What's Your REAL Excuse?

While at the Small Business Club Niagara trade show yesterday I struck up a conversation with a vendor. She asked if I had a business and I gave her my card telling them that among other things, I create and implement effective online marketing campaigns. Her response:

"I have a website already and I'm not ready for something more elaborate."

Thinking she probably had a good site already I didn't inquire further, but took a card and went on my way.

I had a look at her website this morning. It's a DIY site that is obviously a work in progress. I'll restrain myself from a rant about DIY sites, although they're fair game for a future post.

What bothers me isn't the state of the website. It was the realization that the rebuff was based on such flimsy logic. I've heard it before, but it never fails to baffle me.

• You exhibit at a trade show so you must want more business.
• A properly designed, well-marketed website will get you more business - likely even more than you'd get from the trade show
• But you're "not ready" to establish a better online presence.
• This means you're not really interested in getting more business
• But you're at a trade show so you must want more business.
• I'm confused...

Here's what I wish she had said:

"I did my website myself because I'm trying to save money, but I'm not really sure how I should design and market it effectively. Do you have any inexpensive or cost-effective suggestions that would help me make money online?"

Being honest with yourself and asking for help when you need it is a marvelous way to get ahead in the world. I work on this every day. Knowing the REAL reasons why you don't do something and having the courage to admit them to yourself and others is an important step, in my mind, to move forward in business and life.