Elanso

Part of what I enjoy most about blogging is finding and meeting friends with true talent. You guys might remember Joe, he was the guy who won a free copy of Joel Comm’s Secret Classroom. Well, after winning the contest I spent some time on his blog and spent some time getting to know Joe better, and I have to say, Joe really is a pretty cool guy.

Anyone with the name of Joe, I guess is automatically born into this world as being cool. Aside from that, Joe happens to run a pretty cool blog and I like his writing style. A few days ago, I asked Joe how he felt about doing a guest post on my blog. He was real silent at first, for a minute I thought I had offended him. But as it turned out, he was real honored by the offer and simply didn’t know what to say. “Wow, what should I write about? What should I say?” I responded, “Joe, just be yourself dude and have fun talking with my readers.” The next day later, I got this post sent to me in email. I really enjoyed reading it and I believe that you’ll enjoy it too.

Marketers until Proven Otherwise

Written by JK Swopes

Hey Conn men and Conn women! This is JK Swopes from Imwithjoe.com, where I talk about various Internet Marketing Strategies for Everyday People. I have been invited to share some of my super secret marketing genius with you! Okay, maybe it’s not that serious, truth is, I am honored that Garry has allowed me to guest posts on his blog. Allowing someone to guest post is sort of like letting them in your house when you’re not home….or…..letting them use your toothbrush, get a bite of your sandwich, use your socks, drink from your favorite watering bowl. You get the point

I must say, when he first asked, I was a little nervous, knowing there is no way for me to write like Garry, then, he gave me a kick in the keyboard ” Just be yourself!”. Wow, what a concept! When someone asks you to guest post on their blog, they usually want YOU to guest post on their blog, not become a style snatcher.

So, today, I want to give you a litte break from the norm, and allow you to step into the wonderful world of Joe.

Marketers until Proven Otherwise:

As you go through the internet marketing arena, you are bound to meet up with some of your favorite marketers. Or even the gurus that everyone has said helped them get started.

I want to let you in on a little secret, EVERYONE IS A MARKETER! I know it’s a surprise, but a majority of people are online to make money, that’s a fact.

There is nothing wrong with this fact, you just have to know how to handle certain situations.

Not every marketer that says they want to help you actual want to help you.

The truth of the matter is, most just want your money, but fret not faithful warrior, because you will be able to find some great guys in the blogsphere and MMO community.

It just saddens me when I see the new bloggers/marketers having their dreams crushed because they thought that just because they commented on someones blog, or signed up to their list, they automatically are now friends with that person.

Everyone online cannot become best friends, it’s just not possible. But what you can do, is watch how each blogger or marketer handles themselves, and the content they provide, which will give you a good idea of the persons intent.

I have met many people online, and more often than not, bloggers are much more easier to network with than the typical Internet marketer. I think this is because blogging, by nature, is more of a community activity. I can list on one hand, the marketers that I have been able to approach, and actually get a reply from. As for bloggers, I have met quite a few, and some I have grown quite fond of.

Despite what you may think, there is no blog age or blog years to look for in a person that you can approach, because some are just more approachable than others. However, I have certain criteria I use when qualifying internet personalities for inclusion in my personal network. I just want to give you a list real quick.

How to know who you can trust:

• The first clue is in the content. Are they teachers or salesman? Can you be both? Yep, but there is a certain mixture I look for. If a majority of their posts or emails are nothing but sales pitches, it’s safe to say they are not trying to “help you out” no matter how much they claim this. When you find someone who has good content, stuff they could sell in a book or coaching, yet they are giving it to you through their blog or mailing list, it’s safe to say this is someone you want to take not of. Now, I know giving out free stuff is one of the best marketing tactics, but hear me out. If they are really teaching you, on a consistent basis, then they are probably really hear to help you make some money, which in turn helps them make some money. I’ve seen so many that just hit you with the promo, and I quickly put them on the x list.
• Do they reply to emails? I love this test, especially when they put ” if you have any questions, just reply to this email”, so guess what? Do it! Even if they don’t say that, I like to reply and ask some questions. Is this always the best test? Maybe not, but it’s worked out well for me, and I’ve found some pretty good mentors/buddies from things like this.
• What kind of company do they keep? It’s so true that people hang around or associate with like-minded people. If you have one good guy, and the rest of his associates are known to be ethically challenged, it’s probably a good idea to take a closer look. Now, I know this isn’t fool proof, you can get some good people mixed in with the wrong crowd, but, I think with internet marketing and mmo blogs, it’s a pretty good test. Most don’t want to be associated with crooks or sneaky business people, because, like I said before, this is like a community, and who you promote, network with, or associate with says a lot about you as a blogger/marketer. Like it or not, people form opinions by who they see you associate with. THIS IS HOW I FOUND SO MANY GREAT BLOGGERS!
• Do they offer help externally? Meaning, do they want everyone to come to them to get the information, or, can you find them sharing good nuggets throughout the blogsphere? I don’t mean the customary ” good post dude”, but do they actually offer helpful advice on other peoples blogs? This one is a good test as well.
• Are they elitist? Meaning, do they always talk about chatting with all the a-list bloggers and how they spent hours chatting it up, only to not answer any of your chat requests? I understand you can’t chat with everyone, that’s a given, but, when you discriminate based on “what can you do for me” type of mindset, I take issue with that. I love to help out and network with the lesser known as much as the well known, that’s how you build good relationships.

I know, this may not be the best system, and I’m open to other points of view, but it has been working well for me. I have found some people that I’m sure I will be in contact with for many years to come. I have found mentors, partners, and all around great guys. So remember, a marketer is a marketer until the prove to be more than just a marketer. Building your network can be the most fun and rewarding experience ever. I enjoy every minute of it.

Some may just be good teachers, and that’s fine. Just don’t get upset when your favorite teacher doesn’t become your best buddy. A person can provide good content and be a good person, but may not be someone that needs to be in your inner circle. I chose my circle carefully, not that I am paranoid, but I just know that you can’t be friends with everyone. I talk to and have conversions with many, but there are a few I go to for personal advice, help, are just to chat about Wal-Mart products.

This is my system, you should have your own. I think it’s important to have a way to build you inner circle, this will be you support system, your foundation, and the ones to smack you upside the head when you doing something stupid.

Hope you guys enjoyed…..otherwise, Garry won’t invite me over for hot dogs anymore!