Of all ways to do this, best way is to simply be a resource of expertise, amusement or information.

Why is this best? Simply put, it's this; you are building relationships.

If you become a bookmark, a first place to go to find out about this or that, people are more likely to buy from you on strength of that relationship.

If you "deliver goods" in one way, with a proven track record, well, they'll trust you with their money.

But if you try and "sell" them - you will be scrabbling for same 2 percent that every other online marketer is targeting.

The other day I was looking into steel buildings. I have a large property with decaying structures; I need options and information.

The first several sites were full of hype; first one popped consoles and required that I give them my name, address, email address and phone number so that "a consultant might contact me."

I was not looking to be "sold," I was looking to find out what would be good for me to buy.

So people that got my bookmark were those that told me all about steel buildings, what sorts of wind loads they can tolerate, how they can be assembled, what rough cost per square foot would be, and who provided a one-stop solution for every ancillary part I might need.

It wasn't a "sales brochure." It didn't try to "sell" me. It respected my choices while making it utterly simple for me to buy anything from a steel building to a screen door if I had a mind to. They were looking to establish a permanent relationship.

My wife sells Mary Kay cosmetics. The link goes to "her" website.

By itself, it's not a great sales tool, it's decidedly impersonal - but as a convenience for her clients, it's invaluable.

Most of her clients are her friends. That's whole Mary Kay business model and it works very well indeed.

You see, you don't lie to your friends, and you don't cheat them, so they come back - and they bring two of their friends. There's nothing magical about this secret to success. If you have something people want, and they like you, they will buy from you as part of their relationship with you.

Here's one of her best-selling products: Blemish Control Toner* Formula 3 (Acne Medication)

Why? Well, she has acne, and she's a slow healer. Suddenly, she's not covered in oozing spots covered in concealer, and she's willing to share that secret. There's no amount of hype that can equal such obvious results.

And yes, were I to hype it, it would be worth hyping. Whatever secret botanical formula or secret ingredient is in it to promote healing is very effective.

That's other half of secret to success. Never lend your good name to unworthy things. There are ten thousand products and services you could sell. Market something you'd buy yourself. Market something you honestly are unwilling to do without. Market something you are passionate about.

Life is just too short to spend 80 hours spinning gold from straw, folks, and it's also too short to fill it up with people who resent having done business with you once.

Profit is not measured just in dollars; it's measured in a network of relationships, by how much of a difference you made.

My personal inspiration is Dave Thomas, particularly now that he's dead.

You don't see pictures of Roy Kroc in a place of honor at McDonald's.

The difference is this: A good burger at a fair price, rather than an acceptable product with highest possible profit margin.

largess. Generosity. Open-handedness and passion. They make difference between road to "success" and a life that is successful. Which do you prefer?

Bob King is author, editor, artist, webmaster, poet and occasional photographer of the portal/blog Graphictruth.

When we asked her to elaborate, she stated simply that what was so remarkable about her experience at roundtable was that we were all praising her for WHO she was as a person, not just for what she’s accomplished. She wondered out loud if her friend’s parents would put emphasis on her friend’s achievements rather than for who she was as a person.

In that moment, my husband and I looked at each other and smiled. We realized as parents, we had done our job. She was able to distinguish this very profound awareness that, in my opinion, escapes most people. Who you ARE in life is equally as important as what you DO.

Who are YOU? Do you know? Do you value who you are as a person in world as much as you value your accomplishments?

Admittedly, we live in a culture where we are mostly defined by what we do rather than who we are. Both are important but I would presume that most of us are out of balance in doing department.

Here’s an invitation to ponder following questions and spend some time remembering or cultivating who you ARE.

1. When you think of yourself, what do you primarily identify with - your sense of being or what you do?

2. Can you identify your values? What’s most important to you beyond “shoulds” of life? Truth, integrity, beauty, love?

3. If you were to die tomorrow, what would people remember about you? How much money you made or what you stood for?

4. How well do you love yourself? What do you need to take care of so when you look at yourself in mirror you feel good about you (and I don’t just mean physically)?

I give thanks to my wise daughter for reminding me of this very powerful life distinction. What a gift it is to be a part of raising a human being who finds value and meaning in herself.

It’s YOUR life…imagine possibilities!