On Friday night I was the lead speaker for the Moms Affiliate Expo, and towards the end I took a few questions. One thing everyone wanted to know was how many hours I work online to run my internet business.
I told them that in "maintenance mode" I could manage my online business in just 5-10 hours a week. With an online business you have two modes: maintenance mode and production mode.
Sometimes I'll work 40-60 hours a week, sometimes I'll just work 5-10. The flexibility, and the option to do that, is one of the things I love about my career.
Next they wanted to know what kind of hours I worked during the start-up years... "It's great you can run your biz in less than 10 hours a week now, but what about when you got started??"
A fair question, and I gave an honest answer...
I actually got a little choked up talking about my start-up years. Its been awhile (this is my 12th year in business) but I remember it well. It wasnt an easy time. Even more difficult were the "restart-up" years, after my divorce and as a single mother to two young children.
So after my initial success I found myself struggling yet again. When I closed my business in the city and decided to work from home full time, I had 1/8 tank of gas and $7 to my name - with two kids to feed. Both of which I was also homeschooling, as my oldest was diagnosed with rolandic epilepsy that same year.
Back to the question, my answer was this:
"I worked 16-18 hours a day, 7 days a week, for more than a year... to get my online business rolling in the right direction."
I was learning. And I was making a name for myself. And I was making huge mistakes that I ultimately learned very profitable lessons from.
I dont regret a single minute that I invested in my career, or in myself, or in the lifestyle that I wanted for my family.
I would give anything to go back in time, and tell myself what my life is like today. Some reassurance would have been nice back then. And I would thank her profusely, for making my life what it is today.
Because I am now living... her vision.
I cannot express to you how wonderful (!) it feels to reach your goals and find yourself exactly where you want to be. There simply arent words that do it justice. But if you watch some of my recent videos, you just might catch a tiny glimpse of it in my smile...
There are a number of people I could thank for helping me along the way - for motivation, inspiration, instruction, examples & more. But in the end, it boils down to personal responsibility. No perfect recipe of those ingredients can help you achieve your goals - if you dont take action on them and MAKE it happen.
You may wonder where all of this is coming from. I'm still a bit nostalgic from the topic we discussed on Friday night of course, but then there was a certain email that came through this weekend. You may have received a copy of it yourself. The subject line was "My Condolences"
The message was a good one, but contained a strong emotional pull to anyone "working weekends" on their business goals. It may have even made its readers feel BAD for being at their computer on a Saturday afternoon "slaving away".
Again, the intention was good (with an affiliate link to a solution)... but I noted my own response to that message and can only assume how other readers may have felt. (here's the great video that was recommended -direct link)
The only regret I have... is not working harder and making it happen even faster.
Go for what you want. Weekend or weekday. Any hour you please. Its YOUR life. And its on you -and you alone- to make it happen...
Best,
p.s. If you're looking for a starting point, see Starting a Free Online Business. It is a detailed explanation of how to get started, and includes helpful free resources. You can also sign up for my free weekly tips. It’s the best way to get the current scoop on free resources, and new online business tips 😉
About Lynn Terry
Lynn, what a wonderful post! I have dreamt my entire life of becoming a published author, and now that I'm taking the necessary steps to realize that dream, people are questioning those steps and the impact on my young children. Won't the final impact - children who have a happy, successful, fulfilled mother - be the true indicator of if this time was "worth it"? So yeah, it's a Sunday afternoon and I'm working. Thanks for the inspiration to keep plugging away...
Lynn, thanks for the inspiration! Nothing worth having is ever gained by doing little or nothing. Everything worthwhile is gained through pain and sacrifice, but that's what makes the prize so valuable 🙂
Wish I was there to see/hear you speak, Lynn.
This is an interesting post--at least to me--for a few reasons.
Other Internet marketers may not agree with my position, so keep in mind what follows is just a personal view.
Many friends of mine (and friends of people I've trained who make a full time passive income from home) are often jealous of our Internet lifestyles, for lack of a better .
But as the cliche' goes, the grass is often greener on the other side.
A lot of people get into Internet marketing because of a glamourized notion of passive income, and the potential for endless days of horsing off and doing whatever you want to do.
