The Cost of Success
What do I need to start my own business? To be financially stable? What IS the cost of success? Can even I afford it?
I started this endeavor with $4.38 in my savings account. My "job" is being a Nanny to my granddaughter Lily, which I love but it doesn't come close to paying the bills. I live in a tiny two room apartment, I don't have cable TV and buy my internet from whoever can give me the lowest price. I do my online work on a Chromebook, which is basically a computer for someone who can't even afford a computer. And the only reason I have a cell phone is because Lily's Mom pays for it.
I'm not looking for sympathy. The choices I've made are my own but, suffice it to say, I have my reasons. The point is that I was looking for more income while still taking care of Lily. Her parents schedule can be unpredictable at times, so working scheduled shifts at a brick and mortar establishment would be tricky, if I could even find anyone that would work with my limited availability. The more practical option would be to find some way to work on my own terms, set my own hours with some sort of...something...that might include Lily.
But there was a drawback. Money.
I certainly couldn't rent a physical place and stock the shelves. I looked into work at home jobs only to discover that I would need to buy a new computer, telephone and headset to measure up to their compatibility and security standards. (There may be additional costs but I stopped looking at that point). MLM or home party type jobs would require that I invest hundreds of dollars in products (some on an ongoing or monthly basis) as well as spending the time and money to drive to engagements that may or may not be profitable. And, although there are plenty of programs on the internet that promise to help you build an income, most require that you pay up front to even take a look at them.
Now, I'm not afraid of hard work but money, man. It can really hold a girl back.
One day I stumbled across Wealthy Affiliate. Kyle's blog encouraged me to take a look. For free. When I did, I found out that I could, indeed, explore their program for free. I engaged in 10 lessons that explained how to make money online, how to choose a topic for my website and even helped me set up that website. The lessons taught me how to create content for my website (my very own website--I was giddy with excitement!), how connect with and get noticed by search engines.
I was introduced to a community of people who were friendly and welcoming. I was included and encouraged. No one ever pressed me to open my wallet and upgrade.
I did eventually upgrade but I only because I can SEE the progress I'm making. And not because Wealthy Affiliate says so. I can connect with several Google and Bing sites to find out find how much Google trusts my site (40% as of TODAY!!!), what my URL performance is and how many people have visited my site on a particular day. I can see my numbers get better every day.
But the most important thing I've learned is that I can do it. I can start my own business with what I have...the time I have and, more importantly, with the resources I have.
Now, you may ask, what that has to do with the picture I paired with this? Yes that's Lily, who wanted some rose colored glasses. Did she let the fact that she didn't have rose colored glasses stop her? Nope. She used what she had it turned out just fine.
Don't let what you don't have stop you from using what you DO have. Whatever you got, get out there and make it work.
All my best,
Cynthia
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Great post, thanks for sharing. Hang in there.
Lily is a true blessing.
Yes, she is! Thank you for your encouragement.