Interview with Richard Cook
1) How and when did your online business get started?
I started working on EzClicking.com July of 2006. The history behind this decision was multifaceted. Time for history a lesson. I introduced myself to the WWW sometime in 1993 by purchasing “Web TV” and a dial up connection. Back then I used the ‘net for research, chatting, and just general surfing. I upgraded to a PC (233Mhz Dell…lol) and kept the same trend until sometime in 2005, with a few upgrades along the way. The main and only reason I had not done more with internet marketing before 2006 was due to one thing, “Dial up”. That was all that was available and it was frustrating to say the least. As soon as DSL become available I jumped on the band wagon and have never looked back. This new found speed catapulted me right into trying develop my on web sites and such. I then started doing online surveys in an attempt to pay for the cost of hosting my web sites. I soon learned that while doing online surveys was paying for my online activities, I would not ever make enough to live off of. This lead me down the path of learning about affiliate marketing, list building, and promotion. By learning that there was not enough hours in the day for me to do enough surveys to make a substantial income, I turned to building a down-line by referring others. This lead to the creation of CashSurveysNow.com. This is my personal web site that I created to help me refer others while providing a free resource for those wanting to learn about participating in online surveys. While learning all this, I found the need for web site promotion which introduced me to the wonderful world of traffic exchanges. I joined and used many TE’s with much success but felt like this industry was still in its infancy and had a lot of potential for growth. And this lead to:
2) Which exchanges do you currently own or co-own?
I am the proud owner of EzClicking.com. Benefits include: Random surf bonuses that reward surfers with credits and/or “SplashPoints”. Referral bonuses and up to 10 tiers of referral surfing bonuses. We provide a down line mailer and feature “Live” support when ever I am available which in noted right on the site. I conduct referral contests and frequent specials called “EzClicking Time” which is a special time when the surf clock is lowered and bonuses are increased.
3) Do you currently work exclusively online?
Fortunately no. I am a Registered Nurse by profession. Even though my online income may dwarf the income from working as a Registered Nurse, I enjoy and feel personally responsible to use my knowledge and skills to help other in a time of need.
4) How many hours a day do you spend on your exchange?
26…. No, but really I spend at least 8 to 16 hours a day actively doing something online that involves EzClicking.com, whether if it is answering support tickets or promoting and networking with others. I am always there in one way or another, even in my sleep I dream of ways to add features and value to my members.
5) Do you support yourself, or do you out source support?
I do some of both. If it is a simple matter that involves HTML or simple PHP I can provide my own support. However, if it comes to graphics or heavy coding I will hire a professional. I will admit that as the industry grows, the supply of people specializing in graphics and TE coding has not. This is definite area of demand and could be a lucrative area to specialize in..hint, hint.
6) How fluent are you in HTML, javascript, and PHP?
As I touched on above, not nearly enough. I have taught myself the basics in HTML and PHP. I would really like to have formal training in these areas, but do not have the time. And the local college does not offer specialized instruction in these areas.
7) Approximately how many members join your exchange a month?
This really depends on me. If I intensely invest into site promotion, I can usually average 200 to 300 new members a month. This is probably childs play compared to some, but I believe in slow steady growth.
8) Does most of your advertising come from member referring or you?
I can honestly say that most if not practically all my advertising comes from me. The reason is simple, I have not made cookie cutter splash pages for my members. I do know that some still promote by using the front page, but I encourage all members to be creative and produce their own splash pages. I am sure I will one day provide splash pages, but I really want my members to understand that personalized advertising is where it is at! Always promote yourself first, then your product.
9) Are you subscribed to any blogs? Which is your favorite?
I am subscribed to many, but I do not have any favorites. I constantly scan several and gain information from them all. There just is not a one stop blog…
10) What would be your biggest tip you could give to readers?
I am sure we have all seen the frog that is in the cranes beak with both hands wrapped around its neck. The motto here is, no matter what, do not ever give up!!
The fact of the matter is, we all must take chances and sometimes leave our comfort zone in order to find success. We will fail, but the key is to learn from failure and move on, do not ever give up!Richard Cook
Owner
http://www.ezclicking.com
