Do you think internet marketing is a lonely career?

56 replies
Hey everyone!

Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

I would love to hear about your experiences with this

Sincerely
Andreas
#career #internet #lonely #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author GGpaul
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

    But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas
    Hmmm.....NOPE. I actually have a 9-5 job where I'm a link builder. Full time salary + benefits, for a CLOTHING company (fashion). We have to be out there, "hip" as hell, and what not. I LOVE IT. I met so many friends along the way.

    On top of that, I'm a consultant, so I have to develop relationships with so many business owners and teach them/propose to them what I can do to help their business grow.

    That's just me.
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  • No need to work at home all the time. It will only be lonely if you decide to wake up and sit in front of your computer, working 16 hours a day for 6 months straight without leaving your house and talking to anyone in person. (Don't do that). Be sure to research all the local public WiFi hot spots that you can find, and go sit there once in a while with a laptop and do what you can from there. Also, find folks in your area that are doing something similar and who are feeling the same way. Arrange for meetings and brainstorm sessions once in a while. Ultimately, your "lifestyle" goal eventually should not be to become a slave to your computer alone at home.
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  • Profile picture of the author HzCy
    No, actually Internet Marketing isnt lonely at all.

    Just search for a good partner or even a team, and you will be happy.


    I actually build my startup with a team of 4 ppl.
    This is pretty exiting
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  • Profile picture of the author Neil Morgan
    Find a local mastermind group, or set one up.

    Having just been invited to join a small group of some of the UK's most successful marketers and attended the first meeting, I can safely say it's going to be one of the best things I ever did for my business, if not THE best.

    Cheers,

    Neil
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  • Profile picture of the author Abrar Tariq
    Go to Marketing expos, build relationships there, thats more beneficial than sitting at home for Im work, give boring work to someone else and do creative tasks, make strategies for your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author datingworld
    I dont think it is lonely as long as you dont make it lonely for yourself.
    I do meet my friends regularly, have a regular outings, have proper holidays,
    But I do accept that it can be lonely initially when you are building your business, once you have built, then there will be enough time to do other things you want to do...
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Hugall
    No way!!!! I get to spend way more time with my family and I have met some amazing friends online. In some cases I have better relationships with them because they get what I am doing.
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  • Profile picture of the author onlineworker11
    Well you meet you coworkers at events where you can learn more from the company leaders etc,and you can have a team that you are working closely with,so it doesn't have to be lonely.
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  • Profile picture of the author butterballs8
    Engage with other like minded people...I chat with friends on Skype and share ideas, tips.. its not lonely... email people and befriend. thats the beauty of working online... people are at the reach of your finger tips.
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    • Profile picture of the author RKeele
      Originally Posted by butterballs8 View Post

      Engage with other like minded people...I chat with friends on Skype and share ideas, tips.. its not lonely... email people and befriend. thats the beauty of working online... people are at the reach of your finger tips.
      I agree completely. You won't have someone in a cubicle next to you to interact with if that's what you are looking for, but you can get involved in forums like this one and engage with other people. You will make friendships, and since you work for yourself when you have established a profitable business you will have more free time to get out and engage with people face to face. You can then go out with friends and family, get involved in your community by volunteering, the possibilities are endless.
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  • Profile picture of the author MelanieandMiles
    The interaction with other people shifts from standing around the water-cooler with people who were hired by the same company as you talking about your company products and problems... To hanging out with people you like, doing things you like.

    We call it lifestyle design... For us, we meet up with other snowboarders, mountain bikers, hikers, campers, wine makers, food lovers, etc... Much more freedom, but you do have to put a little effort into finding reasons to get out of the home office from time to time!

    We use MeetUp.com to find like-minded people, and we are often found working via wi-fi at a random coffee shop, talking to random locals to find out about local things going on when we travel
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?
    "Lonely" is a very subjective and personal judgement, but I certainly think it's a comparatively "isolated" way of making a living. That can be an advantage or a disadvantage, though, depending on the individual.
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  • A fellow dane I spot ;-)

    "This is the most manic depresive life you can have; you are either having the best day ever or you think you are about to die"... from the The Startup Kids | Documentary about young entrepreneurs

    For me it is, what you make it. If you choose to be lonely, well then you'll be lonely.. But just because you work from home, doesen't mean you can't go out and connect and interact with your fellow human beings :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

    But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas
    When I first used to pound out 12-16 hour days on the weekend and 6-8 hours days during the work week, it got really lonely for me.

