Symbolics.com

Google Page Rank: Snapshot of Some of Our Domains – and What Helped

January 8th, 2010

admin

Google Recently Updated the Page Rank Numbers

Obsessed with Page Rank?
Some are.
Page Rank is Google’s way of assessing the value and importance of a website.
Page Rank is on a 0-10 scale, with 10 being a “home run” and 0 being a dud.

Page Rank can be improved by increasing your site’s incoming links.
At the same time, you can decrease your rank by having your domain’s link on too many low page rank sites.
You have to choose your incoming and outbound linking carefully, as “bigger is better” doesn’t always apply here.

We wanted to show you the updated ranking on a few of our domains, and
share a bit of insight as to what helped the PR increase (or decrease)… hoping this might help you a bit.

Here we go:

Symbolics.com - Page Rank 6
Pretty Solid.
The PR6 is due to the fact that the domain is 25 years old, has never been parked, and has very minimal outgoing links but a TON of incoming links.
In fact, if we could remove the links on about 5000 low-page rank sites, we’d do it and the PR would jump up again.

If you google: Symbolics.com — you will see Symbolics.com mentioned on
8,900,000 webpages. This is strong, but many of these pages are low page rank yet they still put a link to Symbolics.com… which actually hurts our PR.

WHAT HELPED?

Symbolics.com jumped to a PR6 once we put content on the site AND
a massive press release distribution did help as well.
Consider putting out a top press release that hits the major online media outlets. The links alone will help your PR.

Copies.com - Page Rank 1 - Previously Page Rank 5
What happened?
We killed the original content and partnered with DDC.com on a
strategic build-out. While there is content on the site, I assume Google HATES the fact that the site ultimately is geared towards DDC’s PPC platform.
Want to kill your page rank?
Take down your content and park a name.
I imagine Copies.com will lose the #4 spot on Google soon — we might have to make some changes, quickly.

JOKES.mobi - Page Rank 5
Pretty solid for a .mobi site.
What helped is the many pages of content (1000s of indexed pages) and a few links on sites like Symbolics.com — which Google must seriously respect due to it’s age.

HY.com - Page Rank 4 – Previously Page Rank 1
Nice jump.
Remove a parking page and put SOMETHING up and your Page Rank will improve. That simple. This is proof.
Take down the parked page and do a few strategic links and it will go up.

iBlog.com - Page Rank 5 - Previously Page Rank 1
At it’s height a year ago, this site was rocking with traffic.
3,000,000 visitors per month – to be exact.
The links are still in place, but we had NOTHING on the domain for the past 6 months. That killed the PR.
We put up a landing page, just to let Google know we’re still alive and breathing. A few strategic links later, it’s back to a PR5.
Again, put up SOMETHING, other than a blank page, get a few incoming links and PR will go up.

Jets.co.uk - Page Rank 0
Again, want to kill PR?
Put up a parking page.
This one plummeted to 0 quickly. Google doesn’t respect the parked pages.

Domains Staying The Same:

XF.com - Page Rank 4
No major changes, but still a healthy dose of incoming links from some high PR sites as well as a couple of major press releases. Those press releases will help greatly if you choose to send one out.

TrafficEstimate.com - Page Rank 5
Widely used. Great traffic and Alexa Rank and no major changes.
This one stayed put.

ImageSharing.com - Page Rank 5
Again, no major changes, but some solid links in place and changing content.
Ranks page one #5 on Google, so they respect this one still.
We have a few strategic links with other photo/image sites — so that helped.

March.com - Page Rank 4
While we’ve been tempted to park this one, forward it, or lease it we’ve
left it alone and allowed the PR to stay steady in the middle bouncing between 4 and 5. We have some good links out there and this one has held tight.

In summary:

If you don’t care about PR, then parking is fine.
If you are a Page Rank junky who can’t wait to see the updates, parking your domains will kill the PR… and quickly.

Putting up ANYTHING other than a parking page will be advantageous.
A press release will help your PR, as your site will be linked on some very important media pages.
You CAN do too many links though.
A few targeted links will really do more than just a mass 1000 site link fest.
Also, don’t let your site become a link dump for everyone else.
Link exchanges are good, but you don’t want to be the link guy for anyone and everyone.

NOTE: To check Page Rank, download the Google Toolbar. There is a button you can install that instantly shows the Page Rank of the site you are on.

- Aron

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Struggling with Life Direction? 2 Tips That Helped Me. What are We Here For?

