This week I am celebrating NINE full years of blogging. On Thursday August 26, 2004 I published my very first blog post - ever.
I searched and searched for the perfect photo to use in this post. I was after an older photo of me blogging to suit the topic, but I finally settled on this picture of my "blogging sidekick".
Slim is my Great Dane and my best friend. I adopted him from a local rescue organization 3 1/2 years ago. My life will never be the same. ๐
Many of you have "met" Slim through photos, videos, and even the occasional "disruption" like during the live Social Media Marketing session (lol).
In the same way, I feel like I've "met" many of you over the years. Some of you I've had the pleasure of meeting in person, some of you I've gotten to know very well "virtually" - and some of you I'm just now getting to meet!
Can You Really Make Money On The Internet?
People ask me that all the time. Yes, still. It makes me wonder what they think I'm doing for money (lol) since I haven't had a "real job" since 1996. In February of this year I celebrated 16 years in business. For more than 13 of those years I have been a single parent, raising my two children on my own (with my online income)...
And now, for 9 of those years I've been a Professional Blogger.
That kinda blows my mind if you want to know the truth about it. I honestly have no idea how nine full years went by. I was just blogging away and then boom I turned 40 and one kid had grown up and left home and I'm sitting here with a 16 year old in college. ๐ฏ Time flies when you're blogging?? ...
And then there's Slim. I think he slept through most of it, lol.
He has his own couch right here in my home office, and one on the back deck too (my outdoor office). As you can see, he's usually dreaming about treats and kitties - when he's not giving (very loud) input on my live webinars. ๐
Yes, I added in the extra picture of Slim so you'll keep reading. Ha! (That's a blogging tip. Take note. lol)
Speaking of my "outdoor office" (aka my back deck) here's a picture of it that was taken a few years ago while my assistant was here for a visit:
A LOT of blog posts have been written from that spot. ๐
That's pretty much the whole "trick" right there (the key to online success). Just grab a laptop or sit down to a computer somewhere, and do the work. Period.
It seems to me that a lot of people really want it to be more complicated than that. Unfortunately it's not. And no fancy software or system or program is going to sit out on my back deck and do the work for you.
Nobody wants to hear that of course. I confessed once that I used to work 14 hours a day 7 days a week. Mind you I was broke with two young kids to feed and had no other source of income. Obviously I don't work those kind of hours anymore, and I'm no longer broke - and thank goodness, because those were some hard times! ๐
Life is good now. It's amazing what my online business, and blogging, have meant for my lifestyle. Just being able to work from home and raise my children was a huge benefit. But I've also traveled halfway around the world and back (five times), made friends all over the planet, ENJOY my work and enjoy plenty of "playtime" too, had the time and money to foster Great Danes in need... and gave my children a much nicer, more comfortable raising than I ever thought possible (as a single parent with no college education). Life is good indeed, and I am forever grateful to live in a time where technology affords me - all of us! - so much opportunity.
Granted I've had a rough year or so, as many of you already know - what with being hacked, getting sick, having surgery, yada yada yada. Honestly, as hard as it all was (and I'm still dealing with the financial aftermath), it was also a positive - or at least the beginning of a positive turning point in my life.
Those negatives forced me to take action on some things I'd let slide. They forced me to become proactive where I'd become complacent. And it was a serious lesson in humility. I'd tell you the whole story and all the details, except we'd be here all day! and I know you really want to know how to enter the drawing!
So let's get on with it already...
Random Drawing For A $50 Amazon Gift Card:
The random drawing will be taken from the comments below, and will be done on Wednesday September 4th at Noon Eastern. The winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card - or - they can choose to receive the $50 prize directly via PayPal instead.
To be entered in the random drawing, you must leave a comment below that includes the answer to at least one of these questions:
- On which social network(s) did you like/share this post?
- How long have you known me, or been following ClickNewz?
- Name something you've learned from me... and implemented!
- For members of my Private Brainstorming Group, your favorite feature?
- What keeps you reading ClickNewz - what do you enjoy most?
Important: The $50 winner will be announced via email, and they'll have 48 hours to respond and claim the prize. If the initial winner does not respond, another drawing will be held to choose a runner-up, so be sure to keep an eye out for an email from me on Wednesday (Sept 4th).
