Strategy VS Tactics (Video): How 1 Hour A Week Spells Succes or Failure in Online Business
I just posted a new video to my blog… it’s straight out of my own personal "Idea Notebook"… and I promise it will help you understand exactly why some people succeed and others fail… and why just one hour a week spells the difference.
If you feel like all you do is spin your wheels moving from one new "guru scheme" to another, this video holds the key to getting off the hamster wheel and making real progress.
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136 Responses to “Strategy VS Tactics (Video): How 1 Hour A Week Spells Succes or Failure in Online Business”
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Hi Jim,
Your tip is simple but elegant. It’s easy to just keep whirring away on a wheel that would make a giant hamster jealous. When we start the process you suggest, it’s not only forward thinking and actions that one creates, but review and resetting too.
All too often I go back to a previous to do list with the realization of a missing piece that I either forgot then or missed doing.
So, great idea!
All the best,
Tom Justin
First Step Internet Marketing
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head, Jim!
I do like to know what the ‘gurus’ are up to, but what I realise is, if they’re offering something that has nothing to do with where I’m headed I need to ignore what they’re doing.
My problem is I always think what they’re offering will help me down the road and I might not be able to get their product then. That has cost me a lot of money and I have dozens, if not hundreds, of purchases I’ve never used.
It is a real dilema, but I’m learning to say no and trust that what I need – or something even better – will be there when I need it!
Oh! BTW – congratulations on your accomplishment!
I spent over a year going from one thing to another just because I didn’t have “the bigger picture” in mind.
What you said is so true. The next thing we (I) need to do is keep in mind every day to stay focused on the tactics I have chosen to augment my strategy.
Thanks for the reminder.
Duane
re: Tom
Thanks
re: Ruby
I guarantee that when you’re ready, something just as good or better will come along… OR, you may be ready for it now and just not realize it because you don’t have a clear picture of WHERE you’re going and can’t recognize how it will benefit you.
If you have a top-level, strategic view, it’s much easier to see where things “fit” with your own plan (as opposed to just fitting in with someone else’s plan)
I agree.
It is so easy, when you are new to this business as I am, to just keep collecting information without actually doing.
All the collecting of information just adds to your confusion.
Trying to sort out the good from the bad, or useful from useless is a problem.
As Michael Matherson says – use Ready, Fire, and Aim if you want to get somewhere.
Thanks Jim.
Damn Jim… How’d you know what was on my hard drive? You been peekin? You are, of course, completely right and I like your thought’s on strategy vs. tactic. I have been caught up in that and I’m working on it and I’ll start right after I download all those cool freebies from the next giveaway… Nope, not really, I’ve quit the giveaways and most of my email subscriptions too, I’m really working now on the niche research and what I want to do. And then I’m gonna do it just like you say to! And I’ll bet I’ll have some sales in a month and then I’ll build on that small success and someday I’ll be a rich Internet marketer just like you. Thanks and keep the good info coming.
Somethings are so obvious I miss them. I now have strategy calendered for every Wednesday.
You always have a straight forward way of presenting information that makes it easier to incorporate into every day life.
Thanks!
Great Video–and I’d love to hear more about it. I love using energy effectively, and this one tip can really make that happen.
Thanks!
Apryl
http://www.CreatingConsciously.com
Great advice on the differences between strategies and tactics.
Everybody wants an “easy button” and too many people spend all of their time (and money) trying to find that ONE tactic that will make them millionaires. It’s not just IM that people are doing this. They do it with investing, with starting a business and losing weight.
That search for a simple solution to a complex problem is prevalent throughout our society and in fact entire industries depend on people not following through on ideas.
Could you imagine how packed a gym would be if everyone went there everyday instead of the 5% that actually show up consistently.
Doug
Jim,
Your timiming is perfect follow up to the TNR Survey you sent out today. The first thing that jumped out was the MindJet tool and how you use it.
I would love to see how you intergrate that with your strategies and tactics. Fellow TNR folks PLEASE vote for that one so we can get inside Big Jim’s head to see how he gets things done.
Great video Jim,
Chris Swain
I do just the opposite – I obsess over strategy and never develop good tactics.
Your point is well taken!
A few months ago I put a “whiteboard” on the wall in my office and I drew out what I wanted to get done this year.
Then I put together steps to make that happen.
When I’m tempted to get off “the path” I only have to look up and see where I’m supposed to be headed and the tasks that I have ‘yet-to-do’ to get there.
I picked that up from re-reading one of Tony Robbins books where he says “Nothing happens until you do something!” or words to that effect. How true!.
Thanks for running the flag up the pole again. Guess we’ll soon see how many will salute it by making a plan and then working it.
Dave Perkins
http://www.daveylee.com
Jim,
Thanks so much for this information.
Simple yet practical. You’ve just made
my new project a whole easier to get done!
Mike
http://www.youthsoccer-power.com
Hey There!
Okay, it has been said so often that simplicity is the way. I believe that you have proved that again today by reminding us of the differences between strategy and tactics. It is so important to keep your intended destination in front of you, but without tactics, you won’t get there. Too many tactics and POOF you’re a hamster.I guess you can equate it to vision and action. But however you say it, the importance still remains the same.
I like the way you did your video, kinda corny but thankfully not too full of yourself. The graphics were cheesy as I believe they were intended to be. I look forward to more insight into Jim’s Idea Book. I have a few idea Books myself, so it is nice to know that I am not the only creative crazy-person on the planet!
