Archive for the ‘Rants & Raves’ Category

New FCC Regulations Have Internet Marketers Scratching Their Heads

January 29th, 2010 admin

There has been a ton of chatter concerning the new FCC regulation governing the conduct of Internet marketers. Several websites have jumped all over this in an attempt to pull traffic and sell information concerning the changes and how to safe guard your business… this is not one of those blog posts.

Those who approach Internet marketing with a little common sense will not need to WORRY about the regulation governing what they can and can’t say in the subject line of e-mail based ad or sales letter, for example. Those who take the approach of honesty, integrity and truth, when it comes to building their business, will have be well on their way to being compliant.

If you have read over the rules (see links below) there is a general theme… JUST BE HONEST!

Instead of stressing over what you can and can’t do, when developing your marketing system, subject lines, sales letters, web pages, etc. focus on marketing to meet the needs of others based on the target market versus throwing out outlandish dollar amounts that people will make, every week, when they invest. We’ve all seen it… “Retire in 10 weeks on a $50 investment.” We all know that there is a better chance that someone will with the lottery. If people could really retire in 10 weeks on a $50 investment, then the U.S. economy would be turned around in no time.

It’s common sense and a willingness to do things right that are going to protect you. The FCC and the government are after the scammers. If you act like a scammer, in your marketing efforts, then you could draw attention that you don’t want.

You will find, as an Internet marketer, that when you do for others first, what comes around, goes around. One of my former mentors used to say it best… “Internet marketing is the art and science of empowering, communicating and building a relationship with someone based on THEIR needs, not mine or yours!”

A great method of marketing, that serves this very purpose, is to offer free, no obligation incentives to attract the traffic you need. Instead of creating hype and bull shit based content that we all know is a “crock”, take an advertising strategy (for example) that was worked for you, create a .pdf document and give it away! This is a great way to build a mailing list which will give you the opportunity to market open and honestly to a “willing” audience. Marketing in this way will help you gain trust and build a relationship with your subscribers.

Internet marketing, if it’s about anything, it’s about leadership. Those who are willing to step up, step out and lead people to the “promised land” are going to reap the rewards. There are too many people in this industry, calling themselves mentors and coaches, that have no idea how to lead once they develop a following. In fact (here’s a prime example)… a good friend of mine recently joined a business opportunity and marketing system that generated big excitement! The system was working, people were getting results and some of them were even making more money than they ever had before. Those who started the system became so overwhelmed by the demand for leadership (as it grew very fast) that they jumped ship and dumped the whole thing in my friends lap, leaving him to deal with the mess.

Yes, it’s important to know the rules concerning the new FCC regulations, buy those who are willing to make an adjustment to their character and do things correctly will have a whole lot less to worry about!

There are a couple of very good blogs that are discussing this topic in great deal… Blog 1 – Blog 2

Have a GREAT weekend!

Rex

Posted in Rants & Raves Tags: 2 Comments »

Jay Rockefeller wants to shut down the Internet!

January 26th, 2010 admin

While my buddy Bob and I were working this morning, he sent me this video, via YouTube, of Jay Rockefeller running his mouth about the cyber security and the dangers of the Internet. I had to laugh when I watched this, especially after the nightmare that viruses have caused me over the last week. Yes, the viruses were a problem but I certainly wouldn’t want to shut the Internet down over it… good grief.

If those who are in “authority” (I guess that’s what we call it…) are really that concerned over the security of the Internet then perhaps they should consider…

1.) Not allowing certain companies (we all know who I’m talking about) to release products that aren’t sufficient to keep us secure. If Ford were to release a new breed of car that only did half of what it was supposed to do, people would be in an uproar. The government would most certainly step in and stop Ford from making a car that was coming to a dead stop, in the middle of the highway, causing people to lose their life. Yet it’s okay to allow a software company to release an incomplete product and force us to buy other products to keep us safe and secure. What’s wrong with that picture?

2.) Living a moral lifestyle so they don’t have to worry about their garbage being leaked to the public. Taking away our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of the press isn’t the way to do this… even if you are trying to do it under the guise of “national security.”

It’s no wonder that our economy is in such shambles when we have people like Jay Rockefeller trying to convince our government that the Internet is our number one security risk. According the the media, our number one security risk is still hiding in the mountains of Afghanistan.

It seems as though “the land of the free and the home of the brave” is turning into “the land of the money hungry and the home of the scared and stupid!”

“You sound like a scared little school girl in this video, Jay! Those of us working to achieve the American dream don’t need people like you trying to convince those, who don’t know any better, that the Internet is bad. If you want to see the U.S. crumble, go ahead, shut down the Internet and WATCH what happens. I don’t think I’ve EVER heard such an IDIOT idea in my life!”

