16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Depth vs Width of knowledge - which wins?

by marktman571
13 replies
Hi warriors.

So, for quite a time now, I have been thinking about it. I am passing through that phase of my "learning curve" where I am trying to grasp everything I could in IM. Be it email marketing, social media marketing or even copywriting, I want to learn everything.

Will this improve my worth? I am doubtful.

I have seen Gurus recommending to focus more on the DEPTH of knowledge, but does the advice remains same when it comes to IM? You see, every component of IM is so strongly interconnected/integrated that it's difficult to focus on one thing.

For example, I may learn to master blogging. But I can't be a great blogger until I master email marketing too. And to master email marketing, I must know how to be a master at facebook ads (to capture leads). The cycle goes on and on..

So, what is the best approach here? Does going for DEPTH will eventually pay off? Or I should get a piece of everything to be successful in IM?
#depth #knowledge #width #wins
  • Profile picture of the author unlimitedoptions
    Hi Marktman:

    Most of the very successful internet marketers focus on one main area and sprinkle in other stuff.
    Example:
    Anik Sengal is a well know "GURU" for email marketing. Email marketing entails building an email list over time and then monetizing that list through affiliate offers and selling your own product.

    Pat Flynn with "Smart Passive Income" is a blogger, but he uses a similar approach. Most approaches involve an email list that you control. Beyond that you can do blogging, podcasting, product development and other things.

    It usually starts with building a list and promoting other peoples products (Affiliate Marketing).

    Good Luck,

    Dan
    Signature
    Exactly What I am Doing to Easily Build Consistent Recurring Income.
    WATCH FREE VIDEO HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919174].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marktman571
      Originally Posted by unlimitedoptions View Post

      Hi Marktman:

      Most of the very successful internet marketers focus on one main area and sprinkle in other stuff.
      Example:
      Anik Sengal is a well know "GURU" for email marketing. Email marketing entails building an email list over time and then monetizing that list through affiliate offers and selling your own product.

      Pat Flynn with "Smart Passive Income" is a blogger, but he uses a similar approach. Most approaches involve an email list that you control. Beyond that you can do blogging, podcasting, product development and other things.

      It usually starts with building a list and promoting other peoples products (Affiliate Marketing).

      Good Luck,

      Dan
      Hi, agree with you.
      I think, in IM, you need to understand how every component integrates with each other. You can get indepth knowledge of one or two components, but width is important to sustain the depth.
      Thanks for your advice!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919484].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author princetotem
    I would say it depends on what you want to do.
    If you'll be looking for a dedicated role in a company, most digital marketing roles are aced through width of knowledge. It doesn't mean that it is absolutely necessary to know about every little thing, but broad knowledge that you can delve into when you need to is very suitable for todays agencies. Even roles that could be considered leaning towards specialist knowledge in one area EG. social media strategiest, requires an overall knowledge of the part you play and how it aligns within the whole sales and marketing circle. The way things are moving I can only see DM roles becoming more and more of 'a little bit of everything', for example, you'll see many job listings for copywriters that involve SEO knowledge. The variables in this question really are many.

    If you're going to freelance your services, such as become a consultant in one specific area, you can go as in depth on one subject as you want.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919183].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fastlanesamurai
    Look, it all depends on your outcome. What are you trying to do? Are you trying to be a great product creator? If you are... what will you have to learn?

    Copywriting?

    E-mail Marketing?

    PPC?

    All of the above?

    You bet.

    But once you've established yourself as a product creator -- you can pivot into promoting affiliates in the same niche as yours. From here on, your FOCUS will be e-mail marketing.

    The path you choose will lead you on to different things. But you need to have all your basics in place first. Ultimately, what you're after determines your FOCUS.

    So, if you become the so-called "Guru" in your field. Your FOCUS will be seminars and speaking events. You see what I'm getting at here?

    Get down the basics first. Then, decide where you're headed. Blogger? Product Creator? Media Buyer? Guru? Now, determine what you need to FOCUS on.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919372].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marktman571
      Originally Posted by fastlanesamurai View Post

      Look, it all depends on your outcome. What are you trying to do? Are you trying to be a great product creator? If you are... what will you have to learn?

      Copywriting?

      E-mail Marketing?

      PPC?

      All of the above?

      You bet.

      But once you've established yourself as a product creator -- you can pivot into promoting affiliates in the same niche as yours. From here on, your FOCUS will be e-mail marketing.

      The path you choose will lead you on to different things. But you need to have all your basics in place first. Ultimately, what you're after determines your FOCUS.

      So, if you become the so-called "Guru" in your field. Your FOCUS will be seminars and speaking events. You see what I'm getting at here?

