Beware,Internet,Marketing,Drea marketing Beware of Internet Marketing Dream Merchants

Awhile ago, I got an email from one of the "gurus" I follow and it shocked me. The gist of it was this person wanted to trade services for a household item.To say it floored me would be an understatement.What was worse was a few days later t Automation technologies represent a fundamental aspect of any modern industry. The major types of industrial automation solutions, such as DCS, PLC, SCADA, and MES, are used on a large-scale in process and discrete industries.DCS technologie

There are so many different business opportunities availableon the Web; the never-ending stream of offers that will leadyou to untold riches. Everybody claims to have the "insideknowledge" that will put you on Easy Street! Soundsfamiliar, doesn't it?That scenario is particularly painful for Internet beginnerslacking the advanced researching skills of more seasonedNetizens. Nevertheless, is there a way for mostinexperienced surfers to ascertain the initial merits of aparticular offer?There is a general procedure to dissect and examine mostInternet Marketing offers, in broad terms. The bulk of theoffers can be classified into two categories: DreamMerchants and Web Specific Products. They have uniquequalities that are very obvious once you study them. Followme and I'll show you how to recognize each one.The Dream Merchant:I'm going to describe a real world, brick-and-mortar analogyto help you understand what the Dream Merchant sells. Let'ssay you walk into a retail outlet and the sales clerkmentions an idea that's going to make you rich! He soundsvery excited and full of enthusiasm!He then continues to tell you all the benefits you'll getfrom the "great idea." Curiously, every time you ask himwhat it is, he never gives you a strait answer! He continuesto pump you up while never revealing what it is he'sselling. By now, your expectation is at a fever pitch; yougotta have it!So you corner the silver tongued sales clerk and ask him,point blank. He then produces a little book and informs youthat it contains the "great idea" and it will cost you $100!You pay for the book and he quickly scampers out the doorwith your money. As you open it, it says: Do to the next guywhat I just did to you!I know the above scenario is rather simplistic but it doesoccur all the time on the Web. That kind of business isselling you a dream! The dream is the product! You mustcontinue to sell the dream to the next guy. Do you want tobecome a Dream Merchant? I don't think so!Beware of any company that requires an up-front investmentto become an affiliate member. They pump you up with dreamsof big money and the good life. Then the pressure starts foryou to purchase all kinds of products from them. Some of theitems are ordinary household supplies; quite mundane! Let'sface it: When was the last time you heard anybody gettingexcited about dishwashing liquid? Web Specific Products:As you investigate online business opportunities I'm sureyou've become aware of needs that are specific to Web basedbusinesses. No matter what a Website is selling, its ownerwill purchase some items that are necessary for doingbusiness on the Internet.Another thing about selling Web business specific productsis that you are, in fact, selling a product. That is such acomforting thought! There is a basic demand for your productand it doesn't matter if your family or friends buy a heapof them! The list of Web specific products is endless, here are afew:Domains: You gotta have a name!Hosting: Every Web business needs a home.Website Design: Build and decorate your home. Writing: Fill your home with content.Copywriting: Write about your product and make it sell!Images: Let folks see what it looks like.The products above are the most basic items an Internetcentered business needs. A name for its business and a placeto call home; the ability to do a written presentation withimages. You can't go wrong selling any of those listedproducts. The competition will be great but you'll have anendless supply of new customers.The following products are of a secondary nature. I'mincluding them because they will gain importance as we gointo our Broadband future. As a matter of fact, most will beconsidered a necessity! Some are already widely used butwill have new features when implemented for Broadband.Audio: When visitors hear your voice it lets them know you are aperson, not just a Website.Video: So much better! You can present products, lessons, courses.Video is going to be big!Scripts: A great way to build an Opt In list and discover the buyinghabits of your visitors. Scripts can be used in so many waysto enhance your visitor's experience.AutoResponders: Follow up to the initial customer contact is so important.A Sequential AutoResponder is a must for doing business onthe Web. If you haven't already, get one!Of course, there are many more Web specific businessproducts. Most are connected with promotion and advertising.Some that come to mind: Traffic exchanges, message boards,linking automation applications, turnkey website packages,just to name a few.When all is said and done, you're the only person that willmake the decision about your business choice. However, ifyou are more comfortable selling a real product thatfulfills a real need, the list is endless! The Web is soyoung it guarantees the supply of new customers willcontinue for many, many years to come. by Francisco Aloy(C)2004 Francisco Aloy============================================Agreement reminder, not part of the article:Please include my working hyperlink in the resource box. Remove paragraph before posting.