How Dedicated Are You To Your Business...Really?

13 years ago

Good points, one and all...

I used to play chess, but I never took it too seriously...

My business on the other hand... I did not get to where I am today by taking things less seriously than I should have...

Some might say I was too committed to my business for years... And to a certain point, still...

Thanks

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Ryan David

13 years ago

I think, on the whole, I've been pretty serious. Now I have 3 young kids and my attention to the business has probably been less than ideal. I used to live, breathe my sites and making money online. Now, basically I try to do as little work as possible. Every once in awhile I get motivated and start cranking things out, but I find myself working very little these days compared to what I used to.

Thanks
1 reply

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tpw

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Ryan David

I think, on the whole, I've been pretty serious. Now I have 3 young kids and my attention to the business has probably been less than ideal. I used to live, breathe my sites and making money online. Now, basically I try to do as little work as possible. Every once in awhile I get motivated and start cranking things out, but I find myself working very little these days compared to what I used to.

It is hard to do with young uns at home...

My 3yo often thinks that he MUST ABSOLUTELY be in my lap at all times. :rolleyes:

Thanks
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Ryan David 13 years ago

Originally Posted by tpw

It is hard to do with young uns at home...

My 3yo often thinks that he MUST ABSOLUTELY be in my lap at all times. :rolleyes:

I agree. My 3-year old is very aware of where my wife and I are at all times. So if I'm in the office, I'll hear him say "Where's daddy", followed by footsteps approaching the door...followed by "Daddy, can we play the mickey mouse rocketship game?".

I have an ipad, but he has his own games on there so if he sees that he'll say "I want to play Timmy's Preschool".

I get a kick out of him, but it does delay work getting done. I guess I need to start staying up late, but I've been getting used to being in bed by 9:30!
- Thanks
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NicoleBeckett

13 years ago

Great points, Steven

I think the next time someone starts a thread like "How do I make money?", or "When will I be able to quit my job?", they should be directed right to your post.

A middle school teacher of mine always used to tell us, "the only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary." Thanks for driving that point home!

Thanks
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dfs_dean

13 years ago

Originally Posted by NicoleBeckett

Great points, Steven

I think the next time someone starts a thread like "How do I make money?", or "When will I be able to quit my job?", they should be directed right to your post.

A middle school teacher of mine always used to tell us, "the only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary." Thanks for driving that point home!

And the only job I know of where you can start out on top is digging a hole. IOW, be prepared to work a while (in all the areas previously mentioned) to build your business up to where you want it to be.

Thanks

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Dapper Fellow

13 years ago

Steve, you are right on the chili with your observations. I only started to make real money when I narrowed my focus to my business. When I needed to develop a narrative posture for my blogs posts, I made myself write at least three thousand words a day for six months. I practically lived at the end of my dining room table because that was the place with the least distractions.

About three months into the writing effort I though I would be mad if I continued writing over and over on the same topic. However, I didn't go mad (well, my partner might argue with that statement a little bit). Instead, I discovered myself in possession of a writing style and an organization approach to blogging that is serving me very well these days.

Thanks

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virtualprincipal

13 years ago

I finally figured out that it is relationships that matter, not making money. Working 12-15 hours a day is just silly. My advice is to enjoy your relationships now because things happen; someone dies, the kids grow up, friends move away etc. Focus on the important things before it is too late!

Thanks

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Nathan2525

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I put up a poll for this question so you can answer without anybody knowing
who you are. I am hoping that everybody will be honest with their responses,
not so much for the benefit of the community but for yourself. When you're
finished reading this thread, you'll understand where I'm coming from and why
I'm hoping you'll be honest with yourself when responding. It may just make all
the difference in the world to YOU.

About 16 years ago, I started playing a game called "Magic The Gathering." It's
a collectible card game. I enjoyed it, as I still do today, but never really took it
"seriously." Meaning, I played it casually for fun.

Well, I wasn't any good at it. Whenever I played, I lost.

Why?

Many reasons. And many of these will actually apply to running a business
as well.

1. I didn't take the time to really learn the ins and outs of the game.

2. I didn't spend the money I needed to spend on the really good cards that
would give me a better chance of winning.

3. I didn't study other players to learn their strategies and deck building
techniques.

4. I didn't practice playing enough to be able to get good at playing the
cards that I did have. Maybe had I done that, I would have at least done
a little better.

Well, just recently, I got tired of losing. So, I went ahead and did all the
things I just listed above. In fact, just today, I spent close to $700 at Ebay
on cards.

Over the past year or so, I've been averaging spending about $250 to $350
a month on cards.

Long story short, a few weeks ago, I came in first place at our Friday Night
Magic (FNM).

This weekend at the Innistrad Pre-release, I came in 1st Saturday and 4th
Sunday.

I've finished in the top 8 at least 10 times in the past year.

I'm no longer the laughing stock of the Magic community.

