None... and many. :-) Let's assume that we're only talking
about manuals that are written by people who have "been
there, done that" (and not by newbies hoping to make a
buck or two by parroting what they're heard/read). One
popular and comprehensive set of guides are those by
Ken
Evoy - an excellent and reputable marketer by all accounts.
In fact, his Make Your
Site Sell! was what truly got me started on the 'net.
Every author can only write about what's worked for him.
It doesn't necessarily mean it'll work for you... or if
it does, that you'll have the same level of success --
you might have less, you might have more.
One of the traps that many people fall into when they
start an online business is the constant purchase /
reading of the latest-and-greatest new eBook. It really
isn't necessary... and by always reading instead of taking
action, you're just delaying success.
My advice is to do your research and find one good
"mentor" -- someone who's writing, style, and techniques you can
identify with. Find a guide appropriate to your skill level
(ie. if you're a newbie, don't pick up a guide meant for
businesses with a lot of contacts they can draw upon. Pick
something that's going to show you how to start getting
the right kind of traffic, how to register a domain or
get web hosting, etc).
Then read the guide carefully. Read it again.... and again.
And as you do so, put what you read to use. Information by
itself won't you do any good unless you take action on it.
If a method doesn't work for you the way it's suggested,
then put your own 'twist' on it and try again. Keep doing
it until you've found several winning techniques that you
can use over and over again to keep bringing in sales.
Lots of us get stuck with the idea that the newest guide
out there is going to provide some fascinating "secret"
that's going to make business easier and more profitable
faster... but in my experience, there really isn't any
"secret" -- it's mostly patience, a willingness and ability
to learn, and plain old hard work. Don't turn your nose up
at making "just one dollar" - remember, you can
make a lot of money one buck at a time. :-)