January 6th, 2010

admin

Think "Bigger Picture" and You'll Impact the World

NOTE: This post may have a “religious” feel to it. If this offends you, hit the back button now… If you don’t mind hearing my insight, and reading about my thoughts and my direction – continue…

It might be due to the mood I’m in right now…
It might be due to the fact that I just returned from an incredibly uplifting 4-day event in Atlanta and I’m still on a high…
It might be because I feel like REALLY sharing what’s inside me…
It might be because I want to give you 2 bits of advice that helped me, and hopefully you can also apply them…

For whatever reason, today I’ve decided to share 2 “life ideas” that have really impacted me, the way I live and the decisions I make.

This letter is for everyone.
Those seeking direction, those struggling and even those that are exactly where they want to be… but feel that SOMETHING is lacking.

1. Before you make any decision — ANY decision, big or small – ask yourself one thing: WHY?

I want to jump into the domain industry. WHY?
I want to buy a new house. WHY?
I want to be a musician. WHY?
I want to make a 6 figure salary. WHY?

It may feel as if something is missing in your life, if the answers to these questions revolve solely around YOU.

Do you ever ask yourself — there’s gotta be more to life than this?
Do you find yourself wondering what’s missing?
Do you ever ponder “the bigger picture?”

For me, it’s a daily desire to do more…
For me, it’s a daily “self affirmation in the mirror” to not make each day about ME…
For me, it takes constant effort to NOT put ME at the top…
For me, it’s a daily tight rope walk of “moving forward in business, but staying humble”…
For me, it’s a struggle to try to promote the business, yet try to not make it all about me.

It’s tough. I admit it.

But I ask myself this… WHY?

Why am I in this business?
Honestly, to make a good living… but that’s not IT.
That’s not the daily focus.
That’s not the bigger picture.
There’s a plan outside of putting gas in my car and making a house payment.

The answer is NOT about ME.

It’s about the bigger picture… it’s about impacting those around me — from a global platform. It’s about being a positive light, whever I am currently placed.

Ask yourself — WHY do I desire what I do?
WHY do I want what I want?

In searching for direction, in searching for meaning, don’t make it about you.
Make it about a larger goal, a “greater good”, an impact to society, an impact to those less fortunate, make it about something bigger than yourself.

Second piece of advice that has helped me:

2. Before you determine WHAT you want to do with your life,
First determine WHO you are going to be.

This tip came from Andy Stanley of Atlanta, GA (pastor) and it’s a great thought exercise.

Don’t put the cart before the horse… determine WHO you are before you determine WHAT you are going to be.

Are you going to be a person that lives for the glory and affection of others, or are you a person who is going to live for something greater?
Great. NOW decide the direction you want to head.

You want to be a musician? A baseball player? A golfer? An entrepreneur?
Ask WHY? and then decide WHO are you going to be before moving forward.

Are you going to be a person of integrity? A business man or woman of integrity? A musician of integrity who wants to be a positive impact on the world?
Are you going to treat people fairly? Be honest in business? Be someone that is truthful, no matter if it hurts your position?

If you take care of WHO you are, then you won’t have to defend your reputation. You won’t be accused of lying, cheating, stealing… you’re character won’t come into question.
It will all take care of itself — because you will have established the type of person you want to be long before you jumped into a career direction.

For some reason, I felt lead to write about this.
Maybe there will be 1 person struggling who will find comfort in these words.
Maybe a teenager is frustrated about the future, maybe a college student is struggling to find a life purpose and a direction.

I’m here to tell you, there’s more than just the day to day.
There is more than just YOU and just ME.
There is a greater purpose for all of us — which extends beyond our
daily efforts to make a living.

Live for something greater — live to make an impact — live to make a difference and decide that you will be unique, you will be honest, you will be a person of moral integrity — and the rest will fall into place.

- Aron

Side note:
If you are looking to impact the world, get involved in a cause.
If you feel that there should be more than waking up, working, making money, sleeping and repeating — make your paycheck mean something.
You can impact the world — YES, just YOU alone.
$1 can change someones’ life forever.

I’d encourage you to support an organization, such as the one below:

BloodWaterMission Provides Clean Water to Villages in Africa

(XF.com maintains no working relationship with BloodWaterMission)

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2010 is Going to be a Pivotal Year for Our Industry. Happy 2010!

December 31st, 2009

admin

Happy 2010! Be ready for change.

To the Symbolics.com readers and to the people who randomly land on this page each day: have a safe and happy new year celebration.

The domain industry will undergo some major changes in 2010, and this will be a pivotal year for domainers and our industry.

