How and Why I Became an Online Marketer

The first years of my career were in sales and marketing positions with Fortune 500 companies, leading to a position as vice president and general manager for a subsidiary of one of the country’s largest industrial companies. During those years I had many good experiences, but I also witnessed company politics that put private agendas ahead of good business practices, and I saw good, productive and dedicated employees get "pink slips" because a new executive wanted to bring in “his own team”. I remember driving to work with a knot in my stomach, preparing to do battle and not looking forward to the coming day. I persevered, however, because my wonderful wife and best friend, along with my two little boys, depended on me for our income and for the lifestyle and security it provided.

Fast forward to recent times … Corporations no longer offer security. Downsizing, mergers, acquisitions, closings and layoffs are commonplace. Benefits have left with the introduction of contracted personnel. Retirement funds are uncertain. Savings and investments have disappeared taking plans of retirement with them. I experienced some of these things too before finally deciding to take the plunge and start my own business.

First, I started a more or less traditional advertising and promotion business, which I still operate. This business did well for several years but, as with many “brick and mortar” businesses, sales were adversely affected by general recession, reduced advertising budgets and client bankruptcy. My hobby became searching for and evaluating alternate business opportunities that could offer a high potential income with a minimum investment.

One night I was sitting on my deck visiting with a neighbor who is now retired. He spent his career as an executive with large corporations and had many notable accomplishments. Toward the end of our conversation he confided to me that he had lost most of his retirement savings in the recent market downturn. With tears in his eyes, he told me the story of his transition from a comfortable lifestyle to now worrying how he will make ends meet in future years. After our visit, I reflected on how my own retirement plans had changed and what had happened to the plans of so many people. I thought of the many capable, industrious people who are retired or near retirement, and now need a practical business income opportunity. A desire arose in me to not only find the right opportunity for myself but to also help as many others as I can who have seen their dreams slip away.

Studying current successful business trends, I found myself moving more and more toward internet marketing.  The more I researched, the more I found unique, successful business models.  Internet marketing, as a timely approach to business, became the elephant in the room. 

After months of research, trial, and error with internet marketing projects and campaigns, I discovered a community of successful, international, internet marketers, whom I was fortunate to join. I was able to learn from the failures and successes they shared with me. They taught me their techniques to generate an endless number of leads and achieve top line, organic placement on any major search engine. I can operate my internet marketing business anytime, from anywhere with a laptop computer. I now have prospects contacting me. I don’t have to make cold calls. My business is international and as recession-proof as any business can be. My websites and blogs provide a profit engine that keeps working around the clock, all over the world. The possibilities are endless with products, services and business models.

The beauty of an internet marketing business is:

1. You can market any product or service

2. Business start-up can be quickly accomplished

3. You can get started with a minimal investment

4. You can work from home, or anywhere else, with a laptop computer and basic computer skills

5. You are your own boss

6. You set your own hours

7. You can grow multiple businesses

8. You can join communities of internet marketers who can assist

9. Your business operates 24 hours each day, 365 days per year even while you sleep

10. Your business can be highly automated with auto-responders and back-room services.

11. Specialized educational programs are now available

12. Your income is determined by your commitment

13. Age is not a factor. Young and old alike can be successful.

14. You can tailor a successful online business model to your liking. If you want to see or talk with people, you can. If you want to limit communication to email, you can do that too.

Click here for more entrepreneur ideas