When I created my first website, I had no idea where it was going to take me. I really did believe that it was possible to create a regular income online - even without any programming skills - but I didn't have an end goal. I wasn't planning to sell out within a few years, swap my sites for a big bag of cash and head off to Hawaii for the rest of my life.
Why should I? I'm having fun.
Not everyone feels that way. I've met lots of entrepreneurs who work with toy Ferraris on their desk or pictures of yachts on their desktop. That's their goal. They plan to make just enough money to lead the lifestyle they want, then stop.
That's fine. If that's what would make them happiest, I've got no problem with it.
But it does sound a bit like doing a J.O.B. and hoping for a big bonus if you do it right.
There are two things that make the Internet business different to any other business I know. The first is that anyone can do it. There are really no entry requirements. You don't need a degree in computer science, social studies or anything else. You just have to want to do it and have the willingness to stick with it until it's working. When that happens, you don't just hear a click as everything falls into place. You hear a giant Ka-Ching as the money starts to come in.
The second - and this is no less important -- is that you can earn that money doing the things you love.
The first content I created was about computer games. I could have produced a site about anything but I like computer games, so I created a site about gaming. I also like shopping and saving money online, so one of my next sites was about bargains.
These days, what I like most is sharing my knowledge with other rising entrepreneurs. I get a real buzz out of it so I keep giving workshops, attending conferences and producing books. It's work that pays well but investment banking pays well too. I'm doing this because it's fun.
And that's when I think it's the right time to stop. Not once you've bought your Ferrari. Not once you've got your yacht. Not even when you're lying on the beach in Cancun. But when you're no longer having fun. That's the best sign that you're not doing what you should be doing - and you should be doing something else.
Me? I'm still having fun!.
I totally agree, I am new to the internet marketing game. The 1100.00 a month I make from my VA disability is not cutting it. I want to build something that I can hand over to my kids, so that they can do something that is fun and not the 9 to 5 grind.
Absolutely! I couldn't agree more. The incredible flexibility and the ability to gravitate to what you love online is definitely a selling point; there are endless niches you can get into and there's no reason not to focus on things you are passionate about.
-Matt
Ooooooh such a timely post for me. After five years in one niche I am aching to move into another but sooooooo damn scared... but you are right when the fun dries up its time to move on.
What I need is guts...
We're just going through this right now with starting a new business. We're trying to be very conscious of the idea that we want to build a business that can contribute to the lifestyle we want while we're working. There's more to life than doing something you don't want to do for 30 years and then cashing out for retirement. Great article as usual Joel.
Nice points Joel.
It's also portable, so if you like to travel and broaden your horizons you can do that while keeping tabs on things and continuing to be productive.
There's no reason to stop if you like what you're doing.
Cheers,
Shane
Couldn't have hit it better on the head than that Joel. This is truly the way I feel as well. I sort of stumbled into the internet business, even though it hasn't ever felt like a job. It has always felt like an exciting hobby that has the potential to pay well once I get it figured out to what will work for me. Thanks for being the internet legend that you are!
Oh, and when is the second Internet Millionaire coming out? ;)
Wow, Joel,
This was timely for me. I'm just in the process of setting up my WordPress Blog and I plan on doing Videos with some pretty crazy "costumes' etc....because I want to do what I've always dreamt of doing....reaching people with an important message, but using humor to do it. For years friends have encouraged me to post videos on YouTube, but I want my OWN website and the ability to have fun while I help others, and make money doing it....
There is a quote that says, Do what you love, and you will never have to work another day as long as you live". Right on....
Blessings and Happy ThanksGiving to all in the USA,
Healthy Weight Loss Coach and InterNet Marketer,
Dazzling Dolly Lutz
@Joel : You are making me believing that to be successful in internet marketing and still enjoying it even from newbies is very much possible!! Thanks so much for the article!!
@Dazzling Dolly: I am in the process of mastering the art of Wordpressing too! YouTube? Wait till you learnt the powerfulness of social media revolution craze.. (a boom for Social Media Marketing)
Check this out:
Cheers!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8
Everything you say here is real talk. When you build thwe 1st site and it's a success, why stop? Besides, when the first site takes off, that's when you know it's time to keep on building, because there is millions of dollars to be made online =)
I started my Englishland website several years ago but I began to monetize it with Adsense last year. I got some money from it but not very much.
Congrats on your success Joel.
It must feel great, but it is good to see you still have passion for doing some of the things you started out with. The most successful people I would think are the ones who would keep doing these things instead of just stopping. That means you are in it for the passion and not just the money. I believe I would keep doing these things and would try to help others as you do.
You're my inspiration joel. You should always do something you like and have fun doing, or then it becomes boring and a chore. I love working online, I make money, and I have fun. It's great
I'm with you on this one Joel, I never intended to become a loosely termed Internet entrepreneur. Like many people I sort of fell into it almost at the start and it has developed from there. However, just like you I totally love what I do, I can think of no better way of spending part of my day.
It's all about lifestyle, having time off and taking holidays is great and I love them. But could you do this all the time? ... I know I couldn't because I need to keep my mind active and after a few days soaking up the rays of a tropical beach and splashing about in the pool with my children my mind starts looking for the next challenge. That's, the beautiful thing about making a living from the Internet, there is always a challenge and another hurdle to overcome which once achieved helps you grow a little more.
Kevin Martyn
Hi Joel,
You really are a source of inspiration. I have just recently started blogging. My blog is:
http://about-dog-breeds.blogspot.com/
I wish to succeed online. I guess the crucial most part to succeed online is to be persistent.
Best Regards,
Raja
http://about-dog-breeds.blogspot.com/