Another do-it-yourselfer named their business without first checking Federal trademark registrations to see if it was available. Now, they have a cease-and-desist letter to deal with.
Another do-it-yourselfer created their logo using PowerPoint and felt it looked “good enough to get by.” Now, their competitors are snickering behind their back.
Another do-it-yourselfer just launched their website with placeholder content, broken links, poorly optimized photos, and typos. Now, their business prospects aren’t taking them seriously.
Another do-it-yourselfer took a “build-it-and-they-will come” attitude to launching their early-stage business. Now, they have no proof of concept and can’t find investors.
Another do-it-yourselfer used freeware to cut corners instead of purchasing popular business apps. Now they are having difficulty sharing files.
Another do-it-yourselfer hired their neighbor’s college kid to help them get by with their social media. Now, they’re wondering why people aren’t clicking.
Another do-it-yourselfer decided that marketing should be viewed only as an expense, and doing it cheaply really won’t hurt them. Now, they’re wondering why they can’t gain any market traction.
Another do-it-yourselfer forgot that first impressions are nearly impossible to overcome. Now, they’re losing customers before they get them.
Another do-it-yourselfer undervalued themselves and, instead of hiring a trained and efficient professional for vital tasks, stopped using their time to build relationships and grow their business. Now, they’re weighing their bankruptcy options.
Don’t be just another do-it-yourselfer.
You cannot do it all and do it all well.
Nobody can.
I certainly can’t.
I don’t do my taxes. I hire an accountant.
I don’t do wiring. I hire an electrician.
I don’t drop trees. I hire a yard service.
I don’t cut my own hair. I go to a barber.
Instead, I’m spending my time doing what I do best to grow my business, make money, and hire seasoned professionals to help with the rest.
Why aren’t you?
Related Posts
Start-ups need to get branding right out of the gate.
The bankruptcy courts are full of great ideas that were undermined by ineffective branding and promotion. Build it and they will come? No, they won’t. Not unless you make them really want to. Or, better yet, need to.
Why I unfollowed you on LinkedIn.
You’re missing a huge opportunity to really shine in front of your network and those beyond it. You have a wealth of knowledge that most of us don’t have. You are the only one in the world with your perspective. So, why not share it?
Never assume anything
Never Make Assumptions about Your Audience. That seems like an obvious rule, right? But, we all do it to some degree. It’s human nature. We follow our gut instincts. We proceed without having the data to back up our actions. Remember New Coke?
I’m your potential customer and these are the things I care about.
You seem to be great at what you do. You have a terrific product. Your media coverage has been impressive. You’ve been serving the industry for decades. But, what does it mean to your customers? What’s in it for me?
15 ways your website could be hurting your business … and what you can do about it
Even if you’ve been able to put a check mark next to that spanking-new website on your marketing to-do list, get out your eraser. Your work has only just begun. A successful website is never once-and-done.
What’s your business DNA and where do you fit in?
It’s always a good idea to take a step back and be more introspective about your unique qualities and strengths. By looking beyond short-term distractions, we often discover that we still have a place to fit in.