Are Marketers Really Just About The Money?

The answer is yes.

If it weren't for money, and wanting to make more of it, how many people do you really think would be building lists, doing SEO, paying for advertising, etc?

I'm sure that someone will come in and say "no" the money doesn't matter, "I just want to help people" - But, if you follow the trail long enough, you will more than likely find a sales page somewhere with a price tag higher than $0.

I think there's some push back in the marketplace right now on free/cheap trials followed by an expensive continuity program. You can thank the weight loss folks for that one.

You can also add the bad economy on top of that because it will make people tighter with their money and more concerned about getting the best value at the lowest price.

Yes, in the sense that I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't need to earn money. I'm not yet to the point where I can stop working. So yes, I'm in it for the money.

BUT ... I will not cheat, mislead, or abuse the trust of my customers to get it. So I guess I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

It's possible to help people AND make money. I give away a lot of things. Most of the time there is something for sale connected to it in some way, if nothing more than an advertisement on a content page, but people do not have to buy anything to benefit from the free content. That's helping people.

If they buy, I make money. That's business. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I started out ONLY giving things away. I didn't sell anything when I first started. My visitors encouraged me in that direction. Even when I first started selling things, I let people pay what they thought the product was worth AFTER they received it. Some overpaid, some underpaid, it averaged out most of the time.

The point is, because you're making money does not mean you aren't also helping people. You could even say that if you are NOT helping people, you won't make much money. You could also say the more you are able to help people, the more possible it is to make money, and perhaps the more money it is possible to make.

Rather than being mutually exclusive, you could say they are mutually beneficial, if not mutually necessary.

Hey Brad it's weird that someone would say that from your list - I know you provide more value than most including that 'awesome' webinar we did last week...

The simple answer yes, money is a driving force for most - you know I'm not all about the money, but I think a lot of people can eventually spot the people who are all about the money if they are having continuous interaction with them such as being on their email list

Its all about the benjamins baby lol like the song.

Of course it all boils down to money but do it ethically. And I really enjoy Internet Marketing which makes it a lot easier.

You always are gonna get a few silly comments from people that is too be expected.

It's about money. Every business, online or offline, strives to make money. Why else would anybody be in business for if not to make money? But for a significant number of marketers, it isn't just the money. There's also the satisfaction of being able to help others.

Hi Brad!

Don't worry about it so much! Now is the time to prove yourself how good salesman you are! "NO" doesn't necessarily mean NO! Many sales made after people had said NO! This is what we do for living!

Jamian.

Just about the money means that chasing dollars is the biggest motivator when you do something. You don't care if the product is crap, you don't care if your customers get scammed, you don't care about anything but how much money you are making.

Sadly, yes there are way too many people who think like that.

However, there are plenty others who only sell stuff they believe in 100%, never promote something to their list unless they truely believe it can benefit list members, who never use underhanded sales tactics, and who put whats right above all else.

Those who say "we are all in it for the money no matter what anyone says" are usually just trying to deflect from the fact that they couldn't care less about their customers and only care about the money they can squeeze of them.

Now, ethics means different things to everyone, as sad as that is. What one person finds completely ethical another would find so far beyond unethical that they would never consider doing it. It's very subjective and everyone has their own boundries.

I'm not saying any particular side is right or wrong, just pointing out that there are differences and not everyone is in it purly "just for the money."

There are plenty of us who would rather not make a cent than make a million selling crap. And before anyone blasts me for that comment, I have made almost nothing selling online stuff in the last 8 months because I haven't gotten a product finished yet that I believe in enough to actually charge anyone money for it. I would rather wait until I have a quality product and my customers get what they paid for than just through out crap just to keep the money rolling in hand over fist.

Cash rules everything around me....

For the most part, marketing is about the money. We are all bombarded with Marketing messages that number in the hundreds if not thousands daily. The important takeaway is its ok to market to people as long as you are providing great value.

Unfortunately, yes it is. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing. For example, you can earn money but as long as you're offering a genuine product or service that you sincerely believe can help someone and there's no deception involved I think it's fine. I mean everyone has their own way to get food on the table.. this is just one of them. It's an honest business.

I'd like to add one more thing. I've had many Warriors PM me asking for help. I help when I am able. I've never placed a price on helping someone. In fact, some have offered to pay me after I've helped them by cash via Paypal or by providing a service to me. I've declined the payment every time and told them to pay it forward.

While each of us can only answer for our own self, it's not all about the money for me and for many others.

Even when money is involved, it's an exchange of value.

Yes, yes, yes!
Whatever marketer does in internet, it must be related with money. What is it for if not for money? Promoting your product with various ways because you want to earn money better!

Some marketers are just about the money.

Not me.

Instead I firmly believe in making money AND making meaning.

And yes - it's possible to have both.

