I send lots of emails, and I don’t always get a response to them. I am not afraid to contact someone out of the blue, introduce myself, and let them know what I am seeking. In my opinion, it doesn’t hurt to ask an expert for some advice.
I have been contemplating what to do with one of my domain names I feel has potential. I’ve been trying to figure out whether to develop, and if I take that path, how to build a website or a business. I am not all that set on developing another website, but I am exploring opportunities.
While doing some research, the name of someone I believe is an expert in this vertical came into my head. Without hesitation, I sent him an email and asked him for his thoughts regarding the domain name. I’ve done this before, and I have found it to be very helpful. Oftentimes, people don’t respond – especially if they don’t know me, but I don’t think it can hurt to ask.
When I send emails like these seeking some insight or thoughts, I try to keep them brief. I introduce myself if necessary and I briefly explain what I am seeking. Some people respond succinctly and others share more information that I could have hoped. Some people prefer to chat over the phone, and some people simply don’t respond.
Making connections is important. When I don’t have an intermediary to arrange an introduction, I try to get the person’s contact information through other channels. Although it might seem a bit strange to ask someone you don’t know for advice or feedback, I don’t think it can hurt. With the skills I have learned seeking out domain names and domain name owners, finding contact information is easier.
Some people don’t like asking others for help or advice. I am happy to share advice and my thoughts, and I have qualms reaching out to people to ask for their thoughts.
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Elliot,
I appreciate the transparency of this post. I can identify with the things you have said. I think real strength is found not in our knowledge, but our connections and willingness to reach out to our network.
If you are ever looking for someone to bounce ideas off of, count me in. I do this stuff all the time, and if nothing more, it helps keep things interesting, and my circle of connections engaged in an ongoing conversation.
Thank you,
David
I totally agree, approaching expert can save a lot of headaches. I will be first to say, that for most people development is not the right path. I am in digital marketing and have developed a number of my own projects, as well as client. The hardest part is not starting, it’s finishing.
Generally after first 3-6 month, momentum disappears and unless the project was approached as long term investment, it just suffocates. It might drudge on, but unless it was approached as large project from the get go, the unpredictability of building out a new business (and most of the time it is) overcomes any opportunity for large success unless you luck out, even if you are prepared.
And going in has it’s own problems.Majority of people who start project vastly underestimate complexity of every single element, unless you are come from that industry, it will be hard and likely not worth the time and loss money for first year or two. It is very hard to commit to something that gets more difficult as time goes on.