Keep on, keepin’ on,
Anne
Jim, you’re right on target. When I started my business twelve years ago, I was like the guy who got on his horse, and then rode off in all directions. Like too many entrepreneurs, I mistook activity for accomplishment. There’s an old joke about the airline pilot who tells the passengers, “I’m lost. . .but we’re making really good time.” Some comfort, huh?
Every day, it’s wise to ask, “Is what I plan to do today helping me fulfill my major purpose?” Thx for stating a powerful theme so briefly and clearly.
Jim,
The point you make is right on the money.
I think I’d like strategy more and tactics less.
Lowell
I agree totally! Most people never decide what business model they are following for their business online and consequently have a hard time deciding whether or not a particular tactic applies to them. Many of my coaching conversations with people center around just helping them determine what their big picture is. So many have gotten bogged down in the Sale of the Week, as you say, that they can’t see the forest for the trees.
As always, Jim, you hit the nail right on the head! Thanks for your continued insights – keep that notebook handy!
Jeanette
Hey Jim
I’ve been a fan for years now and this is just one more example of why. I’m always afraid of missing the next greatest thing out there that will end at midnight if I don’t hurry!! So I have stuff for probably every branch of internet marketing! Thanks for the good advice, and I really like the idea book as well. I always have ideas on little tiny pieces of paper all over the place, I need to consolidate!
Keep up the good work Jim.
Debbie
This was a real wake up call.
I live with tactics, so like you say, I don’t get much done.
I wonder why I’m working so much, yet not getting ahead…
Thanks Jim
Hi Jim– Loved the flashy tooth!
We use the same type “Idea Book” and mine, too, are filled up.
Your advice is always useful and, honest to God, I think about spending time developing my strategy every day. Yet, somehow it gets shuffled to the bottom of my list. I just added it to my calendar in BIG RED letters.
Thanks for the whack on the head.
Cool video, Jim. But you’ve oversimplified it a bit.
Strategy is actually the “way” — the organizing approach — you take to organize your tactics (”hows”) to achieve your “whys” (vision/results).
Example:
My “why” is to be an author. The “way” I approach that is self-publishing instead of conventional publishing. That changes “how” I got about writing and selling my work.
You are spot on about taking an hour a week to think about the big picture and how the smaller bits fit into it. But you need all three levels.
Together, the “whys, ways, and hows” add up to a systemic and comprehensive approach to business and/or life planning.
Keep sending us tips and ideas. I appreciate them.
Best!
Bruce
Hi Jim just to say as uaual sound advice could have been talking about me during last few years.However, now moving forward and need advice on best tactics for driving targeted customers to website…your help appreciated I await your advice and recommendations.
Thanks again…Tony
I Want More! Especially the Strategy part. I have your Mini course, the new one (awesome) and I am a member of your TNP, also worth every penny.
My Data Management, that’s the biggest. How do you manage all your data and information?
I have been one of the people you did this video for.
I am just now getting my wheels pointed in the right direction. I wish I could have gotten your advice much earlier AND took the advice.
~Corena
Jim,
Yep! Guilty! I love to fish – but I don’t clean ‘em, cook ‘em or eat ‘em! Same with all of this information I research and collect. Finding and Learning is what I enjoy … that means the important follow-up goes by the way side and my efforts are basically a waste.
It’s one of those things you already know you should do – but put at the bottom of the priority list – where it gets lost or forgotten. Thanks for offering this encouraging advice in a “Take Action” and achievable way. I will apply it immediately – I can do one hour a week!
Love your Idea Notebook … keep it up!
Michelle
Jim,
One of these video’s please or at least an email reminder every time there’s a huge product launch! I’ve learnt just to learn from the promotional video’s now ignore the rest, but as you say, it’s knowing whether your new purchase fits in with your overall business strategy or whether you’re just buying so you don’t get left out.
Thanks for the great reminder to build my own business!
Trish
I need that Jim! I was spinning my wheels
Thanks
Jim,
Great advice. I personally have spent thousands on courses that I don’t use the tactics and some I have not even opened. Big picture, big picture…
Hi Jim, I always find your tips helpful. I’ve found you to be a person of passion and integrity, so I’m always willing to listen to what you offer. (yes, I do love you, trust you and have bought regularly from you)
And a tip that others might find useful when faced with tempting offers not immediately relevant (but could be down the track) – create a bookmark “Consider Buying” and save the sales letter pages for the offer so that you can find it again easily at your leisure. I find it takes the pressure off, so that I can make a more strategic decision about the product later.
Jim,
Great idea!
I’m sure that idea overload is a huge problem for a lot of people.
Concentrating on one idea to its completion is a weakness that if mastered could help a lot more people succeed with their online and off line businesses.
Keep up the great work.
Here’s to Your LifetoSuccess,
John Clark
http://www.lifetosuccess.com
Strategy vs Tactics. That sure fits me! I really need to put this in to practice.
Thanks, Larry
Jim: That was a useful reminder about the difference bewteen strategy and tactics – thanks. Another associated problem people often experience is losing sight of the difference between purpose and objectives. When you define your purpose and understand why you’re doing something, what you need to do becomes abundantly clear. You can then set more realistic objectives and make more pertinent plans. Too many people continue to follow plans that no longer work, because they have not reviewed and re-defined their purposes in life. I go into this distinction in detail in my e-book “Unlock The Real You,” which is available on my web site. Keep up the great work! – John (Mike Stewart’s Limey friend)
Thanx for the “reality check”… this video is definitely food for thought and right on the money… I definitely need to implement an “hour a week” to focus on my strategy…
Thanx
Linda =}
Jim:
You are so right. Your video analyzes the problem I have been experiencing. Going to put your advice into practice RIGHT NOW.
