You're Never Going To Make Money Online

You're Never Going To Make Money Online...so they say.

Sometimes, someone finds you at just the right spot during your day or week, that their negativity can hit you right where it hurts.

This happened to me yesterday.

I have a very blunt family member, who I love very much, but sometimes he can be a Negative Nigel. Usually, when someone tries to pass their pessimism onto me, I go completely unfazed. But this time, his words stung, and they've stuck with me for the past 24 hours.

Has this ever happened to you...

Someone knows that you “work online,”and they want to know more. They want to know exactly what it is that you do.

By this time, you've been asked a million questions by people and you know that no matter how well you try to explain to the person, they won't “get it.” So, you think,“Why bother?”

But, instead of being rude, you cheerfully explain that you have a website, you are a blogger, you work in affiliate marketing, etc etc etc.

They stare at you blankly.

“But how do you make money,” they ask.

You try to explain it as they continue with their deer-in-the-headlights look.

After you attempt to give them all the details, you can tell they still don't quite understand, yet they scoff at you with negativity.

“Sorry, but I don't think that isgoing to work,” they say about your online endeavors.

“You're not going to make any money at that,” they predict.

Then you go on to explain that you do, in fact, already make money...you just want to make more.

Crickets.

Have you ever had family, friends, or maybe even your spouse be less than supportive of your online business? Have you had people tell you that nobody really makes money online, or that it's all just a scam?

If so, don't let that discourage you.

I will admit, even though I've already had some success online (not nearly as much as I want, though; I haven't met my goals yet!), I was taken aback and felt very sad when I had a close family member say some negative things to me yesterday. He thought I was going to fail. He just didn't get it.

Yes, he's from an older generation, and he doesn't completely understand what I was trying to tell him, but his complete lack of faith in what I'm doing made me a little sad.

I guess, at the end of the day, we all just want the approval of the people we love.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

And that's why I suggest that you have sort of a “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy about your online work.

I'm not saying it has to be a secret. It doesn't. But, the first people I go to when I need to discuss work stuff are my online community members here at Wealthy Affiliate. We are all going through the same stuff, and they just...get me.

The truth is, MOST people don't understand the internet, websites, and marketing. They just know that the computer is there when they want to buy something. They don't totally “get” how it all works and relates to each other. They don't “get” how people actually make the money working online.

The more you try to explain, the more confusing it can be for the average person.

So, going forward, my response is, “I'm a blogger.” Most people at least get that. Or, “I do freelance graphic design,” or, “I'm a freelancer.”

I'm so happy to have the Wealthy Affiliate community not only to chat with, but to learn from. The success stories here are plentiful, and inspiring...don't you think?

The next time someone throws negativity your way about an online business, share some Wealthy Affiliate success stories with them! That will quiet them right down.

I'd love to hear whether or not youshare much of your online biz with family and friends. If you do, how do they react? Are they supportive? Do they truly “get” what you do?

Share in the comments below!