Have a FANTASTIC day!

Rex

Posted in Rants & Raves Tags: 4 Comments »

Thanks for NOTHING GoDaddy, See Ya!

January 12th, 2010 admin

After years of spending my money on, what I thought was, the top hosting and domain provider online, I learned today that my affections for GoDaddy are completely unwarranted.

If you read the blog post directly beneath this one, it will bring you up to speed on the adventures of myself and Mr. Bill (Bill Rowe) doing battle with the Sissy Virus (siszyd32.exe) over the weekend.

Upon learning that this virus had infected our web hosting accounts as well as our computers, I got right on the phone with both GoDaddy and HostGator.

Contacting GoDaddy first, I explained the situation to the first support rep (yesterday) and asked if they could run a diagnostic on the server to locate the virus for removal.  I also asked for assistance in fixing the damage the virus had done.

After five minutes on hold, the GoDaddy support rep came back to inform me that the web host checked out fine.  And with a couple of slight changes, I could easily restore the site back to normal working order.

Once that call had ended I immediately contacted HostGator who jumped right on the problem as well.  I followed their instructions, contacted security, and within a half an hour… problem solved!

Today I created the blog post (see below) concerning this virus and how people can combat it (if needed) and protect their computer.  A friend of mine visited my blog just minutes after posting.  She then contacted me via Facebook to let me know that her security software was triggered by the visit to my blog and that I should probably have it checked again.

So, I got back on the phone with GoDaddy.  After explaining the situation to todays support rep, I was put on hold while the issue was explored.  What happened next floored me…

Upon returning to our conversation, the GoDaddy rep informed me that there was nothing they could do to fix the problem.  He went on to tell me that I needed to wipe the host clean and reinstall all of my files previous to the infection and that SHOULD do the trick.  He also suggested that I could back load the files onto my computer and then scan them for malware and virus infection.

As I picked my jaw up off the desk (realizing that yesterdays rep LIED to me about scanning the host account) I said, “You’ve got to be kidding me!  You mean to tell me that I spend all of this money with GoDaddy, every month, and the one time I call and need help you’re telling me, ’sorry dude, you’ll have to fend for yourself?’”

I then explained to the rep how HostGator helped me out and solved the problem in no time and I didn’t understand why a company as big as GoDaddy wasn’t set up to do the same.  He didn’t have an answer but went on to tell me that this was “no big deal, it should only take about a half an hour of my time to correct.”  With that, I told him that (based on what he had just told me) that I would be leaving GoDaddy effective immediately.  He told me he was sorry to hear that and ended the call.

After talking to Mr. Bill (Bill Rowe) and sharing the aforementioned conversation with him, he suggested that I call back and speak with a supervisor… so I did.  When I was finally connected with the supervisor, I explained the situation to him.  Of course, I was then placed on hold to wait for an answer.

When the supervisor returned to our conversation he told me the same thing the support rep had told me earlier… nothing they could do, sorry.

At this point my patience had run out.  I asked the supervisor to help me understand how a customer could call their company, report a known, dangerous virus on THEIR SERVER and they DO NOTHING about it.  His reply was priceless…

“Oh, we’ll do something about it” he assured me. I then asked, “What are you going to do?  You won’t help me fix it so how are you going to handle it?”  He quickly replied “Well, if you don’t deal with it soon then we’ll just delete all of your files and close your account.”

I was stunned.  I’ve spent THOUSANDS of dollars with GoDaddy over the years, THOUSANDS!  From monthly hosting, to services, to domains, to reseller site… and this is the thanks I get as a valued customer?  Thanks for NOTHING GoneDaddy!

My next call was to HostGator in preparation to move all of my services there…

Think twice before trusting your website or blog with GoDaddy!

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Rants & Raves, Virus Alerts Tags: 3 Comments »

“How are you today?” Is this the MILLION dollar question?

May 12th, 2009 admin

I received an interesting e-mail from a follower on Twitter tonight that about knocked my socks off. Just when you think no one is watching … ;) … LOL!

In the message he sent he made the following comments… “that is no way to start a friendship or a business relationship. It’s impossible to network with someone who won’t respond to a simple gesture.” This comment was made in agreement to something I had said in a previous blog.

Clear as mud, right? Let me explain…

The terms “social networking” or “social marketing” or “social anything” point to a method… an order of conduct if you will… based (by definition via Websters online) as: “2 a: marked by or passed in pleasant companionship with one’s friends or associates <leads a very fullsocial life> b: sociable c: of, relating to, or designed for sociability <a social club>3: of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society <social institutions>.”

