In 1969 Three Dog Night had a hit song written by Harry Nilsson, ONE.
It was the first song on their first album. Think about that because it’s important for today’s show.
We’re all chasing increased website traffic. We want a bigger audience. A larger market. More people.
Whether we’re writing a blog or selling a product, larger audiences trump smaller ones.
Just like more money is better than less money.
Being popular is better than being unknown.
An increase in audience brings with it a potential increase in sales, connections, joint venture opportunities, more dynamic relationships and a host of other benefits.
No, you’re not foolish to crave all these things…or to even chase them with all your might.
But, as the saying goes, “You gotta crawl before you can walk.”
I hope you’ll subscribe to the newsletter. Just enter your email address in that box in the upper right hand corner. I’ve got some special treats in store for you if you do!
• iVideoHero – it’s a perfect example of a gap in a market that is well served with this tutorial product
• 37 Signals – they’re another great example of a company whose products stem from solving problems they faced
• Evernote – a wonderful tool that many of us couldn’t live without, now that we’ve got it
• GoatMilkStuff – not mentioned, but another fine example of a small business that grew out of a frustration/desire. This is directly from their website: “PJ’s adventures into soapmaking originated five years ago out of her desire to not use chemicals on the children’s skin.”
• My resources page has links to a variety of useful items…from premium WordPress themes, to membership site plugins, to sources for pro audio gear. Many of these companies likely began because the owners were frustrated. Maybe they saw no solution. Maybe they didn’t see suitable solutions.
Surfing is like anything else. You’ve got to learn it.
Now, I’ve never taken a surfing class, but I’m sure one or more of these guys is thinking, “I don’t need this. I just wanna go surf.”
The world is full of people who know not that they know not.
They’re a sad lot, but they do provide some killer YouTube content.
But there’s another group. They know something. Many are even highly educated. They’re just inexperienced.
“I don’t need no stinkin’ experience.”
That’s the caption underneath their photo.
Recently I was indirectly involved in a sales situation. The business owner was lamenting how a novice salesperson was chasing a deal he felt was a long shot. Worse yet, the company had some resources tied up in chasing the deal. As I am wont to do, I shot my mouth off telling the business owner, “It’s like trying to be a vitamin when the client wants and needs and aspirin.”
We talked about how hard it can be to convince a prospect that they need whatever we’ve got. Again, I couldn’t resist mouthing off, “But, I’ve only got 40 years experience so I don’t likely know enough.” We chuckled and he replied, “Yeah, your 40 years has likely jaded your perspective.” More laughter.
The serious issue is that I know very clearly that there are many things I don’t yet know. I feel like I’m the guy Dirty Harry was talking to when he made this exhortation…
A man’s gotta know his limitations.
Many novices don’t yet know that. Their confidence – real or fake – gets in their way and works against them.
Many experienced people are just as guilty.
Today try looking for things you can learn. Don’t presuppose you know the right answer. Maybe you do, but it won’t hurt if you remain quiet for a few minutes. Don’t be so quick to think, “I don’t need to listen to this. I know exactly what ought to happen.”
You might save yourself embarrassment. You might learn something. Or, you might foster greater confidence from others.
We put it back there on that back burner. That’s where we put things to simmer.
Things can simmer without much attention because simmering takes time.
Once in awhile we peek in. Maybe we give it a gentle stir.
We’ve got other things on the front burner that demand our constant attention. They’re the major projects in our life. They’re burning hotter. Some of them are on a rolling boil.
That front burner item is eventually done. It’s ready to come off the cooktop all together. To make room for that back burner idea.
Ideas and projects have a lifespan. Cooking isn’t always the answer. When something is done, it’s done! Time to remove the heat and get on with the other elements of preparation.
Right now you’ve got something on the back burner that deserves to be moved to the front burner. It’s been back there simmering long enough. Bring the heat. Get it ready for the plate.
It’ll mean you’ve got to remove something, but that’s okay. You’ve got plenty of things that you’ve been thinking of getting off the stove. Get them off today.
It’s a birth and death cycle. Something comes off the front burner to make room for something deserving. Today’s the day to get that back burner idea out front where it can have a chance to fully develop.
Timing may be everything, but there’s no day like today!
