Why would anybody over fifty even want to buy a policy anyway? Actually, there are many reasons. We may have planned to have enough money in the bank so we could cover ourself. But these days, that plan has not worked out well for lots of people.
When we purchase a policy at a younger age, we tend to think about supporting our kids and spouse. We may also be concerned about making sure our home mortgage is paid off if something happens to us. In theory, these problems will be resolved by the time we hit a certain age.
That age may have come and gone. But a lot of us find that we still owe money on our mortgage. Our plan to self insure with savings did not exactly go the way we planned either. Maybe we had a job loss or other financial setback. In addition, many of us did not get our kids out of our wallets when we thought we would. Maybe they even have their own kids now, and they need our help to raise them.
That 20 year term policy we purchased at 30 may have expired. That group benefit we had a work many not be in force anymore because we quit or retired. People have lots of reasons to realize that they still need life insurance.
So what type of policy should we buy at our age? Should we choose term or whole life? At younger ages, we were probably were sold term. Premiums are lower, and we thought that we would not need as much coverage in a couple of decades. Besides, when we are young, two or three decades seems like it is very far off.
Now we have lived through those years, and just extending our coverage for another twenty years does not seem quite as attractive. The idea of lower prices is attractive. This is an important thought because we are more expensive to cover because we are older.
One option to consider might be a term policy with a clause that it can be converted to whole life later. These policies can be converted when we are older without having to prove with are healthy. This buys some time. This way you can buy a term policy now, and then put off your decision to buy whole life. If you are fifty, and buy 20 year term, you can make the switch before your policy expires. That way you will have a better idea of what your retirement situation will be like so you can make a good choice.
But that should not always mean whole life is out of the picture. Permanent insurance, like whole life, can be an asset too. It builds cash value over time. Sometimes a whole life policy can actually be sold for some percentage of the face value too. It is true that whole life insurance costs more, but it also has some uses over pure term coverage.
What should you do? You need to figure out why you want to purchase coverage in the first place. When you know what your goals are, you are closer to being able to make a good decision.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Why Some People Fail With An MLM Business Opportunity
There are numeruos reasons people do not succeed with the MLM business opportunity that they were very excited about when they joined. An obvious reason is that they're not ambitious enough.
However there are other reasons that can be avoided if you do some proper research before hand.
Reason #1: Many people get involved with a company because they believe the product is very unique and that everyone will want it. A couple of unfortunate things can happen at this point.
The product may not be all that unique or very good. If it's something that's already readily available and many companies are promoting something similar it could be a tough sale.
Also it may turn out to be low quality product that doesn't do what is promised. As the negative word gets out about the product your business can (and should) suffer.
Aother possible problem is the company business model is a very good one. The product could be good but ht not make much money, if the marketing system and income generating model is poor. You potentially could have success in promoting and selling the business but end up with very little to show for it.
Reason #2: The company provides no training or very little training. It is normal for a company to tout their program and then end up just selling products mostly to the distributors. This happens a lot with eBooks about internet marketing.
The best companies will have audio and video training available and also timely live webinars. For you to successfully get a business going strong you will need the necessary information and knowledge to pass on to your distributors as will they to theirs.
Reason #3: They don't offer good (or any) support. If you don't have a phone number available to call it's a bad sign. Or you may be able to reach someone on the line to "sign up" but after there is not a line to handle customer service.
Call the number(s) listed to see what response you get to questions you ask. That should give you an idea what level of support they have available.
Reason #4: The company doesn't provide a website or a lead capture page. Since getting leads and traffic to the site is essential for building your business the company should assist with this. They should also utilize an auto responder to stay in contact with visitors to your site.
Reason #5: The products sold in the business are not "high end." You can become self efficient in a business much quicker if you are selling higher priced and higher quality products. If you can make some big money quickly you can reinvest that back into marketing which allows you to build your business faster.
However there are other reasons that can be avoided if you do some proper research before hand.
Reason #1: Many people get involved with a company because they believe the product is very unique and that everyone will want it. A couple of unfortunate things can happen at this point.