And I can't deny that's at least in part true.
Although I'm not proud of it now, I basically took the entire year of 2005 off and raised my kids, in addition to gardening a lot (I grew HUGE sunflowers all summer long. These suckers grew to be 6 feet OVER what the package said they could get).
I literally had almost zero stress the entire year.
Although that sounds nice, the reality is that I became very bored. Stress is part and parcel to life. And, we need a certain amount of it to feel challenged.
It's very similar to the romanticized notion of people wanting to reach retirement age.... only to die soon thereafter.
The reason, of course, is that most retired people don't live so long becasue they've lost purpose and passion in their life; in short, a reason to get up in the morning.
(Endless golf just doesn't cut it, I suppose).
After realizing that I wasn't really happy horsing off all the time and taking almost an entire year off, I am back to working perhaps harder than I ever have (hard work simply being defined as putting in more hours than ever before), and I feel challenged again.
Dare I say excited.
Yes, the Internet lifestyle in great, I won't deny, in the sense that, if my kids are sick, I don't have to call up a boss and ask for the day off. I don't have to be anywhere at any particular time. I don't have to sit in rush hour traffic and watch some old guy using a walking aid blow by me (see The Office).
On the other hand, to all of you who think you're going to just set up passive income streams, kick your feet up, and sip pina coladas for the rest of your life, content, I'm here to tell you, that probably isn't going to happen.
At least for me it didn't.
Dan
Let me start by saying, I did NOT receive the email you had mentioned.
Lynn, you're post made me cry. I am doing exactly what you have described as we speak. Some days are 16-18 hours. I have four children. I do take time off as my family needs me but I know I have to keep moving forward because this is our only income.
It is clear that my family is suffering to some extent because "Mommy's always on the computer". Somedays it breaks my heart but I know what I am doing now is laying the foundation that will bring me to the point you are at now.
My biggest mistakes have been not knowing who to actually invest in as an expert or as a mentor. I have wasted many hours and as much money on programs that were not effective and did not give me the tools I needed to succeed.
I agree with you wholeheartedly that you 100% responsible for your own success. I know the sacrifices that I am making now will be well worth it in the future (the very near future!)
I also know the mistakes I have made will bring me that much closer to know what the right paths are.
What I find most appealing is that I can work from 10pm to 6am while my children sleep in the next room. Money isn't the only reason to pursue this career.
What my biggest regret has been is that I wish I had been working SMARTER to make my success happen faster.
In an earlier comment it was asked if you could have accomplished as much in half the time. I don't know about your answer but my answer is "Yes". But it took me all those hours to find out how to accomplish that task and what the SMARTER way of doing things is.
Doing the 30DC was a blessing for me in that respect. I am so thankful Ed Dale and his crew gave me many tools to help me make my day not only shorter but more effective. I am also very grateful to have found people like you who actual are experts that are now providing me with what I need to succeed. (thanks!)
Who was that person who determined that a work week should be defined as 9-5, Monday-Friday anyway??
Congratulations on reaching such success. Thank you for taking the time to teach others how to reach those same goals by sharing what you do right AND what you did wrong.
I believe the message for me is that you need to put in whatever time you need to reach the success that you want for your life personally. If it's 18 hours or 8 hours it's based on your own personal goals.
Just make sure whatever time you are working that you are working smart and keep believing in yourself.
I missed the Moms Affiliate Expo but I appreciate you sharing some of the content of your part here.
I find that my main problem is actually being productive. I can spend all day at the computer and get only a couple hours worth of work done and I think that`s not good for my family! If I`m going to put in the seat time, I want to ensure that I`m actually working! Definitely something to work on.
hey girlie,
I like this particular blog article, I think you are right when you say :
"The only regret I have… is not working harder and making it happen even faster"
I think that if it is worth having it is worth working for. Also particularly noteworthy is that you would tell yourself (if you went back...) - you would tell yourself that one day you would be living YOUR dream, and the lifestyle you want for your family.
I think each of us have a different view of what is the ideal life, lifestyle, etc. I think that is what is so great, America is the greatest country in the world, and we can each have whatever it is that we want...
