34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs
As some of you know I was just in Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private island. I came as a guest of my friends, Joe Polish and Dean Graziosi.
They had developed a relationship with Richard and set up for us to hold a brainstorming session with Virgin’s charity foundation – VirginUnite. Branson has always been one of my business heroes from the way he lives his life to the fullest to his business success. I’ve been fortunate to have the chance to meet many of my mentors/heroes and most of them left me feeling uninspired. With Branson – it’s the opposite. I’m even more impressed and inspired.
I met Richard for a few moments at SpaceShip Two’s unveiling but this was exponentially different. Being with him and about a dozen other guests created a cool, intimate environment for real conversation and interaction. Here’s a quick pic of us at the first night’s dinner BBQ on the beach:
And here’s my view every morning on Necker:
I’ll be sharing some more pictures, videos, observations and insights shortly. (A little teaser – I’ll tell you about how I got kicked off Necker Island in the next post.) 
Getting back to it, I was flying on the way home from Necker and I was so inspired with our time there that I started creating my rules for successful entrepreneurial endeavors. I thought it would be top 10 list but I kept writing and writing in my journal and it came to 34 tenets that I’m calling…
34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs
- It’s got to be a BIG idea that you, your team and your customers can “get” in seconds.
- Strive to create 10x – 100x in value for any price you charge. Your rewards are always proportionate to the value you provide.
- You must charge a premium price so you have a large margin to provide an extraordinary value & experience.
- Provide a ‘Reason Why’ customers should do business with you and pay you a premium.
- Get paid before you deliver your product or service. And when possible figure out how to create recurring revenue from transactions.
- You get to make the rules for your business. Don’t let industry norms dictate how you’ll work or who you’ll work with.
- Create your business around your life instead of settling for your life around your business.
- Consistently and constantly force yourself to focus on the ‘critically few’ proactive activities that produce exponential results. Don’t get caught up in minutia & bullshit.
- Seek to minimize start-up risk but have maximum upside potential.
- Get your idea out there as fast as possible even if it’s not quite ready by setting must-hit deadlines. Let the market tell you if you have a winner or not. If not – move on and fail forward fast! If it’s got potential – then you can make it better.
- Find partners and team members who are strong where you are weak and appreciate being paid on results.
- Your reputation always counts. Honor your obligations and agreements.
- Never, ever get paid based on hours worked.
- Leverage your marketing activities exponentially by using direct response methods and testing.
- Measure and track your marketing so you know what’s working and what’s not.
- Bootstrap. Having too much capital leads to incredible waste and doing things using conventional means.
- Your partners and employees actions are their true core – not what they tell you.
- Keep asking the right questions to come up with innovative solutions. “How?”, “What?”, “Where?”, “Who Else?” & “Why?” open up possibilities.
- You’ll never have a perfect business and you’ll never be totally “done”. Deal with it.
- Focus most of your time on your core strengths and less time working in areas you suck at.
- Make it easier for customers to buy by taking away the risk of the transaction by guaranteeing what you do in a meaningful way.
- Always have something else to sell (via upsell, cross-sell, follow-up offer, etc) whenever a transaction takes place. The hottest buyer in the world is one who just gave you money.
- Always go back to your existing customers with exceptional offers and reasons they should give you more money. It’s 5x less expensive to sell to happy customers than go find new ones.
- However the flip side is – fire your most annoying customers. They’ll be replaced with the right ones.
- The marketplace and competitors are always trying to beat you down to a commodity. Don’t let that happen.
- Develop and build your business’s personality that stands out. People want to buy from people.
- Create your own category so you can be first in the consumer’s mind.
- Go the opposite direction competitors are headed – you’ll stand out.
- Mastermind and collaborate with other smart entrepreneurs if they have futures that are even bigger than their present.
- Celebrate your victories. It’s too easy to simply move on to your next goal without acknowledging and appreciating the ‘win’.
- Make your business AND doing business with you FUN!
- Do the unexpected before and after anything goes wrong so customers are compelled to ‘share your story’.
- Get a life! Business and making money are important but your life is the sum total of your experiences. Go out and create experiences & adventures so you can come back renewed and inspired for your next big thing.
- Give back! Commit to taking a % of your company’s sales and make a difference. It this becomes a habit like brushing your teeth pretty soon the big checks with lots of zeros won’t be scary to write. If you think you can’t donate a percentage of your sales simply raise your price.
Side note on #34: Now after meeting and brainstorming with the team at VirginUnite – I’d strongly recommend them as a candidate because of the way they are creating entrepreneurial solutions to significant problems and a force for good. As entrepreneurs we know we can foster innovative solutions to business problems – this is the same force being tapped for the greater good. I’m really excited about some of their projects and what us, as entrepreneurs, can do together. You’ll be hearing more about this soon.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these.
* Update 11/2/08 *
From the incredible feedback of people asking to translate the list, post to their site, send to their list, etc – I decided to turn the 34 rules into a full blown “real” book, expanding each rule into its own section with examples and more insights. Plus, I had best-selling author, Mike Litman, interview me to go even deeper into the 34 rules.
* * And I want to give you a copy of it and a bunch of other goodies! * *
May 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
[...] read more | digg story [...]
May 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Bloody brilliant stuff Yanik. How many other billion-dollar companies you planning to infiltrate over the next 6 months?
May 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
You always think outside the box; the core strengths are key.
May 25th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Yanik- The lifestyle you live is an inspiration for all us entrepreneurs. Thank you!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Thank you, Yanik ,for sharing these great insights. they are a timely reminder and boost for me to spur me forward to greater success in my business.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Yanik – I appreciate this post so much.
As business owners, it’s easy for us to get caught up in the ‘daily grind’… customer service, minute problems, unproductive activities…
Sometimes we need to get back to the BASICS… the fundamentals… and stay focused working on our business…
Michael Gerber of “E-myth” fame said “Work ON your business.. not IN your business…”
So true… thanks again for your insight..
Maverick Entrepreneur,
Adam Holland
May 25th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hello Yanik,
I appreciate your comments. I’m a novice at marketing – and sure this is what I most need to learn. It was my father’s hardest thing too – such a creative intelligent man, often brilliant at self-expression, and yet with hardly any audience. I would say he had terrific anti-marketing skills!
A lot for me to unlearn. Over the past couple of years, I think I’ve moved 10 years ahead – and in the past half year, have tripled page views of both my sites. Not much by your standards. Huge by mine.
What do you – and others on a similar path – give me? Tools. Blueprints. And knowledge it can be done.
I have great expectations for the coming year.
So, thank you – and not just you, all the people who have been helping me unlearn and learn.
Elsa
of
Elsas-Creativity-Emporium.com
May 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Awesome post Yanik! Love the 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs and look forward to hearing the story of how you got “kicked off” the island. Make Today Great! Tom
May 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Greetings,
great post
i especially like the “Get a life!” It’s so easy to get caught up in work work work trying to get a venture moving but it’s counter productive and more conducive to burnout…
we all need to play a little
Grant
May 25th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hi Yanik,
your 34 points appear to me as core american thinking.
So if you agree I will translate them into German, mail them to my customers and friends and give your adress with it, so they may join your community.
I find your points very encouraging and complete!!! Thank you!
Thomas R. Class
ClassComm GbR
Germany
* Thomas – sure translate as long as you keep me as the author and a link to our site. Thanks.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Yanik,
This is a terrific post! We aspiring entrepreneurs always like guidance from the ones who went before us.
I have worked for too many people who started with the “big dream” (which all of the employees buy into, by the way), only to let it degenerate it into “how much are you people making for me today?”
These 34 tips actually help bridge the gap between “this is my big idea” and “these are the skills I need.”
Thank you for this.
Rick Carter
“Don’t Just Build A List – Build A COMMUNITY”
P.S. Here’s another fine blog you’ve gotten me into!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
thanks Yanik! Solid rules of success.
No doubt that many “heroes” leave more to be desired. Great to hear some go beyond expectation.
Peace,
Paul
May 25th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Well done Yanik, I love the 34 rules!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
You’re so on point. What an inspiration. I appreciate and respect Richard Branson’s level of success and ability to enjoy life along the way too. That’s true success. Thank you for sharing…
May 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Great tips. I especially like #30, it is so easy o just move on the the next thing without stopping and I am not sure it is more beneficial.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Excellent post, Yanik. You have created a wonderful blueprint which is sensible and filled with common sense. I also greatly appreciate #34:
When you give back, you get back.
Stay well,
albert grande
May 25th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Yanik – As a new-ish entrepreneur, # 13 really hits home for me. It’s really tough to change the mindset of NOT charging based on TIME. Thanks for this list, it’s going up on my wall today!!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Excellent Yanik,
I strongly agree with rule no.2 strive to create 10x to 100x value.
I think that you do this with all of your products and is one of
the reasons I love everything you have to offer!
Gerry
May 25th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Love it! Thanks for the reminder and inspiration to dream big – and to HAVE A LIFE besides business…
May 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I would not want to be associated with a business built on
1. foundations of fraud (ie in prison for cheating Customs)
2. Or which relied on rich parents to bail out when problems arouse.
3. Or a man who ran away when things went really wrong (left his partner to it when shared air balloon venture had to be dumped in the sea.)
4. Or always acted as the Front Man using other people’s cash.
I could go on, but I dont suppose you care.
You accept the hype. Many on this side of the Atlantic do not.
Good luck!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Yanik, Sir Richard Branson is one unconventional entrepreneur. Just by hanging out with him must be an experience. Love to hear why you got kicked off the island.
Jim
May 25th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Yanik – Great stuff dude. I really appreciate how you consistently focus on the whole picture involving BOTH having a life and building a dynamic business.
I’ve made a ton of money in the past, but had no life. This is the first year I’ve started applying some of these concepts and shockingly my income followed the improvements in my personal life. Kind of crazy to think working less would produce more income, but this stuff works.
This post is a keeper. I’d recommend anyone reading print it and review it each day. This is the kind of stuff that’ll really make an impact if applied.
Keep it up!
-Tim
May 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Thanks Yanik for your post:
Just a thought on #3:
“You must charge a premium price so you have a large margin to provide an extraordinary value & experience.”
Premium price does not necessarily mean charging alot of money.
Google (amongst others) has built huge business giving away stuff for free, or at very low cost. I think alot of us get caught up in the belief that:
Big ticket = big profit
Not necessarily true.
I would like to reframe “Premium Price” as whatever delivers the greatest profit. That may or may not mean charging a gadzillion dollars.
* Rob, if a product has zero cost to deliver (i.e. Google) they still need to monetize and they make billions with their ad network which allows them
to have the absolute best interface, tools, analytics, etc for direct marketers. Something interesting to me was when Google Adwords started their
minimum bid was 5x what GoTo (Overture…now Yahoo! Search) was. I don’t think you need to charge a gadzillion dollars but I’d rather have a few
more margin points to deliver an exceptional buying experience, after product support, etc instead of skimping and competing on price alone. That
didn’t work for Kmart or Sears to be the low-priced company. Wal-mart is doing well at it because they also have a mix of high priced items in their store.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Yanik,
I liked hearing #19 about how your business will never be complete and to deal with it… knowing the copywriting rule about how everyone loves to “be complete” or to “complete what they started”…the self-motivating force to want to complete something…or feel ‘incomplete’ if the ____ is not completed.
The thing I focus myself and our team on is incremental continuous improvement because being the best… is the starting point.
Rock on,
Chris Knight
ps: If I were to add to your list, I’d add something about listening to your clients & members; develop & perfect a feedback cycle that allows for continuous innovation that is client-driven…and engages your client to want to help you build your business because it’s in their best interest.
* Chris, nice hearing from you. I’m sure there at least 34 more “rules” and that’s a good one for sure.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Awesome….and just a tinge jealous you got to ‘hang out’ with Branson.
Thanks for posting the 34 Rules for Maverick Entepreneurs. I printed them out and hung them above my comp. I just added a new product to my brick and mortar business, which I am revamping my website to include.
Thanks for your veracity and tancity to not stay average.
Paul
May 25th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Great post, Yanik.
It’s noticeable how you’ve included a good mix of rules to benefit both yourself AND your customers. Most business owners focus almost entirely on themselves and customers are an after thought. I think a big part of your success has been due to your passionate focus on consistently over delivering to your customers.
I share your enthusiasm for Branson, he’s one of the best role models for the entrepreneur in my opinion, especially when it comes to unconventional marketing – he’s the master.
He also understands that ‘everything is marketing and marketing is everything’ – that’s a message I’ve tried to bring to people’s attention on my web TV show.
Branson’s little book ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’ is one of the best business books I’ve read in a long time. It’s kind of an update to his autobigraphy, and virtually every page has a useful lesson.
Thanks again for your list Yanik, you’ve provided a lot of food for thought for us all.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Wow Yanik, thank you so much for these pearls of wisdom. This stuff really makes sense. Tell me though how do I get to rub shoulders with people like Richard Branson.
Looking forward to finding out why you got kicked off the island.
Stay blessed. Ken
May 25th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
How many of those rules did you adhere to BEFORE you were independently wealthy … and how many AFTER?
Alex
May 25th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Yanik, this is some of your best writing this year…your passion is flowing through!
Suggestion? More video. Reading is for old people….those over 30. Young people skim and watch vids….
Your 34 tenets is a brilliant book waiting just aching to be unleashed!
May 25th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I know the feeling of being inspired after being in the company of people are more successful than we. Everyone need not agree on the 34 tenets – but there certainly are some gold gems.
As any true entrepreneur knows, these are not rules set in stone – in fact most successful entrepreneurs have a little rebel in them which was a major nugget that led them to success in the first place. Afterall, if they were following the crowd they would never have created the Microsofts – Berkshire Hathaways – Dells etc
Few of us – if any – have never erred so let he who is without sin cast the first stone as they say…
Ciao to all and wishing you much success…
May 25th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Very good ‘mix’ of ‘rules’ – Number 33 is my favourite, as it covers ALL of life’s ‘directions’.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Hey Yanik
Love your post! Great Maverick rules to live by…
The Maverick rules could easily be expanded into a lesson or a lifstyle post,
and it’s always good to learn more from you Yanik.
Necker Island sounds like great fun, I can’t wait to hear more and see more pictures livin large on the island!