The product may not be all that unique or very good. If it's something that's already readily available and many companies are promoting something similar it could be a tough sale.
Also it may turn out to be low quality product that doesn't do what is promised. As the negative word gets out about the product your business can (and should) suffer.
Aother possible problem is the company business model is a very good one. The product could be good but ht not make much money, if the marketing system and income generating model is poor. You potentially could have success in promoting and selling the business but end up with very little to show for it.
Reason #2: The company provides no training or very little training. It is normal for a company to tout their program and then end up just selling products mostly to the distributors. This happens a lot with eBooks about internet marketing.
The best companies will have audio and video training available and also timely live webinars. For you to successfully get a business going strong you will need the necessary information and knowledge to pass on to your distributors as will they to theirs.
Reason #3: They don't offer good (or any) support. If you don't have a phone number available to call it's a bad sign. Or you may be able to reach someone on the line to "sign up" but after there is not a line to handle customer service.
Call the number(s) listed to see what response you get to questions you ask. That should give you an idea what level of support they have available.
Reason #4: The company doesn't provide a website or a lead capture page. Since getting leads and traffic to the site is essential for building your business the company should assist with this. They should also utilize an auto responder to stay in contact with visitors to your site.
Reason #5: The products sold in the business are not "high end." You can become self efficient in a business much quicker if you are selling higher priced and higher quality products. If you can make some big money quickly you can reinvest that back into marketing which allows you to build your business faster.
GPS Devices: What Are The Different Types Of GPS Devices You Can Get?
When you are considering purchasing any GPS it is important to understand the various types available on the market today. A major decision easier if you are aware of the various GPS devices available to you.
It is critical to understand there are two primary types that are common in the market today. These two types are the portable GPS and the permanently fixed GPS a. These two types are used in automobiles but there are noticeable differences about them.
To help you better understand these two types you need to know what some of these differences are. Here are a few of the differences between the portable and permanently fixed units.
One: This type can't be moved from one vehicle to the other and the portable can. You can take the portable unit anywhere you go but the permanently fixed one can only be used when you are in your vehicle.
Two: The permanent GPS can be placed in three different places in your vehicle. One way is to mount it on the windshield using suction mounts. A second area is on the top of the dash board using a friction mount. You can also get what is known as an in-dash unit that you can install directly into your dash for a much cleaner look.
Three: With the portable devices there are a lot of designs and types available. One of the more popular types is the hand held GPS. This device has many features that make it popular.
Some of the different types of hand held devices that can be found include:
- Cell phones
- Car tracking device
- PDAs
- Multipurpose GPS device
These are the main differences between these two major types of devices available these days. It is also important to understand that there are other types of GPS units available also such as fish finder units.
You need to take time to do your research about the different units that you can get these days. That is the only way you will be able to find the right GPS for your traveling needs.
Having GPS devices is definitely a good idea these days but it is very important that you take time and research so you can find the one that will be the most effective for getting you where you need to go. Don't rush your decision or you could end up lost without the right GPS unit to help you.
It is critical to understand there are two primary types that are common in the market today. These two types are the portable GPS and the permanently fixed GPS a. These two types are used in automobiles but there are noticeable differences about them.
To help you better understand these two types you need to know what some of these differences are. Here are a few of the differences between the portable and permanently fixed units.
One: This type can't be moved from one vehicle to the other and the portable can. You can take the portable unit anywhere you go but the permanently fixed one can only be used when you are in your vehicle.
Two: The permanent GPS can be placed in three different places in your vehicle. One way is to mount it on the windshield using suction mounts. A second area is on the top of the dash board using a friction mount. You can also get what is known as an in-dash unit that you can install directly into your dash for a much cleaner look.
Three: With the portable devices there are a lot of designs and types available. One of the more popular types is the hand held GPS. This device has many features that make it popular.
Some of the different types of hand held devices that can be found include:
- Cell phones
- Car tracking device
- PDAs
- Multipurpose GPS device
These are the main differences between these two major types of devices available these days. It is also important to understand that there are other types of GPS units available also such as fish finder units.
