Want to Build a Lifestyle Business in 2016? Stop Signing Up for Webinars
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The first thing that I do when I wake up in the morning is to check my email. I know some people avoid their phones and email in the morning, but I’m not one of those people. I want to know what’s going on, and use part of that information to plan my day.
Lately, I’m noticing a trend. There are at least a few emails about a webinar someone is putting on. The copy does what it’s supposed to do; it makes you want to sign up. In my mind, I know this person wants to sell me something, but a part of me wonders if I could just take in the free training, and ignore the sale.
I’m guessing you’ve attended at least a few webinars in your time. Some were probably terrible, but you did learn a thing or two from others. The main problem with webinars today is all the hype surrounding them, and the fact that most will contribute to your information overload. Now, I want it to be clear that this post isn’t meant to bash webinars, per say. It is written to make you think long and hard before you sign up for one because of who’s hosting it, or what they’re advertising.
You Already Have the Knowledge
Webinar opt-in forms, Facebook ads, and three video series all make webinars sound like they’re the missing piece to reaching the next step in your lifestyle business—they’re not. They can be, but only if the information helps your next steps.
Most of the information that you’ll learn in a webinar is already available online. It’s probably even available on that person’s website. You already have access to knowledge, so by taking the time to watch the webinar, what are you taking time away from?
Most Webinars are Deigned Give You Just Enough
There are some webinars that are simply free information; I host a few of those from time-to-time. Most have the goal of selling a program or service. They may not do it on the actual webinar, but once you get on the list, you will probably be sold to at some point. The copy is good; the info on the webinar gives you just enough information for you to want to pay for more. But, do you need to spend more money?
What’s more, a lot of webinars—especially from the bigger names—are promoted by a lot of the same people. You’ve seen it, right? You see the same person’s webinar promoted on a lot of the email lists you are subscribed to. Remember what their goal is and ask yourself how that fits with YOUR goals.
Use Webinars When it Makes Sense for YOU
There will come a time when a webinar will make sense for you. It will come down to where you are in your building efforts, who’s hosting the webinar, and what your goals are from attending. Like anything, having a clear plan is how you’ll make the most progress.
Just because webinars or any other strategy worked for someone else, doesn’t mean they will work for you. You have to filter all the marketing speak and see what’s right for your business and life—right now. Chances are, the information is already available on that person’s website. Consume it there and save yourself some precious time.
If 2016 is going to be the year you break free and grow, you’re going to need to have a plan and focus. You’re going to need a strong will that allows you to bypass the things most people will tell you that you “need to do.” This has to be your journey and information overload through webinars is threatening that.
Please don’t misunderstand this post. I’m not saying all webinars are bad or that you should never attend one or host your own. What I am saying is that you have to manage your time wisely and get honest about whether or not the webinar will help your next steps. If you miss it this time around, that’s okay. A lot of these webinars repeat several times throughout the year.
What has been your experience with webinars?
