Who Do YOU Listen To?

Keith,

You're going to get umpteen answers naming names, all of which are probably wrong for you. If you want useful answers, it would help if you could tell us something about which route you want to take. If that's what you haven't decided, some info on what your strengths and personal work habits and preferences are would help.

There isn't any one answer to this question that's right for everyone.


Paul

Keith,

It depends entirely upon where you are on
your personal journey of development.

There's an often quoted text that goes
something like: "When the student is ready the
master will appear"

For me, that means being in control of your own
development and choosing the right expert for
the lessons you need to learn.

For example, if I wanted to develop my SEO Skills
I'd find an SEO master practitioner.

John

I listen to nobody in the sense that I always take what people say and do with a grain of salt. If that information passes my bullshit filters it enters my strategy/tactic library. I've taken bits from complete newbies as well as from more seasoned people.

One way I've learned a lot is from observing total n00bs entering the field and seeing how they evolve over time and what made them reach the top. Interestingly, most of these people rose to the top not because they used some tactic or IM gimmick but because their business and "human fundamentals" were strong.

Tyrus

If you are truly just starting, don't buy anything. Visit forums, Google topics even as vague as "internet marketing", hunt for blogs. In general listen and read what you can find that is free.

As you are exploring, write down the name of everyone that you find that
1. Seems to know what they are talking about
2. Is easy to read -- clear and concise
3. Offers definite things that you can do or learn -- not just generalities

Get on mailing lists of people on your list. It is important that you be able to relate to their approach and their personality.

I think each person looks (or should look) for someone with whom they can relate. This takes some time reading that person. If possible attend a webinar or at a minimum listen to an interview.

I think you can listen to more than one person. Different people have different talents. But start out with people who can give you definite steps to accomplish a goal. You don't have to "follow" just one person. If you are enrolling in a mentoring program or if you are going to "follow a plan", do it one at a time. But otherwise:

Never buy another product (or get it free) until you have read what you just got. Read it and make notes of things that you learned of value. If you couldn't find 3 things of value, ask for a refund, remove it from your computer -- kick it to the curb and cross that marketer off your list. Now you can buy something else. You are off restriction.

Let me give you an example. I learned early that I needed to learn some very definite skills before I was going to advance. As I started those first tentative steps I knew I was good at learning from following definite instructions and practice.

I discovered Kevin Riley in SSP, a forum of Lee McIntyre's. I was impressed with listening to him on a Skype talk one day. He was outgoing and had the type of personality that I enjoy. I bought one of his "How To" products and liked his style.

One night -- about midnight my time and the next morning in Japan -- I got an email from Kevin about joining a giveaway. Actually it was on somewhat of a rant because not many had joined. In it he said that if you didn't know how to offer a rebrandable product to let him know and he would help you.

My first reaction was, "Right! That's kind of like waiting for the IRS (tax people in the US) to call you and answer a question. That isn't going to happen." So I called his bluff and wrote him asking a couple of questions. To my surprise, I got an email back almost immediately telling me to Skype him. I managed to pull myself out of shock long enough to do that.

The rest is history.To date I have bought many of his products and attended both of his workshops on WF. I have attended and participated in several of his webinars. I have never regretted a single purchase from him.

All it took was that little bit of individual attention. I try to remember that every day as I deal with other people.

Sorry to be so long winded.

Carol Smith

Hi,
Well in the WSO forum Bryan have introduced a new thread called the Newbie university where u need to fill out a questionaire about what u r good at so that he can determine wat track u need to move on. Try to have a look at it.

PS: Well while opening it , it had a conflict with my kaspersky, just pause it for some time and then it wil take u to tht site.

The voices in my head.... There's no one person I listen to, but several: Jenn Dize, James Stein, Sly Rolfe, VegasVince, Steve Wagenheim.

For me, there is only ONE guy who is my true mentor who has taught me everything he knows and because of him I went from a struggling Internet Marketer to making a full time income about a year after starting his training which is now closed.

His name is Erich Winnecke.

Tal

I listen to the numbers and the data I collect through tracking and reporting.

Ever got your self in a credit card mess? Where the debt keeps mounting? It's kinda same with buying IM products. You need to stop following and start doing. Take some action, make your own mistakes, work your ass off, and voila! You'll see success. Not in the next 24 hours, but you will see it All the best.

If you ever want to get into Offline IM, I would go all-in Shaun O'Rielly. Sign up to his list for free, and recieve only quality content. Seriously, I get WAY too much email these days, but I actually read everything he writes. He also answers to all emails as well - Which is RARE.

I can not come up with many else I read the emails of though. Maybe the guys from stompernet? They give a lot of value as well.

- Preben

All good points mentioned here.
It would be hard to define a specific person or mentor in IM for anyone else.
I did what others here have mentioned. Looked for a successful marketer who I personally could relate to. Someone who fit with my values and skills.

I love reading forum posts and evaluating posters ideas and trying some myself. I have mulitple websites so I can always experiment and if sucessful I'll do same on my other sites. There is always something you can learn and your job is just never done!

I think Carol said it best...doing that you will meet many good folks. I will also strongly recommend that you work to building your own product. Since sarting IM we have built several companies (security, photography and more) that offers folks an online component but also has an offline aspect to them so while they are learning the ropes they have a business that is mkaing money. They can buy the business plan or we come to their town and set them up in person. Good luck and stick to it.

I personally like listening to stevepavilina.com 's stuff....THis guy is truly a great motivator!

I like Jimmy D. Brown, and he has all kinds of courses that are very easy to follow if you are new. You can create a solid base with him. And he is very reputable, which is a good thing.

Marcus Buckingham.