Is lot of information good for you or is it bad

39 replies
Hi All

I am looking for advise on how much information should you gather. I started my internet business early last year. I have subscribed to lots of gurus. I just want to know if it is good idea to get lots of information from different people.
#bad #good #information #lot
  • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
    I think when you are first starting out it's a great idea to gather a lot of info from a lot of different sources. It gives you the basics of how to get started and gives you inspiration and the belief that it's possible to do whatever it is that you want to do. However, once you know the basics you need to just take action. When you run into difficulties along the way you can always do more research and find the answers you need. But if you're doing research just to do research, it's a waste of time. You would basically be postponing your success. That's how I see it. Imperfect action is always better than no action.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8913964].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Shaf5280
    Gather enough information to get started and then learn along the way. Focus on the fundamental basics and build from there. I am an information gatherer and it is fun to learn and read all the great ideas but without setting time aside for action all that information is useless to me.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8914105].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author montozza
    It is invetiable step when you start with Internet Marketing - subscribing to a lot of email lists, buying a lot of ebooks...then you get overwhelmed, but that is something "been there done that" for 99% of experienced marketers.
    Start "filtering". There is a lot of rehashed BS in those email offers and free ebooks. By the time, you will see who deliver fresh information based on experience and who is just buying PLR and sending through his/her email list to you.

    My advice:

    Focus on
    1 strategy (clickbanks, cpa seo services, etc)
    1 method (youtube seo, craigslist, media buying, adwords...)

    and keep onto that at least 3-4 weekes until you see real results..because you won't make money on your first week. even if you do that, that can be just a beginner's luck...so test it a little bit more, 3-4 weeks to see

    test-test-test
    analyze-analyze-analyze
    rinse and repeat
    Signature

    “You can automate everything except content and relationships.”

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8914145].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author duplication
    The more information the better. Learning something never hurt anyone.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8914406].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Statcode
    Knowledge is NOT power - implementation of that knowledge is!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8914646].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author robitay
    I think it is better to be selective about the information you receive otherwise information overload sets in and that is not productive.

    As time goes on you will know what sources to use and which sources to filter out.

    But as the other members have already stated at some point you need to take action.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8914770].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Solarstone
      Whilst having too much information can end up being bad i.e. causing you to over-think, blurring out the basics etc. I don't feel like the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, at all. 98% of the time the more you know, the better.
      Signature

      Motivation, Self-Improvement and Travel Blogs: http://yolodiary.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8915050].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Mary Greene
        Information needs to match our level of understanding and provide a big picture first.

        Research should also be balanced by related information we know about ourselves.

        If we're collecting detailed information with no framework and no personal context, it's hard to take or even know our next step.

        Cheers,
        Mary Greene
        Signature

        Cheers,
        Mary Greene

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8920555].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sagittarius
    You can gather several information you want, but you need to make sure that they're all aligned with your goals. Thus, before you start to gather information, make sure that you set your goals first to avoid being lost in the sea of distraction which may disable you from starting. Don't hoard information, use only what you need.

    Never gather information "in case of emergency", gather only the info that you need right now. Also, one thing I've learned from the book "The First 20 Days" is that you can learn anything fast if you take away all the things that you don't need right now and leave yourself with only the essentials.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9229879].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnRyserson
    Banned
    I once read that you should use a 3 to 1 ratio of action to learning in order to be successful.

    So if you spend an hour learning something for your business spend the next 3 hours taking action on it.

    Don't spend all your time just learning new things, you'll never make money that way.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9230025].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fallison
    Information is a great thing but action is what accomplishes anything of value.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9230203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cshilling22
    Information overload can be a problem if you are not strategically focused and taking action. Some people study and research but never implement. There is a definite balance. Don't use acquiring new information as a way to delay taking action. Things will never be perfect and you will never know it all; however, with a little focused knowledge and effort to put it into action you can do better than all of the people who know a lot more then you but never start.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9230538].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author InfoBuzz13
    Hi Thank very much for all the advise, I have learned quite few things from all this wonderful advise. The biggest lesson I have learn is that I keep on getting information and when it comes to apply I don't fully do it.

    Thanks again I look forward to more messages.
    Signature

    Hi, My name is Rita and I am Entrepreneur. My niche is health & fitness. Check my blog out.Health is Wealth - http://www.infotemplegoodhealth.blogspot.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9234897].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Getting the info is OK but if you are not doing anything with it, you are not moving forward.

    You also have to put things into motion and see what works best for you and what doesn't. What ever is working for you, do more of it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235151].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SunnyDelight
    Information Overload is NO GOOD for you. No Bueno my friend. It will keep you bogged down.

