Not All Internet Marketers Are Created Equal

People do business with people they know, like and trust. Period. When it comes to internet marketing, your decision to buy depends on whether you resonate with the marketer’s style… or not. This goes for both the online and offline world, e.g. whether you’re reading a web sales letter/email or you’re attending a live seminar.

I believe we’re smack in the midst of a big movement. And it’s a movement away from testosterone-dominated, aggressive marketing tactics and a movement towards softer, relationship-based social marketing.

Those emerging as leaders by embracing new media are those who engage in conversation; those who are authentic, transparent and congruent; those who consistently use new media platforms well; those who are open and available (within reason).

Internet Marketers vs. New Media Marketers

There’s a distinct difference between traditional internet marketers and the new media marketers. From what I’ve observed, people either have their foot in one camp or the other. Very few have a foot in both camps.

Here’s a few of my faves who clearly have a foot in both camps, imho. Though they may not necessarily all call themselves internet marketers per se, they are in the business of marketing themselves:

The Men

• Sherman Hu
• Guy Kawasaki
• Jeremiah Owyang
• Andy Beal
• Chris Brogan
• Kevin Nations
• Ken McArthur

You may notice a distinct lack of women on my list of “both camp” peeps above. That’s because I’ve never come across a female internet marketer who isn’t also a softer, more relationship-based marketer! A few of my faves who deserve a mention here:

The Women

• Deborah Micek (Coach Deb)
• Lynn Terry – see Lynn’s post on the Current State of Internet Marketing here
• Donna Fox – check out Donna’s post on Female Internet Marketers here
• Maria Reyes-McDavis
• Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero
• Alexandria Brown

And, if I’ve missed anyone on either list, mia culpa. Certainly not intentional.

Follow 2-3 Really Good People

Recently, a post by Rick Butts caught my eye: Unsubscribe From Whomever Emailed You Stompernet. I must say, I enjoy a bit of controversy and, clearly, Rick’s point stirred up quite the buzz with a slew of comments. I’d personally never resonated with the Stompernet style – there’s room for everyone though.

I completely agree with Rick’s advice here:

What if you chose to follow 2-3 really good people you trust and who fit your skills, goals, and learning style, and ignored all the other noise that is distracting you from productivity and actually preventing your success?

I took his advice and unsubscribed from every mailing list that I no longer read or it no longer brings me any value. It felt like a good spring cleaning. This process has metaphysical implications too; my mind feels clearer now.

I think it’s important to be on lists that light you up, e.g. when you see the person’s message you’re happy and look forward to reading it, or even giving it a quick skim. Sure, you should probably read your “competitors” mailings. But, I’m not a big believer in competition anyway.

And, while you’re unsubbing from email lists, why not remove any Facebook friends who are also clearly not a match with your style. (I can’t stand seeing “I’m the undisputed master” and “I’m famous because…“. Bleh! Give me a break. Sheer ego going on there. I’m all for blowing your own trumpet. But I don’t know anyone genuinely ‘famous’ who has to go around bragging about being famous…. okay, [steps down from soapbox]).

Pitchathons No More

And, finally, with live in-person internet marketing, I recently had the pleasure of attending Ray Edwards and Dr. Andrew Jones‘ Speed Money Seminar in Vancouver, BC.

At first, when I saw the lineup of speakers I predicted the three-day event would be the same old, same old: morning to night pitchathon. Light on content, heavy on hard-hitting offers. No disrespect to the presenters – they’re all top notch peeps. It’s just that’s the style veteran seminar attendees, such as moi and hubby, have come to expect these days. (I was a coach for mega platform marketer T. Harv Eker for a couple years, and I’m a grad of his Train the Trainer programs. He’s the master pitcher!)

But, lo and behold, at the Speed Money Seminar I was blown away by the extremely high quality content, the energy in the room, the consistent availability and helpfulness of the speakers… and, the offers were seriously impressive to boot! The whole flow of the three days was filled with giving and generosity and high professionalism.

I especially enjoyed the Conversion Doctor, Eric Graham along with Ray Edwards, Stu McLaren, and Kirt Christensen. I learned immediately implementable strategies from each of these fine folks.

So, what say you? Are you on top of this movement? Who’s YOUR fave “both camp” marketers? Add their names (even if it’s yours!) in the comments below!

UPDATE: Add to my female both camps list: Christina Hills The Shopping Cart Queen and Denise Wakeman of The Blog Squad.

Mari Smith

Often referred to as “the Queen of Facebook,” Mari Smith is widely known as the Premier Facebook Marketing Expert and a top Social Media Thought Leader. Forbes describes Mari as, “… the preeminent Facebook expert. Even Facebook asks for her help.” IBM named Mari as one of seven women that are shaping digital marketing. Mari is an in-demand keynote speaker, corporate social media strategist, dynamic live webcast host, and popular brand ambassador. She is coauthor of Facebook Marketing: An Hour A Day, and author of The New Relationship Marketing.

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