I’ve told you why we are changing the Thirty Day Challenge - now let me explain exactly what we are going to do.
The first thing we need to do is address some realities. REALITY 1 You don’t have time. Nobody has any time for anything else these days - how many people do you know who are blissed out and have all the time in the world… Exactly. We need to design the challenge to accommodate this. So the first design rule is this. You need to be able to complete each lesson in thirty minutes. Including watching the video AND taking the required action for each day. Thirty minutes. No exceptions. REALITY 2 It takes longer than Thirty Days to start an Online Business. STOP DON’T LEAVE - LET ME EXPLAIN !!!!!! Google wants to see if a website is here for the long haul. They don’t want web sites created for the sole purpose of manipulating Google - This is a good thing!!!! The bad news is to get a result - get you traffic and a sale - we need to let your site “cook properly in the google oven!”We might have been able to get this done inside a thirty day period this year but we would be using “Silly Rabbit Tricks” - the whole point of the challenge is to build the foundations of a business that will last. A business that will replace your 9-5 pay packet over time. It’s just not going to happen in Thirty Days. We need to let your site marinate. Which brings me to the next reality. REALITY 3
Anybody can stick at something for seven days - virtually no-one can stick at something for eight… This is a universal truth - it’s not your fault - it’s not mine. But looking at every challenge I have studied - exercise, writing, photography - you name it - the drop off after seven days is spectacular as it is predictable. So why fight it. Rather than have you slog for thirty days straight. We are going to get everything you need to do for each part of the challenge completed in… Just SEVEN days. Now anyone can stick something out that is only going to take them 30 minutes a day for just seven days. YOU can do it. I can do it! In particular when we wrap it up with Reality 4… REALITY 4 We hate getting left behind - This is the number 1 reason anybody quits any challenge. Your brain is awesome and ALWAYS has your best interests at heart.
ALWAYS. You know what happens… Everybody starts off at the first day of the challenge, and through whatever reason you start to get left behind. So not only do you have the stress of learning something new - you have the stress - the PERCEPTION everyone else is getting ahead of you. Combine these two stresses together - along with the fact LIFE has this brilliant knack of throwing you curve balls at the totally the worst moment and you have a lethal cocktail… As soon as you start to get into negative stress - Your brain starts running it’s self defence mechanism - it wants you to feel good - not bad! So it starts throwing up perfectly reasonable excuses as to why you should stop what you’re doing and go watch Top Chef and eat a bowl of ice cream (or is that just me…). You’ll blame your computer. Your bandwidth, That short fat Aussie with the stupid accent that can’t spell anything properly, You’ll decide it’s a scam.
It’s a cult. They’re just doing this to fleece me of every dollar. etc, etc, etc, The above is all bull. But in the heat of a challenge - each can seem like a valid excuse to drop everything and give up on whatever process you’re doing. It’s a tragedy but overwhelmingly powerful - that’s why so many of us live a life of the mundane - getting a wage, enjoy a bit of TV, have the occasional holiday…
So few create a business that gives them the flexibility - that put in the hard yards to get fit, to loose weight (Yes, I’m seeing my reflection in the glossy 24inch mac display in front of me) So we may as well give up right…. umm No. We are going to take that excuse and slam dunk it into the nearest dumpster next to the sleeping smelly hobo who represents every path where things could’ve changed if not for a lack of self discipline in the heat of the moment. So - What are we going to do? Simple. After every seven days, where you only need thirty minutes to watch,learn and complete your challenge… You get seven days break!!!! That’s right!!!! You get seven days to catch up!!! Or Rest, or watch back episodes of Project Runway! You see this way - we take the pressure off - you won’t get left behind (not that it’s a race anyway!!!) LETS BRING THIS ALL HOME Now anyone with the most basic of math skills will point out this will take longer than thirty days. But let me let you in on a little secret… The last three years of the thirty day challenge were actually ninety days! We just called the first sixty days pre-season!!! So this year we get rid of preseason entirely. And kick off the first Seven days of the challenge starting on… JULY 1st! You’ll do the first seven days (and remember 30 minutes a day tops!!) and then you’ll have a seven day break before we start the second section. We will have seven sections in all. If you complete the seven sections - you’ll get a result… GUARANTEED “Oh, Ed - why did you have to get all used car salesman on me!!!” Stay with me -