Now, let me ask you a question in all seriousness… does this sound ANYTHING like what’s taking place in the world of social marketing today? I think, if we are going to be honest, we both know the answer to that question.

At this juncture the choice becomes simple. People can continue to be part of the problem within the social networks or they can become part of the solution to several of the issues that bring division within the social marketing community.

Charles Haanel writes in letter 23 of the Master Key System, “We make money by making friends, and we enlarge our circle of friends by making money FOR them, by helping them, by being of service to them. The first law of success then is service and this in turn is built on integrity and justice.”

Again, I ask the question… does this sound like ANYTHING that’s taking place in the world of Web 2.0/3.0 today?

What I’m seeing doesn’t even come close to “social” or “helping” or “service.” What I continue to see is the exact opposite… and even though the money might be good for a season, when it’s generated for the benefit of the individual and not the whole, it will come and go like dust on the wind.

Without some moral fiber as the foundation of our efforts as Internet marketers the chances of success are grim. We have to be that “light” that shines in the darkness if we are ever going to put the Law of Attraction to work for us. Attraction marketing goes much further than waving checks in people’s faces or standing in front of a fancy car.

“You will find that money weaves itself into the entire fabric of our very existence; that the law of success is service; that we get what we give, and for this reason we should consider it a great privilege to be able to give.” – Charles Haanel, the Master Key System

Manipulation is not attraction and spam is not social marketing. Just because you are using a resource like Twitter, Ning, Facebook or MySpace does not mean make you a social marketer. A social marketer will be the light that reaches out with a simple gesture like “Hi, how are you today?” They will be willing to engage in conversation. They will be willing to put their use their understand of social networking to build friendships.

There are so many times when that “key” connection in life is missed due to lack of interaction. If you want to see an increase in wealth through business (home based or otherwise) my advice is this…

1.) Get into the Master Key System – If you’ve never read this or you’ve read it but never applied the teaching, make this a priority. Those who pick up the Master Key System daily, do what it teaches and do not put it down until they have mastered it all will find all of the wealth, health, peace, happiness and freedom they have ever dreamed of attainining.

2.) Be social – When people try to communicate with you online, respond! You never know when that one connection could lead to hundreds or even thousands more.

3.) Use automated resources to assist you, not replace you – If you are using all of the automated Twitter tools to replace you in the mix of things, they system WILL break down. Automated marketing tools are great, but people use these resources to become friends with people, not robots. Besides, it won’t be long before robots take over the earth anyway so it’s best to make friends now… ;) !!

I guess that leaves us with this… “Are you willing to make the changes necessary to achieve the freedom you desire?” Perhaps THAT is the million dollar question!

God bless!

Rex

Posted in Marketing Tips, Rants & Raves Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Leads are PEOPLE, go to the source!

May 5th, 2009 admin

There are two constants in the world of Internet marketing that continue to ring as true as they did when I started working on the Internet back in October of 1999.  One, marketers need and want leads and two, people want traffic from the search engines, social networks or anywhere else they can get it.  

While I’ll agree with the premise that leads will always remain a constant, I’m not so sure just how important search engine optimization, viral traffic systems or other “mediums” are anymore… let’s explore this a bit.

When it comes to business and marketing there is one key reason we want the top search engine listings for our niche/keywords.  There’s one reason we spend the time marketing and advertising that we do.  And, there’s one reason why marketers use Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Ning, Plurk, Ping.FM and the hundreds of social networking resources that exist online today.  That reason is the NEED to reach PEOPLE.  I’ve said it before and you’ll hear me say it again, and again, and again.  PEOPLE are THE KEY ELEMENT that we need to be successful in business.  Without people, there’s no one to buy our products, use our services or join our business opportunities.

Based on this thought (as somone who is continuously thinking outside of the box) if PEOPLE are THE KEY ELEMENT that we need to be successful, is it really smart for us to be placing “mediums**” in between the PEOPLE we need and ourselves?  Let’s face it, people are as easy to find online today as they have ever been.  Based on the look of things, this isn’t going to change.

** Mediums – ANYTHING that we use in marketing that comes between US and our PROSPECT.  Mediums may be to your advantage or disadvantage based on HOW your are marketing and advertising.  The quickest path to success is ALWAYS to go DIRECTLY to the SOURCE OF SUPPLY.

Now, I’m not knocking some of the clever ways that people come up with to drive traffic.  Some are almost genius and get great results.  However, there are two things that you should take into consideration before joining any traffic generating resource.  First, most of the things you join online will want you to promote them as an affiliate which COSTS TIME (time is a precious commodity)… time that is going into the promotion of a resource, not your business.  

