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The Most Important Word In Internet Marketing
Article posted on Tuesday, June, 15th, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Internet based business as a whole marks one of the biggest shifts in how people do business ever.
Start up costs are dramatically reduced, potential customer base has increased a thousand fold and ultimately, the opportunities out there right now are better than ever for people who wish to leave the 9 – 5 grind behind and branch out on their own.
The sheer wealth of information and resources available to you for next to nothing is incredible. So much so that most people blame information overload as the number one reason for not moving forward.
Think about that..
So much advice, information and rich resources are readily available that people consume too much and hit a standstill whilst trying to decide on which direction to go.
In business history, this has to be one of the best times to start..
Unfortunately though, precisely because of this, there are more lies, misinformation, hype and false “experts” out there than ever before.
If I were to ask you what one word is the most important word in this business, the one word you should tape to your computer monitor and remember at all times.. What would your answer be?
Would it be “Productivity”?
“Profit”?
I am sure all of you would have different answers but all of the above are secondary to the one word that I hold as the most important word in this business..
“Credibility”
Without being credible and authentic, your audience will soon stop listening, your customers will stop paying attention (and stop paying you!) and you will lose one of the most valuable currencies you have.
Even over the internet, lack of credibility shines brightly and can be picked up quickly.
If you are creating a product or service, create it around a passion. Create it around something you have REAL experience in. Anyone can say they are experts in “x technique” but unless they use that technique regularly with great results, the words mean nothing and the technique is useless.
Anyone can say they work from home, but to work from home all you need to do is not go into the office. To be able to say “I work from home” you can simply quit your job and turn on your computer.
Of course, the real test is whether you can work from home creating a profitable sustainable business over time. THIS is what “working from home” really means. (Otherwise your working from home lifestyle will be a short lived one)
Sadly, in an industry such as ours, filled with so many people who can talk very loudly but can’t back up their own words.. it pays to keep your wits about you and look for signs of real credibility.
Dont be seduced by promises of quick results or “expert” status. I have seen many business “experts” who charge thousands of dollars to train people on how to have a profitable business when they themselves have only been in business a few months and have little profit to speak of.
Make sure you don’t get seduced by the promise of a quick return. A lasting return is MUCH more valuable.
Most importantly though..
Make sure you hold onto your own credibility for dear life. Make sure it shows in everything you do.
It is THE most valuable asset that you and your business have.
Josh
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WHO IS JOSH BARTLETT?
Josh lives in New Zealand. He makes a full time living as an Internet Marketer, Software Developer, Business Coach & Writer. When he is not working, he loves to spend time at the beach, travelling the world & sharpening his skills.
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Joe Fier
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Sean BeardmoreJosh Recommends
Couldn’t agree more Josh,
I’m in the first month of building a list around an eBook that I wrote from personal experience. Although I’m not making a lot of money online, I divulge all that information in my book.
I was passionate about writing a report about my experience because I believe, despite my marginal income, that I have achieved some measure of success and have something to contribute to the IM community.
Thanks,
Peter
Peter Antonio´s last blog ..Google Slaps Again!
Hey Josh, Nice new look and feel about your blog
I can relate to what you are saying here, and it is around for all of us to see.
Yes I now work from home, I had a choice, find another job or follow my passion.
I’m not successful yet and I don’t pretend to be, I will talk to people honestly and openly right from the start, there is not much point otherwise, you will get caught out.
Yes, there are too many out there that will blow smoke and say how successful they are when in reality they are no more successful than the person they are talking to.
By being honest and upfront, you will be credible.
Talk soon Josh
Take care
Sean
Sean Beardmore´s last blog ..3-2-1 Lift Off! Simple Steps To Making Money Online’ Is Ready For Launch
Great post man. Credibility is such a huge thing in any business.
It was a really good feeling when Matt, you and I were talking to some of the biggest names in our industry. Not only were each one of them extremely nice and all around good people, you know they’re credible.
They never tried to be someone they aren’t (unless they’re using a pen name in a niche). They’d be doomed and will be snuffed out if that were the ever case.
Now where are my post-in notes… I need to put a word on my monitor…
Joe
Joe Fier´s last blog ..Start Attending Some Seminars!
Hey Joe,
Exactly, you notice that all the real successful people who have managed to continue being successful are not trying to be something they are not. They are being successful by being who they are and providing the best possible help, advice and content they can to people who like who they are and what they do.