You need to take time to do your research about the different units that you can get these days. That is the only way you will be able to find the right GPS for your traveling needs.
Having GPS devices is definitely a good idea these days but it is very important that you take time and research so you can find the one that will be the most effective for getting you where you need to go. Don't rush your decision or you could end up lost without the right GPS unit to help you.
Make Your Online Video Marketing Go Viral
Viral video marketing is a great way to get your business to the next level. Even though it is hard to predit which video will go viral, here are a few tips to help you create a marketing video that will be effective and viral ready.
Viral videos become big very quickly. From a marketing standpoint, they are like winning the lottery. Creating a video that goes viral is not an easy task, if it is even possible at all, but that does not mean that you should not try to pull in the elements found in successful viral videos and include them in yours. Even if your video doesn't go viral, it will be a good addition to your marketing efforts.
Benefits of Video Marketing
· Videos allow you to sell your products in a different way than you would be able to in a brochure or newsletter. A message needs to be heard four or five times before it sinks in for your consumers. Reinforcing a message with a video clip just makes sense. You may send the same message through Twitter or other social media platforms; creating a video is a great way expance your marketing effort.
· Videos help build your brand, and they let your customer get better acquainted with you. A video adds a literal voice to your message, and helps you stick in the minds of consumers. You also add the element of sound to your message, and that gives you just a little more staying power.
· If you are looking for a way for customers and prospects can find you, videos can help. SEO strategy uses videos to boost ratings, because it adds another element to your website content, which helps you website be even more relevant to your topic.
With the newer equipment available today, virtually anyone can produce a video. You don't need too much experience to create a video, since it only needs to be a few minutes long. Keep things short, sweet and full of action, and if in doubt, start with the action. Find some spunky music to fill the background, and you have yourself a hit. Your video is another avenue for making your business message public.
So as you are creating your Internet marketing plan, make sure that you consider how excellent it would be to create a video and have it go viral. And while viral will probably not happen, creating an online video marketing plan is just another way to offer information about your product or service to your customers and prospects.
Viral videos become big very quickly. From a marketing standpoint, they are like winning the lottery. Creating a video that goes viral is not an easy task, if it is even possible at all, but that does not mean that you should not try to pull in the elements found in successful viral videos and include them in yours. Even if your video doesn't go viral, it will be a good addition to your marketing efforts.
Benefits of Video Marketing
· Videos allow you to sell your products in a different way than you would be able to in a brochure or newsletter. A message needs to be heard four or five times before it sinks in for your consumers. Reinforcing a message with a video clip just makes sense. You may send the same message through Twitter or other social media platforms; creating a video is a great way expance your marketing effort.
· Videos help build your brand, and they let your customer get better acquainted with you. A video adds a literal voice to your message, and helps you stick in the minds of consumers. You also add the element of sound to your message, and that gives you just a little more staying power.
· If you are looking for a way for customers and prospects can find you, videos can help. SEO strategy uses videos to boost ratings, because it adds another element to your website content, which helps you website be even more relevant to your topic.
With the newer equipment available today, virtually anyone can produce a video. You don't need too much experience to create a video, since it only needs to be a few minutes long. Keep things short, sweet and full of action, and if in doubt, start with the action. Find some spunky music to fill the background, and you have yourself a hit. Your video is another avenue for making your business message public.
So as you are creating your Internet marketing plan, make sure that you consider how excellent it would be to create a video and have it go viral. And while viral will probably not happen, creating an online video marketing plan is just another way to offer information about your product or service to your customers and prospects.
French Women Don't Get Fat - Book Review
French women seem to enjoy breads, desserts, and wine, but then don't gain the weight. American women, on the other hand, just think about snacking and magically put on ten pounds. In her bestselling book, French Women Don't Get Fat : The Secret of Eating For Pleasure, Mirelle Guiliano reveals the secrets that French women have at staying healthy and trim.