Let’s look at the last reality before you go judging… REALITY 5 People need to see the fruits of their labor Here is why we can guarantee an outcome for you this year One of four things will happen; Outcome 1 You’ll have made your first dollar and built the foundation of your online empire! Outcome 2 You’ll sell your website on Flippa.com and make some money back that way. Outcome 3 You do all seven sections and you’ll be able to work as an SEO specialist. This training has been world class and I can’t tell you how many of people have used this training to get better jobs or get work on internet projects. To this end - for the first time we will be providing a job board for Challenge participants. You’ll be able to get work with other online entrepreneurs. Hang on Ed - isn’t that just another version of working for the man? Well… NO!!!!! Here’s the thing - you’re working for someone… sure, but your learning the skills that will help you go solo down the track! Remember the Reality 4 above. The one where we talked about the piling on of stress - well if you’re under the gun financially - you’re going to have a real hard time dealing with the stress of not paying the bills and trying to be creative. We’ve all heard the “burn the ships” and “gun to the head” methods for eliminating objections and getting you to do something. Hogwash. If you’re under severe financial stress you need to deal with it first. AND TRUST ME - I’VE BEEN THERE! In fact - i’ll be doing a special podcast (audio recording) to talk you through just that. So, If you’re solving money problems (or at least making them manageable) by working for someone - practicing all the skills you’ll need to have a great online business - to me that’s total win-win. It just makes sense. In the run up to July 1 we’ll keep you informed of everything you need to know to get ready for this years challenge. You could do me one big favour. Please hit the like button below and tell anyone you know who you think might be interested in taking the challenge. We have totally changed everything to make this the EASIEST, simplest, challenge ever. We know it works better if you do it with a team. And as always never forget.. “there is no charge for awesomeness” Ed .
I’ve seen your 30dc for over three years now and have never done it and I’ve heard great things about it. What I especially like for this year is the idea that after 7 days, I can become an SEO specialist! I’ve been looking to change my career into this for a long time so I’m definitely in.
I started the challenge last August, and plodded through at my own pace
to reply to some of the comments above
– there is no catch, and it can be totally free. Depends on how fancy you want to be. The only money that is required is to register your domain name, and if you apply the techniques to squidoo or hubpages, you don’t even need to pay the 15ish dollars for that. If you decide to go with wordpressdirect, you’ll need a hosting company too, and beware that godaddy amongst others isn’t compatible. But an ordinary blogger or wordpress blog will do the trick too. And you can sell all these different options on flippa
–I came in at the beginning of August, and doing preseason guaranteed I was unable to get finished in 30 days
–All the lessons were very clear and step-by-step (with the exception of Ed’s contributions, because he is SOOOOOOOO enthusiastic, so I had to watch some a few times to get what I was supposed to do
–Pick a niche in a subject you love: you’ll be researching it and writing about it, so you need to love it. When you’ve got the hang, you can diversify into plumbing fixtures and rawlplugs and other less fascinating niches
–to repeat, there’s no catch, no hidden charges if you decide you want to do this for no outlay, and it’s about a bunch of really generous people giving you the benefit of their expertise for nothing (presumably on the premise of what goes around comes around)
Do it! If nothing else, you’ll have one more experience in life to add to your conversation topics!
Kipling called me “The Cat Who Walks Alone”
I haven’t the foggiest idea of what you are trying to say andk ‘Frankly, Scarlet, I don’t give a damn!’
I don’t offer excuses and I hate whiners, especially when I catch myself at it.
So, here’s my take on the course.
I work at a slow pace; some would call me lazy, but as a Master Electrician no one ever had to go back and rework my efforts. No one. Ever!
I kept the course on the paid list because you have presented the items in a clear logical and easy to follow manner. I do not do well at audio/visual (video) presentation because I am half blind, legally, and that speaks for itself. So I have to take more time in getting my ducks in a row.
I print out a hard copy because it is easier for me to read. If you detect the imbedded contradiction in this sentance, you are better than most. Whatever.
All I as is that you continue to provide the meat of the course in those nice PDF articles. I will continue to print them out, punch holes in them, and bind them in labeled three ring binders.
