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In this video interview, Seth Godin (Permission Marketing, Squidoo and Tribes) provides his unique perspective on the subject of sales and marketing in the Web 2.0 Internet world.
Godin is quick to point out that although the “Web” is one of the more alluring tools for sales and marketing professionals to seek prospects, it is completely different than the “old world” environment they are used to working.
Several of the points he makes in this short video interview include:
Unlike former offline advertising practices, people on the Internet can simply ignore the ads;
The “Web” mandates the use of permission marketing approaches;
Once you have an audience, they can publicize for you through various forms of social media; &
Online marketing and sales pros need to focus on Web 2.0 tools, especially blogs and blogging.
Rather than try and cover all the points Seth Godin covers in the video, just give it a quick watch below and get the insight firsthand …..
Remember, the Internet is a completely different environment and different approaches to sales and marketing are required to succeed in the modern Web 2.0 world ….
Nearly everyone agrees one of the more effective social media platforms to access increased traffic is a blog. After adding effective blog commenting into the mix, blog traffic results can be significantly increased.
When you combine a continual flow of value-oriented content with SEO optimized software such as WordPress, the stage is set to gain excellent page position on the search engines. Though this process often takes time to create enough content such that the search engines provide decent page rank, it can often be shortened by creating social buzz via content syndication.
The use of effective blog commenting is another tool often allowing you to add a little tidbit of valuable information to someone’s blog and draw increased traffic from the blog owner and their readers.
Does that mean you can just surf over to any related blog, make a comment and expect an instantaneous surge in traffic to your site?
Only on rare occasions!
Though there are times when you comment on a blog post generating a significant amount of comment buzz and a short-term increase may occur; these instances are somewhat rare (though cool when they happen). Most often this process takes some time, so be patient.
A few other pointers to keep in mind to help use effective blog commenting to increase traffic back to your blog include:
• Search out bloggers in your niche with a quality blog, lots of readers, a steady stream of useful content and readers comments;
• Always post an honest comment by building on the original post and previous comments and by being authentic and insightful. Never be superficial;
• Become a regular reader and comment frequently on the blog; not only on the new posts but repeat comments on posts that you already posted on to help keep the “blog’s conversation” alive (I have personally used this approach to be social and it has also delivered more visitors to my blogs);
• Always be respectful when leaving comments even when expressing a different viewpoint from the blogger or their readers; and
• Don’t fret the fact the blog may be “no-follow” (the default for WordPress for example) rather than “do-follow”. Even though you may not get the back-link credit, you still have an active link to your blog which is a direct path not just another small SEO enhancement.
Always keep in mind that blogs are another of the social media platforms and should be treated as such. When you take the time to be social while offering value oriented comments, those comments will be more effective and result in increased blog traffic over time!
If you are in need of assistance with setting up a WordPress blog or enhancing your post’s search engine page position using social buzz and content syndication, feel free to complete the contact form at the top of the page for assistance.
A few weeks ago I was somewhat fortunate enough to encounter Ed Dale’s Thirty Day Challenge; a free training program for neophyte Internet marketers.
The only reason why I say I was somewhat fortunate … after scanning through the training materials available on the site, I was wishing I had found it much earlier.
For the last four years, Ed and his associates (Dan Raine, Guru Bob, etc.) have facilitated a 30 day crash course on the fundamentals of Internet marketing with the goal of having participants make their first online dollar.
The training program assembled for the 2008 Challenge started everyone out defining their intended market then progressing onto market research (last year using a new market research software package … Market Samurai … (though it is paid software there is a 40 day trial period for challenge participants)) then up through establishing your central content hub, building a web presence, evaluating analytics, etc.
They also highly encourage the formation of teams to support one and other in various ways before, during and after the challenge is completed. The atmosphere appears fantastic.
It truly seems to be a phenomenal training resource about Internet marketing at an amazing price … it’s FREE!
Following is a video tour of the 2008 Thirty Day Challenge site that I made a few days before it came down to prepare for the 2009 version that runs in August. Take a few moments and see what I mean:
Ed Dale and crew also conduct a periodic 30 Day Challenge UStream broadcast both during the event and throughout the year with updates and follow-up to the current or previous year’s event. During the last few shows, Ed has indicated an even stronger program for this year’s challenge including guest instructors on podcasting and social media marketing. I know I will be participating in this year’s challenge and invite you along for the ride as well!
