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. 😀
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. 😯 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. 😉
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. 😀
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! 😛
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! 😀
*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
Hello Lynn,
Thanks Lynn for the interesting stuff. I have been following you for two weeks and I feel blessed to find someone like you who is specialist in affiliate marketing and get advice from because that is what I do and where I want to grow.
Warm Regards
i liked u on FB and google plus
PS i am following u for over 3 years
like your motivation and drive
Hi Lynn!
I have been following you for years and have even had the pleasure of meeting you at NAMS 8! One of my favorite features of your private membership is the monthly challenge. That is a big motivator for me.
Thanks for all you do!
Karin
Hello Lynn and congrats on 9 years of blogging success!
I've been following you for at least 5 years, possibly longer. I'm honestly trying to remember because I can no longer count the posts you've done that I've taken to heart. You have my Facebook Like and Share above. Implementation would probably be, in my case, in the SEO department since I'm trying to become an expert there. I've no choice as it's also my day job at the moment.
I started on the free Wordtracker at first partly due to your recommendation; that was long ago, too. Now happily you've just reminded us again why it's the best.
What keeps me here? There are lots of marketers. I like some of them. I've unsubscribed from lots and lots of others. ClickNewz is one of the few I've kept that I have every intention of keeping. You give us things we can use, you do not assume knowledge on our part where it shouldn't be assumed (how often does that happen?), as an affiliate you keep prices reasonable for those of us who can really benefit -- these are hard times and you do not deny that as so many others seem to ... I can name more but we were told not to write a novel. More power to you! 🙂
Oh, Lynn... I have first met you on wahm.com (2004, 2005?) where you answered members' questions. After that, I kinda continued to stalk you online 🙂 I have been following both the internet marketing aspect but my personal favorites are your personal posts and videos. I actually have a few of your posts bookmarked and go back to them at times when I need some encouragement. So yes, I have known you a while and have enjoyed it tremendously! 😉
Yay! Congrats on the anniversary Lynn and for getting through this tough year.
I know I've been following you since 2008 - right when my eldest was born - I used to listen to your podcast with Michelle, Paul and Ed while I nursed her and try to absorb as much info as my mommy brain would allow!
Thank you for all that you do and you have given me so much advice over the years I wouldn't know where to begin.
Have Google + this post btw!
Ingrid
I'm guessing I've known you for around 5 years now, and why I keep reading is because you are so real, so transparent and down to earth, because I also happen to think you're really cute and pretty sexy, and I just really like your style and the way you share and teach.
Lynn, I've been following you longer than I can remember (I'm going to go with 5+ years) and have been a member of your brainstorming group for as long. My favorite part is the weekly brainstorming hour because that's where we really get to know you and you give the greatest advice & guidance! Here's to another wonderful 9+ years to you and MANY more (not working....just enjoying life and everything you do!
Hi Lynn,
I found your blog a couple of month ago from google search of particular topic in blog business matters (I forgot the exact phrase). What I like best ever since I read your blog is the practical tips you gave about blogging and online business. I have develop some of your tips and gained result. And your latest study case post .. love this part a lot. I am always love study case post, that's what make me become your readers till now.
I'm a member of the Private Brainstorming Group. I love the brainstorming sessions that we have twice a week. It's a chance to get some great feedback about your site, your strategy and your plans.
Lynn, I've been following your blog for years, and originally met you through VAnetworking.com. Yes, I'm a VA and a trainer/coach of VAs. I've learned many things through your blogs, such as the ease of earning passive income through affiliate programs, as well as the need for tenacity -- it takes TIME to allow all your efforts to pay off. I "liked" and shared this blog post on Facebook, and hope you get more followers as a result. Thank you for all you do!
I've been following you for a year or so. I joined ClickNewz and enjoyed reading on the forum before upgrading to the Private Brainstorming forum. It was one of the smartest things I've done online.