Take Care,
Monique Fell
http://www.moniquefell.com
May 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Some very succinct thoughts Yanik as usual,
something we could and should all live by.
Byron
May 25th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Inspiring list! I’ll read it several times to memorize it.
Richard Branson is my hero too, about the only one with Gandalf
He’s good at hiring people that get things done while he creates things and he’s not afraid of working with people that are better than him at something, he embraces it. That’s very different than other people.
“Consistently and constantly force yourself to focus on the ‘critically few’ proactive activities that produce exponential results. Don’t get caught up in minutia & bullshit.”
That’s me all right. I would say “know your strengths and weaknesses also”.
Thanks Yanik,
Congratulations on your splendid vacations. You’re a lucky fellow!
Laura
May 25th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi Yanik,
Thanks for sharing your rules. I think they’re awesome and I’ll certainly be incorporating them into my business and my life.
I also really appreciate the way entrepreneurs are using their skills as well as their wealth for the wider good. It all goes to help make the world a better place.
May 25th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Awesome Yanik!
I especially love # 32 – “do the unexpected and customers will be compelled to share your story”.
What a powerful way to open the game right up!
Thanks for sharing.
Think BIG! Act BOLD! Have FUN!
Scott
May 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Thanks so much for sharing this with us Yanik! would you grant me authorization to reproduce your message in my community, the International Network of Social Entrepreneurs? I think our 2,500+ members would greatly benefit from it… let me know, thanks!
Sincerely,
Christophe
INSE Founder & Chairman
http://inse.collectivex.com
“Fostering Connections to Pursue Business Endeavors with Social and Environmental Benefits”
* Sure, with pleasure if you cite our site as the source
May 25th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
That’s surely one heck of accomplishment Yanik. Congrats! You were the first geuine top marketing adventurist…I guess the other could be a bit crazier. There is always room.
When you get to Mark Cuban, let us all know in a bigger way. Exponential fan of him here. Rock on buddie!
A Friend.
May 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hey Yanik,
Congrats!
That is super awesome that you got to mastermind with Sir Richard Branson at Necker Island.
It looks just beautiful there…
Thanks for posting the “34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs”.
Good Suff…
~Brett
http://www.FreeTrafficBigProfits.com
May 25th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hi Yanik,
love your rules, and love the necker island images. Richard is without a doubt the coolest entrepreneur alive!
Richard
May 25th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Really solid points Yanik!
This is probably the best summary of business points I have ever seen in one place.
I can see the passion.
Regards
James
May 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
To All
I have just finnished reading Bransons book as you have stated what a person and what a mind, he is a person who has shown that to think ordinary gives us ordinary in business and our lives. But if you think how can i do this different you can and he has proven it in all parts of his life.
Fantastic.
Victorjlittle
May 25th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Yanik,
Very impressive. The rules will be printed and on my office wall. There are quite a number of them that I need to work on.
I enjoyed the remark about Red Stripe. Though I’ve never been fortunate to meet Branson, I was in St. Thomas, having lunch in a restaurant overlooking the harbor, and drinking Red Stripe. Branson’s 50 million dollar yacht was just across the street.
I mentioned to the waitress what a beautiful boat it was. She told us the crew had the sister ship out for it’s maiden voyage. Wow!
I felt that rule #34 is especially important.
All the best,
Rusty
May 25th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I’ll have to print this one out and read it later.
I would also add “Start a Foundation” rather than just donate a percentage of the proceeds. Once you create a team of people to handle your charitable donations, you are TRULY successful.
Thanks for the great read
May 25th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Hi Yanik
Thanks for share your ideas and experience it is great to have this tool to push forward in life.
One important thing. Do not follow David Leroux advice about Videos and to forget the writting message, because like me you have people from other countries or nacionalities that do not understand expressions from Americans except when they are in writting. So continue in the same way
Thanks
Juan
May 25th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
For me, #16 sticks out: “Bootstrap. Having too much capital leads to incredible waste and doing things using conventional means.”
Its a bit counterintuitive but its almost like you are better off if you start from absolute 0 with no resources….
May 25th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Great site and great rules. We’re in the process of expanding and love to see inspirational stories like this. Keep up the good work.
Thank you,
Carmen Links
Linksbusinessgroup.com
May 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Yanik,
I really appreciate your point of giving to charity. I am not extremely wealthy but have tried to give away around 10% of my income every year. It’s totally awesome when it becomes a habit and feels almost like Christmas when I’m selecting the charities I will be “buying presents” for.
This is also a great time in life. I will be finishing grad school in December and plan on starting a couple of businesses. I’ve really settled with the feeling that life is mine to create and I’m excited to pave the path to my future, instead of walking down any road available at the time.
Best wishes to all!
Kirk
May 25th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Some great stuff there Yanik,
Hope you don’t mind I am going to post this for my read.
I like #28 this is a winning idea!
All The Best!
Steve
May 25th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Yanik, I must say that your blog, your posts, and your life and extremely admirable.
One of the best posts thus far is the 5 unusual ways to motivate yourself. I still go back to that time and time again to help me get motivated for working out, designing products, etc.
#10 is the best. Try your ideas fast and fail forward – fast! Many friends take months and months and months on small projects, Get it out, and get feedback FAST!!!!
thanks Yanik for another great post!
Chris Brisson
May 25th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
It seems to me that both misery and happiness are contagious. But which would we rather experience, mirror and spread?
While money can’t “make” a person happy, the lack of it can cause great suffering and, when we have no money, we often cannot help others to any great degree.
I celebrate your happiness and wealth, and I applaud your move toward giving back.
If we all are able to live life more on our own terms – without the stress of being inauthentic for a paycheck – then we can begin to share more of our “inner wealth” as well as our material wealth.
As we become happier, less frantic and more clear in seeing what’s important, we can lift more and more people until we reach a critical mass and – with other like-minded people – eliminate much of the misery we see today.
I believe with all my heart that we each have the ability to transcend limitation and work for the good of not just ourselves, but all humanity.
And I believe Internet pioneers like you, Yanik – and like Jeff Walker – are painting with a wider brush than even you suspect.
I am grateful you exist to help show the way.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Yanik,
This is a great list. Thank you. I hope you won’t mind if I share it with my list. I’ve spent 12 years as an Internet marketing advisor for small businesses and I know they would appreciate these ideas.
* Sure Ed, no problem. And I would imagine you are the same Ed Taylor I heard on a Ted Nicholas tape awhile back. Good stuff.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
The rules are very Renegade. Yanik gets it well. Branson is one of the greats! I found #24 to be of value, even in a non-profit situation. If the customer consistently costs you more than they can pay you, fire them. If they interfere with your work or refuse to follow your professional advice, fire them faster.
May 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Yanik, U Da Man baby, that was an awesome list! I will print and post it in front of me.
Thank you brother!
–z–
May 25th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Thanks for sharing those insights Yanik, but the thing I like most with Richard is how down to earth and humble he is. Thanks again for the peep inside.
May 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
[...] post about his adventures hanging out with Richard Branson. He also has a fascinating list of 34 rules for “Maverick Entrepreneurs”. Good [...]
May 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Thanks for share THE RULES and experience it is great to have this tool and inspiration to push forward in business life.
God Bless for all You work
F. Ponce De Leon
May 25th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Yanik,
Thanks for your comments, specailly for remind me that making money is important but never as important as my llife; I have to go back to create my business aroud my life….. Thanks a lot!
So true… thanks again for your insight..
Melva
May 25th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
thanks Yanik…your integrity is intact, but have had a bad prior biz experience with your new found friend Dean Graziosi and will have nothing to do with anyone or thing if he is involved with it…
May 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Sweetness!
Tellman was telling me about Necker Island.
I want to meet Sir Richard one day. I watched every episode of his TV show, The Rebel Billionaire and was inspired… too bad it got canned.
JL
May 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
[...] 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs… [...]
May 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Yanik. Love your posting of the 34 rules. Keeep them coming.
http://www.eventpixer.com
May 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Yanik. Love the posting.
May 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Awesome post Yanik – I love the rules!
Was just looking at the Necker Island website earlier today. Ever since I read Richard’s book, Losing My Virginity, I’ve wanted to go. Definitely a must read… really allows you to get inside his head – can’t wait to hear more stories from you!
Thanks!
Matt Morris
Founder
SuccessUniversity.com
May 25th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Hi Yanik.
A fantastic ‘creed’ to live by. Having recently retired having spent most of my working life as a charity work doctor, I have:
1. Seem my share of hardship and poverty
2. Been underpaid
3.By profession been cautious and conservative
I would now love to make myself some money and live a relatively unrestricted lifestyle. Your 34 pointers describe perfectly the way I must start thinking. Keep up the good work.
David.
May 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
[...] Further Reading: 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Nice article. Rings a few bells for us at sitmeanssit.com
May 26th, 2008 at 2:57 am
Yanik-
Way to Go! You hang with the very best, and you share your experience with others to boot. Your giving and sharing of items of value is why I admire you and your lifestyle. The passion shows through with each email. That’s real. I am working on my next breakthrough and I use your insights as a compass.
Thank you. The “List of 34″ will be posted in my new office. Keep it coming! Love it!
All the best.
Dana
ReMax-NJ
May 26th, 2008 at 3:01 am
Very well said.
More elbow grease to your effort.
Nnamdi.
May 26th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I can’t wait to hang out with a few red strips on Necker Island …
You sure got the lifestyle Yanik, (looking forward to meeting up)
peace
AJ
May 26th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Thank you Yanik. It’s a joy to take a break from my work and read up on what you have to share. Keep ‘em coming, please!
Sonia Apodaca-Harms
Owner/Designer
http://www.vistalatina.com
May 26th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Bravo Yanik!
Very inspiring rules and Life Saving
Business Steps.
I really enjoyed rules
#7 Business around your lifestyle…
#30 & #31… Celebration and FUN!
and mostly #33 Get a Life & #34 Give back!
Merci Yanik for sharing your blessings,
Cordialement
Joel Bomane from Sunny Sudden France
May 26th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Hi Yanik
The Power Of a List! – Superb – Inpired! Thank you so much.
Like so many I am printing these out and putting them on my wall
A creed for Mavericks!
Barry
May 26th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Thanks
May 26th, 2008 at 7:47 am
[...] Yanik Silver had just done a superb post over at his blog titled: 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 8:47 am
These rules are invaluable. Plus if Yanik swears by them and look at the life he lives then it must work all is left is the DO part.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Good stuff, as usual. I’m particularly found of #s 4, 10, 12 and 34.
Shel Horowitz, award-winning author of Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First and six other books
May 26th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Yanik you did a good job, keep it up.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:06 am
[...] Yanik Silver’s Internet Lifestyle Blog » Blog Archive » 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs Written by Chris Sherrod Chris Sherrod author of Play Prosperity Games. This is copyrighted by Abundance Unlimited, LLC. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts. If you like the free articles on this blog, let Chris know by buying him his all-time favorite gift – an Amazon gift certificate. His email is chris (at sign) theprosperityguy.com « Following up and massages [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Yanik,
The 34 points were great I’ll be printing them out as a reminder. As Online and Offline Marketing consultant my clients will love these as well.
Thanks,
Robert
http://www.topmethods.com
May 26th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Great list. I especially like the last one.
Chris Sherrod – AbundanceUnlimited.com
May 26th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Yanik,
True words of wisdom! I found the rules very inspiring. Yanik what about the rules book–each rule expanded with an example from your life?
Thanks for sharing
Ian Platt
May 26th, 2008 at 10:26 am
SUPER IDEAS AND SMART THINKING. PEOPLE JUST NEEDS TO APPLY ALL THE INFORMATION THAT THEY HAVE ACCESS TO. A LOT OF THIS INFO NEVER REACHES OUT TO OTHERS. WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL FOR THIS INFO. THANK YOU.
KATHRINE AUSTIN
May 26th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Yanik:
You are an enlightened thinker and marketer. As you have progressed in your career, so has your thinking.
I admire your associations and circle of contacts. I hope you’ll show others how to follow in your path.
Thank you for inspiring me!
Barbara Keddy
http://www.BeGreatMarketing.com
May 26th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Hi Yanik,
This indeed is some whale of experience you had on the island. Itching to hear why you were kicked out!
Your 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs is a “HOLISTIC APPROACH” to sound Business achievement!
Thanks so much and be blessed!
May 26th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Yanik I’m lovin your priorities of living “life to the fullest”.
Look out for me on some of your future endeavors!
Keep Rock’in,
Michael
May 26th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Very intelligent stuff! I am reviewing my business with this smart checklist immediately!
I would personally add:
35- Your business model is of the utmost importance! There are very often many ways to sell the same product or service (one fee time, sponsored or ad supported, subscription, consulting, etc). Consider ALL the possibilities, crunch some numbers and chose the best one (try to generate passive and recurring revenues)
36- Never panic, never celebrate (too much)! Some days you will find everything goes wrong about your business while some other days you will make some fantastic achievements… Just try to stay calm at all time!
37- Set a financial goal and chose a market that has the potential to generate at least 10 times your goal in terms of annual revenue. If you work intelligently you have very good chances to reach your goal as the market will easily “absorb” a new vendor (you).
May 26th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Very generous that you have shared this with us Yanik.
Does it just prove the point that if you want to be
a millionaire, listen to a multi-millionare and then
take action immediately?
Time to get my skates on…
Warmly,
Malcolm
May 26th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hi Yanik,
“I think therefore I am” Your list of 34 “thoughts” directly represent the person we have come to know and love, a great model to base our business and private life on. Congratulations and thank you
Gerry Kenny
Master NLP Practitioner
May 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Organize in the broadest sense, then drill down to understand repetitive models you can deploy quickly. I have a twelve stage strategic layer developed over 15 years, and then this model replicates at lower level tactical and operational levels.
May 26th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Yanik,
I read your post, read the comments, and checked out the Virgin Unite website. Unfortunately, I am left with a feeling that this is about self-aggrandizement. It’s not that I don’t think you and Richard Branson are genuinely concerned about social and environmental problems, but this endeavor is obviously not altruistic. Even the suck-ups commenting on this blog, posting their website URLs, are ridiculously transparent.
