This month, February 2012, marks my 15 year anniversary in business. And boy does it ever make me nostalgic!
My daughter was only 5 months old when I quit my job to start a business. She'll be 16 this year, and my son - who was then only 5 years old - is turning 21 this Fall.
It's amazing how time flies...
I think back to all the reasons I quit my job, started my first business - and then my second, and shut down my offline shops & offices to work from home full time.
It has been one crazy roller coaster ride! But I can't help but feel grateful (and incredibly satisfied) about where it all brought me, and how it changed my life.
15 years ago I could have never dreamed I'd be living the life I am now...
That's not to mean that it took me 15 years to achieve my goals, or to create a successful online business. It has been an incredible experience every step of the way! I had the opportunity to homeschool my children when I needed to, take care of my grandmother during her last two years, be a full time mother as a single parent... and strategically create a life that I love. 😀
I'd hardly ever left the state of Tennessee before I was 30. I've now been to Australia FIVE times, flew over White Rock Beach in Vancouver, spend weekends at the beach with my girlfriends, and basically LIVE to put new stamps on my passport and eat in as many new places as I possibly can. (I do love to eat, LOL)
I'm incredibly happy. And that is NOT all about money. In fact, I learned the hard way that money does not buy happiness. But my business success HAS allowed me to be the great mother I wanted to be, to travel and make wonderful friends all over the world... and to have a huge sense of accomplishment and pride for all I have achieved. Not just in business, but in my life as well.
It wasn't all easy. I often joked that being an entrepreneur is the best therapy you could ever have. LOL. It's definitely a great way to learn your weaknesses, face your fears, overcome your imaginary obstacles, and test yourself to the farthest limits. 😛
15 Things I've Learned In The Last 15 Years
1. Perfection does not exist. Only Perception.
2. There is no ONE right way to do anything.
3. Doing is better than planning.
4. You can always fix it later.
5. Being an entrepreneur means going with MY ideas.
6. Nobody is going to do this for me. It's up to me, and me alone.
7. Finish it. Whatever it is, finish what you started.
8. I'm the only one judging me. Nobody else really cares.
9. My biggest business fears... are kinda silly.
10. I'm not competing with anyone. I'm on my own timeline.
11. We're all somewhere. There will always be people ahead of you & behind you.
12. If I'm not totally into it, it ain't gonna happen.
13. Forget money goals. Plan a LIFESTYLE.
14. Take breaks when you need them. Long breaks, even.
15. Give back, every chance you get.
And above all... take time to LOVE, LAUGH and LIVE.
I worked *hard* to get where I am today. But it was all worth it. I have absolutely no regrets. I look back on where I was, how far I've come, and what all I have accomplished... and I'm incredibly proud of myself. I pushed through obstacles I wouldn't wish on anyone, and I never gave up.
Yes that meant long days (and nights) of working, and even breaking down in tears a few times along the way. But I did it. And that feels GOOD! 😀
A Special Offer To Celebrate This Special Occasion
When I started out, I did everything on my own. There were very few ebooks or mentors back then. I can remember pulling my hair out trying to figure out code, and learning the simplest of things with no real help. Talk about frustrating.
Since then, I've made it a point to help others whenever I could. I started a forum around 10 years ago, which I've since moved here to ClickNewz, and then started a small Private Brainstorming Group.
It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and the closest peer group I've ever had. Many of the members have been there with me from the start. Watching their businesses grow and take off has been amazing!
It is currently $27/month to join the group, which is a great rate. We have five live calls a month ("Brainstorming Hour"), live case studies, and discuss everything from ideas to implementation to technical issues.
To celebrate my 15 Year Anniversary, I've created a special option to join us for one month for only $15.
There's no flashy sales copy. It won't renew automatically, or set up recurring billing. It's simply a full month at a great rate, and a nice opportunity to check out my Private Brainstorming Group and see if it's something you would like to be a part of while you grow your successful online business.
