The Problem is about the Problem. But if you Don’t Identify the Problem, you Can’t FIX the Problem. Problem Solved.


Morning Folks!!


Sometimes the Title says it all. But sometimes the meaning is lost.


'The Problem is about the Problem. But if you don't Identify the Problem, you can't FIX the Problem. Problem Solved.'

There are Four basic things you can do with a 'Problem' after you identify the problem to begin with and that in and of itself is sometimes challenging. You can'Ignore' the problem. You can make the problem 'Worse'. You can 'Talk' about the problem. Or if you are wired like I am, you try and 'Solve' the problem. No matter how big or how small. Try and solve the problem.


I am rarely told I am right before the fact. My critics rarely tell me I was right after the fact. But facts are facts and records are records and on this I just ask you to await judgement while I do my best to FIX the Live Auction process we ALL agree is BROKEN and is a 'Problem' for buyers, sellers and attendees.

The multitude of problems are very deep and multi dimensional. In other words....it's a mess and I will show you why at each and every point. Then you will see that I have a solution that DOVETAILS with each problem. That is the key to all this. It's a recipe. It used to be a SIMPLE recipe and it did well. The recipe got bastardized over time. That's when you must go back to basics first and rebuld.


Here is how 'I' see this and then folks will see each one has been addressed. And if you think I missed something, wonderful. Let me know. Some things you can do all at once, some things take time. Restoring credibility to a broken system takes time. But there will be no doubt about the result after the show. This is about being SERIOUS about a problem and that is what builds confidence.


Folks can talk about one element or another however I am in a unique position to tackle nearly all of them as 'I' see it and actually do something about it and do it in front of everyone because I am going to TRY and explain it each step of the way. I may need to do a video. lol. But this is about as transparent as business allows. These are just the problems I have identified for this blog post. These are some of the biggies. There are several not on this list.



Problem: Live Auction system is broken

Problem: Live auction integrated with Internet is even more broken

Problem: Audience is BORED

Problem: Auction is BOOOOOORING!

Problem: Crappy Domains

Problem: Prices too high

Problem: Prices too high on CRAPPY domains

Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY!



Problem: Live auction needs Large Audience

Problem: Live auction needs Qualified audience

Problem: There are 'Auctions' and there are 'Prices' there is a difference

Problem: Ridiculous reserves Make it an 'Advertising Opportunity'

Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY!



Problem: Non-Domainers picking Domains to auction

Problem: Crappy Extensions of domains with little to no value

Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY!



Problem: Showboat bidders

Problem: Anonymous Bidders

Problem: FAKE BIDS!!!!

Problem: Face saving 'Prearranged sales' at auctions

Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY!



Problem: Unreasonable expectations

Problem: Domains prices for end users when no end users are bidding.

Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY!



Problem: Confidence

Problem: Trust

Problem: Nobody that can say 'No'

Problem: Ridiculously High to the point of insulting 'Opening bids'

Problem: Money being left on the table for everyone.


Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY and that takes away the TRUST that MUST be restored for domains to sell at their full auction value!



Problem: Problem is there are so many problems to be addressed and I have addressed as many as possible at ONE time as I can. FIRST you have to identify some of the problems. I have identified 2 DOZEN areas that are being addressed. Not talking about it. Doing it. Now I can't always control every aspect. But if you are not aware, then you fail automatically. Period.



I will pick the best domains I can from what is presented. I can't hold a gun to folks head. We have had thousands of domains entered so far.



Just for the record. I approached this show as if the auction was not even going to happen. If it did, it had to be driven by itself. I could only set a new course and a new standard. If folks like the direction, they will trust us to try and sell it for them.

They know my record of selling. That I have a purpose for doing what I do. It is well thought out and I can't tell you how many BRAIN HOURS I put into this stuff. Of creating the right conditions for a success. Because I identified the PROBLEMS!



Problem: Add those together......................Audience does not take auction SERIOUSLY and THAT is about to change for the TRAFFIC auctions. I can't control any other auction. But I sure as hell can control this one. And when folks see the result in a HORRIBLE economic time, they are going to take notice.



Those worried about a domain not bringing in the most money must be forgetting the FACTS about me. I am sure I have left $$$ on the table. But I am also sure it was much less than most would leave on the table.



Quality audience, that takes the venue seriously and TRUST. Folks lost trust because the way the auctions were done before, during and after.



The 'Guaranteed Placement Program' has exceeded our expectations. For the FIRST time ever, the domainer REALLY has some control. Those that believed in their domain, paid up front and as you can see, some are very interesting and all are priced right and many will sell. But they added an ingredient. 'Certainty'. They took control out of MY hands and put it in their own hands. Frankly, they have all been a pleasure to work with because they understand EXACTLY what they are getting and they LOVE it!



Some are very actively marketing their domain to new channels. They can point to a top notch venue to give credibility to their asset. They have a date and time certain to approach their prospects. To look professional. To advertise and use social media to circulate. They have the true opportunity to target end users. THOSE are the folks that we are targeting to be on the phone. They supersede a domainer. Wouldn't you think? But they still have the most qualified audeince in domaining right there in the room.



It's ALL on ME folks. So why is anyone worried? All on me in front of everyone in the industry. Again! I have fixed what needed to be fixed and the rest is out of my hands. But I have faith that if you have a clear formula and do things right every step of the way, then the chances of success are EXPONENTIALLY higher. That is what I believe. That is how I do It. That is why we are at the Ritz Carlton. EVERYTHING and EVERY ingredient, MUST be right and as good as you can get. I won't argue that point with anyone.




Rick Schwartz
CEO & Co-founder T.R.A.F.F.I.C.
http://www.TargetedTraffic.com



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