French Women Don't Get Fat begins with the account of the author, Mirelle Guiliano, growing up in France. By a stroke of luck she was sent to America in her teenage years as an exchange student. In America, she was introduced to brownies and cookies - which quickly became favorites. In no time at all, Mirelle put on twenty pounds. When it was time to return home she was a little nervous about what her family and friends would think of the "new" Mirelle. The story of seeing her family for the first time after being away is funny and heart wrenching at the same time. I can't do justice to this story, so I would recommend buying the book and reading it on your own. Later, her mother set up a secret meeting with their family physician, "Dr. Miracle", who helped her to shed the extra pounds, and more importantly, taught her how to live like a French Woman.
This book is not a miracle diet. In fact, French Women Don't Get Fat isn't a "diet" book at all. What it does is suggest ways to help you live a balanced, healthier lifestyle. The first thing the book suggests is to take an inventory of what you eat for a couple of weeks. By looking at your food journal, you should be able to see what your "offenders" are - meaning what foods you are overeating. For example, Mirelle's offenders were sweets. Once you recognize what foods you are eating out of balance, your next step is to identify why you overeat in this category. For example, if your "offender" is bread, you might notice that you are eating a lot of bread when you go to restaurants. You could then decide to only have one slice before your meal comes. The book also discusses changing the way you think. You aren't skimping on the bread because you are depriving yourself something you love, you are merely saving room for other things. The pleasure of most foods is in the first few bites, as French Women Don't Get Fat points out. After that we are just eating on autopilot. If you can avoid eating without thinking, you can avoid eating excess food. French women eat with their heads and do not leave the table feeling stuffed or guilty.
Another secret of the French this book points to is drinking more water. We all know that water is good for us, but how many of us really drink as much as we should? The secret is to add water to your daily routine. Drink a glass of water before you eat your breakfast. Once you have established this as part of your routine, then add another glass before going to bed. French Women Don't Get Fat reminds us that sleeping is a very dehydrating process. When both of these are routine, make it a habit to drink water each time you pass a water fountain. French women drink water all throughout the day.
Once you are drinking more water, you will probably feel healthier than ever. Since water has no calories, no preservatives, and nothing extra added, you might find that you are interested in the ingredients of the other foods you are consuming. Have you ever read the list of ingredients in a frozen dinner? What is all of that stuff? Why are we consuming things we can't even pronounce? Another key to eating like the French is what the author of this book calls "Ritual Preparation." While she lived at home, Mireille's mother prepared almost all of the food that she consumed. None of it was filled with preservatives, and most everything was fresh. French Women Don't Get Fat recommends going to the market several times a week, and selecting the freshest ingredients. By market the book is referring to a farmers market, and not the supermarket. Quality ingredients equal quality food. When you are eating quality, you won't need the quantity to make up for the lack of taste. Also, set the table like you would find at a restaurant - real napkins even. The extra attention to details will help you remember to savor your food. Also, sit down as a family, and turn off the television. Make meal time a ritual.
According to this book, you also need to move like a French woman. We aren't talking about hours of grueling exercise at the gym. What we are talking about is adding more movement to your daily routine. Walk to work, or if you work too far, then get off the train one stop early and walk the rest of the way to work. Or, add in a daily walk before eating breakfast. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. French Women Don't Get Fat advised to not avoid precious steps: think of ways to add in more movement to your daily routine.
This book also includes recipes for foods such as Grilled Spring Lamb Shops, Asparagus Flan, Cauliflower Gratin, Grilled Chicken with Rosemary, Egg Omelet with Mixed Herbs and Ricotta Cheese, among many others. Since the French enjoy bread so much, recipes for Baguettes and Croissants are included too. The book has menu ideas as well.
If you need a good book to inspire you to lose a little weight so that you feel good about yourself, then French Women Don't Get Fat is where you should turn. Because the focus of this book is not about depriving yourself of good things, but about making focused choices to help you accomplish something even better, you will be motivated to change a few of your bad habits into good habits - and therefore live a more fulfilled and slimmer life.
