This post was most recently updated on January 22nd, 2012
I am in the middle of my 30-day challenge. In my initial 30 day challenge I chose to develop a product. Trudging along this road, I came to realize so many things that have made this one challenge I’m going to need more than 30 days for. But I’m still plugging away at it.
So here’s how my 30-day challenge is playing out.
I assessed my time, I wrote out a schedule of all the things I have to do besides being devoted to my 30 day challenge. As I was going along my merry way, fingers flying across the keyboard, I suddenly came to a halt.
I discovered that I would need my product to be “keyword rich”. Also, I would have to do a little digging to research my competition. So, I went on a keyword search journey to see how many people were looking for a product like mine and also what was my competition for the keywords I wanted to use.
Off I went to Google Analytics, then Clicky and, of course… got lost in my research. I realized 14 days into my challenge, this would have to take a longer time. So I asked myself “Are you going to fail that 30 day challenge?” Of course not! I’m sticking to it… even if it takes another 30 days!
My feelings going through this process: it was like everything was falling on my head. Ergo the picture!
What I have learned is that any product could be great, but in the process there is so much to think about during the developmental stages. I didn’t want to waste time and have to go back to the drawing board and do it AGAIN!
Now, I’m a research nut!
I spent the last 2 weeks researching and am glad I did. It made me realize I was too scattered in my production effort. I need to stick to ONE thing instead of several in order for it to be text adept, and keyword rich. Most importantly, I need to balance the number of people searching for my keywords and compare it with the number of competitors. Phew!
So I am learning it is not only developing a product, but one that my research indicates people are searching for.
So Hi Ho, Hi Ho… it’s back to work I go!
I hope this post can save YOU some time when developing your product.
Blessings,
Donna
Congrats on your promise to a 30-day challenge, and to building up an item! Being laser centered around who your crowd is and what they need is the key to making something individuals need to purchase. You are savvy to plan and research; it will satisfy over the long haul! No sense in putting time into an item that nobody needs. I am energized for you.
People who accept challenges are the one who is going to be the future winners if you will not accept challenges how can you win.so
Twitter: MarketingKM
August 14, 2015 at 7:40 pm #
Yes Donna
Your article did get me thinking. I have this great idea for a product, but I haven’t researched it as yet
“I discovered that I would need my product to be “keyword rich”. Also, I would have to do a little digging to research my competition. So, I went on a keyword search journey to see how many people were looking for a product like mine and also what was my competition for the keywords I wanted to use”
I will be doing just that. I think this is such a great idea. Perhaps with research I may change my mind. You heard it here first though it has to do with my dog. Time will tell.
Kathryn Maclean recently posted..WordPress Website
Twitter: labousquet
March 29, 2015 at 12:10 pm #
Thank you for sharing how your challenge is going. It pointed out one of my challenges that I have not done in the past. That is to check my schedule first and add in where my new project is going to fit.
Although I have not worked on my product I am still thinking about it so off to set a schedule.
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Hi Donna, I love reading about your challenge here and also your most recent post about quieting the mind (looked like comments were closed there, so I’m commenting here).
It’s so easy for us to become seduced with all the many facets to our business development efforts (not to mention LEADERSHIP for our teams) that we can easily come apart at the seams over the course of just a day.
I commend you for having the fortitude and FOCUS to develop your own product and to deliver such powerful statements to our community! Go YOU!!
Best regards,
Cat Alexandra
Thanks Cat…Thanks for your lovely comment. I’m going as fast as I can, taking in consideration learning curves, family matters and three lovely dogs I need to tend to…lol
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Hi Donna,
I wanted to comment on your “quiet mind” blog, but the comment link would not work, so here I am, on Blog #2, which works fine! Both of these blogs have great take-away’s!
When there is a lot of confusion, and not knowing where to turn, submit youself to God and have faith, and it will work out! This next blog is a great reminder for me, as I often forget about researching keywords! And this is so important when article writing and working on the internet.
Thank you for this great reminder, so hopefully I can get on task!
Thanks again, Donna
All the best, Linda
I appreciate your thoughts Linda. Oh, it is a part of my life to let go and let God. But you REALLY have to feel that in your heart, besides saying it. It takes a while to sit and relax and really open yourself up to it. It works every time! I am also glad that I reminded you about research. I had to learn it the hard way, so that’s why I blogged about it. Blessings, Donna
Hi Donna and congrats on doing what you’re doing. Creating your own product sets you apart from everyone else that doesn’t have one. But you’re right, it takes time but you can make as many products as you want once you get it down. I’m still learning but I’m creating something I can sell on stage, online and every month with new bonuses. I know keyword spy .com can help you see whats in demand and who’s targeting those keywords. So glad to see you staying on course. I’ll be checking back from time to time to get some great tips. Let’s stay in touch.
Rick Salas
Thanks for the encouragement and the tip on keyword spy. Haven’t heard of that one yet. I appreciated it.