2010 will be the year that many fail and drop out of this business for good.
2010 will be the year that the creative thinkers prosper.
2010 will be the year that numerous monetization solutions will appear.
2010 will be the year that the parking companies get creative.
2010 will be the year that partnerships are formed, in an effort to improve the bottom line.
2010 will be the year that domainers diversify yet…
2010 will be the year that domainers narrow their focus.
2010 will be the year that the big boys continue to sell their scraps and mid level names.
2010 will be the year that the big domains switch from parking to “something else”.
2010 will be the year that everyone tries, at least once, to develop a big domain.

2010 is the year of change – and it’s not due to Obama.

Our industry will produce partnerships like none seen before.
We will finally get off our butts and reach out to companies for strategic partnership ventures.

2010 will be different – but it’s for the better.

The lazy way of doing business will go by the way-side… yet those not willing to adapt and change will be lost.

2010 will be exciting.
Don’t be frustrated – don’t feel “defeated”.

Opportunities will be more prevalent in 2010 than any previous year.

Please be willing to adapt.
Please be willing to consider your options.
Don’t be lazy - be proactive.

The best thing you can do in 2010, for yourself and our industry, is
produce the change.
Be the innovator.
Be the curve.
Be the ambition that our industry needs.
Go out and make deals. Make partnerships. Create new solutions.

We all need to put on our creative caps in 2010, and be willing to SHARE!

Share ideas, share knowledge, share what works and share what doesn’t.

With that said:

Here’s to you!
I love this industry and the people in it.
Collectively, we have a group of seriously intelligent people -
and combined – we can produce the innovation needed to carry us
through the next decade.

Talk to you all soon.
Looking forward to what our industry does in 2010.

- Aron

—————–

Our .mobi is Going Strong. How Are the Other Top .mobi’s Doing?

December 28th, 2009

admin

.mobi took off and then fell off. Does it have a future?

Sore subject?
Let’s talk about .mobi for a few minutes.
.mobi is the extention for the mobile web. There was a “gold rush”
3 years ago, and many premium .mobi domains sold for upper 5 and even 6 figures.

We have one of those: www.JOKES.mobi

Our Jokes.mobi site receives between 600 and 1000 page views every day. Additionally, Jokes.mobi has 8500 pages indexed in Google.
This is great considering 99% of the public left .mobi for dead 2 years ago.

Still, this extention is in constant debate on whether or not the premium buyers threw their money away, or if they invested in something with a future.

I’ve always felt the best opportunity is one that you create for yourself, and we decided to take a small risk with Jokes.mobi.
After development, we have 100s of pages on our site, the site is a Page Rank 4, and the page views are pretty solid for a “dead” extention.

Curious as to how other “premium” .mobi’s were doing, I pulled the list of top .mobi sales and checked the progress of a sample of 10:

(no particular order)

1. Casino.mobi
Developed. Looks nice. Current owner has $xxx,xxx invested in the domain.

2. Tickets.mobi
Developed. Seems to function well.

3. Games.mobi
Developed. Getting some traction. Alexa in the top 1 million.

4. News.mobi
Developed – kindof. Has a layout but no updated content. High dollar, six-figure investment.

5. Dating.mobi
Developed. Looks nice. The domain was reported as sold for mid-high 5 figures.

6. Stocks.mobi
Parked. Not even a live site with a stock ticker. $70,000 purchase price.

7. Videos.mobi
Forwards to VuClip.com

8. Photos.mobi
Developed. Place to upload and store photos for mobile use. Mid 5 figure domain when purchased.

9. Ringtones.mobi
Developed. Partnered with Ringtone.mobi. Place to buy ringtones. Not sure how often the site is updated. Ringtones.mobi was a 6 figure purchase.

10. RealEstate.mobi
Parked. Un-developed.

Of the 10 randomly sampled .mobi domains, 6 appear to be fully working and developed, while the other 4 are either parked or semi developed.

This is a decent ratio, as many premium .com domains owned by domainers remain parked or non-developed.

Does .mobi have a future? Did it’s time pass or will it grow as more people are trading in their desktops for the mobile web?

I believe that simple .mobi sites like ours (which is a text-only site — quick to view and move on) and horoscope.mobi and stocks.mobi have a place.

Those sites that load quickly, have minimal or NO graphics, offer something quick like a joke, a stock ticker, or a horoscope, may just hold their value if users continue to use the service.

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Success Story: Growing up in a Small Town with No Money — Ambition Trumps All.

December 28th, 2009

admin

74Auto.com car wholesalers

Today’s post is an interview of a young, local business owner named Allen Rhodes. This story is about how Allen (27), growing up in a town with a population of 100, started and operates a growing vehicle wholesaling business at 74Auto.com .