If you haven't been receiving my emails lately, you may not be subscribed. Or perhaps you've changed email addresses. You can subscribe here (the confirmation page will open in a new window):
In closing, I want to say THANK YOU for reading ClickNewz. Thank you for sharing it with your friends and peers. Thank you for your clicks and likes and comments and questions and nice notes - and for being such a big part of what has made blogging SO rewarding for the last nine years! ๐
*cheers* & good luck!
Once you've left your comment below, what next?
Here are some options:
- Read: How To Become A Well-Paid Blogger
- Grab the Affiliate Survival Guide & Get started!
- Join my Private Brainstorming Group
- Share this post with your friends, groups & peers:
About Lynn Terry
I shared this on Facebook, I've been following your blog for about 6 months or so along with your e-mail newsletters!
What keeps me reading Clicknewz?
I love the information you provide. You also write it in such a way you make it easy to implement it. I learned how to get my affiliate link from Amazon in this post, "The Anatomy of An Affiliate Link http://www.clicknewz.com/2228/html-tips-affiliate-link/".
That's what I look for in a teacher someone who can really help me understand the information that is being provided. I also love the way you express yourself. It's fun and encouraging to read your blog posts. Me, being a woman myself I look for other women blogger's that I would like to pattern myself after and hear things in a woman's point of view.
You keep your readers informed and also inspired. That is why I always come back to Clicknewz. It is one of my favorite blogs to read and you are one of my favorite blog author's.
Congratulations! And I hit the Like for Facebook.
Hi Lynn, first of all hats off to you to achieve this feat. This post is like an inspirational write up for new internet marketers like me. I am a regular reader here since last 12-15 months. I mainly like the way you structure the sentences in your post and even complicated stuffs become quite easier and overall a nice read. Secondly, I personally feel the desire to work according to you style and achieve success one day. You have ignited the light to do something different and earn a decent living online. Great going and hope this blog to become most popular in the web. Thanks.
Hi LYnn,
I've know you for about 5 minutes, shared you on Facebook and Google Plus, and am pleased to have found ClickNewz.
Congratulations on your 9th year!
Kathy M.
Lynn, I shared your post on Facebook. And while I am at it, I think I have known you for about 10 years, going way back to the forum on Self-Starters Weekly Tips, and even before that at WAHM message boards. You have been incredibly friendly and helpful, and "one step ahead" for the entire time I have known you. I have learned so much from you, including my daily list-making session where I brainstorm all my ideas onto paper!
XO
Lynn
How long have you known me, or been following ClickNewz? I have known you since the early days of Wahm.com. I remember when you were just starting out in your online endeavors. I am glad to see you're still with it and have been a great success!!
Missy
Something that I've learned from you just today is this, it's a good idea to ask people to share your important blog posts on social media.
I requested email notifications whenever a new comment was added to this post. Ever since you asked for Facebook and Twitter shares this morning my phone has been steadily pinging me all day. ๐
Wow Lynn, has it really been this long? I shared this post on FB, btw ๐ Anyway I first met you on Mark Farmer's Total Life Success forum when you did your "25th Hour" challenge, so that's how long I've been reading Clicknewz, whenever that was. I think you had it on blogger at the time and it was a kind of burgundy theme. Then I joined the membership site you had with Andre Chaperon - Turning Ideas into Profits I think it was called?
I've learned lots from you - for example, your idea of getting up really early and getting your MITs done at the beginning of the day is one thing I've implemented. It gets very hot here in the summer, so I get up at 5:30am, start work by 7 and aim to finish all the important stuff by 11am.
The best part of the private forum is of course your input. I think you post in every thread! I also love the atmosphere there, I don't think there's ever been any nastiness or drama, everyone is really supportive - and that's a direct result of who you are and how you lead.
What keeps me reading Clicknewz is the amount of actionable content you give. You don't waffle or theorize, you inspire and motivate and you give practical ideas we can put into action. I love the series you're doing now with Vera, it's really helpful to see how you approach a new project.
Lynn,
I'd like to answer several of your questions above:
1. How long have I been following you? Forever! Or, it seems that way. I, too, have been marketing on the Internet for an eon and have been reading your material for years. Thanks for all that you share.
