Thanks for the follow apowers. There certainly is a lot of useful stuff in the now 4 certification courses. My own biggest challenge has been in trying to conceive of an overall organizing scheme and theme for an 'ultimate' first 'real' project. I see lots of little examples of what seem like corny 2-page incentives to fake deals on the one hand, and on the other hand, a lot of really well groomed single article efforts that astonish me at the thought of producing a vast number of potentially 'hit singles.' My questions is/was, go for the hopeful one-hit wonders, or work at consistent and relatively simple and theme organized campaigns. I like the campaign. I like a thematic campaign because once my special theme is set, it produces work and assignments for me; I know what to do next, and I feel I can take pressure off of hopeful intense singular forays. Organization. Your question in this blog about hours and realistic expectations. I think the question is not perhaps phrased meaningfully. If you'll pardon me, it is like asking how long would it take to chop down a tree; the answer would depend on if you were using a butter knife or a sharp hacksaw or axe right? I've personally spent a lot of moneyless time cutting thick and resilient weeds of misunderstanding away with a butter knife. I think that is not an exaggeration. I'm also going to ignore your question about 'time involved as a marketer' because I feel it would be misleading to you to gauge your own progress by expecting that perhaps after 'X' period of time has passed then you'll automatically be at 'Y' level of income. I don't believe that you'd really think that, but it seems to me that there is a mental habit wrapped up in a thought like that,, which is better dissolved in favor of gauging what your level of organization is at, how to relate THAT to where other successful people are at, and gaining an idea of how people spend their day, typical habits, and filling in the details of the 'backstory' behind individual efforts.

It looks like there are some excellent comments along these lines posted in response to your blog.

Hudson's comments below seem to effect the point of the irrelevance of time. I recommend you look for, if you haven't already, more examples and models of what other people are doing when you conduct keyword research and the like. Also, if I may be so bold, perhaps try meditating on thematic ideas other than specific niches, and consider overarching ideas which can be applied to macro niches. For example, what are the big differences between purely media products and physical products? What are the big differences between popular things, seasonal things, new things, old things, big things, little things, etc...

I look forward to reading more of your posts and having a better idea of your efforts since December 20th.

And thank you for the posting the photo of your little girl! Reminds me of my little niece Emma. :)

Hi Andy,
You have a beautiful little girl!
As for income from your business, you have to remember that it's different for everyone Everyone earns according to how dedicated and how hard they work. It will depend on how much time you put into learning and doing. But most importantly you have to see yourself earning what you envision and knowing that you can earn whatever you work hard for. It all depends on YOU. Keep in mind that you're doing it for a reason, namely your family and you will get there, when is up to you. Best of luck and may all your dreams come true =)

Hi Andy, all that i can say is that, this is your business you are building. Just as in offline jobs, some may work years and some one will just come in and take up the position right on top of them. Everything is possible with IM so the rest depends on you and your goals. What i will experience might quite be different from what you will. So all i can say is just set your goals and work hard towards them and you'll materialize it no matter what. All the best

Glad to hear from you today from Australia. My neighbors are huddled in fear that the world is going to end tomorrow. Since you're already in tomorrow and you're fine it is very reassuring. Thank you.

Andy, hi. I have been working now for about two to three hours per day for approximately 6 months. I have built two sites, and have no income to date. I had higher expectations but soon after starting working seriously here realised that it's like any other business, you need to build an infrastructure, a knowledge base, experience and then you may start to monetize your sites. For me this is fine and I hope to actually start earning something during 1Q2013. The base I have here, the knowledge I have established on a business which was quite alien to me when I started has been worth the work. I have also spent time looking at and learning how to diversify my potential income streams so that I do not have all my hopes in one basket. This has taken time because if you are going to be successfull you need to have detailed knowledge not superficial knowledge.
There have been many members of WA who are much more successfull in this time frame than myself, and that is great, and I admire their efforts.

Hope this helps,

Regards

Hudson