Why do many people treat internet marketing differently than starting any other business?

26 replies
One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.

It's also interesting there's a corollary of high drop out and failure rates in internet marketing as well.

Great internet marketing does indeed push the idea of knowing your target audience and customer, developing a product that your target audience will buy based on that knowledge, and creating a very tight message-to-market match.

But then it sort of goes flat from there.

Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

Thoughts?
#business #differently #internet #marketing #people #starting #treat
  • Profile picture of the author spartan14
    Yea unforyunately people focus all time on les and not providing valeu and i think its a big mistake ,and i also do the same .If you trust people faith and they think you help them you will sell 10 times faster than a spamy marketar who only want to sell
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Michael,
    I think they treat it that way because of two main things...
    1. It is relatively cheap to get off the ground
    2. The somewhat unrealistic "dream" that is constantly pumped through the 'noggins of desperate people that you can have massive success within a week or so


    - Robert Andrew
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by discrat View Post

      Michael,
      I think they treat it that way because of two main things...
      1. It is relatively cheap to get off the ground
      2. The somewhat unrealistic "dream" that is constantly pumped through the 'noggins of desperate people that you can have massive success within a week or so


      - Robert Andrew
      You see the same thing in the WAHM niche:

      1. You're not "selling." You're "sharing." (But you really are selling.)
      2. Low start up costs (usually under $250 or so)
      3. Parading "overnight" success stories
      4. Flashing promises of big money and fancy stuff.

      A traditional biz takes thousands of dollars to start (or more), and it's not taken lightly. The low threshold for other biz models is what is good and bad. Easy in, easy out.
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      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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  • Profile picture of the author whowhatwhere
    I feel like internet marketing is (like everything) just majorly competitive. I feel like people are not as tuned in to online advertising as they once were. Maybe going back to offline is important too?
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  • Profile picture of the author John Rivera0
    I think it's more of the appeal of an online business with less overhead fees typically that people treat it differently. Depending on your niche an online businesshas less fees to pay for than a traditional business and as the saying goes the more you invest in something the more committed you will be. Online marketing is a get rich scheme to most
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.

    It's also interesting there's a corollary of high drop out and failure rates in internet marketing as well.

    Great internet marketing does indeed push the idea of knowing your target audience and customer, developing a product that your target audience will buy based on that knowledge, and creating a very tight message-to-market match.

    But then it sort of goes flat from there.

    Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

    It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

    Thoughts?
    This is going to be a generalization but I feel that most people when trying to start making money online treat it more of a hobby than business. I see people that don't want to put in the time, but still want the results. I see people who think spending money on small things like a domain and hosting is "too much money", yet if you look at the real world, the expenses to own (and start) an offline business are HUGE.
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  • Profile picture of the author dcbeckster
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.

    It's also interesting there's a corollary of high drop out and failure rates in internet marketing as well.

    Great internet marketing does indeed push the idea of knowing your target audience and customer, developing a product that your target audience will buy based on that knowledge, and creating a very tight message-to-market match.

    But then it sort of goes flat from there.

    Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

    It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

    Thoughts?
    Internet Marketing is a huge because there are billions, yes billions, of searches being done everyday for everything imaginable. But one thing that I've learned is that the really successful marketers who have stood the test of time so-to-speak, have one thing in common. They all offer great value. As was mentioned earlier in this thread, there are a lot of marketers that are just looking to earn that quick sale and then move on to the next thing. But to be really successful the focus really needs to be on providing value. And if you are providing great content and value, the financial rewards will come. It's all about providing to people what they want and need, what they're searching for!
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary Chapple
    I like this thread, very interesting, all posts being relevant. The things I've gathered and experienced are people jump in believing and promoting the get rich quick scenario. Unfortunately, IM like any other industry and perhaps more so because of an illusion of quick internet millions is full of BS's and con people out for a quick kill.
    People are inherently lazy looking for one click riches. On this post the words hobby, front end only etc are mentioned and all are true. IM is a business that follows a proven model and I've learnt that building a list and reputation are foremost, a funnel with depth (money is in the high ticket sales). This is the fundamental building blocks of a IM business.
    Personally I make my money from a day job but my Fx trading outstrips it big time, that's because I treat it like a business and have a major why to succeed.
    Most people just play at it, get bored and move on because they don't follow through,
    Actually I think most people spend more time planning a vacation rather than their life,
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Sperry
    The best way to succeed is to be serious and take all the steps you would to start a business. The steps are simple and in most cases free. Some of the steps are also for your protection and keep you out of legal problems. Starting off with a business frame of mind is helpful in many ways but especially to stay focused.

