The inspiration for the following thoughts came from a blog post by Chris Guillebeau: “Why People Hate Marketers”. Go ahead and read it. If you never come back here for the rest of my post – you’ll have nonetheless gotten more than your “money’s worth” from Chris…

In a nut shell, Chris describes his reaction to an email with well-meant marketing advice. “John” suggested that Chris shouldn’t allow people to download his free e-manifesto, “279 Days To Overnight Success”, without collecting their email address first. “You’d be building an email list of followers who’ll eventually turn into customers, clients, etc.”, said John. But Chris knew that, of course.

What fascinates me about Chris is his purity of mind and purpose as witnessed in his response to the writer. It’s not about creating the image of a generous blogger and social media hot-shot…it’s about “living the giving”.

If we all are marketers, so is Chris. But Chris Guillebeau is a “naked” marketer!

By that I mean: He’s not trying to make money online – no ‘tit for tat’ e-mail freebies, no sneaky manipulation to sign-up-for or buy anything, no hidden agenda…only pure sharing for the sake of generosity. Period. And he creates online income…

How Can I Make Money Online Without Trying?

I have to admit – I’m trying. Hard. But I also watch Chris, and I try to learn something I seem to know deep in my heart, already: Giving is a self-fulfilling energy which attracts receiving, no matter what. It is a full-time activity without any further requirements. It’s like working for work’s sake – not for the salary. It’s a bit mystical for most of us – but it’s real.

Chris demonstrates this – he’s interesting, authentic, authoritative in his niche, remarkable, unique…all the good qualities we’re told are essential for a successful online business. Yet, he’s not scheming conversions, manipulating prospects, exploiting scarcity…other important skills to make money online. (Or so they tell us.)

Down the road, I’d like to be able to say – I made good money, but I made it organically. It came to me because I helped a lot of people with good service, whatever kind it might have been. I did not force my financial wealth by manipulating others – that wouldn’t feel good at all.

So, I’ll be watching Chris for further instructions.

Oh, and…thanks, man!