I like Brainstorming hour and try to get in on both sessions, if possible. I do more listening than talking, but am taking everything in. It's very helpful to have a critique of what you're doing before making it public.
I like your honest marketing principles, which seem to be hard to come across.
Rhonda
Hello Lynn.
I have followed you for about 6 years.
I am a member of the group, but have not had time to be too involved, but that will change.
I have found you one of the unique individuals who share most everything with us and one of the rare persons on the net that I think people can trust.
I may not understand (yet) all the methods that you and others share, but I am trying.
Congrats on the "anniversary" and hope that your current and future days are filled with even more happiness, health and success.
I recently attended your last training in real time. Loved it! I picked up so many tips, ideas and inspiration. Now I'm working on implementhing those. Congratulations on your success. Thank you for sharing what you have learned in a fun, no pressure atmosphere.
Well I have been following Lynn and Click News for over 4 years now.. I have received some excellent instruction on how to get my website in motion. I have always liked Lynn's open communication and honesty about the industry. I also have never been steered wrong from any of her advice. She is one classy lady with the right stuff. Thanks Lynn!
Hey Lynn,
I liked you today on Facebook! Thanks for your blogging! We appreciate it.
Congratulations on the 9 years, Lynn. Have been following for a few years now. Especially like the live Q&A sessions with the links to your posts relevant to what's being discussed. Am sharing on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Love it Lynn! I have been following you for just a few months and LOVE your blogs and inspiration! I am grateful to have found you as I am entering this new adventure of the blog world. You have taught me there is no limits when it comes to blogging and sharing your life. I will share this on my fb page 🙂
Looking forward to following you and your work and working with you from here on out!
Have a great week!
I've been following Slim's adventures for about two years now and as much as my impatient self hates to do it, I now Mindmap.
I've only found you recently. Quite frankly I'm a procrastinator when it comes to this. This may be an excuse, but I think it's because of my environment. It's not very conductive to video making as far as privacy goes. I know blogging isn't all about video. It's just something I'm having a rough time getting past. I am living in somebody else's home right now. I feel that if I had my own place again (working toward it now), then I would begin this. Who knows, maybe these things are all excuses of fear. What do you think?
Hi Lynn! I\'ve \"known\" you since October 2009, when I joined SSWT, then purchased my first NAMS ticket from you! (Thank you, BTW).
Lynn, I enjoyed the Social Media training last week. Just tweeted and google+ this post! I think I have been following you for almost a year. Keep up the good work!
Hi Lynn,I am responding to your list of questions and chose the bottom one because I feel that is probably the most important. I follow your newsletter and you through social media, etc. and the reason is because I trust what you say. I don\\\'t think you are trying to pretend to be someone that you are not,and the information you pass on is valuable. It is up to us whether we follow your advice and guidelines, but the information you provide (a lot is for free) is excellent. Thank you.
I read your blog because you offer practical suggestions and I appreciate your success and suggestions.
Lynn,
I have been following you for years but just joined the Elite Members Group so I am looking forward to that. "See" you Thursday!
Question: For members of my Private Brainstorming Group, your favorite feature?
Answer: Definitely the brainstorming sessions! I really enjoy the creativity and community there. 🙂
I just recently started following you, Lynn. I like your friendly, down-to-earth blogging style.
I have to say that my favorite part of the private mastermind group is the live brainstorming sessions. It's great bouncing ideas off of each other and getting a live look at sites of what is working and what is not. I also love the forum (although I admit I'm not so great at being involved). There is so much information there one could spend their entire holiday break diving into the archives and still not making a dent!
Shared on Twitter! 🙂
I've known OF you for years (thanks to Kim) and been following you on FB for over a year. Been following ClickNewz for about 6 months.
Hi, hope I'm not too late!
My favorite feature of your Private Brainstorming Group is the synergy and energy that comes from being involved with others pursuing the same path. Your group is non-competitive, with zero hype and total support. Lynn, I'm blown away by the personal attention you invest in each and every person that shows up with a desire to learn and apply their newfound knowledge.