Donna
Donna,
Way to go for the challenge! And love your attitude of learning!
I know there are always so much learn in this entrepreneurial journey!
Cheering you on!
Kelly
Thank you for cheering me on Kelley! What I love best about being an entrepreneur is the journey of knowledge.
I commend you on your comittment to achieving you goal in you 30 day challange. I also have learned from you that I too need to do kw research,ugh. But in the end it will all work out and the things that you are learning now will help you with your next project.
I am glad I was some help to you Joyce. KW research at first was a chore, now I’m hooked. I’m loving it!
Hey Donna,
So often we get caught off guard in our lives that takes us on a detour. Your determination and passion will carry you through to your commitment so thanks for sharing your story because I know we all can relate:)
I know Eldridge! Detours are just part of the process of the journey. As long as we learn from them it’s fine. Just Never give up!
Twitter: marquitaherald
September 16, 2011 at 5:07 pm #
Thanks for sharing this great information. I just recently had the opportunity to review a new book, The Lean Startup and the whole first of the book is all about what you’re going through right now. One of the many “ahha!” moments for me was learning to think of product development as many experiments along the way, rather than holding off for the “perfect” product to launch eventually. It’s mind blowing stuff when you think about it. Good luck and I look forward to your next update!
Thank you Marquita! This is exactly what I am going through. It is a welcomed experience. Through all the training I thought I had it down. But I missed the part of research. I am still going on with it. No matter how long it takes!
Hi Donna:
First let me say congratulations to you for taking on such a great challenge of creating your own products. I completely understand what you are saying. In the last two years, I have created 3 products that sells on Clickbank, a coaching program and 3 other services that I sell on pay pal and it was no joke. There were days I just wanted to give up but then I knew I could not. Now creating your own product in 30 days is a gutsy move but you know what? You can do it if you want it bad enough and willing to do what it takes to get the job done! Please keep us posted.
Putting effort on researching and knowing what your target market is looking for is very important. Not only does it make your marketing easy, but it also helps to make sure you are delivering a value loaded product.
Having been there, I can tell you once you are done, you never remember the sleepless nights and all the headaches that goes with creating your own products. Having said that, I would rather go through the headache of creating my own, than than taking crap from a boss who tells me when to come in, when to go eat, when to stop eating, what to do, and when to go home.. There is nothing like your own personal business.
Hey Liz…You Rock! I have been working on this product for months now and I wanted to put it all together and roll it out within 30 days. When I stumbled upon my learning curves, I greeted them with greatfullness. This lesson taught me to use more of my left brain!
I have been working in my own business for 30 years and am on the internet for 2 years now. My main goal is to help people get over the hump and cheerlead them on.
I want to especially thank you for your awesome comment. I must agree that there is Nothing like our own personal business.
I am so happy that we became internet buddies.
Donna Merrill recently posted.. My 30-Day Challenge Part 2
Hi Donna,
Wow, a product in 30 days! You must be wonderwoman if you can achieve that.
I ahve developed a few products and came across all the things you mention here. It is easy to get sidetracked and lost in research. Even if you do everything right, there are no gaurantees anyone will buy what you produce.
Fact is that it is worth the effort, and I learn everytime I develop something new. The good news is that there are so many tools to help these days.
Looking forward to seeing what this product is when it is ready for the world.
Well John, the product was to be pushed in motion within 30 days. I have a hodge-podge of the product done, but just had to put it all together. In doing research, I found I had to change many things. But they were words or titles, etc. I have done tons of videos but had to re-do some. That’s the background. The production phase taught me many lessons. Thanks for stopping by, Donna
Aloha Donna, it’s good to see you plugging along your 30 day challenge and I am sure it take persistence and discipline to do this. Life can throw you tons of tools your way, as you displayed in your picture, which is creative and cute.
Stay focus on the journey is the reward in the process. Enhancing your abilities and grasping new visions for what is ahead for your own rewards and the great thing is that others will get to experience all what you have to share. Very nice! Glad I came by and thanks for sharing. Mahalo, Lani 🙂
PS.. good to be connect on fb, as well.
Hi Lani, Yes, the focus IS on the journey. I don’t mind that my time limit is not going to work out. I am, however, so thrilled to have the opportunity for new learning curves I never new existed when doing this project.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. My 30-Day Challenge Part 2
Hi Donna,
Congratulations on your commitment to a 30-day challenge, and to developing a product! Being laser focused on who your audience is and what they want is the secret to creating something people want to buy. You are smart to plan and research; it will pay off in the long run! No sense in investing time into a product that no one wants. I am excited for you. 🙂
Mary Lou
Thanks Mary Lou! It is so true that we have to be lazer focused on everything we do. Especially a product. I have several parts to it already, but realized it had to be re-done in order to catch the eyes of people who actually want it. Research was something I was overseeing. Big lessons! Now I am analyzing and refining things.
Blessings, Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. My 30-Day Challenge Part 2