I have literally had "tons" of clients ask me, "Are offline clients better than online marketing? Which direction should I pursue?"

I always have the same answer for them. Offline clients are much better than online marketing for SOME people. Let me explain that line of thought.

Hopefully this will help clear a lot of confusion about offline marketing, consulting, and online marketing. Having been, and still involved heavily in both markets perhaps my point of view will influence the path you choose.

If you don't have a problem meeting with a business owner face to face, this maybe a very lucrative lesson for you! On the flip side of advice, it may be painful for some of you. Sorry about that!

As an offline consultant the payments are usually in the form of a check, and normally for a good amount of money. You almost never have a problem getting paid or collecting your money because they already have it budgeted into their business.

They are spending it now. They just can't tell you if it's actually effective, and that's where you come in. Even if you have just basic knowledge of how the internet works and can set up an autoresponder system, you can do this.

Regular "brick and mortar" businesses really have no clue about any of that. I have students that regularly clear $500 per month for a little ad copy and an autoresponder system. Plus they also generate up front money for the set up!

If you do it correctly it can be a real win, win situation for all involved. Through coupons and other incentives provided by the owners, you can drive solid "buyer" traffic through their front doors. Which is after all why they are in business in the first place.

It's not uncommon to pick up checks from $1,500 to $5,000 for one day of work. The difference is that you can "track" exactly how effective their advertising dollars are. Right now they spend it on everything from billboard ads, to phone book ads and even park bench ads. Most owners just spend it because they know they have to advertise. They don't track it but they should be.

Online marketing as a living is a horse of a different color. I will tell you point blank. If you don't know some joint venture "big brothers" or you haven't mastered the art of adwords it's going to be a long expensive learning curve. You can spend thousands online before you know it and still be no closer to real duplicatable profit.

The reason is simple. You're jumping into a professional world with a pen knife against some people who are armed with swords. That's why you need to either have a sword, or know someone who does. Otherwise, you could be chopped to pieces in short order. You are treating it like a passing hobby that "would be cool" if it makes money. (Against professionals who form corporations around it.)

In my studied opinion there is no competition in offline marketing, and they need the help. On the other hand, with internet marketing....you need to get serious or get out.