Domaining is the art/skills of investing in domains where domains act as commodities. To understand what this means we should look at what “Investing” stands for.
Via Wikipedia:
“Investment or investing[1] is a term with several closely-related meanings in business management, finance and economics, related to saving or deferring consumption. An asset is usually purchased, or equivalently a deposit is made in a bank, in hopes of getting a future return or interest from it. The word originates in the Latin “vestis”, meaning garment, and refers to the act of putting things (money or other claims to resources) into others’ pockets. See Invest.[citation needed]. The basic meaning of the term being an asset held to have some recurring or capital gains. It is an asset that is expected to give returns without any work on the asset per se.“
When you add work in the mix you are not just investing anymore (or Domaining) but you are now developing, you are now creating.
I’m a big fan of Peter Drucker, in particular, his teachings in relation to understanding the core of your business.
Over the years, especially in my early years investing with domains, I was what I call a “Domainer”. I only invested in domains for the purpose of generating passive income, whether from parked pages or the sales of these domains. In addition, my personal definition of what I do and what is my business has changed to something other then a Domainer or Domaining (won’t get into it here, maybe sometime in the future). This has helped me do what I do better, not confuse issues when issues arise, and in my organization, understand where I am, where my value lies.
Back to development, development in most cases is extremely time consuming and expensive, and as many have said many times in the past, it is not for most. It is extremely important for you to understand what you are, a Domainer, a developer, maybe both, or maybe something entirely different? Whatever it is, being in the domain industry (if you are that is), understanding what Domaining is means better understanding what you are. My wish is you understand better your core as the more focus you are, the more you understand your core, the better your chances are to succeed.
Happy domaining!
Sahar
I agree, when we enter into this Industry we need to look at what we are going to do with that domain, many of us see a name and register it then work out a business plan based on that doamain!
I believe that isnt the way we should do it in my thoughts now being a little older and wiser we need work out a plan and then purchase a name to go with this business.
Development is key in my eyes for the future of domains, parking is good but revenues are down and continue to be down. If I knew how to develop myself I would have my own portfolio fully developed and be making at least three or four times my parked revenue.
If anyone wants to work with me and test this theory out then I love to hear - Development plan for a start is this domain http://EmployeeShares.com - A portal for all employees with Stocks and Shares!
Another good post Sahar, Keep them coming!
Robbie
Thanks Sahar - Your post is a GREAT read and I hope that many domain name invstors read your posts.
You have TRUE Leadership Quality’s
Take Care
I’ve just recently started on this domaining gig and from what I’ve read I maybe be about 4 years behind.
I’ve heard buying old domains is the current trend right now. I wanted to get your take on this.
Thanks.
—-answer—-
I’m not aware of such a new trend however, it has always been a factor. Sometimes it may help with search engine ranking, sometime buyers like it for bragging rights. I know we bought many such domains over the years because we like the idea they have “history”.
Hope that helps,
Cheers
Sahar