Each person has something different that they want, or that motivates them, or that brings joy to their inner heart...
Thank you for the words of encouragement to those of us that have not yet attained what we are seeking.
I happened to receive that email too. Funny, I wasn't even working at the time when I opened it, so I found the accusation that I'm a 'weekend warrior" kind of amusing.
But regardless, I thought the same as you. Who cares if someone works weekend. We're aren't Mon-Fri 9 to 5ers. If we want leave our days free and work nights, it's our choice. If we want to do our shopping and outings during the week when it's quiet and then work weekends...again...it's our choice. We have the freedom to do that.
I was curious about the 16-18 hours per day. I know you were in an urgent situation and needed to get the income for your family, but do you really think you needed to work that long each day? Yes, it paid off, but wouldn't have been possible to accomplish that in half the time?
That's a long day and certainly by the end, you were exhausted and perhaps not as effective. In addition, you probably had constant interruptions from the kids and that would add to your stress which would affect your productivity.
I'm not trying to challenge you and say you did anything wrong (I worked what I believe it to be unnecessarily long days at the beginning too). I'm just trying to hopefully send a message to the people who think they have to work that hard to start with. No, you can't probably start out with 5-10 hours per week and get to full time income fast, but working constantly isn't likely necessary either.
While I just returned from an on location private arts party, I am working this weekend.
I wouldn't trade working weekends for myself than for the man any day. Learning and taking ownership for my failures and successes is far more rewarding than waiting for my boss to forget what I've done.
I love what I do and when I 'take time off' I'm thinking about what I want to be creating.
I wholeheartedly agree Lynn. It is great when you have the choice between when you do and don't work, but ultimately if you have a goal and a vision it is up to you to make it happen, even if that involves working evenings and weekends.
I love my online work. I wonder what I would be doing on my evenings and weekends if I wasn't working online. I still manage to fit in the important stuff like seeing friends and family, going dancing, weekends away etc. but I suppose if I didn't do this I'd probably watch more TV or something (what a horrible thought).
I have had a wonderful weekend creating tutorial videos and have loved every moment of it, and know it is contributing to my vision for the future. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else 🙂
Another thoughtful and insightful post. Thank you for sharing the personal stuff.
Lisa
Hi Lynn,
Your message is truly touching and one of the most inspiring I have received from you. You are a true gift!!!
Sending you warm regards,
Joshua
Hi Lynn,
I haven't read the "condolences" email you mentioned, but reading your post about building your business touched a cord with me.
In my case, it was the sudden death of my husband, leaving me with a mountain of debt and two young, devastated boys to raise on my own.
I had been working two jobs up until then - to try to cover the medical bills and keep a roof over our heads.
I managed to keep up the crazy schedule for almost six months, but my kids were suffering for it, and I realized that something had to change.
And so I started my own internet business - and like you, I worked harder than I ever had before - 10 to 14 hours a day, every single day - but at least I was home.
And like you, it took over a year. I measured success in small ways...3 months to pay off the loan I'd had to take out to pay for the funeral, 2 months to be able to afford a van, so I didn't have to constantly tinker under the hood of our old car, to get it to start in the mornings...
And so on and so on. When I read your post, I remembered the first time I was able to take the boys on a little vacation - just for fun. We stayed at a Holiday Inn and they couldn't decide if they wanted to swim in the pool or go to the amusement park - and I still remember the looks on their faces when they realized they could do both - and more besides!
These days I work when I want to - and we take about 4 1/2 months of vacation every year, because I love spending time together as a family, and they grow up so quickly.
So I'd just like to add to anyone who is struggling right now - there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is possible to build a "lifestyle" business and be able to give your loved ones the things you want and that they deserve...don't give up. Keep your eyes on your goals, and do something every day that moves you towards what you want.
And if you feel lost or need support, ask for it! Find a mentor, create or join a mastermind group and don't try to do everything on your own.
Blessings!
Warmly,
Cheryl
"Go for what you want. Weekend or weekday. Any hour you please. Its YOUR life. And its on you -and you alone- to make it happen…"
BAM.
