Internet marketing training has changed significantly from what it was just a year or so ago, because the Internet marketing trainers have changed. Now that so many people who are relatively new to the marketplace (such as myself) are training the absolute beginners (newbies) who are coming on the scene, people have a choice in who they will spend their time and money with in order to get started with an online business. I think of this as a shift from the gurus (Big Box Stores) to the indiviual Internet marketing trainers (the Mom and Pop’s) when it comes to receiving your information.
The gurus – they even refer to themselves in this manner – tend to offer two thousand dollar courses and very little, if any, personal contact. Their webinars mute out all guests and customer service is done exclusively through a ticket system. Very impersonal, and not very effective these days.
People such as myself, and there are thousands of us, tend to focus on building relationships with our prospects and clients as we teach the fundamentals of getting started with an online business. If you think about it, I’m sure you will agree that having access to those you spend time and money with is a huge benefit.
Live events are changing as well. The events I used to attend consisted of a series of presenters throughout each day, each offering a package for sale at the end of their 90 minute presentation. At the end of three days you had heard conflicting stories as to what you should be doing to build a profitable business online. Most of these speakers did not even stay for the entire event, so they did not hear that someone else was contradicting their opinion. None of the people I met at these events enjoyed this process, but it seemed like the only way to connect with the big names in our industry.
Now the live events consist of more ‘workshop’ style training, where the speakers are expected to teach you how to do something to further your business. There may still be something for sale, but it is done in a more gentle way. Relationship building is seen as more important than just making the sale.
The bottom line is that relationship marketing works. When you choose someone to learn from, make sure you will be able to get to know them as you learn from them over time.
It is interesting that, in the offline world, the big box stores are eating up all the mom and pops because they are more convenient. Online, it’s just the opposite. The mom and pops are making people feel more connected to and listened to, which is lacking on the Internet other places, so they are flourishing, and the impersonal big box stores are floundering.
Great observation, Connie, and great article.
Geoff
As someone who is starting an online business, I totally agree with your observation – as I am so easily able to connect with the “moms and pops” as you call them
– on social media
– get the help I need through the wonderful emails I receive
– throught the webinars which are so freely done to help us get going with our
businesses
While listening to nams audios that you recommended I was astonished to hear that there are helpers wandering around to assist attendees to do the work !
Your relationship marketing does work – and thank you!
Gone are the days when the competition was slim and people had little choice who they do business with. Relationship marketing is an absolute must if you want a thriving business. Thank goodness those ineffective business in a box gimmicks are becoming a thing of the past in lieu of real nuts and bolts style training.
Love what both Geoff and Moira had to say!