My Latest Project: Cloud Living
Glen / 
44 Comments / 
July 2nd, 2009 / 
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Since being self employed at the start of this year, my life has changed in a number of ways. Perhaps the most important change, for me, is that I now work around life, instead of living around work. Anyone in a typical job seems to do their ‘living’ whenever we’re not scheduled for another shift (for most people, that means weekends). We book our holidays whenever leave is available, attend family events when we’re not on ‘lates,’ and try to fit our social life somewhere in between.
These days, my work (which I love) fits around my life. Even as I type this I’m in a brand new city for the week and enjoying a new environment. If I had a boss to answer to, I would have begged for this time off and had to wait until next year to get the ‘time back’.
The reason I’m telling you this is because I’m working on a project to help all of you get to this same situation.
Around 4 months ago, as you may recall, I highlighted a case study I had created for my friends to help them make money online, just like I do. I wanted to mention it here as soon as it was finished, but I first needed to make sure that people were actually making money after following my steps. Additionally, I decided to wait for necessary feedback so that I could update the guide with answers to the common questions I received.
When people did start making money, I told you all about it.
Since announcing it here, the amount of support emails I have been getting would drive the average person insane. Thankfully, there’s no better feeling to me when someone says that they’re now making a healthy second income thanks to my guide. The only downside to some of the emails is that I keep receiving the same questions over and over (and over) again. I have been updating the guide to accommodate these, but most people have older versions and when they get stuck, I’m faced with another similar email.
Putting the case study aside for a second, I recently launched my Blogging Blueprint eBook which, as the name subtly suggests, is a guide to creating a successful blog. It has now been downloaded over 3,000 times and the response from you guys has been amazing. It’s great seeing all the new content that people are now able to put out on the web. I’ve even subscribed to some of the sites that have popped up thanks to the offering.
Yet, while both of these products are really helping people, I still feel like there is something missing.
Introducing Cloud Living…
“What Does ‘Cloud Living’ Mean?”
In all honesty, Cloud Living is just my fancy little way of saying ‘making money online’. Not just any amount of money though; I’m talking about more money than your current full-time income (that’s if you’re lucky enough to have a job in this economy).
The use of web services and computing online is often referred to as accessing ‘the cloud,’ and this term is what gave way to the name of this project. On that note, I also think that the term Cloud Living invokes images of freedom – the very thing you can achieve with this lifestyle.
After-all, anything is better than the images your mind creates when you hear about “making money online.” I can smell the snake oil already.
What Is It About?
I have been working on this project in part for months now, but only recently have I been putting the finishing touches on the release. I like to think of Cloud Living as an overall approach to making money, leaving the rat race, and being free. In my previous guides I have shared what I do but then just said “OK, goodbye, go do it.”
I don’t think this is the best approach.
Cloud Living is going to be an eBook and videos of everything I do to make money and basically include my philosophy behind this type of lifestyle. The methods to making money will not be different to what I have previously released, but this is going to be a more rounded version of what I offer. More specifically, it will include:
- An updated version of my case study based on all the feedback I have received
- A checklist guide for exactly what you need to do and the steps necessary
- Videos of the most advanced sections so you aren’t left confused
- A guide to product creation for both bloggers and minisite owners
- Time management tips and how I made thousands of dollars despite working 7 days per week in a normal job
Cloud Living is going to be the first ever premium (that means it costs money) product that I have released in almost a year of PluginID. Nobody will be under any obligation to buy anything and this site will continue to run as normal even if no one does.
In over 11 months since starting this site I have not asked anyone to purchase anything directly from me. I hope that shows my dedication to only putting out quality products that I think will genuinely help people.
Here’s Where you Come In
For those of you who are keen for a product like this, I have just two questions I would love answers to in the comments below:
- What would this guide need to contain to make it a worthy purchase for you
- What is it about previous guides (if you’ve read any) that you feel they lack in
Right now, the product is about 10 days away (solid, working all day, days) from completion but I will happily put that date back, if necessary, based on your responses here. I want to make sure this product really does dramatically help to change the life of anyone who purchases and takes action. If it doesn’t, then I have failed in my aim.
Who wants to join me in the Cloud Living revolution?
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
I’m really excited about your upcoming project! One thing that I think would be really beneficial (but may limit the longterm potential for your finished product) is to have real, active resources and examples. For example, including links to specific places to get more information or including examples of things online by linking (or having links) to them. You may have already included this, but I really like when there is concrete evidence and access, rather than discussing concepts in general or vague ideas. It’s always great to know exactly how someone else did something (what sites they used, what resources they accessed, etc.). However, I know this can be limiting because some sites won’t always be around and it’s no good to have a body of work with a bunch of dead links floating around. Just an idea… Looking forward to the finished product!