If you are interested in learning more about Ed Dale’s Thirty Day Challenge or participating as a team member during this years challenge, complete the form found via the “Contact” link located on the top of this page. I’ll contact you straight away to discuss this “Awesome” event …
and as they say around the Thirty Day Challenge camp …..
Over the last few months, I have been in a state of shock and awe at the number of product launches and the overtures of those products on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and even pn the video marketing sites such as You Tube, Viddler, Blip-TV.
It is truly amazing and almost mind-numbing!
So here I am on the day of one such launch (Mike Dillard’s & Jim Yaghi’s PPC Domination) making and posting this video expressing my amazement about all the same Internet marketing affiliates that instantly pitch not only PPC Domination but WebProsperity, as well as the Mike Dillard & Perry Belcher social networking launch.
As I close the video, I plead for all of those super multi-tasking Internet marketers to move beyond the sales pitch and show us how to become super multi-tasker Internet marketers too!
So here’s a peek at the video:
(Of course I was sort of smiling with tongue in cheek the whole time I was recording that )
My first book, Successful Network Marketing for the 21st Century was an industry best seller for several years and helped tens of thousands of network marketers build successful businesses. However, I always felt there were some key knowledge missing from that book and so, over the last three years, I’ve been working on a new book and today I’m happy to announce that The Twelve Power Secrets for Network Marketing Success has been released through Unlimited Publishing. This is the best book I’ve written on network marketing, as it is packed with millions of dollars worth of ideas for building a large and lucrative network marketing business. In the following article, I’d like to give you a great overview of the book. The information in this article alone could help a fledgling or struggling network marketer turn their business into a money maker, so imagine what the book could do. Please enjoy the article, put the information to work and do as I have and build a lifetime stream of residual income, so that you can have both financial and time freedom.
Here are the twelve power secrets for network marketing success:
Power Secret One: Select the Right Company
During my nearly 29 years of network marketing, I’ve selected the wrong company a number of times. Not that the company was bad, although there were a few that were, but rather they weren’t a good fit for me. Even if a company is growing rapidly, has an amazing product, solid compensation plan, and great marketing materials, it doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. The questions you have to ask are: Does the company have the same values as mine? Are they marketing in a way that is suitable to my personality? Do they offer a product or service that I can get passionate about? Is the compensation plan suited to my abilities, time commitment, and talents? Once you answer these and other questions, you will have a better feel for whether a company is right for you and although selecting the right company doesn’t guarantee success, it does drastically increase the odds. The key is to do your due diligence and make a good selection.
Power Secret Two: Pick the Right Sponsor
One of the biggest mistakes I see made in network marketing is picking the wrong sponsor. Typically one of two things happens. Either a person gets sponsored by a friend, family member, or associate, who doesn’t know anything more about building a successful network marketing business than they do. The second option usually happens after a bad experience with the first option and so they begin researching to find a big hitter to sponsor them. The problem with being sponsored by a big hitter is that they don’t always have time to work closely with new people. After all they probably have thousands of people in their network, all needing some level of attention. The key here is to be sponsored by someone who is serious about building a big business and is willing to dedicate the time to help you succeed. It’s also important that your sponsor have similar values and be someone you would enjoy working with very closely. Again, picking the right sponsor doesn’t guarantee success, but it sure helps.
Power Secret Three: Develop Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
Over the years I’ve trained and coached tens of thousands of network marketers and have found that most don’t really know why they are in business. It’s critical to long-term success to have a solid “why” or purpose for being in business. It might be to have more time freedom to enjoy your family or to secure your financial future, so you can give your time to ministry or charity work. It might be to become the largest contributor to a charity or ministry. Whatever your purpose, it needs to be vibrant enough to keep you going during the tough times. Once you have a solid purpose, then you must determine what needs to happen in order to achieve that purpose – these are called goals and are the stepping stones or road signs along the way toward your purpose. Goals need to be written and reviewed daily. Often goals are too big to determine what to do on a daily basis, so you should break them down into manageable activities called objectives. Start each day by reviewing your purpose, goals, and objectives, then start working on the highest priority objectives and you will quickly reach your goals and achieve your purpose.
