Interview with Internet Marketing Guru: Jomar Hilario (Part 2)

Alex:  So after Jars of Clay, what happened?

Jomar: So after that Bo liked what I accomplished so he asked me to promote for him again. This time it was Reuben Morgan.  Eventually I became Bo’s internet marketing consultant. I was responsible for planning and deciding what content would go in Bo’s online promotional materials. I did everything – except for actually doing it. Bo had other people for that. I created Bo’s online store, video podcast and kerygmafamily.com.

Alex: How long have you been internet marketing?

Jomar: Since January 2005. 

Alex: What was the first thing you did on the net?

Jomar: The first thing I downloaded was a Sailormoon calendar. 

Alex: A sailormoon calendar? Why?

Jomar: (laughs) I don't know. It was the first thing that entered my mind.

Alex: Was it your intention to do online marketing?

Jomar: At the back of my mind, I wanted to earn online. I tried to earn for several years through blogging through Adsense. I earned several cents.

Alex: When did you start giving live seminars?

Jomar: I’ve always enjoyed teaching and speaking in front of people. When I was still with the bank I used to make powerpoint presentations. I would conduct office seminars and create a powerpoint teaching people how to use powerpoint, excel and word. I was asst manager of IT then so I had to deal with programmers and analysts. As for the live seminars, it was actually Bo’s idea. I wanted to give seminars. And at the time I was promoting a lot of seminars like the Think Rich Pinoy seminar of Larry Gamboa. So Bo suggested that I conduct my own seminar. He gave me 2 months to prepare. He managed the event and the promotion. I just showed up and did it.

Alex: How did you feel about your first seminar?

Jomar: I was very excited. I had more than 50 participants. Each had his own computer. It lasted for 2 days.

Alex: How did it go?

Jomar: I had a hard time. I did a dry run where I practiced with other people. Unfortunately most of the participants weren’t able to understand me towards the end. The topics were blogging, autoresponders, Adsense and online promotion. I tried to make it as simple as I could but there where people who didn’t even know how to use a mouse. They’d slow everyone down. It became a lesson. On my next event I said, if you can’t prove you know how to use a computer, don’t attend.

Alex: I heard you speak during Trace Trajano’s, Think Rich Quick 2 Seminar last Oct 2009. And my first impression was that you have stage presence. You can really get the audience’s attention. Plus you’re funny. Have you always been able to talk like this? How did you come to be such a good communicator?

Jomar: I got used to talking in front of a lot of people early on. I’m naturally talkative. I don’t mean to be funny either. It just comes out.

Alex: Do you think good communication skills are important in putting up and running a business?

Jomar: Absolutely. If you know how to speak well people perceive you as trustworthy. They think you’re saying the right things, they think you’re honest. There are techniques to learn in dealing with people. One of the first books I’ve read on that was How To Meet Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie. For those who want to pursue a career in public speaking you should master the principles in this book.

Alex: Have you used the principles in the book?

Jomar: Of course. The principles are pretty basic but very effective. Smile, remember people’s names, make them talk about themselves…It was when I got to college when I started becoming very talkative. I was an active member of the church choir. I got my training in terms of dealing with people at church.

Alex: Well you certainly have come a long way. What do you think is the best way to improve one’s speaking skills?

Jomar: Practice. Give free seminars. If you are given the chance to speak in front, go and speak. Or make your own event. I did a seminar on how to invest in the stock market for free. I prepared everything. If you want to improve in public speaking, make your own powerpoint presentation regarding something you’re good at, dress up and present.

Alex: What is the best thing about running your own business?

Jomar: Your imagination is the only limit to your earning. You can create things. If you use your imagination enough you’ll be able to create new products and services….You can have fun. In the office there’s a format you have to follow or else your boss might get mad at you. But when you have your own business nobody can tell you what to do.

Alex: How many employees do you have?

Jomar: No employees, only 4 VA’s.

Alex: Why are you teaching people how to do online marketing?

Jomar: When I was still working at the bank my time for my family was very limited. And I couldn’t do the stuff I wanted to do because of work. I don’t want that to happen to other people as well. I want them to experience the same financial freedom I am enjoying right now.

Alex: If you could name the top 3 things you think are essential to succeed in business what would they be and why?

Jomar: First, learn how to sell. Selling is a personal skill that can only be learned by doing. Second, learn how to market. Third, know why you are doing what you are doing. Know why you’re in business in the first place. You need to be sure why you are in business so that you’ll succeed. If you’re not sure you won’t last 5 years in any business. 

Alex: What are you passionate about?

Jomar: Surfing the net for technology news.

Alex: What is one thing you’d do for free?

Jomar: Delivering presentations.

Alex: Did you have any fears when you started your online marketing ventures?

Jomar: I had a lot of fears, mostly about “financial security”. I was scared to resign because I was used to employment. I wasn’t prepared to get out of it.

Alex:  So when did you resign?

Jomar: I didn’t. I prayed and God fired me. I got retrenched. Ang galing ni God. It was a blessing in disguise.

Alex: When you got retrenched what was the first thing you did?

Jomar: I went to the mall. I went shopping. I didn’t even look back. Most of my co-workers were afraid and angry. But I didn’t have the same problems. I was ready. At the time I was earning online already through seminars, blogging and affiliate selling.

Alex: What is the most surprising experience you have had in your online marketing business?

Jomar: It was when I joined an affiliate contest. I didn’t really expect to win because there were a lot of really good internet marketers who joined. But I was able to join the top 10. I was the only Filipino there. I won an Ipad for that.

Alex: Do u know any other Pinoy internet marketers?

Jomar: Yes but not much. There are only a few of us because it takes a lot of time and motivation to learn. You have to show yourself to people so they’ll believe you. You have to dress the part and speak the part. I don’t know if you can find an internet marketer who doesn’t know how to speak. Speaking is part of the whole thing. Whatever you do, you will need to speak sometime.

Alex: Who or what inspires you and why? 

Jomar: Bo Sanchez. He’s very dynamic and creative. He can do a lot of things. He runs a lot of businesses plus ang payat pa niya. He takes care of his health. If you can attend the feast, he really knows how to put on a good show. But one of his greatest strengths is that he listens. And that’s why he’s very powerful. And of course,Tony Robins. I want to be as good a speaker as him someday.

Alex: Any last words to your students in online?

Jomar: For whoever is listening bumili ka nang mahal na notebook na walang laman. Then write down why you want to be successful. Fill up the entire notebook. Then move towards your dreams.

Alex: Thank you for your time Coach Jomar. I know that you have inspired a lot of Filipinos to follow in your footsteps and earn online. I guess the internet is good for more than just online gaming and Facebook after all.

PS

Do you want to work from home and earn more at the same time? Jomar Hilario can help you out. You can sign up for his online coaching program HERE