Alright Wes, I've been reading your posts for the last two months. I've created a bunch of content this month about how to set boundaries that actually work for the chronic people-pleasers of the world and I'm going to test this workflow out for a audio course and workbook. Will report back!
That's a great idea. I'm thinking about doing the same, using audio. I just started reading Wes (today 😅) and what I've read so far is really good. You were reading him before me, so now I have some catching up to do. 🙂
Quick question, Wes! Sorry if it’s basic but I’m a newbie. How did you collect payments for the pre-sell? I’m just thinking that if you use a digital storefront like Stan store, there has to be some kind of a product there before payment can be collected.
Hi Dawn, there is an option with Stan Store where you can sell a special offer which isn't delivering a digital product (like an audit, coaching, consulting, etc.).
However, I'd recommend creating something simple people get when they join (like a mini guide or pre-checklist). Obviously, people like to receive something when they sign up and wait. You put that in Stan Store that they get when they sign up. Then, on your promised date via email you deliver the main product.
Thank you so much for sharing in detail. I‘m one of those who bought your masterclass before it has been finished.
I borrowed your approach for my last book, Lead Not Manage: I had the cover and a QR code on a slide during an event presentation - somebody bought it right away which motivated me to finush the last 20 pages and publish within the following week.
There's a big difference between a waitlist and someone actually opening up their wallet. It's easy to put your email in to join a waitlist. You haven't validated your idea until someone pays for it.
Why do you say that Tom? I agree with Wes that the build after the sale is an excellent idea. Too many entrepreneurs spend months and $$ on building something they don’t know will sell. I did that in my first business with a line of holiday garden planters. My people weren’t interested and I didn’t have the marketing dollars to grow the concept.
I think the first person I heard promote this idea was Amy Porterfield. And look at her business.
Marylee, I guess I am the naive one. It is about trust. While I agree there is no point in building something no one wants is a bad idea, touting selling something that you sold without having actually created seems like a violation of trust, to me. Daniel Priestley and others say ‘I am planning a course on X, add your name to the waitlist’ process seems more upfront to me.
The business principle is understood, but what do you do if only one person buys, refund their money? I am new to this, finding my level of trust bearings.
This is very good and very helpful. You've laid it out for anyone to grab what they need. I prefer this kind of content/newsletter versus someone just putting words on a page and then we have to decipher what they're talking about.
Great method Wes. Wondering about: Days 3-4: Solution Teasing. If you're discussing solutions in your newsletter, what is the line between free content and paid content?
I’m looking at doing a podcast or podcasts. For free. The product is the podcast, the reward - an article that goes deeper into the topic or is about me (they seem to like that). Free because I’m doing this all as a service to people with dementia.
Alright Wes, I've been reading your posts for the last two months. I've created a bunch of content this month about how to set boundaries that actually work for the chronic people-pleasers of the world and I'm going to test this workflow out for a audio course and workbook. Will report back!
I love that topic Cait. Please keep us updated!
That's a great idea. I'm thinking about doing the same, using audio. I just started reading Wes (today 😅) and what I've read so far is really good. You were reading him before me, so now I have some catching up to do. 🙂
Quick question, Wes! Sorry if it’s basic but I’m a newbie. How did you collect payments for the pre-sell? I’m just thinking that if you use a digital storefront like Stan store, there has to be some kind of a product there before payment can be collected.
Hi Dawn, there is an option with Stan Store where you can sell a special offer which isn't delivering a digital product (like an audit, coaching, consulting, etc.).
However, I'd recommend creating something simple people get when they join (like a mini guide or pre-checklist). Obviously, people like to receive something when they sign up and wait. You put that in Stan Store that they get when they sign up. Then, on your promised date via email you deliver the main product.
Thank you so much for sharing in detail. I‘m one of those who bought your masterclass before it has been finished.
I borrowed your approach for my last book, Lead Not Manage: I had the cover and a QR code on a slide during an event presentation - somebody bought it right away which motivated me to finush the last 20 pages and publish within the following week.
The waitlist approach is a better method.
There's a big difference between a waitlist and someone actually opening up their wallet. It's easy to put your email in to join a waitlist. You haven't validated your idea until someone pays for it.
Why do you say that Tom? I agree with Wes that the build after the sale is an excellent idea. Too many entrepreneurs spend months and $$ on building something they don’t know will sell. I did that in my first business with a line of holiday garden planters. My people weren’t interested and I didn’t have the marketing dollars to grow the concept.
I think the first person I heard promote this idea was Amy Porterfield. And look at her business.
Marylee, I guess I am the naive one. It is about trust. While I agree there is no point in building something no one wants is a bad idea, touting selling something that you sold without having actually created seems like a violation of trust, to me. Daniel Priestley and others say ‘I am planning a course on X, add your name to the waitlist’ process seems more upfront to me.
The business principle is understood, but what do you do if only one person buys, refund their money? I am new to this, finding my level of trust bearings.
We trusted you on creating the course. Don’t make us feel like we bought a bridge.
Where are you hosting the class components?
This is very good and very helpful. You've laid it out for anyone to grab what they need. I prefer this kind of content/newsletter versus someone just putting words on a page and then we have to decipher what they're talking about.
Great method Wes. Wondering about: Days 3-4: Solution Teasing. If you're discussing solutions in your newsletter, what is the line between free content and paid content?
This was stellar -- I'm excited to try it! Thank you for the step-by-step help!
I’m planning to test this out.
Your article has encapsulated everything that is important about value propositions and the power of experimentation. Thank you.
I’m looking at doing a podcast or podcasts. For free. The product is the podcast, the reward - an article that goes deeper into the topic or is about me (they seem to like that). Free because I’m doing this all as a service to people with dementia.
A daily email seems too intense for my severely chronically ill audience but I wonder how this could be adapted for a less intense approach.