I read a segment, take notes, whip the keyboard as needed for my reality check and slowlyt carefully chisel the reality into my brain.
I don’t care whether the challenge takes thirty days or six months as long as the end line is black ink in my accounting leger. Frankly, I’m looking at really nailing the system by fall and then replicate until I an afford to take my sick wife out of the Alzheimer’s warehouse and build her a dignified nest to die in. I figure I have till January 10,2012.
Bottom line: Keep on sending me those lovely PDF files. I’ll finish in God’s time; not mine, yours or anybody else’s.
You asked for feedback. Like my bud, Forest Gump, “That’s all I got to say ’bout that’. Like Churchill: “I will never, never, never, ever give up!
7 days has my attention! I’m a bust health professional looking at ways to fiversify away from one to one, and the concept of less is more always gets my attention!
So busy I forgot to spellcheck that last post! I’m a BUSY health professional looking to diversify
Just pls forget about my silly first mail, ok? I was so busy strating the whole thing after I discovered it on the net that I never saw it was a once annual thing, supposed to take place in August and I received (and keep receiving) the 2009 edition. Oh well…so much for paying attention to detail…
Sign me up/I’m ready
Do you need to sign up or register somewhere?
Sounds like a fantastic initiative
I did #30DC last year and although i didn`t complete it (i have a story but so does everyone) I learnt so much from it.
thank you for making this possible so people can empower themselves without the heavy price tag.
Dearly Beloved Ed and “The Challenge” Team:
Greetings and so lovely to reach out to you once more in 2010.
My experience has shown me that the people who are exceptionally good in business are not so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more. - Michael Gerber
When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. - W Clement Stone
The best is yet to be. - Robert Browning
Bring this on, Ed and “The Challenge” Team, Loving it ever since till now!
Remain blessed and a blessing with God speed.
Regards,
Olakunle Solomon Fatoye.
I did part of the challenge last year (on my own, not live) and yeah, didn’t finish it to some extent to the apparent individual day requirements. Now, if the new 30DC will take *only* half and hour per day to complete, that sounds just excellent and do look forward to completing it this time.
This sounds great! I did start the 30DC before (twice) but for the reasons given I never managed to finish it (although I learned a lot of great stuff along the way).
I’m looking forward to starting it again this time around - AND making it to the end!
This sounds fantastic news - one of the secrets I have discovered about becoming successful is to set yourself achievable objectives. When you can achieve a realistic milestone you will feel satisfaction and energised for the next task. I think Ed & Co have hit just the right note here and I will be recommending 30DC to all my subscribers!
Sarah
Hello Dale,
I did the thirty day challenge last year. It was enjoyable and I learned a lot. I am looking forward to this year’s challenge. It sounds great. I like how it is split up into 7 day sections.
Glenn H. Kipps
Well it is partially true that I did not finish the 30day challenge I first heard about it in January and had already built a website. I did up through about module 18 and just started building websites I now have 6 squidoo sites, 14 hub page sites and 22 3-10 page websites selling ebooks. I have since started writting my own ebooks and completed one and selling it now. I have never done PPC and will be trying it but I do get sales not many so far as I move up in google rankings. I did go back and finish the 30 day challenge but had no interest in blogs. I now will be doing a lot of them since I have learned more. I get free web hosting and they do not do wordpress so basically skipped that part. Now since I may get into flipping sites will look at building them and getting them ranked and see about build 2 sell one kind of deal. I have looked at a lot of courses since January and bought several of yours. Just introducing me to Market Samurai was worth the price of a big course price. The cost was nothing compared to the value of it. I will certainly do the next challenge. Thank you for your efforts and all the people you have helping you.
Right on Dale, sounds good. Gee the last challenge too me 4 months to complete including the pre-season. It was all very valuable info and change the way I look at marketing for file. So, the 7 dayer sounds darn good. Now all you have to do get to the point in your emails and we will be laughen…lol. Thanks for your teachings so far Master Jedi.
Rob
Totally stellar idea Ed!
I think you guys actually paid attention to the feedback and responded appropriately. What a novel thing to do.
