Interesting...

I don't believe in anything that is completely "automated," nor do I expect my team members to exactly follow my "system." Actually, if you want to call it a system (which is just more like a daily routine for me), I just spent time in the beginning building my reputation, informing others about the products and opportunity, and optimizing my website. Now that those things (a few months down the road) have taken on a life of their own, I simply do a few things each day to keep it going. I wouldn't call it a system because it isn't guaranteed to work for each and every person (several factors are involved, mainly a person's willingness to be consistent).

I have tried, since my time in EDC, to focus my efforts and attention on all parts of the program, not just the income opportunity as many distributors do. Because of this, I have learned so much more about marketing online than I originally thought I would. I have always been focused on customer service, building relationships and presenting myself as an expert of my field (and teaching my team members to do the same). I have now taken on several other roles, including that of both Basic Web Design and SEO mentor. Included in the training I provide is instruction on how to optimize web-based content, whether it be a website, blog, video, audio file, press release, article or image. I believe this helps entrepreneurs better understand marketing from a search engine's perspective. I am also including instruction on basic HTML and CSS, because this can be very helpful with advertising (optimizing advertisements and making them more dynamic). When I list myself as a "marketing specialist," I mean every bit of that. If I were to have a big name client contact me at this moment seeking marketing services, I wouldn't be at a loss for how to help them achieve the results they want, and quickly. I owe a lot of that to EDC Gold.

So to answer that question...I can teach you everything about Internet marketing, from basic methods that are free and low cost, to advanced methods used by the more technologically-inclined crowd. My "system" is simply instruction, demonstration and implementation and evaluation...and it works. As proof, I've tried many of the techniques I've learned from EDC Gold on my newest for my local business. I am happy to say that with hardly any effort on my part (other than initial optimization and promotion), that sites is ranking quite well for my desired keywords on my preferred search engines.

To brian: You know my feelings and opinions regarding EDC Gold. To answer your question briefly (lol, like my answers are ever "brief"), I do honestly feel that EDC Gold has longevity. Here is why...

I have been doing a lot of research in the past couple of months about the direction online marketing is taking. In my research, I came across a number of articles casting predictions for 2008. One was actually a survey by Deloitte & Touche, a leading market research firm. This particular survey chronicled web usage among the various generations, including it's rate of growth etc. The thing that caught my interest was that more of the crowd in my age range (Generation X, ages 25 to 41) are contributing content online and consuming more of their preferred media (be it news, entertainment, TV & video or otherwise) online. This crowd is who is leading the job market right now, just out of college or grad school and looking for work, landing their first career-based positions, etc. This means, in a nutshell, that the market for products, training and services we provide through EDC Gold is expanding, and at a phenomenal rate based on the survey. As more of this generation turns to the Web for it's media consumption, advertisers who want to stay in front of them are turning to marketing firms and consultants that specialize in SEO and Internet marketing to make sure their online presence is as robust as their offline presence.

With the ability to provide marketing training, products and services through EDC Gold, I find my customer base expanding. Not only is this program and what it provides helpful to those web users who are submitting their own content, but it's also helpful to those advertisers who are not as proficient with marketing online. They can pay a one-time fee for the products and a monthly fee for the back office, training and support, and then learn how to master marketing online themselves, instead of having to outsource those services and instead of spending potentially hundreds or thousands for someone else to do it.

Also, EDC continues to be innovative in the training and tools that they provide, which keeps us on the front line of Internet marketing. In the past, we've learned about big changes or updates such as Universal Search before they actually hit, so that we could start gearing our marketing efforts toward these changes.

I know there are several folks who in the past felt that EDC's prime market is/was home business opportunity-seekers and would soon "dry up." I didn't feel that was the case then (that being our prime market or that our base of potential customers would dry up), and I certainly don't now. However, I would love to hear opinions from others!

-PA27

Oh, and as a side note, I have updated my website, which now includes an extended product list (which includes EDC Diamond) and more information on what those products can be used for. I had mentioned to someone else here that I would be doing that, but don't remember if I let them know that it was up and running.


