the Thoughts of Dennis Gerik

Have you read Affiliate Classroom Magazine?

A lot of people recently have been asking me what I read on a regularly basis about internet marketing and affiliate marketing.

So many, in fact, that I thought I’d let you know about one of my favorites (In fact, I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile, so its overdue):

Affiliate Classroom Magazine

Its actually a monthly magazine published by the Affiliate Classroom - they run a fabulous training system for affiliates - but once a month they put out this INCREDIBLE free magazine, usually on a specific topic like Adsense or niche affiliate marketing (hmmm, that sounds like an interesting topic)

It’s all focused on the affiliate’s view of the world, and in addition to the articles, there are good product reviews and a news section that can get you up to speed on all things internet pretty quickly.

The latest issue is here
Affiliate Classroom Magazine - January 2007

Plus, here is a link to the December 2006 issue
Affiliate Classroom Magazine - December 2006

(if you would like a second one to peruse)

Also check out the back issues. Best of all, its all FREE! and they won’t even ask for your email.

In terms of time investment versus knowledge gained, this magazine has got the best ROI out of all the publications I read.

So, click one of the links of above and check it out today.

Tags: affiliate classroom, affiliate marketing, affiliates

Really COOL way to check the Weather

Today, I found a really cool way to check the weather in your area.  It’s called “Simple Weather”.  Simply enter your zip code and instantly you get the current weather, plus a 5 day forecast.

Plus, there are widgets you can use for your websites and blogs.

For instance, here’s the current weather in my neighborhood.

Tags: weather, seattle

Do You Need An Ezine?

Do You Need An Ezine?

This seems to be one of the most asked question among new people starting an Internet-based business.

First, what exactly is an ezine?

An ezine is short for "electronic newsletter". It is delivered through email, blogs or websites for people to visit and read. But with limited time and more and more ezines being trapped by spam filters, people have started turning to blogs and websites to read their favorite ezines.

There are many different factors to consider as why you need an ezine.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons an ezine will take your business to the next level.

Ezines are meant to connect with your visitors and readers in many different ways. And, in talking with people that publish ezines, you will hear all sorts of reasons for why they publish their ezine.

But, here’s the most basic reasons you should consider, as why you need your own ezine. Knowing these will certainly make it easier for you to get off on the right foot should you decide an ezine is the way to go.

First and foremost, your ezine is a place where you can connect with people. Relationships, have to start somewhere and an ezine is a good way to start that off. Plus, ezines help you grow your business in many ways besides building relationships. Remember, the main reason people use the Internet, is because they are looking for information about something.  And, people love information.  Most of the time, this is why they sign up for an ezine.  Getting your information to the consumer is what an ezine is all about.

If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, ezines are probably your best business builder you could ever have. An ezine can give your business many options. Over time, your subscribers build a trust in you and the ezine you publish this will translate into more sales for your business. Publish a very good ezine and word will get around about it and even bring you more business.

That’s the power of an ezine.

Most Internet marketers start with an ezine and go on to build very successful businesses from them. Ezines are also very cost effective for a company big or small.

Before the Internet became big, the cost of publishing a print newsletter was very expensive. There were mailing costs, printing, and finding good content seem to always be a problem. Now with the Internet, pretty all of these problems have been solved and businesses can connect with their customers quicker and more efficient than ever.

The future of ezines are always changing and businesses will need to adapt to them. The business that doesn’t have an ezine is missing a HUGE opportunity. For any business to survive they need to bring in new business and an ezine can help you do this.  Introducing new products through an ezine is very cost effective as your already delivering to a warm market.  Your readers believe in you and are certainly more inclined to take a look at what you are recommending.

The benefits of publishing your own ezine are to many to ignore. Businesses that aren’t using an ezine are certainly disadvantaged when compared the ones that do.

The key to any business is to build lasting relationships and making sure those relationships are nurtured. Using an ezine is one tool that can help you do that.

Without the ezine your just making it a lot harder to succeed.

So, where’s your ezine?