Okay, folks, I’ve already shared my opinions with you about how information overload can be one of the biggest obstacles facing an online marketer, small business owner or entrepreneur. And if you missed it, check it out: I argue that devoting too much of your time to the “research” stage can actually prevent you from ever grabbing the proverbial bull by the horns and starting your online business.
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So in this blog post, I want to share with you my thoughts about that moment where you stop researching…and start doing.
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There’s a fantastic school of thought called “Ready, Fire, Aim” (a brilliant book by Michael Masterson – Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million In No Time Flat).
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In this marketing philosophy, it’s argued that online marketers who take action first and ask questions later are often the most successful ones out there today.
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I know this might go against the grain. After all, in today’s society, preparation and research are emphasized before making any big decision (and let’s face it – starting an online marketing business is a massive decision!). But the point here is that no online marketer will ever hit the ground running, no matter how many ebooks, webinars, and seminars they’ve attended. Even the very best online marketers in the business have struggled with the learning curve that’s so common in the start-up stage.
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So instead of worrying that you don’t know enough about starting an online business, take a deep breath and actually do it.
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In fact, if you haven’t actually started your online business yet, I want you to do one (or all three!) of the following steps:
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Register a domain name-
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Sign up for a blog on WordPress.org and write an entry post-
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Write the beginning paragraph of your ebook, report or the opening headline of your product’s sales letter
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If you do any one of these steps, you’ll notice something incredible – you’ll actually want to keep working. In fact, studies have shown that if we spend at least ten minutes on a task we really don’t like, we’re bound to continue with the task long after the ten minutes, as we’re already in the thick of the work.
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Don’t think about it – just do it. I promise the exhilarated feeling you’ll get when you finally take action will propel you well after the initial start-up stage.
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So before you go get ‘em …. Leave your thoughts below on how you are taking action!
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Wishing you and your business Much Success!
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Great discussion to consider. We must think twice before taking some serious actions for ourselves and to others. Perhaps there is a right time and mood to do so.
Mika Castro recently posted..שיווק סלולרי
Thank you Mika. The best time is right now, as I always say. When you think about, why not right now? But of course I see your view of making sure it is the right moment and to be sure we have the proper attitude before making that move. Good call Mika!
Lynn Brown recently posted..How to Deal with Facebooks Many Changes
I have a philosophy, Lynn, that’s pretty much aligned with yours.
I tell people …
By all means, “Jump in with both feet” BUT “Don’t dive off the deep end.” LOL!
I like to suggest people stay in the shallow waters for a while so they can “test” the waters. For example, sometimes people are overly zealous and want to quit their day job the instant they come up with an idea for an online business (I consider that move diving off the deep end). Not exactly the right kind of action to take.
Taking not only “action”, but the right action will make all the difference in the world to help you move your business forward.
Continuing down the long-winding path of research is something both procrastinators and perfectionists choose to do. That’s they’re comfort zone!
However, as you indicated in your post …
Reading, studying, and researching (instead of taking action) will only leave your feet planted in cement.
Melanie Kissell recently posted..Put the Right Lure In Front of the Right Fish
Great advice Melanie. You are 100% right about taking the ‘right’ action. It certainly is important to keep that day job if you are just starting a new business. I know that is exactly what I did and it was very, very tough. Working really hard and putting tons of hours so I could make the transition.
And as you say, if you are going to just go on and on with research — it generally is a form of fear which is a great option for those to procrastinate.
Thank you so much for stopping in today and adding your awesome analogy. This is the kind of information that is very helpful. I also noticed the title of your current post ….. looks like it goes hand in hand with this topic!
I am a big fan of diving into the deep end, Melanie. (As you would imagine!) I have to admit it does get me in trouble sometimes, but it does force me to swim…
However, I do recommend having a life jacket around just in case. I definitely do not recommend quitting your job as soon as you have your website up. Burning bridges is never a smart thing to do!
Great post, Lynn and I love the idea. One of my favorite ways to take action is to set a deadline and announce it publicly. There is no better motivation than that!
Daphne Bousquet recently posted..3 Ways To Market an Event
I agree with you on that Daphne! Thank you for adding your awesome advice. Deadlines really can get that fire under your butt and get you to accomplish those goals! Good stuff
Lynn Brown recently posted..Taking Action Why You Need to Take the Plunge NOW
I love this topic! All of us know at least one person who doesn’t know when to stop researching and take action. Sometimes I think it’s just an excuse to avoid failure. The person knows what to do, has all of the info he or she needs to get started, but then gets paralyzed with fear.
Lisa Kanarek recently posted..Could You and Your Spouse Share a Home Office?
