Focusing On the Next Thing Can Be Bad for Business
Some folks in the online marketing world are always focusing on the next thing, instead of focusing on what needs to be done now.
The antidote is to start ;
Marketing in the now.
It can be so easy to run ahead of our selves and to be continually focusing on the next thing, what's happening next, when we start doing this, things can start to fall to pieces and we can end up derailing ourselves.
I see so many folks chasing, their tails we are forever hearing about shiny object syndrome where folks are chasing that next product, in the hope that it will be the thing that sets their business and online journey on fire.
The same goes for the business of others, we can look at what others are achieving and then try to chase after that marketing model. We see success and want a piece of the action.
The trouble is that what others are doing may not suit us or our business model or style, we end up spending energy on things that don't work for us.
There is so much information out there, a lot of the information and data that we consume is all about moving us forward taking us to the next level and the reality is that a lot of the time we are a couple of steps behind, we still have to travel down the road to get to that point.
We end up going around in circles and then we start to look sideways, which leads to other issues.
The comparison trap
When folks start comparing it can be so easy to fall into the comparison trap. Once we are there it can be hard to find that focus that will help us to move forward, like running on a treadmill, it is running but not the same as running in the park.
When we look sideways, the thing is we can try to take on certain aspects and goals of what other marketers are doing.
That may not necessarily be what suits us or our style, one of the best ways to level up is to go and search in YouTube, for your niche or area of interest you will find heaps of videos, just watch a few and you may get what I am talking about.
What suits one marketer and their personality and style may not suit our personality and style, that can go for anything in the marketing field.
We have to do what works for us and we need to do what will help us accomplish the specific goals that we have set for ourselves, both in life and business.
What are we really working to achieve?
To break it down we want to create engaging content.
Engagement is what gives that life-sustaining oxygen for any business online or offline and it gives us purpose for that matter.
Engagement is the queen to content's king, if you get new folks, look after them and try not to continually chase after newer folks, new things or the next level.
Because focusing on the now and what you are doing in the present, funnily enough, will lead us onto the next thing and then the next level, that could be clocked up as a universal truth.
One of the things to observe in successful marketers is that they are further down the track for sure but they are doing the same as they did to get to where they are and that is consistently doing things one at a time just following the process yes maybe it has moved onto their process, looking on it is definitely one that works for them.
So the next time that we are running onto the next thing make sure we have worked in the now, to get to the next thing, work at developing your processes and the best way to do that is to market right here right now where you are.
Pretty cool aye.
Alex Evans
Recent Comments
30
Thanks for the advice, Alex.
All that you mentioned here are so true. Yes, I wasted half a year going the other direction.
Most recently, I came back to the original track. Have to work doubly hard to get back on track but I am happier.
Good day!
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
It can be so easy to get off track, you are very fortunate because you have realized and are now back on track and that can make a huge difference.
The thing is that most folks that do go crashing onto the next thing give up and abandon their journey. So now you owe it to yourself to do the best you can and to be the best version of yourself that you can be as well.
If you are happier that is a huge plus.
Best wishes.
I see that your profile image is a drawing, are you an artist it is very good.
Alex
It is a beautiful drawing. Unfortunately, I am not the artist... lol
It's a free app - Photofunia. Check it out! You may use it to create cool images for your blog.
You have a good day, Alex.
Thank you so much, Sharon, that looks to be a very helpful app, I am in the same boat as you not a good drawer at all, sometimes I think it would be really helpful.
I will have an excellent day
Alex
Great advice, Alex! The now is what matters. Tomorrow will come if we just keep focusing on right this minute.
Wise you are!
C & P
Hi Colette and Philip, hope your day goes well, the whole aspect of moving onto the next thing, is like our rush to get to tomorrow.
We miss what is happening today and what we are doing today sets things in motion for a good tomorrow.
I speak with a marketing friend, which gave me the idea for this post, everyone is in such a rush instead of doing the now jobs, we all want more what we should be doing is managing what we have got, the next thing will manage its self.
It is like that saying look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves.
Thank you for stopping by it is always good to see you, looking forward to reading some of your thoughts in a blog post here in WA if you have the time someday.
