Internet Marketing is all the rage at the moment. Everyone wants to have a business where they can work from home and watch the passive income flood in. It’s becoming more and more popular, particularly as more people are hit by the credit crunch or just fed up of the rat race and want to become their own boss.
Unfortunately whilst the concept of becoming an Internet Marketer grows so does the hype and BS within the industry. Not to mention scams and products which continually under-deliver. You really do have to do your research before investing your cash.
As you’ve probably already gleaned from reading my blog, I try and be honest and tell it like it is. Internet Marketing is bloody hard work. It’s not easy and it takes time to make money consistently.
Here’s 3 common myths about Internet Marketing:
Make money working from a beach
But let’s get back to reality here… Most of the Internet Marketers who film themselves at their luxury resorts made their money before entering the world of Internet Marketing. How many times have you read the sob story of how they were broke and then they finally found the system/solution and now make 7 figures a month etc. (and therefore work from the beach). I’m sorry but I just don’t buy it and I doubt you do too.
I’m proud to say that before becoming an Internet Marketer I set up and sold a successful business and prior to that I was a Training Manager in London and worked with clients including Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. I haven’t struggled and I don’t plan on struggling. Yes I’ve made mistakes along the way and I’ve also made and lost a lot of money… but that’s part of running a business. Any business. You have to be prepared to take risks – sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t… it’s all part of the fun of running a business.
And what about Internet Marketers filming videos/creating blogs by their gorgeous swimming pools and huge houses… it’s all perception it’s not real. It’s created as an illusion to impress you. Don’t let it fool you.
The 4 hour Work Week
Take a look at the top entrepreneurs they work crazy hours. In fact the more I earn, the more I seem to work… silly I know but I guess I get greedy and want more and if I work a little more on launching a new product or mentoring another client that means more hours for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining – I love what I do and feel very privileged to be able to work from home and earn a good income whilst spending time with my family. But a 4 hour work week – I’m not buying it!
You can make money quickly online
I could go on… there are so many things that Internet Marketers just don’t tell you about. The industry is viewed through very rose tinted glasses. Remember – if it was that easy everyone would be doing it. Running a business is incredibly hard work and it takes time to get results and Internet Marketing is no different.
What are your favourite internet marketing myths? Share with us in the comments.
Lilach
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53 Responses to 3 myths other Internet Marketers don’t tell the truth about
Totally agree on the beach bit – ever tried to view a pc/notebook screen in sunlight! Total BS. 4hrs? Most people who find success are dedicated and committed – 4 hrs a day would even be way too short unless one is employing assistants virtual or not.
Twitter: Ian Hannaford
Thanks Ian:) Yes I forgot about the sunlight shining through lol and what about the sand everywhere ha!
I agree most people who are successful are incredibly dedicated and 100% committed… the thought of working 4 hours a day let alone a week sounds madness! I think I’d get too bored… but then I guess I would be on the beach all day lol
Twitter: lilachbullock
Yes, agree with all you say and I have zero time for all those who peddle those myths.
I work obscenely long hours but ONLY when I want to and ONLY on the projects I want to.
Get rich quick = lose it faster in my experience. I have seen toooooo many go that route and it’s not one I want to take.
Steve Hall recently posted..St Georges Day
Twitter: thisisspain
Thanks Steve:) Yes I agree – and it’s so true about getting rich quick, it’s a bit like losing weight, the quicker you lose it the quicker you put it back on and more!!
Twitter: lilachbullock
Very, very good article Lilach and totally honest & down to earth. Sadly though, I was taken in by the hype and spent a fortune on what I perceived the truth to be. I wanted the 4 hour week, the holidays and blah blah blah….and so I fell for it. Unfortunately many other people do as well and that is why the Internet Marketing Guru’s (and I use the work loosely) succeed in hooking them/me in. As you well know the photos and the hype are what get you interested in the first place and then the reality sets in. I wonder what your thoughts are on a Mark Anastasi and others in the Internet Marketing world who sell the dream?
regards
Cindy
Cindy Eve recently posted..3 Days in London and being published
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Thanks Cindy and I’m sorry to hear you were sucked in with the hype and lost money.
It is very frustrating and it’s something I really dislike about the industry which in truth really saddens me as I love Internet Marketing and there are some really awesome Internet Marketers out there who are honest and don’t sell on the hype.
As for your question on my thoughts on Mark Anastasi – well a long time ago I made a conscious decision never to “name and shame” or discuss other people openly online.
Twitter: lilachbullock
Hi Lilach,
. I have my full-time job and blogging for now is just for fun. My first goal is to build audience and then will see. I don’t know how much time I have since my wife is telling me I wasteted almost a year.