Now into their sixth year in business, Allen has grown his small business into a winner: selling a volume of over 500 cars annually, while starting with zero capital.
74Auto sells higher end cars, finding their niche’ with brands like BMW, Lexus, Audi, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Ferrari.

This is another example of how passion, dedication and ambition can propel you ahead of the pack.

The story is broken into sections, making it easier to follow.

1. The Early Years: Upbringing.
Allen Rhodes grew up in a very small town in Missouri with a population hovering around 100. His parents? Anything but wealthy. Allen’s dad is working his 40th year at a local plastics factory, while his mom is a housekeeper at a nursing home.
“They were never late for work, always early and they are thankful to have a job,” Allen says.
Rhodes goes on to praise his parents by saying:
“Growing up, they spent twice as much money on me as they did themselves.
They loved me more than anything, if I’m half the parent they were to me, I’ll be doing great.
My dad never missed a single minute of my sporting events from elementary through high school. They even borrowed money against their house to help me buy a few cars in the beginning. They are truly the best parents someone could ask for.”

Not born into riches, Allen began to explore his options as high school was coming to a close.
“I began to think more business like after coming into contact with a local family which operated many successful companies,” Allen said.

“This family was different than any I had been around. They weren’t arrogant, but confident when they spoke about business and I was like a sponge around them, trying to soak up as much knowledge as I could.”

Allen graduated atop his small class of 20, received a full academic scholarship to a Division 1 university but he had a feeling he was destined for something outside the local job market.

Rhodes says, “As far as opportunities in the town I grew up in…. there are none. It’s small town America with no new businesses or new developments.”

As Allen started college, he began to explore his future options.

2. Moving Foward. The Power of the Internet.
As Allen graduated high school and began college, he immersed himself in the Internet.
Allen recalls, “The Internet was very fascinating to me, I always had a quest for knowledge and you could find out about anything you wanted with just a few key strokes.”
eBay was gaining steam, Allen took notice and dabbled in online selling of anything he could get his hands on to make a little profit.
His focus quickly shifted from general merchandise, to cars, as he forged ahead with his college classes simultaneously.

Why cars, Allen?

“I was a car fanatic when I was younger and like anyone who is, it’s always a nice idea to try and make a profession out of it,” Allen says.
”For someone who sells wrecked cars, I am not much of a mechanic, nor am I body man, but I do know how to contract out labor and I know what it costs to have vehicles repaired.
As I always say- know what you can do, and know what you can’t do.”

Allen’s entire business started with the leap-of-faith effort of selling his personal vehicle - and buying his first car for resale.
Nothing happens without that first step — Allen trusted his instincts and forged ahead.
Allen began with that one car… he sold it, and bought another. Soon he had the cash to buy two cars, he sold those and bought 3… and it grew from that simple first step.

Do what you love! Allen had a passion for cars and turned that passion into a business.

3. The Business. The Concept.
“At 74 Auto we buy salvage cars and resell them to body shops, dealers, individuals and to overseas clients,” says Rhodes.
“We do not repair them, we sell them wrecked. We volume sell for a small business and move around 500 cars a year(hopefully even more next year).”

Allen is big on representation… over-representation actually.
“What we give our clients is piece of mind. For the minimal profit we make off of each car, we take ten times as many pictures as the auctions, we make sure the car is mechanically solid and we give them a better description than they will find anywhere else,” he states.

74Auto has aimed to take the risk out of buying a salvage car. No guesswork as to what they will pay, like an auction, and no suprises when they get the vehicle.

4.Changing and Adapting.
Business is constantly changing… constantly evolving.
The stagnant businesses are the ones that slip.

This is no different for Allen’s company.
His business has changed in the way they sell: their sales have moved from eBay, to their website, and now they wholesale a lot of cars through auctions and overseas.

“Like any business as you get smarter and learn the tricks of the trade… you learn a few more routes to take to make a profit,” Rhode’s says.
“We try to sell to so many different people in so many different ways, usually we can get a few cars sold each day in some direction.”

This is the same adaptation that .com owners are attempting as PPC declines, leaving domain owners brainstorming for solutions

Allen adds, “Things really started to come together when I married my wife, Ashley. She is a lot more organized than I am and she compliments me in many ways. She lined out our books and found which cars were profitable and which were not. I couldn’t do this job without her… she is a very valuable part of this business.”

Business, like automotive technology, is constantly evolving.

