Fall is definitely upon us in this part of the world. Actually, in Oregon it feels more like winter is here. We have been getting lots of rain and even a bit of snow in the mountains. The change is a welcome one.

What an amazing month September was. I launched my Platinum Mentoring Course and it is now in full swing. What fun this has been. I have ten very committed professionals in the group. Be looking for some great things coming from each individually and as a group. They will be developing products and services specific to their expertise and market, putting together some amazing Joint Venture campaigns and much more.

The newest addition to our family, Gypsy the cat, has completely acclimated to her new environment. So much in fact, my Boxer tiptoes around her. It’s amazing to watch an 85-pound, full of muscle dog obey an eight-pound cat. It goes to show that there’s power in small packages.

Yesterday, I attended a very interesting meeting with the GOPRSA (Greater Oregon Public Relations Society of America). The guest speaker was the CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. She shared some very exciting plans about the upcoming Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field. The event takes place from June 27 – July 6, 2008.

What I was most impressed with was the amount of preplanning that has already gone into the launch of the event. No doubt it will be a huge success.

This got me to thinking about the number of people who attempt to succeed at making money on the Internet, but don’t. Often it boils down to planning. Rather than putting effort into laying a solid foundation, doing market analysis, developing a quality database and gaining market visibility lots of people jump right into trying to sell something. Check out my marketing tip for the month on what you absolutely need to do to optimize your opportunities.

This month is a very special month. It is my father’s 80^th birthday celebration. The most amazing thing about this birthday is that my father is so healthy and vibrant. 18 years ago we nearly said goodbye to him. My dad had a massive heart attack and was in a coma for nearly a month. We weren’t sure if he would make it through and if he did, what his long-term condition would be.

I am grateful to say, he made it through, got stronger every day and today is as feisty as ever. Happy Birthday Dad!

Often, life can be so unpredictable. Daily we receive evidence at how precious life is. The question is, “Are we paying attention?” In the big scheme of things are many of the things we get so caught up in worth the effort? Often, no. Other times, yes.

Case in point, my friend and colleague Pamela Jacob is doing all she can to enjoy every moment with her grandson. Hunter was born with multiple conditions that make every day the most precious.

Hunter’s condition has left a financial burden on the family that is beyond most people’s comprehension. For this reason, Pamela has developed a website that shares Hunter’s story and offers people near and far the ability to help out if they feel called to do so.

Please take a moment to read about Hunter. http://www.helpforhunter.com

Have a wonderful month.
In success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Make Money Writing Free Articles

By Kathleen Gage

I work with many speakers, authors, trainers and consultants who want to gain visibility on the Internet and within their market. Many have heard they can achieve this outcome by submitting articles to various online directories and Ezines. Although this is true, there are pros and cons to using this strategy.

When done correctly, article writing and distribution can be an incredible tool for marketing a site, business, product, service or person.

The upside of online submissions is that in a very short period of time your article can be submitted to dozens, even hundreds, of online locations. In some cases, you will reach thousands of readers within hours of your submission. In some instances, your article will be visible on a site, directory or blog within minutes of posting. In addition, articles can remain online for an indefinite period of time, allowing for continued visibility for the author.

For those new to posting articles, finding locations can be challenging. To find directory locations simply do a Google or Yahoo! search with the words “article directories + your topic”. Replace the words “your topic” with your actual topic or market.

One of the most popular article directories is Ezinearticles.com. Christopher Knight‘s directory is by far one of the best you will find. There are others like it, so do your homework and you will find many directories that are a great fit for your articles.

For Ezines, do the same search but replace “article directories” with the word “Ezine.” You can also look in Ezine directories for numerous listings specific to your topics and market.

Ezines are different from article directories. Directories may take articles in hundreds of categories while Ezines are targeted to specific topics and markets.

Be sure to utilize a very targeted approach for distribution of your articles to Ezines. For example, if you specialize in articles specific to pet owners, submitting to a business Ezine is likely to be a complete waste of time. Submitting to Ezines specific to pet owners will give you greater results.

The number of locations you can submit to it is almost unlimited. This in itself can create challenges. How do you know where the best location is? Spend time reviewing the directory or Ezine. Subscribe to the Ezine to find out how consistently it is distributed and review the quality of information included in the Ezine.