I also wanted to comment on the post made by "Guardian Angel" while I'm here. If this person did not find the products useful or beneficial, then so be it. That will obviously vary depending on what someone's interests or goals are. However, there is something that should be said about this person's experience.

First off, I not sure I understand how they could have been "tricked" into giving up $2000 after joining, when it has always been known that new members pass up their first 2 sales in EDC Gold. The only way this statement could hold true is if this person's sponsor agreed to waive those training sales before "Angel" joined, and then went back on the agreement. In that case, the fault would lie with the sponsor, not with the company.

Next, it has been explained more places than here, that the only fees necessary to join and remain a member are the initial product purchase and the monthly (or lifetime) admin fee. With the launch of the Diamond level, another fee came into being, which is the residual sponsor fee (something I don't sternly require from my members, though if they decide to pay it they receive additional advertising opportunities so that they don't feel their money is wasted). None of the recommended services in the back office are required (hence the term "recommended). Dubbs marketing, auto-responders, additional websites, leads, LinkPoint merchant account etc. are all strongly recommended, but not required. I personally haven't found any of that necessary. Everything that is necessary for the business to function is provided without any extra charge. It sounds like Guardian Angel didn't do much research before joining, if I may be so bold as to say.

It sounds like the main issues here are with Angel's sponsor, Dave Dubbs. While I have nothing against him and don't desire to start anything, I have mentioned my feelings on "top earners" and the amount of support they can give. I don't feel that it's right for a sponsor to charge their own team members additional fees for training. A sponsor's job is to train those who join with them. However, it is widely known that there is an extra charge for the Dubbs site and training. No one is forced to purchase it. Again, research could have led this person down a better path.

Not every person's experience with EDC is a good one. I don't pretend for a minute that they'll all be happy endings or success stories. However, I think a lot of what people go through is brought on by them or lack of thorough research. I have been in EDC for nearly a year, and I've never felt that this program drains my bank account. Even during the time when I wasn't yet earning much, I didn't feel that way. I just used common sense and learned early on not to buy into most of what is "recommended." I have operated my business successfully for almost a year without any of that stuff. It's just a matter of the person. Proper research, or simply asking questions, will tell you exactly what's needed and what isn't. After that, it's all on self-control...

-PA27

PA 27, I may disagree with you, but that's just me.

I think you could even be right about EDC in the long run - on eht existing model this thread started from, no, I don't think it could last. But it looks like the company is diversifying in a way that means that even if EDC Gold were declared a pyramid scheme and shut down, there would be avenues enough for the company to continue to turn over through it's reinvestment of profits into other areas.

brian,

I've always felt that things take time to mature into better versions of themselves. EDC is no different, in my opinion. I have always felt that the program has longevity because of the industries it is focused on (there is more than just home business, after all). Perhaps the past models weren't to everyone's liking, but I feel that the direction in which things are headed now make the program much more beneficial for everyone.

Even if EDC were to be shut down tomorrow, my business can still flourish because I don't focus just on selling memberships (nor do we have to in order to earn). Regardless of the model, that is one thing that has been a constant for the past 2 years. I can continue to sell products, or provide training on my own terms, or provide services to businesses and professionals. To me, that's what this program is really about. It has given me the training that I would need to go out and become a competent service provider in the areas of Internet marketing and SEO. It has also provided me with niche products that can boost my own ventures.

Of course I don't know what the outcome will be, but I'm at least satisfied with the evolution that has taken place. That is really all any program can hope for. After all, even the most legitimate business or model has no guarantee of success or longevity. The point is to make the most of it while it exists (and not just financially), and to operate it with integrity.

-PA27

Yes, I almost got involved and talked a someone who was doing fairly well with it. She also put in a lot of hours and it took her awhile to get the cash flow. The thing I didn't like about it is how much money is necessary up front in order to really get the ball rolling.

I am so blessed to have found the business I did and decided not invest in EDC gold. Not only is it less than $100 to start, but you get a wesite, money-back guarantee, and there's no competition with who you enroll. Finally after all the research I did on online businesses I found a legitimate one that's not a scam.

