“Precious Little of It”

In scrounging around for online news, I suddenly realized what we have are a lot of words that are non-stories. News doesn’t seem to be much news online. It’s rumor, speculation and “maybes.”

“According to multiple sources, Yahoo is getting ready for a big restructuring initiative …”

“Rumors suggest that the first cuts will come from ad technology …”

“It looks like Facebook is finally taking search more seriously. The company is reportedly working overtime on improving its own search feature …”

“Last week, the Federal Trade Commission released its final report on privacy. Jules Polonetsky, the Director and Co-Chair of the Future of Privacy Forum explained that, while the FTC did ask Congress to pass privacy legislation, it placed a greater emphasis on finding industry best practices for self-regulation.“

Again – no news!

Be careful about believing what you think you read online. It’s likely not the facts you think you’re reading. Watch the wording.

Now, sometimes – especially in email – outright lies are passed around. We all know this. And, in an election year, these emails will increase.

Please don’t simply accept the truth of every email sent to you – and shoot it out to everyone you know – just because it’s something you want to believe. You can make serious mistakes (and look ridiculous) that way. Check it out!

jl scott, ph.d., Director
Chamber of Commerce – on the Web™

 

“Where Did All the Ezines Go?”

I’m really worried about all the online business owners who have stopped sending newsletters, then complain about their business going to pot. They can’t sell anything if they don’t have contact with potential customers.

I’ve made a concerted attempt to subscribe to all Chamber of Commerce – on the Web™ members’ publications. I may have missed a few, but I’ve been surprised at the outcome.

Too many don’t publish at all. Others only send out ads, without even a greeting from the sender – much less an article! WOW– I wonder who is reading those?

With all the fast-paced selling over the past years online, I came to a point of feeling like we all needed a break. During 2011, I called a moratorium on selling products – except for Chamber memberships.

No – I lied. I did ask for contributions to help me get “Just Sayin’ …” launched. But, that was it. And, yes, my bottom line suffered. Yet, with the economy so unstable, it saved me a lot of worry about what was happening.

What I did not do was lose contact with my lists. Our lists are our potential buyers. I only stopped hitting them over the head to buy stuff for a year.

But, I digress. The point is, online businesses can not survive without direct contact with potential customers. So, if you have an online business, it would be to your benefit to start communicating – or, go back to communicating, as the case may be.

No, I’m sorry – social networking doesn’t cut it!

jl scott, ph.d., Director
Chamber of Commerce – on the Web™