In the careers I've had so far, I've always focused on helping
others... and making money in the process.

You gotta make money - that's for sure.

I dislike the mercenary approach of some marketers who'll do
anything for a buck - regardless of if the products they sell
or pimp really help their customers.

Genuinely focusing on the needs of customers and making
decent money in the process is the way that works for me.

I sleep better at night knowing that in the process of making
money I've helped others in the process and have not taken
advantage of anyone.

After nearly 10 years in marketing I have an range of very
powerful strategies to persuade people to pay me money -
I'm just very selective in the ones I choose to use.

Some other marketers who are just about the money will
use any means possible - inlcuding getting their prospects
into psychological headlocks, hypey claims and outright lies.

I only use the methods that suit the way I want to interact
with my prospects and customers. I treat others how I like
to be treated and that's served me well over the years.

Dedicated to your success,

Shaun

Yes. Marketing is a business to gain clients which is the main target. Therefore getting more clients mean getting more income. So if you want more traffic to your site, that would mean more money for you. It's mostly about the money but to some there's the thrill of 'how do I get to be number 1 out there'.

It's nothing to be get bothered about really. Everyone uses it, everyone needs it. It's a necessity.

I try and help people with my sites, but really its about the money. I don't think anyone has started in IM for any other reason.

i do not know anyone who does this for free do you? I mean if wasn't about profits they ould give everything away for free or give all profits to a charity. So my answer is YES.

Oh I'm definately about it for the money aspect, however as time goes on it actualy becomes quite enjoyable and obviously satisfying!

Yes and no, find the happy medium. Yes because it is your "job" to bring products to the people's attention. No because you want to build a relationship with your customers for better results.

It's like buying a brand new car. The salesman gets a commission... Buying a new car gives you a warranty! So, you will come back for scheduled free maintenance! By doing so, while waiting, you're going to look around and often you will find something you like and buy it!

The essence of marketing is building strong relationships. Just having a website and advertising it, anyone can do that. If your customers can never each you, you aren't going to make a lot of money.

Few tips:
-Buy the product you are looking to promote, because you will will always give better content than those just copy and pasting other sites and articles. In this day and age, people want VALUE.

Answer is YES... Including the person who sent you that email

All they were interested in was a way to make them $$$$$$$$$$ they just didnt want to pay for it

Robert

Yes they are all about the money that's what drive's Internet Marketers daily, to be able to work from home and give them financial freedom, but there are only a few that stay true to there customers and give it there all and more.

Nope it's not "just" about the money. But it's definitely a huge part of it. I think for most marketers it's what money can get them. I'm in a couple of niches where I have near countless opportunities to help people; people who have a problem that I used to have and know that I can help them with it.

When I receive an e-mail or a phone call from someone who is getting results or say that I've changed their life........it makes my whole month - you cannot put a monetary value on that feeling. It only makes me want to do more for the customers and prospects alike. Shoot, I even send prospects to competitors that I think are a better fit for them! And not always with an affiliate link! lol

Of course I do it for the money, but I don't ever see myself retiring in the conventional sense because I'm having way too much fun helping people AND making money (basically what Dennis just wrote!). In this case, you CAN have your cake and eat it too (with a side of coffee and Baileys of course).

RoD

Yes, as a marketer your responsibility is to your business' bottom line (and shareholders if you have one).

That does NOT mean that you can't deliver exceptional value all the same! You can deliver BOTH great value AND make money. That's what successful business is about.

But if we're arguing semantics here then yes, as a business owner it all comes down to your bottom line [= $$$.

Marketing and business is a profession and the aim is to make an income. That is the purpose of all our marketing actions. However does that matter? No, what matters is, are you delivering exceptional VALUE and satisfying your customers? If not then you won't last long anyway. If yes, then what's the problem? Nothing, you're giving and receiving in return, that is what business is about = trading value.

I certainly would say it depends on the person or the mission of the company. Not all marketers are after money. They could provide service in exchange for money. Don't take this personally. When you get e-mail like that push the delete button and move on. People with lack mentality usually don't like people that create products and sell for profit.

"Yes" of course we all about money ... like why would a company employ a sales team? Er ... to sell and er ... make money. They exist to make money.

At the same time you have to ask "What's the difference between and sales man and a con man?"

I'd probably say that a sales man provides a 'fair' exchange of goods for money. While a con man provides an unfair exchange of goods for money.

I hope he unsubscribed!

Even charities are all about the money..

Yes we are in this game for the money, but not everything has to be about money as long as we are providing people with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to be successful. As long as you feel you are doing everything in your power to help them, there is no need to feel bad about what you charge. It will cost them WAY more to figure it out on their own and they are paying YOU to shorten their learning curve.

Everyone is about money, or, everything that is done today, is about money, whether you're an IM'er or the owner of an NFL team, I don't care who you are...

