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| I Live What I Write - This is Real |
As the Green Living Contributor for Squidoo, I often go in
search of articles and reviews to feature.
My ultimate goal is to promote exceptional content energized by a
writer’s real world engagement with a product, subject, or lifestyle.
When it comes to green living, I have found an endless
number of online marketers hitching their stars to the sun. It is truly unbelievable how many individuals
attempt to sell solar power systems and photovoltaic panels. Almost none of them have ever used solar
power. They have no expertise in this realm. I spend no time
on web pages that represent empty selling.
A few years ago, when I first delved into online
publishing, in addition to writing with authority and establishing credibility, I learned another very important lesson:
Offer at least 20 things of value before asking for something. It’s the Golden Rule of marketing and
connecting in meaningful ways with others.
The 20 things of value may take many different forms. You might offer valuable information in the form of blog
posts or complimentary e-books. Or, the
gift could be an honest review that won’t lead to a sale (because you knew the
product was not all that it was promoted as being). An outstanding tutorial is always valuable,
as is a professional video or Podcast.
You earn loyal followers, and eventual sales, as a result of your
generosity and legitimacy.
A quality blog offers the perfect opportunity to give first. The same is true of Facebook or Google+
communities. One of the reasons I am establishing new Green Living hangouts is to be in a
position to connect generosity to genuine interest and solution-oriented offerings.
As we come together in these places, and bring something worthwhile and
meaningful to the interactions, our capacity to be seen and heard expands in
ways that will generate good energy. That
energy, like the sun’s power, may be harvested in due season.
Diane Thank you for an excellent post. I am not sure I have heard the Golden Rule in this fashion before and you really made in come to life....offering 20 things of value before trying to sell makes so much sense. Thanks for a great article and for the example you live.
ReplyDeleteAlways appreciate your generous presence and comments. Thank you, Mary Beth.
DeleteYou have written so eloquently, the crux of writing and selling on the internet. Some will write about anything and everything just to make the sale. Unfortunately, they sound like an advertisement, don't give the pertinent information searchers need or can actually give misinformation -- all in the name of making a sale.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe in writing what we know. I want to trust and believe the author has experience I can benefit from. There are still sales to be made, make no doubt. But putting yourself -- your knowledge, experience and first hand use -- out there for others to find and benefit from is always my goal. Well said, Diana, well said!
Thanks, Mandee. I can't write about something I don't care about. I write what I live. I appreciate that you do the same. The selling will take care of itself if we are the type of individuals someone wants to buy from. Integrity rules.
DeleteYou are certainly generating 'good energy' with your way of life and the sharing of the ways others are helping to save this old world of ours. Enjoyed Graceonline's article.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elf, for visiting Graceonline's article. It deserves to be seen and put into action. Deeply appreciate the energy you bring via your presence and comments.
DeleteI've always believed that you get what you give. I love your positive energy, Diana, and your commitment to bring us first-hand, honest and credible green information. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your integrity, Coletta, as you bring us real world value and new opportunities to live green. Thank you!
DeleteI enjoyed your implementation of the Golden Rule and have always believed in treating others the same way I would like to be treated, and yes, that is how credibility and respect are earned--we reap what we sow.
ReplyDeleteThe article by Grace which you shared was enlightening, indeed!
You truly live the Golden Rule, Ruthi. It's one of many things I greatly appreciate about you.
DeleteIsn't it always true that you can tell someone who is writing about what they know and love? And clearly green living is something you love and we all should invest more of our energy into conserving our own planet. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteYes... I can always tell. An article written by someone passionate about a cause or subject is so much more enjoyable to read (and it leaves much more of a lasting impression on me).
DeleteI absolutely could not agree with you more! I do get so tired of internet searches that land me on sales pages that are nothing more than empty selling rhetoric with no valid experience or expertise from the writer. So many excellent nuggets of wisdom and truth are right here in this article!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mouse. I consider selling to be a reflection of personal integrity. I want to do it in a way that enriches lives. Appreciate your visit and comments.
DeleteSuch wise advice here! You are so right when you talk about those who spout about green living (or other topics for that matter) when they don't truly know about it or have any experience themselves. This is such an important subject and it's great to see someone with such obvious passion growing a new community for it!
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