It was over an hour’s worth of great information on Social Media and how to properly use and leverage it.

I, like many others I’m sure, had fallen into the ‘being not so social’ trap on social sites and this webinar reminded me what social sites are all about and how to get the most out of them by – um, hello…being SOCIAL!

Alejandro & Michelle talked about the “Law of Reciprocity” which basically means ‘give and you will receive’.  Don’t just take; give…it kind of ties in with the saying of, “what goes around comes around”.

Other things discussed:

Contribute to your communities, keep others’ interests in mind and provide valuable info, comments, feedback, etc.

Network and maybe even hook up people you think would be great together or might have some things to talk about – for instance 2 people in the same niche that might benefit from each other, etc.

Build your network by actually being social and not just adding tons of friends but never really interacting other than to throw your sales pitch out there.  Become a respected entity by just being “you”.

Actually socialize with people by joining in conversations just to be social frequently; show that you actually care and have a pulse.  People who you are friendly with; provide valuable info to; help out, etc. are more apt to listen to you and help you out later.  They will also generally be more interested in buying things from you if you are a marketer.

Use Summize to search Twitter for specific keywords to find convos and people around those keywords or in a niche.

Use Comment Relish wordpress plugin to send auto responses to people who comment on your blog – make your replies personal and say thanks

Use Tweet Later for auto replying and to create and schedule future tweets.

Use Twemes to search global Twitter tags.

Comment back and respond to people who communicate with you.

It’s okay to name drop if you do it the right way and for good intentions.  I.e., to let someone know you have a mutual friend in common, etc.

Get the crowds to love YOU; don’t be some robot, no one gets the warm fuzzies from or for a robot.

I believe that covers most of it; it was a fabulous webinar and Alejandro and Michelle should be very proud!  They definitely gave back to the community today.

You can check out Alejandro’s blog at Success Fool and Michelle’s at Michelle’s Social Media Blog.

These are two people you can learn from and who are truly into their community in a positive way.

Best of luck,

Karen J.

One day I stumbled across the best freelance position I could ever ask for.  There was a post for a virtual assistance and I applied.  I had no idea the doors that would be opened by submitting a proposal for that position.  First of all, AWESOME boss, the best you could ever want.  Second, Internet Marketer…hmmm.

I had always had an interest in Internet Marketing but I had no idea how or where to get started.  And I had heard all the stories of failed attempts by others who pursued this avenue.  I also thought it took money.  So while I was very interested, I wasn’t ready to take that leap.  I didn’t even know where to place my foot to prepare for the jump!

So I started my position with this Internet Marketer.  I was first handling her support desk and doing a few other miscellaneous tasks.  I was handling her orders, refunds, etc. so I was seeing the money she brought in as an Internet Marketer $$$.  Then she started assigning me more responsibilities and I started learning a lot more about what she does.  I am now pretty much her right hand.

She’s a very smart and savvy Social Marketer.  I really can’t speak highly enough about her.  She’s just amazing and an awesome person all the way around.

In working so closely with her, my interest in Internet Marketing peaked and so did my knowledge about the business.  I wanted in!
So I started off by becoming an affiliate of hers and started promoting one of her software products.  By using a few very basic (and free) advertising techniques, the money started coming in.  Can we say excited!  So I wanted more!

I didn’t even have a website, now I wanted one.  I figured I could increase my profits by shelling out a few dollars for a site.  So I did.  And I did, in fact, make more sales.

That was it.  I was hooked!

So now I’m traveling along my newfound Internet Marketing journey.  I’m very grateful that she’s always willing to help and share knowledge with me.  She has given me great resources and guidance.  I try not to bug her too much but I do pick her brain from time to time…I need to pick it a little more lol, I have some new questions.

I’m no expert yet, but I am definitely not failing in my journey.  There’s a lot to learn when it comes to Internet Marketing but I now know that if you stick with it and are willing to learn the ins and outs, you can succeed.  I have no doubt I will be successful with this.

I think the people I read about who failed at it just weren’t patient enough and willing enough to learn everything you need to know.  Anyone can do it, broke or not.

I have hardly spent any money thusfar because I just don’t have it right now but I have still seen success with my ventures.

So I thought I would start a blog about my journey in hopes that those people who didn’t think they could do it either or who want to do it but aren’t sure how, especially without investment money could join me as I blog about how I got my foot in the door with no money.  And also in  hopes that maybe the more successful Internet Marketers will stop by from time to time and give a little advice or guidance to those of us trying to follow in their footsteps.

I have an advantage that a lot of others don’t have…a mentor.  Someone I work side by side with who makes a very comfortable living strictly from Internet Marketing.  So I’d just like to share with others and hopefully others will share back and maybe we can learn from each other and create a comfy living for ourselves =)

So my plan is to start adding entries of the initial steps I took up to where I’m at today.  Then I’ll blog about the new steps I’m taking, the things I’m trying and learning, and what’s working for me and what’s not.

Most of the things I talk about will be geared towards Social Marketing because that’s where it’s at today and because that’s my mentor’s niche so naturally I will follow in her footsteps.  She’s successful, why wouldn’t I?

Newbies and Gurus alike, please feel free to comment on anything, ask questions, provide feedback or suggestions, etc.

I will warn new marketers, however, that not all Gurus are as willing to share their secrets LOL.

Talk to you soon,

K