The Push-Button Nation
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Are we becoming a push-button nation?
I was recently speaking to a leading expert in the marketing world, and he was keen to do a promotion to his list for BuzzProfits.com
He was aware that there are over 150 pages of killer content, books, a forum and the ability to ask me questions directly via the forum… but here is what he said:
“I love the site, but my readers really only like push-button solutions”
Push-button solutions?!?!
Since when has there been a push-button solution to anything worth doing?
I am afraid that the “push-button” success idea is something that marketers have been promoting, simply because they know it will appeal to the lazy.
And by doing this… people bought into the idea, and are now becoming even lazier.
It is pretty darn worrying.
Heck, the info at BuzzProfits can save you tons of time, effort, blood, sweat and tears… but to expect ANYTHING to transform your life or business with the push of a button is frankly a little disturbing.
Anyway, rant over. I am off to create a push-button weight loss product 
Dean
PS: If you would like to comment, simply push the comment button below.
PPS: Hands up if you actually pressed the big red push button image at the top of this article? You did, didn’t you!
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17 COMMENTS
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This is a huge problem in the software world. People want black boxes that just work with no user management. Anything that promises that is BS. Good writeup.
PS: I didn’t push the red button
Hank,
Many thanks.
We have all been guilty of it, I would hate to pretend that I am a workaholic or someone who doesn’t look for quick solutions occasionally.
But I am aware that they simply do not exist… not on anything worthwhile anyway.
I wanted to get in shape recently, so I bought a mountain bike.
I wanted to overcome my public speaking issues, so I practiced, trained, pushed myself and went for it.
I would have LOVED a push button solution to these issues, but I knew there are none, so instead I did what needed to be done.
That said, if anyone has a push-button solution for learning to play the drums, please let me know where I send the cheque
Dean
What the hell is going on?
I have clicked that magic red button numerous times and nothings happened. I presumed it sent lots of traffic to my website and transfered money into my bank account. Is there a bug or something?
Funny, sad and true. I agree with Hank that this has become a big issue but not just in software. Everyone is looking for easy answer, push button this, no-work wealth, one-pill health and the list goes on. Is Staples partly to blame for this button fascination?
I also was able to resist pushing the button but I sure wanted to. Reminded me of an old Ren & Stimpy cartoon and the History Eraser Button – http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1153869/history_eraser_button_ren_and_stimpy/ Perhaps we would all be better off if we did push that button and just got it over with – Now That Was Easy!
Push button solutions can and do work. I know, I’ve used a few successfully myself. But the problem is this…
As soon as everyone else catches on to those push button solution, they’re rendered ineffective as they lose their power. And so you end up chasing the next push button solution.
STUFF THAT PRODUCES INSTANT RETURN WITH NO EFFORT SOON FIZZLES OUT TO NOTHINGNESS (in most cases)
In the meantime other people are building businesses with real value and sustainability, sure it’s harder work short term, but long term the rewards are far greater.
More people would push it if the button said “Get Famous Now!”
All part of the same malaise – instant gratification and the celberity culture. We have been ‘teaching’ people that it is possible for everyone to have it all and to have it now! The notion that society can deliver everything via one click is wrong-headed. The current economic situation will prove a rude awakening for many when they discover how hollow that promise is.
Dean, to extend one of your thoughts from elsewhere – it is not just about getting people’s attention, it is about keeping it focussed long enough to do anything worthwhile.
Ian,
I agree.
I actually teach people behind the scenes on how to become “famous” in their industry.
By famous, I mean, respected, well known, powerful etc…
But whilst the end goal might sound glamorous, the techniques are based around 12 months of training, implementation and work.
The word “now” in your example is the killer. Like you said, instant gratification.
I can make anyone “famous” in their industry, but not NOW, more like 6-12 months… and with WORK.
I completely agree with everything everyone has said.
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Nick – haha, nice one.
I will take two copies please.
I think “push-button” is another way of saying “results-obsessed”. It’s easy to get so caught up in the end product that we forget that the process can be just as rewarding, if not more so.
To illustrate: http://jackiesfridge.comicgenesis.com/d/20001227.html
“What’s all this talk about ‘push-bottom?’” Let me tell you what is going to happen if anyone other then my wife goes pushing my bottom…!!!!
From the article to the comments you never fail to put a smile on my face Dean! Nicely Done.
It all makes me think of the saying, “garbage in garbage out.” Though in this case it is “nothing in and even more of nothing out.” Maybe we should have a congressional committee to figure out why it works this way, or actually, doesn’t.
I think it was A Course in Miracles which reminded me “To Have All, Give All to All” Short sweet and to the point…about as close to “push bottom” as anything could be. No further study required just keep “pushing-bottom!” Just not mine please.
Together, or not at all,
Tim Owen
“The Mastermind and Implementation Coach”
Fan Page: http://companies.to/TimothyBertOwen
Welcome to 33 Business Spartans
Refreshing post as usual Dean, Thanks.
The best push button marketing gimmick I can think of is “That was easy!” compliments of Staples.
LOL. Push button? Yes it might be true that people are becoming dependent to the point of overdoing the spoon-feeding bit. Heck people doesn’t want spoon-feeding anymore, they want everything done for them. Ok I’m guilty. I am one of the push-button people. I need one for weight loss too dean.
Good post.People are always looking for the easiest solution, and that´s why these push button programs are so popular.But, will they work? I doubt you can get anything out if you don´t put anything in first.
Dean,
Interesting post… the idea of a pushbutton solution goes far beyond business these days. It seems that more and more people want a pushbutton solution for life in general!
We’ve become a very “take care of me” society and that goes hand in hand with wanting easy solutions.
What is the old saying?… “Anything worth having is worth working for”. Words to keep brewing in the back of the head as you pour yourself into your work.
Sam
Sam’s Marketing Blog
Well you can’t blame some people. Anyone ever hear of Carlo Ocab? He’s the 15 year old kidblogger who ranked got top Google rangking with the “make money online” keyword. He did all the hard work required.. and got on top in a year. People assume its that easy.. LOL.