French Women Don't Get Fat begins with the account of the author, Mirelle Guiliano, growing up in France. By a stroke of luck she was sent to America in her teenage years as an exchange student. In America, she was introduced to brownies and cookies - which quickly became favorites. In no time at all, Mirelle put on twenty pounds. When it was time to return home she was a little nervous about what her family and friends would think of the "new" Mirelle. The story of seeing her family for the first time after being away is funny and heart wrenching at the same time. I can't do justice to this story, so I would recommend buying the book and reading it on your own. Later, her mother set up a secret meeting with their family physician, "Dr. Miracle", who helped her to shed the extra pounds, and more importantly, taught her how to live like a French Woman.
This book is not a miracle diet. In fact, French Women Don't Get Fat isn't a "diet" book at all. What it does is suggest ways to help you live a balanced, healthier lifestyle. The first thing the book suggests is to take an inventory of what you eat for a couple of weeks. By looking at your food journal, you should be able to see what your "offenders" are - meaning what foods you are overeating. For example, Mirelle's offenders were sweets. Once you recognize what foods you are eating out of balance, your next step is to identify why you overeat in this category. For example, if your "offender" is bread, you might notice that you are eating a lot of bread when you go to restaurants. You could then decide to only have one slice before your meal comes. The book also discusses changing the way you think. You aren't skimping on the bread because you are depriving yourself something you love, you are merely saving room for other things. The pleasure of most foods is in the first few bites, as French Women Don't Get Fat points out. After that we are just eating on autopilot. If you can avoid eating without thinking, you can avoid eating excess food. French women eat with their heads and do not leave the table feeling stuffed or guilty.
Another secret of the French this book points to is drinking more water. We all know that water is good for us, but how many of us really drink as much as we should? The secret is to add water to your daily routine. Drink a glass of water before you eat your breakfast. Once you have established this as part of your routine, then add another glass before going to bed. French Women Don't Get Fat reminds us that sleeping is a very dehydrating process. When both of these are routine, make it a habit to drink water each time you pass a water fountain. French women drink water all throughout the day.
Once you are drinking more water, you will probably feel healthier than ever. Since water has no calories, no preservatives, and nothing extra added, you might find that you are interested in the ingredients of the other foods you are consuming. Have you ever read the list of ingredients in a frozen dinner? What is all of that stuff? Why are we consuming things we can't even pronounce? Another key to eating like the French is what the author of this book calls "Ritual Preparation." While she lived at home, Mireille's mother prepared almost all of the food that she consumed. None of it was filled with preservatives, and most everything was fresh. French Women Don't Get Fat recommends going to the market several times a week, and selecting the freshest ingredients. By market the book is referring to a farmers market, and not the supermarket. Quality ingredients equal quality food. When you are eating quality, you won't need the quantity to make up for the lack of taste. Also, set the table like you would find at a restaurant - real napkins even. The extra attention to details will help you remember to savor your food. Also, sit down as a family, and turn off the television. Make meal time a ritual.
According to this book, you also need to move like a French woman. We aren't talking about hours of grueling exercise at the gym. What we are talking about is adding more movement to your daily routine. Walk to work, or if you work too far, then get off the train one stop early and walk the rest of the way to work. Or, add in a daily walk before eating breakfast. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when possible. French Women Don't Get Fat advised to not avoid precious steps: think of ways to add in more movement to your daily routine.
This book also includes recipes for foods such as Grilled Spring Lamb Shops, Asparagus Flan, Cauliflower Gratin, Grilled Chicken with Rosemary, Egg Omelet with Mixed Herbs and Ricotta Cheese, among many others. Since the French enjoy bread so much, recipes for Baguettes and Croissants are included too. The book has menu ideas as well.
If you need a good book to inspire you to lose a little weight so that you feel good about yourself, then French Women Don't Get Fat is where you should turn. Because the focus of this book is not about depriving yourself of good things, but about making focused choices to help you accomplish something even better, you will be motivated to change a few of your bad habits into good habits - and therefore live a more fulfilled and slimmer life.
