Please, be strong and hold back the tears as this is my final prediction for 2012.
I know, I know. But have to fear, I will continue crank out the killer content you have come to expect in the coming year.
Ok, let’s get to my final prediction…
2012 will be the year “INFORMATION MARKETING” shifts to “ADVICE MARKETING”.
What’s the difference and what does that mean to you?
As you may recall, in my 2nd prediction, I mentioned the overwhelming amount of INFORMATION and we need to start creating “systems”.
This takes it one step further.
If you want to thrive, you have to stop thinking of creating just “products” and “information” – but get into the business of selling ADVICE.
It might seem like a subtle difference – but it really is BIG.
Bottom line… this is the year you MUST start positioning yourself as a trusted advisor – not someone who just cranks out products.
Products come and go. You launch, they sell, then it drops off and you have to start all over again.
This trend has been coming for a few years – and this will be the tipping point. The year that just selling products is NOT enough. And with more competition coming online every minute, if you are not positioning yourself as a trusted “advisor” – you will struggle mightily.
THE ADVISOR
When you position yourself as an “advisor”, you are in a powerful position.
Think about who you go to when you want real advice. Is it someone who just tries to sell you products or someone who educates? I’m guessing it’s not the person who pitches a new product every day, is it?
Becoming an advisor is the name of the game. It’s how you WIN. And it will become even more vital this year as trust is the new currency.
People come to YOU for advice.
You can sell more of your own products.
You can recommend other affiliate products.
You can fill more seats in your webinars or live events.
You can rely less on hypey sales copy – and just be straightforward in your marketing message.
You will get A LOT more customer referrals (marketing becomes much easier).
Your content and incoming links will naturally move you up in the search engines.
In other words – it’s the best way to build a real lifestyle business that makes your wealthy AND actually helps people.
YOUR “ADVICE” CHECKLIST
Here are some ways to transition to an “advice” marketer in 2012… (some of it is similar to my checklist in the first prediction).
You don’t have to do them all – but the more you do, the more impact you’ll have.
Trust me, the hard work will pay dividends for years to come…
- Be focused on your CORE message. And stick to it no matter what.
- Stick to my 90/10 formula. Educate them 90% of the time and sell 10%.
- Stay in ONE market (don’t setup 100 different blogs in niche markets to make $.25 cents with no relationship building).
- Turn your content, knowledge and ideas into step-by-step systems.
- Build trust by proving GOOD content on your blog.
- Provide resources that will help them (and recommend others if you can’t provide the answers).
- Expose them to other experts who can help them reach their goals (live in abundance).
- Never stop delivering VALUE.
- Answer all your blog comments, tweets and facebook replies.
- Write a book. Nothing gives your authority than being a published author.
- Speak at your niche industry events to give more credibility.
- Get on radio shows (and let your list know how much media exposure you are getting!)
- Be a guest blogger on other niche sites (and deliver more killer content)
There you have it.
My sixth and final prediction for 2012. The year of the “Advice” marketer.
If you enjoyed this and want to stay on the cutting-edge of marketing (and let me by your personal success coach in 2012), then click here.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW!
That is a great last prediction, and I totally agree. Here’s to 2012 Ryan.
Thank you Quentin!
I can’t wait for 2012…
Looking forward to more of your input in the new year…
Ryan
Ryan, just wanted to say thank you for this predictions series. Very insightful. It’s evident that you are on the cutting edge of IM.
You are welcome Mike.
I love writing them and spotting the trends.
Keep on rockin’
Ryan
That’s spot on Ryan,
This year I have Joint Ventured with more clients than ever before. I have been selling offline since 1995 and online since about 1999. I used to teach Martial Arts full time and can tell you, if you are going to succeed at anything in life be it Martial Arts or Internet Marketing you need a really good coach, mentor and friend who has your goals at heart.
http://www.marketing-hitman.com/joint-venture-partnering/
Hey Ian,
Thanks for your comments.
It sounds like you are focused and you’re doing the right thing.
Have a great 2012!
Ryan
This is awesome Ryan…the “Advice” Checklist…
Thanks!
-Fazzer
Thank you Fazzer – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Ryan
Everyone should print out all of your checklists Ryan and store them
in a binder….AND read them daily!
I appreciate it.
And I agree 100%
:)
Ryan
Great post. I, however, am NOT going to position myself as an adviser. I prefer the highly under-utilized term “Guru” instead. I’m surprised nobody has thought of that before.
Ben Greenfield
Fitness Guru.
You sir, are now appointed The Fitness Gooroo :)
Wear the title proudly!
Ryan
Taking this advice to the T.
Will do.
I’d only add one thing to this excellent list: get a mentor that help you to focus on your project… but obviously your inner circle is the mentor!
Franck
Hey Franck,
Yes, finding a mentor to help you is a great strategy as well. They are not always easy to find – but when you do, it works wonders.
Have a great 2012…
Ryan
Another ‘little cracker’ Ryan! The last thing people want it more information – we’re awash with it (not all very good of course!). Being the trusted adviser instead is more about helping people implement quality focused information :-)
Have a great holiday season with the family.
cheers from ‘not a snowflake in sight’ Wales
Tanya
Hey Tanya,
Yes, moving to the role of “advisor” will be what separates the REAL businesses from the flash-in-the-pan.
Cheers!
Ryan
As always, Ryan, awesome post. Definitely something I am planning on moving into more in 2012. Keep up the great work!
~IC member Cam!
Thanks Cam!
Looking forward to seeing your progress with the IC in 2012…
Ryan
Great info as always Ryan. As you well know, I think this will be even more profound in the fitness area.
Customers are smart to demand more from the people they look to for advice.
If you are 18 years old and just completed your online cert, by all means keep working to get better, but you are not an expert yet. It is just not possible.
There will never be a substituent for just being beyond awesome at getting results. End of story.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson
Hey Mike,
The fitness area is really crowded – and yes, it’s even more vital in a competitive industry.
The really good fitness pros who provide “advise” can still win the game.
And yes.. rock on’
Ryan
Really learned a lot from your predictions, especially this last point!
I’m a credentialed, well-educated, licensed expert who is frequently sought out for advice and I want to learn how to make an online business out of this…but don’t know where to start!
Seems like the Coaching program, the Nanocontinuity program and the Inner Circle are all good options. Which would you suggest for someone starting out from scratch?
Thanks!
Yes, yes and YES! I love it! Ryan! This is exactly what I want to do- I am in the health niche – (my niche has to do with how certain health issues affect children’s behavior and how to get well or at least a lot better with alternative medicine)- I’m a mom who has a LOT of experience with this type thing and have talked to a couple of women (offline), who seemed to hang on my every word- and it really clicked with me that I really need to do something to help moms like this with sick kids- but can I legally give advice or just point them in certain directions so they can get the help from certain health care professionals that they need? Or how would you suggest I give advice in this health niche?
My book is underway and the head of a newly formed natural health association has mentioned about getting me to speak at their next meeting!
Thanks and love your advice!
Beverly
ic member
I dig it.
I’m working on tightening up my drip campaign. So far, the new home-page is converting fairly well. So the next step is tightening up the mini lessons in my 7-part series and growing from there.
“Trust is the New Currency” – That to me Just Summed up what marketing is for 2012 (and has always been)
2012 is gonna be awesome!
Luis Carrillo