If you're considering joining.... just DO it! This small monthly investment is something I am deeply and sincerely enjoying doing for myself. Think you need a monthly haircut, a mani/pedi or a bunch of specialty coffee drinks? You might find this to be a far more rewarding way to spend that cash... I sure do! (And hopefully my --and your -- budding new business will start paying for those things eventually!) 🙂
I read ClickNewz because I want to know what you are thinking / what you are working on / and what advice you are giving. It's one of the few emails I always open .
@Aileenbe That is probably the ultimate compliment that you left for Lynn :
"It's one of the few emails I always open."
That's the gold standard we should all aim for. Well done, Lynn.
What keeps me reading ClickNewz -
The "valuable/need to know" information that you provide.
What do I enjoy most?
Your webinars, very informative.
Congratulations Lynn! That's an awesome achievement. I chose these two questions to comment on:
How long have you known me, or been following ClickNewz?
I don't know the exact year, but it's been a long time. I really appreciate the variety of topics you offer on your blog and the detail and professionalism you use in every post.
Name something you've learned from me... and implemented!
Affiliate marketing! Until I met you and began to learn what affiliate marketing was, I never did anything with it. I sold all my products direct without the help of affiliates and I was only an accidental affiliate for one other product. (Don't even know how I signed up or was making sales, but I got a few.)
Thanks to what you've taught me, I've added a good $20,000+ to my annual income.
Keep up the great work!
OK Lynn, the selfish reason I did not share is because that reduces MY odds of winning . . . but what the heck, I've received many hundreds times that $50 in training, knowledge, and encouragement from you over the past 5 or 6 years, so I shared it on Twitter today.
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY (BLOGAVERSARY??),
Love, Anita
Congratulations on nine years of blogging. I first heard you on the podcast that you used to do with Ed Dale. I enjoy your down-to-earth style, and the useful content you've shared over the years about online marketing.
I shared this post on Twitter, where I signed up on Ed's advice in 2006 before it really became popular.
Much continued success to you and a long, happy life for Slim 🙂
Hey Lynn, since I'm an Elite member I'll answer that question. The benefit of being able to post a tech question and have it answered knowledgeably by so many online smarties is the best bargain in town! Not only do you and Angie usually answer, but then others that I would also consider pro-gurus chime in as well. I've never had a techie question NOT answered successfully from the Elite forum!
Hi Lynn,I have been following you for over 5 years now. I don\'t quite remember where we met online, but I also am a big fan of Kelly McCausey, so think it might have been through her in some way. I, too, was a single mom for many years, and you and Kelly were such an inspiration to me on making an income online. I learned a lot about how to properly market myself, and my products. I look forward to continuing to learn from you. I am also friends with you on FB and, as of today, a follower on your ClickNewz page on FB. Tammy
I honestly don't remember the exact year we met, but I can tell you what keeps me reading your blog. You always have some useful tip on here that I can implement right away. One thing I have done as a result of reading your blog is try to blog more often.
Lynn, what I love about you is you are real! Totally genuine! I had the privilege of getting to know you through Traci Knoppe several years ago! Then I was
able to meet you at NAMS a couple of years ago in person! You have built a high trust factor. If Lynn endorses something I check it out. Thanks for just being you!
I could have sworn I left a comment before but I'm not seeing it so I'm going to try again.
I have been following you since 07 I think? But I can't remember how I found out about you.
How long have I known you?
Wow, that's a good question. I believe I started flowing you on your forum back in 2003/04. I finally met you in person in 2008 at when you came to event here in Atlanta. You hosted a meet up. I remember DeAnna, Willie Crawford, Todd Wilson and a few other s being there. Man, how time flies!!
Oh, and to answer your other question about the forum. I love Monday's live session. Since I can make Thursdays, I'm extremely grateful that you offer Mondays as well.
