That I am here writing this to you is because you inspired Martin Avis to write so authentically about Backlink Battleplan – which was EXACTLY what I was looking for this week for my own business.

I trust Martin’s recommendations because what I’ve bought has been what and how he said it would be.

So you “get a chance” with me because of the way Martin markets, and the relationship he has built up with me.

Authenticity (or, in my language, the way you do business reflecting who you are inside) is a core value for me.

I want to do business with others who share that as a value; I search them out, I respond to their marketing message and my business relationships tend to be very long-lasting.

And all of this has lead to my creating a business directory which connects businesses with customers through shared values -which is, I believe and you are saying the same thing, the basis for a solid, continuing, and satisfying business “partnership”.

Continue to have the courage to reflect your inner values in your marketing message and you will attract like-minded customers who want what you are selling.

I like the subtle nudge you give in that last sentence, too. ;)

Thanks! I’d seen that interview before. Quite an interesting trio!

By the way: Don’t worry about lack of techie knowledge. Just keep doing.
I’m not a techie person myself, but I’ve been able to figure everything out (slowly) by just doing. Good old trial and error.

You’re absolutely right: There’s nothing inherently wrong with marketing and selling. In fact, I really like much of Seth Godin’s material, which makes it very clear that A) marketing is something that is going on all the time, everywhere and everyone is doing it and B) without good marketing, nothing would ever happen. No good idea and no good cause would ever get noticed or gain momentum, etc.

The dilemma, to me, isn’t really a moral one. It’s just about the delivery of the marketing message. I know that my products and the products I recommend are awesome, but I also know that that alone won’t help in getting them into the hands of many people. So, I want my marketing message to be effective. When I learn about effective marketing, how to structure a sales-message, what kind of things to address and how to do so etc., I find myself slipping into the “used-car salesman” area, in terms of the delivery of my message. And that’s where the issue lies.

Thanks again for your truly insightful and inspiring comment!

Yeah, there are those that learn techniques and develop their skills. Add to that a dynamic, charming personality.

They can easily become unscrupulous. Thus, we think of the typical “used car salesman” mentality. If you go out and choose products to market because some guru tells you ‘it takes just as much effort to sell something where you make a $100 as it does $10, then do no due diligence and sell/market something that is pure crap, shame on you! You are looking at greed driving your empty life.

Do you own the products/services you offer? If it is crap, can you cut yourself loose and say so out-loud (in print)?

Sales, knowledge, techniques and skills are not inherently evil.

Selling is simply helping someone come to a decision that YOU firmly believe will BENEFIT them.

If you are morally-challenged because of being involved in such dastardly deeds as “selling something”, then give your stuff away and set up a “If you like me, buy me a beer” logo on your site!

The guru’s offer something – more knowledge and information – than the buyer possesses at the time. Many times their ‘systems’ don’t work for a well-established reason. They don’t apply the tools and information that is given to them. Period.

Few actual ‘scams’ will last long today because of the speed of the Internet. You can find out about most any program offered with a few minutes on forums or a basic search. Remember, “Buyer Beware!” Always in all things.

Be real. Be willing to sacrifice the big bucks, or sell your soul; your choice. There are more than one that has re-invented themselves online, after serving prison terms. People instinctively know authenticity and genuineness when they see, a lot like the standards for porn.