Overheard in the Blogosphere 6

by Michael Martine on October 19, 2007 · 6 comments

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I am constantly surprised that people read what I have to say.

The secret of what I do: I notice things and give them names. I haven’t bit off more than that, because I’d probably do it poorly. Part of the challenge in breaking through is finding a niche you can overwhelm.

Ask a room full of freelancers what they do and you’ll get a broad spectrum of answers. Not so apparent in those replies, though, is that every freelancer actually has two mission-critical titles.

The one on the business card is pretty obvious. Writer, designer, developer, stylist, yadda, yadda, yadda. But, what about that other title? The one that lurks in the wings, yet is the secret driving force behind your success or failure in your “business-card” field. The one that reads, “Undercover Chief Marketing Offer.”

Think of every information product you produce as a lead generator.

You might have a free report, video or audio that generates leads for your…

$47 ebook or audio that generates leads for your…

We’ve abused, raped, and totally destroyed the word “successful.” We’ve taken that word and and covered it with a bunch of pretty sparkling — “bling bling” — stickers: money, fame, cars, mansions, blah…blah… blah.. Well I won’t be a subscriber to that butchered, status-quo, concept of success.

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October 21, 2007 at 8:42 pm

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Albuq NM Real Estate October 20, 2007 at 12:16 am

Michael I’m with Darren. I’m not only surprised that they read but that they like it. My stuff not Darren’s :) – Ashley

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2 Michael Martine October 20, 2007 at 6:21 am

I love that quote from Darren. Here is the biggest name in pro blogging being surprised he’s read. Darren is never arrogant or condescending to others, and despite his success (which could easily go to his head) he is able to retain his humbleness and gratitude. It’s one of the reasons people like him so much.

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3 Rhys October 20, 2007 at 6:30 am

I love that last quote. It’s very true! I haven’t made enough to retire on through blogging, but the fact I’ve ran a blog for 5 years and seen many so called “established, successful bloggers” come and go. For me, it’s a success :)

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4 Michael Martine October 20, 2007 at 7:19 am

Rhys, I agree. If you care too much about what others think, buying into their definition of success is a recipe for misery, not happiness.

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5 Funny Potato October 20, 2007 at 3:26 pm

Cool quotes. These guys are good!

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