FF #021: How I made my first $100,000 online (and 3 steps for you to do it too)

What's going on {NAME}. Welcome back to Friday Fire where I share one actionable tip, tactic, or strategy to help you build your one-person online bizness. Aside from making your first $1 online… There’s nothing more magical than your first $100,000. I’m not talking revenue or an annualized project fee. I’m talking about $100,000 sitting in your bank account coming strictly from your online bizness. So today I wanna share… How I Made My First $100,000 Online (And 3 Steps For You To Do It Too). My hope is that everyone who follows me gets to experience this for themselves. What I’m gonna lay out today is exactly what I did along with 3 steps you can follow to do it too regardless of your bizness model. Let’s get into it. My First $100,000 Story. Back in 2016 I had a 9-5 as a project manager making around $75k/yr. I hated every second of that job and knew it wasn’t gonna last long. So I used some of every paycheck to fund my online biz. I made a bit of money offering a SEO service to dentists. But it wasn’t consistent and I stopped after a few months. My next move was ecommerce. Specifically selling private labeled products on Amazon. The first product I sold was a knockoff of a Yeti tumbler. Here it is: I sold 10,000 of these tumblers… but the problem was I had to put a fat wad of cash down upfront then wait 2-3 months for inventory. I enjoyed ecommerce and selling physical products though. So I looked into alternative, faster ways and found dropshipping. Dropshipping was great because I could sell a product without needing inventory. I just needed to find a product to sell, run some advertising to it, and the supplier would ship the order directly to my customer. Beautiful. My first dropshipping store was selling Steampunk products, a type of alternative fashion. This was one of my best-selling products: I would find Steampunk suppliers and products, list it on my store, launch a few FB ads, and my supplier would ship it out to customers. In just over a month I went from $0 to $60k/mo+. Within 3 months I was doing over $100k/mo and was able to leave my job. I went full-time into this and launched a couple more related stores selling alternative fashion clothing. At the highest point the stores were doing over $250k/mo before I sold them in 2018. This made me my first $100k and much more. It’s a lot harder to start a dropshipping biz now, but you can apply the steps I took here to any biz today. So let’s break down what those steps are. #1 - Pick a niche. A niche is a group of people with shared characteristics who have a problem you can and want to solve. I picked Steampunk lovers. I knew nothing about Steampunk but based on research I knew their problem was difficulty finding Steampunk clothing and gear. It was a “hungry niche” of people I knew I could help. There’s a reason why this is step 1 too. Choose your niche BEFORE you choose the product. Most people do this backwards and wonder why their product doesn’t sell. It’s because they made an assumption of what people want instead of picking a niche and selling what they've already said they want. So start with the niche and problem you want to solve... and it’ll make the following steps much EZer. #2 - Craft a delicious offer. You’ve picked a niche. You’ve chosen a problem you want to help them solve. Now put a delicious offer together that solves that problem. For my Steampunk people… their problem was difficulty finding Steampunk products. At the time the only place you could find it were local niche fashion stores. If no one in your area had it you were shid outta luck. So my offer was to give them a central place to find everything they needed at reasonable prices. Sunglasses, goggles, corsets, leggings, watches, jewelry… I had it all. I remember going to Coachella years ago and seeing hundreds of people wearing the products from my store which was pretty cool. The Steampunk community was HUNGRY for a store like this and my delicious offer was giving it to them. Once you have your delicious offer it’s time to… #3 - Get traffic to your offer. Traffic, in simplest terms, means people seeing your stuff. There are free traffic methods where you don’t pay money for it, but it takes longer. Some examples are: - SEO - Email list - Blog posts - YouTube videos - Text posts on social media - Short-form videos on social media And there are paid traffic methods which cost money, but work a lot faster. Some examples are: - Paying for ads on a website - Paying for ads on social media (Snapchat, LinkedIn Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc) - Paying for ads in search engines (Google, YouTube, Bing, etc) For this particular biz I started with paying for FB ads. But with how powerful social media is today... You can start with free traffic then add paid traffic methods once you’re making money. I started my consulting/education bizness in 2020. I didn’t start running paid ads until 2022 because I wanted to validate first. We have platforms like TikTok where creators and brands are getting millions of views for free. Start with free then go to paid after you’ve validated your offer will sell. The Math To Hit $100,000. The $100,000 equation: $100,000 / Average order value = # of sales you need. For my Steampunk store my average order value was around $70. This means I needed 1429 sales to hit $100,000. If your offer price is $2000? You would need 50 sales to hit $100,000. If your offer price is $10,000? You would need 10 sales to hit $100,000. Make sense? So simple it hurts. This doesn’t take into account the