Focus - Staying The Course

I have a blog called "Serendipity Express". The premise of this name has two basic parts:

1. Express: This word denotes freedom of speech. The Internet affords anyone this right - to a point. As we've learnt from current events - in the offline world - FOS isn't always without it's repercussions. Especially if respect is left out of the mix. "Express" denotes the freedom to express myself. But this is only half the equation. There's also...
2. Serendipity: Here's a good definition of the word: "Serendipity is finding something unexpected and useful while searching for something else entirely." This is an interesting word and is a great way to describe the online experience. You go online with one objective in mind and then you end up getting sidetracked and lured away by something that piques your curiosity. So you follow it up and click on through to that page or website. Before you know it you've got 10 windows open and no clear objective.

This word serendipity is what I want to talk about...

You see, it seems to be a major reason why focusing - staying the course - can be a difficult feat for the average Internet marketer. Especially since we don't have a boss looming over our shoulder micro-managing us.

The fact that the Internet is serendipidous by nature makes it a challenge to keep focused on what you had set out to do in the first place (whatever that was). So we need a solution, something that will carry us over into the 'End Zone'.

I've noticed that when each step is clearly mapped out step-by-step, focus is alot easier. When it isn't focus is more likely to be at the mercy of the forces of serendipity

Goals > tasks > schedules > ...

Focus > Context: Does this move me closer to my goals for the day? The same question can and should (this is one of those 'shoulds' - but it is really helpful rather than hurtful) be used with all purchase considerations too.

To Multi-Task or Not to Multi-Task?

The Jury is still out on this one. Some Internet marketers report that focusing on several ventures at a time is completely okay, while others attribute their success to focusing only on one project at a time. The concensus seems to be in favor of this view.

By spreading yourself thin you dilute your effectiveness. So one way around this is to outsource the tasks you aren't good at, don't like, or are too time consuming. This will free you up to focus on where you're strong.

Perhaps the most important thing is work on the business not in the business.

To be continued...

How To Make Online Purchases Without A Credit Card.

Credit cards are the most popular form of online currency exchange. They're convenient and they are the life blood of ecommerce.

However, they can be a financial hazard if not handled with care. Case in point...

I have this friend who had her credit card account closed down by the bank. She wasn’t too happy about this, understandably, but the bank has a thing called terms & conditions. She failed to take this into consideration when he decided to make a few too many late payments - 3 months worth.

Anyway, she had a dilemma; on the one hand she still wanted to make online purchases but on the other she no longer had her trustee credit card.

So she set out to find alternative ways to make online purchases. Here's what she found discovered...

Option #1: Sign up for a free PayPal account!

Now here’s the deal…

You can make your online purchases by attaching a bank account (of your choice) to your PayPal account. This is a relatively easy process – and it’s free!

All it takes is three easy steps: (The following is taken directly from the PayPal website)…

Step 1: Log in to your PayPal account and click on Set up bank funding on the left hand side of your Account Overview page. When prompted, enter your bank details and review our bank funding agreement.

Step 2: When we have received your bank details, we will deposit two small security amounts into your bank account. When you see your next bank statement, make a note of these amounts.

Step 3: Log in to your PayPal account and tell us what these two amounts are. When you have completed all three steps, you can then start sending PayPal payments funded by your bank account.

An official statement from the website states the following:

“Bank Funding lets you easily make payments with PayPal using your bank account. Plus, you'll be safe because PayPal never debits your bank account without your authorisation.Make sure there are sufficient funds in your bank account before sending a bank funded PayPal payment

Option #2:

This one is a personal favorite…

A debit card! In America it is commonly known as a prepaid credit card.

Additionally, there are options for the “credit impaired” consumer. BUt I won't cover that at this time.

The danger with the Internet is that if you do not track your finances - i.e. your purchases -they can easily get away on you. That's why a debit card is so valuable. You have to put your own money on your debit card before you can go online and buy anything. No interest, no woriies.

The other benefit is that it trains - or should I say rehabilitates - the "credit challenged" because they have to save up first before they buy anything. Thus, new, better habits are formed & everyone wins!

Oh, I think that's a knock at your door. It's the repo man. It looks like you'll have to get a new debit card! : b

I'm out.

Paul