5 Things I Would Tell A "Newbie".
Copyright: Yvonne Finn 5 Things I Would Tell an Internet "Newbie"
When you've survived on the Internet for a few years, people start to think of you as an expert. Some call you "guru"!
New arrivals to the Internet are called "newbies" and like any newborn, they are just as vulnerable to the attacks by some very wily predators (unscrupulous marketers)! Please don't get me wrong, there many honest and honorable business people online, they conduct their affairs with integrity and provide great services and products.
But, and this is a big BUT, the Internet is a wide, wild world and the rules are still being debated.
"Newbies" must learn how to protect themselves, before they come online and start running in every direction, joining hundreds of programs, looking for the mounds of quick cash that they've been told are easily scooped up, without doing any work.
And, boy oh boy, do they become ripe pickings for all those crooks, scam artists, spammers, etc.
1. The Internet is NOT a super-highway! You CAN get "THERE " from here, but ONLY if your know where THERE is. It will lead you anywhere and everywhere unless you know where you want to go. You will become distracted by the many beckoning twists and turns. No, the Internet is more like a combination of the Wild, Wild West, Disneyland, a candy store and a jungle.
2. The phrase "content is king" is often repeated at every other web site or article you read. And while this may be true (most online visitors are in search of information, free information), content, meaning words, are also used by experts to lie and hype" would be" Internet business opportunity seekers into emptying their pockets, balancing out their bank accounts and running up their credit cards. Don't fall for words just because they say what you want to hear. Ask questions, do your own research and here is another saying that you will hear often on the Internet "if it sounds too good to be true, it is!"
3. Trust sparingly! Flashy, professional looking web sites with lots of heartwarming testimonials and blurry bank deposits does NOT mean that the webmaster is trustworthy. Everything can be bought and sold online! Software and free content sites can make anyone seem an experienced, successful businessperson. Check how long the company/business has been around. Contact other members of the program, with a polite request for some feedback as to how the business is working for them.
4. Guard your reputation like gold! Because, ultimately, it is. It is extremely easy to lose your good name on the Internet. One accusation of spamming (contacting someone who did not request that you do so), dishonest claims about a programs performance, etc. anyone of these things and many other transgressions (intentioned or un-intentioned) can get you locked out of the vast Internet play ground.
5. Decide what you want from the Internet. If you will be building an Internet business, gather as mush information as you can, then learn, learn, learn! Go to the search engines such as Google or MSN, type in your search term for your business idea or offer, then study the web sites that appeal to you. Get a feel for why they attract you, is it the style, design, content or a combination of these characteristics. The Internet is here to stay and it is still one of the most affordable and accessible methods for the "little guy" to make his financial freedom a reality.
Take your time (Doctors spend 7 or more years in university) Treat others with honesty and respect (the same things you want for yourself) Be trustworthy if you want to be trusted. Do the work to reap the rewards. Give generous thanks to those who've helped you along the way.
About the author: Yvonne has successfully "survived" 5 years on the Internet. She believes that you can't help others without helping yourself and that it IS possible to positively impact another person's life. Her website is full of tips, tools and insights to help you make your online presence, both profitable and positive. http://www.freewebs.com/marketing-online