Many of us (even strong willed entrepreneurs, sometimes) wish for someone to simply tell us what works, what to do, where to go.
It’s not because we are lazy – although it could be the reason sometimes. No, I personally believe it’s not our character flaw but our human nature. When we get overwhelmed and not sure what to do next. When we get confused. When we are afraid or unsure of our next steps. When we are tired or burnt out. That’s when a “here do this” solution is so attractive.
No wonder information products abound and probably won’t ever die. Small wonder too blog posts everywhere are full of tips and best practices. Not saying these don’t work. Following a trusted and proven source’s advice is better than running around blindly, or worse – doing nothing. However, it’s always a good thing to try it out for yourself and try out different ways – based on what you know of your market.
Test it yourself.
Wow, did I despise that piece of advise for a long time. But it’s true. What works for others may not work for you..
This is exactly what Joanna Wiebe talked about in her post about “best practices” at Unbounce. She shows us some copy written on best practices and advice and follows with test results that will surprise you.
That’s one of the great things about the online world. You can test and test and test again without having to spend huge sums of money.
Isn’t that the truth! I used to work for a paint company as marketing executive, before the Internet was mature. We had very little idea how much of our marketing efforts were actually working. We had some clue but not the way it is now. Certainly, we weren’t able to do things like growth-hacking.
I couldn’t agree with you more Lynette because we are only human beings and we don’t know everything. It is like when we are tossed in a new environment wherein we are not familiar of our surroundings, I bet we will ask ourselves, “what will I do?”or “where will I go?”.
While it may be true that what doesn’t work for others may work for you, the inverse isn’t always true. There are proven methods to attract clients that should be used as basis with your own personal touch to make yourself appeal to them instead of your competitors.
Just because you’ve done a completely different method then everyone else doesn’t mean it’s going to work, more often then not it won’t. There needs to be a balance between exploring new ground and using tried and tested methods.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Stan! I do think I’ve covered that earlier when I said following a trusted and proven source’s plan is better than going into a situation blindly.
The way I see it – try the way the big guys and everyone else tells you first. If it doesn’t work or it doesn’t give you the results you expected, then it’s time to break and do something else.
True, Lynette, you have to find your own success story, not borrow someone else’s.
Wonderful share Lynette.. Thanks and it is surprising when you show a view like that. Also it is simple how Joanna explains and advice.
Cheers!
Thank you Andrew!