The truth is, if people understood what the real problems are–not the politically correct and popular “problems” fabricated to give us “busy work” to do and make us feel good about ourselves–they wouldn’t do a thing to change it. If they did, their own businesses would probably collapse, and they couldn’t live the lifestyle you promote. So instead of seeking real change, people have convinced themselves that by fighting fabricated epidemics and global warming, donating a few bucks to this charity or that charity, and other schemes, they are helping fix the problems. Instead, they are just treating a few of the symptoms at best, while they continue to allow and support the corrupt political and business oligarchies that are causing the real problems.
If you knew what the real problems are, and you shared those problems, and suggested solutions, publicly you would probably be labeled a conspiracy nut and ostracized. Those who speak the truth are always crucified first, maybe praised later. See history. The problems today, the real ones, have been with us for thousands of years. The real problems emanate from oligarchy and the banking system used to control and manipulate everything.
Peace,
Steve
May 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Lots of great information
#5, is ridiculous at best as over 90% of the world gets paid after completion of their job.
#10, HONESTY is key here.
#14, Using Direct Response-I find this to be a bit of a joke when trying to contact—ANY VIRGIN CORPORATION—ESPECIALLY SIR RICHARD BRANSON, Her Royal Highness is easier to get too.
#17 Who is advising you, have you ever heard of an IQ test, or Briggs Myers test or Right brain Left brain test or Mensa test these all are proven and used by many large corporations I am surprized that Virgin does not use these tests as every company has undesirables (slackers) and sesirables but what is there potential do the tests and find out.
#18, for the average person this is fine, better hire a right brained person what right brained means is the right brained person can see solutions to a problem where others cannot.
#20, I disagree, if one sucks at something it would be advisable to educate yourself so you do not suck.
Last don’t forget the little guy you were a little guy when you started out, Sir Richard has a friend with a great expression that says it all “Success Unshared is Failure” Dr. J.P. DeJoria–all about helping others.
May 26th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Thanks a lot for your business tips. I would like to add “Whatever it is you do, become a little bit better at it all the time.”
Personally I have not only chosen to be a businessperson it has also been very important for me that the core of our activities is philanthropical. Hence we have chosen to teach dyslexics how to read and write unhindered. Most of our customers are kids. Our method is somewhat controversial of course since the traditional educational system says that what we do can´t be done. Soon I will have some introduction in English for you. Most of our customers are extremely happy. Soon we will be coming to a country close to you. When you want to contact us then you can find us at http://www.kattmodell.se (Swedish only for the time being).
May 26th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Hi Yanik:
I feel you left out Rule 35: “Associate yourself with the Maverick Yanik Silver for great ideas, killer apps, and boundless business innovation”!
Richard Branson is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. There’s another guy by the name of Stelios Haji-Ioannou of the Easygroup in the United Kingdom that has created a fortune almost as large as Branson’s following many of the same 34 Rules. Check him out and thanks for the advice.
May 26th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
[...] read more | digg story [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Yanik, great post!
Rule #34 resonates a lot with me… I have been working to create Alice Smiles Foundation, a non profit for eduction… A kid from a poverty where non of his family members has ever gone to college or has ever experienced the good things in life, often would find the thoughts of university eduction an impossibility…
The challenge is for Alice Smiles Foundation to make it possible for high school kids from poor families to go to college and graduate in four years by mentoring and providing scholarship…
It’s a project I have been chipping away at for a while and fortunately it is coming to fruition… We encourage anyone who feels the same way to join ASF – http://www.alicesmilesfoundation.org
Yanik – thanks so much for the 34 rules as they in many ways form the fabric of what makes for great enterprenuerial activity and experience – and having them out is a challenge for me and anyone else who is not living by those rules to aspire and practice…
So thanks!
May 26th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
[...] thought all suggestions were fantastic and worth sharing here. You can read it at Yanik’s blog… Yanik Silver
May 26th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Yanik,
Too cool…hanging out with Sir Richard. Not just cool though, I’m sure instructive in many ways. Your tips are great…I always look forward to what you’re up to next. Take care!
Dr. Chris Bowman
http://www.DentalInsiders.com
May 26th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Yanik,
You are Right on. I’m amazed at how many people want to take issue instead of making good use of this very expensive wisdom. I know you and you walk your talk.
You have ALWAYS over-met my expectations on anything I’ve bought from you, and I’ve spent a couple of thousand dollars – worth 100X what I spent!
Of course, I had to use it, not just pick it apart.
Best wishes to a guy who really deserves his success, from a fan.
Seeya,
Tom
May 27th, 2008 at 4:32 am
[...] Here's the URL to the entire blogpost: http://www.internetlifestyle.com/blog/?p=341 [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 4:34 am
http://e-bizsecretsexposed.com/blog/blog/i-like-yanik-silvers-34-rules-for-maverick-entrepreneurs/
May 27th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Fantastic! Being new in the internet marketing arena, I find myself a bit off on the things you have mentioned.
I will take and re-read them again and maybe even more to incorporate them in my daily activities to finally get results from my efforts..
May 27th, 2008 at 5:14 am
[...] http://www.internetlifestyle.com/blog/?p=341 [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Hi Yes your right Yanik..dont wait until your eighty to give back …
Thats why i am building something for the poor..
Perhaps we should encourage all wntrepreneurs fromnow on to build sustainable businesses …as this will help all /
Thank you for the info …ian amor http://www.testmyidea.com
May 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi Yanik.
This is some very nice rules. Very inspiring.
May 27th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
[...] Internet Marketing Master Yanik Silver just made a phenomenal post on his internet lifestyle blog. [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
[...] You can read the whole post on Yanik’s site right here Yanik's 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Click the icons below to share this post with someone…anyone! These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Fantastic. A pity more people don’t give it a go and accept a failure rather than bury good ideas. Love your lifestyle.
May 27th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hi Yanik,
You and Joe are really living your lives as heroes…seeking to make the world a better place. You are spreading the truth about the important things of life.
I bet with you and Joe there and your love of having an awesome, radical, mind-altering time, the island and Richard will never be the same.
ralph
(-:
May 27th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Great list Yanik. I already have this printed and up on my wall in front of my desk. I see (glaringly) where I’ve had “miscues” in the past…
Also, I was reading your “to do” list on the right side of the page…
I live in Vancouver (home of the 2010 Winter Olympics) and also have heli-skiing on my list, so…
If you’re looking for a “buddy” when you come up here to do either of those events, feel free to drop me a line!
Cheers for another great post.
– Paul
May 27th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Great list Yanik. It reinforces a lot of what I’ve learned in over 30 years in sales and marketing.
Thanks!
Mike
May 28th, 2008 at 3:25 am
I would also add this to the list: Don’t look for freebie stuff, go for the best even if you have to pay for it. You can always make more money, but you’ll never get time back you’ll wasted on inferior services and information.
Oliver from
http://www.daily-internet-marketing-tips.com/
May 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
[...] Yanik Silver’s 34 Rules For Maverick Entrepreneurs [...]
May 28th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Yanik Gold!
Fantastic!
34 Points cover every aspect of business — real solid points –inspiring — developed with deep insights —
Thanks a lot for the CHECK LIST 34
Great Job! Keep it up
May 29th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Thank you Yanik.
I will print this ,i believe no 28 is called positioning.
i will also pass this on to my family and friends
May 29th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Its nice to see you put your money where your mouth is Yanik on No 34. I was very impressed that you and your wife showed great empathy recently in helping out Chris Bloor in his concern for the small Chinese girl who was covered in acid.
Great to see a Guru “do” what he asks of others without fanfare.
Pamela
May 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Very inspiring words and thoughts, I can’t wait to show it to my wife.
Thanks
May 29th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Hi Yanik,
Great stuff!
I’m an aspiring online marketer from down under in sunny South Africa. I think you’re the best there is regarding internet business marketing.
Pity that some people just want to discourage others who’ve seen the light.
If they don’t like it, or think they’re too intelligent to apply what you write, so be it. “Ain’t Gonna Stop ‘Till I Get To the Top” with Yanik Silver.
So, I will follow your advice, and also post the 34 Rules (with your link) on my website so others will share the good news!
Best wishes, always.
Andrew
May 29th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Thanks, Yanik, for this brilliant list. I have sent it to all my affiliates, clients and friends. There are not many people of your quality. You are a marvelous example of the new business ethic. Gives me hope. Also gives me a great philosophic base.
Wolf Halton
Marketing Director
BlackBookCollection.com
May 30th, 2008 at 5:38 am
[...] allowed to tell people about stuff like this … Cool post by Yanik from Necker Island, 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs, can’t say I agree with all of them mind. Related Posts:Importance of networking in [...]
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 am
Yanik! LOOOVE IT! Printed it out and posted it on my WALL! You are a great mentor and I can’t wait to get to your level!
Cheers,
James Wedmore
The Mobile Mixologist
http://www.BartenderforProfit.com
June 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
WOW Yanik! You are really spreading your wings. The very first time I saw Richard Branson was when he had that adventure show on bungy jumping etc…I never really paid attention then but I do now! Thanks for the updates.
~Lisa
June 8th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I like your 34 rules. They sound good. I only own one product of you, “How to sell super high priced”. However I was very disappointed. It seems like you don’t apply several of your rules. Unless I got a forged copy of your product (which is a 1 % chance), the recording quality is very, very poor. Because you were sold out, I bought it on eBay for 500 Dollars. The box, the design and everything looks like an original and not a forged copy. When I put the CDs in my car, I could not believe how poor the recording was. I seems like you just put the recording device in the middle of the room. As a result it is very unpleasant to listen to it. The second worst recording I heard in my life. I am pretty sure most people give up after the first CD. Take a look at your rule Number 2, 3, 11, 12 and 32. You should have used lavalier microphones and a sound engineer. If it was a 50 Dollar product, it would be okay, but not a 3000-Dollar-Product, and also not a 500-Dollar-Product. This is very bad for your reputation. Take Armond Morin as an example. He produced a very good recording for “Internet Marketin Explained”. And also Bill Glazer recently recorded a mastermind session with a dozen people in high quality (even with a dozen people it can be done!).
* Alex, thank you for the insight. Unfortunately once an event is recorded you cannot go back to fix it. Our A/V guy used the best equipment for the small room. We haven’t had anyone else complain about it – however that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be better. Sorry you were disappointed.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:49 am
[...] never does presentations outside of his own mentoring program. Man who coined the term “Internet Lifestyle” and is a leaving proof of what is possible if you put your mind to it, shared his insight on [...]
June 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Great ideas, Yanik!
I’m so fond of N: 31 & 32 rules. Sounds good!
Ok. I’ll write back soon. I promise.
take care
Elitsa Asenova
June 13th, 2008 at 2:15 am
Hi Yanik,
Very insightful. I have a query on #13. Alot of professional and well known people charge high prices per hour for their consultation, so dont really get it?
web.singnet.com.sg/~raindeer
* Regardless of how high the hourly rate is there are still only 24 hours in a day *
June 14th, 2008 at 3:57 am
Wonderful and useful list, thanks Yanic.
May I add one more topic and I believe this one should be on top.
Pick one idea, strategy or element to get started with and have people support you. It’s all about commitments and keeping your promises.
To your success and fulfillment, Ronny
July 1st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
[...] Silver’s Internet Lifestyle Blog – 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs – I don’t know if I would want to be in bed with Richard Branson, but these tips are dead [...]
July 9th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Hi Yanika,
I have enjoyed reading your Golden rules, to me rule No 4 is crucial to the survival of any internet business.
I bow down on my knees to thank you for sharing this valuable info.
Looking forward to more updates!
July 18th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Excellent post. In that list you sum up the most important lessons that can be learnt from a whole stack of books. Thanks!
MenuSecrets.Com
“Is Your Menu Losing You Money?”
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 am
Brilliant Stuff Yanik!
You definitely are the real deal!
Best Regards
Chris Bloor
August 29th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Yanik is the real deal. He’s been selling using the internet for over 10 years. And I’m not talking about selling “how to make money on the internet”. He’s sold in the real world and now he’s revealing his secrets to the internet marketing community.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Keep thinking, talking and writing Yanik, you’ve never managed to bore me yet, with anything.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Well if a group of people who have minds and intelligents like yours,are put together and work in one country I will want you to go to Zimbabwe.
Share your vision help develop the unethical markets . In two months we will see A Great and ethical bussiness,ecinomy and country coming up.
That place will never be the same again, You are sent to make changes in people”s life,countries and bussiness.
Go for it guys.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Great tips Yanik! Thats why I stay subscribed to your newsletters. Keep them comming!
September 5th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Yanik really loved the insight about paying others to do what you suck at. So many times we as entrepreneurs get caught up with trying to do everything ourselves and we miss the big picture of getting to where we want to be. And instead of calling this site Internet Lifestyle. It should be “Living the Dream Baby!” beacuse you certainly are! Can’t wait to hear why to got banished off the island! Hope it was worth it.
Jon Davis
http://www.mobilebizcard.com
September 5th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Yanik
All of this sounds wounderful show me more I’m ready
been looking and long time for something like this I’m
could stand a good change in my life
Thanks very much
September 5th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Great informative rules to use! Now I know why my business is still at ground zero doing nothing and making no money. I’m not applying the 34 rules to my life and business. Starting today I will set the goal to stay focused, study the 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs, and apply them. They will help revive me to be more creative, study, and do the neccesary research to rocket me my business to success!
September 5th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Yanik,
Most have already covered many key points in previous comments, so I’ll be succinct. You’re spot on as usual.
Keep up the good work! See you in DC next year. Thanks.
Regards,
Cheri
September 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Hello Mr. Silver,
This is a very good and highly sociable approach
of Living in a Kingly Lifestyle.
Keep up your good work,
Cheers,
Arya,
infotainmentcenter.com
September 7th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’m a newcomer. Just starting up 2 maybe 3 internet businesses. Next post, I’ll provide my website addresses!
I’ve always been a rebel and a contrarian! My favorites are 33 and 34!
Thanx so much for sharing these great rules! Continue to believe in yourself
and “keep the faith!” Love you!
September 7th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Thanks so much for the 34 ideas to help grown one’s business. My blessings come to you for your sensational brainstroming with everyone
of your great friends and then pass these good things on to us in this way/
Keep this great work up, Yanik, I really appreciate you.
The force be with you!