Power Secret Four: Right Attitudes and Beliefs
Many people fail in network marketing because they don’t have the right attitude. They treat their business like a hobby, working at it whenever time allows, rather than treating it like a business and scheduling regular time for business activities. I’ve also encountered many people in network marketing businesses, who show signs that they believe that what they are doing isn’t quite on the up and up, which makes it difficult for them to talk with people. It’s critical to success in network marketing to build belief in three areas: First, is believing in the network marketing industry (if you are struggling in this area, order my book The Ideal Business, by visiting my web site at www.RodNichols.com and clicking on Store). Second, is believing in your company and the products/services. Third, is believing in yourself as a network marketing business owner. If your belief is not strong in all three areas, success will elude you.
Power Secret Five: Treat it Like a Business, Not a Hobby
What does this mean? Most people who enter the network marketing industry have never run a business, so they don’t know what it means to treat it like a business. The keys are to first have the right attitude and second the right actions. Network marketing is one of the very few businesses that can be built while still employed at something else. The great part is that you keep your current income, while building another stream, which eventually will replace the first source. However, in order to do that, you must do the things that successful business people do. You must be consistent and persistent with your business and work on the most productive activities every day. Finally, you need to make a long-term commitment to your business. I have to laugh when someone says they’ll give it a try for six months or so. I’ve owned businesses, both network marketing and traditional, for many years and I’ve yet to find one that would produce a full-time income within six months, while building it on a part-time basis. Yes, some people earn big time income in network marketing within their first six months, but it’s because they put in a more than full-time effort or already had a massive circle of influence. For the average person, like me and probably you, it’s going to take some time and effort to build your business, but if you do it right for the next few years, you’ll never have to worry about money again.
Power Secret Six: Have a M.A.P.
If you were going to drive your car from Seattle, WA to Orlando, FL, would you just jump on the nearest highway and start driving, in hopes that some day soon you’d reach Orlando? No, that would be ludicrous and yet, that’s how most people build a network marketing business. It’s a journey and you need a M.A.P., which stands for Marketing Action Plan. This plan will guide you from where you are right now to where you want to go in life. It should include your purpose, goals, objectives, marketing strategies, and a daily plan to implement those strategies. That way, you are always on track toward your goals and purpose.
Power Secret Seven: Become a Master Prospector
If you were wandering through a field and stumbled across a goldmine, you would immediately buy the lot, purchase digging equipment, and begin to mine the gold. Well, you have stumbled across a goldmine and it’s in your network marketing business. The key is to prospect for the gold nuggets among your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, congregation members, people out on the internet, and people you meet out in public. There is a direct relationship between the quantity/quality of prospecting and the amount of money you make, so become a master prospector and watch your income sky rocket.
Power Secret Eight: Treat Different People Differently
If you are treating everyone exactly the same, then you’re missing the boat with 75% of them. There are four basic personalities and although we operate at times in all four, every person functions primarily in one of the four. By understanding the characteristics of each personality, you can better communicate and present to prospects, plus train and support those in your network. Understanding and recognizing the different personalities will increase your sponsoring and retention ratios.
Power Secret Nine: Become a Master Presenter
There is an old saying that says “facts tell and stories sell.” If you want to become a successful network marketer, you must become an excellent story teller. At first, you will tell the stories of successful people in your upline and later you’ll share your own success story. People love to hear stories and will better retain the information you’re presenting. Effective story telling is one part of becoming a master presenter and by becoming one, you will move yourself into the ranks of the top performers in your company.
Power Secret Ten: Become a Savvy Internet Marketer
The basis of network marketing is building networks of people who buy and sell products/services. What better place to build a network of people than on a natural worldwide network called the internet? According to Internet World Stats, which you can view at www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm, as of 2006 there were a little over one billion people on the internet worldwide and that’s up from 101 million in 1998. As you can see, the internet is growing rapidly and is the place to build a network marketing business. However, it’s easy to get lost or overwhelmed on and by the internet, so the key is to learn how to be a savvy internet network marketer. First, you want to have an effective lead capturing web site with autoresponders that follow-up on your prospects. Second, you’ll need an effective database or contact management system that helps you remember to follow-up personally with qualified prospects. Third, you want to have an excellent online presentation system including web site based presentations in flash or video and live webinars. Fourth, you’ll need to have a pass-coded training web site that takes your new associates through some basic training. From there you’ll want to learn about funded business proposals (check out my new funded business proposal system www.the2percentplan.com/plus), pay-per-click advertising, and social marketing. Becoming a savvy internet marketer will add a number of effective business building weapons to your arsenal and help you build a large and lucrative business.