Thanks Dani, I definitely have more examples this time around. For most of them, I have screeshoted both good examples and bad, higlighting what works and what doesn’t within them.
This way, the guide isn’t left at the mercy of whether a stie stays online or not.
I appreciate the feedback (a lot).
- Glen
I haven’t read your past ebooks Glen but I would have purchased this latest one. I found it very comprehensive and so very informal/un-intimidating.
For me, this is my VERY first tiem even creating a website let alone taking all the other steps necessary. So reading your eBook gave me reassurance, just in the way you set your tone and the language you used. Very easy…almost like talking wth you about it on the phone. You seem to write-like-you-talk…a lot of the best bloggers and public speakers do!
I can’t offer any real sound advice on this, but as a first-timer, I am impressed and would pay money for it anyway.
Hey Keith,
I appreciate the kind words and really glad you enjoyed the guide. I have already written the introduction to this and, based on the writing style, I think ou will enjoy the intro alone
Thanks again buddy
Wow, this sounds amazing, I love revolutions
You really are a genuine helper, and that`s just great.
Gracias Rose!
I’m just want to give Mercedes the best life possible
You already know that I’ve followed your tutorials and made some money (though I would consider it a fun part-time thing for now, I hope to make it more). I’m excited that you’re creating this and look forward to you launching “Cloud Living.”
Thanks Shannon, I really appreciate your support over the last few weeks. You’re very genuine and I like that.
Glen, you wouldn’t believe how many clients I have could benefit from a resource like this. In fact I have 5 on my books that are live at the moment.
At the moment I point them toward Career Renegade, but that only goes so far and doesn’t really help with the set up etc.
I can’t help you in terms of adding more because I can’t see anything glaring that is missing.
Thanks Tim, there will be an affiliate program if that entices you to send them my way
This is great Glen. I can’t wait to purchase this guide. Your free blogging guide was excellent by the way and I hope Cloud Living is even better.
Thanks John, I appreciate the support!
Way to go, master.
I love the “cloud living” concept.
I can’t wait to see and follow your new project.
Just a question, will include free traffic guidelines?.
That’s an area I have been struggling with myself.
Thanks
Yes I will, although they will not be dissimilar to what was included in the blogging blueprint.
Glen,
I agree that the case study you gave away for free would have been worth its weight in gold (Assuming you can weigh something online!) I never would have known where to start in all this if it weren’t for your guide.
As for Cloud Living, I think that for a beginner (like myself), more emphasis should be put on the basics and time management. From your blog, I already have most of the basics. However, time management is another thing. You may have a lot of time on your hands being self-employed (like I hope to be one day), but much of us are still full-time employed and have families that we need to balance. I usually work on my site and backlinks an hour or two a day after work and maybe 4 hours on the days I am off total. Much of my time is actually spent in the late evening though because I don’t want to ignore my kids.
Including some great time management tips would be well worth it for me and I am sure for many others as well.
Wish ya luck,
Josh
Thanks Josh, the feedback is appreciated. I can definitely relate to only having a few hours to spare here and there. I used to be in the same situation myself not too long ago.
This will definitely be part of the guide, thank you!
Before I began reading your articles, I didn’t know the name to the lifestyle that I desired… but I knew what I didn’t want. I didn’t want to be stuck in a corporate lifestyle, I didn’t want to be checking the clock, just waiting for each day to be over. Now, I have a term for my desired lifestyle: Cloud Living. I want the freedom to be self employed, while being able to interact and help different people on a daily basis.
I can’t wait to try out the affiliate thing once again, with the help of your new guide! (Did you know Shannon has already made 4+ sales..??)
Thanks for all the free help you have provided, I’d be happy to purchase a premium product.
Hey Karen Karen,
Yep, I noticed Shannon’s comments yesterday. I’m not surprised by that, but it is nice to see
Depending on the price of the product, I’m assuming that’s at least $120.
awwwwwsomeness
snappy new term. cloud living. TM
like the way your writing style is mutating. like the hulk. unleashing the funk out.
super game. sounds like you’re gonna be finally spilling some beans. i mean, your ebooks rock but i wanna see what gets you thousands of views and subscribers, not just how to set up a site
(yip, i do all the techniques you suggested but i know you’re hiding sumn glenny 
)
i’m game to edit / draft / review if you’re game.
super exciting stuff bra.
here’s to cloud livin’
ali – unleash reality
p.s. talking of cloud livin, me and a buddy are promoting a new club in town. bottles. vip. models. lordage. TM
a
As far as traffic sources go, I haven’t hidden anything, just you haven’t pushed them to the extent I have (over a such a long period of time) to get results.