    So I started shifting my priorities and made some changes. Ultimately, I actually became MORE productive and got more work done.

    I also took more breaks, made it a point to exercise more often and eat better, and I stopped working on Friday and Saturdays and focused on rebuilding my ties with my friends and family.

    Since I've made those changes I've never been "lonely" or felt "alone" every again.

    I also started a couple mastermind groups to meetup with like-minded people.

    It's really what you make of it, how you manage your time, and what priority you place on your social life and personal development.

    RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    Dude, with Internet Marketing you are FREE to do whatever you want.

    That includes going out to make friends! Try meetup.com groups.

    Think about being stuck in an office with the same people everyday and having NO choice of where you go or who you spend your day with. That is the most lonely thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author TravisO
    It's lonely when:

    - Salary is low
    - You don't have someone sitting beside you to talk with

    It's not lonely when:

    - Salary is very high
    - Even if you have someone sitting beside you to talk with, you don't care, salary is high.
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  • Profile picture of the author James Foster
    There's this thing called Skype.... between that and conferences, you can get all the interaction you want.
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    • Profile picture of the author vaalkaa
      Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

      There's this thing called Skype.... between that and conferences, you can get all the interaction you want.

      Its funny,you can be all connected and all alone at the same time!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Top Website Guru
    Banned
    My wife and I work together on our Internet business so it is not lonely at all. As Internet marketers, we need to find partners and friends to work together as it keeps the creative juice running well. Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author rmolina88
    It doesn't have to be.

    I have more time to be with friends and family and not around the water cooler.
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  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I mostly do Offline Marketing, they requires me to be social, make friends, networking and such. I also dabble and earn good money with affiliate marketing. I don't think I could do affiliate marketing full time. Some of my friends here in San Diego do this, we are all still very social but more in our own space. Good luck....
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  • Profile picture of the author roblawrence
    When you work from home you have to really make an effort to get out of the house. I go for a walk at least an hour or so a day and that makes all the difference! You can't work yourself to death!!! Gotta go and enjoy life too.
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  • Profile picture of the author rajivwebads
    Humm!
    Nop! I would like to tell you that approximately we are involving to internet marketing business form past 4 year, and now we are getting enjoy.

    I have found my best career in this sector, then can you tell me where i can improve my career in 4-5 year??

    Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnV88
    As long as you are making a Fortune I don't mind sitting alone in my Room.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonBennet
    Erm why not conduct your own networking group where you will be able to meet small business owners and other fellow internet entrepreneurs from your area. In that way, you can know new friends and use your knowledge to help them too. This is what I will do personally
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Not if you're an introvert with imagination.

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  • Profile picture of the author MonitorScout
    Internet marketing is all about promotion of your business online. And along the way you get to meet with lot of people related to the business, you have to be social, as this is the key in Internet marketing. So there's no chance to feel lonely.
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  • Profile picture of the author hirithk
    Hi,
    No, actually SEO is the one job which helps in making friends more, by having friends in Internet Marketing field then only we can sustain in these field. We can enjoy more in the Internet Marketing. If we are working as a freelancer it will be having more pressure, and if we are running a company it will be good, we can earn and we will succed.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Everything depends on your point of view.

    What really matters is how long you want to be with your computer, and how happy you are.

    You can also use many alternatives to meet different people from different countries.

    When you are online you are not isolated if you are participating of conversations, exchanging email messages, and doing many other things that help you be near people who are far away.

    However, you may tend to spend more time with your computer than with your family and friends. This is what usually happens. You have to keep balance.





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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    You need to strike the right balance.

    I work well on my own most of the time but for inspiration and to ease stress I sometimes need to network with others.

    Some people have success partnering up on projects and doing things that way.

    There's great power in numbers for motivation.

    But yeah if you are at home all the time by yourself it can get lonely.

    Make time to hang out with friends.

    But, depending on what you do, you may find yourself needing to network and even meet up with partners, clients, etc. either virtually or physically.

    But you really need to push yourself to be spending time with others, if the isolation is becoming a problem.

