Failing at Internet Marketing? Get Off All Those Guru Email Lists!

I recently signed up for a membership at the Smart Business Formula site. This site, operated by online entrepreneurs Winston Yap and Thomas Choo, has a collection of free tools, resources, and videos on internet marketing.

On the site, they have an 9 video "Introduction to Internet Marketing" series. I almost skipped the intro videos, because I thought it would be the same old stuff. But, so far, I've watched the first two videos and I was surprised - This is not the same old stuff!

On the first video, they showed actual hyped-up websites that prey on newbie marketers. They then tore into these websites, and showed how common sense says that their claims are over-blown. I have never seen other "gurus" taking shots at actual sites. They always seem to be in a fraternity.

But, I really liked the second video. They gave two reasons why people fail at internet marketing. I kind of figured out the first reason, and the video had me nodding in agreement as they discussed it.

But the second reason - which is kind of the root cause of the first reason - surprised me! It is a great observation of human nature.

1. Information Overload - They said that the typical newbie marketer spends their time reading info from gurus and ordering products - instead of taking action. They end up on many guru email lists with a lot of information products sitting on their hard drive.

They buy a product to help them build their website. Then, just before it is finished, they get an offer for another product. They think the product may be useful sometime, so they buy it and download it to their hard drive. So it goes - they end up buying and collecting products, instead of taking action.

2. Thinking Like An Employee - I didn't see this one coming - but it is a brilliant observation! We are used to being employees - with its security and certainty.

For example, if you are a web designer for a company, your boss tells you what to design, and you are guaranteed a paycheck at the end of the month. Well, if you are designing a website for your own internet business, you have to make all the design decisions, and there is no guarantee that you will earn any money at the end of the month.

Since internet marketing features uncertainty and insecurity, at the end of the day, most marketing newbies unconsiously give up the boss role. The guru become the boss, and the marketer becomes the employee.

The marketing guru is seductive because he/she (seemingly) offers security and guarantees. Like a boss, they seem to be telling you what to do and what you will get. The marketer is in his "comfort zone" as an employee.

The problem, of course, is that the guru is not your boss. - He is a marketer trying to make a sale to you.

The second video concludes by suggesting that, instead of listening to gurus, it's better to get out of your employee "comfort zone" by focusing on enjoying the experience of internet marketing, rather than money - which will cause you stress.

They then compare internet marketing with learning to ride a bicycle, driving, or cooking. Even with a mentor guiding you, you will fall down.

Also, like riding a bike, you will only learn through developing experience and intuition. You have to develop abilities like intuitively evaluating products for money making potential. There are no shortcuts.

In conclusion, I really recommend that you get a membership at the Smart Business Formula site, and watch the videos.