There’s no shortage of people who will tell you what you should do in your business. The problem with listening to unsolicited (and even solicited) advice is that often those doling out their thoughts have no idea what’s involved with your decision.
Recently, there was a posting on Facebook by someone seeking input as to whether or not she should start a radio program. Apparently, she had been invited by a company to start a show on their platform.
Although hosting a show seems like a fun idea, there are lots of considerations before saying yes or no.
Many people were quick to say, “Go for it.” Only a few responded with questions for considerations.
One woman who has hosted a show responded with, “It depends on the opportunity as not all are worth your time and energy. I have done a lot of online radio and it can be a huge time drain with very little return in the end.”
Most were along the lines of, “If you feel passionate/excited about it – then yes!!!”
Although passion is important, it takes a heck of a lot more than passion to make business decisions. Passion alone does not pay the bills. Strategic planning is a must-do with most choices such as starting a radio program.
Running a business involves careful evaluation as to the pros and cons of decisions you make. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new idea and yet, that’s how many entrepreneurs stay stuck and get into financial trouble.
Although the following questions were specific to hosting an online radio program, you can just as easily apply these questions to decisions such as writing a book, creating an information product, hosting an event or anything that takes time, money and energy.
1. What is the outcome you hope to achieve?
2. What is the time commitment?
3. What is the financial commitment?
4. Will you need to hire someone to help you?
5. Does this fit into your overall business goals?
6. Are you wanting to do it because it IS a good idea or just seems like one?
7. Will you be flying solo or will you have guests?
8. How will you find guests?
9. Is this necessary at this time?
10. What are the downsides to having a show?
11. How will you market your show?
12. Is this a BSO – bright shiny object?
13. Will you spread yourself too thin in time and effort to make this worth it?
It’s great to have people tell us we should do something but often, people make decisions without thinking out all the pros and cons. This is why having a mentor you can bounce your ideas off of.
Until one digs in and actually does a show, most people have no clue how much work it really takes. This is true with just about anything we do. It’s great to stand on the sidelines and say, “Go for it.” It’s something completely different to actually put effort into the outcome.
Again, the questions listed can apply to just about anything. And yes, passion is massively important in your business, but so is strategic thinking and common sense.
Kathleen Gage is the “no-nonsense, common sense” online marketing strategist, speaker, author, product creation specialist, and owner of Power Up For Profits. She helps entrepreneurs make money online. Her clients are driven by making a difference through their own unique voice.
As an early adopter of online marketing, Kathleen is known for cutting through the fluff. She speaks and teaches about what she believes are the core elements of a successful life: accountability, integrity, honesty, and living with passion and hope.
Kathleen believes the best way to become well known in your market is to let go of the need to be well known and simply serve and create an incredible experience for all you come in contact with.