Fly on the E-Commerce Cyberwall

Is This Faulty Mindset Crippling Your Online Business?
Do you know what pickpockets think as they go about their business? They think, "The people out there are carrying my money. It belongs to me. I'm supposed to have it. My job is to collect from them what is rightfully mine."

Kind of warped. isn't it? But it's very similar to the mindset many new business owners use.

The words we use aren't quite as blatant, but they're frighteningly similar: "People out there have money that I want. I'm supposed to have it. I have a business, after all. Businesses are supposed to get money from people. What do I need to do to get those people to give me my money?"

So where does a mindset like that lead? Those whose inclinations are a little shaky to begin with eventually gravitate toward the dark side. They look for ways they can "beat" others and get as much money as possible while giving as little as they can in return.

Others who pride themselves in their honesty set up their business online and wait. And wait. And wait for the money they're "supposed" to receive.

Sadly, though, online business owners who take that approach have more in common with the pickpocket's mentality than they think.

In both cases, the focus is squarely on GETTING OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY. Oh, those who follow the "rules" for making lots of money online may not consciously try to cheat anyone. But what are they doing to BENEFIT anyone?

There's more to making money online than simply setting up an online business. Hey, you think you'd make money setting up a store that sells heavy winter parkas in the middle of the Mohave desert?

No. Why not? Because you're not serving the needs of the people there. They're looking for cold drinks, suntan lotion and other hot weather needs. Satisfy those needs and you'll likely make some money. Present them with something that doesn't and you won't.

It's the same thing online. Find solutions to the problems that a specific group of people face. Show them lots of things that do nothing to solve those needs and you'll earn nothing. Find solutions for those needs and they won't think twice about parting with their money to them.

There's a saying that pretty well sums up my business philosopy: "What can I do to enrich others in such a way that they will gladly and willingly reimburse me for my efforts?"

See the difference between that question and the one most beginning business owners ask: "What do I have to do to get people to give me their money?" The second question is totally one sided. It focuses all on getting. The other question focuses on giving to others in ways that lead naturally to receiving in return.

It's that shift in mindset that can make all the difference in the world between a business that underperforms and one that soars.
Jeff