Internet marketing customer service just hit a new low. Faster than Al Gore III in a Toyota Prius, aspiring Web marketers have ditched “The Secret” and adopted Tim Ferriss’ 4-hour work weeks as the key to online success. Unfortunately, with the same lack of class as a Paris Hilton video, these marketers have adopted Ferriss’ tactics without considering the negative effects on their businesses.
For example, I’m now routinely receiving e-mails that are copied verbatim from Ferris’ book explaining how “Due to a high workload, I am currently checking and responding to e-mail twice daily at…” Now, this might be a good idea for some entrepreneurs. But even for those who should use it, have a little creativity. It is slapping customers in the face by sending out Ferriss’ e-mail word-for-word. Customers are not illiterate and they don’t like being lied to. Let’s face it. The “high workload” excuse is bullsh#t for most online marketers…Playing XBox or PS3 isn’t a high workload.

Yes. It is okay not to stay wired 24/7 to e-mail. But be realistic. Evaluate what works. And remember, Ferriss has 4-hour workweeks now after making it…not while climbing the ladder of success. And even when you reach the top rung, will you be content doing what got you there only 4 hours a week?

About the Author

With an advanced international law degree from Georgetown University and more than 14 years of real world legal experience, Attorney Mike Young shows entrepreneurs how to protect and grow their businesses online. He's the author of Internet Marketing Legal Secrets Revealed. Not just a lawyer who focuses exclusively on Internet and marketing law, Mike’s been working with computers for more than 27 years (his first computer was an Atari 400 with 8 KiB RAM) and started representing Internet businesses back in 1996.