Ethel
September 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Wow – that is an incredible group of tips that pretty much ANY entrepreneur shouldn’t be without.
That’s getting printed and put on my computer desk!
Jeremy Reeves
http://www.controlbeatingcopy.com
September 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Should have had this 30 years ago!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I do remember reading this awhile back Yanik. This is some great info that you’re providing. My favorite is number 10…Fail forward fast. I’ve had a problem with waiting for what I thought was the “right time”. Now working actively to change that because I have plenty of ideas and that’s how everything starts. Thanks Yanik.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Should have had this 30 years ago.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
#24 is crucial. it has saved me a lot of grief and let me concentrate on my good customers
September 24th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for the list! I remember printing this list at work while I was doing my summer internship and reading it on my break. Probably another deciding factor that encouraged me to think about starting my own website.
You might want to add:
Start young! I can’t believe how young you guys are! You’re 34, Tim Ferris is 30 or so, Robert Plank just turned 24, and yet you have all come up with great ideas and ways monetize your passions!
I consider you guys to be my friends!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Yanik,
Man I am so envious. Having the opportunity to spend time with Richard Branson is truly priceless. Thanks for sharing your 34 rules for Maverick Entrepeneurs. There is so much insight in them.
All the Best,
John
September 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Keep up the Good Work!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Right on Yanik!
BTW – we had our first baby last year – because of “your stuff” my wife doesn’t have to work and can stay at home with our beautiful baby girl… For real, dude – thanks.
I remember when I ordered your system and I kept telling my wife it was “Freedom in a Box”. It was a running joke for a while in our house and now it’s reality.
Also thought you should know – I wore my “Yeah Baby…” t-shirt from the Underground Seminar when our daughter was born. I thought it was fitting for the “event”.
Keep rockin!
Melvin
** That is pretty awesome Melvin. Well done for taking action. I love to hear that stuff. – Y.S. **
September 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Life on this wonderful Earth, is far, far too short, not to live it and enjoy it to the fullest and teach our children and grandchildren the same. It’s all about mind set, avoiding the negative and the toxic, that comes your way.
Enjoyed the rules and fell in love with the Internet at age 65.
Warm regards and God bless America.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Your #33 hit home with me. Sometimes I do need to “get a life.” I greatly enjoy my work, but experiencing new things and finding exciting adventures shouldn’t always be put off until later. Thanks for the reminder.
Susan
September 24th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I’m not even a month into this journey, but loving what I’m reading here. It’s being copied now in word form, hopefully lived out through my business in the very near future. Thanks and happy birthday!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Hi Yanik,
Thanks for the great insight. Printed and posted. #19 strikes a cord with me. You are so lucky to spend time with Richard Branson. He’s a super hero…and so are you.
To Our Success!
Sandra Price
September 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Yanik,
I never comment, only lurk, but your special offer is making me come out of the woodwork. I completely agree with this list, and am using it as motivation to take my business up a notch.
Best,
Laura
September 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hey Yanik
I really enjoyed your 34 Maverick points
Having been self employed for over 20 years, I wish someone would have handed me this note back Then!!
I look forward to your book coming out! I will be getting a copy
Thanks
Curd
September 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Hey Yanik,
Great list. First, I should obviously be picked since my birthday is tomorrow a well. September 25th babies have to stick together.
Second, while the whole list is good, I really like “Consistently and constantly force yourself to focus on the ‘critically few’ proactive activities that produce exponential results. Don’t get caught up in minutia & bullshit.”
The reason being, both with my fitness and my marketing clients, this is a huge obstacle. People have trouble focusing and they constantly bounce around from one thing to another without doing any one productive activity long enough to see results, either positively or negatively. It’s a constant battle to get people to focus on the key activities and take consistent action over a period of time. They get bogged down too much in the things that don’t matter (should I eat chicken or tuna? should the links on my web site be blue or red?) instead of focusing on core activities that produce results.
Keep up the great work.
Gregg
September 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hi Yanik,
I have been using your ideas for a long time. I have your “Moonlighting” book right here and reference it often. I will be 51 (sigh) in Oct and I’m a life-long entrepreneur. Long before most people even knew what that word even meant!
You, my young friend, are a great inspiration!
We live full-time on a sailboat so I am a bit of a Pirate and don’t like rules much, AYE Yo LANDLUBBER, but your 34 Rules are excellent!
Your Live Aboard Friend, Capt Rob
http://www.teasemeteas.com/robspersonalblog.htm
September 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Most people start out online not to become an “internet marketer” but because they have something they want to sell, and they either know or have been told that they absolutely need to be online if they want to be successful.
Now they may very well know what works for them in the “brick-and-mortar” world — but haven’t a clue about what will work online.
Rather than make this dilemma a Mission Impossible, why not start out with a really good mindset? That would be the result of reading (and applying) this list.
Great job here! Thanks. I’ll be passing this one along to all my clients, with pleasure.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Thanks, Yanik – it was refreshing to see those 34 rules all put together, connected. They really do constitute a new and much more valuable paradigm for what running a business is all about – and it is NOT what society teaches us or what the media brainwashes us about…
It really is a matter of prioritizing the values the business is founded on. I appreciate that you dare to confirm that that those values have to make sense for the individual business owner, regardless of how many standard rules you have to break free of in order to get it right. I particularly like the rule about firing those customers that do not match the picture you have of the ideal customers for your business! Business is NOT about “being everything for everyone”. It is about “being of serious value to those selected few that are willing to take advantage of what you have to offer”.
Business starts with a clear picture of what you want to achieve and help your customers accomplish. It does not start with a product you want to sell….
Thanks for your consistency pointing that out.
Have a happy birthday!
Cheers,
Mogens Eliasen
September 24th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Hi Yanik,
One of your best posts. Truly and really inspirational. It makes me feel like getting up and doing something about it.
Yes. That is what I am going to do!
Love the picture I, too am a fan of Branson. Only wish I was the one taking the picture. Well done Yanik!
Inma
September 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Incredible stuff Yanik. Provide value and charge a premium price and an absolutely axiom for success.
If you do not charge for services as if they have value, they will be perceived as having no value!
Mike
September 24th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Great List Yanik.
I am all for #16 – Bootstrap. Having too much capital leads to incredible waste and doing things using conventional means. It is amazing that 16 is the date of my birthday and the basis of my new eBook – How To Start A Business From Scratch…Without Having Any.
http://www.LouieBernstein.com
September 24th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
This list is great, especially #31. We spend too much time being serious about building our businesses and not near enough time having fun.
Jim
September 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I think #11, #20, and #29 are probably the most IMPORTANT, yet the ones that least often get done. These are very hard to do, and expensive if you plan on doing all your networking at “events”! Networking is critical, but you need to find people that share your same DRIVE and with different areas of expertise.
My expertise is NOT in the technology, but in the ideas and “mapping” out process. I think (for Yanik or anyone else) there is a big hole in our “community” for putting together some of these connections for people – outside of networking at live events.
Here’s a “Free” idea (just one of many I have been mulling over)…
Why not put together a “maverick” community where people can share their “resumes” of expertise and others can contact them to try and connect. A free service for the ability to connect, but the money-maker is in “sharing” the success of that connection. If the connection leads to a fruitful endeavor, there is a shared commission for the site that connected them! (There’s obviously a lot more to this thought, but if someone can help make it happen, it is a GREAT asset for us all.)
September 24th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Lots of gems in that list. I especially like, “Focus most of your time on your core strengths and less time working in areas you suck at. ” So many of us waste time struggling with the things we’d be better off having others do. Why not use your time to its best advantage by focusing your efforts on the things you enjoy and are great at, and delegate the stuff that bores you and you suck at… lol.
I am sure the new book will be a success like so many before it. Keep up the good work Yanik.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hey Yanik…I can relate to each of these rules in one way or another. Either I see myself and my actions or thinking in your rules or I learn from them. Man, I love the internet! As well as the people that make it happen! Cheers! (I raise my beer glass to you)
September 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Only you could come up with these original rules. You should submit them to David Letterman’s Top Ten. I especially believe in #20 and #31. If it is anything else, I get exhausted. I hope I am living #27.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
As a solo health practitioner, I’m always trying to get the most out of my marketing and everything I do. I really feel that it’s everything to give back the most value possible. These are terrific rules to live and work by.
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Andrea
September 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I especially believe in #20 and #31. And I hope I am living #26. Only you could come up with these Yanik. They should be submitted to David Letterman for his Top 10 list!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Yanik,
Thanks so much for the list of “Maverick” rules for entrepreneurs. I’m just getting my internet store started and I can see where your list will be a great help in setting it up and also treating my customers well. I believe that I shall, too, print it out and post it so that I can see and learn.
Please keep up the good work and next time you’re on Necker Island and see Sir Richard Branson say Brian said “Hello”. He won’t know who you’re talking about but at least I’ll know that my name was mentioned in “high” circles.
Brian J. Sweeney
ONLINE ENTERPRISES
BSwee@cox.net
September 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Yanik
Wonderful! The 34 tenants are strong, I can only imagine what strength and impact they will have on readers once expanded into a book!
Patrick
September 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I am concentrating on # 27 create your own category-niche so you don’t have much competition, #28 do the opposite of your competition & #29 form or join a mastermind group! These rules or tenets will be a great daily reminder.
Thanks Yanik!
Mark Bond
“Licensed To Kill…Boring Marketing!”
September 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I love #33! We give experiences in our family, not gifts. Gifts get broken, stole or lost. Experiences last forever, the memories, feelings remain to warm the heart. Focusing on living is a beautiful way to live.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Yanik – oh, how I want your life!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Yanik, thanks for the superb list. So many of these items resonate with my business philosophy. Numbers 21 and 31 immediately come to mind since my business philosophy is that in a good legitimate business everyone should go home in a limousine.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hi Yanik. I am not currently running an internet business (yet) but I do own a traditional service business and I am in the process of starting a new one. Once that is set I will transfer some of it to the internet.
#19 is something I will post and read daily since I have an issue with perfection and am always hesitant to launch without feeling 100% polished.
The reality is my customers would never notice the trivial crap that bogs down my days as I attempt to always make it better. If they won’t notice then why should I, right?
Somedays I feel like a one legged man in an ass kicking contest if you know what I mean.
I look forward to the book!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
HI Yanik,
Thanks for all these great rules/reminders/advice. What I want for myself is to make the “Create your business around your life instead of settling for your life around your business” rule, rule #1. Everything else — also very important — will be arranged to fit (my) rule #1.
Thanks again,
Elizabeth
September 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Am so greatful for all you offer. Hope this new book does well for you. This serves as a great reminder about the absolute fundamentals of living itself. Thanks,
Carrie
September 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
22 and 23 are my weak points. i need to focus on getting more money from my current customers by providing additional services. thanks for the 34, they are great.
bob
September 24th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Wow several of those hit me right between the eye’s. I love #3, don’t do #4, try to do #5, have started to implement #7, WILL do #24 from now on and #29 is very expensive (or at least the one’s I know about are). But, I love this post Yanik. Its why you have such a large and loyal following. Thank you so much for those easy to understand points. Jesse
ps. I’m still learning how to do #15.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Very interesting blog post. I’m new to the world of internet marketing and would love the chance to win your book and see if you are someone that matches what I’m doing and need before investing in any of your other products. You know, get a better feel for you.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I like the emphasis on building your business around your life, which is very important when you’re working from home, as I am. These 34 rules are cool, and I think expanding on them into a book is even cooler. Your name may be Silver, but these ideas are Gold!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for the list Yanik. I’m new to your material and enjoy what you have to say. I’m excited to learn more from you.
Phil
BTW: I like the BIG List on the right side. I was working on my list as well. We have a few in common such as fly into space, swim with dolphins in the wild, feed the sharks and a few others.
By World Cup did you mean soccer? I did that one in 1994, Cameroon vs. Brazil. I want to go again!
Come to Vancouver in 2010 so you can cross Winter Olympics and Heli-ski in Canada off the list too!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
VALUABLE CONTENT AS ALWAYS. I CAN’T WAIT TO PUT UP A LINK ON MY WEBSITE SO EVERYONE CAN SEE THIS!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
#7 and #33 are at the core. Without a life, you can be replaced by a machine. #34 gives us our humanity.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Yanik, love the list – it shows what a week away with brilliance and action oreinted people does to your creativity.
I loved #’s 19 and 31 – it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia and forget the entire reason you started your business – to live your passions and empower others to do the same!
Can’t wait for #35 – are you going to add one a year – the never ending book with a new chapter written each year to celebrate your life on earth!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Dear Yanik, I don’t understand what #25 means. And about another: not to charge for time. OK. But which unit of measurement will do? Thank you anyway.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Hi Yanik,
Wow, these 34 points make absolute sense. To have them spelled out all at the same place can be seen as a very good resource.
I plan to print them and stick them on my pin board. Have to see them to keep thinking about them. It is so easy to forget what need to be considered when dealing with customers.
To every bodies success.
Regards.
Albert.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Hi Yanik,
Just in the formative stages of my first internet adventure. Your list is definitely going into my ‘must read and heed’ pile for that endeavor. All the items you listed worth a deeper look and I’m sure your book rocks.
Reading thru your list puts me in mind of one of my favorite quotes from Mardy Grothe “Personal growth may be defined as having better problems this year than you did last year.” Following your list (and a few others) I hope to be there soon.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Yanik,
First “Happy 35th D’Day”!!!!
Secondly, thank you for being a part of my life! I review your e-blasts 3 times a day for mental re-inforcement. Although I haven’t had the fortune to attend your seminars or order your materials, please know that YOU are one of the FORCES that enable me to keep pressing forward.
YOUR “34 Rules for Maverick Entreprenuers” are the ingredients of a Marketing Power Shake! They are posted all around my home and home-office… My GOAL is to attend one of your events before the 2008 year-end and I WILL!
Please continue to feed us with your knowledge and skills and again enjoy your 35th!