Kettlebells for The Ultimate Home Gym
I used to love going to the gym. As an office worker it was my sanctuary, the place I went to when I wanted to sweat my stresses away. And also do a bit of socialising - all those like minded people. At the time it was a good thing, but now I realise that spending hours working out was preventing me from getting the incredible results that I could achieve.
As a trainer, my love for the gym waned rapidly. The lighting, the incessant repetitive music, the fact that most people jump on machines thinking that they will get results by just attending, the mindless plodding away on a cross trainer while watching TV...
As a freelance trainer, I began to get much more creative. Skipping, boxing, bodyweight exercises all began to feature more in my programmes, as I didn't have the 'fall back' of all the shiny gym equipment.
But, despite seemingly 'compromising' I began to get better and better results! The workouts were more fun and dynamic, and could be done absolutely anywhere. Both me and my clients were benefitting from the fresh air and wellbeing effects of the great outdoors.
However, it was not until I discovered kettlebells that my clients (and my) results began to skyrocket. I invested in a selection and cleared space in the garage. I bought a few DVDs and was blown away! I was not even moving from the small space I had in the garage, yet I was getting the best workouts of my life.
Kettlebells allow you workout in numerous different ways, all with the same tool. You can work strength, strength-endurance, endurance, power and flexibility all with one object. The key is manipulating the set and rest periods, or the way you are holding the kettlebell.
One of the main factors in choosing equipment for working out at home is maximising space, and kettlebells are great in that respect. You really can have 1 or 2 and get a wealth of great training in, and they are easy to stash in a cupboard or under a bed (and make great doorstoppers!) while you're not actually using them. You can throw (well, place) them in the car and take them to the park or the beach, so you can start enjoying your exercise surroundings as well as the workout.
So, efficiency all round: time efficient as you don't have to travel to the gym, space efficient as they can be neatly stored and you don't even need much space to actually use them, and workout-time efficient as you get more bang for your buck, burning more calories and getting a more effective workout in minimal time.
Give them a try!
As a trainer, my love for the gym waned rapidly. The lighting, the incessant repetitive music, the fact that most people jump on machines thinking that they will get results by just attending, the mindless plodding away on a cross trainer while watching TV...
As a freelance trainer, I began to get much more creative. Skipping, boxing, bodyweight exercises all began to feature more in my programmes, as I didn't have the 'fall back' of all the shiny gym equipment.
But, despite seemingly 'compromising' I began to get better and better results! The workouts were more fun and dynamic, and could be done absolutely anywhere. Both me and my clients were benefitting from the fresh air and wellbeing effects of the great outdoors.
However, it was not until I discovered kettlebells that my clients (and my) results began to skyrocket. I invested in a selection and cleared space in the garage. I bought a few DVDs and was blown away! I was not even moving from the small space I had in the garage, yet I was getting the best workouts of my life.
Kettlebells allow you workout in numerous different ways, all with the same tool. You can work strength, strength-endurance, endurance, power and flexibility all with one object. The key is manipulating the set and rest periods, or the way you are holding the kettlebell.
One of the main factors in choosing equipment for working out at home is maximising space, and kettlebells are great in that respect. You really can have 1 or 2 and get a wealth of great training in, and they are easy to stash in a cupboard or under a bed (and make great doorstoppers!) while you're not actually using them. You can throw (well, place) them in the car and take them to the park or the beach, so you can start enjoying your exercise surroundings as well as the workout.
So, efficiency all round: time efficient as you don't have to travel to the gym, space efficient as they can be neatly stored and you don't even need much space to actually use them, and workout-time efficient as you get more bang for your buck, burning more calories and getting a more effective workout in minimal time.
Give them a try!
List Building - Is It Still Relevant On Today's Web?
Years ago, when I first started in online marketing, all the rage was something called "list building". I immediately jumped on this subject and started gathering every list building technique one could possibly imagine. It very quickly became one of my most favorite areas of Internet marketing to explore; so much so, that when I reached my first goal of getting 1000 subscribers, I was so pleased with myself, I even wrote an ebook on list building.
But that was then, this is now.
