only the first (but crucial!) step. I may be posting more about the development process as I move forward (if I can move forward!). And I’ll definitely post a review of the book once I get done with it.