Why? Because I decided to become dedicated to the game that I've loved
for over 16 years.

Now take a look at your business and let's see how this all relates.

1. Have you taken the time to REALLY learn HOW to run a business including
all aspects of it? This includes everything from developing a business plan
and niche research to outsourcing and hiring staff, depending on how big
you want your business to be.

2. Have you spent the money you've really needed to spend in order to get
the return that you're looking for? This ranges from simple web hosting and
getting a domain to hiring a world class copywriter if you're trying to sell a
$9,997 home study course. It takes money to run a business...like it or not.

3. Are you studying what the other successful sites are doing? For example,
if a site in your niche is #1 ranked, have you made note of the layout, what
they're selling, how much content, etc.? You can't beat the best if you don't
at least have a clue what they're doing to get to where they are.

4. Are you constantly working at improving your skills, whatever they may
be? You don't become a top copywriter by reading a book. You don't become
a great article writer after writing 1 article. You don't master the art of
advertising by writing one ad.

In short, if you're not serious, don't expect to make serious money.

What you put into your business is what you'll get out of it.

Today, when I walk into a Friday Night Magic, the players take me seriously.

Do your prospective customers take YOU seriously?

I agree, if you are not 110% committed you probably won't be around next
year.

It's a shame because I hate all the "Earn $1043.45 per day" crap
and it sets 95% of people up for failure when it doesn't happen.

Treat it as a real business and real industry and COMMIT!

Thanks
1 reply

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Ryan David

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Nathan2525

I agree, if you are not 110% committed you probably won't be around next
year.

It's a shame because I hate all the "Earn $1043.45 per day" crap
and it sets 95% of people up for failure when it doesn't happen.

Treat it as a real business and real industry and COMMIT!

I agree in some ways, but I guess it depends on what the definition of "110% committed" is. If it's working more and thinking more about your business, I'd disagree. You can get by not doing much work if you're smarter and more strategic than your competitors. You have to start worrying when you get someone who is as smart/strategic and is willing to work harder.

Thanks

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MikeTucker

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim

I put up a poll for this question so you can answer without anybody knowing
who you are. I am hoping that everybody will be honest with their responses,
not so much for the benefit of the community but for yourself. When you're
finished reading this thread, you'll understand where I'm coming from and why
I'm hoping you'll be honest with yourself when responding. It may just make all
the difference in the world to YOU.

About 16 years ago, I started playing a game called "Magic The Gathering." It's
a collectible card game. I enjoyed it, as I still do today, but never really took it
"seriously." Meaning, I played it casually for fun.

Well, I wasn't any good at it. Whenever I played, I lost.

Why?

Many reasons. And many of these will actually apply to running a business
as well.

1. I didn't take the time to really learn the ins and outs of the game.

2. I didn't spend the money I needed to spend on the really good cards that
would give me a better chance of winning.

3. I didn't study other players to learn their strategies and deck building
techniques.

4. I didn't practice playing enough to be able to get good at playing the
cards that I did have. Maybe had I done that, I would have at least done
a little better.

Well, just recently, I got tired of losing. So, I went ahead and did all the
things I just listed above. In fact, just today, I spent close to $700 at Ebay
on cards.

Over the past year or so, I've been averaging spending about $250 to $350
a month on cards.

Long story short, a few weeks ago, I came in first place at our Friday Night
Magic (FNM).

This weekend at the Innistrad Pre-release, I came in 1st Saturday and 4th
Sunday.

I've finished in the top 8 at least 10 times in the past year.

I'm no longer the laughing stock of the Magic community.

Why? Because I decided to become dedicated to the game that I've loved
for over 16 years.

Now take a look at your business and let's see how this all relates.

1. Have you taken the time to REALLY learn HOW to run a business including
all aspects of it? This includes everything from developing a business plan
and niche research to outsourcing and hiring staff, depending on how big
you want your business to be.

2. Have you spent the money you've really needed to spend in order to get
the return that you're looking for? This ranges from simple web hosting and
getting a domain to hiring a world class copywriter if you're trying to sell a
$9,997 home study course. It takes money to run a business...like it or not.

3. Are you studying what the other successful sites are doing? For example,
if a site in your niche is #1 ranked, have you made note of the layout, what
they're selling, how much content, etc.? You can't beat the best if you don't
at least have a clue what they're doing to get to where they are.

4. Are you constantly working at improving your skills, whatever they may
be? You don't become a top copywriter by reading a book. You don't become
a great article writer after writing 1 article. You don't master the art of
advertising by writing one ad.

In short, if you're not serious, don't expect to make serious money.

What you put into your business is what you'll get out of it.

Today, when I walk into a Friday Night Magic, the players take me seriously.

Do your prospective customers take YOU seriously?

On the few days in which I went to my high school,
we had an on-going feud between the D&D players
and the Magic players.