Look for quality when selecting locations for article submission. Virtually anyone can be published on the Internet, often with no restrictions. This means the quality of writing can be mediocre at best, and yet the writer still gains visibility.

Consider all of these are factors when you submit articles. 

• Reputation

• Distribution and reach

• Ease of submission

• Traffic

• Demographics of readership

Another challenge is that some people use articles as a blatant form of advertising rather than a valuable resource of information to the reader. Avoid this temptation! Although you may gain in the short term, over the long haul you will be viewed as less than professional.

A huge benefit of posting to various article directories and Ezines is that your articles can and will be viewed by editors, publishers and journalists from many other publications, including trade journals, traditional publications, and radio and televisions producers. Many opportunities have been created by way of articles on the Internet.

Case in point: Not long ago I was contacted by an editor for the largest trade journal for the specialty items industry. She asked if I would be interested in writing a review for the publication.  Since it was a great market fit, I agreed.

When I inquired as to how she had located me, she said it was from an article of mine she had read online which directed her back to my website. She found my website to substantiate my professionalism and thus the desire to interview me.

I have also had countless radio interview opportunities that came to me by way of an article I wrote. Hosts are in need of credible experts. Articles offer them the opportunity to find much needed, articulate experts for their shows.

The point is not only does your article need to be top notch, everything that represents you does too; like your website or blog.

Although you may not receive payment for most of the articles you submit online, they may very well create paid opportunities. I utilize the opportunity to strategically post no-fee articles throughout the Internet, drive readers back to any number of my websites, mini-sites, and my blog. I offer multiple opportunities for people to download a free resource in order that I can continue to keep my name in front of them.

Over time, I am able to sell information products, books, coaching and mentoring services and private consulting because I have built name recognition, credibility, expert status and most of all, trust. Although I was not paid for the initial writing, ultimately there is money to be made because I utilized the article writing as part of my long-term marketing strategy. Do you?

Kathleen Gage is an Internet Marketing Advisor for Speakers, Trainers, Authors, Consultants and Entrepreneurs. Access her eBook The Truth about Making Money on the Internet at www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm

Are You Utilizing Push/Pull Marketing?

By Kathleen Gage

An important aspect of marketing has to do with what is referred to as Push/Pull marketing. Push/Pull marketing is exactly as it sounds. At times you are “pushing” information out to your market and at other times you are implementing strategies to “pull” consumers to you.

Regardless of whether you are selling someone else’s products and services or your own, if you do not implement a complete marketing strategy that includes the Push/Pull philosophy, you are likely defeating your purpose.

To create a steady stream of revenue for products and services you offer you have to have a very targeted approach. Not only will a systemized marketing approach help you make money directly from you online offerings, you can definitely enhance your offline offerings as well such as live presentations, consulting, and coaching. 

Keep in mind, there is a process people go through in order to buy your products and services. It is built on need, want and desire. Additionally, the greater the investment on the part of the consumer the more you must build confidence, trust and credibility in the consumer’s mind.

If all you are doing is selling $10 widgets that is one thing. If, on the other hand, you are seeking to build long-term relationships with your market and be viewed as a professional, you must approach things in a systematic way.

The fact is, my clients want to do far more than sell a widget. They want to make a difference in the lives of their clients. They want to provide long-term solutions and create ongoing relationships with their clients. They want to build their business based on trust, value and integrity. To achieve this result requires implement effective systems.

Realize that no matter how great your product or service, most people will not buy a high-ticket eProduct or a $1,000 plus mentoring course or consulting contract without first buying a $20 - $50 eProduct. There is what is referred to as the funnel approach to marketing. Clients will enter your “funnel” by way of something that is very low risk such as a free item or very inexpensive item. Based on their experience they will decide what the next course of action is.

What you do every step of the way, including someone’s initial introduction to you and your way of doing business, will determine how likely it is that someone will become a loyal customer. Never discount the power of a free offering or a low-ticket item to be the catalyst to someone becoming a premier client.

To introduce consumers to your and your product offerings as well as get people to the point they will even consider the $20 item you will find the Push/Pull marketing process is second to none.

The higher the price of your products and services the more you absolutely must use the Push/Pull strategies.

Kathleen Gage is an Internet Marketing Advisor for Speakers, Trainers, Authors, Consultants and Entrepreneurs. Access her eBook The Truth about Making Money on the Internet at www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm