I have set about to learn and educate myself on as much information as possible concerning a very broad subject : the Internet. In specific, I'm seeking to gain wisdom and expertise at understanding how to effectively use the Internet to promote and market one's self and business enterprises. It's a vast undertaking. There are so many areas to grasp and understand : website development, domains and URL names, Search Engines, social media, effective writing, promotional tools, etc. The list goes on and on and on.
I've discovered some books and online sites that have been helpful to me, and I intend on sharing these at some point in the near future. However, I will tell you about something that has been extremely valuable, and that is a new tool that is being offered through my local public library. That is the wonderful educational site called GALE COURSES (formerly Learn-4-Life). It is available through my library at no charge. That's right- FREE! Over 300 courses in many, many different fields or interests are available. I have finished one course, and am taking three more presently, all revolving around the Internet. I am also recommending this to other friends and associates.I have taken the following :
- MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE INTERNET
- USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN BUSINESS
- ACHIEVING TOP SEARCH ENGINE POSITIONS
- INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET WRITING MARKETS
- WRITE & SELL YOUR E-BOOK
- WRITING & SELLING SELF-HELP BOOKS
- BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED
- THE CRAFT OF MAGAZINE WRITING
- HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR WRITING
I previously studied "Blogging and Podcasting". All of these courses are expanding my knowledge base. With each new concept or piece of information that I grasp, a whole new world of understanding opens up, and slowly but surely, I am going to be able to piece together a unified, sensible approach to building and growing an Internet business model.
As you can tell, I'm somewhat excited about this. The free courses that I'm taking are not the only means for my learning. I've also been reading some books, watching some videos, listening or viewing some online webinars, etc. All of it is helping me develop a solid foundation for moving ahead with various online projects.You should check out GALE COURSES online. See if there is an organization in your area, perhaps a business or college, which is offering their courses. They are invaluable and would be well worth the investment to pay for these courses; however, if you are fortunate, you will find a group that is a sponsor and is offering them at no cost to the community.
