But it’s really just an abbreviated way of saying “find out what the market wants, and give it to them better.” There’s still plenty of room for mission and innovation.. in fact, it’s a requirement.

For example, Apple didn’t invent the mp3 player. But they did know there was a market for them due to other companies who developed mp3 players before them (SaeHan Information Systems, Diamond Multimedia and Compaq all preceded Apple).

Apple saw a demonstrated market desire based on other existing products. And then they gave us the groundbreaking iPod.

Now, that doesn’t sound too much like snake oil, does it? Although you’ve got to watch that Steve Jobs… he’ll try to sell you stuff.

@Brian – My inclination’s to lay it more in the writer’s lap, although his use of paraphrase complicates that.

Reading “2) Spend time researching hot products, then come up with your own versions of those products” makes me wanna scream. “Anybody here got a ‘mission?’ An ‘internal compass?’”

Ahhh, I’m just handicapped by a delicate sensibility. Overcome by the vapors, swooning upon the divan, I take my leave.

If you are skilled in SEO and copywriting, then I would suggest your issues stem from a small-sized potential audience. Your niche is small, and the percentage of people who would consider hiring you is smaller.

Also, there is nothing obvious on your site that you are for hire, or what for. That would be a design-based and a content-based conversion issue. Your home page content looks like blog posts. You need to beat people over the head with the “obvious stick”.