5. General Business Advice.

This section has some great advice and insight from Allen.
When asked to give some business advice to our readers looking for a start, this was Allen’s reply:

“If you want to succeed you have to make sacrifies.
I built my business up from scratch, no floor plans, no financing, just hard earned capital.
To this day I still don’t have a vehicle to keep and drive. I drive whatever we have on the lot and I make due.

People these days want to start taking money out of their business immediately. I see so many people buying new cars and spending money left and right and not investing a dime back into what they started.
It’s like a plant, you need to grow your roots as long as possible. Live under your means for as long as you can and then start reaping some rewards.
I don’t need a $50,000 luxury car or a half a million dollar house. Right now I need to grow my business as much as possible so it will be easier to run in the coming years.
I work pretty much non stop and it’s on my brain 24/7. I am always the first person at the shop and always the last to leave. If a load of cars comes in late… i’m the one who stays. It has not been easy and my family has had to bear a lot of the workload with me.”

6. Additional Thoughts.

Allen certainly isn’t bashful about giving glory where it’s due.

Allen says, “I definitely want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. I know for a fact I couldn’t do anything like this on my own. He’s been with me every step of the way. I’m not 100% sure this is what he’ll want me to do 5 or 10 years from now, but whatever he wants me to do… I’ll do it.”

He also has realized, over this journey, that there is a life outside the office.
”I know now more than ever, there is a lot more to life that working 12 hours a day, going to bed and doing it again the next day,” Allen said.
“I’m excited to make a difference and I strive to be a better Christian in 2010, living by example and leading people through my actions.”

Thank you Allen for taking the time to share your story with us.
It is quite an inspiration and encouraging to read a story of someone with little financial means, who grew a business from scratch.

What we love most, is that Allen has a great business head on his shoulders, yet knows that life outside of the office is where life really happens.

For more on this business, visit: www.74Auto.com

XF.com maintains no working relationship with 74Auto.com

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DomainFest: Be Sure To Signup Today or Tomorrow. Rates Go Up Soon.

December 23rd, 2009

admin

Domain Fest 2010 in Santa Monica

Planning on going to DomainFest?
We’re going, and we are very excited about it.

Last year was such a great time. Good food, people and parties.
Even if you aren’t the “party type” it’s still a great time.

This year, DomainFest is in Santa Monica, and the dates are
January 26- January 28th.

The event at the Getty Center this year sounds like a lot of fun, and DomainFest will visit “The Mansion” again.

The show offers numerous opportunities to network as well as chances to meet the companies you deal with daily.

The keynote speaker this year is Zappo’s CEO Tony Hsieh.

The price, for today and tomorrow only, is $1095 per person.
After tomorrow, the price increases $100 to $1195 per person.
You can register on site for $1295 if you wish.

DomainFest at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel

The event is held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, and the entire hotel and facilites are reserved for DomainFest!
Every person at the hotel will be a DomainFest guest How cool!

If you are new to the industry, this is a good place to jump in and meet some people.
For many, it’s a great opportunity to “get away” for a few days — a little mini-vacation.

We hope to see you there — and if you have any questions about the show, feel free to contact the people at www.DomainFest.com or simply post a comment here and I’ll tell you what I know.

(Note: XF.com is not affiliated with DomainFest or Oversee and we don’t benefit one penny if you register.)

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Selling for a LOSS. As 09 Winds Down NOW is the Time to Buy!

December 22nd, 2009

admin

Now is the time to make deals

2009 is winding down.
Does that mean your focus should jump ahead to 2010?
Should you take this week off and relax?
NO!

Truth be told — if anyone is going to sell for a loss — it’s going to be RIGHT NOW.

Now is the time to pick up a domain for a steal!

Why would someone sell for a loss?
Answer: To show less profit, unload one more domain out of inventory and free up some cash.

We’re buying! The checkbook is open.
Anyone selling for a loss has our attention. We bought quite a bit this month… there is room for more.

NOW is the time to stir up some deals. NOW is the time to put
that “take it or leave it” cash offer on the table to domain holders.

Last year, we just missed out on a monster domain name, in which the seller was taking a pretty significant loss: $100,000+.
NOT because the name was worthless — just for tax purposes.
The seller wanted to “knock down” his income for the year, and this particular domain was the easiest to sell quickly.
I’m kicking myself. I might keep kicking myself for a while now.

I missed out, I hesitated.
Don’t hesitate when you see a life changing opportunity.

NOT THIS YEAR!
Deals are still to be made.

Perhaps, before 2009 winds down, you need to revisit those domains you have interest in — reopen the conversation, just once, before taking a break.

Buyers: Try one more time before the close of the year.
You never know the seller’s situation. A LOSS might even be appetizing at the end of 09.

