Recently I had a conversation with a former colleague who asked me,
“So what exactly is it that you do and how do you make money?”
I’ve gotten this question several times in the past year, so I thought I should share my response in a post.
Since I launched Inside Sales Dude in March 2017:
- I published 90 articles on sales and management (no money making here).
- I’ve spoken to dozens of readers about sales and career issues (no money making here).
- I completed consulting projects for 3 different clients (this is how I make money).
As a result of the blog, I was pleasantly surprised to land 3 consulting projects last year. One came from a former employer, one from a former employee and one from a local business.
Unfortunately, in 2018 consulting has been slow. This is due in part because I’ve shifted to 100% remote consulting, in part because my #1 client was acquired by Microsoft, and in part because I’m not desperate enough to take on just any project.
As a result during the first half of 2018, I’ve been exploring ways I can help my readers while also earning a living with Inside Sales Dude.
Things I tried this year
- Tested Search Engine Optimization to drive more visitors to my site so I can sell advertising. NOT DOING IT.
- Tested popups. lead magnets and email automation with Drip and Sumo. NOT DOING IT.
- Created flat rate consulting packages for career coaching, manager coaching and “brainstorming”. NO TAKERS. REMOVED FROM SITE.
- Created the “Ask The Dude” page for sales questions. REMOVED FROM SITE. EVERYONE PREFERS TO EMAIL ME INSTEAD.
As you probably noticed, I also redesigned my site and my newsletter.
What I won’t be doing
I am not going to write trite Buzzfeed listicles (eg. 5 Ways to Improve Your Prospecting”) to drive traffic. These are worthless.
I removed all popups, sliders, and lead magnets to badger visitors into buying something or subscribing to my newsletter. I hate getting barraged by these on other sites, so I’m not going to use them on my site – even though everyone says they are effective.
I’m not running ads or tracking you with cookies. These bring no value to my readers.
I won’t be cold calling anyone. Ever again. As one of my mentors said to me years ago, “We’ve put our cold calling time in. Those days are over for us”.
I write to clarify my ideas, share sales lessons and help (or at least amuse) my readers. My posts and weekly newsletter are how I keep in touch with a select group of colleagues, friends, family and a few fans.
I count on you to contact me when you or someone you know needs my help.
What I might be doing
I might write a book. If I do, it will be offered as an ebook and a paperback.
I’d consider creating online courses if you tell me you want them and there’s sufficient demand.
I’ve thought about launching a focused online group or membership site for sales reps & managers. I’ve heard these work well for developers & entrepreneurs to share ideas and solve problems. I wonder if my readers would be interested in something like this? If you are, let me know.
I may send an occasional survey to my newsletter subscribers to learn more about what you think would be helpful.
Longshots
At this time, I’ve got no plans to do videos or a podcast.
In the future, I may merge Inside Sales Dude with ainslies.org. The ISD blog has been hyper-focused on Sales Management while my ainslies.org covers a broad variety of topics. There’s some overlap in content and philosophy. If these converge, it might make sense to merge them into one site.
I’ve considered running ISD as a contribution-funded or non profit entity. I like the idea of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping create better sales teams. However, I’ve got no experience with nonprofits and likely won’t pursue this.
I researched Patreon and other member/donation supported options. I’d love this but I’m not sure it would generate sufficient income.
I have thought about creating and selling a product. If it is sales related, I’d offer it on ISD. Currently, I’ve got no specific product in mind although I do fantasize about creating an extremely simple TV remote control app.
Since I’m not financially independent, I’ve considered returning to full time employment. It would take a really special offer and company for me to consider this.
How you can help me
It would be a huge help if you could answer these 6 questions. Let me know what you think in the comments, via email or here.
- Why do you read my blog (or newsletter)?
- What would you like to see more of? Less of?
- What’s your #1 business problem?
- What’s your #1 non-business problem?
- Would you buy a book, online training, how-to-guides, membership? If so, on what?
- Is there anything else you’d like to let me know?
Thank you
To anyone who reads my posts, I appreciate it. Your time and attention are valuable. I’m honored that you are willing to share some of it with me.
For those of you who email me, comment on my posts or answer my questions, I’m grateful for the feedback.
For those who hired me in the past or may in the future, thank you for your confidence (and your money!)