All you have to do is register on the forum, confirm your registration by email, and then you can upgrade to an Elite Member to access the active private forums.
* Be sure to choose the "February Special" to join us for the single $15 month.
Again, it won't recur so you can just join in and take advantage of this opportunity to get some serious help with your website & business for the next month.
And if you love it, we hope you'll decide to join us long term!
This is a great chance to tap into my 15 years of experience - for only $15 😉
THANK YOU...
Thank you for being part of my business, and my life.
So many of you have contributed to my success in a variety of ways - with likes, links, shares, comments, clicks, encouragement, feedback and so many other ways. And some of you have become wonderful friends as well. I'm grateful to know you, and really enjoy sharing my days with you here...
Here's to 15 awesome years... and many more! 😀 *cheers*
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Congratulation Lynn!
Thank you Syed!
Congrats Lynn! This is indeed a great accomplishment. I liked the way you have highlighted your 15 years of experience in 15 points 🙂
I feel the hard part is taking action, and even harder is sticking with the goal. This is the reason I feel many marketers fail in the beginning.
Thank you! I'm glad you joined us on the forum recently. I look forward to getting to know you better & brainstorming with you there. 😉
Action & Goals, good points. It's the motivation behind it that makes all the difference I think...
Congrats to you Lynn on all your accomplishments. I'm so thankful that our paths crossed all those years ago. You are such a kind and generous person and I wish you many more years of success and happiness.
Keep rockin' it!
Thank you Angie - so am I. 😀 You've been such a valuable asset to my business, and a great friend! *cheers*
What?!!!... when you "were" 30?... You mean you're not 30 now?... 😉
Insert music: "If I Could Turn Back Time"... LOL
Congratulations on persevering and pursuing your dreams, and sharing your experience and insight with the rest of us.
I started following your blog after watching your "sick" day video and how you were still making money even when you were sick and not working that day.... loved it... snotty nose and all... LOL
Keep on shining...
Mark
LOL Mark, thanks! And yes, I'll be 39 in June. I'm loving it! My 40's are going to be my best decade yet. 😉
Congratulations and best wishes for 10 X 15 more successful years in business, Lynn! You worked like a dog (maybe that's why you love them so much?) and deserve the success and feeling of accomplishment you've expressed here.
I'm proud and humbled to know you (for me, that's saying something! LOL) and even more, I'm grateful to be numbered among your friends.
The most telling thing you've ever told me is, "Because I can." You are amazing! Love ya', girlfriend. You rock!
Thank you Deb! *hugs*
Thanks Lynn for sharing this with us and being so open! Your willingness to be open and straight forward is why I started following you years ago.
For anyone who reads this post, #2 is very true, but I can say this. Find one leader who you trust and like and follow their leadership. Lynn has been that person for me and I can't thank her enough.
I struggle with all 15 points every day, but being a part of this community keeps me moving towards the goal ahead.
Thanks Lynn! Best wishes for many more years ahead!
Thank you Tyy, I really appreciate that! I still struggle with some of those points myself, by the way. We're all human. 🙂 But constant reminders help... A LOT. 😉 *cheers*
Congratulations Lynn!!! what an incredible achievement
Thank you, Kola!
Congratulations Lynn! - and thanks for continuing to be such an inspiration. I love the way you keep things real so the rest of us can stay motivated to achieve. Thank you and best wishes for your continued success 🙂
Thank you Louise 😀
Lynn,
Congratulations! What a wonderful feeling that must be! I am so happy for you--besides being impressed with you! 😉 Sincerely, ShariLee
Thank you ShariLee!
A wonderful feeling indeed!! 😉
Congrats, Lynn! You are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you Carol 😀
Congratulations! You have accomplished so much in 15 years. I wish you the best for the next 15 and beyond.
Thankyou Cynthia. It feels REALLY good when I look back over the last decade and a half. Mostly I say "Wow, I made it" *whew* LOL 😛 🙂
Lynn
Happy 15th anniversary. It's a little early in the morning here, so I'll raise a virtual glass and *clink* say Cheers and Congrats!