September 24th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Hi Yanik – I agree with these and for me the most powerful from your list is “Develop and build your business’s personality that stands out.” People want to buy from people.” I’ve been guided otherwise and am now circling back. I’m the tone at the top so there is no reason I should not be visible! But there is a bit more and perhaps this is more relevant to women: “Stick to your agenda and seek those that align with it. It’s ok to use your analytics when selecting people. Avoid those that aim to manipulate you to their agenda (especially if it will not be a win for you).” I’m not young. I am confident. But I have struggled to turn off the “good girl” mindset, without compromising my service-oriented values. I get great customers! I have attracted too many w-r-o-n-g partners, am digging out of that hole and choosing better now. My internal theme this year is “No more shmucks” (this can be those direct manipulators happy as can be with win-lose but also those unintentional (?) manipulators such as experts who are not and hourly consultants who cannot deliver…). I’d love to help others do the same. -Lori
September 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Yanik,
With all the comments about posting the “34 Rules” on their office walls, I’m thinking a poster for sale might be in order
This is a great set of rules for all entrepreneurs and in my opinion, Rule #34 is the most important, but unfortunately the one used least by people wanting to move their businesses ahead.
Keep up the great “works” and Help Someone UP Today,
Rodney
September 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Yanik, mark your calendar. One year from today you and I will have a business deal together.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Thank you Yanik for sharing these sound rules. Definitively made me reconsider things.
You’re an inspiration. keep up the good work.
Can’t wait to read the book…
September 24th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Yanik, remember me? You got it so young. Gene Simmons tried to explain it to me in 1975, what were you, 1? The thing about money…I thought it was the music. I didn’t get it.
I told him in Nashville (I saw you there) that I got it now. He just grinned and said something unprintable. You got it, too and way before me.
Thanks for sharing. Let me know if you want a taste of the best salsa on the planet.
BigJeffJones the Funky Dr. of Love
September 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Nice work Yanik & Happy Birthday!
After 30 + years in traditional broadcast media myself it’s nice to see someone who knows the difference between marketing & advertising. Marketing being the research & due diligence funnel and advertising being the final product the public gets to see.
I used to tell radio announcers back in the day, don’t try to critique yourself right after a radio show .. you are simply too close to it. Listen back a week later & you’ll listen with fresh ears. As per your #29 point, I always suggested you ask some else to listen & critique your work. And of course always someone better than you! Collaborate as often as possible is essential to one’s growth.
We would all to to do it on our own, just not possible to have strength in every sector required for good online work. #20 speaks to that exactly, get help in areas you need to & focus on what you are good at. Probably the best business leverage advice there is.
Would love a copy of your book Yanik .. keep up the great work and as always, thanks a million for sharing and giving back!
Cheers,
Mike Perras, P.Mgr
September 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I’m looking forward to this book. As a visually disabled entrepreneur I’m glad to hear of this unabridged audio book as well. #28 is my favorite and I always try and do things out of the box different. Thanks for the rule list!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
That is a good list. I smiled when I read some items I relate to and practice and then had the aha! moments for those which I need to implement.
Thanks for compiling it all into a list!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Yanik,
Happy Birthday and thank you for sharing this challenging list. Number 27 is the one that struck a chord with me. Thanks again.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Yanic, First of all “Happy 35th Birthday” no drinking and driving…I can’t believe its been 10 years since I’ve been reading your information and watching your growth… I live in a bubble here in Santa Barbara as an realestate entreprenuer I travel…to Las Vegas when its foggy here…I ski Vail after Feb 14th (spring skiing) Mammoth is too packed.. I visit my twin sister twice a year in Miami (sunny Isles) vacant condo city I feel its time to give back…so I have read everything there is to read to finally get started in/on the www life is good and sailing is fun…Hope you make it to SantaBarbara before you become 40. Life is to short to live on the East coast thru those chilly winters..Take care Duncan….SantaBarbara and P.S. Thanks for being you…Its a surefire thing….you got going
September 24th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Hi Yanik! These 34 ideas are solid, explained simply, & stand the test of time! Many of these things I already implement but thanks for some new things to use as well. As the old adage goes: “To keep it you’ve got to give it away,” I’m glad you are helping others like me.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Inspire. Great List for all entrepreneurs you and old, offline or on the Net. Some good inspiration on the list. Aspire. To be like a maverick!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
nice
September 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hi Yanik,
I am operating several affiliate websites and hoping to expand further. It requires a lot of time and energy but I know it will pay dividends shortly. It is similar to planting seeds to a vegetable/fruit garden both require great amount of attention and manicuring, which can be time and labor intensive, however, I know that eventually there will be a significant harvest to be had. Your wisdom and experience has given me more motivation to continue on this entrepreneurial path. Although I am a novice at the new world of Internet Marketing, the tremendous possibilities excite me!
Wishing you the best,
Daniel Schainen
http://www.SlingTrade.com
http://www.OnkyoHomeTheaterReviews.com
September 24th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Yanik-
What a great post!! This is a great framework for any entrepreneur – at any stage of their development. There are some true words to live by, great tips to improve any business, and a fairly comprehensive checklist for ‘must do’ business practices. I look forward to the expanded product – a more detailed explanation of any of these topics is most anticipated! I hope my testimonial is one of the endorsements/success stories you can feature with this product when you have it!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
WOW!
What an awesome post… you can actually built your ENTIRE business around these 34 rules and achieve GREAT success! I especially love rule #10… fail forward fast, take action and quickly.
Thanks Yanik for forcing me to re-evaluate how I view my business!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
What a great list to help any entrepreneur stay focused and on track. The first three spoke to me. With a BIG idea, it is easier to be passionate about the work you are doing and the experience and product you are providing your customers. And in turn, the belief that the financial rewards you receive are deserved is affirming and encouraging. Excellent gift to each of us, Yanik! Thank you!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Yanik,
Your “34 Rules” are not only tops for the Internet Business, they work in every area of life.
As a complete “newbie” in the Internet milieu, it is heartwarming to find someone who’s not a proponent of “a quick buck” for a bucket of fluff.
After many years in sales, (and in the ministry) it is encouraging to hear from someone who expresses the kind of integrity and work ethic I have valued for most of my 83 years — and particularly in an Internet business.
Thanks, and may your genre increase — exponentially!
Yours for more of the same,
Rex Talmage
September 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Maverick Rule # 34.5 Be motivated by those who you inspire and help and not those who are ignorant and try to hurt you.
Good Job Yanik with keeping it real and keeping it moving because as much love as you are shown in your community and esp in this blog post…you know there are always ‘haters’ out there
Keep sharing the love and putting your good energy out there. Here’s hoping that it all continues to recycle
back to you in abundance, not only tomorrow but the whole year through!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
My favorite is Rule #34. I’ve been struggling my whole life and trying to do little things to give to others. But I’ve never felt like it was enough. You have inspired me and set me on the path to do great things – for myself and, even more importantly, for others. Here’s to getting together with you on one of your great adventures within the next year! Cheers!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Happy Birthday Yanik!!!
Thanks for MY present!!
Hope this next year is your best year ever!!!….SO FAR anyways!
I know my next year just got better with these rules – can’t wait for the book!
THANK YOU!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
All the ebooks.ezimes and ways to make it big on the internet sounds good.
Reading all the literture, hundreds and hundreds of pagesare confusing me.
I think I will use a mentor. I know a few more people having the same problem as I am.
William Neal
September 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Love the 34 rules…….especially #34……..you get what you give…..it is so true! The rules are going to make a great book!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Thanks Yanik! I am a list maker. Got to say that I love this list. Like others have said, this is one to print out and have in a place where you’ll see it often!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Yanik,
These rules are awesome! It’s good to know I’m doing many of them, but such a helpful reminder to know where I can improve!
The list not only got me thinking, but got me to take action on some ideas I’ve been sitting on!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Rule number 29 really resonated with me and once I realized I was hanging out with the wrong crowd I changed my association. Then my whole world view became brighter and bigger. I realized that I have always been driven to do big things, but until I found other people with similar hopes and dreams nothing ever happened for me. Now I can’t seem to grow fast enough and opportunity is everywhere!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I am very interested in your book! I hope I’ll be one of the lucky 15!
Bests, Gabor
September 24th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
We’ve all heard that fundamentally, to succeed massively, we need to do what we love and love what we do. Nice thought but it is the bare minimum or bones if you will.
You’ve very thoughtfully provided the meat — and boy is it succulent!
Thanks for encapsulating what must have been an awesome experience on Necker Island into these 34 keys to success.
I look forward to the book, too.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Excellent guide lines to live and work by Yanik! After all, a large part of your life is spent trying to bring in a dollar, why shouldn’t you have fun doing it? Also, I love how you topped it off with #34! I don’t usually intentionally try to be ‘politically correct’ so I’ll give it a stab. There is a certain very popular book (#1 best seller for thousands of years) that says if you give from your heart without expecting anything in return, it shall be returned to you 10 fold!
How’s that for ROI? Thanks for the reminder in modern terms. You done good!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Yanik,
Your 34 Rules can lliterally emerge beginning entrepreneurs from their current situation to a stealth business position if they’ll just DO what you marvelously unveiled in those steps.
And even getting up and actually DOING only a FRACTION of those action-items will literally catapult them from where they are in their current circumstances to literally landing on their feet into the world of great possibilities! (Like crossing through a vortex.)
Bottom line and message: Take action, y’all!
(And Happy 35th birthday, Yanik!)
September 24th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
What a coincidence – I was looking at these 2 days ago and sent the list to a friend because I thought it was so good!
I have them printed out and can check off how I am doing..
Glad you are having a sale on your birthday not just your childrens’ ..
!
September 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’ve been trapped in this chiropractor suit for way too long (20 yrs) and want out. I would like to start up a web based business and you have some great ideas. HELP?!
Thanks.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Further comment:
I deliberately put my price up with a client today as a direct result of reading about charging a premium price so you can deliver extraordinary value. It worked!
Thank you
September 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Hi Yanik!
! I must say however that none of them have said as much in a complete book or a unabridged set of tapes or CD’s as you have in the the “34 Rules” you established in the blog and printed above! I have redone them onto a 16×24 poster and put it up at my full time J-O-B, as well as deck of file cards I keep in my pocket and review twice a day, these “Rules” keep me focused! Thank you Yanik! My future will definitly bloom from these rules and I am confident when you put out the book I will EXPLODE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have read dozens of books and listened to an massive number of audio tapes by many many different authors, I have been motivated and developed by all of them, well most of them
To KABOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JC
September 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Yanik, they are ok, but not great. My issue with these is that they are the kind of thoughts on has after one has a product or business, and the kind of thoughts one has if it happens to be successful and you have time to think about it. I have developed many products and helped a lot of others develop products and I find that is often where the problem is. It is so hard to develop and to stay focused and get a product or something out the door. These are ok but you can get side tracked focusing on the after thought instead of the creating and building a product from the beginning, people have such a hard time just completing something that can be shipped. The rules are ok but could be polished some.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
For a guy with a funny name you sure know how to mix it up with the big boys! Nice job.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
26 and 27 I do very well… the feedback I get from my prospects and customers regularly demonstrates that.
However, my real weakness is in 3 and 4. Currently, my highest price product is $67 – and I do want to move into the $500+ range.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Yanik,
I think your 35th Birthday sale for 35 hours offering 35% off is a great idea. Very creative.
So…
Does that mean that when you turn 60, we’ll be able to get 60% off?
Happy Birthday! Wishing you the best in health and prosperity.
Karen Brunet
ESS – It’s not just a website…
It’s the Mother Lode!
* Karen – that’s very funny. Mark it on your calendar for 25 years from now. – Y.S. *
September 24th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Thank you very much Yanik,
Words of passion and inspirational wisdom.
I am always impressed by the way dynamic leaders innovate and break, bend the so called rules. I think you have captured the essence in #2.
It is a lifestyle and when we improve our value, we can give more
and they will remember that.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
As usual you are great Yanik with your observations and sharing them with us. I particularly like #31 as we will all benefit if we really enjoy our business and those with whom we work, associates, affiliate or customers.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Yanik – I appreciate the rules post so much.
As business owners, it’s easy for us to get caught up and get distracted from what is most important also the ‘daily grind’ of it all.
The BASICS… the fundamentals… always work… your rules show that insight… thanks for sharing.
John Uhrig
Spa Marketing, Salon Marketing, Massage Marketing Guy!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
meeeeen, yanik, this rules are more important that those of engagement in the military, just follow the rules, and u dont get to comit ’sin’. the reallly got me planing and thinking about acting on them. great work mr silver
September 24th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Great list! They’re all fantastic (as are many of the comments), but I especially like Rules 30, 31 & 33. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you might as well have a regular old JOB with a grumpy boss, right?
Happy Birthday, Yanik! (You Youngster!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Great sensible rules Yanik. Are you going to be adding another one for your 35th? Rule 35: Read rules weekly and review them annually perhaps?
Happy Birthday from Tony in the UK
September 24th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
As you are a spring chicken at 35 (I’m 50 years older) I wish you many happy returns of your birthday.
In my early years I adopted this slogan.Would make your 35th excellent
“The secret of success is constancy of purpose
Self reliance the only road to true success”
September 24th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Malachi stated that by being generous one would receive innumerable blessings. Helping those in need while doing what one loves makes one a morecomplete human being. These 34 principles should help accomplish that goal.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Yanik -
Love the list as many others have as well.
The thing that keeps going through my mind as I read the rules and some people’s reaction to them is that being a Maverick Entrepreneur starts with a choice.
You choose to make it a BIG idea, or you choose to keep the ideas smaller so you have a better shot at getting them implemented… “and then I’ll try bigger ideas.”
You choose to create 10 to 100 times value so you can charge a premium, or you choose to provide enough value to justify the price you believe the market will bear.
No, I won’t go through the entire list. I’m sure you get what I’m saying here. Make a decision and get busy on making it happen. It’s your choice!
In the words of Jedi Master Yoda, “Do, or do not. There is no try.”
All my Best!
Kevin
September 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Malachi stated that by being generous one would receive innumerable blessings. Helping those in need while doing what one loves makes one a more complete human being. These 34 principles should help accomplish that goal.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Yanik RULES!! Splendid set! #33 – Very important and often overlooked. Thanks Yanik for the reminder.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Yanik, what can I say?
You are unbelievable. I’m printing this up as I type, and it’s going in my home office.
I strive to someday be as successful as you and I will see you at the top!
