This blog is mainly about starting your own home business or working from home. I realized that I haven’t actually gone into this topic quite thoroughly yet. Most of my previous posts revolve around internet marketing tips, blogging tips, social media and many other related topics. Today, I want to go back to the root and origin of this blog and put a little more emphasis into working from home. Now, there are a number of things you need to be clear before thinking about quitting your regular income 9 to 5 job.Let’s talk about the 2 BIG truths when you are thinking of starting your online business.
Truth #1
The first is there are a lot of scams online that claim you can actually make a lot of money in a short period of time. I know this topic has been repeatedly discussed a lot of time on other blogs or websites. But surprisingly, there are tons and tons of people who are still going back to trying these so-called get rich quick scheme programs online even after being a victim of so many other scams.
Diane Corriette mentioned on her recent interview here that she has made a lot of mistakes. Some of them includes buying tons of “guru” products and spending tons of money on programs that don’t work. I’m sure this rings a bell to some of you out there. Before I started this blog, I was actually looking around at these products but I was cautious and I was always reading reviews on forums, websites and sifting through people’s experiences before committing on purchasing a product.
I’ve made my mistakes but I’ve never actually bought a $997 or $197 or $97 or even a $47 product. Talk about being cheapskate 
But yes, I’ve purchased a few products before and from a guru. But I always feel that it’s not complete. There’s a tendency for the so-called “gurus” out there to sell “incomplete products” as part of their business approach so people would want to come back for more. Although, I agree to this, there are a few notable ones that actually go all out to offer genuine help.
The good ones are a handful but sometimes in order to find these people, you will have to make mistakes and experience going through all the mistakes and scams before you learn something. My advice is to learn from those who have made it. I highly recommend visiting blogs like webuildyourblog, smartpassiveincome, and problogger. Yes all these are blogs, but there are lots of things you can learn from them.
Truth #2
The next truth about making money is that it takes a lot of time and effort to earn a living online. It is certainly not quick and easy but it is definitely possible. The key thing here is earn a living. To help you through this process, you must ask yourself these questions:
- The first thing you need to ask yourself is how much do you spend on a monthly basis and how much do you intend to save. Do you want to earn $5000 a month and have a net income of $3000 after monthly expenses and be happy with that or do you want to earn a 5 figure salary and be contented with that?
- The second thing is to make a clear distinction between making money and earning a living. Do you just want to make money or do you want to earn a living? There is a BIG difference between the two. If you are thinking of making money online, I can tell you I have already. But is it enough for me to earn a living? Nope. I will write in a future post what you need to do to achieve this.
- If you are already making a huge amount of money in your day job, why do you want to start your home business? Is it for the fun of it? Just trying out or do you actually hate your day job? More family time? Food for thought guys…
After going through all these questions, let me emphasize again that it is a long road and it can be a lonely one. Some may discourage you and others just tell you that it’s not possible.
It takes time, patience, consistency and hours of hard work to make this happen regardless of the ways you are thinking of making a living online. This is what everyone has to go through before they can actually say they are earning or making money online.
Clearing Yourself of the Illusion
Once you’ve gone through these truths, you must clear yourself of all the illusion of making money online without any effort. By answering these 2 BIG but very basic truths you would save at least 1 year of your life making mistakes like buying programs, products, failed websites, failed businesses etc.
This will save you of the frustration that making money online is just an illusion that will never work. I might even safe you from going back to that darn dreaded job that you are working right now.
So is it still a possibility?
Yes. Definitely! Without a doubt there is a possibility but are you ready for the journey? There are many ways you can make money online. Things like paid surveys, freelancing, affiliate marketing and ebay are some ways to do that but in order to actually earn a living, you need a plan; a long term one. You don’t have to fill in all the gaps in between but you must have an idea, a short and long term plan on what you want to do to start your home business.
Most people fail again because they don’t do this. They expect things to happen along the way and go with the flow.
So what do you think? Are you ready for the journey or just trying out?
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I am currently living off my online revenue, so it’s possible. Ways to make money in my case:
1. advertising – not a lot of money, but still OK.
2. freelancing – I am a full time web design freelancer and it’s been a sweet ride
I do work a lot each day, but still have enough freedom and money to never think about getting to work for anyone again.
Hey Ramona,
That’s great. I think as long as you’re contented with what you are doing and how much you earn that’s already an achievement by itself. And working for yourself gives you the freedom to make your own time and there’s so much more flexibility with that. Thx for commenting
Twitter: richescorner
November 11, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Definitely, it’s possible to make money online. It just takes time and effort. But I think the first goal is to find a subject that you enjoy and just plan on the success of your site in the sense of keeping it up and getting readership. Money should be a secondary priority in the beginning.