    Be proactive.
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  • Profile picture of the author TomerN
    start your own company, work on joint ventures, go to conventions and conferences...there are millions of people in this industry. it is anything BUT lonely! i am a full-time internet marketer btw.
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  • Profile picture of the author tomerep
    Actually no. Its not a lonely career. I'm in this field for the past years and in fact, I was able to meet new people from different countries all over the world. Some I was able to met personally. I have considered these people as friends. So it is cultivating my social life in that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikeac
    Definitely not as lonely as you may think. What I have been doing is attending marketing events and building connections with other marketers, and I joined a mastermind group in my area. These help tremendously and builds a sense of comradery because we all are in the same position.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kayster13
    With so many tools or assets available online these days, if you use then correctly and wisely its not lonely at all. Great way to meet new people from different parts of the world. I love it.
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  • Profile picture of the author mayagh
    i think you need a special character to do this internet job from home. If you work full time it can get pretty hectic doing both and if you dont, then you have to have the personality to work from home. However there are so many ways around it... push yourself to go out and interact with people occassionally
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    • Profile picture of the author viescripts
      I'll try to share with you my personal experience. I think all freelancers get into similar problems.

      Negative aspects of freelancing job:

      1. without communication you become one way minded - keep thinking about same things. Without having a broad vision to what you do, you won't be able to develop your business.

      2. without time management you cannot control what you do - Internet is a very distracting thing, you won't even notice when get on another internet resource reading something totally different from your job.

      3. without learning you loose your professional level - there is a lot of free stuff in internet, just make a learning strategy and stick to it

      4. you need to change your character - imagine how many temptations at home: Bed, TV, Fridge, bath, none controls you

      5. overworking leads to much stress and professional ilnesses

      All above is like a vicious circle:
      * you try to work more to earn more
      * you are stressed and decide take a day or so off
      * when back to work you find out you are late with your job so try work days and nights to do your job in time
      * to lower the stress you try to eat more, drink, smoke etc.
      * after a few days of crazy work, you catch yourself watching internet resources that have nothing to do with your job, with no goal.
      * you think to become very organized and to work more... Read this from very beginning


      I have suffered from all above in the past, always had no time for family, no time for my health, no time for friends etc.

      ======================

      Sorry for saying all things, but it is freelancer reality.

      What solves all this is:

      1. Strict time management. Counting my time I've found out - I work efficiently maximum 6 hours a day, usually 4.

      2. Changing occupations during the day with big portions of recreation

      3. Most important
      - change the work place. Work in malls, cafes, parks (many parks with free Wi-Fi in my country), work in wild places (solar panels, 3G stick or android phone solve this problem)
      - don't work alone. Find co-working companions working in the same field as you do. Do co-working meetings, discussions, share your ideas - never be afraid they will steal your ideas

      4. Move. All the time you don't work or sleep - walk or do sports.

      5. Travel if possible
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      • Profile picture of the author plfbus
        I don't think that internet marketing is any different from any other sole trader business carried out from home as far as loneliness is concerned. As many have said above, it is up to the individual to make the kind of life they want.

        If loneliness becomes a problem, there are usually events, work-groups or other gatherings of like minded souls in most urban areas; you can network with people from varying types of businesses in different markets and glean many pearls of wisdom from both successful people and those not quite there yet.

        I've been a sole trader bookkeeper working from home for eleven years and would never swap the freedom of working when I want (mostly) and having time off when I want, whether meeting up with friends, family or others in my field or not who love the lifestyle. We all have something to give and to learn so long as we keep our mind open to new ideas and opportunities. I fully expect to experience the same sort of lifestyle as my internet business expands.
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  • No indeed! This is just like any other business it's all boil down to relationship. If you want to become real successful in the internet marketing lifestyle you have to build relationship with like minded people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Snowclone
    I have an office and recently started subletting a couple offices out, great space, nice being around people, commuting to and from work and most importantly, having a separator between work and home life.

    I think IM can certainly BE lonely, but it doesn't (and shouldn't) be!
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  • Profile picture of the author pickthat apple
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

    But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas
    This is the new generation I am afraid...thankfully fashion goes in circles.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric R
    Andreas, how can you be lonely when you can engage with all the wonderful people on the forum. People who you have probably never met care enough to reply to you!

