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Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels building your online business? For example, maybe you're not sure:
- Where to advertise
- What to advertise
- How to advertise
- When to advertise
- How to write successful sales copy
- How to test your ads
- If your web site is confusing
- Why your customers aren't buying and you don't know how to fix it
- How to "connect" with your customers
You're not alone. I know at times, I've felt these feelings and they're not fun. Especially when you can't figure out how to solve them.
Now, the good news is that there can be a simple solution to these issues -- and to others issues not listed above. Let me use an example and see if you can guess what the solution is before I tell you.
The Solution
Let's say you want to learn how to fly an airplane. You've always wanted to fly like the birds and now, you're ready to get started. So what do you do? Do you borrow your buddy's plane and just start fiddling around with it and figure out on your own? I sure hope not.
You're going to take lessons, of course. From whom? From someone who's experienced and certified to teach. An expert. Someone who not only knows how to do what you want to do, but can also work with you and teach you how to do it.
The solution to this dilemma then is a "no-brainer" - an experienced, knowledgeable teacher or mentor.
Strange, Isn't It?
But strangely enough, when it comes to building businesses on the web, many people seem to forget that (heck, I've done it myself). People will spend thousands of dollars trying to build their business without any guidance from someone who's "been there, done that."
But it doesn't have to be that way. Although the Internet only became popular within the past decade or so, there are many people out there who have lots of experience under their belts at building successful online businesses. And we all need to take advantage of that.
Find someone who has the experience or knowledge in the industry within which you are building your business. Find someone who will help you find your way. Find someone who you respect. They can save you a lot of time, money and headache -- if you follow their successes and learn from their mistakes.
Easier Said Than Done
Of course, finding someone like this may not be easy (as are many of the good things in life). But, it may be closer than you think. Start with your close friends. Think and see if any of them might fit the bill. Or perhaps they have a sibling, parent or child that you could tap into. Or maybe they work with someone who can be your mentor. What about your co-workers? Your boss? One of your employees perhaps? A neighbor?
Now, think about the people with whom you have online or long-distance relationships with. For example, what about people you've bought products or services from? Or what about people who have consistently posted information you like at a message board you frequently visit?
If you can't think of someone, ask any of these people if THEY know of someone you could tap into.
In the mean time, think about what you might be able offer in return. What are your strengths? What can you offer them that they would value? Offer to create some graphics for them, if you're good at that. Offer to do some research on the web for them, such as finding potential link partners. Heck, it could be something like helping them lay down sod in their new yard! You have something valuable to offer - you need to figure out what that is. You never know, it may not matter. Your soon-to-be mentor might just do it out of the goodness of their heart!
Who Ya Gonna Call?
My point is that you need to find someone to whom you can turn when building your business - in both good times and bad. Otherwise, it's like flying an airplane without having taken lessons -- and we all know how that story would end.
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