It just goes to show, that when you work from the right space with the right intentions, success will surely find you.
Keep doing what you do. Maybe the next time you head down under we can toast to your success in real life.
Have an awesome day!
That would be awesome, Jackie! 😉
Lynn,
Wow, look how "far" you have traveled during your 15 years. Congratulations! Wishing you cruise down many new and exciting roads to sky rocket even higher. I know your generosity always gets passed on to your raving fans "here."
Thank you Carol 🙂
You have inspired me to know that we can actually get to "know" each other in cyberspace. You share what yourself with us every day, and I feel like I really do know you. Still waiting till the next time I come to Nashville.......Or the Boston/NY area. Thank you so much and many more wonderful years to you!
It's so true. I've made some incredible friends through my work, which has crossed over into my real life (offline). I love that part of what I do!
Let me know when you're back in the area. I'll be in New York in June for BlogWorld. 😉
Wow, congratulations Lynn! Glad to hear everything worked out so well. Sounds like you are living a good life.
Most definitely! Thank you Paula 😀
Wow Lynn, this is a really inspirational story! I love reading success stories like this because I just started my own business and sometimes I get scared that I might be making a mistake... Thanks 🙂
I can relate to that, Claire. I had that feeling MANY times over the years. Sometimes I still question my current goals or current direction. I go with my gut though, and never let my head talk me out of it. LOL.
Congratulations on 15 years in the business, and all that this entails.
The links to information about your grandmother, and great grandmother are incredibly touching, moving.
Thanks for sharing all of this, and so much more.
You are always more than generous sharing your business knowledge, as well as your personal insights, and it is much appreciated.
Thank you Karen 😀 My grandmother was such a huge inspiration to me. Reading her journals when she was just starting, and unsure, even more so. 🙂 *cheers*
Lynn,
I must say...this post really read like you wrote it from the heart. I could tell that you did. Part of your success is a function of that, I have no doubt. Real people can connect with and relate to you because of it.
Billions of people on this planet are enslaved by "the machine", so seeing someone break free gives many a sense of freedom in an oddly vicarious way.
Keep up the great work and thanks for giving us an example/model to analyze and follow in this regard.
Cool picture, BTW...it reminds me of when I was at "Turtle Bay" in the Galapagos...now THAT was cool 😉
Mark
Thank you Mark 😀 I've become much more open with my writing (and my writing style) in the last few years, due mainly to the fact that I've had the opportunity to get to know so many people better both offline (in person) and via Social Media. It's made a huge difference!
Congratulations Lynn,
Love your list of 15 lessons, especially #3. Doing is better than planning.
I'm a planner and a list maker and it's so easy to create a big long list, feel all productive but never actually getting around to getting it all done.
Hope the next 15 years are as least as productive and even more fun than the first 15 🙂
Thank you Susanne! 😉 I can definitely relate to that, which is why it's on my list, LOL.
I love your 15 year list - and congrats on a fabulous 15 years!
Thank you Danielle! 😀
Congrats on 15 year Lynn!!!
Thank you Lurleen! 😀
Hi Lynn, that is totally your biggest achievements in life to have a victorious years in business. Congratulations Lynn we are all happy for you!
Thank you Anyelle 😉 *cheers*
I'm so glad you started a business when you did - if you hadn't, who would have inspired me way back when I started??
Congrats on 15 terrific years 🙂
*smile* Thank you Kelly 😉 I'm so glad we've had the opportunity to meet and become friends offline. I look forward to more fun times together! *cheers*
Congratulations Lynn on 15 years, what an incredible accomplishment. You are an extraordinary person and an inspiration. I feel very privileged to have your kind voice and guidance through the forum. Thanks for all you do for those around you.
