In the digital age, information is the new currency. Those who control and distribute information are the most influential and wealthy individuals in the world. The ability to deliver crucial information promptly is a lucrative business opportunity. As a successful information broker, I have made millions from this venture and I am here to guide you on how to do the same.
Like many, I always aspired to start my own business. I was not particular about the type of business; I just wanted to be self-reliant and not work for someone else. After a series of unsuccessful ventures, I found my calling while working as a computer administrator for a travel company.
I was intrigued by the company's executives who were constantly involved in negotiating and executing significant deals. To learn from them, I would stay late during their meetings, volunteering for tasks like fetching coffee and doughnuts, and photocopying documents.
One day, they asked me to gather information on the rental car business as they were considering acquiring Avis Rent-A-Car. Despite having no knowledge about the rental car business, I eagerly accepted the task. This was my chance to prove myself and climb the corporate ladder.
I started my search for information by calling the government. After several calls and referrals, I found an expert in the rental car business, a former president of Hertz. He was more than willing to share his knowledge with me over lunch.
The executives were astounded by the information I had gathered. They couldn't believe that I, a novice, could access such confidential and privileged information. This experience made me realize the immense power and value of timely information.
I started a business providing information on any topic to people who needed it. I became a consultant for people in the merger and acquisition business, providing them with information they couldn't find themselves. My business grew from a one-man operation to a company with over 30 employees and sales of over a million and a half dollars in just over three years.
You can monetize information that is freely available but hard to find for the average person. All you need is resourcefulness and knowledge of where to find sellable information. The U.S. Government is the world's largest source of free information. They produce more information annually than all major commercial publishers in the United States combined.
Find customers who need specialized information and are willing to pay for it. Position yourself as an expert in finding information on almost anything. However, focus on the types of information your customers specifically need.
Gather specialized information that would be of great interest to a specific business sector. Position yourself as an expert on a particular subject, then write in-depth special reports featuring the specialized information you found. Package them in an e-book and sell them for a fee.
Businesses need information on their markets, competition, technology, money sources, and regulations. By asking your prospects directly what they need, you can determine the kind of information that would best satisfy their needs.
Define your niche by identifying the customer group that you specialize in helping. You can also define it by the area of information you want to deal with or by the medium of the information you want to provide.
I was fortunate to start in Washington D.C., where I developed the hook of government information. This gave me an edge over my competitors. The government information I've amassed over the years has earned me a position as a New York Times syndicated columnist, and I've authored two New York Times best-sellers featuring information that I've obtained for free.
The key to becoming a successful information broker is to be the first to find the information and deliver it promptly to those who want it. Then sit back and watch the money appear out of thin air!
