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=> Not making time to learn necessary tools and software programs critical to supporting your online endeavor. I have experienced those who resist recommendations in regard to type of software and information gathering tools that will make them more efficient and effective in lieu of not having to experience learning curve that comes with new software and applications.
Issues that are solely related to how to use your browser and e-mail software unnecessarily frustrate many online because they do not take time to learn - causing time to be wasted. As with all software, (and even your computer itself), each has HELP tabs that will answer your questions; many including tutorials. If tutorials are not included in software, they are on manufacturer's Web site.
Taking time to master your online tools will help determine your level of success while at same time minimize your frustration. This includes taking time to learn how to use your computer - your main online tool!
=> Not making time to investigate whether your products/services are even desired or priced competitively. This is where knowing even if there is a demand for your product or service in first place is crucial! An "idea" no matter how good it sounds, simply cannot be implemented successfully unless time is taken to investigate if that idea is in fact viable and profitable.
I can't tell you how many potential entrepreneurs still believe that their "idea", which is not based in any reality of business due diligence, will make them rich by putting up a Web site developed by just anybody – or worse yet – themselves having no design or development experience.
An idea is only a start. You then need to take time to come up with a plan, investigate all your options, and choose your partners wisely. Lack of these efforts doom your enterprise to failure even before you start or your Web site is launched.
=> Not making time to utilize and implement full range of skills you need to succeed. I always ensure I literally hand over my 10 years of experience about what each site owner has within their control and must embrace to ensure their Web site is effective and meets their goals. The majority of activities only take your time - not money.
It is almost as though many forget interactivity part of this gig – nothing happens unless you make it happen. Those who took time to implement these recommendations are reaping results while others question what problem is.
=> Not making time to truly understand your market's demographics and have your Web site cater to those needs. Your site needs to cater to your visitor's needs. What you "want", "think", "feel" of course is important - it is your site. That said however, many times site owners will override recommendations in lieu of "it's my site and that's what I want" - again based on no real-world business point of view or experience with technology.
Many don't want to take time to understand why recommendations are made by reading resources and statistics provided. What you want is irrelevant when compared to what your prospective site visitors need. Don't take time to determine your site visitor's needs, and what you will want will be to shutdown due to lack of results.
=> Not making time to learn about reality, limitations and culture of what Web actually is. Some online insist on trying to make Web what they wanted it to be (or were willing to deal with). Some actually choose to believe that they have choice to not do necessary such as ongoing marketing activities, growing your site with valuable and useful information, answering e-mail promptly and professionally just to note a few examples.
Such issues really are neither an option nor choice for you to do or not do if your are seriously committed to your project's health. These are matters that need to be addressed and time taken to be worked at to succeed.
=> Site owner was unwilling to admit existence of "Internet Time" and was inflexible and uncomfortable playing in a field that is always in flux and consistently changing. The only thing consistent with technology is there is no consistency. There is no predictability ability!
Lack of time to learn new things, keep up with forming trends is tough for everyone involved. Not a single person participating in technology will tell you that constant change is not frustrating, aggravating and sometimes down right irritating! But that is part of game. It is what it is. And you need to make time to keep up or time will march on without you.
For any business or entrepreneur currently online or still thinking about getting online your key will be those that you partner with, then, making time to following their recommendations. Making time to implement proven successful methodologies - not hype.
Making time to form educated decisions based on real-world business practices. Not on emotions or egos, not on whether you want to or not. Not whether you "feel", based on little to no experience with technology, that issues important to your success can some how be minimized down to someone's opinion you can choose to ignore because you may not like it, costs or effort required.
Take time to find your guru, consultant, and technology partner and ensure they have a proven track record of partnering with their clients for long term. Then, hang on their every word and take time to follow their recommendations. Don't challenge them with every instance of conflicting or different information. Look at source of "information" first to determine even if it worth questioning!
If you took time to do your due diligence in choosing your technology partner it is that other "noise" that should be second-guessed. Realize that whom you chose, as well as your ability to form long term, mutually respectful business relationships over time, from hosting to development to marketing, will literally determine how successful your program will be. This is business and success takes time – time to do. Time only you can allocate based on your desire and commitment to your goals.
Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse. Check out her new book: "Because Netiquette Matters! Your Comprehensive Reference Guide to E-mail Etiquette and Proper Technology Use" @: http://www.BecauseNetiquetteMatters.com