I say write guest posts, I’ve done ~ 30. I say utilise StumbleUpon, I’ve voted for over 2,000 sites. Sometimes, you just have to put the work in and not look for ‘the secret.’
haha i know, i’m just messin wit cha
i’m grinding hardcore on the guest posts and stumbles
…and seeing results. so def testify to the traffic techniques you mentioned.
you’re my hero glenny :p
Glen,
Sounds like a great book on the way. I would like to know the timeline of your success. I realize this can be dangerous because others will use as a benchmark and feel bad if they’re not keeping pace. I’m reminded of Steve Pavlina who only earned a few bucks during his first few months of blogging. Good thing he didn’t give up, huh? I think most people online give up to easy and miss the rewards down the road.
The paradox with the internet is that there are so many options that people have a hard time deciding which path is right for them. They fall victim to analysis paralysis (at least I have…). If you could offer your opinions on the best ways to get started as well as which ones to avoid when getting started, this would be invaluable in my opinion.
Congratulations on your success.
Neal
Thanks Neal, that is a great suggestion.
I definitely had a lot of failures, although the successes I have created, didn’t take long to make a lot of money.
I appreciate the feedback!
This sounds wonderful. The only thing that I think could be an add on would be to know that there will be little spotlight articles coming out on your blog after Cloud Living comes out. I, for one, would benefit from the occasional reminder that I’m not alone on the project.
Having said that, I haven’t been reading your blog for long but I get a sense that you would be doing some follow up like this anyway!
I’m about to start letting your blogging blueprint walk me through the start up of a new – hosted by me – blog.
Thanks being a giving being!
Colleen
Hey Colleen, nice to see you over here!
I’ll definitely do an update sometime after launch including sales figures (for those who care) and how people are actually getting on.
Awesome feedback and, again, thanks for stopping by!
Glen, definitely looking forward to this. One of the things that I think would be useful is an expected timeline for when you can expect to get to a certain income level. One thing I’m learning is that there is definitely patience involved in blogging. MY blog is young, about 3 mos old, but I’ve been growing it quite a bit. I’m getting traffic, but not the big rivers of traffic, more like streams. I think actionable recommendations that will grow traffic massively would be helpful. I definitely used the tips in your guide and even shared it with some of my friends who have blogs. I think videos are a great idea. I like the idea of a star to finish guide for blogging. Also you may want to get some tips on efficiency in there. Right now my morning blogging routine (writing,posting, commenting, etc) takes about 1.5 hrs. I’d like to automate as much as possible, with the exception fo the commenting.
It’s funny, I hadn’t even thought about this but now you’re the second person to mention that. I guess that’s why I asked for feedback
Thanks Srinivas!
This has been the best traffic month for PluginID with around 200,000 pageviews but it definitely took a while to get to this level. And that is from a few spikes which I can’t expect regularly.
Hey Glen
and I think, for me like others have said some more of the nitty gritty would be good…the ‘how to’ i’ve been looking into starting my blog for 6 months now and the kinda detail you provided in Blogging Blueprint is just what I needed as I was getting stuck with the techy bits so for me more in that vein would be fab!
Great concept
Jen
Thanks Jen, I’ll have a think about that.
I do have some ideas in this regard
Hi Glen. I know your project will be a huge success, and I wish you the best. You asked for our opinion and here’s my two cents. One of the things that throws people off when reading your advise is that one of the things you recommend is putting out great content, that is helpful for others.
The reason why people have trouble understanding this is because people reading an ebook or article about online money making (or blogging for that reason) are basically on a selfish endeavor. That is, making money for well… themselves. At least, that’s what I think. That is where you go “oh yeah, I have to give something in return for people’s money or people’s attention”. My case is a bit different. I am already on the “I want to help people out” mindset, but I’m not reaching them.
Basically, what I would like to see more is how you can provide better content or what people see as good content. That is, not only what mindset I need, but what kinds of actual kinds of posts or products do I have to put out there. I like writing on my blog, and I love the topic I write about, but my readership doesn’t seem to be growing. I won’t give up, because I’m not doing it for money (at least not now), but I would like my message to reach a few more people. In a few words, elaborate more on “Provide Insane Value”
Have a great day.
Fortunately I have already left the rat race and hung my own shingle a few years back. However I still find all this informative and interesting.
