There are lots of great things to say about being an Internet entrepreneur.
You get to be your own boss, setting your own hours and working from home if you want.
You get to define your own goals and connect your earnings directly to your efforts.
And you get to be in full control of your life, instead of working a J.O.B. that you just can't stand.
All of those things are true but there's one benefit of being an online business-owner that I think stands out head and shoulders above all the others.
It has by far the best secret of success...
... do what you love.
When you choose a topic for a website, you can pick absolutely anything. In practice though, people tend to choose one of two types of topics.
They either pick a subject with high-earning keywords.
Or they pick a subject they love to write about.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with looking for keywords that pay a great deal of money.
I just think that if you're running a website about a subject that you enjoy, you'll find it much easier to maintain the site over the long run. At the beginning, when your income is low and your marketing has yet to take off, you'll be less likely to feel discouraged. Even if you're not making much money yet, you'll be having fun and in the short-term that will be enough to keep you going through the tough moments.
And your enthusiasm for the subject will become clear in your pages and your posts, and will generate enthusiasm in your readers too.
When you're starting out as an Internet entrepreneur, it can be a good idea not to think of it as a business. Yes, you want to make money, and yes, you should have business goals.
But first of all you should have fun... and then look for ways to turn that fun into profit.
That's always going to be much easier to do than trying to make money out of a topic you don't understand and don't much like.
It's also a lot less like a J.O.B.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
February 11, 2009 10:10 AM
How do you do it!
February 11, 2009 10:12 AM
Thanks for the uplifting messages of support. I have recently been made redundant and i am focused now on making myself a job, being me. This can be done through the web and i am taking my time in finding the right knowledge. So far you are the most straight talking mentor i have seen or heard. Thank you once again and watch out for me at one of these e-biz seminars, ill be the one on stage!!
February 11, 2009 10:21 AM
Hi Joel,
I couldn't agree with you more! When I initially started out I wasn't sure what I should /would do. So I just started w/a blog about something I knew I would enjoy writing about and sharing.
This of course led to SO much more - I just kept at the learning, networking and trying new things.
I don't do a ton with that blog right now, but will continue posting and sharing.
And on a side note - Dave Ramsey was on GMA today saying that it's the "Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses that will pull us out of the recession." And we know that it's the people who have passion for what they do that become a success.
Thanks,
Kim Doyal
February 11, 2009 03:16 PM
I could not imagine working for someone else building their dream instead of my own. Well, actually I can imagine it and it is frightening to say the least. It just doesn't make sense to me why people would put the security of their finances and family in someone else's hands... why people spend the bulk of their paycheck to pay for a house and utilities that they leave each day to go sit in a small room somewhere outside their home... why people would put their life on hold for an employer.
When you do what you love, the money will follow. It might take a while but it will happen IF you are passionate about what you do and you take consistent action each day towards achieving your goals.
Expect Success,
Shannon Denniston
February 11, 2009 05:00 PM
Joel, this is a very down-to-earth, eye-opening piece, especially for those of us are just about to join the journey to internet business. Thanks a million!
February 12, 2009 01:48 AM
This is really great, I am a newbie to internet entrepreneur and this kind of post reminds not to give up and keep searching until I am success. Thanks for the inspiring post.
February 12, 2009 01:50 AM
This is really great, I am a newbie to internet entrepreneur and this kind of post reminds not to give up and keep searching until I am success. Thanks for the inspiring post.
February 12, 2009 02:40 AM
Always strengthen yourself!! you are always able to get what you want..
Just be determined enough..
February 12, 2009 07:55 AM
Joel,
I love reading your stuff. I agree with you 100% on the passion. I see too many people choose something because it's a high paying topic. Then they can't figure out why have writer's block, or they have trouble writing promotional materials.
Great topic. Jinger
February 12, 2009 12:36 PM
Yeah I agree... being an internet entrepreneur is awesome... I'm loving every second of it.
J.O.B.S. are no fun!
J-just
O-over
b-broke
s-sorry!
lol.. I added the "S" for "SORRY!"
February 13, 2009 03:34 AM
With the melting of the economy, working from home is good and no one will harass you for being late.
You are in full control of hours you want to work and have all the freedom and time for your family.
Working from home will save you money.. no more commuting/carrying packed lunch. No stress, no headaches.
This is an eye opener for all those out there depending on formal employment.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Wish you all the success in your launch.
February 13, 2009 09:11 AM
With respect to Joel and his long list of great accomplishments, I have to disagree in the truest form of "do what you love" ... "do what you love" rarely is a good foundation for generating wealth simply because the premise is selfish; people don't care about your personal needs for "doing what you love" -- they only care if, and only if, your "do what you loves" provides solutions to other people. For most of us, "do what you love" can't be transfigured into cash so we try to convert "do what you love" into a greater purpose, or a "why". The "why's" give motivation and turn work into enjoyment ... hence, we ultimately love what we do because we know our purpose. I wrote a similar article recently about this.
http://www.thefastlanetomillions.com/articles/2009/02/do-what-you-love-and-the-money-will-follow/
February 22, 2009 04:04 AM
With respect to Joel - I was subscribed about a 12 Month ago.
And his site is one that do anything for my impression.
Georgii.
February 24, 2009 12:16 AM
yes...and do it with smile cause smile can change this world
March 30, 2009 10:30 AM
You're Right Joel! Follow your heart openly and success will come to you soul.
August 17, 2009 08:52 PM
When we have something we love doing, there would be a reason why we enjoy doing that, which I think is the 'why' MJ DeMarco was talking about. Ultimately, I think what Joel is trying to say is that in doing what we love, it gives an added motivation to continue in it even when the going gets tough. And I think, often what helps people to persevere even further is when some of the reasons they love what they do are outside of themselves.