What's the best way to measure your IM success, besides money of course?

21 replies
Let's leave the most important and obvious criterion - the money itself aside, shall we? Otherwise, this is going to be a very short and brutal thread. Now, we also have to agree that we're very likely to disagree about the following. These things matter to me both personally and professionally. I can write the future threads from my yacht, but I'm not going to consider myself being a truly successful marketer without one or more of these. Just like Leonardo DiCaprio had to get that Oscar. Otherwise, he would never be a "complete" person/actor. I'm aware that this sounds a little bit awkward, but let's get down to the business of my IM success criteria.

#1 Criterion - Contribution to the theory
I would like to be called or treated or acknowledged as the "father" of some Internet marketing concept, which is totally original. For example, the father of Guerrilla Marketing was Marketer A, and the father of Inbound marketing is Person B. This new theory doesn't have to be necessarily followed by a book, but that's highly desirable. Or, at least, there should be a series of blogs or something where this idea is promoted.

#2 Criterion - Respect of the IM community
You don't have to have an army of admirers, but the IM community should recognize you as a successful Internet marketer. WF is the #1 forum, so when you appear here or write, other marketers should say something like, we know who this guy is, our respect. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't be allowed being a controversial successful marketer. However, people should be able to say, look I don't like this guy and his theories, but he knows his IM stuff.

#3 Criterion - Press and media exposure
We shouldn't expect to see a movie about our glorious IM days staring Brad Pitt or someone younger, but an interview here and there from time to time is more than welcome. The attention of media should be a strong indication that you have achieved something special worth mentioning.

#4 Criterion - Mentorship
Back in my sales days, you could get mind blowing provisions, but without an invitation to mentor a sales newbie, you were nothing. In this particular case, I'm not talking about paid mentorship or lectures on a mass scale. To have one or few guys who would say, this marketer taught the ways of the IM force and I'm very grateful for it, is supposed to be more than enough.

#5 Criterion - Talk show
This one is very personal. You don't have to be, bit it's very cool to be invited as a guest on some talk show, even for a couple of minutes.

That's it. I'm done. This was my list. If I could achieve one of these, I would definitely consider myself to be a rock star marketer. And, of course, let's not forget the money. I don't really need a yacht, although I wouldn't complain if I could afford one. You're supposed to earn so much from your IM know-how that you don't have to do any other job in your life. Is your own list any different? Have something to add or change?
#internet marketing #measure #money #success
  • Profile picture of the author webmarke
    I would simply say that all of your measures are based on people recognizing you or heaping praise on you.

    I am the opposite. I really don't care about fame. I would rather remain anonymous and just go on and accomplish as much as possible without any fan fair.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737026].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author neshaword
      Originally Posted by webmarke View Post

      I would simply say that all of your measures are based on people recognizing you or heaping praise on you.

      I am the opposite. I really don't care about fame. I would rather remain anonymous and just go on and accomplish as much as possible without any fan fair.
      You deserve to be an anonymous millionaire, lol.

      My kudos to you.

      Cheers,
      N
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737259].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Profit Traveler
    Banned
    It will still be money.

    But not how much I made but the effect I had on helping someone else make some.

    Art
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737322].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author neshaword
      Originally Posted by Profit Traveler View Post

      It will still be money.

      But not how much I made but the effect I had on helping someone else make some.

      Art
      My hat off to this one. A selfish marketer is never a successful marketer.

      Respect!
      N
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737344].message }}
  • Success is very subjective and this applies to everything, including affiliate marketing. For me, besides money, I can say that i am successful because I have met with a lot of good marketers and gurus whom I've looked up with. Being surrounded with positive thinkers, innovators, and gurus contributed a lot to where I am now. And that for me is success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author George Schwab
    "What's the best way to measure your IM success, besides money of course"

    Happiness, good family life, and big dreams come true, like your teenage passion suddenly
    is possible to do now this year, travel and live in the area of your choice, this year i will rent
    a weekend retreat, absolutely gorgeous!
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737416].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author neshaword
      Originally Posted by George Schwab View Post

      "What's the best way to measure your IM success, besides money of course"

      Happiness, good family life, and big dreams come true, like your teenage passion suddenly
      is possible to do now this year, travel and live in the area of your choice, this year i will rent
      a weekend retreat, absolutely gorgeous!
      So positive. Thx.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737494].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author camohit
    Its all about personal goals achievement. First its about monetary goals. Then its about makin a difference. If I believe I am providin value and doing somethin that will benefit people in general then its a success or me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737418].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    I think its funny that you have never done it, and have you ever answered any questions on it yet you write as this is the right way

    This folks is where the forum is going
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737470].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author neshaword
      Originally Posted by Regional Warrior View Post

      I think its funny that you have never done it, and have you ever answered any questions on it yet you write as this is the right way

      This folks is where the forum is going
      Thought I used conditional in a transparent way. I wish...