As usual … Nice post Glen
I am following since 2 months ago and got many help from this blog.
I think I am still in the rat race vicious circle.
I was using broadband fixed connection from 2003 when i enter a local stock market, and since that year I tried every single money making
way that internet offers to me.. Stock, option, HYIP, Adsense, Internet marketing , etc etc..
and now I am still here , looking for any freedom in my life..still catching my own tail….. in vicious circle of rat race.
However i didn’t give up…
No I won’t give up
Maybe I just didn;t found my Guru yet.
I do download the “Blogging BluePrint” 2 weeks ago.. now i am trying to focus focus and focus… doing one step by one step….
to reach my goal…
Hope I am now found my mentor here..Glen
Just an update guys, but I think I will be leaving product creation out of the eBook.
My section and comments on it would probably fill an ebook of 100+ pages and none of the feedback I have received seems to be interested in this. Therefore, I’m going to dedicate more time to updating the minisite and blogging sections to include everything necessary.
You’ve got me interested. I can’t wait!
Always enjoy your writings Glen. What a term – “Cloud Living!” Where do I start? I feel like I am so, so far behind. I have downloaded both of your most recent eBooks, “Blogging BluePrint” and “How To Make Money Online.” I’m not aware of any others you may have. I thought I read somewhere that you had others. As you know from the emails, my issues almost always stem from needing details, and in some instances even more details. Details, baby-steps, whatever you choose to call it, is the way I learn. Having the examples and videos you have in the case study, I also found to be helpful. It allows me to read, take notes, yet I still have the visual aspect, to stop and restart up, also which for me is very important. At the top of the list though is Details, Details, and more Details. This is extremely important for me. Unfortunately, I can mess things up quicker than anyone I know. I try so hard not to, but dang-it, it does happen.
I’m in the process of learning from both of your eBooks, and of course your sites as well. I also very much look forward to you sharing more on your newest project, “Cloud Living.” I’m actually quite anxious, but more on that down the road.
Truly appreciate you being there/here to share, to answer, to help.
Hi Denise,
One thing I’m making sure I include in the minisite is a detailed FAQ section. This is so that I don’t disrupt the flow of the initial content and then hopefully answer all the questions that people may have.
Denise,
You sound like a hard worker. Can I make a comment that is only a side observation? Your statement that followed your plea for details, can bring you insight if you’re open to it. You said “Unfortunately, I can mess things up quicker than anyone I know. I try so hard not to, but dang-it, it does happen”.
I took that to mean that you view it in the negative. Being more organized is a positive thing, but having a goal and being willing to fail time after time, is no less positive. This quality sets you apart from many and in my opinion, should never be treated in a condescending way, especially by one’s own self.
I think sometimes we foster a perception like this and it’s effect is to strengthen our fears. Seeing it the other way can unleash your creativity. Don’t give “any” thought to messing up as long as you know your goal is sound and especially when your surrounding yourself with good company/advice, as you are obviously doing here.
You’re not behind Denise. You are right exactly where you should be. Be proud of the journey that ultimately is yours alone, because it wouldn’t be as valuable to you in the end if it wasn’t.
Hey Glen!
How are ya bud?
I find it so amazing how you can constantly come up with these super cool ebooks giving so much value and lessons.
How to make money online and the Blogging Blueprint.
I’ve been following steps from it and am starting to see slow progress, currently making around $100 a week from Clickbank sales.:)
Far from a full time income but decent extra sidecash.
My biggest issue that I’m struggling with is traffic and targeted traffic at that. Would be cool if you can adress that in the ebook.
Thanks:)
Keep on cloud-livin’
Diggy
TWITTER IS HOOKED UP
http://twitter.com/upgradereality
Anything I need to do about my twitter page to make it better?
Check it out!
Ciao
Hey Glen
Hope you’re well
I am interested in following Case Study 1 but just gemming up first and wondered about where the affiliate stands with regards to refunds for customers / if a customer wasn’t happy with the product that I sold them? I have tried to find some more details on Clickbank for e.g. but no joy…
Cheers!
Jen
Hi Jen,
If someone refunds their purchase, you lose your commission. On my most successful product, I’ve sold about 100 and had to refund around 4.
Glen, I’ve downloaded your e-book but I haven’t read it yet. I’ve been so busy I can’t make time, so I don’t have anything to offer for advice. Sorry, but if I can get to the e-book in the next few days I’ll be back.
Hey Stephen, not a problem.
Nobody has to purchase any updates, I’ll still be around
Thanks for all of your support over the last few months.
Thanks Glen