How I Built a Notorious Online Presence in Less Than 5 months (and You Can Too !)

by MarsDorian · 56 comments

Hello my fellow Digital Crusaders,

I did a quick recap of my digital crusade so far and want to share you the results.

In less than than 4 months, I kicked myself into the top 1% of the Alexa ranking (the top 100,000 sites in the world), currently residing at 82,000.

I have also been featured on several ass-kicking digital platforms. Some of my notable riots :

featured in Jade Craven’s famous top 50 Netsetters list
SocialMouths named Marsdorian.com one of the 15 Blogs To Follow If You Want To Kick Ass Online
featured in Alltop’s marketing section
listed on livesimp.ly : 21 Simplicity Tips from the Worlds Most Popular Bloggers
interviewed by many awesome Digital Crusaders like Catherine Caine, Lex Garey, newmediabloggers and Antonio Coleman

Still waiting for that Oprah call though.

How do I do it ?

Blackmail people to promote my blog ?

Use evil black magic to manipulate poor souls ?

Nooo !

I follow these simple, but ass-kicking principles to build my online presence :

I leverage my Ego

My ego has been an essential part of my digital conquest. I’m obsessed with dominating my niche, and bringing out the most awesome things ever ! It helps me with networking, writing and creating stuff !

Let’s clarify.

It’s fashionable for so-called intelligent people to try to lose their ego.

I can’t help but feel sorry for them.

Nourishing my ego has been the most rewarding (emotional) investment of my digital life so far. Only people with grrreat egos achieve grrreat things:

Bill Gates: “I want a computer on every desk and in every home !”

Rosa Parks: “I’m not giving up my seat for a white passenger !”

Gandhi: “You have to be the change you want to see in the world”

Pure egomaniacs. But look how they changed our history ! Wow !

A healthy ego believes:

Something needs to be done and YOU are the one to do it !

Don’t deny your ego. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world – if you use it in a way that brings value. Ego alone is devastating, but combined with a cause to help and inspire others, it’s productivity on steroids !

Tell yourself that you are freaking awesome, and that you are going to accomplish grrreat things !

Make a promise to yourself to bring out the best content and dominate your part of the online world. Get mad in love with your (personal) brand. In your mind, the world revolves around you anyways.

I luv Donald Trump’s quote on that:

Show me someone without an ego, and I’ll show you a loser.

I am lazy

It’s true. Instead of working my soul off, I ask myself the following question:

How can I increase my influence by working less ?

It’s a useful question, and answering it has helped me become WAY more effective :

smart networking. In the beginning, I chatted all day – with everyone ! I burned my time like candles on cocaine, and didn’t achieve anything. Some peeps are like vampires – they suck your blood without giving any value in return. Back to hell you creatures ! I now focus on Digital Crusaders who are both ambitious and helpful. Focus on networking with fewer, but more action-driven people !

Focus on the essentials. I concentrate my main power on creating awesome content and networking with kick-ass people. Simple principle, powerful impact. Don’t spread your precious energy by doing everything – see what gives you the best results and then master it. Hack away the unessential.

Slam a deadline on my projects. If I have 3 days to write a blog post, I need 3 days. Give me one 1 or 2 hours and that’s all it takes. Do FEW tasks each day and put a ridiculous time limit on them. Enjoy a laser-focus that vaporizes your smart work like hot air !

Working 24/7 isn’t as productive as it sounds. You can’t keep up the focus. The quality of your work goes down the toilet and you end up being busy without being efficient.

Make a promise to yourself to spend your energy more wisely. How can you accomplish MORE in LESS time ? Ask yourself this question and let your brain come up with an answer. The result will be white magic.

I concentrate on my strengths

I am not the best coder in the world. I’m ok with CSS, but I suck at PHP. Even if the almighty one blesses me with an afterlife, it wouldn’t be enough. Does this make me sad ? Hell no !

My main strengths are my design-marketing skills, my personality and the ability to produce unique and valuable content. My technical abilities make my little brother cry at night, but I don’t want to get distracted from my magic.