additional times a customer might buy from you… which makes the numbers even more appealing. === So that was my first $100,000 story. And the 3 steps you can take to make your first (or next) $100,000 online too. Apply these steps and lessons to any biz model and you'll be well on your way. Alrighty... That's it for today's Friday Fire action section. Hope you found it useful 🤙 Your Compadre's Heat From The Week: - [[VIDEO] How I Went From $0 to $100k Online in 3 Months (3 Steps You Can Do Too)]( - [[POST] $10,000 in 3 messages]( - [[POST] How I landed my first $4,000/mo advising client]( - [[POST] Live life by your design]( - [[SHORT] Why I bought $50,000 Rolex]( Wins From The Week: - Jessie tapped in 2 sales on his new leveraged offer so far (Leveraged Offer Launch client) - Cassie locked in 3 people for her new leveraged offer so far (Rainmaker Inner Circle client) - Scott and Kalene are knocking on the door of a $15k/mo (Email Side Hustle and Rainmaker Inner Circle client) Remember... we CREATE our own wins! Have any wins to share? Reply back and let me know. That's gonna wrap up this week {NAME}. See you next Friday. Your compadre, Sean Anthony When you're ready, here are 5 ways I can help you... 1. Build and monetize audiences in my Audience Rainmaker community [here](. 2. Learn my multi-million dollar formula to write emails that sell [here](. 3. Get paid to write simple 5th grade emails that sell [here](. 4. Get 7 of my best campaigns and daily email training [here](. 5. Get my content creation and audience-building system [here](. 6. Launch your own 1:Many leveraged offer and land clients without the phone [here](. Ignore the following text. It’s random & only here to improve delivery. It helped her understand all of the little things I do for her that I thought she was too young to notice. But now she says "thank you" more often, which really brings a smile to my face. I already know that this book is going to help her grow up to be a kind, grateful young lady!!" Thanks again for this book and I hope you can share this message with other mothers like me so they can read it to their kids." - Jenny Now, that's an incredible story! A Mother's Love is certainly one of my favorites, too, because of all the messages I get like this one. Click the button below to take a look inside A Mother's Love: It's about an interesting creature... a lonely Yeti, who's living in the snowy mountains all by herself, hoping for some company... Here goes: "If you're looking for some fun, or maybe even a friend, go up to the mountain to the path's end. There you'll find the Yeti, who lives all alone. She'll make you feel welcome in her snow-covered home. So pack up your gear, go slow and steady, the fun's just begun because the Yeti is ready!" This fun poem is from a new book called The Yeti Is Ready... And it's given my kids a new perspective on friendship & acceptance!" Click the red button below to take a look inside The Yeti Is Ready: You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings. I arrived here yesterday, and my first task is to assure my sister of my welfare and increasing confidence in the success of my undertaking. I am already far north of London, and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight. Do you understand this feeling? This breeze, which has travelled from the regions towards which I am advancing, gives me a foretaste of those icy climes. Inspirited by this wind of promise, my daydreams become more fervent and vivid. I try in vain to be persuaded that the pole is the seat of frost and desolation; it ever presents itself to my imagination as the region of beauty and delight. There, Margaret, the sun is for ever visible, its broad disk just skirting the horizon and diffusing a perpetual splendour. There—for with your leave, my sister, I will put some trust in preceding navigators—there snow and frost are banished; and, sailing over a calm sea, we may be wafted to a land surpassing in wonders and in beauty every region hitherto discovered on the habitable globe. Its productions and features may be without example, as the phenomena of the heavenly bodies undoubtedly are in those undiscovered solitudes. What may not be expected in a country of eternal light? I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle and may regulate a thousand celestial observations that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent for ever. I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticements, and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger or death and to induce me to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat, with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery up his native river. But supposing all these conjectures to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind, to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite; or by ascertaining the secret of the magnet, which, if at all possible, can only be effected by an undertaking such as mine. These reflections have dispelled the agitation with which I began my letter, and I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven, for nothing contributes so much to tranquillise the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye. This expedition has been the favourite dream of my early years. I have read with ardour the accounts of the various voyages which have been made in the prospect of arriving at the North Pacific Ocean through the seas which surround the pole. You may remember that a history of all the voyages made for purposes of discovery composed the whole of our good Uncle Thomas’ library. My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes were my study day and night, and my familiarity with them increased that regret which I had felt, as a child, on learning that my father’s dying injunction had forbidden my uncle to allow me to embark in a seafaring life. These visions faded when I perused, for the first time, those poets whose effusions entranced my soul and lifted it to heaven. I also became a poet and for one year lived in a paradise of my own creation; I imagined that I also might obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated. You are well acquainted with my failure and how heavily I bore the disappointment. But just at that time I inherited the fortune of my cousin, and my thoughts were turned into the channel of their earlier bent. Six years have passed since I resolved on my present undertaking. I can, even now, remember the hour from which I dedicated myself to this great enterprise. I commenced by inuring my body to hardship. I accompanied the whale-fishers on several expeditions to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst, and want of sleep; I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage. Twice I actually hired myself as an under-mate in a Greenland whaler, and acquitted myself to admiration. I must own I felt a little proud when my captain offered me the second dignity in the vessel and entreated me to remain with the greatest earnestness, so valuable did he consider my services. And now, Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose? My life might have been passed in ease and luxury, but I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. Oh, that some encouraging voice would answer in the affirmative! My courage and my resolution is firm; but my hopes fluctuate, and my spirits are often depressed. I am about to proceed on a long and difficult voyage, the emergencies of which will demand all my fortitude: I am required not only to raise the spirits of others, but sometimes to sustain my own, when theirs are failing. This is the most favourable period for travelling in Russia. They fly quickly over the snow in their sledges; the motion is pleasant, and, in my opinion, far more agreeable than that of an English stagecoach. The cold is not excessive, if you are wrapped in furs—a dress which I have already adopted, for there is a great difference between walking the deck and remaining seated motionless for hours, when no exercise prevents the blood from actually freezing in your veins. I have no ambition to lose my life on the post-road between St. Petersburgh and Archangel. I shall depart for the latter town in a fortnight or three weeks; and my intention is to hire a ship there, which can easily be done by paying the insurance for the owner, and to engage as many sailors as I think necessary among those who are accustomed to the whale-fishing. I do not intend to sail until the month of June; and when shall I return? Ah, sister, how can I answer this question? If I succeed, many, many months, perhaps years, will pass before you and I may meet. If I fail, you will see me again soon, or never. Farewell, my, excellent Margaret. Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness. SAP Ventures, LLC, 24 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109, United States [Click here to unsubscribe]( Copyright © 2022 SAP Ventures, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this email may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from SAP Ventures, LLC. Every effort has been made to accurately represent information and it’s potential. There is no guarantee that you will earn any money using the techniques and ideas available through this Website. Examples on our Website are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of earnings. Earning potential is entirely dependent on the person using our products, services, ideas and techniques. We do not purport that any information we make available will provide you with a “Get rich scheme. Ignore the following text. It’s random & only here to improve delivery. It helped her understand all of the little things I do for her that I thought she was too young to notice. But now she says "thank you" more often, which really brings a smile to my face. I already know that this book is going to help her grow up to be a kind, grateful young lady!!" Thanks again for this book and I hope you can share this message with other mothers like me so they can read it to their kids." - Jenny Now, that's an incredible story! A Mother's Love is certainly one of my favorites, too, because of all the messages I get like this one. Click the button below to take a look inside A Mother's Love: It's about an interesting creature... a lonely Yeti, who's living in the snowy mountains all by herself, hoping for some company... Here goes: "If you're looking for some fun, or maybe even a friend, go up to the mountain to the path's end. There you'll find the Yeti, who lives all alone. She'll make you feel welcome in her snow-covered home. So pack up your gear, go slow and steady, the fun's just begun because the Yeti is ready!" This fun poem is from a new book called The Yeti Is Ready... And it's given my kids a new perspective on friendship & acceptance!" Click the red button below to take a look inside The Yeti Is Ready: You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings. I arrived here yesterday, and my first task is to assure my sister of my welfare and increasing confidence in the success of my undertaking. I am already far north of London, and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight. Do you understand