    Take a course or piece of training you already have and take massive action from there. You most likely already have all the information you need.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235355].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dain Supero
    Knowing what not to know is often more important than knowing what to know.

    Knowledge alone is not enough. It must be accurate knowledge.
    Signature

    Visit http://www.bettermindbodyself.com for proven advice and techniques to elevate your mind, body, and self-image.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9235522].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery Moss
    Wanting to do something and actually doing it are two different things and sometimes the easiest or safest path is simply to procrastinate endlessly while 'learning' how to do the things you know you should be doing. At some point, (maybe even now), you need to set your feet on a path (any path so long as you are going in a direction) and start taking steps in a direction. This one simple idea will take you further than all the guru books out there.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236887].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheFranchiseMarketer
    Banned
    Hey InfoBuzz13, in my opinion I would say absolutely! The only downside to having so much information at any given time will cause information overload. The biggest mistake that some people make is that they don't write the information that they receive inside of a journal or notepad. Tons of information is great because you will be able to ex out what methods or ideas a useless and add a check mark beside the one that are effective! Just make sure you remember this advise in order to save yourself the headache of information overload.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9236904].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author C G
    When first starting out you should learn and gather stuff for 80% of the time and take action 20%.

    Then after 1 month, you should decide on a strategy and take action 80% of your time.

    Cheers,

    C.G.
    Signature
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237226].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aresdiva
    I'm grateful to have taken in a lot of information when I first discovered IM. It was like a buffet: it gave me the chance to figure out what appeals to me in terms of niches, business models, marketing methods and such. But there comes a time where you have to put on the breaks and just start doing. That time's going to be different for everyone, though.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9237527].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SuperKC
    Ive never read a single ebook, watched any marketing videos, or engaged in any self help at all -- and I am the most successful person I know by all measures.. wealth, time, energy, knowledge.. I don't think you need any of that stuff. Just lots of energy and effort
    Signature

    If you like my posts please leave a thanks and message me if you wish for me to follow up with your thread. I enjoy engaging with entrepreneurs and ALWAYS willing to take the time to offer solid answers that you can take to the bank. Internet marketing has made me rich over the last +20 years and this is how I give back to the community for all of those evil popunders I used to sling in the 90s.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9238081].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author InfoBuzz13
    Hi All, Thanks for all the advise. This information has started to help me, I have started to write down all the information I have gather till now. The next thing I am planning to do is decide which path I want to take and then use the information I have on that issues.

    I look forward to more advise. Just one important thing I need to know is can you be successful without having a mentor, as I have read quite few times that to succeed you must have a good mentor.
    Signature

    Hi, My name is Rita and I am Entrepreneur. My niche is health & fitness. Check my blog out.Health is Wealth - http://www.infotemplegoodhealth.blogspot.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9239375].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thet
    There are many learning tools. There are many sources.
    I try to become a little bit smarter each day, thats advice I indirectly got from Charlie Munger, one of the smartest and riches people alive.

    I am not sure if I believe in the whole "information overload" thinking. It's probably not so valueable to learn a lot about rocket science when you are into marketing. However, how much can you learn indepth about psychology that will have impact on your career and life?

    Most you can view as little seeds. Reading once about cognitive disonance probably will not have a major effect. But reading it in a couple of books and then seeing how it applies to your own life. Thats powerful.

    You can't look for answers from the inside if you have not downloaded it into your brain yet. You need to look for answers to your questions in books, videos, mentors etc.
    Signature

    Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
    — Charlie Munger

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9367414].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Trey Morgan
    However much time you spend learning, spend double that time taking action and you will be able to make gradual progress, instead of having a ton of knowledge and nothing to show for it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9367434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author InfoBuzz13
    Hi all, Thanks so much for all your good advise. I feel it is good to have lots of information, but taking action is the key to your success. Thanks.
    Signature

    Hi, My name is Rita and I am Entrepreneur. My niche is health & fitness. Check my blog out.Health is Wealth - http://www.infotemplegoodhealth.blogspot.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369107].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Munyez33
      Despite the popular belief, I don't think a lot of information is good, especially for beginners. Being overwhelmed sucks, been there done that. I am stuck with my website and don't know in what direction to move.

      On the other hand, if you are decisive enough, then I think it's you will alright.

      Just like people said, try to filter and drop out the unnecessary BS.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369376].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thet
    I have put some more thought in this.

    So, I see a red line here that goes as followed: Well, you need to action. So, get some information to get you started and then.. go into action mode, and pick up a book once in a while.

    So, the real question we should ask is: What does somebody mean with lots of information?

    Do I believe it's a good idea to read everything there is about nutrition and bodybuilding before hitting the gym? No. Do I believe it's a good idea to read everything there is about business without doing nothing to start your career? No.

