I came to a pretty jarring realization this week: My oldest son is (shudder) less than five years way from getting his license. So my husband, Chris, and I were debating what to do with our cars over the next few years.
If Jon had his way, he would end up with our 1965 Mustang Convertible. 🙂 (See how comfortable he looks in this shot from our Christmas card last year? He’s the second from the left!)
The reality, however, is that he will likely be the new owner of a well-seasoned 2002 Honda Civic.
Now, the Civic is a perfectly good car. And more to the point, it is the right car at the right time in his life.
The same lesson goes for our businesses. We need to make sure that we have the right thing at the right time—especially concerning the technology we use.
We might see a fancy, automated marketing and email system like Marketo and think, “I want that!” However, as a start-up, a system like iContact may be more appropriate.
In my newest blog post, I’ll take you deeper into the right thing/right time paradigm, and walk you through a simple, 3-part technology audit to ensure that you’re not wasting time, money or precious resources.
Make sure to leave me a comment below the blog! I want to hear how this audit will affect the way you use technology in your business.
Great info! Thank you, Pam! Makes perfect sense.
I liken it to giving a baby an awesome steak dinner. 🙂
Right now I am using Aweber for mail and Bluehost for hosting with a WordPress Website
Great metaphor MaryAlice- I hadn’t heard that one before!
Good advice Pam. I wish I had been connected with you a few years ago before spending thousands of dollars on programs and services I knew nothing about. When I started out as an entrepreneur I wanted success so much I was willing to do whatever it took but unfortunately too many marketers give bad advice that send non-techie entrepreneurs like myself into overwhelm and financial hardship. I’ve learned to ask for feedback from those who’ve walked the path of success and take my time before making a decision rather than get reeled in by the “hurry before it’s too late” strategies so many use.
Thanks Wendy! We’ve also spent a lot of time and money on tools – some good, some not as good – so we have learned some of it the hard way too. It’s great advice you give about taking the time to make informed decisions – always pays off! Thanks for the comment!
Great topic and recommendation Pam. It is really about what you need right now for what you are trying to accomplish. Thanks!
Thanks Teh, always nice to hear from you!
Great post Pam. When I started out several years ago I started with 1shoppingcart. It was way too complicated for me at the time and way more expensive than I needed.
Right now, I use a drag and drop, totally simple system called Mad Mimi. It was perfect for me when I was learning about email marketing and didn’t know things like basic html. I’m now ready for something a little more robust that also looks a bit more professional and will be moving to Get Response come the first of the year.
Perfect – I’m not familiar with Mad Mimi – I’ll check it out as an introductory solution for folks. I also like iContact and Mail Chimp for small businesses too! Thanks for the comment!
I like your style of sharing your tips and experience Pam !! Straight up :))
I am thrilled to be learning and soaking in all your views and knowledge sharing. I have sold many of my doo dads to invest in a starting mail system( aweber) and an assistant to learn then teach me. I experienced buying a more sophisticated one then realizing it was way more than I needed at this starting point. Exactly what u r talking about 🙂
I have made this mistake over and over again and am learning slowly but I can say I am Learning and moving FORWARD !! thanks for sharing what you know 🙂
Jay