      Besides money, what else.

      I'm flattered that you're breathing down my neck, but is this your way of telling me I'm not welcome here or what.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10737500].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author CurtisSWN
    I don't need society's approval for internet marketing. I do it for my own reasons, that that is quite successful indeed.
    Signature
    Simple Two Step Formula
    Earns Me Over $146.72 in 12 Hours. This is Weird, But it Works!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

    Is your own list any different? Have something to add or change?

    Yes, my own list is different.

    I think if you measure your own success by what others think, say, and how they acknowledge you, that is a very fleeting and fickle crown to wear. Chances are, you will be forgotten in an instant and your feelings of self worth will be dimmed.

    I believe we should pat ourselves on the back when we accomplish the personal goals we have set for ourselves. That's not to say we should gloat, beat our chest, or become arrogant; but we can feel very proud and energized as we master our own selves.

    We are all very different individuals with different capacities, talents, and abilities. Why should we base our own success on what other people say about us or what accolades we garner? Others don't know what we've been through, what obstacles we've overcome, or monsters in the closet we've conquered.

    Steve
    Signature

    Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
    SteveBrowneDirect

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738120].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bestIMtools
    The best measure of success the satisfaction and happiness that you received from your work. If you enjoy working everyday and are proud of what you've accomplished, I'd say that is success.
    Signature

    Invento Marketing | Dominican Republic Boutique Ad & PR Agency
    http://instagram.com/inventomarketing

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738187].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Freedom to do the work I want, when I want, where I want.

    Rose
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
    Banned
    Sorry. IM is measured, ultimately by the amount of sales you do. That means money derived from.

    You want recognition? Be a Boy Scout troop leader.

    Cheers. - Frank
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738199].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gambino
    I thought I was the only one that determined success by whether or not I was invited to be on a talk show.

    Seriously, was that one just to increase the word count of this project?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    My list is really simple, and very short.

    Am I happy and fulfilled by what I'm doing?

    If the answer is yes, I'm a success. (Take that, ghost of Johnny Cochran! )
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738238].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author George Schwab
      Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

      My list is really simple, and very short.

      Am I happy and fulfilled by what I'm doing?

      If the answer is yes, I'm a success. (Take that, ghost of Johnny Cochran! )
      lol

      I always wondered what kind of fish that was...

      forgot something on my list: outdoor living, that changes your life
      in US + EU everything happens inside a building, in the tropics
      all happens outside, except office work, so that changed my
      whole outlook on life. Mornings inside, after lunch: Beach time
      talking with people. Evenings,quick checkup on events of the
      day, then family entertainment....next day do it all over again.
      Never gets tiering, its different every day.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738727].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I think one way that is often overlooked is time spent per money made.. some people make a ton of money and work 14 hour days 7 days a week.. I would be more impressed to see someone work less and make the same amount..

    In the end, the ultimate goal is money, so I don't know why we would measure it any other way
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10738735].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by George Schwab View Post

    lol

    I always wondered what kind of fish that was...
    That particular specimen is a redfish of about 8#. I also swap in a pic periodically of a snook about the same size.

    Originally Posted by George Schwab View Post

    forgot something on my list: outdoor living, that changes your life
    in US + EU everything happens inside a building, in the tropics
    all happens outside, except office work, so that changed my
    whole outlook on life. Mornings inside, after lunch: Beach time
    talking with people. Evenings,quick checkup on events of the
    day, then family entertainment....next day do it all over again.
    Never gets tiring, its different every day.
    In this part of Florida, it depends on what time of year it is. From about October to April, it's just like you describe. May to September, the sun is so intense and the humidity so high, it switches around. Outdoor stuff from about sunrise to lunch, then inside to air conditioning for work. Then after the usual afternoon thunderstorm (going on as I type this), it often cools a bit so sunset at the beach is gorgeous.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10740034].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author George Schwab
      Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

      That particular specimen is a redfish of about 8#. I also swap in a pic periodically of a snook about the same size.....

      sunset at the beach is gorgeous.
      ah yeah...I thought that you would also be an outdoors sort of guy,

      and who doesnt get hooked on sunset on the beach. Although at the moment i'm on
      the sunrise side of the island. Still beautiful. Thats why i need a weekend retreat on
      the other side. lol. Nah, what got me is the pool there. who can say no to bit of splish
      splash at midnight with a ray of full moon.
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10740327].message }}

Trending Topics