Opt-In Overwhelm?

How many times have you signed up for an opt-in like a webinar, newsletter or online course because it might be useful in the future?

How many hours and dollars has it cost to get to the end of it (or not, gulp) to realise that it wasn’t exactly what you needed right now?

I talk to so many people who are overwhelmed by their Inbox, because they’ve signed up to too many newsletters; their time, because they sign up to so many webinars; their information overload, because they have too much information coming in, but they don’t actually need it right now, and it gets filed, or worse – lost.

The content that everyone is creating is AMAZING. We all have so much practical, informative, and strategic knowledge to share, and sharing content forms a huge part of customers getting to know us – but that doesn’t mean we have to sign up for everything!

Why are you opt-ing in?
FOMO? Just in Case? Bright Shiny Object?

There is nothing worse than signing up for a program, only to find out half way through that it is actually distracting you, leading you on a path that isn’t aligned with your goals, takes too much time away from your work, or leaves you feeling overwhelmed and under pressure.

Time to read the content, attend the webinar, and implement what you’ve learnt. However, if you’ve signed up for the wrong reasons, then the investment in time and money is going to take a lot longer to recoup.

Here’s the ONE question I need to ask myself every time I am tempted to sign up for something:

If the particular content (webinar, newsletter, program) is DIRECTLY related to you achieving your goal for this month, then go ahead.

If there is doubt, then you might be tempted to sign up because you don’t want to miss out on something you MIGHT need (FOMO).

If there is doubt, then you might be tempted to sign up because you might need the information at some stage in the future. But here’s the thing – there is so much information and amazing sharing of content, that you will probably be able to find the information need WHEN you need it. (This is called the Just in Time strategy!)

From my own experience, I can say that the Just In Case strategy has been a really difficult one for me to overcome.

I have a huge amount of information in my head, and Evernote ? just in case I need it.

I have probably spent hours researching, reading and collecting information and resources – just in case. All well and good, but I could have spent my time so much more effectively by learning on the go, researching when I actually needed it (Just in Time) –

When I go into a webinar or online program with a ‘just in case’ mentality, I tend to try and capture everything, because I don’t really know what I might need. That takes a huge amount of time AND effort.

However, if I use the Just in Time strategy, I don’t have to capture everything – just the elements that will help me progress and move forward to the next step.

If there is doubt, then you might be tempted to sign up because of Bright Shiny Object Syndrome! The sales page looks pretty, or it seems to have all the bells and whistles that make it sound cool, or new. However, if you look at it in relation to your goals, once again – it could be a huge waste of your time, effort and potential income.

So, straighten up and fly right. Stick to your path, and consider the Just in Time strategy.

You could also incorporate this idea into your goal setting strategy, and identify the resources and learning you might need to do – research it, opt-in, and then you can happily ignore all the other opt-in distractions, and keep your inbox down to a minimum/ manageable limit!

How’s your inbox? Do you need to get it organised?

Your Next Step

 

 

 

 

Aerlie Wildy is a business designer. business coach and mother based in the Adelaide Hills. I specialise in designing and systemising business for growth. You can connect with me on Facebook, join my Chief Executive Entrepreneurs Facebook Group, check out my Youtube Channel or Pin with me on Pinterest.