Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi everyone,

It`s been a long time and I`ve been away trying to bring some juice into my life, setting my new business up; getting my writing and consulting business back into life.

Please take a look at my new blog at http://www.softwarehawker.com/hawkerblog

How does it look? Is there anything I must do to improve it? The content is being added at three times a week. The focus will be on  Business and Productivity Software --  tips, reviews, Trends, etc.

Please do let me know your valuable feedback.

Warm Regards

Ash



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http://softwarehawker.com/hawkerblog

Hi there, Ash :-)
I looked at your site, and my first thought was how you`ll compete with other magazines. For example, PC World or PC Magazine in paper and online, or the CNET site.

Although you likely have some interesting articles, and it seems to me that if you have a blog, just about anyone will read anything, I`m not sure that`s your intent. Since you say this is a consulting business, then I`ll assume you intend to a) collect customers, and b) make money, right?

To that end, I don`t really see a compelling reason to peruse the site from the perspective of being a possible client.

• I don`t understand who your clients would be, so I`m not sure if I would be using your services.
• I don`t see anything that quickly explains your services.
• I`m not sure whether I`m looking at a sales page or an informative article page.

The problem here is that if you`re writing a magazine, then it looks fine. But if you`re trying to get clients, there doesn`t seem to be anything to "do" on the existing site as it stand. I hope that makes sense?

Hi Craig,

:-)

What you say makes sense. Actually this URL that you just happen to see is a blog. I haven`t built the main site yet. I wonder how to go about it. Perhaps I must look for a website template or something.

Now, even in the blog`s case, writing about anything and everything might not make sense to me. Like you rightly pointed out, I am out there trying to compete with the really big ones like you mentioned above. However, if I focus on one aspect, it would be great. Niche, what say?

Ash



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We`ve had a lot of discussion here on the forums about how to build a Web site, what problems to avoid, issues of content, and how to be focused. We`ve also had a lot of discussion about having a life plan before building a business plan.

What it comes down to is that although some people like to play around with this expression, "Ready, Fire!, Aim..." it`s a foolish way to go about a career and business intended to last for a number of years. It`s fine for spontaneous ideas, fun, and general adventure, but not long-term business development.

There`s a famous story about a Russian general whose name escapes me. He was always making "to-do" lists, and made one when Russia entered WW II. At the top of the list was the first item: "Win the war."

The key in life is to have an intent, and be deliberate about that intent. It`s to contemplate what it is you`re really trying to create and accomplish, examine where you want to end up (the goal), and then keep an eye on your objective.

If you don`t have an objective, then the first step is to get one. :-) If you want a magazine, then you need to figure out your intended readers, your market, and how you`ll make money. If you want a consulting business, then you`ll need to decide what it is you`re consulting about.

On the other hand, the name of your blog seems to be about reviewing software. Even there, the question is what specific type of software? Yes, you can fill a niche, but always remember that a niche market is one that exists (a need) but that isn`t being served.

With the complexity of the world today, even the smallest niche markets can sometimes do very well. But you have to decide: What`s the niche? Who is it that needs something, who can`t get that something, and that you can help out with specialized knowledge and/or products?

Thanks a million, Craig.

Your post actually gave me  a direction.

The Softwarehawker Blog is for Software to make your businesses more smart, leaner, productive and secure -- that does it.

Clear and focused -- Leverage computing technology to increase profits.

I plan to earn money in two ways:

1. Directly by placing affiliate links in the posts and on the ad sections.
2. Building a list and then providing them great information -- I can make money again by using affiliate links; promotions; selling information and much more.





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Good :-) The first step in any venture is to have an idea of what`s the point of the venture. That may change, after you get involved and moving, but few people ever act when they see no reason for an action. You sound like you`ve got some reasoning now. 

Hey Craig,

Oh focused I really am right now. I figured the next thing I got to combat is the traffic to the site.

So what am I doing?

1.Going big on web 2.0, Social Media and Social Marketing.
2.Writing some unique content for the blog; additional content for the article directories and much more.

Pts 1 and 2 done each day. I am in this for the long haul and I know it takes time to build it.

:-) I am loving it.




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Hire Me To Write For You Join for Free &Throw Open Your Life to Change
Bid and Win Insane Deals