Thank you Tom! I've so enjoyed you being part of the Private Brainstorming Group. There's nothing more fun than a serious action taker! 😀 I look forward to continuing to work with you & alongside you toward your goals. *cheers*
Lynn congratulations on 15 years in business! What an achievement! You've been such an inspiration to me over the years - thanks for keeping at it until you succeeded 😉
Here's to 15 + more !
Thank you Angela 😀 It was SO nice to finally meet you in person after all the years we've known each other online! We'll have to do that again. 😉
Lynn,
Congratulations on your 15th business Anniversary. I wish I would have found your blog and your private brainstorming group sooner.
Thank you for your continuing inspiration and education, and may you have many more successful years in business.
Thank you Mary! 😀
Congrats Lynn and to many more fabulous years in business (more passive earning ones even LOL). You are a mentor to many in your forum and have helped so many of us achieve our online marketing dreams, KUDOS to YOU!
Glad to hear White Rock, Canada was a travel highlight for you! You are a fun and entertaining guest and can't wait to catch up again with you on some other excursion around this huge world. Europe maybe? LOL!
You are an inspiration to me (just one year away from 15 in business too) and taking note of your tips to get to 15!
Keep up the great work you do and see ya soon again 😉
Thank you Tawnya - I knew you'd been in business about the same amount of time. One more year, hey? Cool! 😀 And yes, my trip to Vancouver/Victoria was *definitely* a highlight. Can't wait to visit again! 😉
Lynn, your friendship and motivation inspire me daily, even though you do not realize it. That's not BS, I'm quite serious. There is not a day that goes by that sometime during the day I don't have the thought... Lynn did this...or Lynn made it through that...or Lynn never gave up. Congrats for 15 years of courage and determination.
There is no gauge to measure the strength of a determined woman. But if there was I'm sure you would be ringing that bell every week! You deserve every wonderful experience you are living now, and this is just the beginning of your success and happiness.
So proud to call you my friend and mentor,
Sherie
Thank you so much, Sherie 😀 I'm really glad we've had the opportunity to become friends, and share even more than just a professional relationship. You're awesome!
Congratulations Lynn,
I've been on the inside for like 5 years.
I remember you warning us about affiliate programs changing their links, or cancelling their program so don't rely on just one source for your affiliate campaigns. I was so bummed out when you cancelled your affiliate program for the elite private forum. I was on page one of search and had over 10 subscribers when it was cancelled and stopped paying out.
Then Amazon cancelled all California affiliates so I would have done better listening to your advice and spreading out my associations more. Lucky for me Amazon made a deal and reinstated all California affiliates and I'm back getting payments from Amazon. The elite program referrals were my biggest check every month so it was disheartening to work so hard for something then have the rug pulled out. At least I did #6 and am now serving local clients with my new found SEO and local search techniques. I also spread out my affiliate banners and site links between 4 programs.
I won a huge contest with the help of the Elite members and the group totally rocks and I have made new friends and even got a new cousin. LOL
Best wishes to you and your family. BTW very cool that your daughter is making money while she sleeps as a affiliate and your son is a wiz programmer.
Thank you Clay. 😀 I was really disappointed to close the program as well. That was a huge decision, and a really hard one. Unfortunately it just wasn't working properly and there was no easy fix.
Definitely continue to add traffic sources & income streams. It's what has kept me going over all these years with constant changes - because they do happen.
Congrats on the contest! And on your recent success - you've done great these last couple of years. 😉
Lynn,
First off, I am so thankful for you. You are incredibly kind, funny, and inspiring. I am so thankful that our paths crossed. I look forward to the next 15 years of Lynn Terry success! (and getting to sit with you in many more classes)
Jeremy
LOL I still get tickled every time I think of how disruptive YOU were in that class. haha Kidding 😉 I really enjoyed getting to know you in person. You're super cool! Here's to many more fun opportunities to hang out in person ~ *cheers*
Hi Lynn!
I have been reading and following you for a while now 🙂 We met at NAMS as well.