Second, many of these resources you have to promote just to get the traffic they generate which means that even IF that resource is MEANT to build your primary business, that the effort and traffic are going into the system of another, not yours.  The quickest way from point “a” to point “b” is a straight line!  In most cases (not all, but most) this is an example of how a “medium” can distract you from your primary objective, even though “it seems” like a good idea.  

Just yesterday I had a couple of friends contact me concerning a hot new traffic generator that people are getting some results with.  Upon reviewing the system, while clever (I will admit), I found it distracting and can see how people could lose traffic and sales from their primary business with the use of this system, even though they might make a few bucks with the promotion of the system itself.  Upgrades sell, that’s why these traffic/ marketing systems are so popular.

When it comes to business my belief is that the best approach is to stay focused on the development of your primary business, whatever that may be.  “When you make up your mind to do something, then do it!  Let NOTHING or NO ONE interfere.  The thing is settled, the die is cast, the “I” of you has determined it, there is no longer any room for argument.” – Charles Haanel, the Master Key System

The bottom line is this… the fact the we need PEOPLE to be successful in business is NEVER going to change (at least not unless robots take over the earth and need to buy food, deoderant and pet care products).  The fastest way to build our business is to go directly to the source that provides the KEY ELEMENT that we need to be successful.  That being said, here are a few lead generation strategies that you can use to increase traffic and build a better mailing list:

* Participate in the social networking scene.  Find a handful of networks and resources you want to use (you don’t need to join them all) and become and influencer in your network.  This is going to help you establish trust, making people more receptive to offerings that lead to products, services or opportunities.  While I am all in favor of automation for the purpose of communication and building relationships, I DO NOT support the use of Twitters’ DM system for the purposes of spam.  There will be NOTHING good that comes from this long term so do things right!

* Develop a GREAT incentive – Most Internet marketers are missing out on this POWERFUL method of marketing.  One of the analogies that I use with our team (more times than they probably care to hear) is that of Big Jim and Big Joe.  Big Jim and Big Joe sell barbecue outside of the local grocery store.  Big Jim stands on platform with megaphone hollaring at the people coming and going about how great is barbecue is.  Big Joe, on the other hand, always has a line of people because he markets with samples.  Having an incentive allows you to use a “taste and see” approach which gives you a HUGE edge over your competition.

* Use a marketing system – If you are not converting your traffic to leads using a marketing system with auto responder then you are losing business and money.  Most people DO NOT convert to a sale the first time they land on your website.  Having a marketing system in place allows you to continue the marketing process to those who have visited but are taking longer to make a decision about your product, service or opportunity. You’ve heard it said that “the money is in the list,” right? That’s the truth! You need to develop a mailing list!

If I need milk I go to the grocery store, not the hardware store.  If I need powertools, I don’t go to the beauty salon, I go DIRECTLY to the SOURCE of the products I need.  Why spend and waste countless hours doing the many things Internet marketers do (to reach people) when the PEOPLE are so easily reached via the social networks and media resources? 

Learn to set up your network for efficiency!  Target your niche and watch what happens!  

For more information on how you can begin harvesting leads while building an AWESOME, niche specific mailing list, request “Micro Blogging Muscle” by using the system on the right hand side.  Did I mention it’s free?  

Have a great day!

Rex

Posted in Marketing Tips, Rants & Raves Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Are You CONNECTING with your audience, niche or target market?

May 2nd, 2009 admin

It seems as the though (after all of the scrutiny in recent weeks) that the “let’s automate Twitter” idea is running rampant again.   I woke up to more spam in my DM box this morning than the local grocer has on their shelves.  

I have no problem with people using automated tools to ASSIST them in RELATING and CONNECTING with their audience, but the use of them for blatant spam (even though it might seem fruitful now) will be a recipe for disaster down the road.

The social media (if anything) is about reputation.  It’s obvious to me, however, that FEAR is keeping most people from levels of greatness based solely on their ACTIONS.  For example… if I were at church, the lodge, the club, wherever and someone approached me and said “Hi, my name is Bob, it’s great to meet you”, extended their hand and smiled… while I said nothing and walked away… what type of impression would that leave?

THAT TYPE OF BEHAVIOR IS LEAVING THE SAME IMPRESSION IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA!

I can’t tell you how many times, this week, that I have tried to communicate with someone via the DM tool on Twitter, only to receive TWO replies in an entire week (and that in adding over 1000 followers in the last 6 days.)

Now I’m not going to make this all about me in some cry baby, boo hoo type of blog here… that’s not what this is about.  What I want to point out is what PEOPLE ARE MISSING OUT ON by behaving in this way.