-Chris Hughes
http://hughesbusiness.blogspot.com
September 24th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Very well thought out. I’m inspired to live by these rules.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hi Yanik,
It is funny! I just read your email on the announcement of your upcoming release of “34 Rules of Maverick Entrepreneurs” book and it hit me on the head because on May 26th I wrote a post on my blog referring to the rules. “What a great list” – I thought.
In particular, I love and resonate very much with rules #7, 8, 10, 15, 18, 19, 33 and 34 (http://vladimir.wantabroad.com/#post45).
Every time I bump into an obstacle one of those 7 rules directly or indirectly comes into play.
I’ve printed out the 5 following statements on a sheet of paper, sticked on the wall in front of me and they have truly become inspiring quotes for my every day life. Those are:
1. “Create your business around your life”
2. “Don’t get caught up in a minutia & bullshit”
3. “You will never have a perfect business and you will never be totally “Done”. Deal with it.”
4. “Get a life”
5. “Give back”
Yanik, thanks so much once again for the great sharing and look forward to the extended version of the rules i.e. the Book.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hi Yanik,
That is an awesome list! I’m going to read it regularly and take action on it.
Thanks for your great insights.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Yanik,
You’re right on all counts, but #6 is my favorite…
“You get to make the rules for your business. Don’t let industry norms dictate how you’ll work or who you’ll work with.”
It’s THAT rule that let’s you (and me too) truly enjoy the Internet entrepeneur’s lifestyle.
#14 is a close second. Fat cap makes ya slow.
Happy Birthday tomorrow, bud!!
Cheers,
Ros
* Thanks Ros! Now when do we see you on a Maverick adventure?
– Y.S. *
September 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Hi Yanik,
After reading the Rules, it really strikes a chord to look over everything I’ve been doing and to make a few tweaks to make things even better. I look forward to having the outline of the rules expanded in greater detail in your upcoming book!
September 24th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Yanik,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, networking and compassion for what you do with me.
thanks
brian
September 24th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Regarding Rule #5 (Get paid before you deliver your product or service. And when possible figure out how to create recurring revenue from transactions) add the following addendum:
Once paid convert your Federal Reserve Notes into Gold, Platinum or Silver coins and/or bullion. This will protect your income stream from ravages of inflation (inflation is officially running ~3% but really running higher than 18% per year in U.S.A…. so unless you can earn returns greater than real rate of inflation don’t park your funds in U.S. fiat paper money… it’s a loser at this point in time).
Respectfully,
Gerard LeBlond
September 24th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Great stuff, Yanik. Thanks for your insights!
September 24th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hey Yanik,
I’ve just recently been introduced to you through your Stomper bonus. This post is top notch and very inspiring. Richard Branson has definitely been an inspiration to me through his autobiography an achievements. Of course I would also be interested in receiving a copy of your new book
Happy Birthday!
Have a Good One,
Dan
September 24th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Truly inspirational, but at the same time practical. Fabulous stuff keep it coming, everyone.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Read them a couple of times, think I will take the rest of the day off, go out and see some friends. There are some very good points here, I am going to print it up and read it at least once a day.
Like many others I get so absorbed in what I am doing I forget to live my life. Thanks for the reminder.
Numbers 19 and 20 really hit home with me.
Thanks again, good job!!!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Thanks Yanik for the 34 Rules….
They really hit home on some of the points since I run a service business you definetly made me think of some things I can improve on.
Well thanks and cheers to your last day of being 34
Sincerely,
Justin Broadnax
September 24th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
It’s really interesting to read the comments and see which of the rules people consider pertinent to them. To me, the most important ones haven’t been getting mentioned –
12. Your reputation always counts. Honor your obligations and agreements.
17. Your partners and employees actions are their true core – not what they tell you.
Without honor, not much else in business really matters, does it? And think what a different world it could be if everyone followed these two rules!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
24. Focus most of your time on your core strengths and less time working in areas you suck at.
I have all 34 printed and posted as I build upon my business daily.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hi Yanik,
love the list!!! a little dismayed at negative feedback I read on here, thank you for your awesome example – there is a saying “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”-Margret Mead.
That was a quote that came to mind after reading a comment about people like yourself doing your part to help others even while there are much larger issues at scale.
Thank you for the motivation and inspiration! I am still learning, I have been suffering the overload of too much info but not knowing best where to start! I have started and it is an immense help to be in the company of others who have learnt and are teaching.
all the best!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
IMO, the overridding theme is to “do what you love, and love what you do”
Thanks for the 34 commandment and have a blast on your birthday.
Space shuttle flight for real next year?
See you planetside!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Yanik I saw your fantastic tag line in my email “my top blog post this year” and while I have to admit that I have not followed your work closely, I have been curious for quite some time. These rules are great, I am in the process of building a consulting business, and it is always reassuring to see fantastic advice that I am (for the most part) following!
My birthday is tomorrow too September 25th 1985, I am turning 23!!!!!!
Happy birthday and cheers. I am grateful that I opened your email today and I will most certainly be following more closely in the future.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
A great list that is both inspiring and practical. Lots of things to keep in mind and act on immediately! That’s why I love Yanik.
-Joel
September 24th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
It should read “34 Commandments for Maverick Entrepreneur”. Every business owner, entrepreneur or wanna be entrepreneur should print this list out and hang it on the wall of their office. (maybe you should have it printed up as a poster, you’d sell thousands of them). It’s not just a set of rules. If you really think about these rules as you read them, it paints a mental picture for us of what we want our businesses and lifestyle to be.
* Love it! Maybe we will make it a poster – Y.S. *
September 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I was going to list my favorites rules but they are all great! Thanks for the focus – I love #9. Happy Birthday
September 24th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Yanik, thanks for great list.
I believe many affilate marketers would appreciate more info on rule #4. What they should do? Create add-on report, supply PLR product….
Absolutely love rule #34, we all should give back and share our good fortunes. Millions of people still live on $1 a day.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
On the money advice. No wonder why you are so successful in all that you do. What is truly unique, however, is your desire to share your pathway to success with others.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Yanik,
I didn’t know I had so much work to do. The 34 are great. Thanks for getting me going in the right direction. Best wishes on your b-day!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
“The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Alvin Toffler (Future Shock) rightly says this.
Yanik I would change ‘illiterate’ to ‘entrepreneur’ and add ‘and don’t know these 34 rules’ after ‘relearn’.
Mukesh.
Always stress free is your goal.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Very thought provoking and real life stuff.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Hey Yanik,
Fantastic list you have here. So many great points. I think #12 ‘ Your reputation always counts’ is especially important. Especially in the Internet Marketing world which is full of Get Rich Quick folks.
#13 Never get paid based on hours worked is a great takeaway for me as I have spent years on freelance projects – selling time for money – no more!
Thanks for the great advice, wisdom and inspiration. Long may you be more successful than you dream you can be.
Looking forward to reading the expanded version of the 34 Rules in the new book when it comes out. To your continued success…
September 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
#6 – hit it right on the head. My company LooseThreadStitchers.com will revolutionize the needlework industry by using the internet to create opportunities that were previously non-existent. You begin to question yourself when you are the trail blazer – No more – #6 is on my monitor and the rest are posted on my wall!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I copied this list because I think its really good. One other thing which I consider important is switch perceptual position, and step inside the mind of the customer.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Great list, I really like number 19 as this was the hardest thing for me to learn as I am a perfectionist or at least use to be! I now know my best is good enough and puts me head and shoulders above the rest!
To our success!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Yanik-
Good job! I absolutely love these, all of them, but #2 really hits me. I’ve always tried to deliver more than my customer expects and it has paid off over the years in many ways.
Thanks for putting these down on “paper”
Best regards,
Jerry
September 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
If only we could clone ourselves so that we could get more done every day!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Yanik, what an enlightening entertaining and insightful post! I found that items 7, 8 and particularly 9, “…fail forward fast…”really struck a cord with me.
As a information and product marketer still in infancy, I rely on you to unfailingly provide me with honest and well timed nuggets of knowledge and inspiration. And of course, this post is quite a “nugget” indeed. Thank you!
Happy Birthday!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
A picture says a thousand words.When I look at I don’t impress upon my mind the lifestyle as to ‘how to acheive’. Well, we all know tha saying by now,”whatsoever you can conceive,you can acheive”. People are expression that every idea no matter what it is, it can be acheived and every person who in the element of being rich and living the lifestyle that many people dream of, started where nothing was there but was given..a child depended upon it’s parents and when we grew we depended upon what we could obtain but then we passed that point and grew to depend upon knowledge and therefore that is the secret of success..knowledge and the application’wisdom’.gain knowledge by the mentors,the rich and follow their path and you can be as they are or better and successful.
My life changed when I read the book by Wallace D.Wattles who formulated and put into practice the principles laid out in his book The Science of Getting Rich.
When I started to read this knowledge it came apparent that a “persons right to life means their right to have the free and unrestricted use of all the things which may be necessary to live their fullest mental spiritual and physical unfoldment or in other words their right to be rich”.
As Todd Gross says,’make it so!’
September 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Thanks Yanik,
I’m printing these out and posting them on my whiteboard.
September 24th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Editing the errors for September 24th, 2008 at 7:57 pm.
A picture says a thousand words.When I look at the pictures I don’t try to impress upon my mind the lifestyle as to ‘how to achieve’. Well, we all know the saying by now,”whatsoever you can conceive,you can achieve”. People who are the expression of being rich prove that every idea no matter what it is, it can be achieved and every person who in the element of being rich and living the lifestyle that many people dream of, started where nothing was there but was given..As child depended upon it’s parents was everybody starting point and when we grew we depended upon what we could obtain but then we passed that point and grew to depend upon knowledge and therefore that is the secret of success..knowledge and the application’wisdom’.gain knowledge by the mentors,the rich and follow their path and you can be as they are or better and successful.
My life changed when I read the book by Wallace D.Wattles who formulated and put into practice the principles laid out in his book The Science of Getting Rich.
When I started to read this knowledge it came apparent that a “persons right to life means their right to have the free and unrestricted use of all the things which may be necessary to live their fullest mental spiritual and physical unfoldment or in other words their right to be rich”.
As Todd Gross says,’make it so!’
September 24th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for the great “tips” Yanik. Some were pretty straight forward, and others were kind of deep, and forced me to do some soul searching. I’ll be studying them a lot over the next couple of days.
Happy 35th!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I like particularly point number 10. Dead ducks don’t quack, so it is better to move quickly to the next project instead of working on a non winner product
September 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Nice posting there Yanik! I just want to know this – how do you suspect your life will change after spending intimate time with a Billionaire?
September 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Yanik,
You keep delivering great information that helps me in my business. Since meeting you in Oct 2003 you keep coming up with new material that is timely and easy to apply.
Thanks!
Dr Deb
September 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Yanik, that was awesome!
I have always respected you for always living up to # 2. “Strive to create 10x – 100x in value for any price you charge. Your rewards are always proportionate to the value you provide.”
Thanks for that great post!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
“Don’t get caught up in minutia & bullshit.”
Oh so heartily agree. Have a friend who is so fired up about the business of being in business she has forgotten it is “people” you deal with. Her businesses fold quickly.
Never have been one for the bullshit of business myself. I feel that the very act of being in business has to be something that is an extension of lifes enjoyment and a challenge while giving as much as possible and thereby earning a reward.
I am constantly scolded by my friend for not being hard enough but I have long term focus and enjoy my “turtle” existence which rewards me with an enjoyable life.
I started with my one little blog and now have some wonderful websites that I enjoy doing. Once I got over No.19 and the perfectionist attitude, taking more action, life took a leap. But 10x the value is part of the fun of my business both online and offline. It may not be more profitable in the short term but it sure is long term. I do not even advertise my offline business as word of mouth gets me all the projects I can handle and I only take on what I want to do.
I will win the marathon in the long run and marathons can be fun!
Happy birthday Yanik.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Thanks for giving me and others guidelines for taking our business to the next level. I will one day become a Maverick (In fact Im broadcasting to your forum…I WILL BE A MAVERICK – ok now that I got that out the way)
I have heard of some but most of the rules are new too me. I will keep all of this in mind as I refocus and gain momentum with my business and goals….anyways thanks again man.
Desmond Owens
September 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Happy Birthday Yanik!!!
You’ve accomplished more at 35 than many do in several lifetimes.
Keep pushing the envelope
September 24th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
it is best to have a real goal. then work at going to the goal.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Oh! This is super! I can’t wait to see this book. BTW…just went to Huntsville last week to hunt down a copy of Moonlighting on the Internet–great book too!
This is a keeper post!
With much love,
Cindy
September 24th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Great, great stuff! Number 12 is so true.
Say your going to do something and actually follow through and do it.
One of the quickest ways to build trust.
Take care.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Great list of 34 marketing tenets for Maverick entrepreneurs …
The island experience with Richard had to be sweet.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Very comprehensive “ebook in a blog”. I love point forms and the fact that you can eludicate upon each critical rule for budding entrepeneurs in a succinct manner. I thought it was important that you pointed out the fact that most of us do get caught up on the minutia, and it’s crucial to get the product out before the competition does asap. Actually every rule is important. Most of all I was impressed by the “give back” attitude, point 34…something at we shouldn’t forget.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
The 34 rules are a great asset! Thank you. # 30 is something I have not done for myself,but that will change. #34 has been always a part of my buisiness and personal life, If anyone doubts the power of this just try it! Give it away It will come back to you!
September 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
All excellent points. When I first read this post, I immediately shared it with my business partner.
The one that stood out for me the most was this:
“Create your own category so you can be first in the consumer’s mind.”
It’s really rare that an entrepreneur ends up in a field without any competitors. If there are no competitors and you are successful (and often even before that), there WILL be competitors eventually. It’s becoming increasing difficult to run a difficult business and compete on the regular things and be profitable while maintaining customer loyalty. By differentiating yourself by creating your own category, right away that helps establish WHO you are going after in terms of customers, helps you see how to better reach these people, makes it easier to focus on the 20% of customers that will bring the greatest profit and make customers leaving you for a competitor less of an option.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I am just getting started writing my ebook to help people in foreclosure save their homes. 3 or 8 chapters are done. There are others but I do believe there is room in the internet marketplace for my take on the subject. Thank you for the maverick rules.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Hi Yanik, Being a 40 year veteran of conventional manufacturing/sales/marketing/product development , an an avid “Maverick Entrepreneur” I can really relate to your 34 rules, they are all gems.