What a powerful and moving post, Lynn. THIS is what makes you so great at what you do...
Best,
Brian
That B&W photo really sets a serious tone for a serious subject.
I don't think anybody starts a successful self-run business without a few years of really long hours. I've been at it for 2 years and still can't really put in enough.
The toughest thing for me, though, is focusing on HOW I spend my time. Self-employment is not at all like having a job where somebody gives you a specific task and that's that. Your choice of how you use your time can make a huge difference (By the way, I've thoroughly tested this and found mindless web cruising doesn't pay well at all!).
But as long as I continue to apply a reasonable combination of forethought and roll-up-the-sleeves work, the money keeps coming.
--Never enough time, though.
Thank you Lynn for a wonderful post. I needed that so your timing was perfect!!
And thanks to all of you who posted comments. You have all made my weekend worthwhile!
p.s. I printed this so I can keep it posted near my computer and read it when I need that shot in the arm.
Very inspiring post as ever Lynn.
My Thoughts: I work for the fun of it. I don't want to deprive myself of THE FUN, because its weekend. Its my choice.
I am the owner, manager, author, janitor and webmaster for my online business. If i don't work, who else will?
Wonderful post, Lynn.
I believe that each person needs to make the decision to do what is best for themselves and their families. It is difficult to find the balance and as a parent I'm sure I've made mistakes but I am trying my best to learn from them.
It's a Sunday afternoon and I'm working from my living room where my husband and son are also watching football and my daughter is snuggled by my feet coloring in her coloring book. I can honestly say that this is not my idea of a weekend warrior but it is my life and I wouldn't trade this for a regular 9-5.
I was touched by your post, too, Lynn.
My only real comment is that, today, one needs money and a brilliant idea to make it online. Without either of those, you won't make it -- as indeed most here won't, as the majority of posts I see on IM boards consist of either beginners or those who've been trudging along for 2 years or longer with no success.
There's only so much room for niches, and most good ones are taken. IM has matured. A brilliant idea, lots of time, and the money to invest in it are required these days. I have only the time, and not even all of that as I have a day job and within a few months will have one abroad.
I still haven't come up with a brilliant idea yet. And money's not there for mentors, coaching, materials, extra technology or training.
Just some thoughts.
I have to disagree with you, Ana...
Its not nearly as competitive as most people believe. Truth be known, its a very small percentage that are actually willing to go that extra mile... which makes the seemingly big competition much much smaller than it actually is.
For more of my thoughts on that, see:
http://www.clicknewz.com/1145/are-there-any-good-niches-left/
I'll respond more later - you guys have me completely overwhelmed at the moment with your heartfelt comments!
Hi Ana and Lynn,
I just wanted to point out that anyone who's looking for a mentor can get an experienced business person - at no charge.
For example, you can check out http://www.score.org -
where retired executives - some of them from Fortune 100 and 500 companies - will answer your immediate business questions - and sometimes work with you on a long-term basis.
There is also http://www.micromentor.0rg - where you can look through a list of mentors and choose one whose expertise can help you work through problems you're having in your business - and again, it's free. Mentors will work with you for 3 months. (I know about this one because I've been a mentor for a couple of years now - once I got to where I felt like I was "successful" I wanted to give something back!)
But chances are you've got local resources too...your Small Business Development Center (or AOG if you're in a rural area) will provide you with free services - and what they offer varies by area, but it's really amazing - and they can help you take your business to a new level.
What about local women's organizations? If you don't have a local group, check out some national or regional online ones - they may have women in your area who will help.
Your local Chamber of Commerce and even your local library can also be great resources to help you start, maage or grow your business.
When you don't have it, money can seem to be the answer to all problems - but the truth is, there are a lot of creative resources available, once you know where to start looking! And although they're free to you, someone is paying for them - which means that it's like getting free money - and the help you need.
Don't give up, and good luck!
Warmly,
Cheryl
Awesome post, Lynn! I just happened to be online today, catching up on things, as we just relocated across the country.
I can completely relate to what you are saying. Those early years were tough, with very long days as Emily was still an infant and I had made many mistakes along the way, too.