Let’s take a look at the way people do BUSINESS in the REAL WORLD.  In watching The Apprentice we can see several GOOD examples.  In thinking back to one of the earlier shows of this season, the teams were tested with a task of selling the most cup cakes for charity.  For those of you who saw that episode you will notice that the teams didn’t take a “hit and run” approach to their marketing and advertising efforts.  They went belly to belly with the people that they KNEW and DIDN’T KNOW.  There was no fear of rejection, nor was there complacency.  They called people and talked to people who also called people and talked to people (viral marketing). They were assigned a task and they did it.  In the end run they generated a boat load of money for charity. 

We NEVER know when that ONE person is going to meet us in the cross road of life that could help us take our business, product, idea, brand, whatever, to new heights of success!  This is why that the utilization of the social media (Twitter, Plurk, Ping.FM, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) as a method of COMMUNICATION is so vitally important.  

How sad it would be if the Law of Attraction brought us exactly what we were looking for through Twitter, via a great person, but because we were to busy focusing on self that we missed out on a connection that could have lead to a hundred more connections?

Here are a couple of Tweets from today that will illustrate what I’m talking about when it comes to opening the lines (and keeping open the lines) of communication.

“Good morning, I have a new blog posting that I thought might interest you.  Have a great weekend.” While the greeting is cordial, the message is quick to turn the FOCUS on the SENDER and not the RECIPIENT.  The sender has made the core theme of this message about THEMSELF.  Then, they instantly dismiss themself from the conversation by ending it abruptly, versus trying to carry on, connenct and ENGAGE.  This is happening for two primary reasons.  First, people just don’t know any better and second… FEAR!  

Most people are afraid to engage due to fear of rejection.  If you are going to use the social media for business then you better be prepared to hear more no’s than yes’s.  That’s all part and parcel of the gig.  This is why, I believe, so many people turn to automation is because they don’t want to deal with the no’s.  Moreover, they don’t want to integrate with the people!

Here’s another example that just came in via TweetDeck as I am writing this post…

@rexharrislive I’m doing fine! :) www.xxxxxxxxx.com – notice that there is no attempt to carry on, or even start a conversation here, but there’s no problem with making sure that their link is exposed.  

Friends, if you really want to be successful in life and in business then you are going to have to learn to put yourself asside and remember that PEOPLE are the key element that we need to be successful!  Without people, there is no one to buy our products, no one to join our business opportunities and no one to make use of our services.

Here’s a strategy that will allow you to use automation for the purpose of communication…

*TweetLater - Here’s a great resource for automating Twitter.  Now, keep in mind you want to use this to assist in building relationships, not just to spam DM’s.  

Using the automated messaging feature in TweetLater, set up a Tweet that goes out to all now followers following this outline.

1.)  Thank people for following you… it’s cordial and pollite.  A simple “Thanks for following!” will be suffice.

2.)  Offer people a gift of value.  By giving people something that will actually help them accomplish a goal or solve a problem, you begin the trust building process which is vital to any business relationship, especially online where trust is a commodity in this day and age.  

3.)  Never leave the message “close ended.”  Use the last sentence of your Tweet to engage people.  Something like “How are you today?” works very well.  NEVER make your first DM’s about you… make them about the people if you want to win friends and influence business.

Example:  ”Thanks for following!  Here’s a little something that will help you with Twitter (short link here)!  How are you today?”

Keep in mind that not everyone is going to reply to this, but many will… and those are opportunities that should NEVER be overlooked!  There will come a time when you you connect with the right person who not only join your business opportunity but tells ten of their friends and they do the same.  It happens all the time but you must leave these channels open if you ever plan to be successful using the Law of Attraction in marketing and business.

Remember that “the germ of defeat is in every selfish thought.  Every transaction in life and business must be done to benefit the WHOLE, not just the part” - Charles Haanel, The Master Key System

Have a great day!

Rex

Posted in Marketing Tips, Rants & Raves, Twitter Tags: , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

Twitter experimenting reveals interesting results

April 27th, 2009 admin

In 10 years of working online I don’t think I’ve ever seen a system evolve like Twitter is.  Just when you think you’ve got something figured out another change comes along and throws everything off.  Recent changes to the Twitter system have even rendered many of the latest applications useless.  

The Auto Direct Message, for example, is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  It appears a combination of both Twitter enthusiasts and Twitter bandwidth have brought this about.  Many of the major social networking applications that were set up for Auto DM have removed it.  

