Need help to start from zero

25 replies
Hello everyone,

I have been reading for a long time on this forum. I did search a lot too but since my situation is not so usual I thought it's time for my first post to ask some advice.

I'm Mitch, 27 years old living in the Netherlands. Until last year everything went pretty well I could make enough money to stay alive with 3D printing and making custom parts for radio controlled vehicles, besides that my mom had a laser engraving company where I helped as well.

Due to my heart condition, I was rushed to hospital end of august 2016, everything changed from that point I'm not able anymore to do what I used to do. I did nothing until the beginning of this year, cause in the end, me and my fiance need some money to pay the bills and to eat something, so we kind of approached the point of desperation and not knowing what to do anymore. I tried various things but all failed, and only cost me more money.

I'd like to ask everyone here what are the options for me? I will write down my strong and weak points below so you get an idea of my capabilities. I love working with the computer, as well as with my hands as far as my condition allows me though.

My strong points:
-Very good with computers
-Love to build websites with Wordpress (do have HTML/CSS skills as well)
-I like to try new things
-Good with photoshop and illustrator
-Good with 3D drawing/CAD modeling
-I learn quickly new computer-related stuff

Weak points:
-Terrible at copywriting (which screws me with SEO etc..)
-Weak in social contact (calling, face to face)
-Quickly stressed out & demotivated
-Low starting budget

So yeah, I have been thinking to write an ebook sometimes but since my writing is terrible that already went down the drain. We actually tried a webdesign business together since my fiance is also very good with graphical design, but in the 2 years this is running we had 1 sale.

I'm considering to try dropshipping but I'm a bit scared for the seo and writing that I won't make any sales at all either.

I tried fiverr, with the webdesign, graphic design etc.. but never had any sale either there.

So I'm not looking for a get-rich-quick system, I'm willing to work on something but I'm just completely lost where or what to start. Every day I get multiple ideas what I could try but I'm simply too scared to try anything because I'm afraid of failing again and/or losing even more money.

I hope I can get some good advice or direction here.

Thanks in advance!
Mitch.
#start
  • Profile picture of the author PeterComeau
    I sympathise with your situation but don't give up.

    I would normally have suggested, with the skills you have, that you try Fiverr, but I see that you've already gone down this path.

    You're more likely to get some contracts for your particular skills by putting up a thread in the Warriors For Hire section of this forum.

    At the very least you'll know that you are hitting people who are targeted to your offer to help. Just show Warriors how you can help them and what your skill sets are, and you're more likely to get some contracts.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thank you for the honest reply.

      To be honest, I never thought of it this way, I know I can build good websites but I tend to label myself as "Not skilled enough" to provide these skills to other people or to build them a website.

      Actually, I found tons of local companies who either have no website, or an out to date website which doesn't support mobile viewing. Though I find it very hard to approach them and offer my services, I think there my lack of social skills jump in..
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
        Originally Posted by Mitch van Dongen View Post

        To be honest, I never thought of it this way, I know I can build good websites but I tend to label myself as "Not skilled enough" to provide these skills to other people or to build them a website.
        Offer 5 or 10 free websites to Warriors for honest reviews. Tell them you want to hear the good and bad.

        Then, you'll know better whether you are skilled enough or not.

        Good luck.

        Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Doan Chi Tin
    Hi!

    I strongly suggest you to improve your copywriting skill. It's the most important skill to learn.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thank you, I have a skillshare account I´m looking there if I can find a good course on copywriting, writing never has been my strongest point
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    Hi Mitch, sorry to hear of your health problems.

    From reading your post, this part jumped out at me:

    -Quickly stressed out & demotivated
    If your situation's desperate I can see how that would lead to more stress, but you're not going to get anywhere without enough motivation. In my view, that's what you need to work on as a priority.

    Often, motivation goes hand-in-hand with confidence - if you feel you're progressing in something, you'll become more motivated to continue. As far as advising you what to do, there isn't enough info in your post to go on - have you tried getting work doing the sort of tasks you say you enjoy or are good at? Does your health prevent you from getting a job, even part-time? What about your fiancée? Can (or does) she work?

    As far as working for yourself, have you considered partnering with someone who's more adept at the marketing/promotional aspects allowing you and your fiancée to concentrate on the creative work? I think that's a better route than trying to take on more learning yourself - at least for the time being. As has been suggested, maybe start by looking around the forum or advertising for a partner or a client.

    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Hi Frank,

      Thank you for thinking with us. You really hit the nail on the spot, because of all the failed stuff before the confidence is gone. I can be motivated to the bone when I think of a new idea, but as soon as I notice it won´t work I throw the towel and get back in the vicious circle.

      My health is really unstable so a job with a full or part-time contract it will be very tricky, if I had a bad night for example then it's hard in general to get through the day, that's why I'm spending most of my time behind a computer.

      My fiancé did work when she still lived in her home country to save up some money before we moved in together. She has a good talent for drawing and creative things, she's also trying to get that from the ground at the moment (she actually went to business school) but so far a lot of people like her work but no one is buying anything yet.

