Well, in a word, No.  Not even close.

When I met Garry I had 25 RSS subs -- and my wife and I were 5 of the 25. Garry has helped many more people that I have, has been around a lot longer, has more content, more RSS subs, a bigger mailing list, and makes more money with his blog than I do. Plus, I am not even streaming any video.  So, I defer to him as having the better blog.

My Blog Looks Better

I could say that I clearly have the better blog design (which I do), but the problem is that his changes almost every day, and he did the original design for MasonWorld.com.  So, can't win there.   (Note that the latest graphics are from GraphicsQuick.com, but the design is still fundamentally Garry's creation).

Still, I had to smile when I noticed I passed him on the Top100 list over at 45n5 (now called the Digital Product Reporter). When I started on that list, I was at about 120 or so.

What does all this mean? Nothing. I am not crazy about the ranking algorithm, and as I said above, Garry's blog is more successful than mine by almost any measure.

It reminds me of a that great quote in Star Wars when Darth says to Obi-Wan:

I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now *I* am the master.

Of course, Darth is wrong and dies in the very end.

Anyway, here is the screen shot.

Have a great day,
Mark

• Hey - read this before you leave another blog comment http://aweber.com/b/WTGx #
• @jarret Oops -- are you watching this too? LOL #
• Watching @GarryConn on UStream -- I have no idea why. http://tinyurl.com/dddbfb #
• @GarryConn Excellent question. Basically "how to build an online business while working a day job". Would target newcomers. #
• Considering starting an internet marketing podcasts targeted a new part-time internet marketers with a day job. Your thoughts? #
• - you need to see this report http://aweber.com/b/1F0i7 #

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• @GarryConn Yes. Had a website before my IM exploits, and I would have one if I was not making money online. Probably not 50 sites though. #
• @JohnCorbett Thanks for the RETWEET the other day. Lots of traffic to the free links offer. http://is.gd/hHJ2 #
• @Josh_Spaulding Nothing better than a steak cooked at 1500 degrees served on a 500 degree plate! Yummy! #
• - what would you have said? http://aweber.com/b/1BDtN #
• @JeffWalker Only if sleeping #
• @NameCheap I like it. I love the tag line (What will your next domain say about you). Might be cool to crossfade from ASCII to Actual pics #
• @NobleSamurai New feature request -- ability to tag stuff and add notes. Or flag stuff to make a list of "selected keywords" etc. #
• @jeremyfrandsen @cmiddlebrook uses Bluehost. Are you looking for VPS or dedicated? For shared, I would probably just use the gator. #

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It's Wednesday, and you know what that means. It's time for another weekly Internet Business Fortune Cookie.

This week I skipped the entree and had hot-and-sour soup and steamed dumplings (both appetizers).  It was kind of nice.  Less Filling.  Tastes Great.  I like those little dumplings.  Steamed are yummy, but like most things, dumplings are even better when you fry them.

This week, the cookie speaks about the wisdom of friendly internet marketing gurus:  "Investigate new possibilities with friends.  Now is the time."

Clearly the cookie speaks about the need to get to know an internet marketing guru and learn from them.  It's where we all start, and lord knows we all could use someone to mentor us with business.  Plenty of my own mistakes could have been avoided with a little help.  If you are looking to niche your business into a particular specialty, find a guru to guide you along.

Real Versus Pretend Gurus

What is a guru anyway?  When I first heard that word many years ago, it sounded like a holy man living high up in the mountains.  Actually there is no reason you cannot become a guru one day.  A guru is just an expert in a field who is willing to share their secrets to success with others looking to prosper in that business.

Real Guru examples are Garry Conn and Josh Spaulding.

A Pretend Guru example is Jeffrey Lant.

When it comes to niches, a guru has found a way to hone their skills and their product offerings to appeal to the widest market possible.  Everywhere you go, you’ll see their name mentioned in publications and testimonials.  Often times, they will have an online presence as well as one in the real world.

Fake It 'Till You Make It

Many claim to be experts but all are not.  Look for particular characteristics.  How well do they know the niche?  Check their websites and feedback in forums about this person.  If their revenue is coming from marketing to that niche, it is worth a look.

How did they begin their business?  It could be that they began just like you.  They wanted something better.  Their “guru” status is a testament to persistence and not taking “No” for an answer.

Ask them questions.  Gurus are meant to be accessible.  They have blogs and websites, do podcasts and interviews, and partner with other viable business ventures to make more money.  But they always have time to give advice to others who are struggling to get where they are.

Finding a guru may take some time.  It all depends on your niche.  What you hope to find is someone who has found a new way to market a product or service that is a success.  Test their advice and methods.  If it works, continue to follow their lead.  A guru is also someone who is open to new ideas.  They are not the only one with great ideas, they just happened to discover most of them first.

A guru can be your teacher in the niche business world.  One day, you may even partner with them in a business venture.

As the cookie says, Investigate new possibilities with friends.  Now is the time.

Have a great day.
Mark

Photo credit: Uploaded on July 17, 2006 by headcase