Power Secret Eleven: Develop Leaders
When I joined the industry in 1979, I was taught that if a person could fog a mirror I should attempt to sponsor them. Well, it’s one thing to sponsor a bunch of people and it’s something completely different to develop leaders. Leaders will duplicate, causing expansion of your network without any effort on your part. Leaders will attract other leaders and potential leaders, so learn how to identify and sponsor leaders, plus how to train and develop them. Once you’ve developed several organizations that have at least one leader, you will have a solid base for building a long-term walk-away residual income.
Power Secret Twelve: The Ultimate Power Secret
This is actually the most important of the power secrets. You can effectively use the other eleven and without the ultimate power secret you will still only enjoy marginal results. This is the difference between a double A battery and 220volts of electricity. In fact, the ultimate secret is the real power behind every success. Think about your computer. You could have the latest, greatest, and most powerful computer made by man, but if you don’t plug it into the wall and power it up, the computer is useless. Once you plug into the ultimate power source, amazing things will begin to happen – leaders will be attracted to you and your business, your marketing campaigns produce better results, and you suddenly know exactly what to say to a prospect. This is the culmination of all the power secrets for network marketing success.
Everything you need for massive network marketing success is contained in these twelve power secrets. However, failure or success is truly in your hands and is dependent on what you do with this knowledge. Obviously, I couldn’t include all of the information in each power secret or this would have been a very, very long article, so if you’re serious about building a large and lucrative network marketing business, you might want to pick up a copy of my new book by visiting www.RodNichols.com (store). However, even with all the information, it’s still up to you. Knowledge is power, but only when put into action, so the question is whether you are ready for success or not? If you are, then put this knowledge into action and in a few months to a few years you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor – financial and time freedom.
Rod Nichols has been involved in the network marketing industry since 1979, as a company founder/owner, distributor, consultant, trainer, coach, and author. His books Successful Network Marketing for the 21st Century and Would You Like to Dig In My Goldmine? were industry best sellers for several years and his newest book, The Ideal Business is quickly becoming a must read for anyone serious about success in network marketing. Rod is also the co-founder of The 2 Percent Plan, a lead generation and funding system (www.the2percentplan.com/plus). He has trained tens of thousands of people and is know as a “nuts and bolts” trainer. Rod is available to speak at conventions, conferences, regionals, or any other event requiring a dynamic outside speaker. He is also available to coach individuals and small teams. More information about Rod, his fees, and other great network marketing resources are available on his website at www.RodNichols.com.
Subscribing to web sites and blogs using Really Simple Syndication systems or RSS feeds is one of the easiest methods to monitor new content on your favorite sites.
The basics behind the RSS feed technology involves two fundamental parts:
An RSS Reader (such as the Google Reader site) where content updates are posted after subscribing to your favorite sites or blogs.
Subscribing to the RSS feed on your favorite blog or web site assuming they are RSS enabled.
Following is a short video describing the basic reasons to be along with the process for subscribing to RSS feeds that was borrowed from Lee LeFever’s (CommonCraft) You Tube channel:
Really Simple Syndication or RSS offers your reader an great tool to monitor changes to your web site or blog and therefore increasing traffic.
Also note that some sites or blogs not only offer RSS feeds but also offer an option for subscribing via email (which this site does in the top two areas of the right sidebar). This can also be an important addition since some people (like me) prefer to receive email notifications rather than play with RSS readers.
Internet and affiliate marketers quickly begin to realize the importance in not just defining their overall market but more importantly identifying more specific target markets and highly specific niche markets to optimize their online marketing efforts.
Where the nature of the overall market is set by the product or service being offered, Internet and affiliate marketers run into difficulties when trying to auger down to identify more specific sub-markets especially the highly targeted “niche market” areas.
In the following video, Ed Dale of the Thirty Day Challenge fame demonstrates a few simple approaches to further refining an overall market into various niches using readily available web sites such as Amazon and Google (both the search and RSS reader):
I think you can see where Internet and affiliate marketers applying this simple approach can help identify a number of potential niches in their specific target market.
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Note: Ed Dale’s video was “borrowed” from the You Tube channel (eddale) and the general repository for all of the Thirty Day Challenge videos (the current collection were mainly assembled from the 2008 Challenge; the 2009 Challenge is set for this August).
A review of the 2008 Thirty Day Challenge will be posted within the next few days.
In the meantime more information on the Thirty Day Challenge, visit the web site at:
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