I recently made some changes to my personal DMO (Daily Method of Operation), and wanted to share some insight on why I made a change, and how you can make more money and work less hours doing the same.

One of the largest problems we as internet network marketers face is information overload. New marketing techniques, new advertising opportunities, new keywords, technologies, tools, trends, niches…it never ends. The internet is a living, breathing organism that is ever-changing (one of the things I love about it). But, you have to make smart business decisions. You cannot get swept up in the new ’shiny’ things that emerge on a daily basis. Rather, take care of your old toys and they will continue to bring you joy for years to come.

OK. I know that sounds a little crazy but follow me here…

I learned (in my corporate life) about a management theory called the Tomato Plant Problem. The Tomato Plant Problem means that if you try to tend to too many plants at any given time, they will all suffer and eventually die. There is only so much light and water to go around. If you try to water them all, none of them get what they need to survive.

The theory is, to focus on only 1-3 plants at a time. This will allow you to give them the attention they need to ensure they thrive.

Bringing this management theory into my internet business was real game changer for me. Like many others, I was always getting bogged down with email, my blackberry, twitter, new stuff all the time. But I had some things out there that had been producing results for me like clock-work. What happened was many began to slowly deteriorate. My business suffered and so did my income.

I brought myself back to the basics. Back to the same principles I taught my students. Focus on only 2-3 things at any given time and you will develop more skill, see more results, and feel more accomplished.

I implemented some strategies where I only check my email 3 times per day (I tried 2 and it was too hard). I turned off all visible email notifications so I wasn’t distracted. I never check email first thing in the morning. I spend more time on it at night, before I go to bed when I’m winding down.

If you have information overload, or feel like you’re spinning your wheels, remember the Tomato Plant Problem. Take a step back, prioritize your activities (always focus on traffic, list building, and conversions), anything else is typically superfluous and can take a back seat.

Until next time!

Robert