As a marketing and internet marketing consultant I see a lot of stuff, and this is one that really makes my skin crawl.

I don’t know of one businessowner that doesn’t want more business. We all do.

Some are getting businesses off the ground. Some are doing well. Others are getting by. And others are just plain getting their butts kicked.

For the businessowners that are looking to grow business and revenues, I’m talking to you.

You’ve got a problem on your hands.

No, I don’t mean your problem is not having enough business, we all face that at some time. Your problem is knowing what voices you should listen to and what ones you should avoid like the bubonic plague.

As you look for ways to get more leads, prospects, transactions and customers, you get bombarded with a plethora of ways to market your business.

… Facebook, LinkedIn, Social Media, SEO, Adwords, SEM, Video, YouTube, Direct Mail, buying email lists, buying mailing lists, magazines, val pak, autoresponders, newsletters, tv, radio, social bookmarking… hey, I get pitched the same stuff you do!

… and this is only a partial list!

If you’re stuck struggling to market your business and trying to discern what to do, then pay close attention.

The ones to avoid are the ones that scream “Big Easy Money”.

Proverbs tells us of two women clamoring for our attention: Woman Wisdom, and Woman Folly.

Here is what it says about Woman Wisdom:

The Way of Wisdom

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,”Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says,”Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”

Contrast that to what it says about Woman Folly:

The Way of Folly

“The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.”

This comes from the book of Proverbs in the bible. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived. Proverbs is a compilation of principles and skills for better living. Whether you read the bible or not, Proverbs has great advice that we can all use.

It’s interesting reading about Woman Wisdom and Folly. Folly is loud, brash, seductive and leaves her victims for dead. In marketing and internet marketing, this equates to the get rich quick, dominate the internet, make $1,000,000 overnight stuff. “Everybody is on Facebook, you should too!” or “97% of all business is found online”

… Shocking stat: According to LocalSearchAssociation.org (note the irony) the two top resources used by consumers in choosing local businesses are: search engines and the Yellow Pages, neck ‘n neck. In a given month, 67% have used online search engines and 62% have used the printed Yellow Pages books for this purpose.

How many times have you heard someone say “no one uses the Yellow Pages anymore!” They say that to set you up to take your money. If you are going to invest in marketing and advertising, you should RESEARCH what is best for you.

I’m sick and fed up with people being pitched over-hyped B.S. with no hard factual information or methodical testing. Frankly it pisses me off seeing how many people are being taken out there.

I am METICULOUS in differentiating between facts and fiction. It probably stems from my days as an engineer. Engineers hate hype. You need to be equally meticulous about discerning what is right and what is intended to separate you from your hard earned money for the sake of a slick talking snake oil salesman.

Clients routinely come limping to me when they start working with me, telling me stories of how they have lost thousands, or tens of thousands of dollar or more to Woman Folly. It takes some time to get them seeing right and when they do, they feel a renewed sense of vigor, confidence and excitement. They are also keenly aware of the work involved to get them to where they want to go.

I know that’s not as sexy as the lure of fast money now. I wish the “Big Money Easy” illusion were real and truth to be told, I need to watch myself and protect myself from being seduced by it.

You should too.

Because it will leave your business (or bank account) dead.

Follow Woman Wisdom instead. It may not be as attractive short term, but she’s a whole lot prettier in the long run.

Love to hear your comments or stories.

Blessings,