Thanks to this forum and IM they've taken away my disability pension!

52 replies
Hi Guys and Gals,
I've been a long time lurker of this forum but today I feel I need to share some of my excitement.

Today I am officially making too much money from IM to continue recieving the disability pension! This day has been a goal that I have had for a long, long time and I hope that by sharing my story I might be able to inspire anyone who is starting out or having a hard time pulling in the dollars to keep going and give it your absolute best shot, it is worth it in so many ways.

In late 2005 I suffered a pretty severe back injury while working as a self employed motor mechanic and by early 2006 my wife and I had to virtually walk away from a business that we both had put a lot of hard work (and money!) into.

After what little savings we had dried up I had to bite the bullet and went on a disability pension. So here we were with a $415 a fortnight "income", three small children to raise, a mortgage and not a lot of hope. Thankfully Belinda's work agreed to give her more hours but we were still going backwards, fast.

One thing I did have was a lot of spare time and thankfully I found this wonderful thing called the internet. Previously all I could do with a computer was print out job cards and invoices for customers and that was only when things were running properly!

Long story short, I discovered internet marketing, read and absorbed everything I possibly could, bought a couple of courses and now we are making considerably more in a week than I was getting a fortnight from the pension.

I still have bad days where I am flat out getting out of bed let alone sitting at the computer but the real beauty of this business for someone like me is that the income doesn't necessarily stop when I have to.

I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer you all but all I can say is stick to the basics, stop looking for the "magic bullet", it doesn't exist. Find a method or system that you are comfortable doing (or combination of methods/systems) and work your tail off and you will see results. (Checking emails or looking at the girly sites is not work by the way!)

This goal that we have reached today is only the start of things and I have my sights set on doubling our income in the next 3 months so that should be exciting.

Finally I would like to say a HUGE thankyou to everyone that contributes to this forum, there simply is no better learning ground out there. Without this forum I know I would still be scrimping and saving to stretch my $415 a fortnight.

Once again, thank you and whatever you do don't give up, work hard at one thing and success will come. It may not come overnight but it will come none the less.

Craig
#disability #forum #pension
  • Profile picture of the author terenceyang
    Yes Craig, I am happy for you!

    Your success story will definitely push myself to work smarter and harder. I will be proud to show you as a role model and reference to many people who do not believe that IM rocks.

    Thank you for sharing and giving me a chance to add your name to my list of successes in IM.

    All the best and Juice!

    Terence
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
    Nice Job,

    Keep it up! Success stories like yours are the reason I got started with Internet Marketing and if it were not the success stories I wouldn't have been doing any internet marketing and I wouldn't have been making any money online.

    Once again, Good Job
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohammad Afaq
    I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer you all but all I can say is stick to the basics, stop looking for the "magic bullet", it doesn't exist. Find a method or system that you are comfortable doing (or combination of methods/systems) and work your tail off and you will see results. (Checking emails or looking at the girly sites is not work by the way!)
    People, if you are looking for a great advice then read the quote above. I kept lurking on the internet for about 1.5 years without making a dime and when I developed a system and stuck to it for long enough, I started making money online.

    Long Story Short, Don't look for more and more information. Just pick a method and work with it and don't quit before you make money off of it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rickling
      Originally Posted by mohammad111 View Post

      People, if you are looking for a great advice the read the quote above. I kept lurking on the internet for about 1.5 years without making a dime and when I developed a system and stuck to it for long enough, I started making money online.

      Long Story Short, Don't look for more and more information. Just pick a method and work with it and don't quit before you make money off of it.
      Even List buiding thru an affliates? Hoping they buy the affliliates product to make money, then I guess somehow I need to get them over to my main business when I have a list hmm.... Still trying?
      Rick.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonB
    By far one of the best stories I have read in a long time pertaining to your circumstances.

    Thanks for enlightening us and showing the rest of us there are other ways to make it.
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    • Profile picture of the author autofix
      Thanks for your comments guys. I sincerely hope that my post inspires people enough to give this crazy business their best shot.

      I still have a lot of hard work ahead of me but the position we are in now is life changing I can tell you!