2. WHY do I stay with you (when I've unsubscribed from almost every IM newsletter?): because you're honest and because you share actionable information. Of course, everything doesn't relate to my biz but so much of it does and you've published some real treasures.
3. What I've used the most is your guide on how to write product reviews. In fact, I have a "Read Only" sheet that I use for an outline and I just follow it for every review I write. I follow your categories and just fill in the appropriate information. It's been enormously helpful.
Congratulations on reaching such an important milestone.
Best,
Sydney
Lynn, I've been following you since Self Starter Weekly Tips. I just did a search on my original email account and found a newsletter from you from 2004 but I know I remember you from before then.
You always tell it like it is and without all the B.S. one can find elsewhere. It's refreshing to say the least.
My best, always. ๐
Laura
Hi Lynn. I'm an over-achiever so hit all the Big Three: FB, Tw and Google +. LOL. I can't remember when I first started following you and ClickNewz but it has to be at least three years and maybe more. I found you when I was doing a search for "the real deal" -- people I could trust to give me great and practical advice. And when I found you I also found a successful Internet marketer who has been through some of the same challenges and can look back with a positive spin and feeling satisfied. I'm not making my living yet...but I'm probably one of those people who is just one tweak and 100 more blog posts away from being on the path I've been looking for these past 3 years. Thanks! --Kate
Lynn, That webinar was very informative. I"m so thankful for the replay. I did not realize you could have more than one facebook page. Another thing I learned is about the organic marketing strategy, that's so cool. I'm learning much about myself from you. Thanks a bunch.
Marlene A Hibbard
Hi again, Lynn, I should have mentioned I shared this post on twitter.
Congratulations and Happy 9th year to you! Hope to read more helpful and informative blogs from this site.
I left a reply yesterday, but I dont see it.I shared on all three, and I know I said this before, but its your honesty in this biz that is so rare and lovable. I remember us talking on MySpace...nuff said!
mark vann
I just now subscribed to this website..so I haven't learned much (yet) but look forward to learning from you. I did share this post with my 16K twitter followers https://twitter.com/jeffltaylor2/status/373656294974324736 and google plus
Always nice to read some personal stories about blogging to success. Really feel motivated. Maybe the reason I've not succeed is lack of a good pet dog. Anyone care to share?
Congratulations!
As you know I am a newbie here just in the last few months. I look forward to your Monday blogs about helping Vera set up her new site. It really helps learning with someone else. I have a successful eBay store that keeps me busy so I can only do this part time but that is one of the things I like about it is I work on it when I want.
Once I get up and running I could see joining your Brainstorming group.
One day I hope you are congratulating me on my successful web pages.
Lois
Talk about time flying, it's been over 3 years since I started reading your blog posts. That was when I started. I've learned the value of regular blogging and resources you used for your business.
I tweeted out the link to the contest. But the things I have learned most from this blog are just to stick with it, keep learning, and keep putting out content that adds value to your subscribers. I have a large action list I am starting to implement to help make my blog better. Thanks Lynn for all the great tips and motivation!
Hi Lynn! I have been following you since 2008. What I love most is your down to earth presentation and delivery of the topics you discuss at Click Newz. The information you provide is valuable, relevant and free of charge. I would love to meet you one day, you seem to be very authentic and I imaagine you would be just as authentic in person.
The most valuable thing I learned from you Lynn is to only purchase software, training, etc. when you plan to use it. Otherwise you end up with out-of-date software or eBooks and training that you never use!
Hi and congratulations!
To be honest, I just stumbled upon your blog, but I really enjoy your writing style and content.
No wonder why you got so many loyal followers! ๐
I wish you all the best,
Steven Daniels
Hey Lynn, congratulations on 9 years of blogging, I think I have been following you for almost all of that time.
Probably the main reason for following you, apart from the excellent information you share, is the fact that your personality comes through on everything you blog about.
To me, this is very important as I feel like I "know" you rather than you just being a faceless source on the internet.
Keep up the good work and I am sure you will have many, many years of success ahead.
Cheers
Ian
Superb! Keep rocking Lynn ๐
We want 25 years ๐
Hi Lynn,
I have learned that I have much to learn about internet marketing. I have modified my website 100 percent after listening to your recommendations and I will always need advise to make it work better in the future.
