office at the beach in Sanur in 2008

office at the beach in Sanur in 2008
not a bad office!!!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Online Business - Seriously....look before you leap!!

Online business, probably compared to any other type of business, perhaps with the exception of a hard-nosed mlm'er (multi-level marketer), feeds on the hype and closes the deal leaving you thinking either you have really missed out or you are onto the next big thing and feel so blessed to be involved.

I admit... yes, on at least two occasions... myself and my partner got caught up in it (oops - just remembered a 3rd)... such as signing up for internet coaching programs only to regret it later. Then the process of either successfully or unsuccessfully trying to extricate ourselves from that decision.

On a positive note our habits have changed now. Thankfully we are much more discerning. We both see these experiences as times of major growth not only in things we learnt through these programs but also in how we had succumbed to the hype and jumped in without really considering the consequences.

So at least from my own perspective a few tips especially when considering education or coaching programs:

1 If you are forced into a situation where you need to sign on the dotted line on the same day - walk away - really! Even if they offer you a money back guarantee, in our experience these guarantees have been worded in the company's favour, of course.

2 If you join because you really like the people - still walk away. You never know how long those particular people may be around. If the program is really that reputable it will stand up to searches on the people involved.

3 If there is any hiding of the company (which for some silly reason even some of the top company's do) - walk away.

Saying all this I don't regret the experiences. I do wish that people would have more integrity and the team leaders or company executives would actually respect other people and come together more in partnership and use the strategies as guidelines rather than the only way to do business. Numbers in the short term will be up however over time, people are people and business is still business and base principles do not change.

If the offer stands up to even just 24 hours of scrutiny - time to sleep on it - time to research the company, the people and perhaps checking forums for feedback on the offer. and you still want to go ahead - great - do it! Also allow that some people on those forums just don't want to succeed and can post negatives - be discerning there too - are there situations that could affect you.

Recently we have joined and completed another program and love it. Why is it better?

1 The people are up front. They originally came highly recommended. We know who we are dealing with.

2 They deliver on their promises. Basic transactions are honoured - you buy something and get it - it's not rocket science!

3 They reply to queries in a timely fashion and have forums and 'question and answer sessions' and especially coaching with professional people (rather than totally inexperienced people).

4 We are getting great value for money - even you spend ten times as much or more - it does NOT mean the service will be better.

In closing, my advice is to investigate offers first, before signing up. Seriously, if people want your business they will let you in the next day. If they don't allow that, then there are certain to be other areas of concern in the way they do business.

Be brave and take risks in life as well as in business however take on the challenges with wisdom!!!!

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