As for my cell phone LOL We’ll see how it goes. The main purpose is to show people that I’m a real person and to be able to chit chat with folks about the traffic exchanges. Will it hurt or help, no way of knowing unless I give it a go =)

Now, the commission thing….

First off, when I do these ‘voices of the industry’ articles, they are not my opinion, they are of the opinion of the writer. I encourage that whether or not I agree or not, completely depends.

Re: Kym’s article. I know what it was like to start out and back then making 50 bucks a month was HUGE. SO I totally get her point, and when people simplify their business and make ‘baby goals’ again, everyone learns and everyone builds their business.

Yes Scott, I completely agree, the funnel is the most important aspect and you can build MASSIVE downlines when your funnel is set up properly. Heck, I’ve built huge downlines just from my weekly ranting and raving through Hit Exchange News. How? Building the funnel, promoting my newsletter first, the downlines almost build themselves.

I guess the message really is more education is needed to get people to not only make a solid business from their downlines, but through their funnel.

I love the comments though folks, keep them coming =)

It’s a cycle that keeps traffic exchanges strong and a viable resource for traffic, but if your only upgrading for the opportunity to earn commissions, the traffic dies and the commissions shrivel up and the exchange disappears.

Upgrade at TE’s to develop traffic to your splash and squeeze pages. Use the commissions earned to upgrade at another exchange. Surf to get the maximum amount of exposure. Soon, you’ll be a smart marketer… be upgraded in several programs and generating tons of traffic. Suddenly, you’ll realize your making money from all the signups to your list by personally promoting to them your affiliate and your own programs.

DA

This is a topic near to my heart. I was anxious to jump right in on this thread, but wanted to listen to the SWAT audio first.

Regarding the audio… all I can say, Jon, about giving out your cell # is you are a BRAVE man!

Heck, I don’t give my cell number to paying customers much less prospects.

But hey, if you’re good on the phone and can stand the calls (and reverse marketing) then go for it. If you are NOT good on the phone, it may hurt rather than help.

I like easy… and that does not include the phone. I never opt in when a phone number is requested (or I give out 800-DreamOn if I really want the offer).

In the cookie-cutter “me, too” mindset, anyone who does not want to use the phone will be repelled rather than attracted to anyone using the phone. (Conversely, advertising that you use the phone will definitely attract those who like the phone.)

Moving on to my favorite topic, TE commish…

Jon, I’m surprised. I thought you did not like this topic. LOL

Mike P is exactly correct (of course).

Kym has some good food for thought about the SECONDARY benefits of upgrading, but misses the primary reason to upgrade.

#1 Reason to Upgrade: MORE TRAFFIC

Then why don’t more people upgrade?

Simple. They are not converting the traffic they are already getting as a free member, so why would more traffic justify the upgrade?

It won’t unless the surfer FIRST learns how to use their traffic effectively.

When you use your traffic (all of it) to build your list of leads and effectively convert your leads to sales, your upgrade pays for itself in increased traffic and sales.

You don’t need ANY commish to justify your upgrade!

Let that sink in.

The ‘real’ money in Traffic Exchanges is in your sales funnel. It’s in the list (actually the conversion of your list).

Are TE comms good? Absolutely!

Promoting your favorite Traffic Exchanges or downline builder to your list is also a great way to monetize your list… IF you teach your subscribers the true benefit of upgrading.

If you subscribers don’t learn to use traffic effectively, they won’t upgrade and you won’t earn those added comms.

To Lynn,

It sounds to me like you agree with Mike P.

“I have upgraded at my fave TEs and have received in return not just commissions, but a steady flow of traffic to my squeeze pages. And isn’t that why we join TEs?”

If you are sending all your traffic to your squeeze page first and then promoting the TEs to your list, you are doing exactly as Mike suggests.

Finally (I told you this topic was near my heart)…

There ain’t no free lunch!

What is the most costly way to generate traffic in a TE?

ANS: Surfing as a free member.

(You’ve got to start putting value on your time.)

What is the next most costly?

ANS: Upgrading and NOT surfing.

(It would be cheaper to buy the traffic outright in bulk.)

How do you get the lowest real cost?

ANS: Combine upgrading with surfing.

(It’s easier to turn a profit. Do the math.)

To All Your Profits,
Scott Douglas

Jon, agree with you totally. I have been saying for 10 years – ‘There is money in Traffic Exchanges’. Will you get rich from the commissions in traffic exchanges – No. However, you certainly can pay for your upgrades and buying credits/startpages/impressions to fund your advertising of your squeeze page to get new subscribers.
Cheers!
Tony

I have already done what the guest columnist suggests – I have upgraded at my fave TEs and have received in return not just commissions, but a steady flow of traffic to my squeeze pages. And isn’t that why we join TEs?

I know I am not going to make my fortune through the TEs, but the commissions I make do pay for my upgrades with some to spare. It makes sense to me to make the investment in upgrades to grow my downlines, decrease my surfing time, and make some cash.

Eventually I will work out all this list-building stuff, and perhaps then I’ll abandon promoting Traffic Exchanges and focus more on promoting me. But in the meantime, I’m happy to surf and build my downlines in the TEs.

Lynne

Once they are on your list you can let them know if there are exchanges you want to promote but never waste a credit promoting anything but YOU and your list.

Promoting someone elses business on your front end is absolutely foolish and the reason so few people actually make real money.

Owners love you but your pocket takes the hit.