I found myself in this great article. Actually I never beleived in quick online money, working 4 hours, ok from home not the beach
Great to find your site.
Twitter: domainsflow
Thanks Dragan:)
It can be hard starting out juggling a full time job and an Internet Marketing career – but it can be done. It certainly doesn’t happen overnight and I doubt you have wasted almost a year as it does take time to build up traffic to your blog.
If you want to make money from your blogging you need to treat it as a business… rather than a hobby. Have a plan and ensure you write for your target audience. You should also start to see your traffic increasing the more you blog.
Best of luck and thanks for visiting, hope to see you again soon:)
Twitter: lilachbullock
It’s a great article Lilach and one we wrote on very recently so we know that these are definitely “the myths” that need dealing with. However, if you work hard, treat your online business like a business then it is definitely possible to have the lifestyle you deserve but that is only equal to putting in the time your business deserves. Susan
Susan Beesley recently posted..An Internet Minute – Make it Count
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Thanks Susan:) Agree all good things come to those who work hard and treat their business like a business. It’s important that people do have realistic expectations though… I think that’s why the give up rate is often so high.
Twitter: lilachbullock
If you want to know the real truth about making money in Internet Marketing, it will probably involve some heartache, some sweat and there will be times when you wonder if it is all worth it… but at the end of the day, just having the freedom to work from home makes EVERYTHING worth it..
If they say it’s easy… it isn’t
If they say you’ll make a fortune in a few short weeks… you won’t
If they say you just press a few buttons and automate your wealth… this is just a fantasy
People will buy into YOU. If you offer great products and services that people LOVE, then you most certainly make money and be around a long, long time.
Keith
Keith Everett recently posted..* PINTEREST * Make Money From Cars, Cooking & Furry Animals
Twitter: AskTheTipster
Thanks Keith – love your comment:)
It’s so true – there will be some heartache and sweat and a lot of the time you will wonder if it’s worth it!
Nothing worthwhile in life is easy…:)
Twitter: lilachbullock
You hit the nail on the head with this one Lilach! I like the pitch that I hear almost daily that you ‘can make 6 figures in 6 weeks’…. sounds more like a weightloss ad rather than a promise for riches— and it might as well be. Because I agree with you, it takes work, lots of it to have a business and to be successful.
I’m always happy to see these kind of articles like what you share here today because it brings in a sense of reality. People starting out should always be sure they do their research before jumping into any product or program that promises wealth and riches in a very short time. Your message is a good reminder of this.
Lynn Brown recently posted..What Comes First – Passion or Purpose
Twitter: learnit2earnit
Thanks Lynn:) Yes making money online is very much like losing weight – it doesn’t happen as quickly as the advertisers make out and the quicker you do it – the quicker you put it back on plus!
I urge anyone who is buying into these products to really do their research and seriously try not to get sucked into the hype of making money quickly and having luxurious lifestyles to match… the reality is far from this!
Twitter: lilachbullock
Interesting thought, Lilach: I was at the beach the other day and really regretted not having my computer.
And it certainly wasn’t because I can afford the luxury of casually working at some exotic resort; rather the pressure that I couldn’t afford NOT to. lol
Ana Hoffman recently posted..Internet Marketing Tools
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Ha Ana:) I must admit when I go away I do take my laptop… but trust me I don’t enjoy working on the beach – I’d much prefer to be swimming in the sea and lounging with a good book!
Twitter: lilachbullock
Very true, it takes 20 years to make a overnight millionaire.
Twitter: mmshao
I’m not sure about 20 years Ming…
Twitter: lilachbullock
Eddie Cantor said that…
I guess we are on a fast track in the 21st century, huh? 
It takes hard working for sure. Thanks for connect, Lilach.
Twitter: mmshao
Great article Lilach, and I can say from personal experience the same myths and principles apply for direct sales. In fact one of my pet peeves for the company I worked for was the promotional videos they had us give out to prospective recruits – they had just the kind of baloney you referred to. Oh the top sellers were real, but those people had been doing it for YEARS and most of them made their real money from the MLM side of their business and sales from their downline. Really a fascinating industry.
marquita herald recently posted..Adaptability: The Key to Adjusting to New Situations
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Thanks Marquita:) I understand where you’re coming from. I have lots of friends who are involved in DS/MLM and whilst many make a lot of money there are many who struggle and often butterfly products looking for the magic one… You really do have to ensure you sign up to a product that isn’t too saturated.
And as you say the top sellers are indeed real but they’ve been doing it for years and that really makes a huge difference and it’s very hard to get the same success as the people at the top…
Twitter: lilachbullock
Great article Lilach!
