Short post. In fact, it’s a short post about short posts. Looks like I’ve been hit by the Twitter bug. Follow me on twitter: twitter​.com/​d​r​s​u​c​c​ess.

It’s also added to my Facebook profile. So as I “twitter,” it updates my Facebook status. If you’re a Facebook member, add me as a friend and follow me there: facebook​.com/​m​i​c​h​e​l​f​o​r​tin. Finally, Sylvie and I have a “Facebook Fan Page.” Won’t you become a fan? Go here: facebook​.com/​l​i​c​o​r​ice.

Since the new year is right around the corner, bloggers and marketers alike are posting their predictions as if a psychics convention has come to town.

So in keeping with that tradition, I’d like to post a few of my own. But unlike those who post their predictions in point form, I won’t make a specific list but rather share with you some of my thoughts.

(Near the end, however, this post will culminate in what I believe will be three major trends to watch out for and dive into, if you want to make some serious money in 2008 and beyond.)

First off, let me state that you may or may not agree with me on these. But something is definitely going on right now that points to these three trends. All the clues are pretty evident, and you’ve probably seen some of these yourself.

What I’m talking about is…

(more…)

My recent article about Facebook not being a viable marketing tool has created quite a stir.

Many people agreed with me. But some people didn’t, and I respect that. However, while a few were scathing and harsh in their remarks, others posted some excellent rebuttals on their own blogs.

This topic seems to be as controversial as the long-​​versus-​​short-​​copy debate in copywriting circles. Deja-​​vu? Well, it’s no wonder because, just like the copy length debate, both sides are right.

It all depends on how you use them and with whom.

That’s why I agree with most of Facebook’s proponents. That might sound like a contradiction, but I believe it’s because many misunderstood my post. So I wanted to take a moment before hopping on the plane to clarify a few things.

(more…)

Facebook is growing by leaps and bounds. If you don’t know what Facebook is, it’s a social networking site much like MySpace, but with a lot more control, flexibility, and verstility. (Check out my profile.)

But after testing it for a while, I’ve concluded that it’s not a viable marketing tool. At least, not for me. There are two reasons why using Web 2.0 social-​​driven sites to make money (or to drive targeted traffic) is not viable.

First, and more importantly, it’s labor-​​intensive. It’s a full-​​time affair.

I don’t pretend to be a social marketing expert by any stretch. And I’m sure that, if you are a social site junkie, you can find some pretty creative ways for using them to generate massive amounts of traffic. Some already have.

But for me, my business, and my specific target market, and like many social networking sites out there, it’s a waste of time. So if you’re not prepared on working it extensively and religiously, then I discommend it.

However, nothing stops you from outsourcing the legwork, if you’re so inclined. But there’s another good reason why I don’t recommend it…

(more…)