Sellers: Selling any premium domains? Looking to unload before 2009 ends? Looking to strike an incredible deal in order to move inventory?

Give me a shout: admin@XF.com

-Aron

Happy hunting!
I hope some business can be done for everyone in this last week.

—————–

Vino.com by Rick Latona

On a side note, Rick Latona, via his site Vino.com, sent a nice Christmas gift to XF.com this week.

Vino.com is a site owned by Rick that features a “wine of the month club.”
We appreciate the gift — a classy gesture by Rick Latona and his group.

Visit www.Vino.com for more inf0rmation.

- Aron

———————-

Birthday: I Turn 30 Today! 30 Lessons I’ve Learned in Life and Business

December 21st, 2009

admin

Me and My Brother -- Early Days

I turned 30 Today.

Inspired by an idea from Mike Berkens (theDomains.com) –
I am going to list 30 lessons I’ve learned in my 30 years on this earth.

Here are 30 lessons I’ve learned in life and business so far: (no particular order)

1. You can own all the real estate, domains, cars and cash in the world, but it doesn’t mean a thing without good people around you that really care for you.

2. Partnerships can be both lucrative and disasterous. Partnerships should be set in place with strong legal agreements — and exact expectations of each partner. Trust and Transparency are the 2 main components of a partnership.

3. Domains are so much easier to run and manage than real estate. Owning commercial warehouses and generic domains — we know what it takes to maintain both.

4. Do not jump into any venture without research. If you are interested in domain investing/buying/developing, please read blogs and forums first — and talk to industry experts.

5. You can’t please 100% of the people all the time — so don’t try.
You’re never going to make everyone happy. People will always be waiting in the weeds to try to drag you down. It happens. That’s life.

6. Do business ethically, treat people with respect and the rest will fall into place. If you are honest and treat everyone fairly, your reputation and image will take care of itself. I attempt to treat every email and caller the same — whether the person on the other end owns Shoes.com or CanYouFixMyBroken-Shoes-Today.info.

7. I’m small time. Your small time. I blogged about this.
http://symbolics.com/youre-small-time-im-small-time-heres-a-reality-check-video/
Wow. Watch that video. You’ll feel tiny.
The truth is. We all are.
In grand expanse of the universe – we’re all little people.

8. My family is incredible — and it is truely a blessing to have a close family that cares.

9. For some reason — when a group of kids sing all at once — I don’t like it lol. I don’t know why… it’s just one of those things.

10. All those baseball cards we bought — bad idea. It was a fun experience and I wouldn’t trade the time spent with my dad for anything — but as far as an investment — we didn’t do too good on that one.

11. Domains are incredible vehicles for ROI. I’ve never seen something make 1000% before. We’ve done it many times. Others have accomplished this many times.

12. The Internet is still new. It’s a baby. You’re not too late!
Symbolics.com will celebrate it’s 25th year online in 3 months. 25 years is the high end of the age of domains. Realistically, the heavy buying started 10 years after Symbolics.com — about 15 years ago.
This industry is 10-15 years old – at best. It’s not too late to jump in.

13. Relationships are the key to business. I wish I grew up doing business in the 60s and 70s when a handshake meant something… when “I’ll take it” or “you got yourself a deal” actually held up.
People don’t care about relationships much anymore — it’s all about the bottom line.
Not to me.
Making money is important — but the relationships established along the way are what keeps me going.
Building a lasting relationship SHOULD be the key to doing business — like it used to be.

14. Domains offer Global Reach and Global Buyers.
When you buy a domain name, the potential is global. Your prospective buyers cover 25,000 miles.

15. Do something you LOVE to do. Period.
I can’t wait to get started every day. I love corresponding with new people, the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of a sale or a new venture.
It’s addicting. I love it.
If your passion is cars, head in that direction.
If your passion is skincare, go for it.
I’ve said it before: ANYTHING can become a business. Do what you love.

16. Know what you know, know what you DON’T know. You can’t be an expert in every field. Recognize that you aren’t and seek help in areas where you need it.

17. You have to diversify. I don’t mean within the domain market.
Domains, Real Estate, Stocks, Gold/Silver are the list for us.
Don’t put your eggs all in the “domain” basket… or the “real estate” basket.
Diversify. Invest a little into everything.
If the sky falls down on one, the other’s will support you.
If the sky falls down on the US Dollar, then the Gold/Silver will remain.

