What's the long-term outlook for IM?

9 replies
I'm really interested in IM as a stepping stone to some other things I'd like to do over the next 50 years, some of which require lots of investment. As a result, I'm particularly interested in IM opportunities that are stable and proven to work over the long run. So this is actually a two-part question:

1. What do you think IM looks like in 5, 10, 20 years? What kinds of trends and opportunities do you foresee? What things will change? What things won't change?

2. What's the outlook for someone who is really successful in IM? Let's say you've busted your ass for a few years and are pulling down a few million per year. Is there a certain amount of momentum that can keep you there without putting in an insane amount of time each week? Or as you step back a bit, will traffic/profit bleed off?

Really interested to hear from those who have been doing IM for awhile and have tasted big time success. Do you still spend 12 hrs per day on it? Have you found things that consistently work and automated them? I don't want to work myself into an early grave earning money I'll never have time to enjoy
#future of im #longterm #outlook #stability
  • Profile picture of the author Slin
    The internet is going nowhere but up. In the future I think it will be a little bit more regulated.

    Right now is the best time to get in, you can learn all sorts of skills, then take it to the next level by helping large businesses get online.

    The internet is massive, if you have a good business mind, this is the place to be.
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  • Profile picture of the author greff
    I agree with Slin. IM will exist in one form or another. It is bound to change in structure since there is still plenty of room for amazing tech advances. What the people want and need may change somewhat, but I can't imagine they will stop wanting and needing things.

    Go forward with vigor!
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  • Profile picture of the author GlengarryLeads
    Internet Marketing is really still in it's infancy as far as an industry goes. We have learned a lot of things but it is still developing. Some people still are not buying online, but it has increased a lot. I think we'll see great changes for the future but also with increased regulation and probably it will get harder. But the resourceful marketer will always find a way to make it work.
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  • Profile picture of the author tomswiftjr
    Really interesting to hear everyone's thoughts. Anyone want to take a stab at #2?
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  • Profile picture of the author Mukul Verma
    The only outlook is consistant change. The person who make millions of dollar will have to adapt consistantly educating and changing in order to keep getting more pay.
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  • Profile picture of the author krull
    Hmm... I've got a good question I think. What is the next biggest thing? Google and Youtube is where it's at. I'm not sure what will come next!
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    • Profile picture of the author Tom Goodwin
      Jeff Paul is going to be richer than Bill Gates in 5 years.

      That is my prediction.
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      • Profile picture of the author tomswiftjr
        Originally Posted by Tom Goodwin View Post

        Jeff Paul is going to be richer than Bill Gates in 5 years.

        That is my prediction.
        Assuming he avoids prison. Guys like that give IM a bad rap. Ugh.
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  • Profile picture of the author HomeComputerGames
    While the IM fundamentals may stay the same I would look hard at interactive marketing for presentation.
    With broadband so prevalent more and more apps and websites are going this way.
    With all of the advancements in AI I believe a virtual salesman is not too far off in the future and indeed some rudimentary programs already exist.

    Your web browser will not be just something you browse the internet with but will handle all of your communications, banking, shopping, news, entertainment, etc.. all from one location presented in your fashion.
    Not from 100 different apps and websites.

    Blogs will be video blogs or animated representations of ourselves. E-commerce stores will be virtual stores where you will be able to ask the virtual clerk for a specific product or a range of products. Want today's national news or just the local sports? Tell your computer and off it will go to find it for you while learning all of the time what best fits you. Sort of like Google's attempt at personal searches but a lot more in tune with your personality, presented in a much richer environment.

    Yes this is all down the line but there is a lot of kewl stuff going on and worth considering:
    Interop - IT Expo and Conference - Global Events
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    yes, I am....

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