Posted on: 07 December, 2001
Author: Ron Sathoff
One of the problems that I've seen with Internet business is ... it can create. Of course, some people may see this as ... In fact, I've even read articles that claim that one ofthe bi One of the problems that I've seen with Internet business is theisolation it can create. Of course, some people may see this as apositive. In fact, I've even read articles that claim that one ofthe biggest advantages of running a business over the Net is thefact that you don't have to deal with anyone face-to-face. Thesearticles make it sound like personal communication is somethingto be avoided or feared.All I have to say to this is "Nuts." EVERY BUSINESS, whether itis a roadside apple stand or an Internet Solutions Center runfrom a cave in Tibet, can benefit from simple human contact andcommunication. In my opinion, one of the biggest ways you canbenefit from "the human touch" is when you begin to marketyourself.Now, when I say, "market yourself," I mean just that; I don'tmean marketing your business, your product, or your opportunity.I mean marketing YOU.Think about it: What do successful Internet businesses have thatthe losers don't? In many cases, the answer is simple: a personbehind the business who has a reputation for being a trustedexpert.Someone who knows what they are talking about, and is seen astrustworthy, has a definite edge over a nameless, faceless personlurking behind a business front. People want to deal with PEOPLE,not with corporations, and definitely not with just a web site.So, how do you create the kind of image that will make customersfeel comfortable and secure dealing with you? I've found thatthere are many different ways of doing this, but here are threetried-and-true techniques:1) Share your expertise: You can help build a reputation bysimply offering your knowledge to others. If you have a lot ofexperience on the Internet, share your stories. If you haveknowledge of marketing, teach people how to be better marketers.How? Well, you can offer this information on your web site. Or,you could go onto discussion boards and share your knowledge withother participants. You could even write an article sharing yourexperiences and opinions!2) Share your enthusiasm: Your clients will almost always feelmore comfortable when they know they are dealing with a realperson -- someone who has feelings and opinions. So, express yourfeelings when you can and when it's appropriate. If you arereally excited about your product or opportunity, tell them WHY.If your business has improved your life dramatically, let youraudience see the joy, gratitude, relief, etc. that you feel(within reason, of course!). Some cynics may say that expressingyour feelings is unprofessional, but I say it's just a matter ofbeing a human being, and your customers will appreciate seeingthat part of you.3) Reach out to people: Customers love it when they are treatedlike people and not just customers. Take some time out of yourday and write personal emails to your clients (and NO, autoresponders don't count!). These could just be follow-ups, askinghow things are going, or to check to make sure that there are noproblems with their purchase. When you write these, it might notseem like you are being productive, but you will be surprised bythe goodwill (and repeat sales) a simple gesture like this cancreate.Remember that most sales in this world are made face-to-face instores, markets and bazaars. One reason why some people may balkat buying on the Internet is the fact that it seems soimpersonal. You can help relieve these anxieties, however, bydoing everything you can to show your customers that they aredealing not only with a REAL person, but with a person who hasthe ability to solve their problems and who enjoys helping them. Article Tags: Market Yourself Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com