What The Beatles Can Teach You About Internet Marketing
You're probably thinking, "The Beatles broke up long before the internet even existed, what could they possibly teach me about online marketing?"
However, when you think about the things that contributed to the success of the Fab Four, especially in their early days, there are some very important lessons that you can apply to your approach to internet marketing.
Success, you see, leaves clues.
Here are 4 things that made The Beatles successful, with takeaways for internet marketing:
1. The Beatles had a solid work ethic.
They came from working-class backgrounds in blue-collar Liverpool and considered being a musician a job, something you worked hard at and were paid for.
In the early 1960's, the only act to really achieve fame and fortune from popular music was Elvis. The "star-maker machinery", to quote Joni Mitchell, hadn't come into existence yet.
In the beginning, The Beatles did not see music as a ticket to riches, but as a means to an end. They understood that they needed to work hard and apply their skills in order to make ends meet.
Takeaway for internet marketing:
Approach your online business as a business, not a hobby. Success online requires hard work and the discipline to persevere.
2. The Beatles honed their skills.
In addition to their workmanlike approach, The Beatles developed the skills they needed to succeed as musicians.
Their first big gig was a job as the house band at a sleazy burlesque parlour in Hamburg, often playing 8 to 10 hours a day or more.
The result was that they became extremely "tight" as a band, very proficient with their instruments, and very comfortable with their vocals.
Takeaway:
Work on mastering the basic skills required for your particular internet marketing strategy.
3. The Beatles had a vision.
In the early days, they had an ongoing banter between themselves that went something like this:
"Where are we going, lads?"
"To the top."
"How high?"
"To the toppermost of the poppermost."
This is not only reflective of their wonderful sense of humor, but it also shows their shared enthusiasm and commitment about being the best in their field.
Takeaway:
Have a vision of what you would like to achieve in your online business and try to capture it in a catchy phrase or slogan that inspires you.
Write it down and read it every day.
4. The Beatles followed their hearts.
The Fab Four first became a pop sensation with catchy little love songs like "She Loves You" and "I Wanna Hold Your Hand". But even as early as 1964 in songs such as "No Reply" and "I'm a Loser", they showed the ability to write introspective lyrics that explored the depths of emotions and inner feelings.
This trend continued throughout their career, as they drew upon their life experiences and personal circumstances to create some of the greatest songs ever recorded in pop music.
Takeaway:
Follow what you feel passionate about and pursue it. Share your thoughts and feelings with your readers.
Writing or acting from an emotional level will engage others on an emotional level as well. This can be very powerful.
I love the Beatles.
I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan Show in my parents' living room when I was four years old.
I had the good fortune of having two older sisters who were "teenyboppers" at the time, so I grew up listening to all that fabulous music from the 60's.
It's fascinating to look "behind the scenes" of a band you love and discover where they came from and what their influences were.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 5:27 am
Really internet marketing is a perfect business, I do agree with you. When you say internet marketing immediately the main stream public thinks negative things, but truly internet marketing is a neutral entity.
josh-internet businesss last blog post..2008 Home Business "Top Pick"
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
One more thing you should add to their success is, always re-invent your self.
It is okay to copy someone else in the beginning but you must eventually develop your own way. And never stay still.
By the way, I am born in 1970 and a Beatles fan.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:39 am
Hi Mark,
The Beatles were always ahead of the curve - just the other day I was listening to 'A day in the life..' from Sergeant Pepper's - a truly incredible production when you think back to where popular music was at that stage, and that they recorded that album on a 4 track recording system!
They had the courage of their convictions to give up their commercial sound and move to much more interesting and challenging music, much against the wishes of EMI.
The take away for Internet Marketers..? Don't follow the herd, especially if it doesn't feel quite right!
Cheers,
Martin.
Martin Maldens last blog post..How To Set Up The All In One SEO Plugin
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
@ Martin - "A Day in the Life" is one of my favorite songs of all time. And you are absolutely right - they were constantly ahead of their time!
September 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
JL was my cousin and mentor.
I recently made a Hub about Johns influence. His song "Watching the wheels",was actually like a premonition. IM noobs get caught up in the information wheel.
Jump off it like he did ~ there are no problems ~ only solutions!
October 1st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Peter - Wow, is that ever cool! JL is my favorite Beatle. I just love his vocals, and his lyrics - "Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see…"
And I know what it feels like to be "just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round…"
Thanks for your contribution.
December 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Online internet marketing offered businesses a new way to reach bigger audience at lower costs. It also allows new businesses to an even chance to grow within its market category. Online marketing is truly a good thing that has brought about success to many individuals and business groups.