In today’s society people have seen it all! From life-threatening stunts to mind-boggling magic tricks.  TV is filmed in front of big, green screens and action is accompanied by “wow, check out those computer effects!”  Yes, we’ve seen it all and Hollywood has led to a desensitization in society.  Hardly anyone trusts the news, TV shows or anything they see in movies because they know it’s either digital effects or it’s a marketing ploy to catch their attention.  This has led to antiquated marketing strategies that simply no-longer work anymore.  Companies recognize that the only effective marketing (which always has been and always will be) is word-of-mouth or referral marketing.  Who would you trust more when choosing your laundry detergent or vitamins, some guy named Bob on TV who you don’t know from Timbuktu, or your best friend who swears by the products?  It’s a no-brainer! Companies recognize this shift in marketing and are willing to pay you and I simply for our networks and the trust our friends/family/acquaintances have in us.

Once again, the internet changes the game.  Now with social media and social networking sites, you have just as much access to the market as any major retailer or big-chain store.  You are able to reach out to millions of people daily who share the same hobbies, interests, religion, education, career, activities, likes/dislikes or even your own name!  You now have access to more people from your own bedroom than Pepsi has at the Superbowl!  Commerce is making the paradigm shift to ecommerce and the number one form of marketing is shifting from referrals to eferrals.  The extent of your network is no longer your aunt Jane and your neighbor Sally down the street, but rather a vast diversity of common-interest acquaintances online.  As a matter of fact, a staggering statistic reveals that today 1 out of every 6 couples meet online.  Companies are going to pay big dividends to those who are willing to establish a loyal, online network of ecommerce shoppers; and soon the quality of the products will rise to the top; while the millions of dollars of flashy ads for products on TV will sink like the Titanic.