If you're interested in learning more about it you can call me. I'm only interested in working with people who are serious about making money because if you do well I do well.

Nicole
618-203-1231

Nicole,

It's great that you found a business you like. However, that or the fact that start-up fees are less with what you do now does not make EDC Gold a scam. I don't suppose you've ever looked into purchasing a franchise. The start-up costs there would be much, much larger, but that doesn't make franchises scams.

Just my 2 cents.

-PA27

G'day to Every one,

I m also agree with PA27's openion to4silverstrea on EDCGold Accounts matter


Thnx

Something 100% legit could be considered a scam if it is not presented with full disclosure and understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and realistic expectations for the consumer. That is the reason investments are so highly regulated. If someone is led to believe they will earn a certain amount, or benefit in some way that turns out to be different from that which is described, it becomes a scam. Always under-promise, and over-deliver and you will be a champion. Making empty promises that you either cannot or will not back up makes you a thief.

I agree. That has been a problem with EDC in the past, as I've mentioned before. I still maintain that if distributors are answering questions honestly, providing disclaimers and helping interested opportunity-seekers to set realistic expectations and goals, then we will start to see the more negative commentary about this program die down. I also feel that operating in this way should help to eliminate most legality and complaint issues.

However, there will always be those who only see/hear/think what they want, and will undoubtedly form their own expectations based not on facts, but there wants. This is also something that is hurting EDc's reputation. I have had folks to make assumptions despite the answers that I've given them or despite the information that I provide on my website. These seem to be the main ones who join, become frustrated when they don't see immediate results, and then turn on the program, calling it a scam or rip-off. I still feel that no matter who the sponsor, there is more than enough information online about EDC (from a variety of sources) that anyone interested in joining should know what to expect. Yet, there are still those who join while disillusioned, and turn once they discover that the first week doesn't automatically yield thousands, or that there is actual work involved. I'm afraid that until opportunity-seekers start researching smarter, this debate will always exist.

I can provide all the information in the world, but at the end of the day I can't dictate what a person chooses to think or believe. I can only hope that common sense will guide their search.

-PA27

There are many of us in EDC that do not overhype the opportunity. EDC is a better opportunity today than it was when I first started over a year ago. I'm very clear with people that it does take hard work and committment to make EDC work...this is not a free lunch.

I'm also glad that EDC made some changes over the last few months that caused some uproar including with me. The fact that the owners listen to the distributors is great sign and will make this company only better.

I also, do both...sell the product and the opportunity. I love the products...I think they are awesome...especially in EDC Gold and EDC Diamond.

I have a retail store (EDC is coming out with their own next week or so).

I believe EDC will outlast all its critics and competitors.

Sincerely,

Peter Grundner

Hey lightHammer, I am not with EDC or any of the companies that are being talked about but I do market online and would like to know of Google discovery, Thanks and keep on..Kevin

Again the only way to make real money in this industry is to have a product that is a standalone product. A product that will sell without the oppty attached to it. You need a system that either handles your marketing, prospecting, or closing. You then focus on the other two. Marketing is by far the most crucial part of this industry. You need to be able to drive highly targeted traffic to your site. That is why you must pick a product with a great niche market that you can capitalize on.

Listen you can make money with any oppty out there. You just better be 100% behind the product and not just trying to recruit and sell people on the business. Cause in the long run it leads to failed duplication and failed results. All the best in 2008!

Hello all. Just checking in with some info. I made a few posts some time ago about EDC Gold's products and how they can help businesses and professionals. I realize that there are many who feel that EDC Gold's products aren't worth the price, and others who'd like to "see it" before they believe it. So I've conducted a study using various products, tools and training from EDC Gold to determine exactly how effective they can be for businesses. I have used my local business website (newly launched and so desperately in need of marketing help) for this test, and have also created a special report which offers more insight and detail regarding this study.

In addition to being a member of EDC, I'm also a local business owner. Our business, Virtual Sidekick, is brand new (just launched officially on March 5th). I decided to create a regimen and use various products, tools and training from EDC to see if they would in fact be as helpful as or more helpful than hiring outside marketing professionals to get our new business out there.