Since that time, online marketing and even the web itself, has changed tremendously. And we are not talking about small changes or minor adjustments here - the web has fundamentally changed from the core up. People simply use the web in a different way than they used it 10 years ago. It has become so much more of a user-friendly place, so much so, that marketing on this friendlier web has become a whole new ballgame.
The question remains: is list building still relevant on today's web?
The answer is still a solid "YES", but the "WAY" lists are built have almost changed completely. Not too long ago, traditional list building meant you slapped some sign-ups forms (provided by your webhost or an autoresponder service) onto your web pages and you were in business. Subscribers who signed up to your list or newsletter, would receive follow-up emails from you or your site.
Anyone could do it since it was so straightforward and so simple, almost to the point of being idiot-proof. However, the underlying key to building a successful list was gaining loyalty and forming a lasting relationship with your subscriber. Successful online marketers and list builders will tell you, this was really the hardest part. Communicating effectively with your subscribers over a long period of time is extremely difficult to do and does require gaining some skills, especially in the copy writing area.
So what has changed the list building process?
In a couple of words, three to be precise: social networking sites. These social networking programs and sites have completely changed how lists are built on the web. Actually, these social network sites such as FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube... have made list building as easy as taking your next breath. List building is integrated into these programs so seamlessly, many users are unaware they are actually building a list.
Simply by using these social networking sites any webmaster or marketer can build a list of contacts or subscribers. Call them friends, fans or followers - they are your subscribers and you can easily reach them with your next posting, tweet or video. There are countless teenagers on many of these social networks who have subscribers that number in the 100's of thousands, even in the millions. And the rate at which they build their list of subscribers, would put many a seasoned marketer to shame.
There are several reasons why this new way of list building is much more effective than traditional list building methods. First, building your list of contacts is fully integrated into these network programs, often it is the main goal or purpose of the program. Seeing how many followers you can get on Twitter has become a world-wide sport - just go ask Ashton Kutcher!
However, from a marketing perspective, using these programs eliminates one of the major drawbacks of marketing on the web - spam. Actually, contacting your list by email is becoming troublesome, even with double opt-in, many of your emails never get through to your legit subscribers because they are blocked by spam-filters and Internet service providers. Using these social programs is a way of contacting your subscribers without the whole issue of spam being considered at all.
Perhaps, an even more important reason to use these social media sites to build your list, has to do with the tricky problem of establishing relationships with your subscribers. These sites make it much more easier to build that long-lasting relationship with your contacts. In the case of YouTube, it can simply mean making a video and talking directly to your subscribers. Communication is direct and immediate. In most cases, there's no need to acquire additional skills or techniques. Besides, in most of these social network sites, the communication is often more effective because it's just not one-way, your subscribers can easily communicate back with you.
Same goes for Twitter, which has become the list building tool of choice for many webmasters and online marketers. Twitter is an excellent medium for building your list. It can be used effectively to get your message out to thousands of like-minded followers and have that message spread rapidly around the web. Marketers are now taking advantage of such a system to market online, but be aware abusing this program will get you banned especially if you just use it to send spam. Like any type of marketing on the web, you shouldn't have any problems if you keep all your communications/interactions real and human.
Another element of these programs which can't be denied, they are all free. Anyone can use these social network sites to quickly build their list or lists without having to worry about paying for it. Actually, in the case of YouTube, you can become a partner and earn revenue from Google Adsense while building your list.
There's also no denying these social network sites have changed not only list building, but how we use the web. These programs have a "pooling effect" on all web activity, gathering like-minded individuals into or around certain "pools" on the Internet. These concentrated pools of people can be formed around a certain topic or even around a certain person. These are excellent areas in which to carry out your list-building activities and your online marketing efforts since they provide very targeted prospects. Ones you can easily contact and communicate with by using these social networking sites.
While the old traditional email list should not be forgotten, list building, as we know it, has been changed forever by the introduction of these social networking programs. And as these network sites become more and more popular, they will play an even greater role in all your list building efforts. A role that can't be ignored or dismissed, especially if you want your list building to be truly effective.
But that was then, this is now.