My belief is this: Don’t try to master everything. If you force yourself to become better at something you hate, you will become mediocre at best. Your precious time wasted on your weakness, instead of boosting your strengths.

So what did I do with the coding of my blog ? I hired a programmer. There’s always someone who excels at your weaknesses. Find them, and get back to your work !

I piss people off

Not intentionally, but it happens along the ride.

Every now and then I get a message from peeps telling me how much I suck.

Instead of crying myself into sleep, I give myself a pat on the back.

A true, authentic voice always attracts haters. Just like bees and honey – it goes together. I never set out to make enemies, but I know they are hiding in the shadows, waiting to attack my original soul.

It all comes down to stretching yourself. The more extreme your work, passion, character and obsession – the more you will divide the masses. If you really want to attract attention, become your most desired version ever. Bring yourself fully into your work, with all edges sharpened !

How’s your (digital) life going to be ?

Drowning in oblivion or bathing in the crossfire ?

You decide.

I try to master the two most important parts of marketing

I mentioned this in my last post, but it deserves repetition. It’s the essence of every kick-ass brand and presence.

Provide the most ass-kicking value…and make it as unique as possible !

Value means you doing something that enriches someone’s life or business. It can be a service, a story, a movie or a product.

Lots of people bring value, but they suck at the “unique” part. If you are “just” valuable, you are competing with every other valuable soul out there. No fun in the sun !

Being unique means no one else is bringing the value the way you do it.

I put the most possible value in my work, and make it as Mars Dorian as possible. How can you make your products and services so unique that people have no choice but to spread the message ?

What to do now…

Simple. Remember this information, and start kicking some digital ass ! The online world is yours for the taking.

And please retweet and Facebook-share this post !

Tagged as: blog, blogging, Branding, Influence, marketing, online business, online presence, personal branding

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Arjan Salomons

Hey Mars,

again an awesome look into your kitchen! I would love to take a consulting session with you, let’s see what’s in it (for both of us :D )

greets, Arjan
http://www.trippingmom.com Marilia

“How to do more in less time”, looks like it´s the secret to productivity. I´m sure it´s highly individual too. A question we have to ask ourselves every once in a while. no matter how well you do, there will always be room for less.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Marilia,

I watched an old Bruce Lee interview lately, and his speech really got me thinking. The most famous quote I can recall: Focus on what matters, hack away the unessential.
We are all moving into an age where simplicity is the new rich. Instead of working yourself to death, work smarter and simpler. It's sooo much more fulfilling !

http://www.getinthehotspot.com/ Annabel, Get In The Hot Spot

Yep, you busted a gut and you busted in:) Great to have you on the scene Mars, you're a real assett to our community and it's great to have you on my team and be part of yours!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Annabel, thanx for the blogger luv !
I enjoy your company as well – your positive energy and knowledge make magical impact on the blogosphere !

http://twitter.com/alicehv Alice Howard-Vyse

Great post Mars, I couldn't agree more. I think too many people try to be all things and get disheartened by what they are not, rather than valuing what they are. As you say it's about finding your niche, and rocking it – like only YOU can. That's individuality.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Alice,

yep – individuality lived at the highest potential is the white magic that will rock your destiny !
The problem is that most peeps don't have the guts (due to social conditioning) to reveal their true self in a way that could make them highly successful. It takes daily commitment to remember your true self !

http://twitter.com/reachourdreams Jen Smith

Great advice Mars & awesome to see you doing so well. I have noticed how you chat to lots of people, something I am getting better at but find hard sometimes. Another thing you mention which is so important is adding value…it's what it's all about isn't it?
Cheers
Jen

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Jen,

I partly agree. Value is important, but it's also important how you present that value. I know a lot of valuable digital platforms, but I never read them because they are boring as heck !
Being valuable and generic is a the fastest way straight into oblivion. What matters more is HOW you present your value ! Can you find a way to make your readers/clients/customers ENJOY and remember the value you give to them ? It's all about creating a perception that your chosen people luv !
http://www.urbanizedmedicine.com Jennifer Barthe

Jen,

I agree with you. Mars responds to people's comments more than any other blogger I've seen. He's built a great community here.