You cant be all things to all people and spending time with some of the big names like Kern and Filsaime is a good reminder of that.
Catch you soon,
Josh
Hey Josh,
Love the new look for your blog – very clean and minimalistic. Hoping to see more from you on here, you haven’t blogged for ages!
I agree entirely that credibility is the most important aspect in any business, not just online and it doesn’t take much to become credible…
Which makes it even worse when you see a lot of the crap being bandied about. BS is unfortunately easier than putting in a bit of work beforehand.
Speak soon.
David
David Walker´s last blog ..Free Live Training: Wednesday 16 June
Thanks for the feedback David. I am pushing myself to get back into blogging and am dedicating 80% of my time to focus on helping others for free and keeping this blog updated with helpful content.
Congrats on your blog, its going from strength to strength.
Speak soon
Josh
Nice job on your posts and we know your decision to Focus on this quality of Blog entries will be helpful to you and your readers.
Looking forward to more
Chuck Bartok´s last blog ..A Looming Advancement in Artificial Intelligence
Hi Josh
Totally agree. There is more hot air and methane than substance issued by the internet marketing “experts.” When I read your post, I was reminded of the quote, “Words are cheap because supply exceeds demand.”
Kind regards
Peter Mitchell
Peter Mitchell´s last blog ..How to Discover Topics for Safety Talks
I love that quote because its so true.
I have struggled with that myself from a different angle, working out how to use as little words as possible to give as much impact as possible and cutting out what is not needed.
Less is often more as they say.
Thanks for the pointers over the years.
Josh
Hey Josh,
I can totally agree with your word. I find it difficult to know who is credible in this industry.
By the way, I’ve been meaning to contact you about something. I subscribed to Matt Wolfs system via your link. You were going to provide free access to your Product X. Any word on that product yet? It’s been a while.
I look forward to your next videos. I have EVP and just love it. Your support team is fantastic. Obviously you have the credibility we’re all looking for.
Tim Costin´s last blog ..Colored Glass Vases, Large Glass Vases, Personalized Vases
Tim, sent an email out this week with an update on Project X.
The development site is coming soon (you all get access to it so you can see behind the scenes etc) and you will be updated as soon as beta is ready.
Josh
Really great post. I agree completely that credibility is the most important thing. And I am working on creating some unique content myself. I just did my first launch and I screwed up a lot of things, but at the same time I learned a ton so the next one will be much better. But that launch is months down the road and in between I will completely focused on giving value and building credibility.
I also see that you have EVP 2.0 coming out. I can’t wait to see what all the cool new features are. I’m loving EVP so far and will continue to use it for more and more. Keep up the awesome work.
Adam Teece´s last blog ..How To: Easily Create Memorable Affiliate Links with Thesis 1.7 and Wordpress
We learn from our mistakes more than we do from our successes. Congratulations on your first launch.
Thanks for the kind words on EVP.
Speak soon,
Josh
Enjoyed the post Josh.
As someone who’s not an internet marketer but is just beginning to peer into the murky world of IM it was shocking to me to find out just how much like a pyramid scheme it is. There are so-called experts selling their services to teach others how to do IM when they’ve never done anything themselves – other than sell their services on how to do IM.
But I guess the thing is not to bitch and whine. it;s to put it right. To create real value yourself.
Ian
Ian Brodie´s last blog ..Mastermind Power!
Ian, thanks for reading.
There are indeed a huge amount of people in IM trying to make a quick buck at others expense. It is why I distance myself from most of the industry and refuse to promote 95% of them time when asked.
I only promote genuinely good people who have something genuinely high quality and important to share.
Dont let that put you off the IM industry however, that being said I have met some of the most giving, genuine and caring people in the IM industry who agree with me and do this just so they can help other people succeed like they have. (i.e. they dont need the money anymore)
It comes down to ignoring the noise out there and focusing on your own path and making sure you do everything with credibility and to the best of your ability.
Good luck with your ventures,
Josh
Loved the post. In this post guru world, credibility is what counts, if no one speaks highly of you then what proof of service do you have.
Of course once you get to your level the psychic ability to know what your readers want is also an asset.
This post was just what I needed as I am changing jobs and looking forward to some free time to spend on my IM career.
igor Griffiths´s last blog ..Who is J
It would be nice to get it strait up for a change.
I feel like I’ve been in a used car lot
since I dived into this last August.