      Craig
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  • Profile picture of the author trimmerman
    Hi Craig,
    Great job, Every success story around here helps. I'm still trying, I think I have some of that mental junk holding me back. I'm trying to push forward anyway. Real success stories mean a lot.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pierre!
    Excellent Craig! That is *AWESOME* news!

    May this just be the start... I sense that you have an ebook in you that could give some folks hope!

    Keep Kicking some economic butt Craig!

    God Bless
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  • Profile picture of the author LaLaLives
    Congratulations and thanks for sharing your good news. I look forward to reading about you reaching your next goal of doubling your current income. Stay encouraged and keep us posted on your progress!
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    Hey Craig - that's just fantastic man. Great to hear you are doing so well.

    Good luck with doubling your income too!

    Will
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  • Profile picture of the author bluewillow
    Congratulations. This would be my goal as well. I'll keep plugging away!
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  • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
    Life is pretty harsh and cruel sometimes.

    Your story is a reminder that sometimes we need to hit rock bottom in order for us to rebound.

    Congratulations on your success. I look forward to the day when you come back and tell us that your misfortune was actually a blessing in disguise.

    All the best to you.
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    • Profile picture of the author autofix
      Originally Posted by whateverpedia View Post

      Life is pretty harsh and cruel sometimes.

      Your story is a reminder that sometimes we need to hit rock bottom in order for us to rebound.

      Congratulations on your success. I look forward to the day when you come back and tell us that your misfortune was actually a blessing in disguise.

      All the best to you.
      What you say is so true whateverpedia, 2006 was a very 'dark' time for us but I believe that if you keep a positive attitude (as positive as you can be anyway) and an open mind opportunities do present themselves.

      In all honesty injuring my back is the best thing that has happened in my life. Sure, I have some really crappy days but I get to be an active part of my kids lives whereas before they wanted a cardboard cutout made of me so they could remember what I looked like! I treasure that aspect the most. Plus I was working ridiculously long hours doing overly-physical work for not alot more money.

      Also "traditional" businesses have so many restrictions compared to Internet Marketing. If I wasn't at the workshop crawling around cars we didn't make any money. In comparison we went to the accountant this morning and then I went to see the lovely? people at Centrelink and by the time I got home we had made a bit over $150. What other small business offers this flexibility? None that I know of.

      Thanks for all of your comments and I wish you all the very best.

      Craig
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  • Profile picture of the author ozduc
    Originally Posted by autofix View Post

    I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer you all but all I can say is stick to the basics, stop looking for the "magic bullet", it doesn't exist. Find a method or system that you are comfortable doing (or combination of methods/systems) and work your tail off and you will see results.

    Craig
    On the contrary Craig, these are mighty words of wisdom.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
    Congrats! Good to see another Aussie has succeeded....hope to be where you are soon
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Congratulations, Craig. Not only on your success, but for having the gumption to take charge of your life again. Some people would have been happy to sit on their back side and watch TV all day. Nothing can stop a person that is determined enough to succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author SEMwinners
    Craig, perhaps this tip/s will aid your back healing. 14-15 years ago I suffered a spinal fracture while rollerblading in London and almost colliding into a truck... After my girl was born it gradually got so bad - in spite of accupuncture, massage, etc - I could hardly find a position without pain. And I was a very sporty person.
    Came accross EFT (Emofree.com - sadly Gary is forced to pull site down very soon) and Falun-Gong exercises. Both different but amazing energy methods. And within 3 months I was as good as new and pain free. Can do my splits again and get a decent night's sleep.
    So I thought I'd share and hope it helps!
    To your success!
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  • Profile picture of the author autofix
    Thank You SEMwinners, I'm willing to try anything to be pain free. My doctor seems content to push more and more pain killers on me and at this stage I'm told the chances of surgery being successful are very low so I will check it out for sure.

    Don't think I'll be doing the splits anytime soon though :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Way to go.

    I am also on disability, fortunatly I am getting a bit more than you did. But I am hoping to end up losing that income through internet marketing. So far I am not making anything, but I feel like I am on the brink of turning things around. I am going to keep at it until I do generate a decent income stream, and beyond.
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  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    Congrats! Good job
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  • Profile picture of the author Tomwood
    This is a great inspiring thread perhaps you should make a wso of your story and your methods not just the IM methods you use to create your income but the mental tricks and methods you have used to keep going against the odds.