RebeccaOsberg

Mars, fantastic advice on how to get noticed. I especially enjoyed the bit about networking with those who are make things happen. The online world is so overwhelmed it's a nice reminder that we don't have to talk to everyone on it. Just those who make a difference in my online world.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Heey Rebecca,

yeah, it's all about finding like-minded people who share the same ambition. Respect everyone, but don't worry about those that talk and don't do action. That was my problem in the beginning. Thank heaven I learned ;)

http://darrenlcarter.com/blog/ Darren L Carter

Hey Mars,

Good post. You really have built a good presence on line in a really short time. Your report was great too and by following your example has been helpful for me building a presence too.
I totally agree about ego too =)

Peace,
Darren L Carter

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Darren,
nice to see you back on my show.
It's awesome that my report helped you out – it took quite a while to design and “draw” it ! (Those damn cartoon pics !)
Yep, having an ego rocks. How else would you make an impact on the online world ?

http://www.newbizblogger.com Michele

LOL…I don't think I laughed that much reading a post in a looonnng time! Thanks for the great post Mars!!

“Tell yourself that you are freaking awesome, and that you are going to accomplish grrreat things !” love this!

“Some peeps are like vampires – they suck your blood without giving any value in return. Back to hell you creatures ! Yup, get that. ;-)

Mars, here's an ego stroke for you…you've just made it to the top of my list of most interesting blogs…mmm I feel an article coming on. ;-)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Thanx Michele,

it's just my true self speaking here, with full edges sharpened !
My goal is to build the ultimate personal presence by combining ultra-value with the truest form of my character. It's a long process, but I'm getting there step by step !
And it's always awesome that people like you enjoy the message that I'm putting out !

http://twitter.com/AlwaysWellWithn Sandra Lee

Congratulations on your awesome success!

I respectfully differ though that there's a difference between a big “ego” and positive self-confidence. I don't know about Bill Gates, but I can say for sure that Ghandi didn't have a big ego and I suspect the same is true for Rosa Parks. Having a big “ego” means only thinking of yourself, which is not the motivation of people like Ghandi. No one really likes people with big egos.

You definitely use personality and energy in a a unique way on your blog and it draws. Agains, congrats on the success.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Sandra,

interesting take. I believe Gandhi had a big ego – how else can you bring down a huge empire ? Not by compassion, even though that's what he claimed. For me, ego is something very positive IF you use it in a way that benefits the world, which I mentioned in the post.
Just by itself, it's destructive because it centers only around your needs. But if you want to make an impact, then you have to have one.
Like I said – it's the mindset that says to you:
Something needs to be done, and you are the one to do it !

http://www.thelifething.com Go Jonny Go

Ok, I got some questions to lay down my friend, purely for my own interest levels obviously.

How many hits are you getting a month? How many subscribers do you have? Whats your bounce rate? and who do you think would win in a fight, a badger or 10 squirrels?

Merci Beaucoup

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Jonny,

haha.Hits per month ? About 5000-6000. Subscribers: Feedburner plus email list = 721. Bounce rate= 65 % (not good lol)
I go for the squirrels if they are really aggressive !

http://www.thelifething.com Go Jonny Go

Cheers fella, I am always interested in other people stats. Don't worry about the bounce rate mine has shot up from 50% to 70% just recently, lol, I must be doing something wrong.

http://www.urbanizedmedicine.com Jennifer Barthe

Ooo I'm late to the comment party. Let me grab a seat near the virtual Mars Dorian flavored chocolate cake. Who wants a piece?

I loved the article and took notes, good stuff.

The biggest problem I had as a new blogger was unleashing my ego. But after reading a couple of blogs where the authors wrote in authoritative tones (not as assholes), I started to see the light.