Alex
In full agreement. Maybe having a good, honest look at your goals and why you have them is worth considering. Are you looking term term without any pressure to get results or are you in it to make money as quickly as possible because of external influences. It is very easy to get side tracked by someone elses success and try to emulate it. Nicely put Alex.
Well said, Twack, the motivation, inspiration and vision can be what propels us forward.
There are as many reasons as there are marketers. The key is to find and create our own path.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, much appreciated.
Alex
It can be easy to get off track. Information overload. Inspiration overload. Ideas spontaneously birthing along your path. S.O.S causing squirrel moments around every corner.
No matter the reason for being here, the training leads to the same outcome...
Success... When the training's followed. If you try to jump ahead, you miss things. Simple as that.
Hi Cris, I think that you just hit the nail on the head and drove it home.
When we follow and stick to a prescribed process, then opportunities and success like to come and visit.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated.
Alex
Hi Alex
I agree with you 100%. It is very easy to fall into the trap of chasing the shiny object when constant stock-taking is ignored: the very thing that keeps one focused on what works for the business.
I like the message of your post and will keep it mind as a guide.
Thanks.
Cal.
Hi Cal, well said, doing that stock take can be the thing that keeps us honest and focused.
Alex
Hi Alex,
I totally agree, your message is 'pretty cool'.
That constant attraction to other programmes; ways of making money, shiny objects etc, are the killers of progress.
Reading your post brought back to mind something I haven't seen for quite some time, which is the saying "Rinse and Repeat".
I can't recall whether it was prior to my WA days, or maybe in WA. Wherever it was, I believe those words are effective, when taken notice of.
Thanks for your post.
Valerie
Hi Valerie, thank you for sharing your thoughts, we can rush onto the next thing, and in doing so miss some of the vital steps that help to make our marketing journey what it is
I used to cringe when I heard that saying usually rolled out by managers that were wanting to sound hip and with the program, unfortunately, some wouldn't know what it was about if it were a big red shiny bus and it had just run them over.
It sits so well with online marketing, without overcomplicating or overthinking the basics done well are fully deserving of rinsing and repeating and the thing is that process brings results.
Alex
I had not heard the expression rinse and repeat prior to online experience.
I enjoyed reading your response.
Thanks, Alex.
Thanks, Alex for the great advice. I have to admit that the feeling of overwhelm over other's success makes us eager to follow their footsteps. However, this may not suit our style in applying to our very own online business.
We know ourselves best and knows what's best to carry out in a unique way. I feel that research does play an important role to help us fully understand what we need to implement in our business model and system.
Each and everyday, I am trying my best to work out what's best for my online business. For a start, it is not easy but I hope I shall adapt to the challenges and keep moving forward.
With appreciation,
Agnes
Hi Anges, when we cast an eye over success it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, we are all where we are and all of us have the ability to grow and develop.
I have to agree with you we do know ourselves best, and we are the ones that will ultimately decide how, where and when we will take our businesses.
part of the reason for writing this post was some folks that were tripping themselves up by rushing ahead moving on to the next thing before they had figured out what it was they were doing today.
We can jump onto the next thing before we have the now sorted, spending some time developing an understanding brings it's own reward further down the track.
Being mindful can help us to improve, great attitude you have there Anges and all the very best as you continue with your journey, you will do well. thank you for your thoughtful response.
Alex
I like your advice Alex. It is hard not to run ahead of ourselves sometimes.
With Grace and Gratitude
Karen
Hi Karen, good to see you, it can be hard to run ahead of ourselves, sometimes it can be hard to just follow along without putting our up spin on things, here in Wealthy Affiliate we have some sets of training most of the issues faced in those early phases occur because folks race ahead.
Moving on, it is always good to lock things in before moving on.
Thank you for stopping by.
Alex
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Hi Alex,
I really enjoyed your post it was really great advice.
Some people just try to keep up with the Jone's. I'm sure you have heard that expression.
Like you said what other people are doing may not be the right fit for us.
Hope you have a wonderful week,
Donna:)
Hi Donna, I have heard of that saying, and it can cause some issues long term.
In the online world, the good thing is that we can set our own pace and create our own path, recognizing that some things are not a good fit for our business model can be empowering.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind wishes, have a productive week as well.
Alex