Richard recently posted..Timesaver Tips- Gain Twitter Followers Overnight
Hi Richard,
You’re spot on there. If money is the main priority then you are most likely to fail because your focus shifts to finding ways to make money i.e adsense, chitika, sponsored ads, affiliate marketing. Your website becomes more of a sales page rather then something of value to your readers. I think everyone should build their reputation slowly, get recognition, gain authority before turning their website into a money making website.
Thx for commenting
(big grin)
“never bought a $997 or $197 or $97 or even a $47 product.”
Been there – DIDN”T do that (either). I don’t consider it being a cheapskate, just smart. That approach just feels slimy.
Allan Douglas recently posted..Building a Stone Fireplace
Hi Allan,
Haha. Yeah I was making a lot of decisions considering the pros and cons before buying anything.
Twitter: profitmc
November 12, 2010 at 2:36 am
An illusion or a possibility? The records actually shows that to many it’s an illusion. In fact, I come across many bloggers who started blogging because they have the wrong mindset that making money online is a matter of building some blogsite and the money will come pouring in. These are the ones who have abandoned their blogs!
But, like you said, it’s a possibility. I attest to that. I must say you have the same principle like me when it comes to buying those one-in-a-life-time secret reports! The truth is that none of them really reveal all that they are doing to make the money. They always keep away some tactics and strategies to the next launch! To know any guru who will be willing to be of help signup to their email list. Study what they send to their subscribers if is the one who can help you will know.
Chadrack@Making Money Blogging recently posted..How To Promote Your Blog Using The Power Of Email Lists
Hey Chadrack,
To most it is an illusion that is why so many people don’t believe in making money online. Of those who tried it, many became sceptics and joined the former group of people who don’t believe and yes, abandon their online ventures. Yes studying what their emails are like is a way to gauge if they are worth signing up for.
Twitter: tristanhigbee
November 12, 2010 at 4:15 am
Great tips, Bryan. There have been times in the past when I’ve fully supported myself from an online income, but I’m not at that point right now. Right now I’m living off of savings while trying to start up a couple new ventures. It’s a bumpy, uncertain road, but I love it! Thanks for the great post.
Tristan recently posted..The Many Hats a Successful Blogger Needs to Wear INFOGRAPHIC
Hey Tristan,
You know when you commented, I was suddenly reminded of your post on the many hats of a successful blogger
I think the order of the whole infographic is correct. The businessmen comes almost at the end. Good to hear that you are starting your own ventures. As long as you enjoy doing it you will make it. Thx for the stopping by
Twitter: megabizflakes
November 12, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Awesome post bro! Yeah it’s possible to earn online but one must be careful so as not to fall in the hands of scammers! Thanks for sharing. Have fun.
PS: Have published your guest post check it out. Thanks a lot.
Samuel recently posted..Warren Edward Buffet – 6 Inspirational Tips We Can Learn From Him
Hey Sam!
Yeah we must be cautious about who to follow and learn from.
Thx for posting up my article. Greatly appreciate it
Thanks for the info Bryan. Im hoping to someday make a living from blogging and Im soaking up as much info as possible.
Estava Morioka recently posted..Chicks with Tattoos
Hey Estava,
I’m still learning here though. I’m keen to share what I know and all good information with my readers. Love to hear feedback like yours from them too.
Have a great day!
Twitter: ITSergioFelix
March 16, 2011 at 4:36 pm
This is strictly what I believe (and with all honesty even thought I know you don’t know me) I think it’s all about oneself.
If you prove to be someone to trust, people will trust you.
If you prove to be someone valuable, people will treasure you.
If you prove to actually give advice, people will follow.
If you think about money being secondary you’ll be able to build stronger foundations and really connect with people.
If you’re in this for the ‘how can I make a quick buck out of you’ then just stop giving free advice or blog for free or connet or anything, just make a services website and give that as your business card, is not that difficult.
As I am still learning (and will never stop) I can’t share much ‘wisdom’ because these are just my thoughts but it was definitely my pleasure to write in here
Hey Sergio,
I’m glad you came over here from my newsletter!
You’re spot on mate. AS long as you are in the mind frame of making quick money then ultimately you will condition yourself for that only. All else doesn’t matter. As for trust it will come with time, even online you have to earn it.
Twitter: glynisj
March 27, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Excellent advice, Bryan. I’m a cheapskate like you. The only thing I have spent money on for far is my web space. The thought that keeps me from buying is this — Can this be done without this product or service? So far, the answer for me has been yes.
Hey Glynis,
HAHA. Oops you found out something about me
Yeah I tend to be quite tight with taking out cash from my wallet unless I see something really worth spending. Web hosting and domain registration is what I call the bare minimum. Beyond that, it becomes more of a personal preference especially with software and ebooks to help you with your business.