    The reason most people DO NOT treat it like a business (at least in the U.S.)
    • You can start without a EIN... You can sign up as an affiliate with most businesses with just your SS.
    • You can start without a business checking account.
    • You can start without using your legal name.
    • You can start without using your physical address.
    • You can start without forming a corp or an LLC.
    • You can start without complying with state laws. (I'm not saying you should. I'm just saying that many fly under the radar until they actually start making consistent money and most states are not aggressively seeking out the low income self-employed to collect taxes etc.)
    • You don't have to report (in some cases) income that is under $400 on your federal income tax. (Sadly there are many people that never make that much in a year.)
    • You can start with less than $50.

    Unfortunately, it is almost too easy to start WITHOUT a business frame of mind. I agree with the OP. If someone really wants to profit long term being self-employed they should start right off the bat by STARTING A BUSINESS!
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      Originally Posted by Janice Sperry View Post

      The best way to succeed is to be serious and take all the steps you would to start a business. The steps are simple and in most cases free. Some of the steps are also for your protection and keep you out of legal problems. Starting off with a business frame of mind is helpful in many ways but especially to stay focused.

      The reason most people DO NOT treat it like a business (at least in the U.S.)
      • You can start without a EIN... You can sign up as an affiliate with most businesses with just your SS.
      • You can start without a business checking account.
      • You can start without using your legal name.
      • You can start without using your physical address.
      • You can start without forming a corp or an LLC.
      • You can start without complying with state laws. (I'm not saying you should. I'm just saying that many fly under the radar until they actually start making consistent money and most states are not aggressively seeking out the low income self-employed to collect taxes etc.)
      • You don't have to report (in some cases) income that is under $400 on your federal income tax. (Sadly there are many people that never make that much in a year.)
      • You can start with less than $50.

      Unfortunately, it is almost too easy to start WITHOUT a business frame of mind. I agree with the OP. If someone really wants to profit long term being self-employed they should start right off the bat by STARTING A BUSINESS!
      I wish I could thank this post a bazillion times. <3
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      "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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  • Profile picture of the author Rebecca Spiller
    As previous posters have said, I think there is a different mindset gap. The ones who succeed know it takes just as much work as any other business venture. The ones who give up think internet marketing is just some get rich quick/minimal effort required.

    Is that the way it's been portrayed by people trying to coach/sell these methods to the general public? Or is there some deeper rooted, want everything for nothing attitude that's becoming more common? I know my 20-year-old brother is constantly asking me how I became successful and searching "how to make x in x days". When I tell him it takes hard work and perseverance he shuts off.

    It's really interesting but I definitely think we will see more of it in the coming years.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jackie Newbrough
      Yes, it is much more than just that so many internet marketers try to promote their business opportunity by making people think they can get rich working a few hours per day relaxing on a remote beach.

      The attitude you are referring to is the entitlement mentality that has been purposely taught through the government school system whose agenda is to ensure that no one knows how to think from cause to effect and to make people dependent on the civil government by always looking for a handout or a bailout.

      That is why we are so passionate about teaching Why Liberty Matters.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oziboomer
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.
    Thoughts?
    Thanks Michael for your thread.

    Not just in online business but in small business generally there is a serious lack of business skills.

    As mentioned in the previous posts getting into business can be easy and everyone thinks their business idea will be a huge success.

    It doesn't matter whether it is internet based or not there is always over enthusiasm amongst people wanting to succeed. This often fuelled not only by the hype created by biz op sellers but also by people close to the potential business owner giving encouraging words and often money to support their venture.

    The harsh reality is most businesses fail.

    In a previous thread by Jason Kanigan there is a long discussion on the issues and I show some of the basic systems I use to manage my business.

    Jason's thread is here-->
    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-marketing/1035845-bite-reality-why-new-businesses-fail.html

    An overview of the five basic things most people forget or dont know how to do is outlined in the short video I've pasted below.

    Best regards,

    Ozi

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  • Profile picture of the author Robsn
    I also do agree with what others posted above. What some people might not know, is that 97% of people, getting into affiliate marketing (which in my opinion is one of the easiest online business models), FAIL.

    Mostly because the barrier of entry is incredibly low and pretty much anyone is able to start a "business" online. You simply have to sign up with clickbank and voila, you are ready to rock. Now you just have to figure out how to get traffic and you think you hit a gold mine.

    As Rebecca already said, people that succeed in Internet Marketing usually needed a couple months if not years to finally figure out what works for them. It's simply the question of persistence. If you are not able to keep it up and give up after a couple months of trying and saying: Naah, there's no way I will be able to do that, then you're right.
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.

    It's also interesting there's a corollary of high drop out and failure rates in internet marketing as well.

    Great internet marketing does indeed push the idea of knowing your target audience and customer, developing a product that your target audience will buy based on that knowledge, and creating a very tight message-to-market match.

    But then it sort of goes flat from there.

    Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

    It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

    Thoughts?
    Hey Michael,
    I was re-reading your Post and it struck me ....weren't you around here a lot in the WF heydays?

    You were sharing your opinions back then how people would do better with a small business if they implemented things on a level usually reserved for higher schools of business ( like Corporations etc..) ?

    Anyway, it was some real good stuff if I remember right . And glad you come back here every once in awhile. Hope to see you more


    - Robert

    P.S. I think we may have even had a spirited debate about how the proliferation of Guns in our families actually causes more deaths ( in accidents with our kids) than it does help saving family members. I was the former opinion , you latter.

    Does that sound about right ??
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  • Profile picture of the author Rahman Colson
    I think most people assume that it is easy because it is online, it's on a computer, it's at home. The same rules apply in any business and marketplace. People want value and they want to be helped. Most people don't have the discipline to run a brick and mortar business, let alone an internet business, Internet marketing is for self starters that have a entrepreneurial drive. You must learn, practice, take action, and test....repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat..and You gotta Love it!
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  • Profile picture of the author onlineworker11
    Yes it is better to go for high quality in products and to over deliver. So that the marketer in question may get returning costumers. Maybe it is a high drop out because they maybe give up to easy and do not have enough patience.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    Hey Michael... good to see you around these parts again.

    Let's be brutally honest. The failure rate is high because somewhere
    north of 90% of the people who get involved aren't business people by
    any definition of the word, have no idea what it means to be a business
    person, have no skills and have no determination to learn and apply the
    required skills on a consistent daily basis.

    They don't delve deeply into a subject because they don't know very much
    about it on the surface level, let alone in depth.

    Despite protestations to the contrary often discussed on this forum, internet
    marketing isn't very much different than multi-level marketing. No skills are
    required for entry. Very little money is needed to get started. There is very
    little consequence for failure.
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  • Profile picture of the author ACandi
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    ...Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

    It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

    Thoughts?

    Hi Michael,

    It's flawed because MOST do NOT approach ONline marketing with a Business Plan!

    If someone was venturing into an OFFline business, one of the first things to be done will be to prepare some sort of cash flow projection for at least a 12 month period.

    That will give an idea of what will be needed to survive at least medium term.

    It will provide information on what is the real amount of money you'll have to invest BEFORE you can make a PROFIT.

    From that point you'll discover whether you have the capital to invest, if you have to sell something to get your investment capital or if you have to take a loan.

    If people approach online business with an offline business head, I strongly believe there will be many more success stories being told. I say so because with a proper business approach you do NOT need HUGE Investment Capital to succeed online!

    That is on the business approach part.

    For the emotional or motivational part, like offline business you need to have a goal that you're passionate to achieve.

    LB.
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  • Profile picture of the author amuro
    Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

    One of the interesting things I've observed over the years is that internet marketers venture into business in different ways, seemingly few of which actually follow successful startup patterns and models.

    It's also interesting there's a corollary of high drop out and failure rates in internet marketing as well.

    Great internet marketing does indeed push the idea of knowing your target audience and customer, developing a product that your target audience will buy based on that knowledge, and creating a very tight message-to-market match.

    But then it sort of goes flat from there.

    Product launch after product launch - but then you see internet marketers scramble to constantly launch new things chasing the front-end revenue stream. No real depth to the business development plan once they get some traction with any particular product.

    It seems like a flawed approach, especially considering that if someone gets some sales off a new product launch, they should be figuring out how to lean in deeper into their customer's needs and actually helping them rather than selling marshmallow fluff over and over (because face it, that's what most front-end products are - fluff at best).

    Thoughts?



    An even more interesting thing I observed about people - including myself when I got started in offline marketing first before internet marketing - is that most of them only think and want to make money for themselves and the ability to work and live life on their own terms.

    Without ever considering who their target market is and what they can do for their target market first.


    This is not just what I say. This is what my good friend Sant Qiu - who is more successful than me in many ways - say.

    They assume that if they got knowledge, qualifications and skill in a certain field, they are more than qualified to get others to buy.

    According to Sant, marketing is not just about selling.

    Marketing is about networking, connecting and understanding people FIRST.

    On what they NEED and WANT.

    Before offering your products or services as solutions to their problems and fulfilment of their desire.


    Doesn't matter if it is online or traditional marketing.

    Most marketers like to offer and sell what they THINK is best for their prospects in terms of needs and wants.

    Thinking and actually knowing are 2 different issues.

    Thinking is like gambling say in casino and betting which may backfire upon you.

    Knowing on the other hand, gives you certainty and assurance that whatever you offered, they will buy since you KNOW that is what they need, want and even share or recommend their friends as well.

    That is what makes the difference between -

    Amateur marketers and successful marketers.

    Or entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-wannabes.

    Which also ties in what Zig Ziglar said:




    Here is the thing, guys.

