Overcoming Analysis Paralysis
How many times have you suffered from "Analysis Paralysis" that plagues solopreneurs?
I'll be the first to answer a big huge YES!!!! And for those that don't know what it is, I'm here to tell you... "Analysis Paralysis" is that ugly vicious cycle of when you have this magnificent idea and you get so excited about it. I know you feel me! Well, the next thing you know, weeks have gone by and you still haven't started anything - zippo - NADA! You lost that steam, that motivation. And what's worse is while you procrastinated, your competitor just launched something similar and now you feel horrible and think you've missed out!
Let me reassure you, that first... YOU ARE NOT ALONE! But know this, if there are competitive products based on similar topics, that’s a good thing. That means there’s a market for it and your ideal client is definitely willing to pay money for your information. The beautiful thing is that you are also a unique individual who has unique talents with a unique way of delivering your core genius to your tribe, so why not put your own spin on a similar product?
Understanding Your Ideal Client
Smart business owners will do their due diligence and research what they're looking to purchase prior to starting the production process, primarily to cover their bases and include all the information their audience is craving. Review your audience’s pain points and struggles. One of the easiest ways to address this in your messaging is to "Write what you do with what THEY have in mind!" As you're thinking about how can you address those in your product, can you present your product differently than the competitors’ products and/or services? What’s missing from their products that you can provide? If you’re not sure how to answer these questions, simply ask your audience via email, survey, or social media. People love voicing their opinions so ask them!
Enlist Your VA for Maximum Productivity
Acting on your intuition when a product presents itself is vital to keeping up your momentum and avoiding analysis paralysis. Assign a simple task to your VA, such as creating a production timeline (and save it as a template for future products) or conducting the market research. Ask your VA to stir up some buzz on social media (without giving away too much, of course) and let your followers chime in about what they want to see from you.
In the meantime, you start creating a product outline and brainstorm where you’ll get the content (ghostwriter, expert interviews, past content that you wrote, etc.) Taking at least one action step each day will prevent you from stopping dead in your tracks and thinking there is no way you can compete with others. That’s negative self-talk that you need to battle and overcome. Reciting some positive affirmations or meditating can help dispel that negative self-talk.
Need Some Validation? Ask questions in Your Mastermind Group
Sometimes we need that extra kick of positive energy to get started or keep going. Capitalize on the opportunity to brainstorm in a mastermind group or with other business associates who you trust and value to get their opinions. Be prepared to accept constructive feedback and/or constructive criticism. Not everyone will love your idea but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. The advice you receive could potentially provide value add for your idea or company, etc. as well as suggest some added topics or suggest a different format. Consider, their opinions and feedback however, don’t let those opinions alone curtail the production of your activity. You understand best what your audience needs and which course format they will prefer.