It is so refreshing to read a balanced account of Internet marketing! I know it is a good concept, been there done it, but it takes hard work, determination and luck to achieve success!
Malcolm
Twitter: Knight2701
Thanks Malcolm:) I agree, it does take a lot of hard work and determination. I also think there is an element of luck or timing often too:)
Twitter: lilachbullock
I agree 4hours a week is not really enough in every business. Even the successful businessmen almost working 24hours to create and make new products for their customers.
Thanks Becca:) Agreed, just responding to comments on my blog takes me more than 4 hours a week lol – not that I’m complaining of course:)
Twitter: lilachbullock
Hi Lilach,
Unfortunately there are so many products and ebooks that promise that everyone can make thousands or even millions by just copying a magic formula and work only a few minutes each day.
I wonder who buys that kind of BS, the reality is that no matter where you work from (your house, office etc.) there is no difference, internet marketing it’s just a business like any other online or offline, so success doesn’t come by using magic formulas and without hard work.
Like any other business, especially in the beginning even 8-10 hours per day are not enough and there are some days that even 24h are not enough, for that reason no matter what you do you have to be passionate and not just do it because others are making money. Without the enthusiasm you feel when creating something you love on your own is nearly impossible to keep working so much hours in the beginning and without instant rewards…
Kostas recently posted..Affiliate Marketing and Human Nature – What’s The Relationship
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thank you for sharing this amazing article with us, i can see a lot of people agree with you and that is great to know that your blog are interesting and i will be sure to return to read more of your articles.
Andrew recently posted..Analytics leaps into the Limelight
Hi Lilach,
I can tell you from personal experience that what you say is sooo true. One thing that is always left out of the pitch is that virtually all the successful people and fast starters in MLM have been associated with middle or upper level corporate management for numerous years, and so have built up a large network of people. For their network, shelling out $500 to $1000 startup cost is pocket change. For most of us and the people we have access to, that is not the case. So, they don’t inform you that it will take you many months of networking online, if you can figure a way to find people with money to spend, before you can even get STARTED. Probably, if MLM was regulated like other industries, these facts would have to be presented in some sort of detailed disclaimer.
Lou
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Hi Lilach,
I appreciate your take on this subject but I don’t necessarily agree with you on all aspects.
Although I will say that the majority of stuff online is pure hype, there are people who were dead broke before coming online and have made their fortune here and are now living the life. Not everyone has a family too so they can afford to go work on the beach if they chose. I personally know two people who have done just that so not everyone has made their fortune before venturing online.
I definitely agree with you about the 4 hour work week. Now those are the people who have made their fortunes and can pay everyone else to do the work. The 4 hours they do work is probably checking everyone else’s work. I can’t see how they can just work 4 hours and that’s it.
You can make money quickly online, I’ve done it. I had no prescense and no one knew who the heck I was but I did that through affiliate marketing. So although you can make money quickly, you have to keep up that pace which is where a lot of people get discouraged and quit because it does take a lot of work to keep that up. It’s definitely not a lot of money granted but over time it can start consistently coming in which can eventually lead to a lot more.
Overall I do honestly believe that the majority of stuff is hyped up and is misleading people into believing that making money online is easy and fast. It can be if you are willing to do the work but there will be no fortunes made overnight. I wish that were the case for us all.
Thanks for sharing your take on this Lilach. You’re definitely someone people need to listen to on this subject.
Enjoy your week!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Add YouTube Annotations to Your Videos
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I liken the 4 hour work week to an iceberg. Folks “see” or some network marketers “allow” them to see certain aspects of what they’ve done to create massive wealth in MLM – yet there is tons below the surface that remains obscured. Transparency is so important in network marketing. Telling folks up front that the “work” part is no joke saves everyone a lot of frustration and disappointment down the line. Don’t you agree?
Kevin recently posted..Network Marketing Success: Doing a Little… a Lot
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Hi Lilach,
You have made some excellent points in this post. I agree with you many people who promote working online do not admit the work involved. Your point about consistancy is so important to build skills and trust on line with customers . Thanks again for your advice. Take care Rosemary
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The industry is hyped. Hype is very powerful. Once they get to actually doing the business, not everyone is hyped to work. Good things for those that know what its takes to run a successful business like you are the ones that make. Keep it up!
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Hi Lilach,
I couldn’t help but smile while reading your post because I’ve encountered each of these myths. I think the biggest myth is about the 4 hour work week. From what I’ve seen, the people who are really successful in Online and or Network Marketing, work way more than 4 hours a week. They work many hours, everyday of the week.
