After the Web being in our consciousness for over a decade now we’ve fallen into several bad habits. The one I am going to talk about today is the habit of thinking that you can get any information you seek for free online.
You probably can. But you will spend a vast amount of your time vetting out sources, visiting crummy sites and reading commentary by those who really don’t even know how to write succinctly enough to validate their writings, let alone give the impression that the information they provide is true and accurate.
I do not hesitate to pay for information. Whether they be special reports, white papers, site access or even newsletters, I have my own reliable sources that over the years have proven the test of time and have gained my trust. When they have something of value that I need or am seeking information on, I do not hesitate to send my money their way. Yes, I could probably spend my days searching and reviewing and trying to find the information that meets my needs for free. But my time is more valuable than that.
By paying for information from my trusted few it saves me the time of determining if they know what they are talking about. I already know they do. More importantly it saves me the time of having to seek out, find and read numerous Web sites filled with information that may not be accurate or credible. Time is money after all. Heck, anyone who has an opinion or information to share can put up a Web site fairly quickly — that doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about or are an expert on the topic. “But it’s free!”
So, I tend to side on the pay for information side of the street. By doing so I get quality information when I need it from trusted sources who stake their reputation on the information they provide. You get what you pay for.
At your service,
Judith
Recently I was a bit surprised when making a recommendation to a client who has been with me for over 10 years to be told “I just don’t want to go into the unknown because of a good sales pitch.” Anyone who has read my site or worked with me for even a short amount of time knows I don’t give “sales pitches.”
Nor do I base my recommendations contingent on my income potential in lieu of what is best for my clients. I’m known for advising the reality of what it takes to reach one’s stated goals — whether they like that advice or not!
In addition, I have always been very clear that I don’t recommend strategies or products unless they have passed the sniff test. One of my primary methodologies for over a decade has been if I don’t use it for my own sites; I don’t recommend it to my clients.
I wasn’t insulted nor were my feelings hurt. I was a bit disappointed though. It seems to be a daily occurrence where, if I wasn’t confident in my knowledge and ethics, that I could be offended or insulted by those who feel because they pay me, that includes not showing any respect for my time and expertise.
I just thought it a bit sad that this was a person who apparently found it hard to deal with the unknown and had to relate it in this manner. Anyone, no matter for how long they’ve been online, knows there are unknowns with technology — there is no predictability ability. That’s simply the nature of this beast.
At a certain, point when you know you don’t know all that is involved, as was the case here, you need to trust your partners. Especially those that have already passed the test of time and have never given you a reason to think otherwise. If you can’t trust your partners; find new ones.
Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves,
or we know where we can find information upon it.”
~Samuel JohnsonAt your service,
Judith
The saying “on it like a cheap suit” refers to the fact the cheap suits are all over the place from fabric to lack of quality.
I see “cheap suit” Web sites all the time. Sites whose owners think they look all dressed up and believe they are actually giving the impression of being a formal business. When in contrast these sites are clearly reflecting the site’s overall lack of believability and trustworthiness.
When you are out to impress — you simply don’t take the cheap suit approach. For example:
- Would you wear a cheap suit to that dream job interview? Probably not, the next applicant who spent the bucks to look spiffy will make you barely a memory.
- Would you wear a cheap suit to your wedding? Most likely not. If you did that would be telling as to what the future would be like being married to you if you didn’t see the importance of wearing a nice suit for your own nuptials.
- Would you wear a cheap suit to court? Say you had to go to court for custody, traffic issues, DUI, whatever. Do you think a cheap suit would help persuade the judge that you take the issue as seriously as you should. Don’t think so.
Then why would you assume that a “cheap suit” Web site will produce? Cheap suits do not lend to the perception of one being a legitimate and credible business. Would you make your own suit to wear out on the town? No — you are not a tailor. Then, it should go without saying as to whether you should design your own Web site without the proper training, skills and experience.
Impressions are everything when you are trying to convince someone to spend money with you. Wear a cheap suit and don’t be surprised if customers seek out those competitors who realize the importance of presenting a polished and professional image.
The good news is you can always learn — but will your business survive in the interim? If I were you I’d get all over that like a cheap suit!
At your service,
Judith