    I am sure it would be a great read.
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  • Profile picture of the author thebitbotdotcom
    Bravo autofix! That's stickin' it to the man...
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  • Profile picture of the author dotslash
    Great story - congratulations Craig !
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  • Profile picture of the author Dhira
    Excellent story indeed. I have someone on disability who I've tried to inspire to do IM, but some people don't have the drive to do it.
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    • Profile picture of the author theimdude
      Hey Craig well done and trust soon your back problem will be solved permanently.

      Craig what exactly have over sized ladies clothing to do with car repair advice - please explain???? as I lost interest in the "auto blog" now
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    that's good to here....
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  • Profile picture of the author Trev_23
    That's great Craig!

    I'm also in a pretty similar situation. Living off a carer's pension which only just scrapes me through the fortnight.

    Hopefully i can have some success in IM soon and won't need it anymore

    Trevor.
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    • Profile picture of the author Azfi
      Very good motivation story. The key point is hardworking, don't give up.

      Thomas Edison Quotes

      - I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

      - Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edk
    Wonderful! Well Done. As a comment, not a criticism, I started to get A LOT more out of this forum when I put my attention on helping others here. Man I was a lurker for years! They can't touch you for it, but when I started giving more I started getting loads more from the forum. Keep on. I look forward to your further Success Stories...
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  • Profile picture of the author Venturetothetop
    Craig, awesome stuff...

    What I really love about you also is not only the picture of you with your baby (yeah im a softy sometimes) but the fact you are promoting both a mechanical product and a back pain product, both of which you have a real interest in. (Back pain is a by product of your injury, but your using products that helped you to help others...)

    That there is why you have done so well. You are knowledgable about your niches and I would have no hesitiation in backing money on the fact that you will indeed double your income within 3 months....

    Look forward to your next success story...
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    • Profile picture of the author autofix
      Originally Posted by theimdude View Post

      Hey Craig well done and trust soon your back problem will be solved permanently.

      Craig what exactly have over sized ladies clothing to do with car repair advice - please explain???? as I lost interest in the "auto blog" now
      Oh no, my little secret is out :p

      Originally Posted by Trev_23 View Post

      That's great Craig!

      I'm also in a pretty similar situation. Living off a carer's pension which only just scrapes me through the fortnight.

      Hopefully i can have some success in IM soon and won't need it anymore

      Trevor.
      Trevor if you haven't already read it I highly recommend Chris Rempels' Conduit Method post http://www.warriorforum.com/war-room...affiliate.html

      Implementing those strategies accelerated our results big time!

      Originally Posted by Azfi View Post

      Very good motivation story. The key point is hardworking, don't give up.

      Thomas Edison Quotes

      - I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

      - Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
      I love those quotes and I think they apply very much to internet marketing.

      Originally Posted by Edk View Post

      Wonderful! Well Done. As a comment, not a criticism, I started to get A LOT more out of this forum when I put my attention on helping others here. Man I was a lurker for years! They can't touch you for it, but when I started giving more I started getting loads more from the forum. Keep on. I look forward to your further Success Stories...
      Thank You Edk, I will take that on board. I thought twice about making the initial post, forums are not my forte but I can see exactly where you are coming from.

      Originally Posted by Venturetothetop View Post

      Craig, awesome stuff...

      What I really love about you also is not only the picture of you with your baby (yeah im a softy sometimes) but the fact you are promoting both a mechanical product and a back pain product, both of which you have a real interest in. (Back pain is a by product of your injury, but your using products that helped you to help others...)

      That there is why you have done so well. You are knowledgable about your niches and I would have no hesitiation in backing money on the fact that you will indeed double your income within 3 months....

      Look forward to your next success story...
      Thank You Venturetothetop, a very confidence inspiring post, thank you.
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  • Profile picture of the author arklove
    Quote_"Once again, thank you and whatever you do don't give up, work hard at one thing and success will come. It may not come overnight but it will come none the less."


