Don't put your eggs in one place vs focus

Personally I like to try a few different things, fine tune it, and then focus. For example,

On my websites and offers, I'll try a few different marketing methods, use analytics, and once I find works the best for that particular offer I'll focus on that method and ditch the rest.

I'm applying the same to my IM business at a much slower rate. I do consulting and freelance- both from outsourcing sites as well as two of my own portfolio sites. I have products that I sell. I have people that I'm working with. And I have big plans.

I'm making enough money but still trying to find that sweet spot where I can apply 100% of my focus.

Once that happens, you're absolutely right. It would be silly to only have one income stream, especially online. We all know how quickly things can change.

That's where outsourcing comes in. Expand your business and have someone else implement your ideas while you collect the profits. You don't have to master that area yourself, you just need some money to invest. That way you'll have more income streams while still focusing on what you know.

Hope my thoughts on this make sense!

I think when people say "don't put all your eggs in one basket" they are simply saying have some contingencies in place.

What can go wrong, will go wrong. It's not a matter of "IF" its a matter of "WHEN"!

Having contingencies allows you to work through these rough patches when things are necessarily going the way you want them to. Many companies go through growing pains because they never anticipated such a large demand for their product. Doesn't mean everybody goes through this, but many small companies struggle to meet demand when their product really gets big.

Failing to plan means you are planning to fail. It's cliche as all hell, but there is really no other way to look at it. By making contingencies you can be better prepared for the worst.

Where are you going to get traffic if your Google ranking drops? Where are you going to get content if your reliable writer is out for weeks on end with an emergency? Who is going to run your company when a dump truck backs up into your car and send you to the hospital and rehabilitation centers for months?

What is your plan of action if your website gets shut down because your link gets shared on digg and you get thousands upon thousands of visits in a short amount of time?

I think that's what people mean when the say don't put all your eggs in basket.

I agree - if you put everything and focus on one project, you will make more money than if you were to try to do everything all at once. There's no benefit to doing everything at once as you will not get anything done but try to get everything done.