I especially agree with 11, 12, 21, 28, 29. From my experience, 34 should be a “given” for any of us in business – the best way to succeed in anything is to help others to succeed and your success will follow.
Have a great Birthday – only 35 years young !!
September 24th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Hi Yanik,
Rule #2 is my favorite on the list. “Strive to create 10x – 100x in value for any price you charge. Your rewards are always proportionate to the value you provide.”
I find that not only does this make good business sense, but psychologically it makes my life much easier (less stressful) to stop worrying about whether I’m doing the right things in business, and, instead, just focus on creating as much value as possible. It’s a lot more simple and fun that way. Not to mention more profitable.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Experience Priceless.
What Amazing Insight.Thankyou for the opportunity to gain such unique knowledge. Im Excited of Rule 28, interested to more depth on that topic.
Thankyou Yanik!
dazmon
September 25th, 2008 at 12:39 am
#27 means a lot to me. “Create your own category so you can be first in the consumer’s mind.” Find a niche or subniche few marketers know of and don’t tell anyone about it when it takes off. But don’t be put off by failure – you’re just that much closer to success. Edison failed 10,000 times before he came upon the secret of the incandescent light bulb – that’s perserverence! Thanks Yanik.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Yanik,
Great post!
I’m new to IM and busy getting my first products ready for market.
I’ve learnt a great deal over this last few months, and learnt even more after reading your list – thanks.
Here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday
|)
Best regards,
George.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:12 am
WOW, what a GREAT JOB in defining 34 Rules. My favorite is Rule #8, FOCUS on proactive activities that produce EXPONENTIAL RESULTS. We live in a Multi-Tasking World and get much distractions that will hinder our optimum results. I have yet to learn on the power of Focus and look forward to getting your book as THE Great Guide Book.
Happy Birthday YANIK!!
God Bless – Simon
September 25th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Hi Yanik
Loved the pic with Sir Richard. What a guy!
Apart from the 34 rules. I have stuck this picture on my board to remind me just what is possible in internet marketing………..done the Yanik Silver way.
I reckon you should include this list with all your products bought by customers, especially physical products. What a guide! What an eye opener to find this in your box of goodies. And all WITHOUT asking. I think it would make an everlasting impression and you would have a LOYAL customer, for life.
Cheers
Joe
September 25th, 2008 at 1:49 am
# 16 does it for me I believe sometime not being in a budget can be detrimental to success as I tend to purchase or do activities that are not essential to the success but consume time and take away the focus
September 25th, 2008 at 1:52 am
When you first sent me the 34 rules Yanik I was stoked! From day one operating my own business, I wanted to operate and enjoy owning a business with an abundant, grateful mindset and lifestyle rather than being a time poor stressed out slave to it and I’m a big practioner of working on myself. Your 34 tips are part of morning mantra everyday which put me in a great state of mind for the day and I printed a copy for my teenage son so he can read every morning as well! Why? I was so impressed I also contacted you, got your permission and featured the 34 tips in my monthly September newsletter as well and the response from my own database on the 34 tips was awesome! Great life and business changing stuff my friend, love ya work! Aussie Eddie, The Guy In Charge, Creative Copywriting, Gold Coast Queensland Australia
September 25th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Yanik Silver’s Internet Moonlighting book is one of the few that actually provides unusual and really useful information. Most books and articles give you the same old crap like find your niche, write on what you know, etc – too basic for words. His book covered in some detail how to look for copyright free material to launch a publishing business
September 25th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Just what the doctor ordered Yanik.
#27 is the KILLER rule.
“Create your own category so you can be first in the consumer’s mind.”
#13 is the next best.
“Never, ever get paid based on hours worked.”
You’re right on the money with those maestro. Waiting impatiently for the expanded version of all 34.
Best wishes
Jonathan
http://www.twitter.com/JonathanGunson
September 25th, 2008 at 2:33 am
Yanik,
this 34 rules really rocks… too bad that aren’t avaiable in italian for my non-english reader!
Stefano
September 25th, 2008 at 2:48 am
I’m starting a bussiness and these tips really help me get things in perspective!
To me numbers 10, 19, 24 and 33 struck my core
Thank you, thank you…
September 25th, 2008 at 2:55 am
Very though provoking list Yanik.
I like # 31 Make your business AND doing business with you FUN!
And I am going to make more of an effort in this area.
Happy people don’t mind parting with their money
Dean.
September 25th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Ouch! Rule #10 hit me like a ton of bricks (rough, jagged ones). I’m one of the top offenders of this rule. I have the stubborn attitude of getting everything “perfect” before even mentioning the idea to anyone.
I was supposed to learn my lesson after 3 consecutive “perfect” ideas received yawns and laughters of ridicule before silently fading away. Looking back, I’ve been arrogantly assuming what other people want instead of finding out by simply asking them.
I guess it’s about time I set strict deadlines for myself, and more importantly, getting rid of the fear of failing forward.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:05 am
thank you for sharing this incredible stuff…
September 25th, 2008 at 4:08 am
Wow, great post! And again – there are so many things what I feel I know already, but it transfers in rule only after such list as this one. It is problem for begginers and those who are info overloaded. Thanks!
September 25th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Hi Yanik……fistly HAPPY 35TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Have a great time!! Call me an “Apprentice Entrepeneur” en route to being a success which, by reading your amazingly positive information, I am sure will not take me too long…..I’m going to hitch my wagon to your star!!!!!!
September 25th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Hey Yanik,
I appreciated this post. The idea of value for the customer had become essential for getting you noticed.
There is just too much clutter and too much donkey braying in the Internet marketing field. I have gotten to the point where I just delete emails from people I once eagerly read. Their emails have just become tiring.
I also appreciated your point about chucking your most annoying customers. When you are building a list, or struggling to make income, you tend to hand on the just about anyone:) It is important to have fun too and keeping that negative energy in your business is not wise.
Thanks again for this list!
Best regards,
Stewart
September 25th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Great to see what you say and what you do, and inspiration to us all. Love that list…. There’s always room for another success!
Leslie Campbell
http://www.bloggingwench.com
September 25th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Yanik,
Your 34 Rules are GREAT! I know your book will be very successful based on these rules.
Hope you had a wonderful Birthday.
Thanks for sharing,
Steve
http://www.spnmarketing.com
September 25th, 2008 at 7:12 am
This list really struck me today, especially about creating more in value than the customer would expect. Thank you.
September 25th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Hi Yanik,
No wonder you were inspired being in such a beautiful place. Thank you for this list. And a very Happy 35th Birthday!
Celebrate well!
Julie
September 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Greetings Yanik
i love this post (it takes strong person to be a maverick……….that’s for sure)
#12….love it…………your business will reflect the quality if person u are. work on becoming a quality person and u will provide a quality service or product
#13….love this too………..don’t trade time for money trade results
#33…..love this too(probably saw this coming)……..dont ever forget why we do business to enjoy life someday…..take time for your self………..please
#34……ya just gotta LOVE THIS…… give back give thanks share it’ll come press down and running over…..the law of attract says it will
btw the other 29 i didnt comment on were great too
that’s all folk
bless up
Mr Jazzie
September 25th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Yanik,
Great Stuff! I was particularly fond of the Rule # 9 as I believe that many of us are in a position where we cannot blow the bank on starting up a new company. Keep your insight coming, we are truly appreciative.
September 25th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Yanik,
Happy Birthday!
Once again your insight and information is priceless.
There are too many valid points in your list to start picking out my favorites, but I know I will be sharing these with my clients so that they too may benefit as I have.
Keep up the good work.
Hope to join you on an upcoming Maverick Getaway shortly!
Until then,
Shawn
http://www.successforlifecoaching.com
http://www.sflcblog.com
September 25th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Don’t understand a lot of what is mentioned in the list. Just getting started understanding the world of the internet entrepreneur. Some of your rules I’ve learned in my direct sales business, but have not learned to apply. Maybe since it has been repeated elsewhere, I should apply it.
September 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hi Yanik,
As a newbie, with no previous experience, all of your advise is valuable. However, for me, #8 resounded in my head “Consistently and constantly force yourself to focus on the ‘critically few’ proactive activities that produce exponential results.” I tend to be a details person and easily get distracted and lost in unimportant work. Today I am determined to practice what you preach!
Thank you for your words of business wisdom,
Jill
September 25th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Fantastic list, running out of room on my board for cool stuff heheh, #30 and #31 are key to making it a success, it reminds you that there will be failures along the way but also success and success comes from learning from the failures, turn the negative into the positive.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Great post, some new ideas, some old. Rock solid success concepts outside the old mindset.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I enjoyed your 34 points. Item 4 – Giving the client a reason to buy from you – could be expanded some I feel. The only way for an entreprnuer to be truly successful is to insure that you deliver a greater value to the client than he is investing in your product. You must provide the client a potential return on investment. If he chooses not to utiize the portential it is on them, but the potential for a return must be inherent in your product.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Thanks Yanik.
Looking forward to more from you! I have been striving to implement these principles for the past 5 years, but this past year, everything is coming together, sort of like the phenomenon. I am looking forward to having a bigger role in the activities you describe paying it forward and inspiring others to become more entrepreneurial in their thinking.
Best regards,
Kelle
September 25th, 2008 at 11:17 am
What a great set of guidelines, thank you for sharing them!!!
Sounds like that was some trip and an amazing session, I would have killed to be there.
Awesome pictures too.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Happy birthday Yanik!
Great tips and insights! Great rules to get into my mindset to create the business I want. Keep on the good job! I look forward to hear from you.
Have fun today!!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Yanik:
Thank you for your wisdom. These principles are right up there with Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”. The information you share will change lives. Great job. Look forward to learning more.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Thanks Yanik for this post!
The point 11.,17. and 20. were for me the missing key.I tried to do things I was not good at, hired people, who were not delivering,what the promissed. Even my exgirlfriend took 50% of my business etc. Those things together costed me my first company /it is filed for bankrupcy now/,and losses in tens of thousands of dollars. /Millions of Forint’s in my country,Hungary/
Today I am not doing anymore where I am not good at,what gives me a peace of mind.I attracted the right assistant, who is ready to fight for the common goals of the company. She is now responsible for my books,duties,legal and all these stuff.She is my CEO.
I needed to learn that business has a side, where somebody else does it better, so let her or him do it.
Thanks again, I always learned a lot from you, and looking forward for more.
Szilárd
September 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Great stuff Yanik,
Rule #19 is so true.
Sometimes we spend too much time trying to reach perfection rather than moving forward with what we got.
Mark
September 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Hey Yanik
I never bought anything directly from you and would like to in the near future.
A lot of your bullet points that you mentioned of your 34 ideas I heard very similarly from other gurus like Eben Pagan. Like Rule #3 and #6 are Dan Kennedy style marketing. Rules #2 is Eben Page style.
Thanks for your time
Jay Huang
September 25th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Hi Yanik
Your 34 Maverick rules is actually a whole life philosophy summarised on two pages. I’m very glad I’ve come accross them now. Definitely a philosophy I will subscribe to from now on.
Keep on pushing the envelope!
September 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Yanik
Have read this list and have seen that if I were to implement only a few of these items, my business and personal life would improve dramatically.
But obviously, not wanting to do things by half, I will be implementing ALL of these, especially the point about actions being your true core and not what you say.
Thank you very much
Nathan
Future Internet Millionaire
September 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Yanik
Rule #13 is my current problem, I am working full time (60 + hours) and trying to get my business setup.
That is the one I am looking foward to changing…:)
September 25th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
To Yanik
Living life by design – #33 – and giving it back – #34. An example to us all!!
Happy Birthday!
Simon
September 25th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Hi Yanik,
34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs……. what can I say!
Great benefit for newbies and experienced marketers alike! Sound, realistic business strategies. Well rounded approach which encourages creativity and success from doing what you love.
Can’t wait to read your book!
Pamela
http://www.just4singles.com.au
September 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
My personal favorite is #20 “Focus most of your time on your core strengths and less time working in areas you suck at!” My biggest challenge has been to let go of some things and let others do what they are best at. That frees up my time and allows me to concentrate on growing my business, while I’ve got others doing what they do best. After all, they can do it better than me:)
Heather
September 25th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
OMG Yanik! You are absolutely brillant!
This list is sure to get things going for me!
Talk about making it simple for all of us.
Happy Birthday!!!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Yanik,
Awesome post.
#7 really hits home for me. I’ve been trying to start my own business and all have died. I’ve tried to work my life around my business rather than as you say creating my business around my life. I’ve heard we are supposed to build a business around what we love to do. What we love to do is our life and what absorbs our attention. So build a business around what I love to do. Simply in concept.
#13 I’ve been paid before on hours worked. This means I’ve set the limit on what I can earn because it is dependant on how many hours I can work. The maximum number of hours I can work without sleep is 168. I’m putting a cap on my earnings by being paid on hours worked. Get paid on value I provide and there is no limit to earnings.
Your list has place on my wall. Thanks.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Absolutely Brilliant. I believe after I hit point 10, you were writting these specificallt for me. So many of these points are aimed DIRECTLY at me at this EXACTpoint in time. Crazy how the universe works…
Just like you being inspired after a few days breather, sometimes, it is all about stripping away the inconsequentials to get down to the reall inspiration. It is like being “nekid and wet” in the shower – the greatest moments of inspiration seem to arrive when you are least encumbered – and least able to write them down too…..
September 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Too often I get caught up in “Living to work, instead of working to Live”. Thank you for the subtle reminder in #7 “Create your business around your life instead of settling for your life around your business” to get me back on track to what is important in life and what isn’t.
My very best wishes for a very Happy Birthday!
Aloha,
June
September 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Great post. This post should be copied for the sales page.
It is precise without being hypey. Can’t wait to see the book.
September 26th, 2008 at 8:31 am
#35 is my favorite. Never forget the first 34. With a glut of tips, tricks, and other “how to” involving success online it’s good to be reminded of the basic principals.
September 26th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Great Rules!!
September 26th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
#13 hit me between the eyes. I provide a service and I’m going to re-work my pricing structure immediately. Thanks Yanik!
September 27th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Hey Yanik,
Love these!!!!
Personally I think #34 is the most important.
