Foundational Post for E-Commerce, Bot Marketing, and Print On Demand Groups

byDaveSw

5.6K followers

Updated 6 years ago

Hi, Everyone...

We are at that point where we will start gathering interested members for the niches, subjects, and market segment mentoring and support groups we will form.

I would be interested in leading three groups, but there can be as many groups as needed based on interest. If we need 6 groups, we will form 6. We can have others act as leaders for additional groups...

The three areas I will work are E-Commerce, Bot Marketing, and Print on Demand business.

Why These Subjects?

These are three areas (there are more, but this will do for now!) that I am currently working heavily in for my online marketing business. I have done quite a bit of work in them and have had some really good training that will mean I can bring this to the groups.

(1) E-commerce. I and my business partner run online stores with warehouses where we store products, and we also use Amazon to sell some items, and we use drop-shipping. We are a hybrid operation...

(2) Bot Marketing. This is a relatively new area of online business for me, but I have some excellent training and tools to show members how this new means of marketing can be more effective than some of the more traditional means of marketing.

(3) Print On Demand. This is a niche of e-commerce that can be quite lucrative if you can find some winners. This includes t-shirts, cups, mugs, pillows, etc. It is a cheap way to get started selling your own products, and the companies you work with do most of the work for you on the backend (print, pack and ship)...

How To Register For These Interests

I would ask that in the comment section below, you add in the following information:

(1) The interests that you have and wish to join a group for.

(2) Your IM background (i.e. skill level) and any other skills you may have that would add to the group.

(3) The role you would like to join as (i.e. an Advisor, a Group Leader, or a Group Member) for each area of interest...

(4) Your ideal time for group interactions...

(5) Your greatest needs by area and what you would hope to get out of the groups you join.

(6) Confirm that you have read through this post and the others that I have published regarding this group mentoring program.

Here Is The Process

Once we have enough people for a group, we will get them started. There is no limit, as stated, we can form 1 or we can form 10.

I will try to create a mix of skill levels and experience to create a group where we have some members that are more advanced than others.

This is a new program, so we will adjust as we go along and see that something needs some tweeking...

For the groups that I lead, here is the process we will follow:

(1) Intial Introduction Meeting.

(2) Brainstorming session (follows initial session)...

(3) Setting of Group norms, goals, strategies, tasks.

(4) Adding structure. i.e. timelines, meeting times, assigning tasks, support mechanisms, process, and publishing of activities, etc. based on member needs, group objectives, and group norms...

(5) Get started and let other Wealthy Affiliate members know what we are doing (i.e. what works, what does not, what you like, what you do not, tips that othe WA members can use, etc.).

What Is The Structure Going To Look Like?

Initial Stage

We will look past the 'what' and 'how' to get to the 'why' as we get started. This is key so all members are on the same page of why they are in the group. They have a set of common reasons and hopes...

Once we know they why, we will drill down and get to the goals, strategies and tasks to achieve the objectives we determine apply for each member and as a whole for the group.

We will also determine a means to track our progress as a group and as individuals. Our group norm will be to share knowledge gained from group activity with the members at large here on Wealthy Affiliate.

We will especially share triumphs and wins, as these are what forming the group is all about...

Team Metrics.

To measure how we are doing, we will establish some means to track what we are doing, and set objectives on a timeline. When due dates arrive, we will then share the content or deliverable and after do an after action review to see what went well, what could have been better...

This will help sharpen the focus of the group, point out actions we need to take, give us a way measure the results so we can understand and learn from them, and will help the individuals as well as the group get things done that has been determined to be necessary for succes...

To set the objectives in a clear and understandable manner, we will determine what they are and then write them down. We also will write down key results we are looking for so we know we are achieving them...

Objectives will be...

- simple and clear

- honest and authentic

- obvious

- bold

- trackable

- important

- explainable

We will all know:

What are we trying to achieve?

How will we achieve them?

The measures put in place to see how well they were achieved...

So there you have it...This is the basic structure I envision for the groups I lead and group leaders can use these or come up with their own set of guidelines...

Group Leader and Group Member Attributes

Here are some necessary attributes for a successful Group Leader and for a Group Member as we get started...

Reading through these will help give you an idea of what you will be involved in with interactions and activities within the groups...

Group Member Traits...

(1) Selflessness

This is probably the number one trait to practice to be a good team member…That old adage of no there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’ is so true…You are a group of people that has decided to work together and your thoughts should center around what you can bring to the table as opposed to what can you get out of the group.

Of course individual goals are important for all Wealthy Affiliate members, and this is why we are all here…But in the group setting, there will be goals that together members decide they want to accomplish. These generally will benefit all members and each will grow and gain working together…

It is not a ‘me’ thing, rather it is a ‘we’ thing. We are going to have success with our niche. We are going to master the art of affiliate marketing (or whatever the focus of the group is), we are going to commit to working together to achieve this.

(2) Communication

To have an effective group, you need to have good communication between members. We are rather unique in that we are all from different parts of the world, and the time differences mean that communicating will be a bit harder than if we were all in one location (or on one continent even!)…

Luckily, we have a couple of means of communication here on Wealthy Affiliate that will help. We can use the blog post feature we each have to conduct ‘meetings’ and cover the subjects that need covering. The base post can be published and members can then chime in through the comment section…

Alternately, if you are going to use off-site means of communicating, I would ask that the group leader post minutes of any communications on Wealthy Affiliate so it is public and all can review/see what has transpired. This is something the group leader may want to do or it could be a task for any member to complete…

(3) Accountability

One of the things about running a business or just getting through life in general is that you have to be accountable. If the group is counting on you to get something done, you need to get it done.

