How Ewen Chia Built a Million Dollar Online Business
By Ewen Chia (guest contributor)
Many people who are interested in building a side income or of transitioning out of their day job look to the internet as a way to achieve this. In this article we interview Ewen Chia, an internet marketing expert and speaker at the National Achievers Congress 2013, on his journey towards building his million dollar online business, and how others can do so as well.
Could you share your story of how you began your internet marketing journey and achieved the success that you have today?
Like most people, I got online when I discovered the computer and the internet, and that happened to me in 1997. The internet opened a whole new world to me – I had not planned for it to become a business opportunity!
I got started in internet marketing purely by coincidence and necessity. Back in 1997, I was using the internet as a way for me to expose and market my songs. I started writing songs when I was in my early teens as a way to express my feelings. After writing hundreds of “unheard” songs, I figured I could use the internet as a medium to get people to hear my music. Being a beginner with no computer skills, I tried very hard and after three months, nobody seemed interested in my songs! (Two years ago, I built up the courage to set up a website for some of the songs, which you can listen to at www.EwenChiaMusic.com.)
During my music marketing journey, I was inevitably LEARNING about internet marketing. I discovered it to be a very easy way to reach people online and make extra income at the same time…and I was hooked. That became my new “obsession” and I forgot about the music. From 1997 to 2002, I was learning, struggling and didn’t make a cent online. But I believed in it and knew it worked. After 5 years, I finally made my first sale online after creating a clearer and simpler approach! That first sale has now become millions of dollars.
Today, I’m still running my many internet businesses and more importantly, I feel blessed to be able to teach thousands of people around the world about starting an online business successfully, and achieving financial freedom along the way.
What does your internet marketing business look like today? Could you share what sort of revenue you make from affiliate marketing, your own product sales and so on?
The business has grown tremendously and continues to do so. The internet is HUGE and there is unlimited potential. I mean, compared to a traditional offline business, an online business is so much easier and inexpensive to start and maintain. The best part is, ANYONE, regardless of their experience, knowledge and computer skills, can start a profitable online business from home.
It works for the individual and for businesses. It really doesn’t matter what your objectives are – you can always use the internet as a powerful way to start and expand your business.
The potential to make massive revenue is definitely there, but you’ve got to learn the easier, simpler and better way to do it, just like I did.
Today, because I’m already using a proprietary proven system to start and run my business, I’ve multiple online businesses that require very little time. In fact, they run on autopilot most of the time. I’ve achieved a lot in this business and will continue building it up. The business has allowed me to make millions, train people and even made me a #1 international bestselling author.
Combined with affiliate marketing, my own product sales and training, I run a business with an annual revenue of over seven figures without being a “slave” to a nine to five job, meaning there’s a lot of time and freedom.
How difficult is it to build an internet business that generates a regular income? How much time and effort does it take?
To be honest, there will be a learning curve involved, especially for complete beginners. However, the caveat is it won’t take a lot of time and effort IF you follow instructions and do it using the right approach and system.
Contrary to what many believe, computer or technical skills are NOT required. I’m not a technical person myself. Following the right model and instruction, it is possible to earn four to five figures a month within three months. Some of my students who were beginners have started making over US$10,000 a month in six months.
You have to realize that this is a BUSINESS and you need to learn how to start and run the business, as with any business. I suggest putting aside three hours a week initially into your business. Doing this will give you a real BUSINESS for the long-term. Compared to a traditional job or offline business, where we often work over 40 hours a week for someone else, three hours a week to build your own business is nothing!
You talk about building an income on autopilot – how does this work and what steps do you need to take to put your business on autopilot?
The advantage of an online business is it’s using the internet, obviously. But because of this very fact, things happen instantaneously at a click. There are also many ways to automate the business so that it runs on its own without you being there. You can be on vacation and the business still runs and makes money for you.
The online business also doesn’t require a physical store, inventory, employees or any of the hassles required of an offline business. Things can happen very FAST online. You can start a business and have it profitable within days or weeks. This doesn’t happen anywhere else but the internet.
If you were starting over today where would you begin and what niches would you target?
That’s a very good question. Given what I went through and what I know NOW, if I was starting over today, the most important thing I will do is invest in my knowledge and education. For example, by learning from a proven mentor. This will dramatically short cut and minimize the effort.
I would also take action and apply what I learn step-by-step, and do it one step at a time. This will give you clarity and results.
For niches, I will still go after the profitable niches with continuing income. Some examples include wealth, health, beauty, sports, hobby and self-improvement markets. Competition is not even a consideration as the internet is way too big for any one business to dominate. There’s ALWAYS room for anyone. For example, I recently entered the self improvement market with SuccessSwitch.com and without any prior experience or connections in the market, I’ve quickly created a five figure per month business with that one website within three months.
What are the common pitfalls beginning internet marketers should be wary of?
Learning too much! I know it’s contradictory but what’s more important is to focus on what you want to do, and then learn what’s required for that. Don’t learn everything.
Another thing is to make sure you give it time to succeed, and be committed to your business. Many people give up too easily. The rewards for sticking to it are much greater than taking the easy way out. The online business is unique for everyone and people experience it differently. It’s not a “one size fits all” model.
You can do what you love and be creative with it, as long as it’s still following a proven system. As the idiom goes, “different strokes for different folks”, so approach it on an individual basis. Everyone is unique.
There are many business models to make money on the internet, including affiliate income, e-commerce, building apps, Kindle publishing etc. Which do you think has the most potential for profit?
You can do everything and anything online, but focus on one model first. The different models include blogging, content publishing, information marketing, your own products, affiliate marketing and so forth. The most potential for profit is affiliate marketing and your own products.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learnt about living a happy, successful and meaningful life?
Be happy, humble and always strive to improve yourself. Be patient and think of others. Be ambitious in your own goals. Take care of your family and express your love. Make each day count. Life is short!
Ewen Chia will be going in depth on the strategies he has used to build his successful online business with little capital at the National Achievers Congress 2013. Posted via www.MoneyMatters.sg, your guide on how to make more money, save smarter, invest intelligently, and enjoy your money like a pro. Click here to get our free report on what you must know about financial freedom.
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