Looks like it is time to help you celebrate your b-day! 15 bucks is perfect for getting in on the action!
Congrats on the 15 years!
Be Well.
Paul.
Thank you Paul! It was great to meet you at NAMS. I feel like I didn't get near enough time to sit down and really chat with you though. We'll have to fix that next time around. 😉 *cheers*
Hey Lynn,
I am going to try to squeeze in a comment to extend congratulations on 15 years in business online. (let the fireworks begin)
You have always been inspirational and personable at the same time. (a winning combination)
I have and continue to enjoy following your lead.
A SPECIAL thank you for all that you do and I look forward to more great content from you in future. (your http://www.lynnterry.tv vlog is amazing)
I hope you are having an AWESOME anniversary! (more fireworks)
smiles 🙂
Thank you Gary 😀 Love your comments on my video blog - you rock!
Lynn, you are a remarkable young woman! You caught my attention at NAMS5 and I have followed you since. Aside from your amazing hard-earned success, you have remained the fine human being true to yourself, your values and principles. Your fine and fun personality shines throughout in your writing, your presentations, and most of all in YOU. I always love seeing you at NAMS; you are a breath of fresh air.
I just read your post in tribute to your Grandmother. It was so touching. Being a Grandmother myself and right now caring for my young grandchildren I can only envision your Grandmother's smile and gratitude from above. Thank you for sharing all and being there for us who try to emulate your path of integrity to success.
A heart-felt Congratulations from your fellow NAMSTER Ute!
Thank you Ute - grandmothers are so special 😉 I really appreciate your kind words, and always enjoy seeing you. I hope I get to see you again in August! 😀
Congratulations on 15 years...... most people don't make it past the 5 year mark. Your website is quite impressive and makes for great reading. Internet Marketing rocks!
Thank you Season! Is that really your name? Cool one! 🙂
Thank you Lynn for all the things you have sharing from youe experience and lesson learnt. Even though, I never met you in person I have a lot from you sharing here.
You have touched many people in your 15 years and me too. I grateful to know you but do not know how I end up him. I thank God showing me the way to here.
Congratulations and best wishes from Singapore to you
Keep up your good work cause I and others need you
Thank you so much, James 😀
Hey Lynn,
Congratulations on 15 Yrs! Wow that is a long time to be in this business. You are definitely one of the few female marketers that I follow because of your transparency and consistency with providing good content. I wish you many more successful years!
Thanks, Jacob! It IS a long time, LOL. It's crazy how time flies. 😛
Hi Lynn,
You are so awesome! Congratulations on your persistence and success. It's so nice to watch those who follow their dreams and passions. You are a true inspiration.
Cindy
Thank you Cindy 😉
After 15 years of hardwork, it seems like you've found the perfect career for yourself and family. At least now, you can say that you've made the right decision that really changed everything into your life.
That's true. There were many times early on that I wondered, but I didn't really have a lot of choices. I started my Internet Marketing & Web Dev business offline, but had to move to a home office when my son got sick. It was the BEST move I could have ever made! Though I wasn't sure of that at the time 😉 lol.
Lynn,
I admire the lessons you learned in these past 15 years and the clarity in which you are able to articulate them. The first one, about perfection, speaks to me as this seems to get in my way to making progress.
I am keeping a journal - like you suggested - in Evernote so I have it readily available when I want to refer to it. I even copied your 15 lessons and put them in Evernote so they are front and center.
Keep these lessons coming - it is never too late for me to change my bad habits, so says Leo Babauta!
Keep up your good work (and Giving Back)!
Phil
Thank you, Phil! I love Leo 😀 He inspires me SO much!! I hope you enjoy the journaling. It has really made a big difference for me over the years. I think that tip came from a recent video blog... Yup. I get confused where I post what sometimes. 😛 LOL. *cheers*
Congratulations Lynn! And thanks for the post - it's very inspiring. Especially for the ones who are right in the beginning of our journeys:)
Thank you Martin! 😀
Congratulations, Lynn! That is quite an accomplishment! I love how since I first met you back in Jan. 2009 at the 1st Nams that you have grown even in so many incredible ways. I love it! I can't wait to see what the next chapter of your journey holds for you {hugs}
Thank you so much, Susan 😀 *hugs*
Wow, congratulations!
