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A Lesson Learned On Trying To Appeal To Everyone

 

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by David Garland in David's Blog, Riveting News

Some quick thoughts above on trying to appeal to everyone. What is your take?

  • Love the new direction. I stopped following as much when you got to broad. Glad its coming back!

    • David Siteman Garland

      “working my way back to you…with a burning love inside” – Franki Valli 🙂

  • Dave, really really appreciate the transparency. Can’t wait to see the new focus in action… I’ll definitely have to tune in more often!

    • David Siteman Garland

      Awesome, J. Excited to bring it to you.

  • @Los Silva nailed it for me. What he said!

  • Yes!  And….I’m back on board.  Was starting to zone out on the fighting champions, etc., but I really like your style and the way you present information.  I look forward to more media-based business savvy.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks Rosemary!

  • Love this! Target audience development is key. Sometimes you’ll find that secondary and tertiary audiences will also pop-up on the radar but staying focused to your core offering is key. Good job David.

  • MikeLawson

    Well done, David. I became more selective in watching when you went “broad” because I didn’t get anything from your recent guests. Just a personal thing. I’m sure those shows were still very entertaining. Glad you’re “righting the ship” and providing tools to mediapreneurs.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Mike for sharing that with me. A little course correction 🙂

  • I have to say, David, that this was once one of my favorite shows, but when the new direction came around, I went from 100 to zero in about one episode.  And actually all but unsubscribed.  Was too ashamed to say anything because I appreciate wanting to shift directions and what not… but the mediapreneur thing I first heard from you and think it is a fabulous place to focus your energies.  Best of luck with it – we’re all waiting and listening… 🙂

    • David Siteman Garland

      Andy – Appreciate the honesty my man (and always appreciate that!). And pumped to get you back. I have a few “mixed bag” interviews coming up, but then this new direction will take place (as you know, it isn’t as easy as an on/off switch as there are some previously scheduled things).

  • Love it.

  • Love it.

  • Fair play David. I was an avid watcher, but stopped as soon as you broadened your interviewee base away from Entrepreneurs and Authors. I didn’t stop intentionally, just wasn’t interested in the topics / people being interviewed. The broad approach meant that I was less likely to find that nugget of information or tip I could apply to my own business.

    Can’t wait for the new interviews! (I’ll be listening whilst feeding my new son in the middle of the night – keeps me awake :o) )

    • David Siteman Garland

      N- Very fair and that makes a lot of sense. I’m excited to get you back with where it will be going 🙂 (it will take a bit to get 100% there as I still have some other interviews shot that need to get up and then will be full steam ahead).

  • David Siteman Garland

    And also, feel free to suggest topics 🙂

  • PK

    Very good news David. Like Andy & others earlier – I was a ‘never miss it’ regular, got the book – got used to the new hair – all was well in the world.  However, from the start of your ‘interesting people’ switch – I’ve not watched a single episode – simply because these people & the subjects just weren’t even vaguely interesting to me. So I’d basically given up on the show also. So I like the sound of where you’re heading and I look forward to the shows move away maulers to mediapreneurs. Sounds like I’m back. Good luck and good decision.

    • “got used to the new hair” – !LOL!

      • David Siteman Garland

        Hah, PK. Thanks for the hair comment. And as mentioned, this will be a transition over the next few weeks. Excited to bring it to you.

  • Ric Hansen

    The one thing we can always count on from you is honesty.  Takes some guts to make a direction change, then to recognize you veered off course and bring it back. Sometimes our egos refuse to let us retreat.   I work with  hundreds of DJ’s nationwide, and constantly laugh when I see  their ad say “we specialize in weddings, corporate parties, teen dances, bar mitzvahs, class reunions and Sweet 16 parties.”   Which really says, I specialize in nothing.  
    Looking forward to more great shows!

    • David Siteman Garland

      Great example, Ric. Sometimes you have to take risks. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet. You know?

