If you were just starting out ....

[KathleenGageSpeaker]

What do you feel is the most important first step to learn regarding using the Internet to market? Regardless of industry, product or service, what would you have liked to learn sooner than later?

What do you believe someone new to using the Internet should learn before anything else?

[angienewton]

My vote would be for SEO/Keyword research AND proper networking.

[deniseoberry]

I would say they need to use strategies (forum participation, social networking) to build long lasting relationships with other people.

[Marya_Miller]

Research - followed before too long by action. Take it one step at a time, don't rush on to other things till you've mastered the first

And if you don't have basic business skills first, you're going to have an especially hard time.

[KathleenGageSpeaker]

So true on basic business skills. If one is going to have a business online or off, it is a business and needs to be run like one.

[Ted Marlett]

I think that along with developing good business skills a person should develop a strong, flexible business plan that can grow along with their business.

[David Jackson]

What do you believe someone new to using the Internet should learn before anything else?

In my opinion, before you learn anything else, you should become competent at marketing. If you learn how to market your business effectively, you will be able to make money, even if you don't receive a lot of traffic initially - because you will have the marketing knowledge to effectively maximize the traffic you do receive. In addition, having above average marketing skills will give you the ability and confidence to write your own ticket - no matter what you choose to promote.

If you become a skilled marketer, you can hit the ground running, and begin earning money much more quickly. As a result, you won't have to struggle unnecessarily, like so many newbies do.

A few of my favorite marketing books include The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy, Advertising Secrets of the Written Word by Joe Sugarman, Magic Words That Bring You Riches by Ted Nicholas and Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy.

In addition to reading books, read plenty of quality marketing articles at respected authority sites like SiteProNews and WebProNews.

And if you haven't yet discovered Tinu Abayomi-Paul, I suggest you read her articles. She's as good as it gets, when it comes to free traffic techniques.

David Jackson

[watzzupsport]

I would agree with marketing and planning as essential Business skills in any endeavor but also in relationship to IM .

FOCUS..... learn how to pick one method and focus on learning it and do not get distracted by every glittering thing that is on offer.

I think there is a dabble area as you learn but I have made greater traction when I have applied what skills I have to a method and keep working towards an outcome I set ,by writing out a plan that fits with my natural skills and desired outcome.

Hey I have yet to see any real success but I feel more confident of an outcome that matches my expectations.

So I would have to say get an understanding of the various types of IMarketing select one that suits your skill set, find a leader in that field that you empathize with and FOCUS on a planned outcome.

[AlexNewell]

"Marketing" is the one word answer Kathleen!

After all we are all selling either our own product or an affiliate product.

So are we selling what people are looking for?

If not the path to frustration and no earnings lies open before us...

Marlon Sanders puts it well - "Find out where the money is going and throw yourself in front of it".

:-)

Alex Newell