DO YOU SUFFER FROM "THE SHINY OBJECT SYNDROME"?
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Well Mark Tabot has generously decide to give away some of his DNF$ Dollars to someone with a valuable post. I like that idea, so I will delve into some of my latest experiences and write about an important lesson I just learned.
What I would like to talk about is something that many of us suffer from, especially me, and that is the âShiny Object Syndromeâ. As entrepreneurs we are often obsessed with shortcuts and tools that will make our life easier. Of course, who wouldnât want shortcut tools.
While many of you may not be big Internet Marketers, mainly professional domainers, honestly, any business owner needs to be aware of some key internet marketing concepts. It goes without saying that the internet isnât short of published internet marketing strategies and concepts. In my opinion, it is short of big picture or broad-based wisdom that helps you prevent overspending, waste, and over ambition.
Itâs the hardest thing in the world sometimes to say "NOâ. I am a perfect example. As an owner of over 300 domains, on a very tight budget, I bought and bought domains and marketing tools until the coffers were dry. ï Well guess what I was left with to operate my business a few months ago? Almost nothing. Those renewals came around, and it was PB&Jâs for a week. Lol. I bought new marketing tools like domain managers, blog automaters, and WP tools, as if they were going out of style.
If it were a closet, it would be full of clothes that I havenât worn, YET. I am not saying donât buy stuff; what I am saying is to regulate. I would say about 30 to 50% of the stuff was bought thinking I would use it âThis weekâ. Well guess what, I didnât. Itâs sitting on a shelf waiting to be used. Yes, I have used some, but for many it will be 3 to 12 months before its implemented.
And guess what happens in that time-frame? New stuff comes out that trumps the technology I bought. Software is built on software. So, resist the urge to buy it all, and just create a fast Bookmark, or better yet, tag the page (Diigo.com) as buy1, buy2, buy3 for priority sake. Come back when youâre ready to really FULLFILL a problem youâre having, and buy what you need. Marketing is a layered strategy. If it were 10 levels, donât buy tools more then 2 steps ahead, your wasting your money otherwise. Yes, some things are rock bottom prices when they first come out on the Marketing forums. Base your decision more on the reputation of the person, and not so much the product. Many developers are here today and gone tomorrow, because they didnât have enough sense to have a profit margin to support a long term customer support strategy and product updates.
Another word of warning for software, especially Internet Marketing types, Logins and Membership areas are the keys to utilizing it. Whatever you do, keep all receipts, and logins in one big spreadsheet right away after purchasing., because in 3 months when you go to use it, you will NEVER find that original email with the download link, login or membership page.
With all that said, âcarpe diemâ, my friend, but carpe diem with a regulation strategy in place. It could be the best money you every saved. You will need savings to market your domain or products down, so start socking it away. Best of luck in your endeavors.
Seanster