So how do you keep up with the changes?  Twitter is becoming much like a puzzle that needs to be resolved every 30 to 45 days so going with the flow appears to be working for some.  That being said, there is one aspect of Twitter that remains constant and, unless the system sinks, won’t change…

… there is really one major WANT that people have concerning Twitter:

They want followers – The more, the better is the current mindset.  However, if you are using Twitter for business and marketing, the more might not be the better if the more isn’t targeted based on your niche.  While I will agree that the numbers are important ( for a couple of reasons ) I won’t agree that just any numbers are the best bet, especially when Twitter and it’s surrounding directories and applications make it so easy to find the RIGHT, niche targeted numbers.

For those who have been following me for a while many of you know that I try just about every Twitter application I find.  I do this for two reasons:  One, so I can share what I’ve learned with my audience to keep them from doing the wrong things and showing them the right things.  Two, as a product developer, I need to know the apps if I am going to teach people how to use them correctly.

Unfortunately, due to recent changes to Twitter, one of my favorite Twitter apps has been rendered completely useless.  Thus, I’ve had to experiment to find new strategies that will continue to generate the results I am used to.

I’m like anyone else, I want a huge follower base because I know ( as a business person ) that the RIGHT numbers equal results.  What I have found, however, is that there are a few resources that have been launched in the last 90 days that work great for generating targeted followers and there are a couple that aren’t so hot unless they are used correctly.

Viral follower generators work well for generating big numbers but don’t always bring you the right numbers if they aren’t advertised to the right people.  For example… viral applications like TweeterGetter and ViralFollowers will generate big numbers, but produce better when the applications are advertised to your specific niche.  Both of these resources include pre-written message copy that can be sent via a safe list, auto responder or social messaging system, but it’s WHO you send these message to that makes the difference.

Those of you using these resources, make sure that you are targeting messaging resources that are going to reach those who are interested in what you have to offer.  While yes, I agree, that everyone wants more followers, sending these messages to just anyone won’t produce the results you are looking for.

Another great application for generating like minded and interest based followers is TweetPenguin.  This system has proven itself worthy in my eyes.  While similar to TweeterGetter and ViralFollowers, this particular system, so far, stays on line with your niche and interests much better that the others. 

If you are looking to develop a niche Twitter account for your business, here’s a strategy that you will find useful.

1.)  Create a new Twitter account that you are going to use specifically for your niche.  Whether it’s vitamins, beauty products, or the latest in lotions or potions, make sure that you only add followers to this account that are niche specific.

2.)  To add followers, you can use any of the new directories ( WeFollow.com for example ) to find those who are Tweeting or have show interest in your offering.

3.)  Once you have this system flowing, then incorporate one of the viral follower resources ( listed above ) into that system.  You will find that this brings about more niche specific followers ( yielding greater results ) than just sending out the Tweets that build these systems at random.

Another strategy that works well involves Facebook.  By creating a niche specific group you can not only share content and build value for your brand, you can share the Twitter building resources with that group to begin a viral influx of targeted prospects.  After all, “birds of a feather flock together!”

Keep in mind, that regardless of the targeting, that using these viral tools will bring some followers that aren’t niche specific, but the number of the non niche specific followers will be conisderably less.  Also keep in mind, that even if you do get a few followers that aren’t niche specific, if you are sharing value with your followers consistently ( even if a follower doesn’t need what you are selling ) they will tell their friends because they like what you are doing for others.

For more information and strategies on adding targeted followers to your Twitter system, download my free e-book Micro Blogging Muscle.  Use the system on the right side of my blog to yours today.

Cheers!

Rex

Posted in Rants & Raves Tags: , , , , No Comments »

Will the FTC really crack down on social media marketing online?

April 15th, 2009 admin

“Our difficulties are largely due to confused ideas and ignorance of our true interests. The great task is to discover the laws of nature to which we are to adjust ourselves. Clear thinking and moral insight are, therefore, of incalculable value. All processes, even those of thought, rest on solid foundations.” Charles Haanel – The Master Key System

According to a post that was shared with me this morning, the FTC is getting ready to crack down on illegitimate, illegal, immoral and unethical Internet marketers. It looks like the days of “Make $1,000,000 in 30 days!” might be a thing of the past… really?  Common…

While I’m not a huge fan of government interaction (or interference as some might think of it) in most things, this is one case where I would welcome it provided I thought they would actually stand behind it and follow through. I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely sick to freakin’ death of all the crap and nonsense that takes place in the home business / Internet marketing industry when it comes to marketing and advertising. What’s even more scary is that those who use these practices successfully not only consider themselves “great marketers”, they call themselves coaches and mentors.

Are the days of waving dollar bills in people’s faces really over? (yeah, right!) I have a feeling that, despite any government interaction, we will have to put up with the same nonsense from the same people that are only here to take advantage of those who don’t know any better.  The one thing about cheaters and cons is that they always seem to find away around any barrier.  Will government interaction even slow them down?