    All the best
    Eric R
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  • Profile picture of the author mrgoe
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

    But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas
    I have many JVs going on, I work well in teams and I always like to learn stuff from more successful marketers. So no, the lonelier you are the lonelier it feels
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  • Profile picture of the author jmharris48
    Working from home and being an internet marketer has never been a lonely experience for me, but I also chose to not sit in front of the computer all day ling either! Each day I get up work for a few hours and then do whatever... SOmetimes that might be seeing my friends, going to the lake, traveling, etc... It is never a dull moment! The money that I make with instant payday network allows me to live like this!
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Internet marketing isn't lonely. You can make it lazy by spending 30 hours a day trying to test out the latest new marketing strategy. But if you can condense your marketing down to 2-3 hours per day, then go on with the rest of your life... you'll be good to go.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    You can always find other marketers in your
    area and then make friends with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author ajsmith
    Yeah it can be lonely if that's all you do. But if you're involved in other things, you'll be too
    busy to be lonely. Having said that everyone can get a little lonely at times, its' the human condition. Just use that quiet force to propel you.
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    • Profile picture of the author kajol shafiq
      Life is what you make it! Well, I suppose it all depends on your mindset. If are lonely and reclusive by nature, internet marketing can be quite ok with you. But if you feel depressed you can easily interact with people and groups who are involved in your kind of work.
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  • Profile picture of the author donb01
    Only lonely if you allow it to be, if you're lonely remember why you got into it to start with. Get a hobby and some J.V.'s
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  • Profile picture of the author MartinPlatt
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    Here's a thought I had today... I am working so hard to suceed with my internet marketing business because I can do this full time, it will provide me with freedom and money to travel a lot, which is my big passion.

    But here's a question to some of the succesfull internet marketers:
    do you think it is a lonely way of making a living?

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas
    I think it really depends upon how you want to run your business.

    If you outsourced it, you could spend a lot more time mixing it up with people. You know, meeting people in IM for a coffee, and so on?

    I wouldn't really call 9-5 sat at home alone living the dream...
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    • Profile picture of the author Plugin Profits
      It is possible for it to get lonely if you choose to isolate yourself and become a workaholic with no social life and do everything solo.

      Though that's a choice cause you could choose to interact if you want to interact. With others in the industry or just friends and people you meet in your daily life.

      I like working alone and being alone, though I find I get too loney if I don't ever interact somewhat with others even only online. Forums, JVs, customers, fans, social media, outsourcers etc.

      I think as social creatures we need that feedback in life and with our work. To get good reviews and praise, to give advice and consultation, to get and give ideas, to get critique, and everything. Without it, it's bad for mental health!

      It's also motivating to have partners and gives you more accountability cause you have people waiting on you to finish things and hand to them before they could do their part for it, and you have deadlines to keep. That keeps you from procrastinating or getting distracted and lazy. That's the more difficult part if you don't have accountability and time pressures. Easy to get sidetracked. I waste a lot of time from getting side tracked or giving into my emotions and lose focus!

      You're on the interwebs though, so you're never really alone.

      If the Internet didn't exist then I'd feel lonely working 'alone'.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    Yes. But I don't spend my entire day working online. I go out - I interact with people. In fact, I really only spend a few hours working everyday. Granted, I don't make a full time living (not even close) but it is enough to cover my basic needs at the moment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anne0521
    Originally Posted by AndreasJacobsen View Post

    Hey everyone!

    I mean, this lifestyle is basically sold on the idea that you make money from home, but where is the interaction with people? Friendships?

    I would love to hear about your experiences with this

    Sincerely
    Andreas

    Well, I can relate. The same question passed my mind at the start of my online job, and the same question/problem my fellow online workers talked about. Yeah, working at home feels like you cut yourself from the outside world. Even my neighbors are not aware of my presence in the house. I only stay at my room and work.
    My social life? I don't have much before so it's not a big problem. I have friends in facebook and skype whom I chat so I'm not left out. I went out every Saturday and visit the mall.
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  • Profile picture of the author ckarling
    I just started renting office space at my father in law's telemarketing company. No more lonely lunch breaks. Also, there are mastermind sessions and Conventions if you don't mind traveling a little.

    We're in an industry where networking is everything. It can't really get too lonely unless you chose to make it so.
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