Guru Interview Of The Month -- Cathy Wagner

Guru Interview Of The Month -- Cathy Wagner


[Lawrence] Cathy, could you briefly describe some of your
online business operations and products/services?

[Cathy] Sure, I am a one woman operation working out of my
home. My site, http://www.onestopinternetbusiness.com is
designed to help anyone build an online business with
straight forward information, tips and recommendations.

In addition to writing articles and providing tested
recommendations, I am also available to all members
(free and paid) for questions, advice and live interactive
marketing discussions. I really like to talk to members and
it feels great when I can help others by telling them how I
overcame an obstacle that they are now facing.

My free membership is designed for beginners who really need
to learn the basics of promoting their offer (whatever it is)
online. It includes recommendations for the most effective
free advertising sites, the live discussions and support I
mentioned, plus my ebook which explains what you need to
start an internet business and gives a comprehensive
overview of the most common forms of free online advertising
and how to get the most out of them.

My paid membership is for those who have been around for a
while and are looking for new ways to get their offer to
more people. I have compiled over 50 recommendations for a
wide variety of free and low cost tools, tips and services
that range from handy pc and web design tools to low cost,
quality advertising sites and free information on advanced
marketing strategies.

The low cost of membership, the diversity of my
recommendations, and the interactive aspects of my site are
what makes it different from other marketing information
sites I have seen, and believe me, I have seen a lot!

[Lawrence] What made you decide to start a business? What
was your inspiration or motivation?

[Cathy] My husband is a contractor and we relied solely on
his income when our two children were first born, so I could
stay home to care for them.

While it is good money, it is not always steady and it became
quite clear that we needed another stream of income to carry
us through lean times. Because it was important to us that I
stay home with the kids, we built my pc piece by piece and I
started with my first online business opportunity a little
over 2 years ago.

[Lawrence] What have been your major challenges or obstacles
so far? How did you overcome them?

[Cathy] One of the biggest challenges I have faced was my lack
of experience when I started. My first business opportunity
made it sound so easy, but everywhere I went for information
wanted so much money or gave poor quality information.

I overcame this by doing my own research and tracking my
results. I continue to do research today, I am always looking
for new and better ways to promote ONE STOP.

Another challenge was being totally isolated from others in
this field. Until about a year ago, I did not have contact
with any colleagues. This didn't seem like a big deal at the
time, but now that I interact with them regularly, I find
them to be an inspiration; I have learned a lot and I have
really been able to help others.

I overcame this when I was introduced to what has become my
favorite chat room. If you have ever been to a Yahoo business
chatroom, you would appreciate the beauty of Money Chatter.
This is a place where friendly internet marketers go to talk
shop. The value of being able to bounce ideas off of colleagues,
or get help with problems is enormous. For me, it has been a
great blessing.

[Lawrence] What specific types of online marketing tools are
you using successfully?

[Cathy] I use all of the methods and recommendations at ONE
STOP, but right now, my favorite marketing tool is free
publicity. The power of this is absolutely phenominal. I write
articles or contribute to discussion groups and forums and I
gain a steady stream of members from these sources. The beauty
of using these types of mediums is that I can speak directly
to the people who are interested in and even really need my
services.

[Lawrence] Have you always envisioned yourself doing what you
are doing now? What did you "want to be when you grew up"?

[Cathy] As a kid, I always assumed I would be a business
person or entrepeneur. Definitely the one in the office with
my own secretary. :)

As an adult I have had a wide range of jobs including movie
theatre projectionist, bartender, massage therapist and I used
to sell 19th century stamps and envelopes to collectors. I have
always like to talk to and help people wherever I can.

[Lawrence] What is your least favorite part of running your own
business? Your favorite part?

[Cathy] Site work is my least favorite aspect. I am not quite
hopeless at it, but it intimidates me and I am often afraid
of making mistakes. I could never have designed my site myself,
I am very thankful to DMC for the great job she did with it;
all I have to do is updates or create similar pages for new
articles and services, but I just don't like it. I don't let
that stop me though, I update the site just about every week. :)

My favorite part is promotion. I love to blast my ad or article
across the internet! And when people click...YES!

Of course, I also love to talk with members and other internet
business people. It is my idea of fun!

[Lawrence] What important advice or tips would you give to a
new online business owner?

[Cathy] Do and learn as much as you can for free! Don't let
anyone tell you that you have to spend a lot of money if you
are "serious."

The first thing you need to do is, figure out what you are
supposed to do. :) If you begin by spending money before you
have done some homework, you will lose your money and become
frustrated.

Luckily, there is a wealth of free information about all
aspects of having an internet business available today and
you can use free advertising to perfect your ad writing skills
before you buy ad space. Use all the free resources you can,
and do not pay for advertising until you are confident that
your ad will bring results through testing it first.