It's counterproductive to use phrases such as:

— ” I think … “
— “I feel …”
— “Well maybe…”
— “I wish…”

These statements are lame. When I see sentences like this in content, I want to smack the writer and ask them go home to their mamas. I used to write this way. But then I gave myself a kick in the butt and started eating bowls of confidence. I eat a bowl every morning. While watching Bugs Bunny cartoons.

Again…good post. And this cake is good. Me need more.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Jennifer, it's ass-kicking that you made that revelation for yourself.
“Maybe” and “I wish” are bad sentences that support one's indecision.
I agree, there's still a fine line between ego and asshole. But I truly believe that you need an ego if you want to kick-ass in life !

Bowls of confidence are very healthy for you if you don't choke on them ;)

http://twitter.com/Yakezie The Yakezie

Mars, how do you make money online, and do you make enough to support yourself comfortably? I'm new here, so if you have a link/post to guide me, that would be great.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey,
No, I'm making some affiliate money from Thesis/Affiliate beginner course (see right sidebar, scroll down).
But my plan is to build a fully-fledged business around this blog, which will happen through the consulting service I will offer later on.
If you want to build a kick-ass online presence, check out my most valuable cornerstone magic: http://www.marsdorian.com/best-of/
And if you got any major questions, go to my contact page (about page) and shoot me a message !
Time to rock my friend !

http://www.socialcubix.com/services/facebook-connect Facebook Connect Integration

Hey Mars, Once again it was a great read! Its always nice to read about someone's journey to success, but reading yours was really awesome :)

Man I'm completely obsessed with your writing skills, you're the only blogger I've seen who pours that much energy and thought provoking ideas in his posts!

Completely agree with you, Master yourself in a particular format! Don't poke your noses in every department, though poking is sometimes helpful to learn, but still, if you can't master it, then leave it!

And your Alexa ranking is improved, now it is 81,905 :)

Cheers :)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey, I always don't know how to address you – is your name Desmond ? Scott ?

thanx for the praise – it took me a long time to write like this because English is my second language and I sucked at it during high school. But I trained like a monkey on fire and eventually got to a level that's acceptable !

http://www.socialcubix.com/services/facebook-connect Facebook Connect Integration

Yup! My name is Desmond! You can call me Des :)

http://www.tammycamp.com Tammy Camp

That's some awesome success, congrats! I am a firm believer in not trying to do everything yourself. Hiring a more skilled person to do the jobs you're not so great at isn't cheating, it's just good management. We are the directors and influences behind our personal brands, paying someone to tweak our CSS doesn't detract from this!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Tammy,

thanx for that – and heck yeah – why force yourself to do something that doesn't feel right for you ! That's why I admire mavericks like Richard Branson who are perfect at delegating. He started an airline company without knowing much about airlines, lol !
It sometimes hurts my ego to know that I'm not good at something -arghh !

http://www.itarsenal.com/ Rob

Love the excitement Mars. You continue to inspire me. Thanks for the skype chat a few days ago, going to put some changes into play….You've done a lot with the fire you have for building influence, my hats off to you! I've caught the flame, now I have to find something to do with it.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Rob,
haha, awesome man. Now all you got to do is focus that fire into the direction you want to go.
I know you can do it – I can see endless potential within you.

http://elishares.com Elisha Batuncang

You have already made great accomplishment in just 5 months! What a great perk you possessed.

Need to learn from you a lot, always learn from the expert. ;-)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Elisha,

thanx for all the praise. But I wouldn't call myself an expert – I'm just passionate about rocking my digital
destiny and inspiring other Digital Crusaders along the way !

http://elishares.com Elisha Batuncang

You've certainly inspired me ;-)

http://www.financiallydigital.com Nunzio Bruno

Nice post! It's evident that you def try to put the Mars Dorian stamp all over everything you touch! Ego is def not a bad thing either – You had some awesome points and even reminded that I should be patting myself on the back more and that it's ok to get a little ego-centric with Financially Digital :) Thanks!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

it's DEFINITELY ok to go with your ego, Nunzio, especially if you use it in a way that benefits your readers/customers !

