Interview with AUDRA GEHRKE – Editor of ‘E-Commerce Resources Ezine’

Audra Gehrke is known to most netizens as the editor of (V-E-R-Y) popular ezine ‘E-Commerce Resources’. In fact, that is how I met her and it was not long after that we became very good friends and also got a chance to know her better while I designed the new layout for her website.

An editor, writer, publisher, net worker, webmaster, marketer and mentor, Audra has achieved in very little time what most of us dream of daily. But she is not satisfied by her success alone. She WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED AS WELL. And this thought strikes me daily as I scan E-Commerce Resources. Each word speaks her anxiousness to help you with your business in every way she can.

However, what you read below will open up the real Audra to you. A devoted wife, a loving mother, a strong woman and a dedicated business person- that’s AUDRA!

“When you love what you’re doing, then it won’t be work because it will be something you enjoy doing” – Audra Gehrke

1. Tell us about your life before the computer stormed into it?

I recently moved to the country before getting my first computer. Before that, I was doing telemarketing. I sold vacations over the phone and loved it. I’m also a stay at home mom and housewife, but my life is dedicated to helping other’s no matter what it is.

2. And how did the date with your computer come about?

From the time I was 23, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I just had my daughter and I wanted to be there for her. I also have a son who started school so I wanted to be home when he got home. I used some of my hubby’s income tax to buy my first computer. It wasn’t new, but it did what I needed it to do to learn about business.3. What led to the launch of ‘E-Commerce Resources’ website and Ezine?

I was one who wrote down my links to Everything I joined. I ended up with papers all over my desk with hundreds of links. That was before I discovered bookmarks. lol As I was searching for something I could do from my home, that’s when it hit me that the things I was finding, other people could probably use them too. That’s how Ecommerce Resources Ezine came about. Ecommerce Resources came to life because I joined a few membership sites that ended up being nothing but a waste of my money. So I started a membership site of my own but loaded with resources etc..

4. Is there a vast difference between Marketing Online and Offline?

I’ve only marketed offline a few times but I can say this: Marketing online does have it’s advantages because we can target our market better. Whether it’s for a business opportunity or a software product, the targeting is there for us. If you buy an ad in a magazine, it goes in with all of the other ads through the magazine under No specific category.

5. What were your experiences as a WOMAN in the Marketing field?

I’ve had only good experiences really. Everything I’ve done has taught me to do it better. I try new things and change things if needed but all in all, it’s been a Great experience for me.

6. When it comes to Online Marketing, you are one of those who have ‘been there, done that’. What advice would you give to our members for marketing online?

Don’t Ever give up. If something isn’t working then make changes or try something else. I see so many people quit when they Could have made it, if they would have just made some changes. Don’t be afraid to try new ways of advertising. Just like in the Real world, everything changes so you can’t be afraid to make changes. Target your market, test your ads and track your results for All of your marketing.

7. You have lately started classes for Ezine publishing. Please tell us more about it.

Oh, this is something that I have come to Love to teach others. I’ve helped many people start their own ezines, but now I have classes for it which makes it go much more smoothly. It’s a 4 week class where I send my student a lesson a day Monday-Friday. They fill it out and return it to me with any questions they have. I then answer their questions and offer them the same resources I use for my ezine if they need some. They receive free subscribers after graduating and they can still ask me their questions whenever they have any. Classes begin on the 15th of every month and Everyone is welcome to join.

8. We would also like to know more about your E-Books.

Last year I wrote my first ebook, “The Complete E-Business Resource Guide”. I tried to go with one topic, but for this first one, it covers everything from why a program isn’t working for you, to where to buy the cheapest domain names, to where to find the best freeware. It has to do with online business, but I included a lot of resources to go with it. I tried to cover all of the basics, especially for the newbies.

9. Who are/were the people who are/were instrumental in your success?

My husband Nick has been my biggest supporter from the beginning. If I had to list a list of people, it would be longer then this interview.:) The top people who really were instrumental to me is Marion Stearns the Admistress, Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey and my kids.

10. What is the real ‘Audra’ like when she is not a ‘business woman’ and is with her family?

I’m the same whether doing business or with my family. I have a very outgoing personality and I love meeting new people. I also have a sense of humor that sometimes drives my family up the wall. lol I’m just a down home gal who loves life more then life itself, and I try to enjoy each day and live to the fullest.

11. May we have Audra’s final word on ‘Women’ and ‘Business’?

Anyone can start a business, but it’s those of us who have the drive and determination to make it successful who stick it out. Find out what it is you really enjoy doing then build your business around that. When you love what you’re doing, then it won’t be work because it will be something you enjoy doing. And that’s what will make you successful, but only if you have the drive to stick it out and Make it work for you.