    But you can always be learning. You can read about Stoicism, or you can learn more about Money. Not just how to get rich, but what money really is. You can learn about how to optimize your learning experience, and you can learn more about your brain.

    Is that bad? I don't know. I believe it's a good thing to be eager to learn more each day. Perhaps become more of a generalist so you can take ideas from one area to the next?
    Signature

    Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
    — Charlie Munger

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369530].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Musti
    Just concentrate on 1 product. If you can make it work you can try new things out. Otherwise you will be cofused where to start with all kind of informations.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369746].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author thet
      Originally Posted by Musti View Post

      Just concentrate on 1 product. If you can make it work you can try new things out. Otherwise you will be cofused where to start with all kind of informations.
      What do you mean with one product?
      Signature

      Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
      — Charlie Munger

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369753].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Musti
        Originally Posted by thet View Post

        What do you mean with one product?
        I meant 1 techniek/ category? Cant explain well in English
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369813].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author thet
          Originally Posted by Musti View Post

          I meant 1 techniek/ category? Cant explain well in English
          Yes. One category is a smart idea. For example: The IT industry. And just nail it completely until you are the top expert.

          But I don't believe you should ever quit learning, never ever.
          Signature

          Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
          — Charlie Munger

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369855].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Arun Chandran
    I think this quote pretty much sums it up.


    "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

    Bruce Lee
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369804].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author thet
      Originally Posted by Arun Chandran View Post

      I think this quote pretty much sums it up.


      "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

      Bruce Lee
      Well, sure. Have you already read 10k books in your area of expertise?

      I have not.

      We live in a society that seems to hop around. In business, we get an idea to sell product X, then a year later, we do product Y.

      We want to lose weight, so we try method A (fitness), that doesn't work soon enough, so we go method W.

      I admire men like Warren Buffett who has been in investing since he was 7 (he read his first book on investing at the age of 7 and continued on his journey. He is 85 now, I believe).
      Signature

      Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
      — Charlie Munger

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9369820].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    bad bad bad, learn to relax
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9370425].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author objectiveman
    Reality exists. We exist. To survive and prosper we have to know the true nature of ourselves and reality. Because we do not have infinite intelligence and infinite information processing capability we have to rationally decide how to make use of our mental allotment. Information (facts) isn't good or bad it just is.

    The point is to first design the life one chooses to live and gain the information necessary to achieve such a life. The information should fit into one's rational long term self interest. Passively accepting random information without regard to a rational long term plan is essentially drifting through life without purpose.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9370583].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author InfoBuzz13
    I would like to thank all of you for useful advise. One thing is for sure you have to continue to learn all your life.
    Signature

    Hi, My name is Rita and I am Entrepreneur. My niche is health & fitness. Check my blog out.Health is Wealth - http://www.infotemplegoodhealth.blogspot.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9373900].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author matty123
    i believe that information is good as long as it does not conflict with your current knowledge too much. information overload and being overwhelmed are amongst two of the reasons why a lot of people fail to make much money online. a lot of it is about mindset, motivation, dedication and of course mentality
    Signature

    The Proven Secret Training & Business System That Pays You $1000, $3000 & $5000 Commissions Without You Ever Having To Pick Up A Phone cash-capital.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9374009].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author thet
      Originally Posted by matty123 View Post

      i believe that information is good as long as it does not conflict with your current knowledge too much. information overload and being overwhelmed are amongst two of the reasons why a lot of people fail to make much money online. a lot of it is about mindset, motivation, dedication and of course mentality
      Where do you base these conclusions on?

      I am very interested to see how you know that the reason people failt to make money is because they have an overload of information?

      It could easily be cause of a LACK of information.

      I mean, you can read 20 books about entrepreneurship and be all happy and motivated OR you can decide to primarly read about the industry you are in.

      Could it really hurt to know everything there is about Real Estate if you are in Real Estate? Or could it really hurt to know everything there is about SaaS if that is the industry you operate in?
      What about the personal trainer? Do you consider it bad for him/her to know everything there is to know about the human body, nutrition and exercise?

      Not attacking you here, although it might come across a bit like I am calling you out. But, like you can read above, I am open to both ideas.. Although I do lean towards not so much believing in information overload.

      I believe its more a form of.. not being consistent in the area you are growing your expertise.
      Signature

      Recognize reality even when you don't like it - especially when you don't like it.
      — Charlie Munger

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9374405].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author UnkwnUsr
    You don't need to know everything there are many different ways to earn money online if you don't choose "the best one" that is okay. As long as you understand what it will take to make money with whatever approach you decide on then you should do reasonably well. Keep in mind that you can learn as you go, testing and improving your strategies as you scale up.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9374837].message }}

Trending Topics