Now, you could sell this concept to mega corporations who never listen and never respond properly to any “employee” feedback and you could share the money with us and then we could be lazy and not have to learn new stuff.
Heck, that’d be too boring.
Bring it on dude, I may actually make it through this year.
Tony
p.s. just filled out an employee survey the other day and have no confidence it will make any difference whatsoever. Never has before.
I tried 3 times to complete the 2009 challenge this year (dopey I know) but kept getting stuck with the homework researching additional sites suggested by the challenge and in the supplemental emails. It was taking hours and hours and I kept getting behind each time so gave up. 7 days for 30 minutes in blocks sounds much more manageable.
Hey Ed,
I hear what you’re saying ’bout people being able to commit to for more than 7 day, because i am one of them.
Also I do agree with you that it takea a while for a new site to get a decent ranking and eventually traffic to it. But to GUARANTEE result in 7 days, now that is interesting and I defiantly have to see this. I am in
Regards,
Kayode
Ed,
You guy’s are always thinking, this challenge sounds like it will be the easiest I’ve seen you do. I will be following. Thanks again.
This will be my third year and, like always, looking forward to it. There are always new ideas and thoughts.
That all sounds fantastic. Must admit did great guns first 7 days of 30DC last year and ran out of steam, got busy and haven’t completed all tasks. So looking forward to completing this years challenge. What a fab idea. Keep up the fab ideas.
Sounds like worth a try. I had the time 2 years ago to keep up pretty well with 30 DC, and last year just was able to hit the high points and refine what I learned the year before. I’d like to do the whole thing again start to finish and now maybe I can complete it once again.
Ironically, my very first 30 DC site which I have not updated in most of a year was recently featured in Bing and I started getting boatloads of comments (not many sales, unfortunately). But it is now ripe for selling on Flippa with the documented traffic starting to come in. That site has slowly moved its way organically to the top. You’re right– it takes time.
LN
Hi Ed,
I’m happy to follow any guidance you have to offer. It seems that structuring the Challenge this way will be most effective — so with great anticipation, I’ll be watching for your emails.
Thank you for your help and consideration. Awesomeness 2010 — can’t wait!!!
I have to admit I was worried about what was coming next. I somehow doubted it would be a truly free option. I thought the 30dc was such a great deal - so much valuable training for free - and now this seems like it will be even better. Hard to believe, really. Can’t wait till it starts!
I hope they leave the old training videos up as I still use them all the time, they are a great reference.
Allen B.
The 30dc rocked my world and make such a fundamental difference to my online business PLUS inspired me to start various other business websites and I owe all of my success to Ed Dale & his team. I can’t wait to see this new format of learning, it sounds really exciting and should fit in with anyone’s lifestyle. I actually took the last 30dc over 2-3 months (in my own time) and found that effective, so know that this new format will work.
Can’t wait to check it out, and have already told others about it so they don’t miss out.
Cheers Ed & the 30dc team!!
I wouldn’t quit the 30DC because I’m way stubborn. It took about 3 times as long because I’m a real busy guy. But after that long, it was hard to remember some previous steps/details. I really needed a “master blueprint” or map. Then I could see where the current new skill is going to fit in later and act as a reminder at the end of the journey of the steps to take to travel it again and again. I hope you include a text/PDF outline at the beginning of the new challenge to take notes on as we progress.
You and your crew are the most knowledgeable, sincere, and giving people on the internet. I feel so fortunate to be in this time and place where I have access to the fruits of your experience.
People need to learn these skills, instead of buying some expensive magic software and hoping their lives change on it’s own.
Thanks again for your philanthropy.
Let’s do it…bring it! I went half way through the 30dc & stopped just like you said above. Must admit I’d be better off if I had stuck it out. I jumped ship & landed on affiliate marketing, which has been good…but I’m still working part-time for the man.
Deal Me In Ed!
I assume since I got this email that I’ll get either a sign up opportunity or will be automatically sent the course since I’m already a user.
This is exactly what I need… you guys have nailed it! I’ve written an article, built a page, added one ad and then got busy and it’s all been sitting there for months. And now I’ve forgotten how to add another ad and probably most everything else for lack of use. I need help and I need it now! Thanks for thinking through this on our behalf… and for feeling our pain!