Thanks
Lillian
Jim that was a great reminder and/or wake-up call. Timely too because I was just reminded that I have been working from my head (dangerous) instead of writing the vision and making it plain. Even though this is obvious, we sometimes tend to forget things like this because it is so simple to do. We tend to think things have to be more complicated than that.
Thanks again Jim for sharing from your idea book. Share some more ideas.
Randy
Great post. Kind of in the same vein as making your ‘to-do’ list every day – and doing it!
I have the strategy, and the items I need to do. I get hung up on the how to do it part… Not real tech savvy. I spend a lot of time spinning my wheels trying to figure out how to do simple things. Simple for most people anyway…
Thanks!
Carole
Should probably watch this one weekly!!!
Very simple/basic information, yet poignant and accurate. I myself am quite guilty of focusing on the tactics as opposed to the strategy…but I’m a “tech” guy and tactics (related to software and hardware) can be cool
. In any case, your blog post is concise and needed…I will include a “Strategy Review” in my weekly schedule. Thanks for sharing!
RM Gray
http://www.GrowThyself.org
Hey Jim –
I loved the video. Oh, it’s so easy to task away out here in cyberland. There is so much information and it’s so easy to get caught up in the glamour of the gurus. Problem is there are only so many hours in the day. With that in mind your strategy is fabulous!
I’m of the belief that quality counts and with that said seeing the big picture first, then looking specifically for the information necessary to meet that goal goes a long way to creating a successful online business. It took me a long time (and a lot of dollars) to figure that out, however. Is it any wonder I was happy to find you? Let’s hope all that are new to the party listen in and take great notes on your wisdom.
And, of course, super news about your weight loss efforts!
Keep up the great work in all areas.
Blessings,
Laura
http://www.new-body-news.com
Great video Jim!
Love to peek into that idea notebook of yours! I hope you will consider doing more of these great training-wheel type videos. Top notch! And of course, having the Big Picture in view makes all the difference. I know I’d get lost very quickly without it.
Thanks for sharing your jewels of wisdom…and the update on your progress. Keep it up!
We are so lucky to be on your list! THANKS!
gabrielle
It’s a great point, Jim. Too many people get absolutely nothing done.
Too much planning
Fear of success or failure
Perfectionism
There’s always an underlying emotional reason why we do, or do not do, what needs to be done
Jim, I think that you are doing alot of people a real service by showing them how you think and making them think alittle bit. I like your ideas and thankyou for taking the time to wake me up alittle especially for free. Robert
Eban Pagan, Paul Meyers, StomperNet and John Carlton when I have time. The rest, well they used to say it alot on the Sopranos….
Jim, Thought the video was great (I’ve been 14hrs. without junk food). It’s something that should be commonsense, but I guess many of us keep looking for the easiest way. To get to the finishline of any project you have to move in that direction. And buying more tactics is kind of a procrastination technique or faffing (the art of being busy but not achieving anything). So please put your big boot on and give us all a kick in the ass. Thanks that felt great, just what I needed. Vicki
Thanks! I made a sign and put it on my wall.
One hour a week.
Where – How
Strategy- then just do it.
Jim,
Thanks for the good advice! I also wanted to thank you for writing 7 Day eBook. I used it to help write a book on language learning and travel called If You Like to Travel, Then Burn Your Guidebook! Thanks again for the business nuggets and keep up the good work.
Jim,
I don’t think it was a crock, I have a little program called a List Of Six. It’s on my desktop and it allows me to put in order six things to do. Once you finish one you enter another to replace it. You can change priority and check the history of what you accomplish.
Your thought is right on it works for me! I get more done than I ever imagined best of it.
Steve
WOW!…. you hit the nail right on the head….I am soooo guilty!….thanks Jim…..I’m going to wreak havoc in my inbox right now and unsubscribe from all my distractions!
Hey Tubby.
I agree with you 100% about the importance of developing a good big picture strategy. One problem I noticed is that most of the products, courses, etc. focus on tactics and details, not the big picture.
I was never so miffed as to once tune in to the all-important webinar put on by Guru #954 (not you) and the big secret was to make your adsense headline color something other than blue. I’m sitting there with no website, no niche picked out and I had to disagree with the webinar hype that this big secret was going to blast my business to the stratosphere.
Thanks Jim. You look thinner already!
Hi Jim
Great video as always but I am not sure why it is necessary
to take one hour a week thinking about strategy unless you
are constantly changing the strategy.
Even if you do change the strategy – this should only take
a few minutes. Am I missing something obvious?
Thanks again
John Watson
Jim
I’ve always liked the analogy of someone without a strategy being like the person who sets sail without a chart. They have no idea where they’re going to end up.
You’ve reminded me to go over this with my members again, as I see far too many people still chasing after the latest tactics — with no long-term strategy being adhered to. Thanks for the reminder.
Kevin
Hi, Jim
Thanks for reminding me of the difference between strategies and tactics.
It was easy to understand. I will focus more on my direction.
Thank you.
YUKO
Can’t give you a comment right now, have to think aboutit. You’re probably saying, “what’s to think about?” What-ever, will get back to you.
