Chris Garett: The Web’s Jack of All Trades, Master of All
Ever wonder how a web practitioner began his career way back in the early 90’s and evolved into the successful force that he is today? Chris Garett is a professional blogger, Internet marketing consultant, new media industry commentator, writer, coach, speaker, trainer and web geek. He was also a founding member of Performancing. In this interview he talks about how the Internet was in the 90’s, valuable online marketing approaches that work, and of course, blogging tips!
Why did you hop on to social media? When and how did you realize the potential of web 2.0?
That’s the funny thing, I have been involved with “social media” for as long as I can remember because I have been socializing online since before the web existed! I started out with those old modem dialup “Bulletin Boards” and never really looked back. I was hooked right away and progressed to Usenet Newsgroups, forums, email discussion lists … the rest, as they say, is history. 
Who are your idols in the blogosphere? Why? Who/where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from everybody and everywhere. You can learn something from each person you meet. Idols are not something I tend to have, but there are folks I deeply respect. My mentors at this time I would say are Sean D’Souza of Psychotactics, Mike Stelzner of Whitepapersource, Aaron Wall of SEOBook and Brian Clark of Copyblogger. Darren Rowse is a good friend and a constant source of inspiration, and who doesn’t love Chris Brogan. I have too many friends to list here who provide me with constant support and inspiration too.
What separates you from other specialists in your profession?
My main point of difference is my approach. You mostly are given advice around making a great deal of buzz, having a big audience, and such, whereas I teach to grow a smaller, more engaged audience of people who know, like and trust you.
Another difference is my background is as a techy first, then marketer (branding, advertising, direct marketing), and blending that with social media. So I am kind of strange in that regard!
Please describe your thought process when you get a new blog-writing/internet marketing project.
I always start with the audience and work backwards. Always.
What was the hardest work-related task you’ve had to accomplish?
My first entry into properly working with the internet was being given the job of setting up the college I worked at as an Internet Service Provider for the local area. That was scary and exciting in equal measure, particularly as at that point (early 90’s) there was very little help, nobody had heard of the internet or the web, it was the domain of serious people in lab coats! By the time I had worked it all out I had a real head start but it was a crazy time.
What are the advantages of using blogs and marketing via the Internet versus traditional tactics? Are online strategies good enough to stand alone to fulfill a marketing function?
Online can certainly work well, I do not do any offline marketing and most of my successful internet buddies do everything online, but when I work with clients I tell them the best approach is a blend – just because you go online does not mean you have to abandon what is proven, trackable and works.
Do you think micro-blogging is killing traditional blogging?
No, but it has taken some of the action. Whereas people used to do much more linking, short posts and comments, a lot of that has moved to Twitter etc. That’s fine, there are a lot of thoughts you can not convey in 140 characters.
What do you think is the next big thing for the internet? What kind of future do you envision for the web?
I have never been that good at predicting the future but I see everything becoming more accessible, more always-on, more ubiquitous. Consumption of media is becoming more and more time-shifted and immediate. CDs and DVDs have had their day, and I think books will become more commonly electronic with print being a luxury or souvenir rather than the default. I can see a time when the majority of our media is rented and streamed rather than bought and physical, and that will impact how we treat all of our online interactions.
Any parting words/tips for budding bloggers and netrepreneurs?
The biggest mistake I see people making every day online is that people forget it is human beings communicating. Forget the technology, connect with people. Treat others as you want to be treated and not only will the world be a nicer place, you will be more successful too!
This Interview was published on October 23, 2009 at 8:47 pm • Did you like it? Subscribe!
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