Thanks Ed!
I believe that even a “slacker” like me can succeed with your new 30DC format.
Thanks again!
Ben Wardlaw
Chief FUN Officer
Hilton Head Island, SC USA
THANK YOU ED!!! We’ll be there for sure
Like! I’m working with Keith Wellman but I’d like to do the 7 day thing in a parallel universe… synergize,optimize etc… bottom line what a great ‘idear’ (near the Bell Tower?)
Can’t wait to get started! Definitely think this is the way to go - more people will finish and be empowered with what they learn.
Thank you so much Ed and all the team for your continued genius in helping the rest of us.
Ed,
I love the sound of the new improved version of the 30DC. I completed it last year and to be honest it took me a little longer than the time suggested as we got half way through but the course is awesome and essential for anyone wanting to create a successful business online. I recommend your work to people frequently. I’m looking forward to taking part this year.
Whatever you do, please leave last year’s videos up. I refer to them all the time.
With some of these recent guru launches and their heavy price tags, the 30 day challenge is really a good deal. I’ve learned a lot from it even though I’ve never completed the program within the 30 days. Splitting up the time is going to give folks a chance to catch their breath and it’s certainly going to help with the stress factor.
I bought an aged domain with quite a few backlinks and I really think the subject matter is saturated but I’m going to use it in your new challenge this year just to follow along and because I spent so much dough on the domain name like a fool. Keyword research is all done. I have no excuses. Or maybe I should try and sell it on flippa.
Good luck.
Joan
Hi Ed, just like to say I have been following you for quite some time now and what you are proposing above looks great. I cannot wait to get stuck in, bring it on.
Thanks for all the support and mentoring you provide to many people every year, you are a champion.
All the best
Alan
Hi Ed,
Sounds like this year’s challenge will be the best yet. Several months ago, I was part of another multi-day challenge structured with the ~30 minute commitment and it worked extremely well …
I’m looking forward to undertaking this years 30DC!
Thanks … Jim
Res ipsa loquitor!
I’m in
Sounds like a good change to me. I’m in.
Hi Ed
I’m not a newbie at all, BUT I’m strangely tempted to do this sequence for 7 days to help prove that it works, and how straight forward it is.
The only issue anyone really faces is that 4 letter word … W O R K.
But for 7 days??? Surely we can all stick to at least that.
As always.
Jonathan Gunson
Wow I can not wait! I love the 30DC. Another challenge bring it on!
Excellent! You must have read my mind! This comes as I was pondering the very same issues you address in this message. I just finished Day 16 and I’m a few days behind. I’m too excited to wait for July 1, so I’m going to continue with the 2009 30DC, but I look forward to the new format. Thank you!
This sounds like a great idea. Can’t wait to get started. Bring on the Challenge!
Hey Ed
I am looking forward to the new version of the challenge, I think the 7 day segments is a great idea, I have started the challenge twice before, but never got through the preseason and the thirty days (although I learned a lot from what I did) because I felt like I was getting left behind, and could not keep up.
I also notice several comments where people say you are guaranteeing results in 7 days, but as I understand what you are saying, there are 7 segments, each lasting 7 days, with 7 day breaks in between; maybe that needs to be emphasized more.
Anyway, looking forward to another great learning experience.
Ed
Ed and the team, as an avid 30dc member…… bring on the changes and if you are a newbie, dont worry the 30dc ol’dogs always willing to learn and share new tricks……
in the words of MTV Celebrity Death Match……… Lets get it on !
Not sure why my previous comment has disappeared, so I’ll ask again:
As the 30DC is during the most common holiday period for most people, does this new 7 day format mean we will potentially miss out on 1 or 2 of the sections?
Thanks
I like the sound of that good job guys - great way to start with the thumbs up on Facebook - Thirty Day Challenge’s get cited all year round so I looking forward to some more fresh content, lovely, lovely.
Hi Ed, the 7 day roule, make me think. And I figured out, you’re right, there is a lot of truth in it. Besides the Challenge this will help in some other areas as well. I am looking forward for the nex 30DC. I got behind last year by day 20 and did not finish. Will do this year.
Hi
Good idea 7 days that’s about my attention span
zzapper