Thank you
RLW
Wow Jim, I could have had a V8! Just last night I was questioning myself about this very same subject. Am I just going in circles and what am I trying to accomplish. Being a newbie to this whole internet marketing, I’ve learned a lot and still learning-but I would like to make money in the process. Thanks Jim.
P.s. I have been a subscriber of yours for a few years now and I’m actually paying attention finally. Humm!
As always wonderful and sound advice from Jim!
You absolutely highlighted what I went through when I first started. I ended up with a hard drive full of stuff that I never use.
Only after I started allocating time to focus on the direction of my business did I begin to make headways. I actually do this every day now, usually more than an hour.
Thanks
Hi Jim,
Thank you for this nugget in basics. It helps in keeping a healthy perspective…a clearer one.
Jennifer
Jim, you are wonderful! Two great redirects for me on this one – develop a strategy and quit neglecting my idea book. Thanks for keeping internet marketing real and realistic.
Deborah
http://blog.rethinkingwealth.com/2007/07/14/i-like-jim-edwards/
I always appreciate you help and incite in teaching and showing us how to get out of our own way.
I think this is a great idea.
Jim – Great video on my favourite topic “Strategy v’s Tactics”.
For a while I used the following as an email signature:
My #2 Business rule: Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. Sun Tzu
Andrew Smith
TheBusinessPlanBlog
Jim,
You hit it on the head, that’s what it takes. I think more than an hour a week but an hour is a good start.
Good luck with the life change (weight loss) and thanks for the tips – keep ‘em comin.
John
Jim, what a great topic, especially with today’s ADD world! As a business and life coach I always recommend something similar to this as a way to get people focus on where they’re going. They spend so much time lost in the details that they sometimes either forget why they got started, where they’re going, or how they got where they are. The then spend weeks or months trying to get back to wherever that was that they started and loose tons of time and ground in the process.
I also like your idea journal, another great thing people like us need to have with us on an ongoing basis!
Joshua
http://www.joshuaaragon.com
A wise man once told me, “Aim at nothing and that’s exactly what you will hit, every time.”
Your words of wisdom echo a very similar theme. Even if we are certain we “know” that truth, what good is there in not practicing it? It takes discipline. Discipline moves a dream toward reality.
Thanks, Jim.
I like your video on strategy and tactics.
Please do more
Actually, your “why” is not being an author. Your why is the REASON you do it. It is what drives you to continue when everything says to quit. Being an author is the what, not the why.
Of everything, the “why” is the one to nail down. Without it,focus is very hard to have.
very good
Jim you really hit the “nail on the head”.
I’m guilty of sometimes jumping from one thing to another. I have just recently focused on what I need to be doing by sitting down and looking at the “big picture”. It sure has helped me in the last few weeks. Thanks for sharing this great information.
Will we be seeing some more of your “ideas” in the future? Hope so.
Again thanks.
Rudy
http://www.UninsurableHealthSolution.com
Hi Jim. Great video. What I’d like to see more of are some personal stories about how you did this in your business. Perhaps a case study.
Jason
Your Idea Book is great!
You are a mentor to most of us.
About being a grandpa – aha! wait until you are a great-grandpa !!
Thank you, Jim. This is exactly the kind of slap up the side of the head I need to remind me about the strategy piece. I’m going to my calendar now to make sure there’s an hour blocked out each week for it.
I’m getting lots better about ignoring/deleting IM emails, but yours is one that always gets opened, ’cause I know I’m going to get good stuff.
Jim, I totally agree. It’s so easy to get distracted by all the tactics. Dealing with a barrage of incoming emails all touting the latest and greatest takes time away from the important use of time by planning the correct strategy. But an earlier commenter mentioned that strategies probably wouldn’t change that often. So I also wonder if an hour a week is really needed–or just set that time aside and go on with other things if strategy hasn’t changed.
Hi Jim,
The most sound advice yet. It’s difficult to remain focused when you’re flitting ( is that a word?) around from e-mail to e-mail trying to absorb every ounce, just to make sure you don’t miss anything. We all need to remember our purpose: Getting our information or product to others (which we initially were extremely passionate about). From there, the ideas will flow and the required strategy and tactics will become very obvious, as will the areas we need to improve on.
Bottom line. Keep the passion and goal of reaching people with what you believe will help them….stay with people who have proven track records….enjoy the work you do…feel confident with the choices you make and APPLY them.
Donna Smith
Hi Jim,
Oh boy – you were talking about me!! I’ve been guilty of stacking up those ebooks and buying the next ‘big’ thing that I think is going to make the difference!! Phew, thank goodness I’ve stopped doing that now and its reassuring that on my journey to wealth and financial freedom that I’m not the only one who had been mistaking tactics for strategy. Yes, bring out more of those tips and ideas and thanks for being willing to share!! I hereby commit to an hour a week for strategising!!
Katrina
http://www.KatrinaMurray.com
I knew something was missing – and you told me what it was. Thanks a million.
Something entirely different: your video is the first I’ve seen that lip syncs. What equipment do you use?
Even with 4×4 thinking my wheels have been spinning and not getting where I want to be. The constant flood of the latest affiliate programs, software etc has been a major distraction. Something we all can allow to steal our focus, but no longer for me. Thanks for your great advice.
You are so right, it’s the equivalent of jumping on a train without having decided on your destination. After watching your video, I have now realized that that’s exactly what I’ve been doing, getting lost in the how instead of rethinking my strategy so thank you for reminding me to focus on the where. You are also right about being a grandparent. I don’t know why I feel such a great rush of love for my grand-children but they just squeeze my heart.