There are always things that can and do get in the way, but try to minimize these, and let someone know if for some reason you cannot fulfill what you have agreed to (back to that communication point)…

Another thing on this point: It is okay to NOT be perfect. We all are here to learn and it is only through doing that we do so…There will be times when things do not go as planned. That is okay, it is a process…Just own up to them when they happen and fix to avoid making the same mistakes again…

(4) Competitiveness

In the most successful groups I have been a part of, there is a degree of competiveness. I am not talking about making someone look bad so you look better, rather you are all working together to be the best you can be, to achieve more than you would be able to individually…

This means you bring your ‘A’ game to the group setting and commit to giving your best and showing other members that you have what it takes or are learning to have what it takes…That means you help others be their best to. You win or lose as a team, and you all want to win, of course…

(5) Confidence

I am not talking about your own confidence, although that is important. I am talking about having confidence in the group itself, the people and the process. If all members feel this way it will make things go much easier and members will get more done…

(6) Be Respectful

Groups have to establish norms, and this one is extremely important to agree to and follow…Always be civil with one another and at all times. The common bond is that you are voluntarily coming together to help one another progress faster with your online marketing businesses.

(7) Trusting

You must trust other members. Each will carry their load, as you will. You have to believe that all are coming into the group with that same trust and openness. Each person in the group shares the load, whatever that might be….

You trust that other members trust as well…They are like you, trying to do the right things…Look on the group as an opportunity to grow new relationships, the chance to get to know things you would not know if you were not in the group, and that all will feel the same.

(8) Positive Attitude

Group activities require some additional effort at times to get tasks completed, whether individual or group tasks…

There will be times when you have had a hard day, when things are not going as well as you would like, or maybe you just in a bad mood. You have to stay positive.

Think of the big picture, the process, your expected results, and don’t get hung up on the little things. Focus on the group’s successes, what you all have accomplished…Stay positive…

(9) Dependability

The other group members need to know that you are dependable. That is each member’s commitment to the group. If one fails, you all fail. Do not let that happen, be there and a contributing member always.

(10) Know How To Have Fun

This is important. This is serious business, but it does not mean you cannot have a bit of fun while being serious. It really helps in so many situations, a bit of humor…Of course the group wants to get things done…A mix of the two makes things a bit easier or every member…

Now let's cover Group Leader Traits...

(1) Communication

If you want to be an effective group leader, you have to communicate clearly. Your verbal and written communication skills will allow you express expectations to members in such a manner that they can understand and act on them. This means also that you know how to listen to other group members.

(2) Organization

You will be an effective group leader if you have and practice organizational skills. This means you can help the group establish a strategy and plan for objectives. This then will lead to tasks that the group agrees to getting done, and these can be delegated to members by the group leader. Also, the group leader must put some systems in place so the group has some structure and order. This way the tasks, strategy, and goals can be met…

(3) Confidence

As a group leader, you need to be confident in your decision-making ability. You also need to be confident in the group, the norms, and other members. This will shine through in your interactions and in your communication with group members. If you are secure in what is going on and what you are doing, it will catch on with other group members.

(4) Respectful

As with all group members, the leader must always be respectful with members in the group. You are in a position where you are a cheerleader in addition to a referee of sorts. There are different leadership styles, but this particular setting calls for a transformational style. This means you are encouraging, respectful, and supporting. You uphold the right of all to have their input and opinions.

(5) Fairness

You must be fair in your actions and assignments. Be consistent when interacting with members, treat each one the same. Check yourself regularly to make sure you are being fair….

(6) Integrity

This is a very important trait. Integrity means that you are honest and open with group members. This will help build trust from group members and trust in the group process. The old golden rule applies here: Treat others as you would like to be treated…

(7) Influential

As a leader, you have a special chance to help other members by inspiring them, always being there for them, and listening to them. You will be judged by your words and your actions. If you carry your duties out with integrity and fairness, you will gain influence. This means you can more effectively ensure results for all members.

(8) Delegation

Even though you are the group leader, you cannot do everything. Time, the amount of work to be done, and the learning process means that you need to know how to delegate tasks to others and trust that they will get them completed. This also helps develop group members, so is a good thing.

(9) Facilitator

You also have the unique ability to act as a facilitator in this role. You help group members understand their own goals and the goals of the group. You will organize an action plan to ensure group members know how and when to meet their goals and objectives faster…

(10) Negotiation

From time to time, you will use your negotiation skills to help keep things moving forward within the group…You serve as a sounding board in the event of group activity or member conflicts. You likely will have some guidelines for such times, and your decisions are based on the best interests for the group…

Wrap Up...

Okay, you now know enough to decide if you want to participate and in what role for each of the subjects that I will head up groups for. There may be other group leaders, likely there will be...

if you have any questions or points, please add them below, even if you are NOT interested in joining one or more of the groups I or others will head up.

I would expect that we add in more foundational posts for the other areas that members have expressed interest in over the coming days...

Last point...

Remember to add in your answer to the points I added above so I can then start forming the groups and we can get going...

I look forward to all of us getting a great deal of benefit out of this, and you have my commitment to doing my part...

I believe in ALL of you!

Let's make 2018 the best year ever for all of us!

Cheers!

Dave : )