      Get down the basics first. Then, decide where you're headed. Blogger? Product Creator? Media Buyer? Guru? Now, determine what you need to FOCUS on.
      Brilliant response. So, you can decide your specialty once you have set off on the journey. The flow will make you decide what's working best for you..
      Maybe, I am still working at my basics at the present. Let's see how I specialize along the way..
      Nice ideas!
      Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919489].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author neshaword
    If you include depth and width terms then you have to spend some time trying to define who is who and what is what. Instead, I'm suggesting you a different approach. I strongly believe that specialization is the key. Focus on one are or skill and try to master it the best you can whatever that can be. I know that it sounds like a lovely thought to be an "uomo universale," but I'm quite doubtful where you are going to end up eventually. Those who claim to know and do everything and anything, well, you know yourself what's behind these self-promoting claims. At one point, I wanted to be a content writer, developer, consultant, paralegal, and I don't know what else. Eventually, I decided to try to be a good content writer, the best one I can possibly be. Make your choice and follow your inner-voice. Good luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919419].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marktman571
      Originally Posted by neshaword View Post

      If you include depth and width terms then you have to spend some time trying to define who is who and what is what. Instead, I'm suggesting you a different approach. I strongly believe that specialization is the key. Focus on one are or skill and try to master it the best you can whatever that can be. I know that it sounds like a lovely thought to be an "uomo universale," but I'm quite doubtful where you are going to end up eventually. Those who claim to know and do everything and anything, well, you know yourself what's behind these self-promoting claims. At one point, I wanted to be a content writer, developer, consultant, paralegal, and I don't know what else. Eventually, I decided to try to be a good content writer, the best one I can possibly be. Make your choice and follow your inner-voice. Good luck!
      Hi Nesha, great advice as always. Couldn't agree more.
      I have heard copywriters reading each book 10 times or more...and they keep on reading the same one again and again - each time learning something new. Eventually, it makes the specialist.
      Being a specialist increases your worth 10 times. You see, a specialist Doctor charges way more than a normal physician... That's why I am kind'a more bend towards achieving depth of knowledge and becoming specialist of a single narrow field.

      As they say "Jack of all trades, master of none." I don't want to be Jack.

      Thanks for your great insights!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WarWizard
    The real quote about Jack of All Trades, is as follows:
    “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

    Learn broad and test things out.
    If you're by nature a 'generalist', use that to your benefit.
    If you are by nature a 'specialist' then focus on one area and partner or outsource.

    Above all, learn the skill of copywriting as it is used in writing good content, creating good podcasts, writing sales pages and in doing webinars and person to person.

    These resources should start you on the path:

    https://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com...experience.htm
    https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/com...g-group.50217/
    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...rite-copy.html

    All the best.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919640].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ellen Chedid
    I thin that focus and going in depth in one thing will pay off. If you get a piece of everything, you will not grow and you will lose focus. I don't think getting a piece of everything is what will make you successful.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919686].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DavidKellog
    I don't think somebody could give you a clear answer here. My personal opinion is that both of them are important and a balance between them needs to be found.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10919694].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Djwillster123
    Start out with affiliate marketing then lead on to other things
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10922543].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TrickyDick
    Depth vs Width? Neither.............

    Ignore the "Gurus." All they want to do is make something very simple difficult.... and sell you more and more products.

    If I were starting out again, I would focus on learning Copywriting...

    Next, I would learn Product Creation; our own Mike McMillan has an awesome WSO here on WF.

    Finally, I would learn to Cold Call....

    These skills will take you anywhere you want to go.... anywhere.

    This will scare many people here to DEATH... Because they're looking for the "magic button" that will shoot money out of their computer without doing anything "uncomfortable" or "difficult" that feels like "work."

    Making money is going to require you to step out of your comfort zone and do work.... It is what it is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10922572].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author marktman571
      Originally Posted by TrickyDick View Post

      Depth vs Width? Neither.............

      Ignore the "Gurus." All they want to do is make something very simple difficult.... and sell you more and more products.

      If I were starting out again, I would focus on learning Copywriting...

      Next, I would learn Product Creation; our own Mike McMillan has an awesome WSO here on WF.

      Finally, I would learn to Cold Call....

      These skills will take you anywhere you want to go.... anywhere.

      This will scare many people to death here... Because they're looking for the "magic button" that will shoot money out of their computer without doing anything "uncomfortable" or "difficult" that feels like "work."

      Making money is going to require you to step out of your comfort zone and do work.... It is what it is.
      Hi the honest IMer,

      You really made that too honest. Much appreciated. I just read McMillan offer and bought it. I have been dribbling with copywriting quite a time now. Creating an offer is something I must work on now.

      Thanks for some great advises!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10923717].message }}

Trending Topics