There were a lot of days of tears and wanting to throw the computer out the window trying to figure out how to really make this work.
Quitting, however, was never an option. Emily is going to be 8 years old in just a couple of months, and if anybody would have told me back then that I would be doing what I am now, I probably would have never believed it.
While we were packing up our stuff last week, I came across an old vision statement that I wrote back in 2002.
I hadn't read it in years and when I did, it nearly brought tears again as that vision statement is pretty darn close to what we are doing, the lifestyle we are leading and the difference we are making now.
You're absolutely right, a lot of people will not go the extra mile and will not see things to follow through and will quit way too soon.
The Internet is endless and there is more opportunity now than ever before.
I wouldn't change a thing, either, because all those experiences had to happen for a reason... to get to the "today" which continues to pave the road for the future.
Patty
Lynn,
Articles like this perfectly illustrate why I've chosen to put you in my Top 3 Guru spots, and why I will continue to read you as long as you continue writing.
Thank you.
Well said, Patty 🙂
Its an amazing place, when you get to that point where you can clearly see your path of progress, and can clearly see the bath before you at the same time. Congratulations to you for "sticking it out" and living the life you envisioned!
Lynn,
I am not going to leave a long comment here. I just wanted to get your message out to more people so I blogged it.
Hugs and Kisses to your and your brilliance!
Will
Lynn, thanks so much for this post. Your story continues to give me motivation - and I'm happy to say that I'm leaving my day job as of the end of this month. I've got big plans with tons of work to do and just as much to learn, so I'll be sticking around here. 🙂
And as Cheryl noted, there ARE free resources out there - I've been a SCORE client since June and I can't say enough good things about them.
Alice,
I appreciate your comment, and the question that you raised. Ironically, I wasnt "working" when I saw that email either - I was sending a photo to my mother via email. Anyway...
Yes, there were urgent circumstances at that time. I call "how do I put the next meal on the table" pretty darn urgent... *smile*. There is nothing a normal parent wouldnt go through to see to the needs of their children.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of standing in line at the food bank, or caring for a special needs child in the worst of circumstances, can probably relate to the series of emotions attached to that scenario.
I've been through some tough times, and that's no secret. But I have to say that "exhausted and unproductive" are two things I was not while I was investing in our future.
It was the brief period prior to that that I felt that way. That moment in time when your whole life falls apart and you have absolutely no clue what in the world you are going to do to get it back on track. That was the period during which I was exhausted and unproductive.
But not for long, mind you.
Any major turning point like that comes in stages: shock, anger, frustration... and then determination.
It only took me two weeks to get us back on track, once I got myself back on track. The rest of that year I busted my a$$ to make sure I never found myself in that position again. Sheer determination was my fuel.
And to be fair, we had a lot of great times in those years too. I was homeschooling the kids, and we spent most of our days at the private pool near the cabin where we lived. I would jack into the emergency phone at the pool and work on my laptop in a lawn chair while they played, and took frequent breaks to swim with them.
We were on the go, too - with numerous day trips, at least once a month. It wasnt "all work and no play"... But I would certainly put in 6 long days (poolside or not) to take the whole day off to pal around Knoxville Zoo with the kids without a worry.
I was learning the ropes. Hiring people that didnt work out, making mistakes as I went, figuring out what worked and what didnt, and spending every other minute learning every new thing that I could.
I'm certainly not saying that everyone needs to work 16 hours a day to start their online business and get it to the point of success and financial freedom. I'm saying that I did. And I dont regret it.
Wow, you continue to inspire me. While I share your tenacity and motivation to reach my goals, I can't seem to produce as much effective work as I would like. Distraction is a lure I give in to daily, but I'm workin on it. And even through some pretty tough times myself, I never, ever give up. And that, my friend, is the key.
How could you ever regret your choices ? Look at that wonderful life and the beautiful relationship you've built with your kids. And they seem to value it as much as you do. Heck, your sons to be following your path, even if he does it in his own way! What a gift you gave him.
We make choices based on our personal beliefs and convictions. Certainly, we don't all share the same convictions and beliefs. Something others seem to forget. (And that is something I personally have down pat, as you can probably guess. ) But as long as you remain true to your own, how can anyone question you?