Unfortunately, after talking with the FTC directly on the phone (in times passed concerning other illegitimate programs and practices) I was informed that they (for the most part) cater to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” type of policy. To quote the person I spoke with, “as long as people aren’t complaining, we won’t do anything.”

Sadly, there’s a large percentage of people who actually believe (and fall for) the “my sponsor is making $100,000 per month” line (for example) that so many the “great marketers” continue to use. It’s no wonder people fail when it comes to owning and operating a home based business using the Internet. What an unfortunate trap. From my perspective, this only takes advantage of and preys upon those who find themselves in desperate times looking for a way out of financial bondage. Ironically, when they fall for this type of marketing, it only puts them into further bondage.

If you are new to the home business / Internet marketing industry, take care to make sure that you are going into business for the right reasons. There is nothing wrong with going into business to subsidize income lost during these difficult financial times, but taking advantage of others isn’t business, it’s theft… pure and simple.

If you are looking for a legitimate home based business that you can build both online and off line (which is what it really takes, don’t let anyone fool you) here are some things to consider…

*If you are looking at an MLM, look for a company that has been here for a while. People are all to quick to jump on pre-launches and the “get in at the top” mindset. 97% OF THE TIME, that is going to backfire on you. Find a company that has been around for a while, that has been through it’s growing pains and is on track. There are several MLM’s out there that are worth your consideration.

Keep in mind the current economic factors that exist in the world today. You are going to be much better off finding a business that caters to peoples’ needs versus their wants. Do your research and treat your business like a business. Know your product, know your market and go after it.

*If something sounds to good to be true, IT IS! One of the biggest dangers of marketing online is the distraction factor. It’s very easy to spend 60 days in your business, only to find a web site or read an e-mail that promises more, faster. These are the programs you want to stay away from. Remember, any opportunity that IS NOT built a round a legitimate product or service IS NOT a business.

*If you are looking to the Internet as a way to “make money now“, then those who are honest about what we do are going to tell you that running a legitimate home based business using the Internet is not something that happens overnight. However, if you connect with the right people (people who actually know how to run a BUSINESS) and DO what you are shown to do, you won’t have to wait months and years to see results.

The key is persistence. Don’t quit… and don’t ever give up. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but this is so important that it’s worth mentioning again.

Learn more about legal marketing practices online.

“But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives.  So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.”  Proverbs 1: 18-19

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How many Internet marketers does it take to change a light bulb?

April 14th, 2009 admin

It appears that some bad habits will just never change. Once again, today, one of the first things I had to deal with was one more person jumping from one bandwagon to another. This is why I posed the question “How many Internet marketers does it take to change a lightbulb?” as the title for my blog post today. The punchline? “about 3%” according to current statistics. It appears that most Internet marketers don’t have much of an attention span.

Regardless of where you look, you will see the same mistakes being made over and over again. Here’s what I’m wondering…

*If new programs are so great, why are experienced Internet marketers jumping from one, to the other, to the other every time they hear the words “pre-launch?” Getting in at the top of anything means nothing if you don’t do the work or the company collapses. Wouldn’t it make more sense to get involved with something that has a bit of track record?

*Why are people who are “supposedly” making BIG money, every month, dropping the programs that they are “supposedly” making all of this money with for the latest and greatest? Does it make sense to drop a business opportunity that is generating five figures for one that’s not? Is that good business?

*If the Internet marketing / home based business niche really suffers from at 97% failure rate, why are 65% of the Internet marketers using Twitter and Facebook calling themselves “life coaches” and “mentors?”

*How many social networks and resources do we really need? If I can have access to the same people using paid networks on networks such as Facebook and MySpace, do I really need the distraction of another network? If there are millions of people on Facebook, for example, it seems like that should be enough to get a business started with. I should be able to find half a dozen quality people who need my product as well as a larger income out of millions…

*Does it really make sense to market my compensation plan to Internet marketers who are already trying to market a compensation plan to other Internet marketers? Wouldn’t in be smarter to, from a business perspective, to utilize the law of “supply and demand” and focus on my niche market rather than to waste time trying to convince people that my opportunity is better than theirs?

My concern is that the people who are looking to network marketing to subsidize income during difficult economic times are going to fall into the same traps that so many others do. It’s getting to the point that there is so much going on that the distractions outweigh everything else.

If you are looking to start a home based business using the Internet as your market place, here are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

*Make sure the business that you choose is one that you can be passionate about. If you go into a business because someone else CLAIMS to make X amount of dollars each month, chances are you will end up disappointed and unsuccessful.