I know there are exceptions to these myths, but for the most part they are accurate. People need to realize that they have to treat their business like a business and not a hobby. It takes investment of money and time, and requires patience.
We will get to the beach in due time!
Jamella Biegel recently posted..I Luv Commentluv Premium!
Twitter: mel8730
Lilach, I am in Adrienne’s camp on this one. I also personally know 4 people who started with nothing and built a massive business that brings in multiple streams of income through network marketing – residual income, affiliate marketing – commissions and residuals, and internet marketing their own products. It most definitely can be done through consistent work.
The image of someone with a laptop at the beach is a bit over the top – if you’re going to the beach, why not take a break and use the time for personal development – reading, journaling, etc. Sand can ruin a perfectly good computer.
The 4 hour workweek… there is a book with that title. Haven’t read it yet, but I believe it refers to outsourcing everything that can be outsourced.
And, Making money quickly? 3 of the 4 people I know made their 6 and 7 figure income streams within 18 months – maybe that’s not quick, but I’d like to see someone with a job do that.
The people who fail in this industry are the people who do not do the work.
Val Heisey recently posted..Blogging For Business – What Works and What doesn’t?
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I really think that most people are tired of hype, and let’s face it. Everything that you’re speaking about is all centered around a false sense of reality and hype. On the internet because there are so many “make believe” stories it’s important to be as real as possible.
The industry is really hungry for people who will market with integrity. Thanks for telling it like it is Lilach
Chante Epps recently posted..Why Trying To Convince People Does Not Work…
Not exactly from the beach, but we did move our business to Costa Rica, the reality of this is that we quite often trip down to the beach mid-week when it’s quiet, and do what we need to do on the weekend. Now if someone could figure out how I could use my laptop in direct sunlight and make it waterproof, I would probably be working from the hot tub every day instead!
Twitter: Sarahcarling
First of all, great article! I completely agree with you that there is way too much hype online today. I also agree with you that most people won’t be working from the beach or working only 4 hours a day once they succeed.
The only thing is that I think it is indeed possible for people to earn income quickly online. If you know the right things to do and can follow instructions, you can do it. I look at people like Brian Cole. Shoot…I look at myself! I have been doing this for what seems to be forever, and I found success quickly on social media.
I think we can completely get rid of hype…but if people are armed the right way, with the right tools and leadership, they can succeed quickly…at least more quickly than they would if they were seeking to become 6-figure income earners in a traditional job.
Christi Johnson recently posted..Top Fifteen Things You NEVER Need To Do On Facebook!
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You’re absolutely right, Lilach. The problem that I have with such bogus claims and deceptions is that it tends to attract more tire kickers than people who have realistic goals at building an online business.
You can’t write 2 articles and expect to have a walk-away 6 figure income with residual leads for the rest of your life! It is the unsexy daily habits done consistently over a period of time that sets the path to success. Not software programs or systems.
Anthony Hutcherson recently posted..5 MLM Secrets To Jump-Start Your Business
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I really would like to earn money from an island, working 4 hours a week, and next month become into a millionaire.
Abel Pardo recently posted..Bienvenidos al website de Abel Pardo
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You’ve made great points and I definitely agree on all of those. Another famous one that I’d like to share is that Internet Marketing or Network Marketing are “pyramid schemes”. That couldn’t be furthest from the truth and in fact I always like to say that a traditional job is the real “pyramid scheme” with the owners reaping the benefits from their employers work. With Internet Marketing, you control your income and as much hard work that you put in, the income will follow.
It’s always important to stay plugged in with your company and support team and never be afraid to ask for help. A lot of people tend to get nervous when needed to ask questions but trust that your leaders are there to help you and can’t succeed unless that you do.
Laura-Lee Walker recently posted..LBB Offers Interactive and Customized Social Shopping
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I think there’s a lot of truth to what you’re saying, especially when people spend money on million-dollar promises by “gurus.” I think it’s important to look at whether the person selling a program made their money beforehand and is now teaching you how to do that, or is making their millions from teaching people the IDEA that they can make millions — a loop that doesn’t make sense to me. In essence, these people as you mentioned are not really selling anything — they are just selling a lifestyle.
I am an internet marketer and built my business from nothing. I became successful in the self-help / spirituality area before teaching people how I did it. (I don’t have a villa in Monaco, though, and don’t aspire to.)
I now help people who are full of wisdom go out and change the world — people who have a heart-based mission but suck at sales.