I chose some specific products which related to our industry (video, audio & graphics creation/editing, web design/development and business form creation), and paired them with some of the marketing techniques that seemed to be most popular in EDC's training (blog & article marketing, video marketing, press releases, social media marketing, SEO & web design). I then began a regimen of applying these techniques each day, while using the chosen products to enhance our business operations.

On the day of our launch, I performed some searches for our chosen keywords and key phrases to see if we were visible in the search engines, and if so what our ranking was. I was surprised to see that much of our content was dominating the top 4 to 5 positions for many of our keywords. Overall, we ranked among the top 10 results for each of our keywords/key phrases, and even dominated the top listings on subsequent pages. Though it fluctuates, we also rank within the top 10 results consistently for searches on Google Local/Google Maps!

But that's not all. Upon visiting my site, I noticed that we'd achieved yet another milestone - a Google PageRank of 3 out of 10! For those who follow the latest of Google PageRank, you're aware that the importance of this concept is shifting. However, it is usually not easy for a brand new site to achieve any kind of ranking for some time, due to lack of "credibility" online. Though a rank of 3 may not seem high, it has provided us with a bargaining chip when exchanging links with other sites and blogs, and because this is only the beginning and we're planning on adding much more content on a regular basis, we only expect this to increase!

These are just a few of the results my business website has experienced with the help of products, tools and training from EDC. The special report goes into much more detail, offering screen shots and more of the results we've experienced! I hope this will show that while EDC Gold is primarily a home business in the minds of many, it is also a perfect collection of tools and training for businesses and professionals. For our business in particular, outdated products would not have helped us achieve these kind of results, especially not when you consider that our local business deals primarily with cutting-edge technology. So after this 2-month study I hold to my original stance, that EDC Gold's products & training hold many benefits for businesses and professionals on the retail level, as well as for entrepreneurs on the home business level. It is a home business, but it is also much more!

I agree, in order to be successful you need a viable, stand-alone product that will sell with or without the business opportunity. I always felt this was the case with EDC Gold, but now that I've really tested out many of the products and methods on my own website, I am happy that I can physically show others what our products and tools are capable of. Thoughts and opinions on the above are welcome. I'd be interested to know what others think about how EDC's products could be useful in business!

-PA27

Just a couple of pointers here as it touches more directly on my day job.



The important point isn't ranking - it's ranking for something that delivers traffic and converts.

All to often in forums I read people crowing about ranking for obscure phrases that no one is searching for - which is kind of pointless.

Rankings have to deliver traffic - that traffic has to convert. Otherwise there is no achievement.



Quick pointer here - link exchanges probably are not worth their time at all - they are easily devalued by Google, and there are few bigger flags for Google to devalue a site than via a links exchange program.

Seriously, we saw the small Real Estate players get wiped out by this around this time last year.

also - it's not content that builds up your PageRank, but your inbound links. Toolbar PageRank is essentially little more than a metaphor for a page's link profile.

Also please ensure nobody confuses "page rank" with "PageRank" - PageRank itself is only a very minor part of the Google algorithm - it's a mixture of site authority and keyword links that drive in the rankings.

Oh, you asked before about my day job - I'm a SEO, specialist link developer, and spoke at SES London last month on the topic. So if you need advice on the topic, you're in good hands.

(Also, quick pointer - please ensure your main website is on it's own domain and has its own webhosting, ie, not simply pointing to another domain - that seriously diminishes your traffic potential).

2c and hope that helps.

