A lot of people were surprised when I brought out iFart. Until then, I was best known as an AdSense expert. I'd written a book that explained how to make money out of content by putting Google's ads next to them. It was serious stuff with serious results, but it took serious effort to make it work.
So I follow that up with... an electronic whoopee cushion?
They shouldn't have been surprised. I'm passionate about doing new things and making money online. I have been since I first went online back in 1995. I love looking for new ways to attach earning channels to my websites. I love seeing the money come in, I love getting that KaChing, and I get a kick out of sharing with other entrepreneurs how I did it.
But I also love playing around. My first experiments with computers didn't turn me into a coder. They turned me into a gamer. That's another passion. I still play World of Warcraft, and I'm getting a real buzz out of all the things we're planning to do with GameDock, our latest iPhone app.
It might look like there's a big difference between those two parts of my life. It might appear that there's nothing in common between my desire to see the Web as a giant business opportunity and my love of gaming, but they do have one vital thing in common.
I'm passionate about both of them.
Building a website and monetizing it isn't work for me. It's fun. It's a thrill. I love the development and I love watching it grow.
Sitting with my family and playing in a fantasy world is a blast. I've been doing this kind of thing a long time, and it doesn't get old.
That I can make money out of both of these things isn't a coincidence. It's not good luck that lets me make money out of my passion; it's my passion that lets me make money.
That's the Internet's biggest opportunity. The things you love to do are also the things you know to do. And the things you know to do are the things you can earn revenue showing others how to do.
When you're looking for your next business opportunity, you don't to look any further than your biggest desires.
What are your thoughts?
One of the best features of the internet is the enormous scope it offers in terms of opportunities from making money to expressing yourself to interacting with like minded people.
If you have a bit of imagination & flair the internet is a wonderful technology to let yourself loose on.
Interesting. Are you trying to go the same route you did with the Yahoo Games (can't remember the original name) site? Only this time its for the iPhone. I think you'll do really well with GameDock, especially with the Yahoo Games experience behind you.
Dennis
Coming up with business ideas is sometimes like playing a game for me. I have had some, yet but didn't realize them because of fear. But now I'm working on realizing one. It's going to be hard work and a real challenge.
Though I'm german, it will be a service especially for English speaking people.
In my opinion, coming up with a business idea is no rocket science. Getting over the fear of failiure to me is the most critical point. Even if you hae all the skills you need, you're just human and eventually have to fight against your own doubts.
This will be one of the biggest challenges I take in my live and I'll keep fingers crossed in order to get my business up and running.
Joel, you are exactly right...again! I spend a lot of time helping new teachers through their first years of teaching, and thought "Why don't I put this information online for others to use also?" www.newteacherhelp.com was born. Thanks for helping us see that which is right in front of us, but unnoticed!
Joel,
Thanks for your inspiration. I was loosing my 9-5 job at the "Box factory" when I came across some of your youtube videos and you really made me think. I am still looking for my idea but I am now on the right path. Tell Dan he is great too.
Best regards,
Tad Wolfe
Good article! The line between fun and business doesn't exist for me. I love creating businesses, building software, and solving problems. I am always on the look out for a great idea that I can throw some passion behind.
Thank you Joel for everything,week 1 and further, e-book,i-phones applications,webinars,seminars,but mostly for bringing peace of mind in today's hectic times ! Yes another great article that came truly from your hart cose it is not all abut money it is about balance in life ! :)
"to your success " as you say
Sasha !
This is one of my favorite topics to discuss"Business Ideas" and having fun developing those ideas. The human mind is one of the most amazing wonders of this known world. It is the only tool or instrument that has ever created every business known to mankind whether both great or small. It is a thing of beauty to have a thought that manifest itself as an original idea and follow that idea into tangible product or service and in some cases a work of art.Yes, there will be many trails ,tribulations, setbacks and growing pains along the way. In fact many adjustments will be made as you maneuver uncharted waters. Just remember to stay the course and follow your compass which is your heart and never, never, never give up. It so fulfilling to create a business that did not exist before you brought it into existent.Be encourage go forth the world awaits for you to do only what you dare to do. Go for your dreams and never look back.
Funny, I used to just go hog wild! I'd be sitting around with friends, or a loved one, an idea would pop up, and I would GO for it. OH MY...those were the days! LOL. I'm 42 now, and when I started the online thing, we were emailing people with Safe lists and such (SuperPromoter, etc). It was fun, but not as interactive.
Now I find myself feeding off of the 2.0 elements of the web, for ideas. My push is more about giving, volunteering and tying that into what I do for a living....TV. I've now found a way to tie it all in, but again, it was a very dynamic process that came mostly from what was going on that particular day.
My belief is in 'timing'. I find that the right ideas to go with, most of the time, just come to me, when I stop TRYING so hard. I've made some money, and lost a bit. But in the end, the pursuit OF the idea, and watching it come to fruition is the love....