Owner Of 10StepMarketing.com, Marketing Expert Debbie LaChusa Interview  



Dale King: Today, I'm interviewing the owner of 10StepMarketing.com, Marketing expert Debbie LaChusa. Hello Debbie, how are you?

Debbie LaChusa: I got to the point in my consulting business where I  wanted to leverage my time better and stop "trading hours for dollars" so I created a workbook and started selling it on the Internet and through speaking engagements.

Dale King: Some Internet marketing experts advise newbies to steer clear of certains areas of Internet marketing, like selling e-books on how to make money, advertising services , SEO, etc., because it's too competitive. Do you agree with that assessment?

Debbie LaChusa: I wouldn't agree that certain areas are "off limits." I believe you need to focus on what you know; an area that you have expertise and a track record in, and that you are passionate about.

Dale King: How is Internet marketing different now, as opposed to when you first got started online?

Debbie LaChusa: There are a lot more people doing it so I believe it's tougher to get noticed and generate substantial traffic and subscribers. Even though I originally got started online 6-7 years ago with my marketing consulting business, I really just started my major online focus 1-1/2 years ago, so I've had to spend a lot of time and energy to create a presence for 10stepmarketing.

Dale King: How important has goal-setting been to your overall success?

Debbie LaChusa: It has been critical. I would have to say that I did not find success until I sat down and clearly defined my goals and created a crystal clear vision for what I wanted to achieve. After that, it all just started falling into place.  That's why goal setting (and visioning) is one the steps in my 10stepmarketing System. I believe it is absolutely necessary.

Dale King: How important has reading been to your overall success?

Debbie LaChusa: Reading, along with attending seminars, conferences and even teleseminars has been crucial to my success as well. There is so much to learn about marketing on the Internet, and the industry is changing at such a fast pace, that staying up to date is the only way to create success and stay competitive.

Dale King: If you could recommend one book that all Internet marketers should read, what would it be?

Debbie LaChusa: It's not an Internet marketing book per se, but I think all marketers should read the book "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell.  It's all about those split second decisions we make and instant perceptions we draw from things we see and hear.  In marketing it's critical to understand this, especially on the Internet. We don't have hours or even minutes to grab our prospects' attention - we have seconds, so we better know how to do that effectively. 

Of course, I also think all small business owners and solo-professionals should read (and do) my workbook, "How to Successfully Market Your Business in 10 Simple Steps."  It's not just about how to market, it's about how to create a solid foundation for your marketing, which is critical if you want to be successful and set your business apart.

Dale King: In your opinion, what technology has changed Internet marketing the most over the last 5 years?

Debbie LaChusa: I think the WYSWYG technology that allows novices to build and manage their own websites has made a huge difference. Now anyone can establish a professional looking presence online without spending a fortune or having to understand html.

Dale King: What new technology do you see changing Internet marketing over the next 5 years?

Debbie LaChusa: Podcasting. We now have the ability to put our messages and information out there so our prospects can consume it wherever and whenever is convenient for them. And with audio and video messages, we can make our messages more personal, and bring them to life with our personality, much more so than with just the written word.

Dale King: What  person has influenced you the most in your lifetime, and how?

Debbie LaChusa: I would have to say T. Harv Eker. He helped me bust through my own self-imposed restrictions about what I could do, how successful I be and how much money I could make.  He helped me realize that I could think bigger and create my own level of success and that anything really is possible if I set my mind to it.

Dale King: If you could give my readers one piece of advice, what would it be?

Debbie LaChusa:  Do what you love and what you're passionate about. Building a successful small business does take a lot of work, but if you love what you're doing it doesn't seem like work. And you'll have the drive to keep going, even when obstacles are thrown in your way, which they will be!

Dale King: Thank you very much Debbie. I appreciate you taking the time to do this interview.

Debbie LaChusa: It's been my pleasure Dale. Thanks for inviting me to share a little bit about myself with your audience.

Debbie's website:

http://10stepmarketing.com

Warning: This interview is the exclusive property of Debbie LaChusa. It may not be reprinted in any format...period!