“Stop Arguing About Money” – Does the World Need Another Info Product?
By Neal@Wealth Pilgrim on Nov 30, 2009 in Money Stress
I’m going out on a limb here so please be gentle with me. I want to tell you what I’ve been up to and what I’m struggling with. Even though this does have some elements of sales in it, I’m trying to be transparent with you.
I’ve created my first – maybe last – e-product (with videos, workbooks etc) and I’m really ambivalent about how to market it.
I call it, “Money School for Couples – How to Fix Your Budget, Spending and Debt (and Stop Worrying And Arguing About Money)”
I’m offering it at a huge discount for the next few days only. If you want to find out more click here.
End Of Sales Pitch.
Why am I ambivalent about marketing this?
I’m concerned you might get ticked off. I was going to send a special letter to all my readers announcing the pre-launch but then I got cold feet. I just don’t feel right about sending you an email if you didn’t sign up for my newsletter.
Why did I create the program if I don’t want to put in the effort to sell it?
In the 25 years I’ve been advising people about their money, I’ve seen a great deal of suffering, arguing and pain that was completely unnecessary. I felt compelled to create a program that snuffs this problem out.
There hasn’t been any other product I’ve seen that really does a good job addressing this in my opinion. That’s why I put together these videos, worksheets and exercises that do. (Damn….another thinly veiled attempt to get you to buy something!)
And I do want to sell it…I just respect your email inbox and won’t invade it. I don’t go places uninvited (unless it’s to visit my friends Lemor and Natan in Manhattan…….they have this killer apartment overlooking 68th and Broadway….)
Is this post just a coy way to accomplish the same thing?
Maybe yes….maybe no. On the one hand, I’m announcing the pre-launch here and if you are a subscriber, it’s in your inbox.
On the other hand, I’m trying to be as honest as possible.
Several months ago, my good friend Adam Baker & I discussed the need to be honest, passionate and helpful in blogging.
If I can’t do all three, I don’t want to do it at all. That’s why I’m spilling my guts here.
I’m passionate about what I’ve created and I think it’s going to be really helpful to couples who struggle or worry about any part of their finances (oops….another sales pitch! Damn me….damn me….damn me). But I realize there is a very fine line that bloggers walk and I want to make sure I’m not crossing the line.
So there you have it. But now I have some questions for you.
If you were me, would you have sent out a letter? Would you have created this post? Do you feel ambivalent about selling products or putting ads up on your blog? I’m really dying to know. Do you as a subscriber think bloggers should not sell or advertise? What are the limits?
PS. As long as I’m shamelessly promoting myself, let me take it up a notch. If you are interested, I’ve set up an affiliate program and you can join me in helping couples turn finances into a non-issue. Click here to learn more.
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13 Comment(s)
By Chris Garrett on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Your product is going to help people. Helping people is good. Be proud that you can do something that benefits other people.
Of course there will be some people who don’t like the idea of you earning an income (how DARE you feed your family!? heh), or succeeding (your success diminishes me!), but that is about THEM not YOU.
So, yeah, be glad that you can do something positive and tell people about it!
I’m sure your customers will love it and get real benefit out of your advice, and that is what really counts.
By Daniel on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Why are you pretending you don’t want to market this and make some money while helping a lot of people? Do you feel bad about wanting people to pay for it?
One of the big things about frugality is that you shouldn’t be cheap, but instead you should pay for quality. Based on your blog, I assume this is a quality product and will have a big impact on those who use it.
You should do everything you can to get people involved. Some people probably won’t love having an extra email in their inbox, but others will get a lot out of a product they may otherwise would not be aware of. And if you make some money, that’s good, too!
.-= Daniel´s last blog ..Why I Love Flexible Savings Accounts =-.
By Neal Frankle on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Chris….thanks. Coming from you I’m really encouraged.
OK……I’ll get to work on those letters…
N
.-= Neal Frankle´s last blog ..“Stop Arguing About Money” – Does the World Need Another Info Product? =-.
By Neal Frankle on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Daniel,
I appreciate the kick in the pants. I didn’t mean to say that I don’t want to promote this…I’m just posing the question of sending an email to subscribers.
But based on what you and Chris suggest, it probably makes sense.
Thanks,
Neal
.-= Neal Frankle´s last blog ..“Stop Arguing About Money” – Does the World Need Another Info Product? =-.
By Tom Sirois on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
I understand, and appreciate your dilemma on how to market this. I am unsure who reads your blog (demographically-speaking,etc.). My hunch is that many of the folks who read, and follow your blog are like me–one who has their financial life together, maybe even advise people on occasion. So your book may not directly help your readers, but they certainly interact with many folks who could benefit from this book. And, honestly, I was surprised at the relatively inexpensive price you are offering it.
Keep up the good work. Love your blog.
I think a direct email from you would not be offensive.
Tom
By Neal Frankle on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Tom,
You hit the nail on the head.
The price is indeed low…..for this week.
I appreciate your feedback…I really do.
.-= Neal Frankle´s last blog ..“Stop Arguing About Money” – Does the World Need Another Info Product? =-.
By dp on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Love it! Will let you know how it goes…
By neal@wealthpilgrim on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Awesome dp…..I can’t wait to hear how it goes…
By Financial Samurai on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
Sounds like a great plan. Everybody sign up and get cracking!!
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Tuition Hike For The Poor Is Like A Tax Hike For The Rich =-.
By Matt S. on Dec 2, 2009 | Reply
Hi Neal–
This is a great idea for a book and I bet it easily finds an audience.
After launching an eBook ourselves, I had similar thoughts: how to market without marketing, you know?
You done good, though, and I wish you the best on this.
.-= Matt S.´s last blog ..The 15 Best Resources On Creating Passive Income =-.
By LeanLifeCoach on Dec 2, 2009 | Reply
If you believe in the quality of the product you should not hesitate to market it whenever and wherever you can!
Good Luck!
.-= LeanLifeCoach´s last blog ..You can never earn enough, so quit trying! =-.
By Ellen on Dec 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi Neal,
In reading about what your e-book you offering, I was first interested, but quickly became annoyed at hearing about your whole process. If you have something you want people to have, stand behind it without the wining and pretending you are insufficient in what you have to offer.
I want to be inspired by people who come from sufficiency and capability, because that is the truth. And, definitely the truth about you. So please stop hiding so I can be inspired to do the same.
I guess I need to listen to my own words.
By admin on Dec 4, 2009 | Reply
Ellen,
I get it. No excuses. You are right. I appreciate it.