Shetek Marketing

Wow… I’m still recovering from an intense weekend at the Midwest Internet Marketing Seminar in Madison, WI. Ross Goldberg put on an absolutely fabulous event!!! What I was the most impressed with was the variety of speakers… they didn’t all come from the internet marketing space.

The attendees were as varied as the presenters were. It was a lot of fun to visit with people who have been involved with business for years and years, but are now getting involved with marketing on the Internet. Two great guys I met were Dan and Don. Dan is a vetrinarian and Don was a programmer (back when you did programming in assembler), owned a marina, and now is marketing online. Had a great weekend with those two discussing ideas. Seven of us put together a mastermind group before we wrapped up on Sunday.

It was two full days of information and networking. Ross almost locked us in a room for the full two days - he was so afraid we’d get away that he even fed us - yep, all three meals! And we’re talking about real food, not just snacks. The presenters were great, but we had plenty of time to network with each other as well - which was probably even more important.

I had the opportunity to visit with the author Ben Mack, the author of ‘Think Two Products Ahead’. Very interesting guy with some very unique ideas. Liz Tomey did an awsome job with her presentation - even though I know she was quite nervous as this was her first time as a presenter. You would have never know it!! Pat Lovell had a few technical difficulties on day 1 (rather funny, considering he was handling all of the technical recording and no one else had a problem). So, he presented on day 2… it was worth waiting for!! Some great ideas on SEO which complimented what we leared from Ross Goldberg on Web 2.0 SEO on day 1.

I think the person that impacted me the most was Brian Kosobucki, “Koz” for short. He discussed outsourcing. Yes, I know, we’ve all heard it before… you can make more money by outsourcing rather than trying to do all of it yourself. But, the point that really hit home to me was “would you rather make 30% (or less) on a project or 100% of nothing?” Because that is exactly what happens (making 100% of nothing) when we sit on an idea and never get around to doing anything with it because we don’t know how or don’t have the time. The better idea is to get a group of people together that can take your idea and take it to fruition… you get a smaller cut because you are sharing it with others, but you’re making something! Wow… it’s a pretty small thing, but it can sure make a difference. I’m working on that concept from now on.

The next time this seminar is held it won’t be in the midwest. Therefore Ross and his partner, Koz, went to work coming up with a new name. It will now be referred to as the “Masters Seminar”. It sounds like there are plans in the works for something in about 6 months or so. It was a huge success and you can’t count on the tickets costing more than $197 this time… but it will be worth it. So don’t forget to get a ticket! It will be the best money you’ll spend!

I’ll add some additional updates later, including pictures.