Day 1 - Humble Beginnings!
21st January 2016...
So there I was, on my way home from my dead end job beating myself up about the fact that I hadn't yet made something of myself. When I was younger, I had big dreams. I had actually wanted to be in the Royal Air Force - however when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in June of 2008 I knew this could never materialise. My focus fixated on my hobby, something I enjoyed doing very much and had done since as long back as I can remember; cooking. Thoughts of travelling the world (something I so desperately wanted to embark upon) whilst working as a chef on cruise ships occupied my thoughts. However, after 2 years of college and numerous stints at 5* hotels and even at the London Houses of Parliament, I find myself having accomplished little, somehow ending up working in a small town pub. I was really beginning to rue all the opportunities that I had somehow missed throughout my short adult life. This had left me feeling lost and empty. I needed inspiration.
That was 2 weeks ago. They say inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places and I guess there is some truth in that. I would love to say mine came from Shia Labeouf's fantastically cringe-worthy 'JUST DO IT' rant, but sadly not. My inspiration came from none other than snap chat (modern technology eh?!). For those unaware, snap chat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive photos and videos, as well as creating your own 'story' of the last 24 hours. As I was browsing, I came across a story from somebody that had hit success and made their first million. They were sharing an insight into how they achieved their success (whilst they drove through Miami in a convertible) and disclosed that internet affiliate marketing had been fruitful. A little light turned on in my head and as soon as I got home, I got to researching.
I have probably spent the best part of 2 weeks now relentlessly researching affiliate marketing. I'm not going to pretend that this has always been my plan, or that I had even given it a thought before this year rolled around. However, it does seem like a viable way of generating an income providing the hard work is put in. Now we come to 2 days ago, and I stumble upon what I can only describe as the holy Mecca of affiliate help sites (WA). Having completed course 1 lesson 1, if I had to describe my overall feeling right now, it would be that of overwhelming dread. I feel as though I'm way out of my depth and on occasion I have to sit back and take a breather to relax. "Surely everybody felt this at the beginning" is what I tell myself, and with so many successful individuals on the site it is quite evident that by following the instructions you can most likely succeed in your endeavours. Although I can't quite shake the niggling feeling that something is amiss. I am terrified of failure - I admit that right off the mark, as many others can probably relate to - and that is what is most likely swaying my judgement.
I am filled with doubts both in myself and my ability to see this through. I am generally a very dedicated individual, and this will be no different. But what if I get it wrong? At what point do you say to yourself, "that's enough now, stop pursuing this ideal."? I feel as though although everybody has mentioned that "as long as you put the work into the project you will succeed", surely it can't be as simple as that. Surely some percentage of people must fail despite actually working very hard. I fear I will find myself in that minority - and this fear tends to hold me back. I worry that I will not find a niche (I'm just waiting for that EUREKA! moment) but I've always been reasonably tech savvy so the website factor doesn't phase me so much. As well as this, although the premium seems incredible value for money, I simply haven't got the money to spend without knowing this 100% will work for me in the long run. Understandably, there is no quick money fix. Everybody knows that. This requires hard work and dedication which I am more than ready to put in. I want to change my life! I would just love to know that I'm not in this boat alone. Lesson 2 awaits...
Thanks for reading my first blog, and I'll be sure to post more updates the further through the process I get. If anybody has any tips or advice for myself I would be more than appreciative for you to share them and maybe give me a follow!
Recent Comments
20
Wow. For the first blog to be this long and excited, you off with a great start. Keep learning and don't be shy to ask.
If you truly dedicate yourself, you will be successful. I just joined this community 3 days ago, and it is unlike any other out there. Just positive vibes, and nothing but encouragement for everyone to do well. Maybe there is such a thing as everyone making it here, because of how unique the community is.
I watched a video last night that simply said, take the jump in life. Don't be afraid of falling and scraping your knees, take the jump, and the parachute will open man, just believe in that wholeheartedly and the best is yet to come for you my friend.
Thanks Nick, loving the baseball site also..!