PS Why do you need to go on a diet? You look fine to me.
Absolutely fabulous…thanks Jim.
Sue
Hi Jim
Strategy is a ‘big’ issue because, first, there are still a lot of folk out there who don’t appreciate the difference between Strategy & Tactics. (Hopefully they’ll discover your video sometime soon!)
Second, I suspect that many people don’t realize just how many internet business model strategies are available for them to choose from.
Those in this second group often include folk who constantly forget that Internet Marketing (IM) is simply a means to an end, and not an end in itself. For example, I’m starting to go deeper into IM in order to improve my revenue in the Domain Name Market but, of course, there are countless internet business models for me (or anyone) to choose from.
It’s so important never to forget that, while an important and challenging skill to master, IM is simply learning to sell a product or service on the internet (Which, by the way, your messages and videos consistently teach in a very impressive manner!).
Martin
Strategy vs Tactics. It’s a concept that need daily reinforcement and you’ve done a really great job in highlighting this. Personally, I find some days I can switch on my computer, read e-mails, check out a few sales pages and an hour later I found I’ve bought something and signed up to a couple more lists and not got on with what I wanted to do. Other days I’m totally focused. Why? For me – e-mail is the difference. I’ve found that HOW I focus on strategy is…. spend a few hours a day (I’m working up to two days a week) WITHOUT e-mail. Not just not checking it… NOT BEING LOGGED IN. After all, there will always be another Latest-Smoking-Hot-Don’t-Miss-This-Or-You’ll-Never-Make-It-Online Guru Product (I can’t be the only one who has no idea what Stomper Net is..) You can’t use them all and if they don’t “fit” my direction, why buy them all? Strategy vs Tactics? Definitely!
Yes, Jim, you’re a crock all right…but you’re a crock of brilliance and wisdom – and like a crock pot, everything you give us has been simmering away inside and has been cooked perfectly – as you’ve told us, you don’t teach us things that you haven’t done….and as Armand says “Success Leaves Traces” – so, I am very happy to listen to your crock!
I am one of those tactics person (and not even good at that). and I buy all those products – many of which I might say are yours, Jim – want them back? Just kidding.
But, I keep thinking back to your wagon wheel approach to business and am trying to master that as my strategy.
Great job refocusing us. Thanks…and good work on no ho-ho’s. it’s tough but you can do it. Remember though, you aren’t trying to “lose” weight – your subconscious will then go try to find it again. Use another word, my friend.
And as always, thanks for helping us so much.
I love the video effects. When are you going to teach us how to do that?
Terrie
Jim,
Great point to use as a weekly practice. Strategy is like the
overall fitness weight loss plan, and tactics are the
day to day two hours of specific exercises that make it
happen.
Thanks for this, Jim, and
I really love the book in the background.
Caty
PS…what else do you have in that idea book?
Jim -
Thanks for being YOU – ‘real’ / from the heart. Your info has consistently been down to earth, easy to understand, practical and to the point – it’s what I always come back to. I have your Mini Site Creator course, Website Video Secrets and 7 Day Ebook, and I’m still learning from them.
I came into this with an overall picture and goal of what I want to create; and your tools have helped me wade through understanding practical implementation. I missed out on Mini Site Creator 2 – what are you using now to build sites in other than Mozilla?
Soon you should be able to check out my rawhealthrocks.com site and learn how to lose weight, keep it off forever AND be super healthy at the same time! Keep sharing your stuff – it’s awesome!! Thanks!
Sounds like good advice, I will have to think about it
later though since I have a teleseminar on increasing traffic
in 30 minutes. IN the meantime, I promised myself I would get through Perry Marshall’s last chapter of The definitive Guide to Google adwords. After that I want to make sure I spend 30 minutes writing my newest ebook. Oh yea, forgot that
making video is the next big thing so I need to spend at least an hour in my Website video Secrets course today. But that should probably wait until I finished learning how to build a one page sales letter website, so the video will have to wait.
Oh yea, I’ve got to make some money, I better get to work, seem like good advice, wish I had a few moments to consider it.
Seriously Jim, you rock, and I appreciate the reminder that we have to take time to sharpen the saw, and stay on track with what our spiritual, family, personal, and financial goals are. I pray that God will keep me focused on what he wants me to do.
Excellent nugget of advice. I am one one these ‘tactic’ people that you’ve described, a true dreamer in many ways, plus a very dispersed doer. I would love more information like this! MANY THANKS. ALEC.
Great video Jim.
I have spent a lot of time doing the “spinning wheel” thing but I think I am finally on a track, creating and polishing a blog with Rosalind Garnder’s blog classroom.
Then I will be getting back to creating my Mini Sites.
Here is a kudo for you. Of all the “products” I have tried, yours has been the best in teaching me how to actually create a web site from scratch. I was able to make a good deal of progress even when I was working. Now that I have been retired and, once I get my health back, I will be able to get some sites up and running fairly quickly.
You remind me of how the first Clinton campaign kept itself on track…they put up a banner that read, “It’s the economy, stupid.”
Keeping the main thing the main thing is important. Thanks for reminding me of that today.
Now before I go spend my hour on strategy with my mission, vision, and values statements, just one thing more–
Is a low fat Twinkie still a Twinkie? Or just a Twink?
Thanks, Jim!
