Blogging (and Internet Marketing) is a Lot Like Tennis … Really?

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Blogging and Internet Marketing is a Lot Like Tennis

I get email after email from readers asking me for help. They really want to make money through blogging and internet marketing … and I’m happy to help as many people as I can.

While I was out playing tennis with some friends yesterday I realized that blogging and internet marketing is a lot like wanting to get good at a sport … which for me is tennis.

If you wrote me an email asking me to help you get good at tennis … I’d need to know some things first:  

  1. How long you’ve been playing
  2. What is your playing level
  3. What type of equipment do you use
  4. How often do you play
  5. How often are you willing to practice
  6. What are your strengths and weaknesses with the game
  7. What are you willing to do to work on your weaknesses 

If you are a beginner or an intermediate player you will probably need some basic instruction and a whole lot of practice. As you gain experience and start to get really good: 

  1. You will want to increase your practice time and frequency
  2. You will want to take some private lessons
  3. You will want better equipment
  4. You will want to start playing competitively
  5. You will need to push yourself further  

I remember growing up my grandpa used to get his golf clothes on and my sister and I would ask, “Papa … Are you going to play golf?” And he would always say, “No … Suzie … I’m going to WORK golf!”

My grandfather was not OK with mediocrity so he WORKED hard at his golf game. Well, I think you’d agree that if you want to get good at your business you’ll have to work hard at it too. You’ll have to be dedicated to practicing and getting better at your trade. Have you heard the old saying, “Treat your business like a hobby and you’ll get paid like it’s a hobby … treat it like a business and you’ll get paid like it’s a business”? Sounds about right to me.

So … which is it … a hobby or a business? You going to go out and bat the ball around the court every now and then … or are you going to get down to business and see how good you can get? Only you can decide. *SmiLes* Suzanne

Hey … you even get to see me play a little tennis! LOL … BTW … Tell Bob The Teacher to get over here and check this out! Those on Twitter can tweet him:

@bobtheteacher plz help @wahmsuzanne win Blogging Idol ~ tell your readers to vote http://is.gd/8LYw (#7) and contest here http://is.gd/8QvZ

Blogging and Internet Marketing is a Lot Like Tennis from Suzanne Franco on Vimeo.

Do you enjoy any sports? Which ones? Do you agree that to get good it takes practice, hard work, and dedication? Are you dedicated to working hard at your online business? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment.

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46 Comments

  1. Bob The Teacher

    on 26th Nov, 08 12:11am

    Enjoyed your analogous use of tennis for building an online business. Of course the nice thing about being online is it’s not so competitive that there can be only one champion.

    As for your strokes – I’ll suggest less tentativeness on your forehand. Your backhand looks great – very confident.

    Looking forward to our match!

    Bob Jenkins

    Bob The Teacher’s last blog post..Fix Your Click Tracking Links For Better Email Response

    reply to this comment

  2. Suzanne

    on 26th Nov, 08 12:11am

    @ bob ~ It’s not so competitive online … unless you’re in the running for BLOGGIING IDOL!!!!!!! Geez … this thing is going to come down to the wire! You gonna give me a shout out? I think you should. As for the tennis … I’m the only one I know who runs around their forehand! LOL … Especially when I haven’t been playing … I’m so weak and the racquet feels “foreign” and awkward. Not good at all … but I’m glad to be playing again that’s for sure. *huGs*
    P.S. Did you vote yet? http://www.dailyblogtips.com/blogging-idol-2-voting-session-is-open/ (#7 on the list) Thanks!

    reply to this comment

  3. Codrut Turcanu / Easy Article Writing

    on 26th Nov, 08 03:11am

    Suzzane, I not only love making money online and helping others, but I enjoy tennis too :)

    What a coincidence! I’m glad I’ve found your blog (via another blog…) and I truly like your audio intro…

    reply to this comment

    • Suzanne

      on 1st Aug, 09 08:08am

      Hey Codrut … that’s awesome to hear! where do you live? can we hit some time ;) LOL … that audio intro is what got the whole audio on the video “deleted” by youtube *sigh* I’ve reuploaded the video to Vimeo so it’s back!

      reply to this comment

  4. Darlene

    on 26th Nov, 08 06:11am

    I knew there was something unique about you and your blog! I am a huge tennis fan as well. I also played competitively in High School and College (many moons ago) but haven’t played in a couple of years due to my work and just life taking over. You have now not only motivated me to do my best online but now I am ready to go back out on that court and find my “A” game! Thanks!