Lynn, you just might be my hero! I won't even hold it against you that you can't fly! Heck, you probably could if you set your mind to it.
hugs to you
AM
I didn't receive the email you mentioned, but I was at the Expo Friday night thanks to your email blast. Thanks for letting me know about it.
I'm so grateful to you for sharing honest, real-life information along with your personal experiences. Too many "old pros" don't realize how valuable those insights are to those of us who are still struggling on the ladder to success.
Thanks also to Alice for your post. Since I still have to work a nine to fiver, I was a bit concerned about whether I'd be able to do this full time before I was on Medicare.
Alice and Lynn are my heroes.
Hi Lynn. I heard your talk on Friday night and you have truly inspired me to develop some affiliate income.
I don't think anybody should have to defend how they reach their goals. Everyone is different and yes, sometimes we make mistakes and the family balance is sometimes missing, but those are the experiences WE will learn from.
I'm glad I didn't get that particular email because I take things like that very personally. If I want to work while my kids are busy playing with the neighbors, then I will take advantage of that time.
Tis the joy of working from home 😉
Fantastic post Lynn.
You have a way about your posts that seem to resinate with me.
Thanks for yet again another great read.
Shannon
Hi Lynn. I have been reading your Blog since its inception and have only commented a couple of times. This post, like most of your more personal ones, made me reflect on my own involvement in this industry. I was never in the same boat as you vis-a-vis being a single parent and having two little ones dependent on your every move. But I have been down the road of dead-end jobs, low self-esteem and crushed creativity. Computers and the Internet have allowed me to live my life on my own terms and I am grateful everyday. I thank you for reminding us about that every now and then. AND I am also grateful that you have been able to find your own voice and are able to share with us your strength of character and caring. Take care and all the best.
Thank you for being so honest Lynn...This is exactly what all of us who are in the start up phase wanted to hear. Lately I have been working ridiculous hours but knowing that people who 'made it' in the industry also worked these hours in the 'start up phase' is welcoming news. Most importantly it is nice to know that people who are now working 5 to 10 hours a week, once worked long hours to get the business up and running.
One thing I would like to mention though is that you had an 'urgency factor' in your start up phase. And I think that it was this 'urgency factor' that pushed you to work not just long hours but 'productive long hours'. But sometimes when there is no 'urgency factor' people can just get sucked into working long hours without being productive. This is what happened to me for about 6 months when I first started out in this industry.
Thanks Lynn, for the wonderful post. I didn't get the email you mentioned but I know there is a lot of talk out there by industry experts who make it all seem too easy. So again - thanks for being honest.
Awesome story Lynn, people need to hear that. Much continued success to you in your business and personal endeavors.
I agree that it doesn't matter when you work. Since the birth of my 3rd child in June, I'm finding that my days are way too busy to get much done. So I work at night and on the weekends when hubby is home to take some of the load off.
It's certainly an individual choice and there is no right or wrong when it comes to working your business. Whatever gets the job done 🙂
Yep - Sunday evening here and here I sit working.
Lynn - this post couldn't have come to me at a more perfect time. Recently my husband and I had what I'll just call an enormous financial blow.
I put myself into a major "fight mode" to keep/save everything we have. Since this problem we faced, my husband is now home full time trying to build his own business.
With his business though - he's here and available way more than I am so he's able to take care of all the "home stuff" while I give my online business a major kick in the rear.
To do this though ... I've had to work way more hours online than I ever have. I've been working from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed.
Even though hubby is here to take full care of the kids and everything else ... I've begun to feel guilty of the time I'm working.
I'm the sole provider now though ... I'm replacing one full time and two part time incomes all by myself.
As a family we've all discussed it though ... is it okay with everyone if mommy works an extreme amount of hours so we can save our home?
I'm willing to do it but was my family willing to give up mommy and wife to do it?
Everyone was in agreeance that this was the best thing to do and everyone has kicked in to do their part. Mommy's on the computer all day and everyone else is doing their share in making sure the home runs as it should.
But still ... I feel the guilt.
I know it's only temporary but I have to think ... am I missing things?