I really like your style and “NO Spin” approach. You are the only “Guru” that I actually listen to. I’ve been cross sold by so many gurus, on crappy products…(taking surveys at home for $$$)they’ve lost all credibility. Keep the faith,
Your friend,
Greg
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the kick in the pants. I recently started a blog called Life Needs A Primer. So far — I’m just posting slice-of-life humor stuff — but without a BIG PICTURE plan in mind. Thanks for the reminder to spend time developing my strategy — Good luck with the weight loss.
Hey Jim
Good video and keep those ideas coming.
It’s so obvious but we’ve all been guilty of this.
I Make Money While I Sleep!
Super Video! I would like more from your “Idea Book”.
Simple truth, but arn’t all great ideas basically “simple truths”
Reminds me of two quotes – “If you do not know where you are going, all roads will take you there!” and “All winds are favorable to a ship with no destination.”
thanks again!
Loved the video. Fun, informative, and funny. More please.
Tamara
Thanks
Thanks for the tools and tips Big Jim.
I have a PhD in wheel spinning and apparently others -like me-have hard drives full of stuff we may never need. How did I get sucked into buying that”video branding” tool anyway?
Perhaps a tip on what works now is in order, I recall you telling us well in advance that video was the wave of the future. So I did get some of those tools…fortunately.
This tip is definitely worth saving and reviewing now and then…
You wonder why there is so much psychology that goes into building a business? Any good content that may make a difference in one person’s business is motivation enough to say “hey! I can make a difference!” Helping people move forward, get beyond doubts, hesitations and fears is a good thing. Would like very much to hear more.
Boy that was a crock…..just kidding. I was in the middle of reading another sales page on another product right when I opened your video notebook in ideas. I have discovered that ideas are really nothing better than wasting hours watching TV if they stay in a notebook,or on your shelf collecting dust. It is all about “speed of implementation”….as I heard before it doesnt have to be perfect it just has to get going.
Jim, Your right. Every day I receive the lates, bestest, program or software, ebook. I spend too much money and time
paying, downloading and not near enoughmarketing and selling.
Thanks for the reminder.
Gary
Thank you Jim for some really great, commonsense advice!
Where do you get it all from….
Excellent commmentary on stradegy and tactics. Well articulated well explained. Very truthful and very honest.
Hey Big Man,
You are right on the money with this tip. Besides, if you listen to your customers and make note of what they comment on, by answering those questions you will have way more good information for great products than you will ever be able to turn out.
As a side note, I thought you might be interested in knowing that my electricalhelper membership website is not open yet, but it is moving a good amount of product already. “AND YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T PAYING ATTENTION!”
I have found through the years, it has always been better for me to write my idea on paper than to wrap money around it first. Why because when I throw the paper away, it doesn’t hurt as bad as it does when I throw my money away.
Keep up the great work and tell everyone hello.
God Bless.
Jim,
Congrats on the twinkie thing. Here’s the catch with the strategy/tactics thing. It’s not so easy for most people to identify an appropriate strategy. And it’s even harder to see what tactics are best for a given strategy.
Let’s say, for example, that my strategy is affiliate marketing – hey Jim, is that a strategy? If it is, what are the best tactics to make the most money for that strategy?
You see where I’m going with this? Strategy and Tactics are very generic terms, as you illustrated in your video, so specifics are not just nice, but essential. You could probably make a product that described several strategies and the tactics needed to implement them. Or perhaps one that tells what to do during that one hour a week devoted to strategizing.
Cheers
Thanks, Jim…
Right now, I’m ashamed to admit that my Strategy-to-Tactics ratio stinks…your cold, hard truth about the reality of building a business online was a refreshing
slap-upside-the-head for me.
Please keep sharing nuggetts from your idea journal.
God bless you.
The Information you’ve been giving us is very useful to me!
Please keep giving us your tid-bits of knowledge.
Jim,
Nice post and I really like the video blogging! Always one step ahead of us aren’t you Jim-bo!
Ya gotta take some action while you keep an eye on the big picture. Well said. Thanks for the reminder!
Sam
Hi Jim,
Boy did you find me out or what?! I’ve finally started from the beginning ‘for about the 3rd time’ and just stopped doing things that were taking me further away from where it is I wanted to go.
Thank you for the reality check.
Yes, I’m one of those 100 projects going at once guys, so this helps. I know I’m getting nowhere. This simple tip helps.
thx
Jim,
Sounds like you’ve been there, done that.
It’s always comforting to know that I am not the
only person out there with more programs than time
and a business that is going no where because I spend
all my time listening to and reading tactics and not getting the work finished. I see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I am running full speed to put the strategy in place. You put a fire under me. I’ll keep you posted.
Bonita
Big Jim
OMG! You have been peeking over my shoulder and looking on my hard drive.
What you say is spot on.
Here’s two main comments then -
1/ Please keep these ‘From Jims NoteBook’ videos coming.
For me it’s a matter of asking myself ‘Do I agree with Big Jim’s idea – and how can I better implement those ideas into my online business activities?”
2/ Further to Strategy and Tactics. I propose that your Strategy is to set an outcome target weight whereby upon reaching that target weight by employing your Tactics you renew your UserName at this site, changing it from Big Jim to Slim Jim. If you go for it I will support you in some way (let’s work on that) but I will want Slim Jim Tactical Update Videos. How ’bout it?
Regards
Michael Searles
AUSTRALIA
I liked what you said about the strategy and tactics methods and would like more info about it.
Thanks for giving great advice. Your video
tips can make lot of changes, if followed
practically.