If the Lord comes back tomorrow — it all won’t matter anyway

18. New people can make a splash.
One example: Bruce Marler with Missouri.me
Fresh ideas entering any industry should be welcomed with open arms — not shunned.
Innovation drives industry.
The old way of thinking isn’t the ONLY way of thinking.
Be receptive to new ideas, new thoughts and new people.
Additionally, you don’t have to spend $1,000,000 to make a statement.
A good business plan trumps all.

19. If you are looking for one piece of domain advice: Buy brand names and top category domains. Don’t buy 5000 less than quality domains.
One great domain can change your life.
Start with the goal of acquiring one top category-defining name.
You might have to buy and sell along the way to get there… but make that your goal.
1 killer domain will change your life in ways that 5000 decent names will not.

20. Give back.
Our industry has blessed us.
God has blessed us.
There are people hurting out there. There are people scared.

www.BloodWaterMission.com is a great organization to support.
Find ways to give back to those who need it.

21. There are nearly 200,000,000 total domains registered. That’s an incredible amount and the number is growing daily.

22. If you are emailing to buy someone’s domain: A 2 line email will almost always receive no reply. Take the time to type a decent email. I’ve learned this.

23. PPC isn’t the future - be looking for alternatives.
Expect parking companies to offer additional services in order to keep customers and maintain revenues.
Everyone is getting creative — which is good.

24. If you live your life and find 3-5 people you can absolutely trust with your life, you’ve done something amazing. Trust is huge, for me.
I’ve learned that if you have more than one great friend who you can completely trust, that’s quite a feat.

25. Don’t take people for granted. People won’t always be around. Don’t miss the daily opportunities to tell someone how much you care. Don’t miss the chances to connect with others.

26. If you aren’t willing to work your rear end off, you won’t make it.
You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to be a success at anything.
Michael Jordan wouldn’t be a household name if he only shot baskets twice a week.
The Beatles wouldn’t be who they were if they decided to practice once a month.
You have to be willing to do whatever it takes (ethically) to make a business work. If you love what you’re doing, this won’t be difficult.

27. It’s really difficult to develop a website if the topic is of little interest to you.
Cats. Don’t like em. I wouldn’t ever build a site about cats. That’s just me.
No matter how appealing the domain name is, your heart won’t be in the project if you have no passion about the topic. Trust me. Others will confirm this point.

28. Dare to be different. Stand up for what you believe in.
I put a Christian song on my blog. Don’t like it? That’s fine.
I want it there, so it’s staying.
At the same time, be open to opinions of others. I’m willing to listen to civil debates from others with differing opinions on politics, religion — even sports

29. (This should be first but it’s the last one you’ll read so I put it here)

I dont, and you don’t answer to anyone except the Lord himself. This has been discussed before.
You owe me nothing.
I owe you nothing.
I aim to please the Lord in my daily life — and that’s all I’m concerned about.
When I wake up, my goal is to life a live pleasing to HIM in all that I do.
When I go to bed, I ask myself, did I glorify HIM today, or myself.

30. I wanted to save #30 for YOU.

Feel free to post #30 in the comments section below.

In your life, what one thing have you learned that we can all take with us into the future?

My brother and I these days

—————

Domain Sales = Simple. Website Sales… Not So Much

December 18th, 2009

admin

Deals in the .com world

This is funny (to me) that I am typing this…
Do you know the expression: “It is what it is”?
People say that when describing something so basic — something that needs
no added explanation.
My friend uses this line when he talks to me about a wrecked car.
“It is what it is man — it’s a wrecked car.”

Honestly, I’ve never like this saying. Actually, I’ve almost hated it.
“It is what it is” lacks descriptive information that I need.
It’s bland, it’s boring — it’s — blah.
I’ve never liked it.

Until this week.
And you’ll see why…

** When selling a developed website, with a lot of traffic,
there are a number of things you must do (as a seller) to consumate the sale.

These include (but are not limited to):

Provide the buyer with a view of the source code… even just a snippet… so they know how the site was written.

Supply the buyer with the information on if the server is Linux or Windows based.

Provide a view or a sample of the database — or at least the total count — to prove that the user base is the accurate number represented.

Create and provide backups of the DB and source files — should something go wacky during or after the transaction. (wink wink)

Package up, and ZIP, any additional tools or files that help the site operate.

Provide access to analytics accounts.

Provide access to adsense accounts to prove revenue.

Provide access to other revenue streams to verify revenue.

Switch over any additional accounts such as Twitter that might compliment the site.

Package up the site files and DB’s so the user can upload on his/her server.

Transfer the domain name — in some cases, keep the DNS the same to provide “uptime” while the site is being transferred to a new server.