Going to follow your progress very closely as I go about mine also. Best of luck
How about some type of cooking as a niche?
Also, the ability to write as you have done here will serve you well in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Xin
Thankyou very much!
Did you like the writing? I was always told I could write relatively well but never really paid much attention.
Daniel
Yes, I liked it. The article was interesting and logically presented. Certainly sufficient for building content on our website. Few of us hope to be the next Tolkien or something, but we don't have to be.
Luckily for me!
Xin
You write very well it was easy to read and I felt like I was really getting to know you. All this will make your content really enjoyable from a vistor to your websites perspective. Keep up the good work.
Haha thank you! This makes me eager to get onto the website, however I'm not rushing myself!
I am too impatient I know but I already have the bare bones and the first content on my site. So many ideas churning around my head. I like to create on the fly, so will work on the website at the same time as going through all the lessons. Lot's to do, so little time. Ah well.
Not sure if I can post link here. It is called everythingfreefrom and is listed on my profile under websites. Good luck with yours let me know what it is called when you are comfortable for me to look at it. Good night, I am going to try and have an early night, well early for me!
Hi Daniel, welcome from a proud Cornishwoman who can really relate to your thought and fears. As a young girl I wanted nothing more than to work with animals, but in the 80's there was no money to be made. So a career in the civil service followed until I became unwell with Vertigo attacks. Many years down the line I finally was given the correct diagnosis. I thought yippee I can now finally move forward, just at the time my late Mum became seriously ill.
After her death in 2012 I had to find a new way, and returned to my first love pets. After much heartache I now co-run with my sister a very particular pet sitting business. I have found the money rocky and found WA on the net after a few months of trying Amazon UK on my own/ A few sales but not enough to help in the slow periods to pay the bills.
I totally understand your feeling of worry that this might not work out, I feel the same. But we will never know if we don't try and I have enough regrets in my life already.
All I can say is that it may take time but we will succeed because we want this. I am in the same position with the money, but decided to go 'premium' at the offer price. Even if I can only afford the one month. I intend to use this time to learn, learn and learn again. From the lessons and the friendly people on WA.
As to your niche, you are passionate about cooking, can you make use of this?
Whatever you decide, just enjoy the journey, we are all in the same boat and with the same fears. You are not alone.
Hello Rose!
Thank you for the lovely words! So sorry about your mum.
I can completely relate to what you are saying in regards to purchasing premium even if it is just for a month. At least then I can see where it goes...
I am very passionate about cooking you are correct. I have mulled over a few ideas but still struggle to find a niche in regards to it. I feel like either I'm trying too hard or not thinking outside the box enough!
My site will be about my journey to living sugar and gluten free to improve my health and well-being. I have done some research but what recipes there are tend to be quite bland and don't look terribly appetising. Maybe part of your blog could show how to make tasty 'really tasty' free from food on a budget. Most of the Free From ready meals you can be on the expensive side,
Would give you lots of scope to promote not just ingredients but any baking accessory you use to create the recipe. I will be sure to follow your website if you choose this route, Good luck with whatever you choose and remember the saying 'rome wasn't built in a day' this may not happen overnight, but I am sure the journey will be worth it,
Brilliant brilliant idea there, thank you very much!
I'll be sure to keep you informed and follow your journey also
I have just followed you and am looking forward so much to see how our respecitve sites progress. Chin up and if you need to talk, post a comment I will see it and reply as soon as poss.
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Daniel: Great piece. Now, in the future add some pictures to the blogs you write. Truly in e-commerce, a picture is worth more than a hundred words. Write in shorter paragraphs and (even if you have to count them by hand...lol) keep your posts to no more than 500 words.
You are a great writer. Now you have to hone some extra writing skills for e-commerce and the WA folks. Shorter blogs. Shorter paragraphs. I like the way you write. Very personable. DAN
No need to count them yourself there are some great word and character counters for free on the net. They will also tell you the optimum amount of words for social media etc. Great help. I use lettercount.com but there are loads. See what suits best,
Thanks Rose for your input. DAN