Due to popular demand, I wanted to do a quick post on how I run my business each day, and the decisions I take.
Focus (or lack of it) can be a huge barrier to seeing results, which often then leads to chasing new shiny objects.
So, here’s what works for me…
Know the purpose behind what you are doing…
Before I do anything, whether it’s related to developing a product, building a relationship, or driving traffic to an offer, I am always extremely clear on what the intended outcome is going to be.
So for instance, if I want to get a site ranked in Google, I’ll effectively start from the end and work backwards.
My end result (or goal) on serious projects, is to rank in the top 3 of Google.
So I’ll do my homework before firing the rocket…
This involves doing competitive research on my competition, so that I have a goal to work towards.
One of my favourite tools for competitive analysis is Market Samurai. It’s actually completely inaccessible from my point of view, as it doesn’t work with my software which speaks everything aloud, however my assistant is a dab hand with it, and just passes me the results.
Once I have a picture of what needs to be done in terms of ranking, I then fire up my “traffic machine” which involves a series of on page and off page optimisation.
It’s taken a while to get this in place, however now that it’s there (and it was a struggle) it’s virtually automated… (automated meaning, “I” do about 5% of the work).
It just happens that the 5% coming from me, is then leveraged into the other 95% of the results, either by software, or via other people.
Thing is, if I was just shooting in the dark, then all that effort would be wasted.
So, take away number 1: You really do need to get it very clear in your mind what you are aiming for.
Focus on what you can do and get help with the rest…
Most entrepreneurs I know spend far too much time trying to do everything all by themselves.
In my own position, I’ve had to be very clear in my life about what I am good at, and what I need to get help with.
Personally, I’m very bad (and not very interested) in the technical side of things: I.E. building websites, installing scripts, graphics, hahaha!? 
What I am good at is developing relationships, solving problems for people, coming up with solutions and turning ideas into reality.
While I’m a huge advocate of independence, I’m also ruthlessly disciplined about getting things done.
So, here’s take away number 2: know your strengths and weaknesses, and then get the right people around you.
Focus on creating value…
If you’re struggling to make money online, let me tell you that my biggest successes have come about when I have focused on delivering outstanding value to my customers.
Whether you’re building an online directory, or a fully-fledged membership site, the fact is, we are in the customer service industry at the end of the day.
Our job is to help other people out, by providing a solution which is valuable to the end user.
I realise this is perhaps difficult to bear in mind when you’re desperate to get that first break-through and just make some money, but please make it a priority.
So, take away number 3: aim to create value before aiming to create money.
And what about shiny objects?
The IM world is a noisy place… every week there must be at least 3 or 4 major launches, and it can be tiring, let alone confusing.
Personally, I take note of what’s going on around me, but I only ever make an investment if I feel that said product is relevant to the current path I’m on.
I.E. will I or my business benefit from that piece of software, or will that training help my business grow in the direction I want it to?
I take absolutely no notice whatsoever of income claims, dollar signs all over the sales page (which fortunately I can’t see , or any of that B.S.
I’m purely looking at whether I will get something out of whatever is being presented.
Now, what is relevant to me, may well be completely irrelevant to somebody else, and vice versa.
So take away number 4: know what is relevant to your current situation.
Of course, knowing what is relevant to your current situation is difficult unless you’ve got some of the other pieces in place, so let’s have a quick recap…
Take away number 1: get it very clear in your mind what you are aiming for.
Take away number 2: know your strengths and weaknesses, and then get the right people around you.
Take away number 3: aim to create value before aiming to create money.
Take away number 4: know what is relevant to your current situation.
At the end of the day, you are building a business, and it’s a question of asking yourself how serious you are about your intentions.
As ever, I welcome your comments below.
Keep moving forward
-Matt
© 2010, Matt Wadsworth. All rights reserved.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Matt ,
Thanks for the motivation tonight . Think I can come up with a lot of good hooks and sales ideas just need about 10 virtual assistances to get me organized …… Thanks for being real and honest Matt
Well put, Matt.