    Until you make a difference to people's lives be it emotionally and financially, none of what you know, think you know or are good at in certain skill matters.

    It can be your family, friends, relatives, or the people around you that matters.

    I don't mean to sound sarcastic.

    But that's how the world revolves.

    Don't know about you guys.

    But I come from the small Southeast Asian island of Singapore where our government and most people focuses a lot on giving value to people FIRST to pursuing our dreams, interests and passions.

    Not sure if any of my compatriots tell you this. But what I am telling you is the absolute truth and critical fundamental of what it takes to succeed.

    Whether you agree or disagree.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by amuro View Post




      An even more interesting thing I observed about people - including myself when I got started in offline marketing first before internet marketing - is that most of them only think and want to make money for themselves and the ability to work and live life on their own terms.

      Without ever considering who their target market is and what they can do for their target market first.


      This is not just what I say. This is what my good friend Sant Qiu - who is more successful than me in many ways - say.

      They assume that if they got knowledge, qualifications and skill in a certain field, they are more than qualified to get others to buy.

      According to Sant, marketing is not just about selling.

      Marketing is about networking, connecting and understanding people FIRST.

      On what they NEED and WANT.

      Before offering your products or services as solutions to their problems and fulfilment of their desire.


      Doesn't matter if it is online or traditional marketing.

      Most marketers like to offer and sell what they THINK is best for their prospects in terms of needs and wants.

      Thinking and actually knowing are 2 different issues.

      Thinking is like gambling say in casino and betting which may backfire upon you.

      Knowing on the other hand, gives you certainty and assurance that whatever you offered, they will buy since you KNOW that is what they need, want and even share or recommend their friends as well.

      That is what makes the difference between -

      Amateur marketers and successful marketers.

      Or entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-wannabes.

      Here is the thing, guys.

      Until you make a difference to people's lives be it emotionally and financially, none of what you know, think you know or are good at in certain skill matters.

      It can be your family, friends, relatives, or the people around you that matters.

      I don't mean to sound sarcastic.

      But that's how the world revolves.

      Don't know about you guys.

      But I come from the small Southeast Asian island of Singapore where our government and most people focuses a lot on giving value to people FIRST to pursuing our dreams, interests and passions.

      Not sure if any of my compatriots tell you this. But what I am telling you is the absolute truth and critical fundamental of what it takes to succeed.

      Whether you agree or disagree.
      Good stuff Amuro.

      Some of it I couldn't have said it better myself

      You really sum it up nicely. People START with themselves when they should START with other people and their problems first thing


      - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Why do many people treat internet marketing differently than starting any other business?

    Maybe because they've never started a business.

    Maybe because selling online is easier than face to face.

    Maybe because anyone can sell online without actually starting a business.

    Maybe.., hell, I don't know.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Lots of good stuff here, and some faces I haven't seen for awhile (hi, Shay, gotta love a gal that makes Trek references ).

    One thing I've seen is that way too many people have the wrong idea about what it's like to be the boss or owner.

    Maybe they spend their day on the line, sweating their backside off, and see the owner come in fresh from the golf course. They think to themselves "I wish I could play golf all day while other people sweat to pay my way", not realizing that that golf game may have resulted in a contract that will keep the plant running for months.

    There was an episode of a sitcom called "Kevin Can Wait" where Kevin, a retired cop, decides to open a food truck business. He has the notion that his role as the owner is to float around in front of the truck passing out business cards and puffing out his chest. He's actually offended when his chef asks him to replenish some ingredients. The two argue, the chef quits, and the business goes down the tubes.

    In my four decades plus in the business world, I've been inside a lot of small businesses. The ones that make it are the ones where the owners take a "whatever it takes" approach. During the day, it may look like they do nothing but play golf or take clients to fancy lunches (or get taken to fancy lunches). At night, they may be doing the payroll before emptying the trash and mopping the restrooms.

    If you want to see what happens when owners go in with the wrong ideas, watch a few episodes of shows like "Kitchen Nightmares" or "Bar Rescue". Yeah, they're heavily edited and dramatized, but you'll notice that they have no shortage of applicants...
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  • Profile picture of the author Alicia1
    Well, I'm trying to get a good strategy in place. I know my business and offer good products.. however, I'm not a marketer and just got in this forum to learn how to get the best.. I'm looking to offer participations in crowdfunding campaigns. Any tips?
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  • Profile picture of the author Ellen Chedid
    I completely agree with your perspective. I think that a a lot of false advertising sometimes gives people the impression that internet marketing will make you money over night so they get scammed it into it but end up coming out disappointed cause little do they know how much competition there is.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatkeywordguy
    Because most of IM revolves around selling crap to newbies who don't know any better.
    e.g. selling Thigh Masters to people who make an impulse buy at 3AM like
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_9LKmITloc
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