Damodar
http://homebusinesseasycash.com
Jim,
You made my smile… much needed this week. And, I really needed the reminder about strategy vs tactics. Time for me to get back to strategy.
Thanks,
Margaret
Hi Jim;
Well, everyone else has said all these wonderful things about your little piece of advice….so, the be the contraion,
I’ll say it was awful!!! The worst advice ever!!!
OK OK only kidding…. it was a nice reminder to keep focused on the big picture, and not get distracted……and yes, I too, have hard drive full of ebooks and vieos about how to ……
thanks
ch
Hi Jim,
This is such a great message and SO important. I don’t think people realise just how crucial having an idea of where you are going really is to the decision making process of where you spend your time RIGHT NOW. When you know where you are heading it is very easy to answer the questions “Do I need to buy this right now?” “Do I need to watch this free Pre-launch Content?” “Will spending my time doing this interruption get me closer to my longer term goal (strategy”?” etc etc
It becomes so much easier to manage your time when your strategy is in place. It also helps motivate you because you start to get excited about how things could be, can be and (if you get up of your backside) how they will be.
Great message Jim, keep ‘em coming because we all need these reminders.
Jim,
Nice, short and great point on your video. People should follow this for both business and personal life.
Thanks..
Hi Jim,
It is so easy to fall into the “How” of things because it gives you the illusion you’ve got a hold of something tangible, something real that will truly contribute to your success. But with no direction, it becomes a tyrant that fuzzies the order of things on and on.
Thanks for this simple, powerful advice.
Vida
Hi Jim….loved your video….makes me feel very motivated!!
Jim,
Your video is so true!!
Now all I need is some software which stops me from doing the same thing and clogging up my hard drive with junk.
I would love to learn of more ideas from your notebook. Your information is always timely and relevant.
Excellent points. I always assumed (you know what happens when you do that!) strategies and tactics were one and the same. I know what I’ll be doing at least one hour each week now. Thanks for the direction.
You summed up the last two years of my life in, what, 2 minutes?? Egads!! So simple, yet so profound–thank you!!
That’s true, that’s how you get information overload, your
too busy concentrating on something else instead of what needs to be done, once you concentrate on whats needs to be done, you reach success much quicker…
Jim
I loved your idea of working one hour a week on strategies, I think this is what has happened to me, I’ve spent a lot of money but done nothing so far, would like to hear more of your cool ideas. Thanks
Simple (but not always easy). Obvious (but only when you know it). Direct and to the point.
Great stuff as ever!
Jane
Very good information. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of having the “big picture” because I drifted along without it for so long. Now that I have the big picture, it makes a huge difference in everything I do.
When you don’t have the big picture, you do tend to just buy whatever latest and greatest thing hits your Inbox. However, when you have the big picture and know what you’re trying to accomplish, you look at these things in a much different way.
Then you compare this new product or service to what you’re trying to accomplish and see if it will help you reach that goal or if it’s completely unrelated and just going to distract you.
It makes the decision to buy or not buy very simple and eliminates the risk of having all these e-books, audios and videos sitting on your hard drive collecting “virtual dust”.
Even though I’ve already come to appreciate the importance of having the big picture, it’s always nice to have a reminder to help me keep on track!
Thanks,
Todd
Hello Jim,
Great message video! Thanks for sharing
this simple, yet, often overlooked key to
business growth and development.
This is a very valid point which most internet marketers ignore and never tell anyone, yet it’s so obvious. A business – any business – needs a plan,or a strategy, to know where it’s headed and what’s it’s for.
So many people start up online businesses and don’t know what the big picture is of what they’re trying to do. They just buy into the ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes without a plan of action, and so everything they do becomes a waste of time.
So thank you for stating the most obvious, but mostly overlooked fact, that for a business to succeed, it needs a strategic plan of not only where it’s going but how to get there.
And the best part is that, as you stated, it only takes an hour a week of thinking time to make a business into a success. You simplified it so well.
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?
WHY HASN’T SOMEBODY SAID THIS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS?
Hey, Jim, sorry to be so dramatic, but I’m one of those guys who spent $50K in 3 years studying every course,seminar, teleseminar, webinar, podcast, download, eBook, and home study course you can imagine, and I’m one of those guys with hard drives and bookshelves full of stuff.
Fortunately, I am now on track with my own strategy, and am in the process of creating our first info-product, which we will launch in July.
Why isn’t anyone talking much about strategy? With the proliferation of IM gurus, courses, etc., everybody is trying to sell their super-duper-latest-and-greatest-must-have thing, and it’s totally possible to spend 30 hours, 9 days a week just trying to keep up with all the stuff you have, and get on everybody else’s calls, and do email, etc.
I wish I had known about “Strategy” three years ago.
Thanks for the video.
Dr. Andrew Colyer
–way too many blogs and websites to list here
Hi Jim,
You are right on target. That is all I’ve been doing, collecting tactics. You have put it into perspective. I see what I need to do. Now I have to put my mind to DO IT!!
Procrastiation is a monkey on my back.
Thank you Jim!!
Don
Great video Jim.
I’d take this even futher.
I think it’s vital to have:
1. A personal strategy. You should know how much money you want to make every week (on average) and how many hours you want to work to make that money.
2. A business strategy. You should have an ideal ultimate outcome you’d like for your clients to reach from their interaction with you.
Then you can reverse engineer tactics to help your clients reach that ultimate outcome and you can do it in a way that’s consistent with your income and work goals.
Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh
Jim … great post. Great tip!
In fact much more than a tip. It’s probably the single-most important principle anyone building a new business can learn.
This is going to be a bit of a long response, but I’m really excited about all this. I want to share with you how I’m applying your “Strategy vs Tactics” idea in 3 simple radical steps to get rid of tactical “noise” and put strategy right at the heart of my daily business acivities …
Over the last few months, I’ve been developing a business vision – my “strategic direction”. And sure, over that time I’ve bought a fair few “tactical” products, ebooks, DVDs, etc – several from you, in fact
.
It’s a hot vision. I love it. But now it’s essential that I start building on this vision in a really focussed and practical way, or I could spend the next few months spinning my wheels.
So here are my 3 simple radical steps:
[1] Last week I drew my “strategic vision” onto some big flip-chart pages. Just the headlines, key diagrams, major milstones and financial targets. Then I hung them up on my wall. Now I spend my first full hour every day staring at these fantastic plans, soaking them in, refining them. And, most important, I list the exact tasks for the day that will move my vision another step forward to reality.
[2] Yesterday I unsubscribed from every(!) newsletter and ezine I’ve ever signed up for – except yours (seriously!). Why? Because I can’t afford to be distracted from the big vision right now by “latest and greatest” stuff, even though it’s coming from some of the hottest mentors in the industry. I must keep the strategic direction crystal clear right now.
[3] Today, I’m creating my core “Stategic Toolkit”. I’m going back through all the eBooks, reports and software products I’ve ever bought or downloaded, and I’m pulling out ONLY THE ONES THAT ARE DIRECTLY RELEVANT to my first business milestone. They’ll get stored in a folder right in the middle of my desktop. EVERYTHING ELSE(!) is getting archived off to an external USB drive and literally disconnected from my computer.
It’s like clearing a jungle. I can see sunlight! And Jim, I gotta tell you
… I feel unstoppable! My days are mega-productive now that I’m locked onto strategy. Tactics come into it, of course, and I’ll be diving into my toolkit every day, like any builder does. But the strategic plan drives the show.
It’s all fantastic stuff. Your video is great – a great reminder at a perfect time for me. I know it comes from years of experience and wisdom on your part. Very generous of you to share it with us.
Thanks Jim.
Michael Done
Perth
Western Australia
Thanks, I may have to use this video everyday. Just to make sure I don’t end my day feeling like a pit of butterflies, flitting about and getting nothing done.
Thanks again,
Sylvia
Excellent Jim as always! This is so so true, especially for beginners…I know this from personal experience. You described exactly what happened to me the first 2 years (trying) to get an online biz running. And when I finally dumped the 2 closets full of education materials in the trash and went with a “big picture” strategy and my gut instincts, then I saw changes and results.
Always a pleasure Jim
Matt Lopilato
I am the new kid on the block that doesn’t know diddley about computers or marketing. There must be dozens of
amatures like me out thre that have a good idea or product,
(or like me, both) and need to “understand” the strategy
before we fly off half corked doing exactly what you are talking about. Perhaps there is a place where an amateur
can go to get step by step guidance on developing a strategy.
Tom Lord
Ouch – a hard drive full of partly read e-books!
thats me. Hour a week eh!
Sounds like a plan – starting now.
Everything you said is so true I know alot of newbies keep looking for that new thing thats going to do everything for them or they are afraid they may miss out on some magic thing, so they keep on buying like you said because they are really not sure of what do, They have no plan and really need some one to take them by the hand and show them every step of the way and how to have a Automatic System so they can have more time to enjoy life, thats what my business does.
thank you Jim and keep it coming
you’er good man to share this with every one.
You are perfectly right about the need to focus on strategy and not gathering loads of tools and ideas you wil never use.
But why do you start the video in such a downmarket way I don’t want to hear about anyones weight and what they eat. It makes me cringe and to be honest i think less of you as a guru that I like, trust and want to do business with!
Your message is great … so why not stick with that and forget the rest?
Hi Stefan,
Excuse me for being a human being.
I never claimed to be a “guru” – I’m just a guy who DOES things and shares the results.
Sounds like you need to go find one of those plastic, super-human gurus who live in a world where nothing is wrong, everything works, and the world is perfect if you’ll just pay them $1000 to give you a push-button solution to your problems.
Best of luck to you
Jim
Hey Jim.
I liked the opening to this video a lot. It made me chuckle.
Video was great too. Hard drive full of eBooks etc… sounds like me until I switched computers… now it’s nowhere near as full (I still have all the eBooks, I just went from 50gb to 600gb)
I always enjoy reading/viewing your stuff. Keep up the good work and thanks for taking the time to do this kind of thing.
I don’t cringe when I get emails from you like I do some of the others.
Maybe next time you should post a warning at the beginning though. Something along the lines of “Warning: I’m going to be sociable for the first 15 seconds of this video and talk about myself, if you don’t want to waste 15 seconds just fast forward… oops, sorry, I just wasted 15 seconds by having you read this, I’ll put another warning in my next video warning you about the warning”
Thanks again.
Dale.
Great Video! I keep it in my email box just so I can
go back and watch it when I get a dose of information overload. Thanks, Jim.
Jim,
You always speak straight from the heart. With this topic, you hit a raw nerve. My hard drive and my life is spinning in overdrive, but my results are quite meager.
Please discuss more on how to develop a strategy so that the desire to buy and download every catchy idea and title loses its allure.
Regards,
Richard Posner, Tokyo