So we left off last time with the first 7 chapters of this great book I just finished reading the other weekend. What did you guys thing? Are you ready for more? Well, here are the main points again that I enjoyed:
Whatever choice you make, focus on where your passion truly lies.
If you like to write or have a knack for words, consider making a blog. Also, don't focus too much on what others have or have not done.
Be curious about everything, but ruthless in what you get involved with.
I would think that most people would automatically know this little tidbit of information. But I guess not. I'm sure you've all heard of someone investing money into a friend's business with huge promises of more than satisfactory returns only to wind up broke and downtrodden later. That's the scenario that came to mind first when I read about being ruthless with what you get involved with. This also goes well with something else Mitch mentioned in his book about the "long tail". The internet saves EVERYTHING you ever put on it. Be careful about what you decide to put up for all of the world to see. If you get involved with the wrong thing, it could come back to bite you in the arse some day.
Traffic does not equal community.
In order to really push things forward and grow you newfound media properties, it's important to stay focused on why you are doing this in the first place. Are you doing this to become Internet famous? Will you measure your success only by the revenue you've received from ads and the like? Well then good luck defining serious business goals and maintaining ongoing development later on down the line. Focus on building community and not traffic.
Never underestimate the power of what asking a good question can do to create content and to give you ongoing feedback.
Alot of people are afraid of asking questions because they are scared of not getting any responses. You'll be surprised to find out, however, that approximately only 2% of people online actually comment. So why bother you ask? Well, asking questions helps keep your content alive for a longer period of time. It will also lead you to do a lot more self-analysis of your industry and business. Asking questions is always one of the best ways to start a conversation.
Finding and defining your niche is not easy.
I've experienced this firsthand. I can name a million and one things I enjoy doing (reading is one of them obviously lol) but ask me if I've found my niche and eh I'd say I'm not quite there yet. But I was pleased to read in this book that the majority of people who have found and defined their niche well probably stumbled upon it rather than strategizing and plotting their success. That really makes you want to try out every idea that's ever just popped into your head while in the shower, working out, or while sleeping, doesn't it? Also remember that you don't have to be thinking leaps and bounds into the future. Another point brought out was many people struggle to uncover their niches because what they love to do is not directly linked to what they do professionally. However, alot of times, your unique hobbies do intersect with your business and can be adapted to help your business grow. In the book, Mitch states an example of such by writing about Scott Monty. You'll find his story interesting because he found a way to combine his marketing profession with his love of Sherlock Holmes O_o...yeaaaa I know but just read it lol. It's actually very thought provoking.
Always be experimenting.
The win is not in creating something that appeals to the masses. Your personal win will be in leveraging the power of a very specific and unique niche that you can serve, protect, and call your own. Remember to embrace your community as they become more and more passionate about your niche.
Burn the ships!
The "burn the ships" point comes from a true story. Hernando Cortez was the captain of 11 ships that were headed to Mexico. As you know, back then sailors and other men on the sea were oftentimes not in the best of shape because of being on the sea so long and because of lack of modern medication. Well the crew asked Cortez what the plan would be if things did not work out for them as planned when they reached thier destination. His response? He burned the ships. By doing this he showed that there was no going back. It was out with the old way and in with the new. So how do you burn your ships? Mitch tells you how!
People have a very intimate and personal link with their mobile devices.
Just about everyone I know can relate to this. I'm borderline nomophobia I believe lol because I feel absolutely lost if I leave my phone at home by accident and I know I will be gone for the majority of the day. Mostly everyone nowadays is a "digital nomad." This means that we no long have to be tied down to a landline or a desktop computer when we want information or to connect to other people. Dozens of places (even Krystal's and Taco Bell!) have wifi. With that being said, focus on mobile marketing but not mobile advertising. If it's done right by respecting the consumer and the relationship they have with their mobile device, the long-term outcome will be that you've managed to build a new and loyal database with huge growth potential.
The new rules of the new mobile movement:
1. New device = new rules. 2. Think in terms of tribes, not mass. 3. Mobile adds a new dimension to all messages - make it work for the person in control of the device. 4. If you try to port an old way of doing things in another channel to these channels, it will fail. BURN THE SHIPS. 5. Think about what we had before podcasts and start from there to build with success. 6. If you can port content from TV to computer to iPhone, think about the level of control the user has. 7. Start building a permission-based list of people who do want to be contacted via mobile. 8. Think about building a mobile app. 9. Offer compelling incentives. 10. Establish conversation.
Weren't those some awesome things to think about? Mitch leaves you with this thought in his book. "Six pixels of separation is not about how you can connect your business more efficiently in these online channels to be successful. It's too late for that. We are all intrinsically connected. In this world of interconnectedness, the bigger question is, How are you going to spread your story, connect, and add value to your life and the people whose lives you touch? How are you going to explore your network to grow your net worth? How are you going to add tremendous value to a brand, product, or service that can always be made cheaper and afaster by someone else? How are you going to connect and stay connected?" (Italics theirs.)
It looks like we all have alot more thinking to do. The tools are there before us and easily accessible. What are we going to do with it all? Will we have the determination, ambition, and passion to take advantage of what is there? What will you do? Please sound off below if you like. Did you find this information helpful in making you think more about what you can do for your business? I encourage each and every one to read this book in its entirety. You will not regret partaking of the knowledge that Mitch Joel has shared with each and every one of us.
~BB~
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