As an acknowledged ADD/ADHD cat, it takes discipline to maintain focus. And keep the bright shiny objects from pulling me off-task.
Phenomenal treatise as well on the nature of the IM space: The constant bombardment of the “miracle click-and-grow” approach to internet marketing. It sickens me, as I know to many folks are caught in this process, never really launching their own platform.
Thanks for the great post. WOrthy of a meditative read.
Hi Matt,
I also just learned of you through Kim. I just finished reading the transcript from your interview with her and felt VERY compelled to stop in here and say a really B I G Thank You! Your wisdom is so perfectly in line with that of a small handful I’ve found worth paying close attention to, who are all already where I want to be.
This is not the first time I’ve heard about mindset and about reverse engineering your thoughts and goals, but your interview really adds some quality cement, as well as very helpful “further clarity” to the big picture. In fact about everything you said did that, as well as REALLY helping to see the truly simplistic nature of the things that often produce by far, the most and best results, and turn out in the end to be what helped the most in growing a business to a truly successful level.
If you know anyone who may need ANY help with writing or other basic monotonous tasks … I’m currently in BY FAR, the worst spot I’ve been in financially in all of my almost 50 years. I would do back flips while writing an 800 page article on underwater bull riding just for a chance to prove myself as a valuable helper. I WILL NOT quite nor turn back, failure or quitting is NOT an option, but I sure need some “survival money” ….something to keep my head above water while I get the pieces of this puzzle put together into a pretty picture.
Thank You again VERY much for sharing you wisdom and insights.
I will be keeping a close watch on you and look forward to more truly great stuff.
Cheers from Oregon,
Jeff
I just found this blog through Kim Roach. Great simple blog.
thanks for all the tips.
Awesome tips. I had not thought about them in quite that light. Makes a difference.
Thank you!
Awesome tips Matt. As always your little blog is goldmine of helpful information.
peace!
Andrew
Matt, Thank you for this great post. Since I listened to your interview with Chris Rempel a lot of things have become clearer and have influenced the way I look at IM. One thing in particular that help me a lot is to stay away from the Internet when working on a particular project. I receive daily get rich quick schemes that are just getting me distracted and in the end get me all confused. Since then, I’m now able to be more focused and be more productive.
Merci beaucoup!
Matt, really enjoyed the post. I always like short lists. I too am a huge fan of Market Samurai. I made a short to the point – real time training video. In 12 minutes I show the discovery of a market and the competition analysis – I further have a follow up video that shows the results. I would be happy to make them available to anyone who wants them just for the asking. jeflightinstructor gmail.com
Matt -
All of what you are saying is Straight & True
All so refreshing as well as reaffirming to to hear it from the high caliber person you are.
One needs not to look any further, thank you for being on our side
Many of use would like to know more in depth of the pro’s and con’s of the Market Samurai – Would you be willing to give a tutorial ?
Your journey and success is inspirational
Thank you – Skye Gunner
Thanks Matt
I’ve just finished reading a book called ‘The Go Giver’ – which I think is probably a must for anyone working online. The moral of Go Giver is much as you are saying – that you must create value and look for ways of continually helping others – forget about running a business to make money as you’ll always be pushing s#*t uphill. I believe anyone can create value, therefore anyone can succeed. Remain focused, think only about how you can help others and be open to receiving yourself – for it will surely come.
It’s a bit philosophical for a Monday morning but it’s an important point.
Cheers
Peter
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Matt,
great points, deal breakers really.
You mention an SEO process/ checklist that you’ve developed. Any chance you would share or sale or know of a great outline for the seo process? I really like your take on things and would value your process.
I’ve got a group who, through a connection is both doing an Im campaign and starting the business. While it is in a specific online sales presence, the workload is rnormous and we have a few members who are new.
Thanks for any insights you care to share!
Craig
Thanks Matt. I totally agree with your opinion.
To me, I think this most important problem is to create value to my list of customers. I am still not quite sure what kind of value should I deliver, even if I want to help my list.
However, if you don’t success, how can you help your list to success?
My dilemma here. But thanks Matt, your story truely shocks me and let me know that IM works.
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