How to Approach Success in Business

Dan B. Cauthron

First of all, anyone who intends to succeed in business,  whether on the Net or off, needs to develop a systematic approach. This involves setting both long term and short  term goals.

Too many beginners come into the Internet business arena with no definite plan or idea, expecting success to quickly fall into their laps. This may happen for some, but some people also win lotteries. But even professional gamblers use a systematic approach in their efforts.

 So, let's talk about your approach to your own business success.

 Marketing vs. Advertising

They are not one and the same, but both are integral parts in the success of any business. By definition, advertising  is a short term exercise geared toward making a customer  aware of a product, and then getting a sale. It's a  necessary part of any successful marketing plan, but it  cannot be THE marketing plan.

 Marketing, on the other hand, is a longer term endeavor. It  encompasses the big picture of your business and how it will succeed. Not being aimed toward an immediate result,  your marketing plan should allow you to position` your  business, over time, into a favorable niche so that you can  be there when it is time to make the sale.

 Successful Internet marketing is an exercise in exposing  your business for the long term good. It surrounds  informing and educating a targeted market, and leading the prospect into a fair and honest exchange of her money for  the benefits of owning your product, or using your service.

 A few techniques that you might consider are . . .

- Writing and Distributing eZine Articles - Publishing Your Own Newsletter - Using Autoresponder Messages That Educate and Inform - Giving Endorsements to Other Webmasters - Viral Marketing With Branded eProducts - Developing Informative Content on Your Site - Developing a Relationship With Your Opt-in List Members - Giving of Your Own Time and Energies

 The Ten Foot Rule Doesn't Work Anymore

In the early days of direct sales, the salesperson's rule was to market to anyone who came within 10 feet. This  machine gun approach probably made a success of those who were aggressive enough to bother everyone they came in  contact with.

 Sorry, it doesn't work on the Internet. Today's typical  Internet user has keenly focused interests, needs, and  desires. She relies on the Internet to fulfill at least  some of those. No matter what you may hear, few people  actually surf the Net aimlessly, with no purpose in mind  but to see the next page.

 Hawking your wares to people who don't have a predetermined  interest will not only waste your time, it may build a lot of  animosity toward you and your business.

 Forced Marketing vs. Attraction

Think about television advertising for a moment. It is  forced upon us, whether we want it or not. How many TV ads  do you see that make you think, "Wow, I'm going out right  now to buy that!" How many times have you developed a  resentment after seeing the same commercial six times  during the course of your favorite show? That is forced  marketing. It gets crammed down your throat.

 On the other hand, successful Internet marketing must rely  on the force of attraction and persuasion. It should be  your goal to identify a particular need within the market,  find ways to attract those prospects who have that need,  and then be there with your doors wide open when they seek a solution.

 Customer Service As an Investment

There aren't enough words to describe the importance of good customer service. Henry Ford said, "A business  absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry  about profits. They will be embarrassingly large."

 Most people would prefer to do business with another person, rather than a vending machine. Let the public see  you as a real person, and cultivate that involvement. Show  interest, and take advantage of opportunities to go above  and beyond the call in fulfilling the needs of your  customers. After all, helping others is truly a reward in itself.

 Stay Flexible and Be Original

A marketing strategy that worked just a few short months  ago may or may not work today. This makes it all the more  important that you stay on top of your marketing plan,  track the results, and be ready at any time to strike new  ground.

 Always keep an eye on what your competitors are doing, but  don't make the mistake of getting caught up in a herd  mentality. The herd may very well be charging blindly  toward the nearest cliff. 

Dan B. Cauthron provides No Nonsense Information and Resources for Serious Internet Marketers at his website: http://DanBCauthron.com

Posted by World Best Articles.com :: 2:24 AM :: ---------------oOo---------------