Comments on: Business Predictions for 2012

By: Deb Gallardo

Deb Gallardo — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:50:09 +0000

In reply to Nicole.

It helps a lot. Thank you.

I may slip into the 200 room off and on when you’re there. I’m kind of on the cusp between beginner and intermediate. I’ve got mostly intermediate head knowledge but am still at the beginner level in actual experience.

That’s why I like the flexibility of NAMS, too. So much looking forward to this.

Is it February yet? It should be. It’s 4 degrees here this morning!

See ya’ there!
Deb

By: Deb Gallardo

Deb Gallardo — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:44:38 +0000

In reply to Debra Marrs.

Debra,
This prediction seems completely logical and believable. And since I plan to publish electronically this year, I’m hoping your prediction comes true 100 times over!

Hey, how can we both be wrong? We’re both Debs! LOL

Thanks for having the courage to speak out. I once predicted that these two guys I saw in a coffeehouse setting back in the late 60s-early 70s would never go far. They sounded good enough, but with a duo name like Simon and Garfunkle, I thought the odds were against them.

Oh, yeah. Egg on the face.

Don’t think that’ll happen for you. But I always say to singers who hold back because they’re afraid of singing something wrong, “If you’re going to make a mistake, make it a big one. You’ll never make it again.”

I don’t recommend this for brain surgeons in training, however…
Deb

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:08 +0000

In reply to Deb Gallardo.

Hey Deb.

That’s a great question! NAMS has grown so much beyond niche marketing to focus on an entire online business.

But your point is very good. Let me find out an answer for you on that to see if it’s being addressed. I’ll be teaching in the 200 room most of the day Friday and that’s what I’ll be focusing on – making money in a solid niche – not creating a slew of mini-sites in a variety of tiny niches. 🙂

Hope that helps!
N

By: Debra Marrs

Debra Marrs — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:48:26 +0000

During 2012, I believe entrepreneurs who can write and publish in Kindle, Nook or other ereader formats will be seen as the sophisticated experts in their field.

Regarding published content, I believe buyers will continue to purchase rich content that offers solutions for problems they face. While .pdf ebooks and reports have been the norm in the past 6-8 years of internet marketing, I believe during 2012 more buyers will expect content that’s e-reader friendly.

Just like being known for your hard covered book was in the past, during 2012 and beyond, having both a soft cover print-on-demand book along with the Kindle or Nook version will be a must.

By: Deb Gallardo

Deb Gallardo — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:33:46 +0000

Nicole,

How does the trend away from old-style niche marketing apply to NAMS? Trying to wrap my head around stuff before we all meet up in February. Will niche authority sites be a topic for discussion in Atlanta?

Wondering…

Thanks,
Deb

By: vicque fassinger

vicque fassinger — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:10:15 +0000

Just like the proverbial turtle in the race, quality will continue to reign.

Quality in relationships will always win through (would you rather have a portfolio of loyal clients who consistently refer you and who return to you with new projects throughout the years or hundreds of customers you never hear from again?)

Quality in products will always shine through (would you rather invest a fair price for an authentic piece crafted just for you or pay pennies on the dollar for something that has to be rewritten, reworked, or never used?)

And quality with our most important, treasured, and irreplaceable commodity—time (would you rather focus your time wholeheartedly doing something you absolutely love that is both of service to others AND is profit-generating for you or would you rather “spend” your time halfheartedly trying a thousand new things dreamt by others and never really staying true to yourself and your own particular gifts?)

If you strive to make it that way, 2012 will be the year for you filled with quality relationships, quality work, and quality moments.

By: Loretta

Loretta — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:27:35 +0000

I agree with you about the free forums thing – I moved my cross stitch forum to a Facebook page a little over a year ago now and it’s thriving and enjoyable. It took awhile to get used to, but after everyone settled in most agree the new setup is better and easier, since like you said we’re on Facebook anyway! I venture to say I actually like it better that way.

Not only are free forums having difficulty maintaining active members, they’re a pain in the butt on the backend. You need moderators, you need plugins, you need to block out spammers. It’s all just so much easier on Facebook pages and/or groups.

By: William

William — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:15:23 +0000

I believe and hope, 2012 will bring more of the “Mom and Pop” style of doing business with the trust being built up via personal emails. An example is that I receive an email almost every morning From Connie. I look forward to these because they are written with a little “personal touch to them” I know that they will include a link in them to a product, but that’s o.k. I can email Connie and ask her if she feels the product is something that I personally need at this time in my progress. Sometimes she will tell me yes it is a nice fit and other times, she will tell me to wait, I don’t need it at this time. That may cost her a couple of dollars on a sale, but it builds mountains of trust.
There are other people that email me 5 or 6 times a day, reminding me that I must sign up for their webinar, that will “change my world, overnight” I get hit by them so many times in a day, that I am actually afraid to listen to their webinar. Tell me once, if I can’t remember or mark it on my planner, shame on me.

By: Juliet Johnson

Juliet Johnson — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:24:23 +0000

My predictions are

1. Google+ will continue to morph into its own thing: already the stuff there is unique, fun and visually fascinating! With the now personal search (which I called 6 weeks ago! Just saying) if you don’t use G+, Google will make assumptions about you that may render your search results from them completely “un-helpful”.

2. The voracious Social Media beast requires authentic, experiential-based content, a lot of it, constantly. Those who can be disciplined and consistent, with an original, authentic voice will carry the day. PLR, quality PLR, is a huge help here, but only if you meticulously put your own twist on the thing.

Which is my way of saying, thanks guys. Your work is greatly appreciated.

By: Susanne Myers

Susanne Myers — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:15:41 +0000

I felt like Kelly, which is why I didn’t submit a prediction post (even though Nicole bugged me about it at least 5 times). Yes, things change, and I think everyone made some very valid points, but the same solid stuff that worked 5 years ago will continue to work.

I think niche sites will continue to work well, but I agree with Nicole, you won’t be able to get away with those 5 to 10 page static mini-sites we built back in the say. There needs to be fresh content and interactivity. I think it is also becoming more and more important to stay in touch with readers. Email lists are still a very valid option and will continue to work that way for years to come. At the same time, connecting with our target market via social media is becoming more and more important and it’s what’ll help us give our readers, subscribers and customers that “Mom and Pop Store” customer service Connie mentioned.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really looking forward to 2012.