merkal2005: Charly, please introduce yourself to Bloghology readers

Charlyjl: I have worked for over 20 years in the IT industry. I often joke that I worked in IT before it was IT!!

I am a qualifed "tech", holding an Associate Diploma in Electronics Engineering. My experience with Personal Computers ranges from building data comunication networks, computers and providing 2nd level user support.

I also hold a Masters of Business Admin (MBA), specialising in Internet Marketing. I did this part time over 2 years, whilst working full time and with two young children (aged 4 and 6)!

I have worked in a range of roles in the IT Industry including Contract Manager, Relationship Manager, Business Development Manager, Sales Person and Team Leader. I really enjoy working with people and solving problems.

I am married with 2 children and enjoy spending time on the Internet and playing with and training my dogs.

I consider myself a "geek" and really enjoy working with technology, particularly the Internet.


merkal2005: When did you launch your blog? What was your main motive when launching it?

Charlyjl: My first post was the 5 August 2007.

My initial motive was to drive traffic to my site and affiliate products. I have read a lot of information that says a good blog will raised your site search engine rankings.




merkal2005: You hold a Masters of Business Admin (MBA), specialising in Internet
Marketing. Do you see the benefits of being an MBA graduate in the world of Internet Marketing?

Charlyjl: An interesting question. Internet Marketing is just like any other business so having business acumen and understanding of business operations is very important. The benefits I see of being a MBA graduate in the world of Internet Marketing is being able to operate my businesses profitably and determine which issues I need to consider when evaluating an opportunity.

My MBA is just another tool that I use.

When I completed my MBA, I specialised in Internet Marketing. This was in 2000 and, at that point in time, the technology didn't support the theories we were discussing. It was amazing to see, in 2007 the leaps and bounds that had been made and how the theories we discussed had evolved.

However, as with any learning or tool, the knowledge and skills must be kept updated and evolve as the industry evolves. I think the main benefit of my MBA is that it taught me how to learn......


merkal2005: Which areas should Internet Marketers focus in 2008?

Charlyjl: Social Networking, Web 2.0 techniques and the like. I have to spend time understanding how Generation Y think and operate.

Internet Marketers need to be considering how to adapt techniques to the Social world, without blasting their social networks with sales messages every ten seconds! I relate that to going to a party and having an insurance salesman trying to sign you up.



merkal2005: What are your 2008 goals and expectations?

Charlyjl: My goals for 2008 are to earn enough money to repay a loan my parents gave us last year (six figures) and then replace our income with passive income so that we can "do what we want".

I want to cement my standing as an expert in my niche(s) and assist others to succeed.

I expect to work in / on my businesses during 2008 and develop a greater understanding of the IM world in general.