*Before you join anything, make sure that the person you are joining with is someone who is willing to help you do what it takes to be successful. Find out what type of success they have had. Make them be honest. There’s nothing wrong with shopping for the right up line sponsor, coach or mentor.

*Once you have made your decision, stick to it! As the Master Key System teaches “See it through, even if the heavens fall. If you have made up your mind to do something, then do it. Let nothing, no one interfere. The thing is settled, the die is cast, there is no longer room for any argument.” Be persistent! Avoid anything online that is going to cause a distraction for you.

You can be successful in business if you do the right things. Believe me, after 10 years in this industry, most of the time (regardless of how pretty the pictures are) the grass is NOT greener on the other side.

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Faith without ACTION is dead!

March 27th, 2009 admin

As I continue my journey through Facebook, Twitter and a few other marketing resources I am hearing more people talk about the Law of Attraction, the Law of Abundance and the Law of Reciprocity. It’s all well and good preach it, but are we just talking the talk or are we walking the walk.

The three books that I spend every waking minute of the day with me are my Bible, The Master Key System by Charles Haanel and Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. All three books offer wonderful insight into life, business and the pursuit of peace and freedom and they all have one thing in common when it comes to getting results… ACTION!

The Bible teaches us that faith without ACTION is dead. I know that many have come to believe that the KJV translation “faith without WORKS” has come to mean GOOD DEEDS, but the the Bible also teaches that DEEDS alone are useless in your pursuit of the kingdom. Paul taught “without love, I am nothing.”

In both the Master Key System and the Bible teach us to “seek (take action) first the kingdom” then the “things” will be added.

In “Think and Grow Rich”, Napolean Hill calls us to action in chapter two…

Every human being who reaches the age of understanding of the purpose of money, wishes for it. Wishing will not bring riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes an obsession, then planning definite ways and means to acquire riches, and backing those plans with persistence which does not recognize failure, will bring riches.

The method by which DESIRE for riches can be transmuted into its financial equivalent, consists of six definite, practical steps, viz:

1. Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say “I want plenty of money.” Be definite as to the amount. (There is a psychological reason for definiteness which will be described in a subsequent chapter).
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2. Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. (There is no such reality as “something for nothing”.)

3. Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.

4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.

5. Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.

6. Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning. AS YOU READ – SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY.

Have you ever written out or carried out this plan?

The Master Key System is a book consisting of 24 letters that TELL each and every one of us HOW TO acquire the wealth and freedom we are seeking in life. At the end of each letter, we are called to take action, through strenuous mental exercise, and DO what it SHOWS us to do… again, it’s about taking action.

Procrastination and fear bring about NOTHING and if you do NOTHING you can absolutely GUARANTEE that NOTHING is going to happen.

Here is a perspective that may help you. Take just a moment, sit back in your chair, relax, and close your eyes. Imagine a giant drop of water falling from a clear blue sky… the kind of sky you see on a perfect summer day. As the drop of water falls, imagine it racing through the air as a large, placid, crystal ocean comes into the picture. As the drop of water falls faster, the ocean gets closer and closer and closer until… they impact.

What happens at this very juncture? An effect! The effect is that the drop of water hitting the surface of that ocean has created waves. This even could not have take place without action. The Master Key System teaches that “thought is energy (mind in motion) and that mind is creative.” The only way for the action to continuously take place is for those drops of water to continue to impact that crystal ocean. This is the SAME impact that our MINDS have upon our SUBCONSCIOUS MINDS! Our minds are creative and are always impacting our subconscious to create the very environment that we are living in, right now.

Think long and hard about that. If you are not where you want to be, think differently. Both The Master Key System and Think and Grow Rich TEACH you how to do this!

Effects cannot take place without ACTION! Faith without ACTION is INDEED DEAD!

I don’t think that there is a book (other than the Bible and The Master Key System) that is more relevant to our times than Think and Grow Rich. It’s on my computer, on my desk and in my mp3 player… and I’m always listening to learn more. The more I listen the more things are revealed to me that I can APPLY to bring about the FREEDOM I am seeking.

If you are not using these resources, both the Master Key System and Think and Grow Rich are available online, free of charge through PsiTek.net. I would also recommend picking them up and the local Barnes & Noble. I think I paid $10 for each of them.

If you would like Think and Grow Rich or The Master Key System on MP3, they are both available through my training system (Get Think and Grow Rich Here) and will be available individually, through my main website, later today.

Take action today and MAKE something happen! “Thought is THE SECRET to all attainment – Charles Haanel”

God bless and have a great weekend!

Rex Harris – www.rexharris.net

Posted in Rants & Raves Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »
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