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A weird personal problem I decided to get rid of

by aldentan
16 replies
Now that I look back, I think it's weird.

Call it journalistic integrity or something, but for my blog, I actually didn't feel comfortable blogging about blogging or internet marketing. Why? Because I haven't made it "big" nor have I even started monetizing yet. I just didn't want to seem like I was teaching without any "credentials".

But I decided that I can actually help and share valuable information and learn experience to others.

Anyway so the point of this post is, do you guys think this is weird? What do you all think?

It kind of reminds me of the time I had a full-time job where I was creating a website for a client. The client wanted Google Analytics installed (after the website was created). My boss said to quote him $200 for this "upsell". I was like WHAT? Why? And he started teaching about trade secrets and all.

Well trade secrets are trade secrets, I don't know. Like the above, I feel it has to do with integrity.
#decided #personal #problem #rid #weird
  • Profile picture of the author RevenueGal
    Well, I was a teacher before a work at home mom. Not all teachers "know everything" but it's our priority to at least stay one step ahead of the students before teaching them the next lesson.

    One way or the other, if you've already been online for awhile and studying internet marketing, you now know more than those who are just starting out. So, you could target the "newbies" online who are just struggling with the basics of setting up their sites and directing them to trustworthy resources for the best IM training, etc. (Using your affiliate links to gain revenue.)
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    • Profile picture of the author Barefoot Warrior
      I don't see a problem with writing about your experiences and what you have discovered. It can help others who haven't learned as much as you.

      The thing to avoid is pretending that you know more than you do, or to just quote other peoples information as if you are the one to have had their experiences.

      There is no harm in saying you found this or that useful, or that you can't afford a particular piece of software but it looks like it should work well judging from the reports you've read ... obviously you write a full post about this and explain the ins and outs, not just a couple of paragraphs.

      Think back to when you started out online and try to give information that you would have found valuable then. Make sure you don't undervalue yourself, it can be very easy to do ... once you learn something you think everyone knows it and thus it isn't worth anything.
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      • Profile picture of the author Chris1212
        I've been into personal development for many years. Reading this, I'm reminded of a quote from Brian Tracy.

        The fastest way to learn something/become an expert on a topic is to teach it.

        Setting yourself up as a teacher forces you dig into the subject far deeper than most people ever will.

        (That is, of course, if you are an honorable person. Con artists and thieves set themselves up as teachers/experts knowing they know nothing except how to get into your wallet.)

        In the age we are living in, information is just about the easiest thing to get, on any subject. Then all we have to do is apply ourselves to learning everything we can on our given subject, and in a fairly short amount of time, we are an expert.

        Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Its not weird at all. Its called being honest.

    Good on you for being honest with yourself.

    There's already enough knuckle heads out there claiming to be established internet marketers, when they too have no credentials.

    The best way to earn respect and a loyal following is HONESTY.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sue Bruce
      We who study karate
      Shall always remember the spirit of Bushido
      With harmony, perseverance, and hard work,
      We shall reach our goals


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  • Profile picture of the author MaryKathan
    It is not wierd at all. It is good to have integrity.

    One thing you can do is blog about something you learned from an experienced internet marketer, and mention in your blog where you learned it. You will be helping your readers, promoting someone who helped you, and maintaining your ethics all at the same time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jhangora
    I certainly agree with you aldentan. My niece suggested I pretend to be a successful Internet Marketer, and start a blog teaching people how to make money. I told her it doesn't feel right to me.

    However, there is nothing wrong in sharing your knowledge. I believe in Open Source, as a Philosophy. Attended a Word Camp in 2008, and remember what Matt Mullenweg said, "Even if you know one thing, maybe you know more than 90 percent of the people. Share you knowledge."

    Not the exact words, but I was thoroughly impressed. Don't be an impostor, but do share your learning.
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  • Profile picture of the author aldentan
    Thanks guys =) I guess in a way I need to work on caring/not caring what others think of me
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  • Profile picture of the author DebbieD
    If you're honest about your level of internet marketing knowledge and experience and you don't fake it and make yourself the world's biggest online success, I don't see why you can't blog about online marketing.

    You probably know more than many newbies and you still have the advantage of remembering the time you were a newbie yourself.

    Good Luck
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  • Profile picture of the author Ruehl
    I'm glad you made this post. In all honesty, 90% or more of those articles are people using their (false) "income" from internet marketing as a ploy to get more money from others or to sucker them into purchasing what they are advertising. I do NOT support this type of up-sell.
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  • Profile picture of the author matt5409
    Originally Posted by aldentan View Post

    Now that I look back, I think it's weird.

    Call it journalistic integrity or something, but for my blog, I actually didn't feel comfortable blogging about blogging or internet marketing. Why? Because I haven't made it "big" nor have I even started monetizing yet. I just didn't want to seem like I was teaching without any "credentials".

    But I decided that I can actually help and share valuable information and learn experience to others.

    Anyway so the point of this post is, do you guys think this is weird? What do you all think?

    It kind of reminds me of the time I had a full-time job where I was creating a website for a client. The client wanted Google Analytics installed (after the website was created). My boss said to quote him $200 for this "upsell". I was like WHAT? Why? And he started teaching about trade secrets and all.

    Well trade secrets are trade secrets, I don't know. Like the above, I feel it has to do with integrity.
    you mean he RIPPED OFF somebody. that isn't an upsell. sure, you're selling "value" not time but you risk jeopardizing your reputation when the client finds out they can get it for free.

    maintain your integrity - don't blog about making money when you don't. too many snake oil salespeople out there already.
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    • Profile picture of the author Azarna
      As long as you don't expect anyone to take you seriously.

      I mean, what is with all the foul language? You sound like you are about 11.
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  • Profile picture of the author Devon Brown
    I don't think it's weird at all. I think if everyone does what they feel comfortable doing and they're putting their heart into things that they really want to do then better results will come out of it.
    Good on you
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    • Profile picture of the author richescorner
      I don't think it's weird. After all, you are in the niche because you want to learn about making money online and blogging. Be up front about your lack of experience and start there.

      Your bigger issue is going to be the competition because you will be competing against the gurus that have ton of experience and are blogging about the same thing. Try to find something unique and personal about your experience that you can share with others to stand out.
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  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    Nothing weird there. But you also can't wait until you're the uber-guru before you feel it's okay to share with others.

    Here's what I mean. Take a look at YouTube and search for videos about how to install WordPress. I just searched that and the top video has over 39k views. For most folks here (not all, but let's say a very large number) installing WP is at least familiar. I've done that probably 200+ times. You might think that something so simple as installing WP is common knowledge, but it's not! 39K views prove that it's not.

    My point is don't wait to share. Share what you honestly know while you're working to learn more.
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  • Profile picture of the author HairyPoppins
    As long as you know more then the person you're helping/teaching I see nothing wrong with it. I don't think you have to be some super guru internet master to help or show some tips. If that were the case we'd all be screwed.
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