    Here’s to you Suzanne Franco – Blogging Idol 2008!

    reply to this comment

  5. Suzanne

    on 26th Nov, 08 06:11am

    this will be cool finding out who else plays! It’s frustrating that I hung up my racquet for some time and now I have to work hard to get my game back … but it’s so fun! *SmiLes*

    reply to this comment

  6. JeffLeft

    on 26th Nov, 08 08:11am

    I SUCK @ tennis! But i challenge you to a game of Tiger Woods Golf on the XBOX 360 haha! You know what i loved about the video????? Seeing what appeared to be WARM SUNSHINE! It’s been too $#%^ cold in the foothills of NC!
    anyways, GREAT post as always!

    JeffLeft’s last blog post..It’s Friday! You Could Have Whatever You Like!

    reply to this comment

  7. MLDina

    on 26th Nov, 08 03:11pm

    While I’m not an avid tennis player, I do love and can relate to the sports analogy. While some people are naturals, they can always improve if they work at it. Same goes for beginners- who will hopefully take the steps to become more successful.

    MLDina’s last blog post..MarketLeverage TV 11/24/08 Your Source For Affiliate News

    reply to this comment

  8. dontloseyourhair

    on 26th Nov, 08 05:11pm

    Hi there, it’s really good to see a well written blog that’s insightful as well as entertaining. cheers!

    reply to this comment

  9. Sarah Ince

    on 27th Nov, 08 12:11am

    Thank you! I love your blog already! Yes, it is true that in order to really get good at anything whether its writing, photography, or playing the piano-it takes hard work and dedication. It is important to get training, practice and do everything you can to improve, and if something is not working then it’s important to take a step back and look at what your doing, just like you said. I just finished another writing class, and I look forward to taking your class in December. Thank you so much! :)

    Sarah Ince :)

    reply to this comment

  10. Angel Cuala

    on 27th Nov, 08 12:11pm

    Nice analogy! I never played tennis, but I know some basics. By the way, you are now 4th on the Blogging Idol subscribers contest…congrats!

    PS. I would like to follow up the concern of my friend Manuel Viloria who voted for you, made a post, but cannot see his comment live….

    Thanks!

    Angel Cuala’s last blog post..Making Money from Adsense – Gain or Pain?

    reply to this comment

  11. Steve | Trade Show Guru

    on 27th Nov, 08 01:11pm

    hey Suzanne,
    Very nice comparison. I agree with your grandfather. If you want to be good at something, you’ve got to take it seriously and work at it.
    ~ Steve (aka the trade show guru)
    PS. I find the secret to golf is to have an ice chest with a six pack of beer in it strapped on the back of the golf cart. Maybe that’s what I’m missing when I’m working on my blog. :)

    Steve | Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..Happy Thanksgiving

    reply to this comment

  12. Dennis Edell

    on 27th Nov, 08 01:11pm

    You’re becoming quite the vlogger! (Video blogger for those that may not know. ;) )

    It is a very good analogy…one of those simple things that is totally missed.

    I loved tennis at one point. :)

    Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Blog Review: Thou Shall Blog Dot Com

    reply to this comment

  13. JR @ Internet Marketing Strategies

    on 27th Nov, 08 04:11pm

    Good analogy! I think for any kind of online campaign dedication and hard work is the most important factor!

    JR @ Internet Marketing Strategies’s last blog post..144 Do-Follow Forums – Categorized by Niche and PR

    reply to this comment

  14. Sonja Cassella

    on 28th Nov, 08 04:11pm

    Hi Suzanne, I like your tennis analogy. I was a horseback rider, and in horses, it’s all “if you do it the right way, you’ll get the right results.” But if you don’t know the right way, you know, you’re sunk. That’s why I want to be in your blogging bootcamp! I think I’ve done the deal for getting myself in … I joined your RSS feed and the email update. Plus, though I wasn’t able to write a blog about you because my blog is only on Fort Worth lifestyle, I did put a promo about your quest on twitter.