"MONEY IS POWER"

If you don't know already, "HELP" others, don't try to sell them anything, unless they ask what you have to offer...Build a relationship first, then do business.

Check this out, the other day I signed up for an affiliate account of one of these online businesses because I thought it was good enough to promote. It gave me a free website, or I could buy 3 ready made websites. I went with the free site, of course. One day later, as an auto-response, I get an email on why I should upgrade. One day later? Are you kidding me? Why the "F" I should upgrade! See ya!

I know for some of us its hard to do this, but I actually let some of my customers, if they ask, pay me after the work is done. So far, since I have done this, I have gotten more referral clients then I have ever before and a lot of repeat business.

The problem with your $1 trial, is the fact that, if I were to forget that I signed up for your trial and then got charged $97 a month later, I would be furious. Lots of people forget about that, because the trial was so cheap. Or they miss the fine print, shoot that happens all the time.

I think when you offer a trial, whether or not you mention what your going to be charged after the 30 days are up, that trial should automatically stop, no further transactions, after the allotted time-frame given. If I so choose to keep reading your material, or using your services, I will sign up or activate my subscription when it's time.

Sorry to say, but I have run into several of your emails before. Now, I don't offer a trial. You signup for the full price now. Use what you signed up for, for 30 days, and if you don't like it after 28 days, cancel your subscription and move on.

Short answer, yes.

That doesn't mean however that we don't provide value in the
stuff we sell.

At least, not in my case. I always try to sell top notch stuff to
my customers.

I am in the IM industry because I want to make money and in doing so teach others too.

Anyone who does not do this for money and simply wants to "help people" is lying.

To agree with Louise, so are non-profit organizations :p

Brian, every time I read one of your posts I feel I'm a little better off for doing so.

Dennis

Thank you Dennis. I think we feel the same. Ahh, I know we do. As I said you get it. As several others here do. One of the things I found in my years of consulting is that my clients who were interested in providing value instead of JUST focusing on the money received more money in the long run.

I'll give you an example. Now this goes back several years ago, but it's just as valid today as it was then.

I had a client who was a design engineer. He was good at what he did and had a good company. Actually very good. I was able to get him into Chrysler. The buyer wanted to give him a contract for over 1 million dollars. I talked to my client about the contract and he said to me, "while I would love to have that contract, my operation is not set up right now to handle that much and I can't give them what they desire. It's important to me to give them more than what they expect."

So we went back to Chrysler and said to them thanks, but, what we would like is a job in the area of $300 - $500 thousand. Well, Sam got the contract and several more after that. The buyer said to me, that was the first time he had someone turn down a million dollar contract. That buyer gained more respect for Sam and his company in that moment than anything else Sam could have ever done. I also learned again, in that moment, that it's not about the money. It's about Doing Things In A certain Way. That's what my client, Sam, did, and he received more in the long term than if he had only been about the money. Sam, got it. Many in IM don't. But fortunately some do.

That's why those of us who believe in abundance and Doing Things In A Certain Way, don't lose energy over competition, or on leaving money on the table. The money that is out there in the world of IM is like gains of sand on the beach. I don't have to fight with anyone for a grain of sand. There are miles and miles of beach with billions of grains of sand. All I have to do is be creative, not competitive.

Now I could also tell you a story about a client who did go after the money and got it, and grew her company into a large multimillion dollar a year operation, In the tune of over $80 million a year and several plants around the country. After about 10 years of that she filed for bankruptcy. She didn't get it. But she thought she did. But that's another story for another time.


In Gratitude and Success,

Brian

The short answer is YES.

We live in a capitalist society and, professionally wise, 99% of what we do is related in one way or another to money. Whether we like it or not, the lust for money is what keeps our social model rolling.

That being said, it's a good idea in the long run to market quality products that can genuinely help our prospects/subscribers/audience. "Responsible marketing", so to speak

Cash rules everything around me

By definition, marketing is about money.

As Dennis mentioned, you can certainly help people as you make money, in fact helping people is one of the most effective ways to market and make money. Help enough people get want they want (or need) and you will get want you want (or need).

Personally for me IM is a hobby and it's not just about the money.I do it for fun everyday and i enjoy it. Of course that at the end of the day i check my accounts to see how much i made because money are also a reason but not the only one.I've been doing IM for a very long time and i guess i got used to it.

Yes.

No.

You can sell someone a piece of junk car, and turn back the odomoter - you make a few sales.

You price your cars cheaper, tell the truth, and gain a reputation as a honest merchant.

You make a much larger volume of sales.


Providing value; making your customers happy, IS what makes you money.


As for the dissinter in your list; You can never please everyone.

How does the old saying go..

"You could give a million people, a million dollars each, and someone would complain about the bag it came in."