Since that time, online marketing and even the web itself, has changed tremendously. And we are not talking about small changes or minor adjustments here - the web has fundamentally changed from the core up. People simply use the web in a different way than they used it 10 years ago. It has become so much more of a user-friendly place, so much so, that marketing on this friendlier web has become a whole new ballgame.
The question remains: is list building still relevant on today's web?
The answer is still a solid "YES", but the "WAY" lists are built have almost changed completely. Not too long ago, traditional list building meant you slapped some sign-ups forms (provided by your webhost or an autoresponder service) onto your web pages and you were in business. Subscribers who signed up to your list or newsletter, would receive follow-up emails from you or your site.
Anyone could do it since it was so straightforward and so simple, almost to the point of being idiot-proof. However, the underlying key to building a successful list was gaining loyalty and forming a lasting relationship with your subscriber. Successful online marketers and list builders will tell you, this was really the hardest part. Communicating effectively with your subscribers over a long period of time is extremely difficult to do and does require gaining some skills, especially in the copy writing area.
So what has changed the list building process?
In a couple of words, three to be precise: social networking sites. These social networking programs and sites have completely changed how lists are built on the web. Actually, these social network sites such as FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube... have made list building as easy as taking your next breath. List building is integrated into these programs so seamlessly, many users are unaware they are actually building a list.
Simply by using these social networking sites any webmaster or marketer can build a list of contacts or subscribers. Call them friends, fans or followers - they are your subscribers and you can easily reach them with your next posting, tweet or video. There are countless teenagers on many of these social networks who have subscribers that number in the 100's of thousands, even in the millions. And the rate at which they build their list of subscribers, would put many a seasoned marketer to shame.
There are several reasons why this new way of list building is much more effective than traditional list building methods. First, building your list of contacts is fully integrated into these network programs, often it is the main goal or purpose of the program. Seeing how many followers you can get on Twitter has become a world-wide sport - just go ask Ashton Kutcher!
However, from a marketing perspective, using these programs eliminates one of the major drawbacks of marketing on the web - spam. Actually, contacting your list by email is becoming troublesome, even with double opt-in, many of your emails never get through to your legit subscribers because they are blocked by spam-filters and Internet service providers. Using these social programs is a way of contacting your subscribers without the whole issue of spam being considered at all.
Perhaps, an even more important reason to use these social media sites to build your list, has to do with the tricky problem of establishing relationships with your subscribers. These sites make it much more easier to build that long-lasting relationship with your contacts. In the case of YouTube, it can simply mean making a video and talking directly to your subscribers. Communication is direct and immediate. In most cases, there's no need to acquire additional skills or techniques. Besides, in most of these social network sites, the communication is often more effective because it's just not one-way, your subscribers can easily communicate back with you.
Same goes for Twitter, which has become the list building tool of choice for many webmasters and online marketers. Twitter is an excellent medium for building your list. It can be used effectively to get your message out to thousands of like-minded followers and have that message spread rapidly around the web. Marketers are now taking advantage of such a system to market online, but be aware abusing this program will get you banned especially if you just use it to send spam. Like any type of marketing on the web, you shouldn't have any problems if you keep all your communications/interactions real and human.
Another element of these programs which can't be denied, they are all free. Anyone can use these social network sites to quickly build their list or lists without having to worry about paying for it. Actually, in the case of YouTube, you can become a partner and earn revenue from Google Adsense while building your list.
There's also no denying these social network sites have changed not only list building, but how we use the web. These programs have a "pooling effect" on all web activity, gathering like-minded individuals into or around certain "pools" on the Internet. These concentrated pools of people can be formed around a certain topic or even around a certain person. These are excellent areas in which to carry out your list-building activities and your online marketing efforts since they provide very targeted prospects. Ones you can easily contact and communicate with by using these social networking sites.
While the old traditional email list should not be forgotten, list building, as we know it, has been changed forever by the introduction of these social networking programs. And as these network sites become more and more popular, they will play an even greater role in all your list building efforts. A role that can't be ignored or dismissed, especially if you want your list building to be truly effective.
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