    Craig...thanks my motivation had dropped off the last few days and reading your determination has re-inspired me to keep on keeping on...
    all the best to you and your family...Ark
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  • Profile picture of the author Jimian
    Craig, that's the kind of American spirit this country need right now. A great shot in the arm!
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  • Profile picture of the author Hobo82
    Hey Craig,

    What a heart warming story. This post has put more bounce in my step than a cup of coffee. I am so glad for you and your family. It gives everyone who has thought that it can't be done, that it can be done. God bless you.

    Hobo82
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  • Profile picture of the author SolomonHuey
    Awesome awesome story. Congrats on your success!

    Solomon Huey
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    You were able to transfer your business skills from one job
    to the other. I don't think it's a mistake that you've reached
    so far because you already appreciated how tough it is to
    make it as a small business owner. Instead of whining about your
    situation you did something about it.

    This is a real inspiring story for sure and the first part of a great
    sales letter.

    Headline: "Injured Back Mechanic Lost Business And Replaces Disability
    Check In XX Months While Sitting At His Home Computer!"


    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Lisa Gergets
    Wow and wow and wow! Congratulations to you for taking the bull by the horns and showin' it who's boss!
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  • Profile picture of the author entrepreneurjay
    That is great we need more success stories like that. I am glad to hear that you are doing great! Lesson to everyone else hard work really does pay off! This post is living proof...
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    • Profile picture of the author davidjames42973
      That's awesome! Keep up the good work.

      Here in the United States, unemployment is at an all time high and as of December 2009, if you make more than $900 while being unemployed, they drop you from unemployment. In other words, if you're out of work and get a temp job, you won't get unemployment. They rather have you not working than taking on odd jobs. Weird.

      I do feel bad for those who aren't involved in this amazing thing we call internet marketing. I've tried recruiting friends and family, but none of them have come on board.
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  • Profile picture of the author oyruhere
    Craig, your an inspiration mate. Like others before have commented I think you are already sitting on the means to move your business on to the next level. A story of struggle and ultimate success like yours will resonate with so many people beyond the IM world. Combine it with your system and your on to a winner mate.

    Brilliant stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author mlord10
    This is a great story. It just proves what people can do when they stay dedicated to the task at hand. That is such an inspirational story. I can't imagine living off of that little amount of income with three small children.

    I am glad that you are starting to see a great income online!
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  • Profile picture of the author Cheryl_James
    Thanks Craig and congrats to you!
    Your post is just what the doctor ordered for a newcomer like myself!
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    • Profile picture of the author SuzanneR
      You know what? This is one of the best success stories I've read here--and I thought your subject line was brilliant.

      Just knowing you can say "Thanks, but no thanks" to government assistance has got to be a great feeling.

      I hope your back gets back to normal. Thanks for your great story!
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  • Profile picture of the author AverageGuy
    congratulations. below wisdom words are far more valuable than many quick-money-startegy-kind-of-wso.

    thanks

    david

    Originally Posted by autofix View Post

    I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer you all but all I can say is stick to the basics, stop looking for the "magic bullet", it doesn't exist. Find a method or system that you are comfortable doing (or combination of methods/systems) and work your tail off and you will see results. (Checking emails or looking at the girly sites is not work by the way!)

    Craig
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  • Profile picture of the author Sue McDonald
    Hi Craig

    Great story but wouldn't you agree that you believed in yourself and your ability to do this? Your belief and positive actions have helped you achieved what you wanted to do and I congratulate you for that.

    Your story should help inspire others. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    Congrats! Sure wish there were more people like you in the world.
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  • Profile picture of the author nanobanano
    That is so great. Having some medical problems myself I have had to cut down to 40 hrs/mo at my job. Been trying to figure out affiliate marketing but have not been successful yet. Hearing this story from you encourages me...thanks for sharing
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    Congratulations on two counts.

    1) For gritting your teeth and making it work despite the problems you've faced.
    2) For not pulling benefits out of the system when you no longer needed them.

    Props.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vanquish
    Great story. People like you are a huge inspiration and give other warriors the inspiration to keep on trucking!

    Thanks for sharing
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    • Profile picture of the author andr3w84
      Congratulations!!! What an excellent proof and encouragement to work in this great field. As the brother of someone who also has to cope with disability -and still manages to keep an engaging positive attitude just like you- I cannot but relate to your story.
      All the best!!!
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