Aubrey's Corner

Are you a “newbie”?

You have probably seen or heard this term before and most likely understand what it means in a general

sense.  But have you ever really thought about it?  Is there a definitive time when you are no longer a “newbie”?  Why is it we use the term “experienced marketer” instead of “oldbie” when it comes to an association with the internet? 

The term “newbie” is by no means a new word.  I remember calling the new kid in school a “newbie” and this was way before the Commodore 64.  It has just taken on a slightly different meaning because of the World Wide Web. 

I don’t remember exactly why this word caught my attention but I saw it in an article one day and wondered about how it was used.  So I decided to do a little research.  Now I know some of you just had a thought and let me be the first one to say it out loud; “This guy needs to get a life!”  That may or may not be true but I am sure that at some point in your life, you have slipped into the world of curiosity. 

First, I looked it up in my college dictionary and it was nowhere to be found.  This could have been because my reference was years and years old so I went to the internet.  (I never realized there were so many different types of dictionaries available today.)  Here is what I found at dictionary.com:

new·bie

–noun  

a newcomer or novice, esp. an inexperienced user of the Internet or of computers in general.

 World English Dictionary

Slang Dictionary

Computing Dictionary

jargon
(Sometimes shorted to “noob”) Originally from British public-school and military slang variant of “new boy”, an inexperienced user.
This term surfaced in the newsgroup news:talk.bizarre but is now in wide use.

Criteria for being considered a newbie vary wildly; a person can be called a newbie in one group while remaining a respected regular in another. The label “newbie” is sometimes applied as a serious insult to a person who has been around for a long time but who carefully hides all evidence of having a clue.

We have all been a “newbie” at some point in time and I would submit that we are “newbies” every day we experience something new whether on the internet or in life.  Being a “newbie” should not be considered a negative thing but should be embraced.  In some cases it can be a little embarrassing, some cases downright scary and in other cases, something you can look back on with a good laugh.

Let me tell you of my initial exposure as a “newbie” to the world of network marketing when I was going after my very first prospect. 

I had just recently got involved with my first home-based business program.  The training I received from my upline taught me to be  on the lookout for prospects.  Well, I became an acquaintance of a salesman at the local mall after doing some business with him so I would stop by the store  to say Hi to this salesman every other day.  I was trying to build a rapport so it was easier to tell him about the business.   I had never talked to anyone about what I was doing and decided he was going to be my first client/member.  The time came for the sales pitch. 

I went to the mall when I knew he would be at work, walked past the store, walked past the store again, and proceeded to wander the mall for 45 minutes trying to get my courage up.  I was shaking!  I had never done this before and was so scared that I almost walked out the door twice!  When I finally mustered up enough nerve, I went in to see him.  He was with a customer so I waited until they were finished.  I don’t think I took a breath for 15 minutes while waiting.  When he was done, I walked up to him, said Hi, and gave him the best business promo of my life.  He told me he thought it was wonderful that I was involved with such a great company.  With those positive words, I just knew he was going to join.  He asked me a few questions and then it happened.  He told me he was already a member of the program.  I was relieved and disappointed all at the same time.

I learned some valuable lessons that day and want to pass them on to all the other “newbies” in network marketing.  One, I did not die.  Two, you can do anything if you put your mind to it.  Three, it doesn’t hurt to talk to someone about your business opportunity.  Four, I established a business contact.  And five, I had taken the first step to becoming an “oldbie”.

Everyone is a “noob” in the beginning.  But you don’t have to stay one.  How fast you move on is completely up to you.  If you want things to change, you have to take action.  More than likely someone has been there before you.  Seek out those that have the knowledge to help you progress to meet your desired state or goal.  Also, working with a group of like-minded people will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.

So are you a “newbie”?  Maybe.  But I would say not for long.

P. S.  By the way, if you don’t know what a Commodore 64 is…ask an “oldbie”…they probably remember.  (Smile)