With all due respect, I wouldn't be making a big deal about our new website's rankings and so on if it weren't actually delivering anything. Somehow, I think you still underestimate me a little, brian. I know as well as anyone that obscure phrases won't deliver. For the audience we're looking to connect with, our campaign is actually very targeted, and happily is converting rather well for a new site (for every 9 unique visits the site receives, we seem to be receiving 3 0r 4 phone calls from potential customers. Of those who call, we're able to convert at least 2 into customers immediately, and the others we have been keeping regular contact with, answering their questions and providing samples. We expect to close those sales within a week or so). Feel free to check out our key phrases yourself. I'll let you decide if they're obscure/unrelated to our target market. But just a thought...if they were really that obscure, I don't think we'd be seeing as much of our competition as we're seeing (the main reason for my excitement is that we're currently outranking them, and in doing research we've found that the majority of our local competitors are using the very same or similar keywords and key phrases). Here are a few of our main key phrases you can check out for yourself if you care to do so:

• virtual tour providers in Durham, NC
• virtual tour services in Durham, NC
• virtual tours in Durham, NC
• virtual tours for Durham, NC (brings up slightly different results, including some of our completed virtual tours)
• virtual tours of homes for sale in Durham, NC (brings up a few of our completed virtual tours in the spots 1-3 and 6)
• Durham, NC virtual tours
• virtual tour services in Chapel Hill, NC (3 listings, spots 4-6 on the first page of results)
• virtual tour providers in Chapel Hill, NC (first 5 listings on first page of results)
• 360 virtual tours in Durham, NC
• real estate tours in Durham, NC
• Virtual Sidekick
• Virtual Sidekick LLC

If those are obscure for the services we offer (virtual tours in our local area), what would you search for if you were a real estate agent and interested in having a virtual tour done of your property for sale in our local area (or interested in seeing samples of what's out there already)?

I didn't expect even these results at first with real estate being what it is right now, but all things considered our new business is actually doing quite well, and we have not yet even launched our offline marketing campaign. I am happy with these results, and as I learn more I only expect things to get better. We are doing much better than many small businesses in our area that have been around for quite a while. I take that as an achievement...you can take it however you'd like.

Next, I didn't mention PageRank because of link exchanges, in fact I didn't mention link exchanges at all. I've never used one, and like you I feel they aren't worth the trouble. So then, why did I mention PR? It's simple. I'm not looking to use a service or other website to acquire tons of inbound links (Google actually doesn't look highly at paid links if you've been following that whole saga). I'm looking to connect directly with others in our local area who have major blogs and sites(and whose readers are exactly who we're looking to target). There are two in particular that I have my eye on which are related to what we offer, and which have very high PR's themselves. If I expect them to willingly link to our site and/or blog, I know that I need to have something to offer them in return (perhaps an exchange in traffic, referrals or something else). They are more likely to agree to this if my own site and blog have a decent PR. So in a way it is exchanging links, but not in the way you're thinking. I'm looking to exchange links with those who have relevant, quality content and a fair amount of traffic themselves. Is that not what the system is there for?

Furthermore, I tend to disagree with you on a statement you made. PR, while it is about inbound links, is also about content. How do you think a blog or website will achieve a high number of inbound links unless it has quality content (unless they are purchasing links or have a big firm to assist them)? Why would another blog want to link to mine (or to my website) if I have nothing of value to offer their readers? You shouldn't necessarily separate the two, as it's really all intertwined. You have to have quality content in order to attract attention and therefore inbound links (again, unless your methods are not of the most organic nature). So maybe Google doesn't look at my "content" in order to assign my site a PR, but those linking in certainly might!

I appreciate your "help" and the fact that you're now willing to share what you do for a living (though I see no reason why you felt it necessary to keep that quiet for nearly a year). I'm not so sure your willingness to offer advice is coming from the right place (I could be wrong, but the tone of your post "sounds" as if you still feel I know nothing about marketing, and I believe we've talked about that issue before). You are not the only marketing specialist, SEO or "expert" in the world. Remember that others might know a thing or two as well. I don't claim to be a guru or claim to have spoken at international conferences, but I've certainly been able to help my own busines and others in our community (I also lead a business & networking organization here in our city, and serve on the board of directors for a non-profit out of Atlanta as their Marketing Advisor). You do not have to make someone's achievement seem less than that because of what you know. If an individual considers something an achievement (maybe something they've never been able to do before, or do in a certain amount of time), then it is certainly an achievement to them!

-PA27