The biggest myth to me with internet marketing is how fast it will be. I subsisted my first year but built a significant following and a stellar reputation. Once you have a following — and if you offer something that’s truly of value to people — you will make it if you stick with it. By my 13th month I had replaced my corporate job income. My third year, my income efficiency skyrocketed (meaning I worked very few hours to generate the same dollars) by applying what I now teach others.
I definitely have 4-hour workweeks, but I also have 40+ hour workweeks. I can say truthfully that I work far fewer hours per year than I ever did in my corporate jobs. More than anything, my business gives me freedom and I LOVE that. I can work from anywhere in the world as long as I have an internet connection. I have semi-passive income, leveraged income and traditional dollars for hours income. Mostly, I have choices.
There are months when owning a business is challenging and things aren’t always rosy. Like any business, mine has great months and slow months. You have to constantly innovate.
I think, too, people tend to dabble in online marketing and then wonder why they aren’t successful. Those are the people aspiring to drink margaritas on a beach for the rest of their lives. To me, that would get old after about 2 days! Those people are never going to make it in business.
You have to treat your online business like any other business — have a clear plan, a mission, do the numbers, know who you serve and keep at it every day.
I liked your article and I hope aspiring internet marketers will take it to heart when they make choices.
Beth Grant recently posted..What Really Creates Your Results: The Role of Internal Alignment in Your Success
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Great stuff. Keep writing and shower your readers with such useful information. Keep it Up!!!
I live at the beach, so technically, I could be working from the beach. But the reality is my home office seems to be the only place where I’m “beached!”
Thanks for telling it like it is. Just like any marketing venture, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Hard work and great partners are the start of a successful business, and sticking with it is the hard part.
Delilah recently posted..Kindlegraph! Digital Book Signing
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Hey Lilach… that’s quite a post! I do agree with you on many points but there are others that I don’t. That is the beauty of having these conversations.
Is there hype? Absolutely. Does it take time, energy and dedication? Not doubt.
I am true believer in infinite possibilities. If I chose to work from a beach… I could. I mean I can literally now go set up my computer and phone, sit next to the pool and work. Sun glare, no problems I got shade. It’s quiet and I got everything handy.
One the other hand, I don’t have kids or other responsibilities. Beach and sand? Maybe not… everything’s got it’s place. But I could if I want. I’d rather leave that to a date!
As for the 4 hour working week. Again, I live in a truly infinite possibilities. So I really really aim and go for that… than I believe you can do it. The question becomes do I really want it? What would I do the rest of my time? And what is it going to take to make it happen.
Also I’ve seen at least two people make lots of money online when they are totally broke and achieved that success only after coming online.
So yes, there is hype, yes you gotta be careful… and yes the possibilities are there.
John Moussan recently posted..How To Use Body Language To Read People & Improve Your Sponsoring Results
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I live five minutes from the beach and have often thought of taking my laptop there to work…never have, though! Mainly because of the glare issue mentioned and the lack of power to plug my laptop into, lol!
I do, however, LOVE to work from coffee shops and libraries. It’s really nice that this business allows that flexibility and I often speak of that to my market.
I hear ya on the mis-info but I think as long as there are people who really want to believe you can get rich quick/easy/without effort, there’ll be people trying to sell them dreams.
Great post!
Angela
Twitter: angelawills
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so many good points made already, I work longer hours, but at odd times, so it suits me. But it takes time and loads of hard work!
Twitter: helentonetti
Another great blog thank you Lilach, although I do attempt to earn money sitting on the beach – but only because it’s part of the promise I said when I set up my business. That translates as I extend my diving holidays and work abroad – but on the beach doesn’t work, I have to use their training room
Twitter: divingjon
I have been working as a freelance writer since 2006 and still don’t have a steady income from freelancing.
I have spent money and listened to so-called gurus, now I am learning on my own and conducting business my way according to my personal philosophy and ethics.
I have written over 350 articles and over 100 boo reviews. I have also edited manuscripts.
The hardest part, is to become known and finding people willing to pay a fair price for the work. Most want a Ph.D. in English but pay hack wages.
I am not giving up my goal of finding work that I feel is within my skill et that I can do from home.
Twitter: RJ_Medak
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience & this valuable insight about the truth of Internet Marketing.
Twitter: mjustme_
Brilliant post Lilach, Internet Marketing is fun, interactive and a great job to do but it is certainly not easy or quick, if it is I suspect people are doing it wrong!!
Twitter: soc1albutterfly
Hi Lilach, nice article about the truth and reality about this business. A post that talks about a reality that everybody should now. I will stay tuned for your good and realistic Internet articles. Continue your good work giving quality information that help others to understand how internet marketing works !!!
Rui Santos recently posted..The Complete System To Succeed In The Internet Marketing
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