    Best of luck and hopefully we’ll meet in bootcamp.

    Sonja

    Sonja Cassella’s last blog post..Fort Worth Fauna: Red-Bellied Woodpecker

    reply to this comment

  15. Rick Vaughn

    on 29th Nov, 08 03:11pm

    Suzanne, I really am enjoying your blog you have alot of good info here. I’ll have you know you are now on my RSS feed.

    In regards to your post. It is funny the corollary between sports and business. I agree 100% in order to make great money online you need to work harder than the next person.

    Rick Vaughn’s last blog post..What Should We Do About General Motors?

    reply to this comment

  16. Paul Bye

    on 29th Nov, 08 07:11pm

    Suzanne
    I may well be a newbie, but with your blog showing the way, hopefully I will get there in the end. I long gave away my tennis raquet, so I guess its the internet from now on.
    Paul

    reply to this comment

  17. Rob

    on 1st Dec, 08 09:12pm

    For me blogging is just like another event or sport or whatever in our life. I enjoyed your post and how you made a relation between tennis and blogging. Anyhow many tennis players can’t blogging and many bloggers can’t play tennis.

    reply to this comment

  18. gorge

    on 30th Dec, 08 10:12am

    this blog is discuss some important subject. thank you for your efforts

    reply to this comment

  19. All info about Scarlett Johansson!

    on 13th Jan, 09 11:01pm

    Awesome information there Suzanne. I’m yet a newbie and this information was so helpful. I’ll keep in mind all the aspects you have mentioned. Hopefully I can succeed. And yes, i accept the fact that practice, hard work and dedication is a must. Thanks for the great article

    All info about Scarlett Johansson!’s last blog post..Scarlett Johansson Plans to Become a Director – Showbiz Spy

    reply to this comment

  20. ask web directory

    on 26th Jan, 09 12:01am

    Great post. Learnt few stuff which i wasn’t aware of before. Also enjoyed the whole post written combined with tennis. It was fun to read and understand. I’m still new at this, but as you have mentioned, practice and dedication could hopefully put me through. thanks for the awesome post.

    reply to this comment

  21. Press Release Services

    on 29th Jan, 09 03:01am

    Loved your article. Especially the way you have combined it with tennis. I’m a huge tennis fan and it was a treat to learn blogging and internet marketing in this way. Awesome write up. Great blog too. Will be back for more interesting articles. Cheers

    reply to this comment

  22. Fluke Ti25 Thermal Imager

    on 14th Feb, 09 11:02pm

    That was fun. Really loved the style you’ve written the article :) Keep it up. It really was interesting and different than other posts. The tennis really made the article really fun. Rock on

    reply to this comment

  23. Fluke TiR1 Infrared Camera

    on 15th Feb, 09 10:02pm

    That’s really cool. My friend who dropped by yesterday mentioned me about your site. About the way you had written the article. I must say I found it really interesting. Nice work.

    reply to this comment

  24. getac b300

    on 16th Feb, 09 10:02pm

    Stumbled across your blog accidentally. But glad I did. Your write-up was really interesting. Just thought to drop a word and thank you for the great article. And yup, blogging is somewhat like tennis :) Agree 100% with you on that.

    reply to this comment

  25. Suzanne

    on 16th Feb, 09 11:02pm

    @getac b300 – glad you stumbled on through … do you need any help with a blog or internet marketing? let me know *SmiLes* S

    reply to this comment

  26. improve my credit score

    on 22nd Feb, 09 10:02pm

    Wow, that’s a really good article. Covers two of my most favorite things. tennis and blogging. :) ) Great work. Love the whole article. Keep up the good work.

    reply to this comment

  27. Konferens Stockholm

    on 24th Feb, 09 02:02am

    :) ) that’s one cool article. Loved it. Thanks a lot for few minutes of fun learning :) ) You could write really well. Keep it up. Thanks again.