It should not be scary to write a check with lots of
zero’s to help others who really need help. If you can afford
it.
I believe in Karma. What you give, you always get back. Good or bad.
But when it’s for the better of everyone involved, we may find
that giving to others will come back to us in wonderful ways we
never imagined. Sometimes with multiple zero’s attached!!
If you can’t afford to write checks with zero’s, just visit a child who
is struggling with cancer. Your payback will be enough just to see the
child smile.
Go to a nursing home and hug an elderly person who never gets visits. See the joy and contentment in their eyes when they feel like someone really cares.
Yes, I think all of us can take part in #34 with or without money. We only need a heart to give.
Thanks Yanik, love these and want to make a copy for my own personal use. Do you mind?
Be Well,
Tammy
September 27th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Dude,
You hung out with Richard Branson… my all time IDLE!!!
I bow down to you Yanik, your the man.
Thanks,
Len
Grab High Profit Properties Well Below Market Value
September 27th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Hi Yanik,
I listened to Joe Polish interviewing Sir Richard Branson & Jean Oelwang, Managing Director of Virgin Unite… great stuff!
Did you meet Richard the same way Joe did…?
Man, this book is going to be so awesome to read. I’m assuming that you are going to include lots of stories and examples of people living the Maverick Lifestyle…? Esp. the Internet Lifestyle, your blog’s namesake…? ; P
Time for me to go through “The List” and become My Journey to Becoming a Maverick Entrepreneur!
Thanks Yanik!
God Bless,
Yoon
P.S. To everyone else who has left comments and/or those reading… LET’S DO THIS!!!
September 28th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Great job, Yanik.
All are excellent rules. Very inspiring.
As for the audience, I would suggest to reduce the numbers and organize them into first tier and second tier rules. The first tier rules might be better of to be reduced within ten.
This would carify the thought for the Maverick Entrepreneur!
Any way, these are great and worth millions if we entrepreneurs can stick to them.
Bruce
September 29th, 2008 at 1:18 am
[...] time on the Necker Island together with other great minds. On the way back home he came up with 34 rules for entrepreneurs. In particular, I like these 8 [...]
September 29th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I’ve been following your work since early 2007 and your work is always impressive. Dude, you’re an inspiration, especially since we are about the same age so get ready! You have someone following in your footsteps! Can’t wait to read the book!
September 29th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Inspiring stuff, Yanik. Happy belated birthday. Thanks for creating the book!
September 29th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Getting launched is turning out to be painful. I’m working through the inhibitors. I hope to give a huge value to a lot of people, and in return, get substantial value.
Ken Noel
September 29th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I thought you were a whiz kid when I saw you at your 30th Birthday Bash and now you’re no longer a kid but you are still a whiz.
Numbers 10 and 19 are great advice for those of us afflicted with perfectionism.
Thanks for continuing to share your experience. Will you keep adding to the list on every birthday?
September 29th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I was listening to the 1st CD on the way into work this morning and had about 6 ‘ah haw’ moments. I think one of the important points was focus on what you are good at and outsource the other tasks. This is a big one for Entrepreneurs in start-up businesses. I often say I can’t afford to outsource but I should be saying, I can’t afford to do this task that I can outsource.
The point of outsourcing tasks was also re-enforced with the great interview Yanik did with Tim Ferriss (author of The 4 Hour Workweek). If you get a chance, have a listen, buy Tim’s book.
Thanks for the great points and information Yanik,
Lorne Leahan
BodySupps
Canberra, Australia
September 30th, 2008 at 2:01 am
[...] Yanik Silver posted an article titled “34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs”. Not only was this post one of his most popular posts, but also these 34 rules are awesome! I [...]
September 30th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Great list you have there Yanik! All of them can easily be applied to the life of entrepreneurs!
September 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
#27 reminds me of my favorite law in “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” by Ries and Trout: “If you can’t be first in a category, create a category that you can be first in.” I’ve spent several years doing just that.
September 30th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Thanks so much for sharing your talent and wisdom. Your awareness goes beyond the conventional and it is so refreshing. Number 7 really struck me because I don’t think I ever had that awareness before. Creating my business around my life feels true, but seems so foreign. I’m excited to pray and meditate about it and how to apply its wisdom. Thanks again!
Blessings,
Irene
September 30th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Good stuff Yanik as always. When you follow these pearls of wisdom, it really does take all of the stress, strain and struggle out of achieving success.
Brian
Houston, TX
September 30th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
a very solid list. i’ll use every bit of it. thank you very much!
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:45 am
What a way to spell out rules! You just cant get it anywhere else. I will have to chew and digest them properly before I can hang it up for my staff. Its a sure have for enterpreneurs.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 am
Cant wait for you to cover the 34 in more detail – dont hold back and give us your all
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hi Yanik,
Happy Birthday to you. I think your point number 19 : ” You’ll never have a perfect business and you’ll never be totally “done”. Deal with it.” resonates the most with me. It just shows that business is just a work in progress. Starting a business is just the first step, and thereafter, it a never ending process to improve the way you do things.
It’s amazing how much you have achieved ever since you started online.
October 5th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Yanik
Thankyou for being the first (at least the first I’ve found) to get a “no fluff, no nonsense” guide out there for aspiring entrepreneurs. Every one of these points will give me all I need to think about to shape my business. Since everyone will interpret these points differently, everyone will achieve different results, but I believe these are the “core” basics we should follow to get our businesses not just off the ground, but up and running successfully. I don’t think you’ve missed anything!
Happy Birthday and thanks.
Joyce Allen
October 5th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Happy Birthday Yanik !!
Thanks for the list…you need actually 35 ! rules as when you turned 35 ..you actually completed 35 years !!…awesome Yanik ~!!
Keep it up and many more to go !!
cheers
Doc.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
ALOHA!
Thank You for sharing. Recently flew with Virgin – the BEST of everything – SUPER impressed.
Took Notes of your 34 …now seeing these posts I will print this up.
New with your studies and am designing about 4 sites.
Glad to see so many who are thinking in the same vein.
my next wesite will be http://www.InsuranceNoBS.com
I implement as many ideas as I can. WIll let you know when I have enough money to
go to NECKER island!!!
Would love to receive your BOOK.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Thanks for sharing Yanik. #2 and #24 are priceless.
Stanley
October 13th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Yanik,
Absolutely fantastic experience – best part is you are one of the rare few who give back and share, and by doing so and encouraging others to do the same … build more exciting experiences and opportunities for others. This is the magic “why” that so many people are missing.
Happy Birthday!
Angela
October 27th, 2008 at 5:32 am
[...] Yanik Silver of the Internet Lifestyle Blog created a post on May 25th, 2008 called 34 Rules for Maverick Entreprenuers [...]
November 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Wish I’d read this three years ago! time to take action…
November 6th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
wow wow, it help my small biz also!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Wow, these are so simple, yet brilliant. How often those two words go together. After all, simplicity is bliss. Thank you!
November 28th, 2008 at 11:10 am
To say I’m jealous is putting it mildly Yanik! Sir Richard Branson is my top business hero and the one person I have on my MUST MEET BEFORE I DIE list. What he has been able to accomplish with his life is nothing short of awesome.
Giving back and sharing, one of the things that you do so well, is the best possible way of attracting more business and one that I agree with 100%.
Thanks for giving us these 34 “nuggets” and for sharing your story. I’m eager to learn more from you and appreciate the time and effort you put into sharing with us.
Happy Netweaving,
Carol Deckert
Netweaving/Networking Coach
November 30th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
[...] can find these 34 rules listed on Yanik’s blog, but not in the immense detail given in the [...]
December 8th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
[...] http://www.internetlifestyle.com/blog/?p=341 [...]
December 11th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
[...] are some people, such as Seth Godin and Yanik Silver who argue that bootstrapped companies are more creative, more resilient, and more competitive in [...]
December 14th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
[...] These rules can actually be found on Yanik Silver’s blog: http://www.internetlifestyle.com/blog/?p=341 [...]
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Richard Branson doesn’t charge premium prices. As far as I know it’s never been Virgin’s positioning on anything. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t think so. Virgin airlines have always positioned as great value but never premium branding.
* You’re right. But they do have a premium version. Upper class on Virgin Atlantic is not cheap (but worth it). -Y.S. *
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
most of the rest looks pretty good!
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 am
[...] that’s always looking forward that you discount today. I know first-hand about this. One of my 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs is “Celebrate Your Victories”. For Future-based people that’s not so easy. We’re hard wired [...]
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
Yanik, what can we say, many thanks for your inspiration. As fledgelings in this industry many of us marvel at the really successful names who seem to only have to mention their name in connection with any product and wham sales by the thousand and income running into the millions when we are struggling and get excited by a $47 sale.
I am currently studying with Alex Jeffreys who too has briken ranks so to speak and is telling us the whole story and not just selling us a hot air dream of wealth.
After all this is a business like any other one but our shop is a website and our stock consists of downloadable information in the main rather than goods and chattels.
Long m1y your prosper Yanik and I hope some of your enthusiasm and ability rubs off on me.
Compliments of the season
Norman Pascoe
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:17 am
Hi Yanik!
These are actually very inspiring. Each one is pearl of wisdom. Thanks for sharing.
Dave
February 17th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Thanks Yanik for sharing these rules.
I applied 7 until now. That raised my income level with an extra 60% and my freedom level also around that. I appreciate your ideas,and experience.Keep on sharing it!
Thanks Szilárd
April 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
I don’t suppose you’ll read this, I realize it’s very easy just to type “never ever work for hourly pay”. But how is someone supposed to live until everything is set up properly? – assuming money will even be constituted from their efforts. I’ll look around the site more maybe another entry will elucidate this.
May 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Thanks, Yanik, for the 34 tips and for sending me the printed version (and the goodies!) That book kicks ass–nice job! Thanks for the inspiration.
July 11th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
[...] the other hand … Yanik’s 34 rules for maverick business success – really good [...]
August 5th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Hi Yanik, you seem like a very decent guy who has helped hundreds, if not more, people and is well on his way to having a balanced and meaningful life.
But I have just identified a large untapped market on the Net, thanks to reading and listening and looking at what the successful and the rich are doing.
I have noticed, in order to be helped/coached/mentored one has to have money already. (Your own rules: Rules 3 and 5) It infuriates me that all people seem to perpetuate this myth: it takes money to make money! If one starts out, I firmly believe that it has to be possible to start with little, make money, then afford more expensive products, and thus grow exponentially. After the 5th guy phoned me from America now, offering their sterling services as mentors/coaches, only to rudely put down the phone after an “okay then dear”, because I asked whether I am not coachable without the large downpayment, my spirit was just crushed (only temporarily, though. I will not give up
It just seems, that in order to be sponsored, one seems to be entirely judged on size of wallet, connections, personality, age, nationality, on whether one is what is traditionally known as previously disadvantaged, or geographical location.
So, I have discovered, that for the most part, the normal struggling person on the web, you are on your own if you don’t meet certain criteria, as outlined above. So, should I be able to make it on my own, in spite of, and not because of, help from others, I will make it my mission to teach others how to start up, and then grow each day, one step at a time, using profits made with process one to pay for process two, and so on, without charging them anything up front first. They could pay me later when the profits start coming in. Just think how many people are out there, waiting to benefit from this type of idifferent, innovative help (according to your rules no 9, 27, 28, 32 and 34 but definitively not 3 and 5!)
Thank you for listening, and I always look forward to your next outings, products, articles and books. Kind regards to your family,
Ursula
August 24th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Thanks Yanik for your valuable insights ! Great post
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Thanks Yanik, it’s very refreshing, because at the end of the day, our success depends on our ability to challenge existing believes and expand them to what we believe is impossible until we take the courage to do it, so every reminder helps to expand our believes.
Thanks for being yourself.
December 29th, 2009 at 9:55 am
[...] on the plane ride home I started jotting down a list of “rules” and got to 34. I called it “34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs” and it received a ton of excitement. And then it became been the catalyst for a lot of things, [...]
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:02 am
[...] – I found this goodie browsing through Yanik’s blog InternetLifestyle. Also his post really explains it shortly what this compendium is rather than reading through the 100+ pages of [...]
May 29th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
[...] Read more about his blog post on the 34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs. [...]
August 10th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
In response to Ursula Nieuwoudt and her comment about not having enough money to start, I would like to state that a person can start without any money and still be successful on the Internet.
It may be a little harder but it is possible.
Heck, I started writing and self-publishng books when I had a net worth of minus $30,000 due to student loans. Yes I said MINUS $30,000 and not plus.
I also semi-retired at the same time so that I would only have to work 4 to 5 hours a day:
Here are some inspirational quotes that apply.
“Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”
— Norman Vincent Peale
“You are never given a wish without the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.”
— Richard Bach
“Any powerful idea is absolutely fascinating and absolutely useless until we choose to use it.”
— Richard Bach
“The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things.”
— Thomas Troward
In short, when starting out in any venture, don’t worry about not having enough money. Limited funds, in fact, can be a blessing, not a curse. Nothing encourages creative thinking in quite the same way.
Ernie J. Zelinski
http://www.erniezelinski.com
Author of “How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free”
(Over 125,000 copies sold and published in 9 languages)
and “The Joy of Not Working”
(Over 250,000 copies sold and published in 17 languages)
August 15th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@Ernie – thanks for the sage advice. Pretty impressive numbers on your books – congratulations! I picked up a copy now at Amazon to check them out.
August 16th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
This is such a great post, Yanik. Very wise and healthy entrepreneurial words to live by
August 18th, 2010 at 1:35 am
Great Post Yanik! Am I #400?
Harry Yeh
CEO / CTO
http://www.ooolalashop.com
August 19th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
This is my favorite on your list….
Never mind. I couldn’t pick a favorite – they are all so good!
Thanks for all you BE and DO!
Pat
August 19th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@Harry – almost. You’re #397
August 22nd, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Hi Yanick, Thanks for sharing these 34 “golden nuggets of advice”. I’m keen to learn some more from you and replicate some of the success you have had. I’m hitting the print button on this stuff.
Cheers, Joel.
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
brilliant stuff, Yanik. great pics & great post !
August 24th, 2010 at 2:50 am
Great inspiration Yanik, thank you! I love number 24 – the right customers will be attracted to the right providers.