Never ever tone down your best self – it's not worth it !

http://www.KingSidharth.com King Sidharth

Woohoo! Way to go man. Love the way you do it and share it XD

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

thanx King ! I appreciate your fire

http://www.technickconsulting.com Nick Rosener

Holy exclamation points Batman!
http://www.technickconsulting.com Nick Rosener

I think too many people are concerned with being Politically Correct.

There are benefits to this, but not if it makes your writing boring to read. Great Post!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Yeah – never force yourself to be politically correct. I only use strong language when it fits – and sometimes it fits beautifully ;)

Timothy Morris

I am not sure if you have already set up the 5 free sessions but I have only been at this thing for a few months and am just starting to gain some traction. I want to do it better and have a larger influence. If you have any openings I would love to grab one. I am currently available pretty much whenever and can set up a session on Skype pretty quick. Please let me know if you have any openings left. If you want to check out what I have so far you can find me at http://www.intentionalinfluence.wordpress.com

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Timothy,

Sorry pal, all spots taken ! But you can shoot me your core questions on my contact page: http://www.marsdorian.com/contact/
or wait for my consulting service which I'll start next week ;)
It can seem daunting in the beginning, but once you are sure what your online goals are and what how you can position yourself in an unique and valuable way, you can rock this world !

http://trafficcoleman.com/ TrafficColeman

Very strong and encouraging words Mars, don't know what prompt this article..but you made some awesome points about making good use of your time by not working 24/7

Once we learn how to get more junk done in 3hrs versus 12hrs, then this is when our lives will change for the best.

Working shorter hours, but getting the same or better results.

“TrafficColeman “Signing Off”

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Antonio,

yeah – doing the most important stuff in less time is the way to go for me !
Although I sometimes still suffer productivity issues, this approach still helps me to kick digital ass.

http://twitter.com/WaynesBNP Wayne Howard

That's definitely the way to do it. I have been making some major moves myself within the short month I have been blogging. I am about to bust into that 1% you were referring to also. It's pretty amazing (leveraging my ego).

But yea, all it takes is to be smart about it and use your resources. A lot people fail at both those steps and think that it is just going to magically happen. NOPE!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Wayne,

that is simply awesome. Yeah, it's an ego stroke, but that's cool as long as you improve humanity along the ride ;)
Keep rocking man, and dominate your place in the online world !

http://www.malkimeansking.com/ Malki Means King

im ready to kick some ass

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

now that's the spirit !

http://sebastianconcept.com sebastian concept >>>

Great post.

The ego part is key, I'm willing to post about that specific point but kind of going a bit deeper.

I still need stories to make a strong deconstruction of the wrong ideas around the ego.

What Trump said is okay in the right context. Problem is that too many people will not be able to make rapport with him. It's just too painfully bold for them, they need some translation to process something like that.

Stories to illustrate that wanted :)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Sebastian,

I got what you mean – but I have like bold guys with edgy statements, keeps the energy flowing !
It's true – they are too many bad ideas about the ego circulating around. It can be bad, if you don't know how to use it. But if you do, and you find a way to inspire the world with it, true magic starts to happen !

http://www.intentionalinfluence.wordpress.com Timothy Morris

This is my first read on your site. I got sent over from JoshCrocker.com

Anyway – thanks man. I enjoyed the read and am trying to personalize this stuff. I know I am awesome but am not always sure how to help everyone else see it. I mean – how do I really let me come out in the digital word. I am just learning so if feels like I am doing what I am learning from others which makes me feel like either a mutt or a hypocrite and not myself. That is why I think it may be hard to interact with people as me. Any advice??

Thanks in advance.
http://www.mediagrow.net MediaGrow

Mars agree with you work smart not hard. 24/7 Thats how people get burn out and give up, there is just too much there to do and learn. Great Post very inspiration,

Marios
http://twitter.com/JonathanLBrowne Jonathan Browne

Yo dude your my type of badass. That's what i'm gonna do. Take the internet by storm quickly. Who says you need years to do this stuff? Why not start inspired and fresh and kickass.

Jon – http://www.theworldismytheatre.com