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Interview with Audra Gehrke
Editor of 'E-Commerce Resources' Ezine
Dot Com Woman Of The Month (APRIL 2003)
 Audra
Gehrke is known to most netizens as the editor of (V-E-R-Y) popular
ezine 'E-Commerce Resources'. In fact, that is how I met her and it
was not long after that we became very good friends and also got a
chance to know her better while I designed the new layout for her
website.
An editor, writer, publisher, net worker,
webmaster, marketer and mentor, Audra has achieved in very little
time what most of us dream of daily. But she is not satisfied by her
success alone. She WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED AS WELL. And this thought
strikes me daily as I scan E-Commerce Resources. Each word speaks her
anxiousness to help you with your business in every way she can.
However, what you read below will open up the real
Audra to you. A devoted wife, a loving mother, a strong woman and a
dedicated business person- that's AUDRA!
"When you love what you're doing, then it
won't be work because it will be something you enjoy doing" -
Audra Gehrke
1. Tell us about your life before
the computer stormed into it?
I recently moved to the country before getting my first computer.
Before that, I was doing telemarketing. I sold vacations over the
phone and loved it. I'm also a stay at home mom and housewife, but my
life is dedicated to helping other's no matter what it is.
2. And how did the date with your
computer come about?
From the time I was 23, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I just
had my daughter and I wanted to be there for her. I also have a son
who started school so I wanted to be home when he got home. I used
some of my hubby's income tax to buy my first computer. It wasn't
new, but it did what I needed it to do to learn about business.
3. What led to the launch of 'E-Commerce Resources' website and
Ezine?
I was one who wrote down my links to Everything I joined. I ended
up with papers all over my desk with hundreds of links. That was
before I discovered bookmarks. lol As I was searching for something I
could do from my home, that's when it hit me that the things I was
finding, other people could probably use them too. That's how
Ecommerce Resources Ezine came about.
Ecommerce Resources came to life because I joined a few membership
sites that ended up being nothing but a waste of my money. So I
started a membership site of my own but loaded with resources etc..
4. Is there a vast difference
between Marketing Online and Offline?
I've only marketed offline a few times but I can say this:
Marketing online does have it's advantages because we can target our
market better. Whether it's for a business opportunity or a software
product, the targeting is there for us. If you buy an ad in a
magazine, it goes in with all of the other ads through the magazine
under No specific category.
5. What were your experiences as a
WOMAN in the Marketing field?
I've had only good experiences really. Everything I've done has
taught me to do it better. I try new things and change things if
needed but all in all, it's been a Great experience for me.
6. When it comes to Online
Marketing, you are one of those who have 'been there,
done that'. What advice would you give to our members for marketing
online?
Don't Ever give up. If something isn't working then make changes
or try something else. I see so many people quit when they Could have
made it, if they would have just made some changes. Don't be afraid
to try new ways of advertising. Just like in the Real world,
everything changes so you can't be afraid to make changes. Target
your market, test your ads and track your results for All of your
marketing.
7. You have lately started classes
for Ezine publishing. Please tell us more about it.
Oh, this is something that I have come to Love to teach others.
I've helped many people start their own ezines, but now I have
classes for it which makes it go much more smoothly. It's a 4 week
class where I send my student a lesson a day Monday-Friday. They fill
it out and return it to me with any questions they have. I then
answer their questions and offer them the same resources I use for my
ezine if they need some. They receive free subscribers after
graduating and they can still ask me their questions whenever they
have any. Classes begin on the 15th of every month and Everyone is
welcome to join.
8. We would also like to know more
about your E-Books.
Last year I wrote my first ebook, "The Complete E-Business
Resource Guide". I tried to go with one topic, but for this
first one, it covers everything from why a program isn't working for
you, to where to buy the cheapest domain names, to where to find the
best freeware. It has to do with online business, but I included a
lot of resources to go with it. I tried to cover all of the basics,
especially for the newbies.
9. Who are/were the people who
are/were instrumental in your success?
My husband Nick has been my biggest supporter from the beginning.
If I had to list a list of people, it would be longer then this
interview.:) The top people who really were instrumental to me is
Marion Stearns the Admistress, Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey and my
kids.
10. What is the real 'Audra' like
when she is not a 'business woman' and is with her family?
I'm the same whether doing business or with my family. I have a
very outgoing personality and I love meeting new people. I also have
a sense of humor that sometimes drives my family up the wall. lol I'm
just a down home gal who loves life more then life itself, and I try
to enjoy each day and live to the fullest.
11. May we have Audra's final word
on 'Women' and 'Business'?
Anyone can start a business, but it's those of us who have the
drive and determination to make it successful who stick it out. Find
out what it is you really enjoy doing then build your business around
that. When you love what you're doing, then it won't be work because
it will be something you enjoy doing. And that's what will make you
successful, but only if you have the drive to stick it out and Make
it work for you.
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