Paralyzed with fear is certainly something I encountered when I first started out with my first online business in 1995. It wasn’t until I went through my first coaching program was it a realization that I was actually frozen with fear of success. So I can relate to your comments Lisa. And I also know many people that have fallen into this ‘trap’…. but I do know, it is definitely something that can be overcome as long as you have that desire, devotion and dedication.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts Lisa!
Taking the plunge it is!
My friend is a fashion designer and she just took her work online; I actually forced her into doing it and she loved it. It’s been 3 months and she recently did the first two wedding designing of her career. She loved it! I will make her read this now; she took the plunge and it worked wonderfully well for her!
Hajra recently posted..Will they call you over for a Bloggers Party?
Bravo Hajra, your mentoring sounds like it was an important factor for your friend. So good to hear she ‘took the plunge’ as I am sure she will continue to learn, grow and find her success. Appreciate you sharing that as it is good positive feedback to share with those that might be still on the fence!
Hi Lynn
Great post, I’m new here and I’m looking forward to reading information overload.
It’s so true, we do all get so paralyzed by the research side of things.
It definitely takes making that first step so important, and the best part is that we never stop learning, we just have to learn faster as we action things. And you do learn so much more once you actually start doing the work.
Thanks
Rene’
Rene recently posted..home
Welcome Rene glad you stopped by! Appreciate you sharing your comments and good advice on this topic. Glad to hear your positive input to just get out there and do it, as you can learn so much for doing so. Hope you will visit again real soon!
Oh Lynn, I so want to plug my new book as part of this because the biggest challenge for people is not knowing what to do next and that can be an absolute hold up and sticking place
Roberta Budvietas recently posted..A Professional Attitude counts more than the Position
Plug away Roberta! You are more than welcome to do so. Your input is such a huge statement and has meaning of why people get frustrated and quit. I know you help so many to work on getting ‘unstuck’ and that is why a mentor or coach is always something to consider when starting or growing your business.
Thanks Roberta!
Having been an entrepreneur for almost 4 decades now (with some failure- but thankfully so many more successes)- I have seen the flush of excitement as folks adopted the ready, fire, aim philosophy that became prevalent in the 80′s as a response to the big corporation’s plodding their way though change. And, became dismayed as many folks focused on the top number and not the bottom line.
Thanks for bringing folks back to ground- so they, too, can soar to the highest heights.
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A. recently posted..Silence is golden? Not when it comes to creativity!
Oh yes Roy, I really like your analogy! Too many people DO focus on that top number rather than the very important bottom line. I appreciate you mentioning that Roy as that will be a huge help for others and something to take into consideration when starting or even growing that business.
Four decades, really? You don’t look that old Roy!! lol Appreciate you sharing your comments and awesome advice!
There is no perfect time or enough information is there? Let’s face it sometimes we have to DO something in order to get to the next level of understanding. A scary thought but exciting all the same.
All three huh? It doesn’t hurt that I already did the first one yesterday and you know what …you are soooo right that I just wanted to keep on that one task. I had some other things to work on that day too and it was hard to pull myself away.
I love when there is such a clear (and helpful) call to action Lynn. Well done!
Bonnie recently posted..If you’re gonna talk it…you better walk it
You said it best Bonnie … there IS no perfect time. So the time is now and make the best of it right? Thanks Bonnie for your supportive words and I am glad that these tips are helpful.
HI Lynn,
This is a perfect follow up to your “Information Overload” article which everyone should read!
I love your comment in that article about the “false sense of accomplishment” we all feel by studying, learning, attending webinars etc. I have definitely been guilty of this in the past myself.
I see this same problem with our team in my primary company. So often people will spend all their time learning every detail about the comp plan, the products or just trying to market it online, that they forget about IPA. (income producing activities) . Building relationships and talking with people everyday about the opportunity.
Thanks for the reminder in these two great articles!
Richard Petrillo recently posted..How To Build Backlinks To Your Site Everyday – Free Backlink Tool!
You are welcome Richard I am glad that you stopped by today and shared your awesome comments and advice.
Income Producing Activities – IPA — I think that is a statement we should say all the time to keep us reminded why we are in business! Income for the profit, producing for the products and activities to take action.
Thanks again Richard to offering your input on this as I think it will be beneficial for others as well.
Lynn, love this post! Too many people wait for just the right moment, just the right product or just the right okay from someone else. It’s like that Nike slogan JUST DO IT!
Lisa recently posted..Does Your Blog Take A Break?
It can be almost paralyzing when you think you haven’t learned enough or don’t think you have that perfect product…. I agree with you Lisa it gets right down to just doing it. Appreciate your input on this!! Thanks so much for stopping by today.