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
~+~
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This post is good! Whenever I visit blogs, I usually come across some worthless articles written simply for search engine purposes. This is irritating to readers, but this article is quite good. It is simple, fantastic and straightforward.
Thanks, Tony!
Appreciate the kind words and feedback.
James
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?
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.