The "Pay It Forward" Mechanism

It is not often when you encounter those who genuinely put their foot forward to help others and connect like-minded professionals and generate discussion; however, it is extremely refreshing when this is the case.  Over the past few months as I have continued the search for the "appropriate next step", I have had the good fortune of attending several free webinars offered by HubSpot, a start-up in Cambridge, MA offering a suite of "inbound marketing" products to small businesses (www.hubspot.com).

According to HubSpot, their vision is "to provide a (killer) marketing application and provide great advice to small businesses enabling them to leverage these disruptive effects of the internet to 'get found' by more prospects shopping in their niche and convert a higher percentage of prospects into customers" (www.hubspot.com/internet-marketing-company).  As the internet continues to pervade daily life, it is important to maintain grasp on what are the channels and techniques useful to positioning and propelling the success of a product, service or business.  Additionally, in an individual's efforts to maintain an appropriate online identity and successful brand image, understanding these concepts is crucial.  

In addition to their weekly HubSpot TV series filmed live in their Cambridge home base, HubSpot has made available a series of webinars encompassing topics relevant to "inbound marketing" which culminate with a certification exam (with the support of several partners...http://www.inboundmarketing.com/university/partners).  These webinars not only promote discussion among marketing professionals and business owners, but also they allow for direct application to securing the foundation of one's personal online identity.  I have recently embarked upon my certification process with HubSpot's IMU (Inbound Marketing University) and am excited to pass along my excitement about this opportunity.  Throughout the presentations, twitter discussions, etc. they have shared their partnerships and created an environment within which others may forge new connections and generate further collaboration.  Hopefully, the outcome of HubSpot's efforts will set about a "Pay It Forward" mechanism where others will continue passing along this good nature. Thank you!

For more information on the IMU or becoming a Certified Inbound Marketing Professional, check out: http://www.inboundmarketing.com/university OR on Twitter @IMU