We called you all "card-slappers" and you all called us
"dice chuckers"

I wasn't there, (I rarely went to school)
but I'm told the Magic players won the battle.

Our wizard summoned an Ochre Jelly, and the Magic players
used two cards of bread and some peanut butter.

If that doesn't hurt your brain and you are laughing,
congratulations, you are a nerd.

[ 1 ] Thanks

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funkynassau

13 years ago

I take it seriously but I could probably take it more seriously than I do. I know what I am doing and I am always looking for another way to promote our product, but I keep thinking there must be more I can do. If there is, I am not sure what it is. I understand our product and can often talk the reluctant ones into buying it, and I am happy with my ability to do that.

I think we are coming along well with our product and its' sales, I have the patience to stay the course, learn more, read what I can. I would like this biz to be a success by the time hubby is ready to retire, so we've got a few more years to improve on it.

Thanks

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36burrows

13 years ago

This is why once you get your business making some good money, you start outsourcing all the time consuming stuff.

Makes life a whole lot easier and your business is working when you're not.

Thanks

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Alex Kage

13 years ago

Yeah, speaking of outsourcing, I don't think you should outsource quite all the time consuming stuff. Some of it is time consuming for a reason and that is why the main man has to do it.

Thanks

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Andyhenry

13 years ago

Hey Steven,

Interesting post.

I have no idea what the magic card thingy you mentioned is - it was all jibberish to me but I get the lesson you're sharing.

To be perfectly honest I've never really been 100% committed to my IM business. I may have got up around 95% for a while but I've been much lower than that most of the time.

Even when I was making 6 figures and working full time from home on my own - I wasn't completely committed to it.

So I know you can do ok without full commitment but like you said - when you make a full on 100% commitment - it takes you to another level.

I've always enjoyed IM too much to take it too seriously. I'm happy to make great money doing what I love but I've never been happy to make great money doing what I don't love, so I've needed a model that isn't about the money.

I think I'm finally getting there and there are certainly plenty of opportunities around if you want to grab them.

Andy

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Cool Hand Luke

13 years ago

Great thread Steven!

Personally, I'm VERY dedicated in my business. Since May 2011 I've been making a full-time living online, and as such, it is a BIG priority for me.

In fact, while I'm a California resident, I took the time to set up a Nevada-based LLC for my online business (the 100% legal way), and now live in Las Vegas part-time.

Once I started making real money, I knew that I had to be dedicated and serious about my business, and the formation of my LLC and part time move to Las Vegas has been GREAT; not just in terms of having an organized structure around the money I make online, but in terms of my lifestyle and broadening my business horizons. I'm having tons of fun, making more money than ever, and I still have time to do what I want with the people I want.

It really is a great feeling to be in control of your own business and time, and be "the boss". As such, I stay very focused because it's worth it!

Thanks

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Rod Cortez

13 years ago

So I know you can do ok without full commitment but like you said - when you make a full on 100% commitment - it takes you to another level.

This ^^^^. I'd say my first year in IM I was about 50% (half-committed) to my business. It actually wasn't a business at that time, it was a hobby. In fact, it was worse than a hobby for the first 6 months because I never finished anything I started, always jumping from one thing to the next.

Once I hunkered down and realized that I needed to learn and master the basics first and committed to my business is when I started earning. Once I hit that 100% focus, where I watched ZERO television, put away the video games, nixed the unsupportive, nagging girlfriend (lol), and actually came up with a strategy is when my business hit the next level.

Eliminating distractions was a big paradigm shift for me. Today I'm still serious about my business, but now I'm at the point where I have a staff that does 90% of the work that I used to do. I do more managing, delegating, and brain storming these days, though I haven't completely let go of product creation since I really love that aspect of what I do.

RoD

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elitewms

13 years ago

you should schedule your internet marketing efforts and know that the only thing holding you back from success is yourself. Concentrate and focus and most importantly be optimistic and enjoy your work. dedicate yourself to your efforts daily and make sure to progress towards all of your goals no matter how big or small.

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bizlinkx

13 years ago

I think you made some great points. Ypu have to learn the ins ands outs of the business your in, you have to copy the examples of others and invest in your own success, but best of all you never gave up, you stuck in there and you mastered the game.

Although I find myself working 10 to 12 hour a day sometimes, my ultimate business strategy for this year is to get my actual working hours down to 4 hours a day. I mean, whats the use of having it all if you dont have time to enjoy it.
I have tried to get my workload down to 4 hours in the past but I always find myself slipping back into workmode.

Thanks

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Rukshan

13 years ago

Dedication for the current business is must. But most of newbies look at $x,xxx/day methods without having skills. What ever the skills which we have, focus it and test test test until we succeeded.

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KaterinaBeck

13 years ago

I spend at least 2 hours a day plus whole Saturday. when I have many orders I spend more than that.

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How Dedicated Are You To Your Business...Really?

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