I jumped on the freeway this morning headed for a small job I was
doing in the northwest part of the valley. I noticed, standing in the shade
of the overpass, was a gentleman sitting on his suitcase. His right arm
extended with his thumb out. In his other hand was a cardboard sign
with "SALT LAKE" written in black marker.
Having lived in Las Vegas (Sin City) Nevada now for 22 years this was
a sight I'd seen more times than I care to think about.
I'm positive that sitting under a freeway overpass, broke,
hungry, in most cases Hungover, dazed and confused, had Not been
this man's intention. He hadn't even held back a few bucks for Bus fare.
The majority of people that come here really enjoy themselves. It's a
fun place to vacation. Lots to see and do.
Yet there are those that come here hoping to Hit It Big! Gonna Triple
their money! Maybe they've even come here to make enough to catch
up on all their bills that somehow have not been paid for a couple of
months or even to Buy Groceries.
They have indeed fallen victim to the bright lights of the big city. The
Lure of Fast, Easy Money! The Something for Nothing Idea! Pleasure
and Excitement! The list goes on.
The Big Corporations spare no expense when it comes to attracting
players to their House. They will bring you here, feed you, put you up in
their hotel. How?
I don't exactly know what the percentages are but they bank on you
setting down at the tables and dropping a large sum of your vacation
money. If the percentages weren't in their favor you can better believe
they wouldn't be doing it. Heck, You can still get a great breakfast for
99 cents. 2 eggs, hashbrowns, and a ham steak so big they serve it to
you on a side platter. That same establishment has
been doing that for the last 20 years. It must be working!
We have a saying here, "Scared Money Never Wins!" If you've come
to the tables to make the rent, pay the bills or buy groceries. Your going
to leave "Kicking Stones, your head down, your hands jammed into
empty pockets."
O.K. O.K. I'll get to the point.
I've found just how very much alike Las Vegas and the Internet are. If
you let it, the Internet can become Fantasy Island. You can begin to buy
into the Hype, the false promises, and the idea of something for nothing.
You can lose your money, your dignity, your self respect and yes even
your family. If you get really carried away you could even lose your
freedom.
There are No Free Lunches here. Your success is gauged on how much
time, effort, determination and education you've applied.
Did I say education? I'm not talking about a college degree here. What
I am saying is that there's a tremendous amount to be learned if we are
going to successfully market on the Web. We need to wade through the
hype. Listen and apply what we learn from those that have already paid
their dues to become successful Internet Marketers.
Read everything you can. Then step by step apply what you learn. Visit
some Business Discussion Forums and pick the brains of those that have
done what we are trying to do. Here's a Good list.
http://www.entrepreneur-web.com/index1.shtml#generalbusiness
Don't go to these expecting to blast your offers all over. It's liable to
get you banned from the board or even reported to your ISP as a
spammer. Board spamming is a No No!
I never really had a clue about Marketing on the Web until I began
reading the posts on these forums. What a wealth of information. There
are people that frequent these boards that will bend over backwards to
help. If you ask.
The way I see it is we are all in this thing together. People! Not faceless,
anonymous robots behind our keyboards and monitors. We need to watch
out for one another. Help when we can and place the needs of others
before our own. When we do, We get what we need.
As long as there are people willing to believe in the Fast buck, something
for nothing deal there will be those waiting with anticipation to relieve
them of their hard earned cash.
What say we go out there and make some money! Help as many as we
can to do the same. Our lives will become richer for it.
About the Author
Art Luff is the Publisher/Editor of "The Virtual Times Newsletter"
A twice weekly publication that focuses on resources for starting,
managing and operating your own ezine or newsletter. To subscribe
mailto:virtualtimes-subscribe@listbot.com Art is also an active
affiliate with the Topezineads Program. Please visit his site at:
http://www.roibot.com/w.cgi?R193061700