  • Ric Hansen

    The one thing we can always count on from you is total honesty. Refreshing.  Not to be a broken record but I too found myself watching very few of the “new Lineup” of guests.  Not enough time to watch fluff pieces, even thought they might be somewhat interesting.  Your point is well take about focus….I work as an agent for  literally hundreds of DJ’s nationwide and I have to laugh when I see how many times their ad reads:  “I specialize in weddings, corporate parties, school dances, Bar-mitzvahs, class reunions, Sweet 16s, and Quinceaneras ”  They really specialize in nothing and the consumer knows it. 

  • Al Pittampalli

    Just read John Locke’s new book on how he sold a million ebooks. And this was basically his number one tip…write for a specific audience, and know the ins and outs of who they were. I must agree, David…I was a little bit surprised to see the Athletes on your program and how broad it was getting…I love that you’re focusing again. Bravo.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Al!

  • Awesome stuff, been an avid watcher/listener myself. You hear a lot about focusing on a particular niche, it’s a two way street … you live and you learn. Sounds exciting though, and you do have a lot of support behind you!

  • Jason Gracia

    I wish you nothing but the best with your tightened direction and can’t wait to see where you take it.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Jason!

  • Good for you David! I think it’s tough for us as entrepreneurs because we love so many things and want to learn everything in sight which causes us to sometimes drift. I’ve had to do the same thing before and know the feeling but HIGHFIVE to you for being awesome and honest as you always are. 😀

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Ash. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so honest but I’m always 100% transparent lol.

    • Eric Brandt

      Ashley – you hit the nail on the head here. The “drift” is a huge problem for me – always a new idea or angle to follow. Gets me confused and off-course on a regular basis. I can only imagine how it effects my customers, viewers, followers, staff, colleagues, etc….  FOCUS!

  • Rock on, David. This feels right.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, E. I feel the same way. Just “feels” right. Ahhh.

  • Libbi

    Hi David, I viewed your latest video regarding how important it is to define your audience, and feed your audience what it craves.I can’t agree more with this concept.That said I must make an honest comment. When I first tuned into your website and viewed some of your interviews, I was drawn in because I was looking to learn honest, no-fluff stories of how people became successful–building careers and making money–using the internet. I was excited by this concept. However, the moment you announced that you would be interviewing people who did not necessarily create their success using the internet, I must admit I became concerned. I began to lose interest. Quite frankly I hold a subscription to BIO where I can listen to countless stories about sports figures, actors, artists and business tycoons. If you choose that already defined and saturated route for your show, you’d be doing your loyal viewers a disservice. Therefore I must plead with you to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stay on track and interview “media-preneurs” your unique niche. Sure, go through your phase, interview a couple of sports figures, as long as those sports figures are internet savvy and please get them talking about how and why internet exposure has contributed to their success, If you stay focussed I promise I will stay tuned-in and I will recommend your show to other like-minded viewers who also have a keen interest in “media-preneurs.” I know I’m just one insignificant member, but I’m an honest one. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
    Cheers!
    Lib Alcock
    Vancouver, Canada

    • David Siteman Garland

      Libbi – Really appreciate the honesty. And thanks for the feedback. Seriously, means a lot. And I won’t let you down!

  • Anonymous

    David, a great point you’ve made in this video.  Early on every entrepreneur most likely goes thru this type of phase or something of similar descent.  Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused on your niche especially when trying to establish yourself.  For the most part I have to say that you’re doing a great job with the site and provide an excellent resource of information.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Ivan.

  • What is it about mediaprenuers that’s exciting you?

    • David Siteman Garland

      Everything. Specifically, being one myself and building my business as mediapreneur. I know what an awesome industry it is and how creative, interesting people are rocking it really by monetizing (and having fun) with their passion (a little Gary Vaynerchuk-y but you know what I mean). Example: You.

  • Hi David,
    Excellent my friend. You got me thinking and you are 100% right and … well, what can I say? going in the direction of mediapreneurship sounds fantastic to me!! I personally enjoyed the most the episodes with entrepreneurs and thought leaders, so for you to go in that direction is great for me.
    Congratulations on all your success man!
    Ivan

    • David Siteman Garland

      Great insight, Ivan. Thanks man!