The list goes on and on…

In the sale of a developed website, there are (sometimes) dozens of steps… dozens of checks to be made.
The buyer has to be 100% sure that your representation is accurate — therefore they need to see it with their own eyes.
Privacy goes out the window (so to speak) — and legal agreements are drawn up if you are going to provide access to confidential information.
This takes more time — effort — money to have a legal agreement drawn up and signed.

After the sale, the buyer has even more responsibility of migrating the site to their servers, setting up their own analytics and adsense accounts etc. etc.

The seller has to provide important email and phone contacts to business partners related to the site in question.

The list is enormous if the site is large.

It’s quite a process.

NOW, in comparison…

A domain.

Well.

A domain… how can I describe it?

“It is what it is.”

You either want it or you don’t.
It will either help your business or hurt it.
It will either solidify your company or not.
That’s about it.

No working parts.
No databases.
No upkeep.
No scripts.
No servers.
No due-diligence.
No “top secret” information access needed.

You either buy the name or you pass on it.

A domain name is the best example of “It is what it is.”

It’s simple.
It’s unique.
It really needs not explanation.

Behind homeplate at MLB games there might be room for a .com to be squeezed in on the backstop…
Let’s say it’s Shoes.com.
No additional explanation needed.

You know what you will find there — shoes.
You don’t need a billboard — you don’t need a full page ad in Sports Illustrated.

A great .com is unlike anything in the world.

I know I can take this much further — but maybe you want to add something…

It is what it is… interested?

————–

Personal Post: I’d Like To Hear Your Input. RE: Tiger Woods

December 16th, 2009

admin

Let's Hope Tiger Can Mend this Situation

Sick of hearing about Tiger Woods?
Me too.
Tired of the constant media coverage?
Me too.
Have you asked, WHY are they beating this to death?
I have.

Today is a personal post. It can’t always be .coms and business… there is more to life. I’d like to hear your opinions on the issue.

Here are my thoughts on this situation. Feel free to post yours.

1. Tiger’s personal life is none of our business.
I don’t care if he’s a celebrity, I don’t care if he’s sponsored by Nike. If Tiger has family problems, that’s between him and his wife.
I am sick of hearing reporters say: He needs to come clean, 100%, tell us all the facts and then move on. Why? So you can have more to write about!
I hate to tell you this (reporters) but Tiger owes us nothing. I don’t know why we think he does. This is his life, his wife, and his problem. Tiger owes us nothing.

2. Is Tiger’s image ruined forever?
Reports show that if Nike golf sales slide 1/3 this year, Nike will lose $450 Million in revenue. WOW! $450,000,000 ! Ouch.
Several companies have dropped their sponsorship of Tiger, and a few are still holding steady, for the time being.
If Tiger represented your company… would you end your partnership?
For me, it’s about his golf game and not his personal life.
If he’s NOT going to play golf, then I wouldn’t sponsor him. It has nothing to do with his personal life. My sponsorship would be based on golf performance.

3. Will you watch golf if he doesn’t play?
When Tiger doesn’t play, the PGA audience drops 50%.
For me. No, I won’t. Tiger is dynamic, unique and just incredible to watch. The same way MJ was with basketball. I couldn’t wait to see Jordan in action. Tiger is same. When a totally dominant individual takes over a sport, watching anything less just isn’t satisfying.

4. WHY is the media all over this?
There are convicted felons in the NFL, and their crimes had much less media coverage than this. Marion Jones didn’t get this much media coverage, and she cheated in the Olympics and lied to federal agents about her drug use.
Is this a big diversion from something else? (I’m not shouting conspiracy).

5. Tiger had a wholesome, All American image.
So what. So did Kobe Bryant, and then BAM — rape charges. Well he won the MVP last year… life goes on I guess.

Alex Rodriguez had the same image. Good looking, clean cut, hard working, at the top of his sport, and then the steriod allegations. Well, that passed as well.

Why isn’t this passing like the rest? It’s been 3 weeks of non stop image bashing.

In summary:
I don’t condone Tiger’s behavior.
But this is a personal matter between Tiger and his family.
I am sure if we knew how many professional athletes had girls in various cities while on the road, we’d be shocked.
It’s not just Tiger. Wake up.

I wish Tiger the best and I hope the family can recover from his actions.
That’s the tragedy here.
I’d like to hear your opinion on the points illustrated above, and the issue in general.

———————-

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The First Registered Domain Ever!The Blog of XF.com Investments

About Symbolics.com

INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE DAY

XF.com Properties

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

RECOMMENDED SITES

The First Registered Domain Ever!
The Blog of XF.com Investments