My students really love the look of my website and your changes were much needed. Without your advice, my site would have been the same old thing. Now, I have to make it profitable and get the Search Engine Optimization going on it. I have been blogging much more often and now I have to learn how to do it more effectively.
Thanks
I was trying to figure out the twitter thing. I hope I have it right now.
Congratulations Lynn.
You have been and continue to be one of the brightest lights on the internet and in the world of internet marketing.
Keep up the GREAT work.
Jim
Congrats on nine years! I've been following you since 2007 and was inspired by your story and your honesty!
Here's to another nine!
Congrats Lynn! What keeps me reading your blog is your style of writing. The way you teach and inspire action is a gift. I've learned a lot from you over the years. The lessons that have stuck with me are putting your blinders on, only buy or use things at the moment when you're ready to implement and doing keyword research the right way.
Keep on keeping on!
Congratulation on this success. Coming such a long way isn't so easy. Hope a glorious path in upcoming days for ClickNewz.
Lynn,
Congratulations on your 9 year milestone! I look forward to the day I can make that announcement as well to as many loyal followers as you have. ๐
I've sent this post out on Twitter.
I signed up with you on October 28, 2012 but have just started reading your stuff regularly around March when I decided Affiliate marketing via Squidoo was no longer on the top of my list... and I want to learn affiliate marketing other ways from people who know what they're doing and have a high level of integrity... you're one of those people (on a very short list).
I really hope to learn a lot from you... and quickly!
I've been following you for maybe 4 or 5 years (memory's kind of fuzzy). I do know, however, who introduced me to you and that was Mark Mason. The reason I continue to follow you is for a few reasons.
You're always down-to-earth. I really like your no-nonsense approach and keep things simple.
The only thing getting in the way of my own success is me! Even so, I find your success inspiring. I burned out a few years ago, but have always kept along with you with the intent to force myself to hunker down and start producing more online.
I didn't realize that I known you since before the start of the blog. (just a couple of months).
My, how time flies.
Hi Lynn,
A friend of mine who lives near Nashville, up your way sent me the link to your clicknewz site.
She has been encouraging me to set up a blog with my passion about all things kitchen.
So when I started getting your emails and realized your approach that you should really love your niche, it confirmed the kitchen is mine. I was lost at first, but your step by step with Vera and other tools like Rosalind Gardner's Supper Affiliate and Jeremy Gislason's
Affiliate Survival Guide have been helpful as well. I took your advice and did the Vera steps and just started. If you wait till it all comes together and makes sense it will not happen. So thank for the encouragement to go for it and I really enjoy your webinars.
I also enjoy your low carb traveler site - Great recipes and I know first hand that low carb eating is doable. Thanks for your willingness to share your success and maybe I will see you in Atlanta.
Congratulations! I just shared this on Twitter.
I've been following you for years and years at least 5. I'm a member of the private forum and love it! You've taught me a ton !! Thanks!
Lynn, I have "known" you since I clicked on a link in ClickNewz to listen to a live interview for an event that was coming up in two months. That was back in June of 2009. I went to that event, met you in person, and joined your Private Brainstorming Group, and the rest as they say is history!
The thing I love most about your Private Brainstorming Group, is first, the availability of you. You are very free with your knowledge and offer it up whenever anyone asks. I also like the feeling of comradery between all the other members. We all help each other with whatever knowledge we have. It's a great place to learn and brainstorm. Thanks!
I only discovered you a few months and so have not been following you very long. But what keeps me reading ClickNewz, and what I enjoy most is reading of the successes of a person who actually lives just a few miles down I-24 from me in my home state. Sometimes, we read articles and see videos from supposedly successful marketers, but they are so secretive about their lives that one has to wonder if they are real. Somehow, that local connection offers a spark of energy to go on and get it done.
Knowing that you, a real person, came through some tough times to become successful encourages me and bolsters me with a bit of hope that I, too, can see success coming my way.
After weeding through tons of marketing hype and garbage over the past year, I have come to follow just three people - you, Ros Gardner, and Pat Flynn. Honesty and transparency go a long way with me.