    reply to this comment

  28. You are dead on with the whole analogy of tennis being like marketing. You have to calculate a plan..and you were especially right about the equipment you use. Most of the top bloggers have the right equipment to make them successful, such as automatic software. I wish I would have known about this software when I first started blogging! It would have saved me a whole lot of headache!

    reply to this comment

  29. best savings account

    on 26th Feb, 09 10:02pm

    That’s a really cool article. I’m not much into blogging but I really did enjoy the article. Stumbled across the article randomly and I’m glad I did. Awesome stuff. Thanks. Cheers

    reply to this comment

  30. Nadeesha @ ROCKFUSE Blog Resources

    on 8th Mar, 09 06:03am

    That’s a really interesting and fun article :) I like the way you have written the whole article. Being a tennis fan my self, I really did enjoyed the article. And your dead on about blogging and internet marketing. Nice work. Keep it up.

    reply to this comment

  31. Sökoptimering

    on 9th Mar, 09 07:03pm

    It is funny the corollary between sports and business and agree 100%

    reply to this comment

  32. Internet Marketing Company

    on 14th Mar, 09 04:03am

    blogging and online shopping have become favorite of young generation but i feel short of real joy that we get outside the house.

    reply to this comment

  33. internet marketing company

    on 25th Mar, 09 01:03am

    blogging and online shopping have become favorite of young generation but i feel short of real joy that we get outside the house. but its not like tennis.

    reply to this comment

  34. link building

    on 31st Mar, 09 09:03pm

    Nice article. Certainly did enjoy the article. Love your writing style. Apart from the tennis analogy you have used :) Keep it up. Awesome read. Cheers.

    reply to this comment

  35. Fountain Pen Club

    on 13th May, 09 12:05am

    Excellent post! really loved it. Your tennis isn’t that bad either! :D thanks so much for sharing Suzanne..

    reply to this comment

  36. Vanessa | juicy couture

    on 25th May, 09 06:05pm

    Although it is an older post but it is more than interesting and i am going to stumble it. I think different people have different perspectives to make the stuff easy. You quote a wonderful example.

    reply to this comment

    • Suzanne

      on 1st Aug, 09 08:08am

      hi vanessa … thanks for the “thumbs up” … youtube took the audio off of the video due to the song i used … but i’ve reposted it using vimeo … so you can now hear the video if you’d like ;)

      reply to this comment

  37. Deniel - cheap web hosting

    on 7th Jun, 09 06:06am

    I am excited and convinced to read your entire post because this is the pretty good way to make the stuff easy. I often do the most difficult tasks in the same way. Thanks for the sensible post.

    reply to this comment

  38. Bonusmannen

    on 13th Mar, 10 08:03pm

    I must agree that the more you blog the better you get and just as with Tennis it takes a lot of practise to get good.

    reply to this comment

  39. Sökmotoroptimering

    on 2nd Jul, 10 09:07pm

    “It is funny the corollary between sports and business and agree 100%”

    I would like to compare it to war too, but war is already a simulation of war ;)
    Sökmotoroptimering´s last blog ..Hur görs ett seriöst länkbyggeMy ComLuv Profile

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  40. Sexleksaker

    on 10th Jul, 10 10:07am

    I wish work would always be as funny as playing tennis…

    reply to this comment

  41. Hair Extensions London

    on 26th Jul, 10 07:07am

    This is really an interesting blog to read yeah, blogging would give you a nice source of income if you have interesting articles and would really catch the attention of your readers.
    Hair Extensions London´s last blog ..Type album title here My ComLuv Profile

    reply to this comment

  42. dallas attorneys

    on 21st Aug, 10 06:08am

    Excellent post! really loved it. Your tennis isn’t that bad either..u got amazing stunts really cool…

    reply to this comment

  43. Lisa White@mobility scooter

    on 27th Aug, 10 10:08am

    What do you have to say?

    reply to this comment

  44. mobility scooter

    on 27th Aug, 10 10:08am

    I agree to the post. Very informative and thanks for sharing it!
    mobility scooter´s last blog ..Mobility ScootersMy ComLuv Profile

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