Nah, not relly ... I may be on the computer but I'm still here.
I don't have to worry about making special arrangements if my children get sick. I'm here. I don't have to worry about how my child is doing at someone else's home while their not feeling well ... I'm still here ...
Anyway - I didn't mean to ramble on but Lynn - you've helped me so much with this post! So much you'll never know. While they may not have my un-divided constant attention - I'm still here.
And I'm working to keep our lovely home ... something my kids do appreciate and will in the future.
I guess this is just my "re-start up time".
Thanks for reminding me that I do have the opportunity to thank my present self from my future self ... 😉
It is a great reassurance and it helps me to remember ... to stop being guilty.
I'm not going to regret it ...
Because I AM gonna make it happen!
Besides, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?
Quoting Lynn: "I’m saying that I did. And I dont regret it."
Good for you because you did what you needed to. You are absolutely an inspiration and thanks for sharing what you do.
WOW Sally! Thank you. 🙂
Thanks to Lynn for this post and everyone who commented here - you have all really helped me! 🙂
Hello Lyn, apart from being an online marketing genius and a person full of ideas (reminds me of my brother), I thought I was having dejavu on Celine Dion. You seem to have a lot alike in physical look especially in the features of your face.
OOooops, don't take this as a compliment. Just think. Am I the first one by the way.
Dan (very first comment) - You make a *great* point. Like you, I can only "vacation" for so long. I love a challenging and exciting life... and the opportunity to make a difference in this world. And for me, that's what its all about.
Great points were made about productivity. HOW you spend your time is definitely key. I dont mind to confess that I was not the most efficient cookie in the jar in the beginning. And I'm still not. MUCH better at it, but still not where I could be on it.
Alice- that's one of the things I really admire about you. I consider it your strong point, and always like to read the posts or emails you put out on that topic (efficiency, outsourcing, ebiz management, etc). You have such a knack for it!
Me, I have to actually 'work at it' 🙂 . Self-discipline is not the easiest thing in the world. I've used dayplanners, egg timers, systems - you name it. I think each person has to choose what works best for them, and then force it until it becomes habit.
Lisa Hartwell wrote: I love my online work. I wonder what I would be doing on my evenings and weekends if I wasn’t working online. I still manage to fit in the important stuff like seeing friends and family, going dancing, weekends away etc. but I suppose if I didn’t do this I’d probably watch more TV or something (what a horrible thought).
I can relate to that.
You also made a great point about having a vision and knowing your goals... that was a major turning point for me sometime towards the end of that first year of "restart"... I got the visual. I figured out exactly what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be - and could see it clearly in my mind. Everything really fell into place after that.
Back to the piece I quoted from your comment... it struck me funny. I rarely watch television at all anymore. But in my prior life it seems we did that a lot. I cant even imagine doing that on a regular basis now. How odd a way to spend your time here on this planet...
Whatever it takes, Anita 😉
Hi Sally,
I talked about this some when I shared my start-up story - when I originally quit my job in 1996 to start my first business. My advice then was to work towards building your business in your spare time - to invest at least 1-3 hours a day into your business - until you can 'afford' to quit your job.
You never really get over the hump until you make the leap, but setting it up in advance can certainly make that leap a lot easier!
Lastly I just want to say THANK YOU for all of the great comments here... Most of them brought tears to my eyes. You guys are incredible!
Hi Lynn,
What a great post! Congrats on being the lead speaker on Moms Affiliate Expo. I've enjoyed reading your posts here on your blog. You have a really nice blog. 🙂
I've also enjoyed watching the videos...especially this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5zDmPguVqM
Keep up the great work! You've come a long way in your business.
Thank You for being who you are.
Yes, I literally LOL when you said that. 😀
Thank you Charles 😀
LOL Tammy "dont video and drive" -
My mother said 😐 hehe
Lynn,
That was a fantastic post. Inspirational for those of us who haven't quite made it yet. So good of you to share that with us. It has egged me on for another day of "priming the pump" in my Internet marketing business.
Great blog also,
Chris
http://www.fastinternetmarketingtips.com
Lynn
Very inspiring. You are a very special person....