Social Media and The Future of The Internet
Internet marketing, originally, was intended to be a relatively simple and profitable experience for would be online marketers. However, for most newcomers to Internet marketing, their first online experience is of some self appointed “guru” shouting at them: “Just plugin to our turn-key system and we’ll show you how to become a ‘Gazillionaire’ in the next 90 days!”
Unfortunately for the newcomer, however, they are unaware that the person shouting this nonsense doesn’t have a clue as to what they’re doing and are simply repeating what someone else told them. Many times, without any knowledge themselves as to whether or not what they’re being told really works!
And due to especially tough economic times at the moment, more people than ever are making their way online seeking their fortune and freedom. And many of them also will waste countless hours, not to mention money, listening to someone who may not necessarily know what they are doing.
However bleak a picture I may seem to be painting for you, I do want you to understand this, Internet marketing is here to stay for a long time to come. It is not some fad that’s going to go away any time soon, if ever. However, Internet marketing will evolve and change over time.
With this in mind, I see one change in particular that is currently paving the way for a much brighter future ahead!
Because the world is becoming more connected through the myriad of social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Linkedin, etc) word is getting around of whom to do business with on the Internet, and whom not to! We all are becoming a very “cliquish” bunch, readily identifying with those with whom we want to “friend” and those with whom we do not. This is neither right or wrong, it just is. People have a natural tendency to form groups, and to associate with others of like minds.
And because of the Internet’s natural progression towards connectivity, social media outlets in particular, we are actually “seeing” each other as we really are. The very nature of social media, is to progress towards being connected and to create long-term relationships. While those who may have ulterior motives, or less than ethical personal & business practices, can not sustain such long-term relationships due to their shallowness and short-term nature.
Individuals of this sort will eventually fade away into obscurity, having exposed themselves for who they really are. After all, how many of us have been ripped off with a less than desirable product or service that did not live up to its hype, and then told everyone we knew about it? With Social Media, that’s the power of “word of mouth” times 10,000!
Social media, as Internet marketing, is not going to go away any time soon. In fact, if you are not already a member of at least one social media outlet, than you will be soon (Provided you wish to be a part of the Internet of the future, that is). From Twitter to Facebook, MySpace to Digg, as well as a myriad of others too numerous to list here, there is a social media outlet waiting for you to find them. And when you do, simply plugin and be a part of the Internet that is to come.
And if you truly want to succeed at Internet marketing, now and in the future, than simply find your group (niche) be true to yourself, and offer something of great value to your friends. And your friends will gladly do business with you and you with they! This is the nature of social media, this is the nature of the Internet to come. And as for me, I’m looking forward to the day when we all can live and prosper, together.
(And as for those who choose not to do business this way, well, we’ll just let them take care of themselves…)
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to check back often for more updates. As always, we appreciate your feedback, comments and questions.
Until next time,
Godspeed
James
~+~
- Increase Traffic Using Video Squeeze Pages Here's an interesting blog post for you, When videos started to grow popular on the Internet in the past couple of years, the Internet Marketing landscape started to change. With increased bandwidth and faster computer processors, gone were the days of waiting for files to upload (Does anyone even use......
- Time Management Tips for the Self-Employed When you go into business for yourself there are many challenges you prepare yourself for. You know that you need to be financially prepared. You know that you need to market your business and are ready to face those challenges. However, one challenge that is often overlooked is the simple......
- Top Tips to Get Your Articles Read Writing and creating content for your website is perhaps the single most important marketing and business-building strategy available to online business owners. However, in addition to simply creating content, you want to have your articles read. Articles that are compelling pull the visitor into your website where they’ll continue......
- Social Media's Impact On Internet Marketing Social media's impact on Internet marketing has caused many, if not all, online marketers to rethink the way they do business online. Gone are the days of simply throwing-up (literally) a slick website, cramming it full of scraped article content and 'shady' affiliate programs, then sitting back and watch your......
- Affiliate Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make When it comes to affiliate marketing, there are a number of mistakes you want to avoid if you want to make money as an affiliate. Like all businesses, there are potential pitfalls in the online world of affiliate marketing. Committing even some of the most common mistakes could cost you......
- Social Media Marketing Keyword Strategy - Learn How to Reach the 1st Page of Google Using Keywords First don't let the word keyword scare you. Keywords are just the words or short phrases people type into the search box of Google when they are looking for your services or information online. It is important to do research and find out which of these words your prospects......
- WordsmithBob Speaks On Social Media Marketing Image via Wikipedia WordsmithBob is speaking Wednesday, January 20th, 2010, on Social Media Marketing to the Pine Tech Chamber of Commerce in Pine City, MN. The title of the presentation is "The Top Ten Myths of Social Media." I'll be attempting to record the presentation and video it. If......
- How To: Find People Online The Social Media Way The following is a guest post by Ann Smarty. She is an SEO consultant blogging on search engine optimization, search engine news and social media. She is also interested in all kinds of (free) Internet tools and apps and loves to discover new unique ideas. With the wealth of social......
- Weekly Roundup - Social Media Edition I am what you call a late adopter. New things come out, I see them advertised, I yawn and go about my business. Then months later (sometimes years) I eventually get around to rediscovering those items and finding that I actually find them useful and kick myself for not joining......
- Social Media Marketing Keyword Strategy - Learn How to Reach the 1st Page of Google Using Keywords First don't let the word keyword scare you. Keywords are just the words or short phrases people type into the search box of Google when they are looking for your services or information online. It is important to do research and find out which of these words your prospects......
March 4th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Sometimes we just want to share for the sake of sharing, too. Because it’s cathartic to vent. Because an inspirational quote isn’t the same if we cannot use it to inspire someone else. Because what your dog did…really was FUNNY.
I think you nailed it when you said, “…simply be yourself, find your group (niche) and offer something of great value to your friends.” People can smell “commission breathe” a mile away. Share from your heart and you reveal who you are.
That “who you are” part goes a long, long way towards building a trusting relationship with your clients and/or potential customers…and you have fun along the way.
Well written.
Laurel LaFlamme’s last blog post..Is Charleston a Hub of Intellectual Capital?
March 5th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Thanks for the kudos, Laurel!
In the end, I think those who will succeed online are those who stick to their principles, adhere to high ethical standards, and “do” business as if their consumers were their family members (Well, maybe even better than family!) Those who do such things, will never have to chase success; success will chase them!
“To thine own self be true.” – Shakespeare
Godspeed,
James Artre
PS: Looks like you’ve got good things going on at your blog: http://ilovecharleston.wordpress.com/ I, too, love Charleston SC! I was there once while stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC. Would have loved to stay forever, but, the Army called me elsewhere.