I am recent to ClickNewz (love the branding!); and a number of lessons have really jumped out at me over the last 10 days (from your blog posts & your Social Media Marketing Tips webinar):
1. The importance of goal planning, so our planning, actions, and results prove most beneficial and can be course-corrected on the fly;
2. Create our social media profiles based on what's in it for our prospects -- providing a compelling reason to follow me;
3. Social Media Marketing is "not a megaphone", as it is all about relating-with our prospects (e.g., as you are here);
4. The simplicity of the business model you model :>)
Thank you, Lynn, for the content & this contest. I appreciate the interaction opportunity.
In Joy . . .
Thanks Lynn for some interesting stuff since I joined in 2009. I found a useful post in the PINTEREST class about a year ago. Been using PINTEREST in my sales since then & found more traffic coming me way and seeing pictures & news about SLIM will keep me fixed! I've been in my own business for years but always manage to refresh my knowledge reading your blog! Congrats
and I shared on twitter & Facebook!
Lynn - I have been following you and have been an active Elite Brainstorming member for nine months.
Among the many things I have learned from you is long-tail keywords in title tags, use the WP wordfence plug-in, and to just keep blogging.
Wishing you another successful 9 years.
Linda
Congrats Lynn! Hope your next 9 years are more profitable than your last 9! Great stuff! Great incentive! I'm am so joining the private members area soon!
I shared this on Google plus...
What I love about your blog? Everything, I read every drop you put up and have for years.
When did I start? Good question, I would say at least 3 years now, maybe longer.
What I wish I would have done first? Join your private members area first and saved myself a bunch of money and I would be making money now online instead of chasing that next shinning object.
I have come full circle and now I'm back to your blog and everything you do. I have become more intune with working on my online biz more as a job not just a fling and I am seeing my hard work paying off.
I am dividing my time now with my eBay business and can really see, my online business's growing with your guidance.
Congrats and Great work!!
I've been receiving ClickNewz since July 2009 and I attended NAMS in January 2010 and met you there. In fact, through your member list I was able to find another lady to share a hotel room during NAMS 2009. At that time, I didn't own a laptop so felt a little "left behind" in the technology area, but I've since made up for it, I think!
What I appreciate the most is your transparency and your integrity. In the internet marketing arena there are many who feed off those of us who are new and ignorant but you convey the utmost in honesty and I thank you for that and it is apparent that so many others do also!
Congratulations on your success!
another Lynn!
Hello Lynn,
You are a person that I can relate too. You write in a way that gives me inspiration and the understanding of what needs to be done to be successful in Internet Marketing. I am not a person who asks a lot of questions but can write a lot. This particular post has given me an epiphany of what this whole online business is about. WORK! It's all about putting the fingers to the keyboard, putting caffeine into the body so that the brain goes into overdrive and putting out prose that people want and need to hear.
I had a suspicion that it really takes a lot of work. You have proved that to me today and I am grateful that you have admitted it. So many other people that promote products fail to disclose this fact. Because if they did I think a lot of people would pass on it. I relish the struggle because I know it will make me stronger in the long run.
Thanks for being yourself each and every day.
Jim
I'm new at this but came across your blog when I was looking for expert advice on Google and whalaa, your name and blog came up! So...I started reading through your information and find it to be some of the best expert advice on Affiliate Marketing!
I chose the Wedding Industry since I worked for a major bridal retailer in my previous life. But I'm finding that this is probably one of the most competitive industries to be on in the blogosphere! So I'm working on tightening up my niche and continue to work on my whole darn understanding of being an affiliate marketer! If I can do this, there's hope for anyone!
Anyhoooo, thanks for your insightful and informative take on being an Affiliate Marketer!
PS Love your assistant, Slim!
Thanks Lynn for some interesting stuff since I joined in 2009. I found a useful post in the PINTEREST class about a year ago. Been using PINTEREST in my sales since then & found more traffic coming me way and seeing pictures & news about SLIM will keep me fixed! I've been in my own business for years but always manage to refresh my knowledge reading your blog! Congrats
Lynn, I remember you from your Self Starters Weekly Tips forum which I first joined back in 2005. I enjoyed visiting that forum very much. I later began to follow your blog, ClickNewz, as well as your Facebook fan page. I've also been on your mailing list for many years.
Your blog posts and newsletter are always an inspiration to me as a fellow blogger. I have learned so much from you about affiliate marketing and professional blogging as well as time management and perseverance.
Congratulations on your milestone of nine years! Thank you so much for all that you have shared over the years.