Internet Marketing Basics

Interview With Ebay Powerseller John Thornhill (planetsms)


http://www.planetsms.co.uk/
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1. Can you tell me about your business background?

I have been involved with various business ventures online since 2000. I went ‘full time’ online in 2005 and have never looked back. I am living proof making a living online can be achieved no matter what your background or education is.

My previous job before I went ‘full time’ was working in a car factory. I am just so glad I got out.

2. As a person on the Internet, how did you get started?

I had a few websites in the very early days but they were just hobbies, they never made me any money but it gave me a solid background for what was to come.

Then in November 2002 I discovered eBay.

I bought a software CD for my mobile phone and the quality was quite bad, so I thought to myself “I can do better than this” and that was it.

I started selling various CD’s on eBay for mobile phones and done quite well but nothing spectacular. Then in 2004 I bought a CD full of eBooks with resale rights. I started selling these eBooks individually and did very well indeed.

The beauty was I learned to automate everything so I never had to do much work. I then started to write my own eBooks and offered advice to other eBay sellers who wanted to do the same as me.

In late 2004 I started my own eBook membership site and I have never looked back.

3. How long have you been in business online?

I have been in fulltime business online since 2005 but have been trying to ‘live the dream’ since 2001

4. How did you learn what it takes to succeed?

I learned through trial and error. Many of my ventures failed but I never gave up. If you fail online just pick yourself up and try again. Never give up. If you want it badly enough it will happen.

5. Do you do all of your business online?

Yes.

6. What can you tell me about your business in 7 sentences?

I trade on eBay under the username planetsms. My business is primarily information products related to eBay. I also offer help/advice through my newsletter that can be found at http://www.newsletter.planetsms.co.uk/

I also have many other websites but my main business is eBay.

7. How do YOU get traffic to your website?

I have created many eBooks and with most I have granted master resale rights. As other eBay sellers sell my products the links in the eBooks bring in traffic. I suppose this eBook is similar to what I do.

8. What do you like most, and least, about the Internet?

I love the fact you can go to bed and wake up the next morning having earned money. There is no better feeling for me than earning money in my sleep.
What I don’t like is all the scammers out there, anyone who trades on eBay will know what I’m talking about.

9. What is the biggest online business mistake you ever made?

I have made many mistakes and have had many silly ideas, most fail but if you never try you will never know. In the early days I used to spend a lot of money on traffic. Most of it wasted.
The best traffic is free targeted traffic and I get that through my eBooks.

10. What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far?

Your reputation is everything, especially on eBay. Provide good customer service and you will do well. Remember, your customers are your business. A happy customer will come back over and over again.

11. What current membership sites and software do you use in your business?

I have an eBook members site that you can see at http://www.planetsms.co.uk/member_offer.htm

I provide you with everything you need to sell on eBay and also provide you with your own website. I also guarantee to make you an eBay powerseller within 90 days. I don’t use any software, it’s all done manually. 12. Do you have any tips or advice you would like to offer?The 3 most important things you should be doing to build your business online are:-

1, Build a list.
2, Build a list.
3, Build a list.

There is nothing more important. Without a database of subscribers you will find it hard to really succeed online.

13. What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

To keep building my business and help other people do the same.

14. Do you have an all-time favourite book?

I am not really a book reader but one eBook that has inspired me is ‘Private Posts’ Written by Allen Says. Just google it if you have never heard of it. I could read that eBook every day and still learn something new or have a new idea.

15. Can you tell me a little about YOU, as a real everyday person? (likes, dislikes, hobbies, pet peeves, fave food etc.)

I like the simple life, walking the Dog, going to the pub and spending time with my family.

I am living proof ANYONE can succeed online. If you told me 5 years ago I would be writing my own material and selling it successfully I would have laughed at you. Now I write almost every day and I love it.

I do my best to help others and if you ever need any eBook/eBay advice drop me an email @ admin at planetsms dot co dot uk

If you want to visit my eBay store and learn more about me visit http://stores.ebay.co.uk/PlanetSMS

You can also check out my newsletter at
http://www.newsletter.planetsms.co.uk/

Copyright © 2006 Anna-Marie Stewart. All rights reserved. This interview may not be used, re-used, transmitted or reproduced in any way, shape or form.

To Read another 55 interviews with successful marketers, check out Real Life Interviews Volume II

John Thornhill Launches Brand New Ebook Thursday 12th October:

"Finally, A Real Life eBay PowerSeller Reveals The Secrets To Creating Multiple Streams Of Income Using The Viral Power Of eBay" Click Here Now!


Anna
http://annamarketing.com

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