Undoubtedly, one of the nicest guys in the domain industry happens to be Frank Schilling. He also happens to be one of the top three most successful individual domain holders. When Frank speaks, every domainer’s ears should be open as wide as the Eastern Seaboard coastline.

I had the honor of meeting Frank in an intimate setting during the Domain Roundtable Conference 2007, and asked him a few questions when he was being ogled by 10 or 20 other domainers too nervous to approach him directly. One answer to a question I asked him while we were walking through the Sheraton Seattle to the after-conference bar really hit me hard.

I asked: “So Frank, what do you say when so many people want to be like you, yet they don’t have the opportunities you had that helped you reach your success?” His answer was simple and polite: “That’s a good question, Stephen. There are many answers really, but I think the simplest one is that I worked hard following my vision at the right time and I was blessed to reach the success I have. But the right time for success in the domain industry hasn’t passed by for anyone. Anyone can make it big in this industry. Just learn everything about domains and read the blogs and news sites {like http://www.DNJournal, http://www.Domainnamenews, http://www.Domainnamewire and others, such as http://www.Ricksblog.com.} There are many aspects of this industry in which anyone can capitalize on, just keep working hard and keep up to date on the trends all around you.”

Frank and I reached the bar at this point, and I was inspired to see so many smart and capable domain industry people in the room. I felt the power of Frank’s remark as I looked out over the mass of domainers who had all come to the conference to try and reach the success, even a portion of it, that Frank has reached.

Direct navigation aside, I knew that one thing was for certain: There are a lot of sharp minds in this busines who constantly provide each of us with sources and paths to reach a modicum of Frank’s level of success. You just have to stay focused, believe in your direction, be honest and read what domain masters like Frank have to say. Frank’s blog is at http://www.sevenmile.com. (ask him what Seven Mile means — it’s an interesting story).

Be Sociable, Share!

•