Hi Lynn! I'm typically sharing your posts on Facebook, and I've known you for I'd say 4 years, and 2 of those years in your private brainstorming group. As far as learning something - wow! Loaded question - learn LOTS of good stuff, but I'll stay recent. Your webinar on social media gave me a huge jumpstart. I had not known where to start and felt overwhelmed. Now, I have a plan, and more so, I'm working that plan, 30 minutes a day. Soooo thank you! My favorite feature of the brainstorming group? You and all of the awesome people - so supportive and helpful. And I keep reading ClickNewz because it's full of practical, up-to-date tips and tools that really do help.
Hi Lynn, I was in your coaching group gosh it was a long time ago and I did get to meet you in person at nams. I love your simple - non-hypey style. You are like me and don't use all the gimmicky buzzwords and I am really drawn to that and why I keep reading and learning from you 🙂
Hi Lynn, you and your staff have helped me with my Kindle book setup and your products and advice have been the one thing that has kept me going with Kindle. You are a pleasure to buy from and you are genuine.
I first heard about you from Kelly McCausey, who encouraged me to join your Elite group. I can't begin to tell you the many benefits that has had for me, but if I had to name the one with the biggest impact, it would be your saying, "Start to profit." I remember that every time I start looking at some new project. 🙂
And of course the Thursday/Monday mastermind sessions are priceless. I don't get to attend nearly as often as I would like to, but they are an amazing resource. Thanks so much for all you do!
Hi Lynn,
I’ve been keeping an eye on you ever since you bought the house you’re living in, but I remained a “wall flower” for most of that time. I’m not sure why I never commented. (The good Lord knows I have plenty of gab inside of me.)
I return to your ClickNewz site because I love your personality. I’ve watched many of your videos and silently cheered you on, and sometimes, I’ve cried with you too.
I keep returning for the same reasons. I love your style of teaching (common sense goes a long way in this business) and your common sense approach really hits home.
The one thing I’m grateful for learning from you is how to do a proper product review. I still have the printed pages on my desk, albeit dog-eared and coffee-stained, but I refer to it when I post a product review on the blog.
I shared this post on Facebook, Twitter, AND Google + because it’s important for us to share your accomplishments with others – especially new entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark on the world. What you’ve done is shown that “all things are possible” for those who have a goal and work to achieve it.
Internet marketing doesn’t take a college degree; it takes common sense, hard work and perseverance of which you possess all three. I look forward to learning a great deal more from you and wish you continued success for the next 9 years and beyond!
Give Slim a kiss from the Gean household!
- Bonnie
Congrats on reaching your 9th year of blogging Lynn! One of the things I admire most in you is your dedication and discipline. You set a goal and persist.
You gave me a tip a long time ago that involved a simple change in the wording of my e-mail sign-up. I implemented your suggestion and the rate of sign-ups immediately more than doubled. I was in awe of, back then and still am, your brilliance and marketing savvy!
Love your outside office:)
Hi Lynn! Congratulations on 9 years of blogging! I have been following you for a few years and was part of you mastermind group for a short time. Loved it - need to rejoin as soon as I can! I loved the website reviews and the group live feedback and comments. Miss your podcasts on LynnTerry.TV and would love to meet you some day - perhaps at a NAMS. Have a great day! ~ Bret
Big fan of the blog, thanks for the contest!
How long have I known you?
Now, let me think. Was it in 1999 or a bit later that I first noticed you posting on an IM forum (could have been Tony Blake's board, or HowToCorp, or maybe even the Warriors) and visited your website - because you seemed to know what you were talking about.
Since then, I've learned quite a bit from reading your posts, but a LOT more from observing your work ethic and resilience in the face of all odds and setbacks. You're an instructor, teacher and inspiration, all rolled into one - and here's wishing you a happy blog anniversary, and decades more of fun blogging!
P.S. - Thanks for the $50 Amazon gift card, too! 😉