What’s My #1 Single Best Piece of Advice?
Reading Time: 7 minutes 
As an online consultant for decades, one question always arises, whether it be during an interview, a new business start-up, or from an aspiring web developer.
What’s Your Single Best Piece of Advice?
Keeping up. If I had to pick one thing, that would be it.
And I know from experience that it is easier said than done. However, online success requires us to plan on being on a continual learning curve—there’s no way to avoid that.
Some are looking for that one magic bullet. But, if there is a magic bullet, and let’s be clear, there isn’t, keeping up could be it.
When I share the importance of “keeping up,” several follow-up questions are inevitably asked.
QUESTION: Has it become impossible to keep up?
No. But it does take concentrated effort, work, and commitment. So, don’t fall behind.
QUESTION: How can I compete on a limited budget?
Instead, you should ask what budget you need to compete.
QUESTION: How do I avoid investing in things that are here today and gone tomorrow?
None of us knows how long a trend, product, website, or software will last. Therefore, until the data indicates otherwise, you can only make the best decision about what you need to achieve your goals.
Getting down to just one thing in an arena with so many variables is tough. So, I’ll walk you through my thought process, where I hope to help you enhance your opportunity for success by having the right mindset.
Back to Keeping Up…
Here’s an example of the train of thought I often encounter.
Cart before the horse…
You Need to Compete
Online is the playground of rabid competitors, hard workers, and smartypants. Despite what TV commercials may have you believe, putting up an inexpensive, basic website is only the first step—a baby step.
A stale design certainly is not competitive (or keeping up), and a new design alone will not improve your rankings. Design aside, if your content is shallow and stagnant, even the best design will not produce.
It’s common to want to do the least amount possible while expecting the best results. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen online (or in any successful offline business, for that matter).
I understand budgets are involved, and many website owners do not have deep pockets. Regardless, that does not negate what you need to do if you want to succeed.
Investing in Change
A common thread is a hesitancy to keep up with technology. Many mention that if they invest in WordPress today, they will have to reinvest in the latest and greatest later.
I get that. The only thing that is consistent about online is change, which can be very frustrating. However, here again, name one business where it is not required to keep up and take risks. Business is a risky business.
While the latest online “tricks” (there is no such thing) or tools are constantly evolving, I can assure you that WordPress has been around since 2003 and remains a strong platform. WordPress currently powers over 535 million websites.
WordPress isn’t going anywhere. Think of your WordPress website as an investment worth making now, because, as with all things online, the longer you wait, the more catch-up you will have to play in terms of branding, positioning, and exposure.
“Any other Advice?”
It’s pretty simple.
In running my businesses and websites, I’ve learned that I can’t do everything alone. I require products and services that I can trust in terms of quality and support.
If I had a dollar for every horror story about hosting companies, third-party services, unsupported plugins, and disappearing developers, I would be retired. So do your homework and choose wisely.
You Need Partners, Not Vendors
If you have a great idea, a unique concept, and the work ethic to make it happen, you will have to rely on others for assistance. Unfortunately, you cannot complete your entire project on your own.
Even after all this time, I have a tight-knit group of folks I know I can rely on when I hit a wall. I also stick with those products and services that have proven their worth over time. I have more time to run my business when I don’t have to worry about the products and services I need.
Don’t buy into the hype and decide based solely on cost. Consider ancillary services, such as networking, advertising, social media, and hosting services, that will make your life easier. Don’t buy into the quick, fast, cheap, and easy claims of success, for goodness’ sake.
They don’t exist.
Review sources and resources for their authenticity and credibility. Do not take advice from websites or unknown individuals simply because you perceive they know more than you or because they just so happen to be saying what you want to hear.
Take the time to vet the services and tools you are looking to use. Make sure they have a positive history. This is the only way to determine if you can trust and rely on them for the long haul.
Look at all your service providers as partners in your business’s success. Partnerships will benefit your bottom line more than a product or service that offers a low price today but no support or reliability in the future when you need it.
Legit or Not?
I am often asked about statements made on websites that contradict some of the points I make here. All I can say is I’m not writing this to sell you anything. I work in the world of reality.
If the source lacks longevity or credibility, disregard it. Only after years of walking that walk can you gain the necessary experience and trust. Success isn’t instantaneous (even if your website is on WordPress).
Do you remember that old State Farm commercial, “They can’t put it on the Internet if it isn’t true.” That commercial was effective because it made a valid point.
Many folks believe what they see online purely because it’s online. Don’t be that person.
When it comes to your online business project, learning enough to know who has your best interests at heart is time well spent. Being able to discover when you are just getting a sales pitch is crucial. Your gut will tell you the difference — follow it.
Here are a few things I do when investigating a new business partner:
Taking the time to cover the above can help you find the right partner to work with and trust. If you cannot get a warm, fuzzy feeling, regardless of how tempting the sales pitch is, walk away.
Do Your Due Diligence
Every day, big-name companies and “solution providers” take advantage of what their customers don’t know to get into their pocketbooks. And it works because both sides are at fault.
Once you find trusted partners for everything from hosting to applications, development, and post-launch support, you can focus on what you do best, knowing your six is covered: running and growing your business and keeping up.
At your service,