  • Anonymous

    Really great video David. Gives me some food for thought.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks buddy

  • Cassandra

    First off, love the new do.  It makes you look younger.
    Second, you’re 100% right.  Haven’t been tuning into the show much at all lately.  I’m excited to see what’s coming up with the mediapreneur focus.  Keep up the awesomeness!

  • David, you hit the nail on the head. It is great that you have realized your passion is for media-preneurs..now you can more easily focus on topics you are passionate about, and narrow your focus to the right demographic. I went through a similar situation with my company, which involves digital media. I would like to ask for a little advice. 

    I launched a digital magazine called GC Weekly, which serves the 21st century dynamic young professional lifestyle. I would like feedback on whether to shorten that title of “21st century young professional demographic” or leave it like it is when I create marketing language for the magazine. This demographic is in the 25 – 42 age group, embraces the 21st century way of doing business and making their own rules about career, love to travel and style, enjoy life…they’re mainly entrepreneurs who loves using the new social media technology and connecting to the world. The full slogan I have for them is “The 21st century young professional living on top of the world”. 

    Any suggestions?

    • David Siteman Garland

      C – No easy answer of course. I’d think about how you want to focus it in terms of this is the magazine for (specific group of people) or this is the magazine that covers (this topic).

      • Yes, this magazine covers topics that are specifically designed for this group and the magazine articles answers how can this particular global business-innovation or leisure lifestyle topic or news story directly benefit them or give them the upper hand. What I learned from narrowing my focus to a more specific niche audience, is that sometimes, someone’s target audience is really a particular branch of the audience he/she originally thought was the target audience….like you went from entrepreneurs to
        mediapreneurs…mediapreneurs is a certain branch of entrepreneurs with even more specialized needs that you have the specific information and passion to meet.

  • Hi Dave, loved the show when it was all about Entrepreneurs and would tune in every week. But once you switched to the larger platform, I started to not check in as much because I wasn’t sure if the that week topic would be of interest. So I love the idea of really focusing the show, and media direction I love. Keep up the good work.

    • David Siteman Garland

      Very fair point, Amos! Thanks for sharing and glad to bring back a topic you are interested in and will help you.

  • Paul

    I think you hit the nail on the head in that when you try to please everybody you please none. I’m new to the site and love all the interviews. Looking forward to checking out your book. I do however think that all success stories have some common traits that made them a success but that might require a new site. Your Da Goods and Thanks

    • David Siteman Garland

      Thanks, Paul. Got your note as well. Appreciate it.

  • Gezaldo

    Good to have you back D….I have also drifted from the show in the last few months…Think it comes down to mission critical content. There is only so much time in a day. You need to know that when you arrive at a site, or sit down to watch or listen to a show, thats it is exactly what you are looking for or what you came there for…. so I am back and ready to learn…

    • David Siteman Garland

      G – I totally understand. I think you will REALLY like what I have in store for you. And thanks for coming back.

  • Know who your cutomers are and give them what they want. It allows you to really focus in on what’s important and give it to ’em in spades. Thanks for reminding me, it’s so easy to get sidetracked.

  • K. Alan Martin

    First, thank-you for refocusing. I was one of the viewers that you lost as soon as you started talking about boxing and stuff. I came here for one reason and I’m very happy that you are going back to it.
    Second, thanks for the insightful question. I have a piece of posterboard on my desk that I use to formulate how my ideas are connected in the grand scheme of my business. I just wrote that question at the top of it.  “Who is this for?”
    Thanks again,
    Keith

    • David Siteman Garland

      Keith – Great to have you back! And glad to provoke some thought.

 

GET MY FREE CHEAT SHEET

These are the EXACT same steps I used to go from $0 to over $1,000,000 in online course sales in less than 24 months (and used by over 2,500+ of my students)

it's free!
100% privacy guaranteed, no messin' around!