Maybe this will get me over the hump!
thanks Josh
Frank
Josh Why cant any ONE of these “gurus” offer a way to make money immeditatly.Like a few $1000? So we can and would be willing to pay ,these “gurus” $500 for better and more profitable ways to make money ? Is that concept too easy? I challenge YOU Josh..can it be done? “The imporable can be done now, the impossible takes a little longer” Wayne
Yes, credibility is important, but it is not as important as ones CHARACTER! It’s not hard to understand why there is so little “credibility” in what we see from many in the IM community. Today’s society is raising children with too little emphasis on one’s character and too much emphasis on one’s accomplishments.
One’s character will drive one’s credibility, good or bad. They are inseparable.
Hi Josh
Great post! Credibility is something that we earn over time. Support by other feedback and will grow by time, and it’s never come quick.
What is your advice to IM newbies if they do not have credibility at all. What is the best way for them to have credibility so they can earn money from this industry?
Regards
Kin Lau
Kin´s last blog ..Time Management for Internet Marketer II
Hi Josh
Couldn’t agree more about the credibility thing, and appreciate very much the direction you say you are heading with helping us all. You got us started with EVP. My wife and I are using it on our website teaching writers how to create their own wonderful writer’s website. We remained members for many months, but the cost… Well, you have clearly understood, so we appreciate your integrity in the course you are heading. May you succeed greatly in it, with our thanks. Jem and Gracie
Hi Josh,
I KNEW you were the real deal when I spoke to you in Las Vegas and you told me your story of your life before the internet.
One piece of advice I read many years ago was this;-
“Live your life so if anyone speaks badly of you…no-one will believe it”
Here’s to honesty.
Best wishes.
Jean
jean ´s last blog ..Darren L Carter – So Young, So Wise…So Why Does He Need Your Help?
Hi Josh, it was my annoyance at the lack of credibilty and transparency in IM that spurred me to build a site that would give information while asking for nothing in return. ( Much helped by your EVP product!)Not much profit in that some would say but chasing the almighty dollar at every opportunity is not always the best way, certainly not in the long term.
I’ve been working online full time for 6 years now and it’s hard not to become cynical when you come across most of the marketing being done out there! I have a photo above my desk of a shoal of fish but there’s one swimming the ‘wrong’ way. We are that fish Josh
Hi Josh
I’m with you on the importance of credibility. And I’d add ‘authenticity’ to your short list of attributes. That goes with the CHARACTER and honesty of which Zach and Jean speaks. And it’s wonderful when a post is written on this topic without mincing words, how many come out in support of it.
Looking forward to your product X, and your further adventures, Josh
Go Kiwis
Anthony
Hi Josh-
you don’t know me, but hopefully all of that will change as you witness my progression through the internet marketing maze as a newbie.
I totally agree with your post, and will be creating a post on my blog entitled, “Product that Newbies REALLY Need & Want.” Within the post, I talk about the importance of credibility and how Web 2.0 can even effect the guru’s. Check it out tomorrow if you have an opportunity.
I also love your story, and admire the fact that you have a sincere desire to help others. God bless you man, because we need HELP! Several of us have million dollar ideas, yet the general information that is provided to the massed is not enough; we need a little hand holding. I for one will forgo all profit just to learn.
It would be great if experienced marketers would offer themselves to listen to our ideas, and decide if they want in. You’d really be surprised at how this would be MUTUALLY beneficial. I am an engineer and a serial entrepreneur, so I’m not new to business in general…just this business. With that said, some of us have a lot to offer.
God bless, and I look forward to getting to know you.
LaTonya
LaTonya´s last blog ..Effective Mentors: Let the Courting Begin
Hi Josh,
Yet again another really helpful post.
I try to write or create products only in the areas I know a lot about or like you said, I am passionate about.
I know when I have bought a product or read information that I knew to be untrue, it immediately put me off that person and I stopped following them.
I am holding off creating anything right now until I fully understand everything I need to first, have put it into practice, and know it works.
Sally
Sally´s last blog ..Alex Jeffreys OTO Interview Feedback
Josh,
Thank you Jesus! I am a psychologist who is sincere about using social media to empower people. This blog is one of the most sincere and real ones out there. Thanks for being you and helping direct my path to serve the people.
Alduan
Dr. Tartt´s last blog ..THE PEOPLE’S DOC