I hope to make it that far too, inspirational 🙂
Thank you! Just stick it out. Days turn into years, and hard work turns into success. 😉
Congrats!
#6 and #7 are very important. The weight is on your shoulders alone, and you must finish. Too many web projects get started, then abandoned all too soon.
I know what you mean, Jeff. It's easy to let that happen. That's why it's on my list, lol - I really have to push myself to see things through sometimes. But it's so worth it! 😉
Congratulations Lynn, you are AWESOME!!! I love your list of things you've learnt, there is so much insight in there and all of it is 250% true. I also love that you point out that our business is there to help us create a life that we love, so we can be there for the people we love, and do things that we love. The money helps us do that sure, but it's not just about the money at all.
I LOVE your brainstorming group, it's so supportive and real and it's really the one thing that's helped get my business off the ground. The great thing about you is that you always think that people's ideas are great and you try to support them to create *their* ideal business. Because there's no one right way to do things and our business is unique to us. And finshing things, well that's one of the things I am focusing on doing now.
Thanks for everything and keep on moving and shaking 🙂
Thank you Jedha! 😀 You've done *amazing* with your blog & business in such a short time. It's really inspiring!! I love having you in the private brainstorming group, and have really enjoyed getting to know you. 😉
Congratulations Lynn,
It feels great to hear this from you.
I have recently started up a small business. I always thought handling business along with a married life would be so difficult. But your experience and charm of fifteen yrs has inspired me to do much more now.
Thanks for sharing and wish you good luck.
Thank you 🙂 Business with small children, with marriage, through a divorce, with teenagers as a single mother - it's all been challenging in it's own way as things changed over the years. We all have our own situations and circumstances. But I believe ANYone can do this if they set their mind to it. 😉
Congrats, Lynn! Thanks for the great discount, too. I just joined up. 🙂 The 15 points are inspirational. I was just wondering what you meant by "Forget money goals. Plan a LIFESTYLE." Would it be better for me to envision the lifestyle I want rather than the amount of money I want to make each month?
Thanks for all of your great advice, especially for a newbie like me.
Thank you Susan, and welcome to the group! 😀
Yes, without a reason WHY, purely financial goals are not motivating enough to drive you. We all need a strong WHY, to know WHAT we want to achieve, specifically, and then figure out what you need to earn to make that happen.
Hi Lynn,
I've been a follower of yours for at least 5 years or more and I joined your elite members group about that time. I don't have a website nor do I have any active internet business going on other than selling on eBay moderately. I was assessing my spending of ebooks and membership sites and their value in an attempt to cut my expenses. I let go of everything except your membership. Even though I rarely get over to the forum and hardly ever use the many advantages of the brainstorming hour, group discussions etc, I know that one day I'm going to need and use all that the membership to the elite group offers. Therefore, I won't cancel my membership for that very reason.
I value your ideas, opinions and recommendations strongly and I believe that what you offer is of great value to me now and when I decide to work at building my super affiliate business.
Congratulations on your anniversary and success and I hope that everything continues to go well for you and your family.
Hi Rozina, great to hear from you! It's been awhile. 🙂 And thank you - I really appreciate your kind words.
Wow, I feel like it's been said enough already, but congratulations Lynn, that's a huge milestone! Been reading a lot of your posts recently but had no idea that you'd been writing for a decade and a half, very impressive, please, keep it up! 🙂
Thanks, Andy 😉 I appreciate it. And yeah... time flies when you're blogging lol. It's hard to believe it's been that many years!
Congrats Lynn! 🙂
Thank you Patrick! 😀
well done lynn 🙂
Thank you Danny! 😀