      I didn't think of partnering yet, that might be a good option after all cause we can just focus on what we do well and not worry about all other aspects for now cause I'm coming to a point that the stress starts to affect my health
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  • Profile picture of the author Apratim Barua
    If you are good with Wordpress, why not start a membership website with it in a niche you think you could spend time without getting stressed out or demotivated. I'm sure you can find something then work on it. Also try to build a list as soon as you can.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Is it possible to start a membership start in any niche? I have some ideas but I don't know if I can turn that into a membership site that offers enough information to keep people encouraged to stay a member
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      • Profile picture of the author Apratim Barua
        you can easily create membership site for niches in evergreen markets like:
        a) health & fitness
        b) wealth creation
        c) relationships
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        • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
          That sounds pretty good! The thing I was thinking of is actually in the health/self-healing niche. Though I can provide 1-2 maybe 3 ebooks, but after that there's not much more to explain anymore.. could it still work this way?
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  • Profile picture of the author svetod
    Hey Mitch,

    I read your skills and week points, I would suggest you to try lead generation. The best is to pick a good niche (I personally focus on finance staff as the markets are interesting with high payouts) and build a website. Since you are good at WP this will be pretty easy for you. Usually the landing pages are very simple.

    The content you outsource, as you said you don't like writing and it is also pretty cheap.

    You will need some budget to spend on PPC (will suggest Adwords and Bing) and you will see how everything works together.

    Will be happy to help if you have any questions!

    Best Regards,
    Svetlin
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thanks Svetlin!

      The website shouldn't be a big problem at all! I might even have an idea but it's more into the health/self-healing niche, but I guess that's a profitable niche as well?

      I never checked outsourcing yet to be honest, when I hear that word I usually think "expensive" cause other people have to create a full product but I might be wrong about that.

      I don't mind the PPC as long we can kind of predict how much will come out, I spend many hundreds of dollars on ad campaigns for my moms company, not a single dollar came in return.. if that's because of bad ads or crappy sale pages/product descriptions or both I don't know..

      Do you mind if I send you a pm with some further questions?
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Mitch van Dongen View Post

    My strong points:
    -Very good with computers
    -Love to build websites with Wordpress (do have HTML/CSS skills as well)
    -Good with photoshop and illustrator
    -Good with 3D drawing/CAD modeling
    You could sell all this info./skills. Pick your favorite and get started.







    Originally Posted by Mitch van Dongen View Post

    Weak points:
    -Terrible at copywriting (which screws me with SEO etc..)
    -Weak in social contact (calling, face to face)
    -Quickly stressed out & demotivated
    -Low starting budget
    Don't worry about this, everyone has weak points, you deal with it in small steps when needed. Don't fixate on it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      I could make some course for the websdesign or photoshop I guess. With these things, I usually prefer a video course so I can see directly how it works.. making the video and editing is no problem (also one of my hobbies haha!) but talking will be a different matter especially since I'm not native English speaking. Or can I get some voiceover and just write a script for this as well?
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  • Profile picture of the author robbastien
    Mitch - This will work....I guarantee it.

    Start a new "Fiverr like" service...right here on the Warrior forum.

    Heck...I'll be your first client. I always have small graphics work that drives me crazy.

    I'll even joint partner with you, setup the service and payment account.

    Let me know and I'll have some interesting coin in your wallet while helping other guys like me with your strengths.

    Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author Evelyninusa
    You've already gotten a lot of good advice, so I won't repeat it. I'll just mention that I've had good results by outsourcing to Fiverr. There are quite a few people out their who will do work for little money. Since you'll most likely want some help with copywriting, another good place to look is iWriter.com. Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thank you, I did order a few small things from fiverr and I agree there are definitely great people who deliver top notch work.

      Thanks for mentioning iWriter, I didn't know this site but I will definitely bookmark it
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  • Profile picture of the author MotoJao
    I would look, at website Flipping, creating review videos about Amazon products (So easy to rank) or jump intoLaunch Jacking.

    Launch Jacking is profiting from new IM launches, creating a review video before the product launches, outrank competition on Youtube, and then profit if your viewers buy from your link.

    2k a month is very possible if you put in some work at the beginning.

    Learn, apply and don´t give up

    You can Google launch jacking to know more.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thanks for your reply! I never heard of Launch Jacking but it definitely sounds like an interesting option too! I'll do some research on that as well
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  • Profile picture of the author ImRoment
    Originally Posted by Mitch van Dongen View Post

    My strong points:
    -Very good with computers
    -Love to build websites with WordPress (do have HTML/CSS skills as well)
    -I like to try new things
    -Good with Photoshop and illustrator
    -Good with 3D drawing/CAD modelling
    -I learn quickly new computer-related stuff
    Trust me, only one of your skills you have mentioned above is enough to make you rich or to live a better life... Start as a freelancer and sell your skills. There are a lot of freelancing site where you can get started without any cost..At the beginning you will face a few new things/ little problems but with time you can become an expert for sure..You can sell your skills on freelancing sites ( fiverr, upworks,freelancer.com) or sell your design on different platforms...like flippa,envato etc

    Just don't give up and stick for a few weeks and i Guarantee you will see the change..

    Thank you
    Roment
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    • Profile picture of the author Mitch van Dongen
      Thanks for your reply Roment that definitely motivated me not to give up at the moment I'm trying to make it work on fiverr and upwork, but struggling the most with fiverr tot start at 0, got some gig views and made some offers but it doesn't work out for me yet.

      I have been thinking about Flippa too, I actually sold a few domains there in the past. But never sold a full website on there so I'll do some additional research on that I guess..
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  • Profile picture of the author T S Chan
    You can start by selling your skills (design websites) as a freelancer on warrior forum or any other freelance website, ie: fiverr
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