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Why on earth doesn't our industry have......

by Ken Preuss
7 replies
...an offline association where people can meet face to face?

I've been doing IM full-time now for a handful of years. After running several other kinds of businesses prior, it's been a dream to do business exclusively on the web.

But I've always wondered something. Why do so many other industries have national - and sometimes international - associations that have local groups, meetings, etc. but IM does not?

There are a few things that exist but really none of them are centered around the kind of IM we're all doing. As isolating as it can often be do run a web business it seems like the perfect thing.

I've talked to several Warriors about this and have gotten some good interest in the past. But the timing wasn't right.

However it's now come to the point where I am seriously considering getting an association started.

My questions are:

1) What do you think - would our industry benefit from the presence of a large connected offline association?

2) If there were a local monthly meeting, say, once or twice a month in your area that offered networking, training, mastermind, etc. would you attend?

Would love to hear your thoughts Warriors.

Thanks,
Ken
#earth #industry
  • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
    Ken, it's a good question and honestly I don't know the answer.

    Maybe part of it is because a lot of people look at what we do as not legit.
    It's the only way explain it with all the negativity that surrounds it. We're
    kind of seen as snake oil salesman by quite a few people.

    This is why a lot of us don't even admit to what we do to others because
    we know we're going to hear things like, "Why don't you get a real job?" or
    "Oh, so you don't have a job."

    I think that may be part of the reason, though I could be wrong.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jelasco
      Ken, people do meet face to face at seminars, conferences, etc.

      Some have mastermind groups that meet in person.

      I'm not sure why an association is needed- just arrange to meet in person with whomever you want.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ken Preuss
        Originally Posted by Jelasco View Post

        Ken, people do meet face to face at seminars, conferences, etc.

        Some have mastermind groups that meet in person.

        I'm not sure why an association is needed- just arrange to meet in person with whomever you want.
        I see what you are saying. However the real estate investing industry, for example, has its share of conferences and seminars...yet there is also a national association of real estate 'clubs' that allow people to meet regularly in their local areas.

        This also provides a great income for the owners of those local groups as well as the trainers who speak at those groups and sell products.

        I guess I see an opening to create the same opportunity for people in the IM industry.

        Would love to hear more thoughts on this thread...bring 'em on folks.

        Ken
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        Coming soon for all you IM junkies... The Internet Daily Show

        A Secret to Success: Making serious money online or offline is not complex unto itself - we're the ones who complicate it. Simply sell them what they are already buying.

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    • Profile picture of the author Jakehyten
      Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

      Ken, it's a good question and honestly I don't know the answer.

      Maybe part of it is because a lot of people look at what we do as not legit.
      It's the only way explain it with all the negativity that surrounds it. We're
      kind of seen as snake oil salesman by quite a few people.

      This is why a lot of us don't even admit to what we do to others because
      we know we're going to hear things like, "Why don't you get a real job?" or
      "Oh, so you don't have a job."

      I think that may be part of the reason, though I could be wrong.
      The multi level marketing industry is looked down upon even MORE than our industry but that doesn't stop them from having some of the biggest events around.
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    • Profile picture of the author Scott Lundergan
      Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

      Ken, it's a good question and honestly I don't know the answer.

      We're kind of seen as snake oil salesman by quite a few people.

      This is why a lot of us don't even admit to what we do to others because
      we know we're going to hear things like, "Why don't you get a real job?" or
      "Oh, so you don't have a job."
      Hi Steven,

      Hope you are doing well. This is an interesting mindset you are sharing. Are you specifically referring to the "make money online" niche? If you're referring to "internet marketing", it seems so many mislabel it as that when every company we know of in America from Clear Channel to Coors has internet marketing campaigns. That is like saying, everyone who has a domain and markets online is a snake oilsmen...so if a company like, "jofitnessxyz.com" markets online, are they a snake oilsman as well?

      With the IMC Internet Marketing course, loads of their customers I have met at seminars are nowhere near the "make money online" niche and pursue online businesses in everything from quilting to local fitness to how to get your parrot to stop talking (no kidding).

      After all, I'm VERY PROUD to be an internet marketer and I have yet to meet one skeptical person when I share my business with them (and I talk...ALOT).

      Here is something Allen and all the warriors would be proud of. When I go to meet-up groups, GKIC, business seminars, etc here in San Diego, I ask successful online business owners who are nowhere near the "make money online" niche, "Do you know about the Warrior Forum?" and here is the typical reply, "Yeah, that's a great resource of information for online marketing and strategies. I browse that forum all the time to get tips and resources."

      In fact, much of my customer base who are warriors RARELY post, yet have THRIVING businesses outside of the "make money online" niche and are also proud to call themselves internet marketers.

      Just some food for thought Steven, as you have even mentioned yourself about different niches that you could still tap into by "marketing online".

      I enjoy your posts Steven, so I thought I'd write one to you
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      • Profile picture of the author Jelasco
        Ken, real estate is much more of a face-to-face industry than IM is, so of course they have more in-person meetings.
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        • Profile picture of the author ShayB
          If you go to www.meetup.com, there are many groups for all sorts of topics, including internet-themed ones.

          You can find a local group to join or start your own.

          Who knows? If you get a big enough local group, you can get other groups going.
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          "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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  • Profile picture of the author woah316
    maybe you can start up something like this?
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