this feeling? This breeze, which has travelled from the regions towards which I am advancing, gives me a foretaste of those icy climes. Inspirited by this wind of promise, my daydreams become more fervent and vivid. I try in vain to be persuaded that the pole is the seat of frost and desolation; it ever presents itself to my imagination as the region of beauty and delight. There, Margaret, the sun is for ever visible, its broad disk just skirting the horizon and diffusing a perpetual splendour. There—for with your leave, my sister, I will put some trust in preceding navigators—there snow and frost are banished; and, sailing over a calm sea, we may be wafted to a land surpassing in wonders and in beauty every region hitherto discovered on the habitable globe. Its productions and features may be without example, as the phenomena of the heavenly bodies undoubtedly are in those undiscovered solitudes. What may not be expected in a country of eternal light? I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle and may regulate a thousand celestial observations that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent for ever. I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticements, and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger or death and to induce me to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat, with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery up his native river. But supposing all these conjectures to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind, to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite; or by ascertaining the secret of the magnet, which, if at all possible, can only be effected by an undertaking such as mine. These reflections have dispelled the agitation with which I began my letter, and I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven, for nothing contributes so much to tranquillise the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye. This expedition has been the favourite dream of my early years. I have read with ardour the accounts of the various voyages which have been made in the prospect of arriving at the North Pacific Ocean through the seas which surround the pole. You may remember that a history of all the voyages made for purposes of discovery composed the whole of our good Uncle Thomas’ library. My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading. These volumes were my study day and night, and my familiarity with them increased that regret which I had felt, as a child, on learning that my father’s dying injunction had forbidden my uncle to allow me to embark in a seafaring life. These visions faded when I perused, for the first time, those poets whose effusions entranced my soul and lifted it to heaven. I also became a poet and for one year lived in a paradise of my own creation; I imagined that I also might obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated. You are well acquainted with my failure and how heavily I bore the disappointment. But just at that time I inherited the fortune of my cousin, and my thoughts were turned into the channel of their earlier bent. Six years have passed since I resolved on my present undertaking. I can, even now, remember the hour from which I dedicated myself to this great enterprise. I commenced by inuring my body to hardship. I accompanied the whale-fishers on several expeditions to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured cold, famine, thirst, and want of sleep; I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the greatest practical advantage. Twice I actually hired myself as an under-mate in a Greenland whaler, and acquitted myself to admiration. I must own I felt a little proud when my captain offered me the second dignity in the vessel and entreated me to remain with the greatest earnestness, so valuable did he consider my services. And now, Margaret, do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose? My life might have been passed in ease and luxury, but I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. Oh, that some encouraging voice would answer in the affirmative! My courage and my resolution is firm; but my hopes fluctuate, and my spirits are often depressed. I am about to proceed on a long and difficult voyage, the emergencies of which will demand all my fortitude: I am required not only to raise the spirits of others, but sometimes to sustain my own, when theirs are failing. This is the most favourable period for travelling in Russia. They fly quickly over the snow in their sledges; the motion is pleasant, and, in my opinion, far more agreeable than that of an English stagecoach. The cold is not excessive, if you are wrapped in furs—a dress which I have already adopted, for there is a great difference between walking the deck and remaining seated motionless for hours, when no exercise prevents the blood from actually freezing in your veins. I have no ambition to lose my life on the post-road between St. Petersburgh and Archangel. I shall depart for the latter town in a fortnight or three weeks; and my intention is to hire a ship there, which can easily be done by paying the insurance for the owner, and to engage as many sailors as I think necessary among those who are accustomed to the whale-fishing. I do not intend to sail until the month of June; and when shall I return? Ah, sister, how can I answer this question? If I succeed, many, many months, perhaps years, will pass before you and I may meet. If I fail, you will see me again soon, or never. Farewell, my, excellent Margaret. Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness.