Over the past few weeks I think I have come a long way in terms of being myself in private and public conversations. For the bulk of my time I have spent it keeping out of the politics and generally avoiding conflict topics and discussions.
For anyone that knows me well you will find that hard to believe because I am one of the most opinionated people you will ever meet. I have my own views on almost every subject that is hotly debated and I am generally pretty clued on in most cases. The time has come though to stop shying away from public opinion and possible scrutiny.
There are many things that go on in this industry that are wrong and are allowed to happen because people don’t question why. They see that everyone else is doing it and that is a great reason to jump on board. It could be jumping in to a program to promote that they know nothing about to later trying to work out how they lost so much money when it closes down. Perhaps it could be an investment or an SEO strategy. People are basing their decisions on someone else’s decisions. This is setting yourself up for failure IMO.
Randy Ray made a blog post about a similar topic recently as well. His post made me wake up a little bit to the fact that to a certain point I was doing what I described above. It is smart to base SEO decisions around a successful SEO to a certain point. After that though you are just copying, not learning anything and living in someone elses shadow.
One of the best things about writing this blog is that it allows my voice to be heard. I can write my thoughts on any topic that I want without fear. While there shouldn’t be fear by posting your own thoughts publicly, I do get sick of the constant bickering and defensiveness. It gets to a point where you won’t even discuss any hot topic because people can’t hand straight forward truth.
I guess this is one of my biggest regrets since I have been in this industry – not being outspoken enough. I am far from a yes man and is really not what I’m about.
I do have a question for readers though; how do you handle yourself publicly and privately? Are you of the opinion that we should act professionally so we should keep out of trouble so we don’t affect business relations? Or are you more the type to act yourself and tell it how it is?
Would like to get some feedback on this to see if there are varying degrees or if this is a black and white question. One thing is for sure though; you will be getting straight answers from me if you like it or not.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that it’s a major advantage to have some people acting as gurus and other lemmings that follow them. They’ll never question their methods and always do the same stuff over and over again without having the idea that it may be the gurus’ method that doesn’t work. It’s a pretty new industry (SEO included obviously) and we’re at the beginning of a long process. Whoever follows his own way will succeed!
In the online world I try to act professionally, but I act myself too. If I want to say something I will. Like if I were to have a small issue with a poker room I’m promoting I might voice my opinion to them, but I would do it in a way that I wasn’t burning any bridges, you know?
Yep I hear ya Kev. There are certain topics though that tend to be untouched because of their touchy nature or who it is.
I try to always act as professional as possible – But there is a gray area in terms on what should/shouldn’t be discussed.
There are always things people are trying to keep quiet for their own benefit. While that may be best for them – In a lot of cases others would benefit from knowing.
Hard to define exactly what I’m trying to say. Hope I made some sense.
@ Stefan
Yeah man it seems like the people who truly succeed in this industry are the ones paving their own paths. I guess that is true for any industry.
First off, I am really looking forward to following this blog. Secondly, this is a great post. I too am very opinionated and although at times have to say the politically correct things, I generally find it is better to keep it real and speak your mind.
Surely sometimes it is not worth the hassle to get involved in an online fight, however if you carry yourself and your conversation as a professional, I think it is always best to speak up and be heard.
Where people get into trouble is when they start making personal attacks or even taking things personally in a heated online discussion.
Affiliate marketing is merely an extension of the corporate world and the stock markets in general, and similarly if you’re waiting to see where the fish are swimming before heading in that same direction, you’re in trouble.
Like poker take notice of the incomplete information available to you and make your own decision and don’t be afraid to swim against the flow or trend of the moment.
Yes you will get some wrong, but the advantages of being unique when you get it right, shouldn’t be under-estimated.
Woot, finally this blog is back, i was unable to reach it for days now, kind of addiction you made here Hazo
Regarding the topic: I always express myself if I have something to add to the discussion, be it a negative or a positive remark. I always try to be constructive, bashing something without offering some alternatives back has no point.
I personally sometimes amazed how Affiliate managers can get on with some affiliates, some affiliates think they can just attack the AMs and others and speak to them like I wouldn’t speak to my dog…
I think just because we are online, we shouldn’t be less polite than we are in RL with someone we are talking to.
So I think everything needs to be discussed and it needs to be discussed in a professional manner. We have seen many times that sweeping something under the carpet leads nowhere…