First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World

cozandeffect · 12-31-2008, 12:03 PM

There's no time like New Year's Eve to wax philosophical about where you and your business headed. As of this time last year I:

worked two full time jobs (travel agent by day, waiter by night)
engaged, and really worried about paying for the wedding
lost, confused, depressed, etc.

You get the point.

Fast forward a year: my wife and I both gave notice last week to our employers. We have a one way ticket to Bangkok, and will spend 2009 traveling the world, while continuing to build our businesses, which will provide automatic income for years.

Here's a brief recap:

In January, I had a MILLION DOLLAR IDEA that would catapult us into the upper echelon of wealth, power and prestige.

I was so excited about it, I quit my night job and created a 50 page e-book, software, and three audio CD's and sold them via Adwords.

Millionaire? Hardly. It made a couple hundred bucks a month.

I would have made more money sticking with the restaurant, wearing a lousy bow tie and serving overpriced food. Internet Marketing took an immense amount of time to build, and offered a trickle of additional income. All in all, it really wasn't worth it.

Or was it? I learned a lot from that product, including a solid understanding of Adwords, list building, split testing, and automation.

The fact is, that stupid website my wife (yep, we tied the knot last month) and I put together is still earning a few hundred dollars a month on complete autopilot.

We duplicated this process with another product, with similar results.

Then, we took this newfound knowledge and freelanced as an Adwords specialist (me) and a web designer (my wife). This led to teaching an internet marketing class at a local community college (and an agreement to set up their adwords campaign).

All in all, the offline work brought in just over $2,300.

Again, there wasn't a TON of money rolling in. But that's not the point.

The point is that we were taking ACTION. And this is where many fellow Warriors can relate...

We spend hours on this forum, discussing methods and strategies. We check email several times a day. We "calculate" our future earnings, without taking the time to MAKE IT HAPPEN TODAY.

I've recently created another website that is currently bringing in $100/month. Not riches, but it's still money in my pocket that I don't have to work for. Furthermore, the $500 a month we're making on auto pilot will go pretty far in Thailand, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam...

I have to thank so many Warriors here for contributing to my modest success this first year, such as Xfactor, Steve Waggenheim, and Allen Graves. There's a large percentage of us here who fall between the "newbies" and the "gurus." We do OK online, and are still learning the ropes.

Over time, you start to develop your own style... your own business models... and over time, you realize your own success.

Success boils down to two equal ingredients:

Knowledge
Action

They're like breathing: in order to stay alive, you have to do both, and in equal proportions. Too many people (myself included) focus on learning new skills, and forget to actually put those skills to use.

In other words, LEARN something today, and DO something today. You'll see results, I promise.

Have a sit down with your partner (or yourself, if need be) and ask yourself what you want out of next year. Then figure out what you can give people next year to make it happen.

Thank you Warriors, and have a fantastic 2009!

Michael Oksa · 12-31-2008, 12:11 PM

Thanks Coz,

You're right on the money (literally and figuratively).

The saying that "knowledge is power" isn't true, as you so aptly pointed out. "Applied knowledge is power".

Setting goals is meaningless if you don't do anything to achieve them.

The new year is a time when many poeple make resolutions, but the cynics look down their noses at those who do.

Let me say I make resolutions every year, some are kept, some are not - but I'm the better for attempting all of them.

You had what you thought was a million dollar idea, then reality hit. Some people only have hundred dollar ideas, AND never start. Results are harder to predict for new people, and it makes one wonder how many million dollar ideas never got of the ground because the originator of the idea didn't see its true worth.

All the best for the new year,
Michael

Mark Kaye · 12-31-2008, 12:11 PM

Great story! Very inspirational. Congrats on your marriage and your year to come traveling the globe.

The one thing that most IM's don't realize is that you don't have to have a HUGE sum of money to be "successful," all you need is enough to live the life you really, really desire.

Best in 2009 to all!

OmarNegron · 12-31-2008, 12:20 PM

Great story man! I will use your story as an inspiration.

Keep going my friend.

Take care

Omar!

cozandeffect · 12-31-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Oksa

Thanks Coz,

You're right on the money (literally and figuratively).

The saying that "knowledge is power" isn't true, as you so aptly pointed out. "Applied knowledge is power".

Setting goals is meaningless if you don't do anything to achieve them.

The new year is a time when many poeple make resolutions, but the cynics look down their noses at those who do.

Let me say I make resolutions every year, some are kept, some are not - but I'm the better for attempting all of them.

You had what you thought was a million dollar idea, then reality hit. Some people only have hundred dollar ideas, AND never start. Results are harder to predict for new people, and it makes one wonder how many million dollar ideas never got of the ground because the originator of the idea didn't see its true worth.

All the best for the new year,
Michael

Thanks Michael, I should say you were one of the major influences for me this year!

brandiwoodrum · 12-31-2008, 02:18 PM

Great story! I am very new to IM, and your story is insperational. I am hoping to be able to provide more money to family this year. I know that it is going to take alot of work as well as time educating myself. I want nothing more than to succeed and pull my family out of the rat race we live in now! Good Luck and I wish you continued success in the future!

Eric Stanley · 12-31-2008, 02:28 PM

My plan:

YouTube - Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

cozandeffect · 12-31-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kaye

Great story! Very inspirational. Congrats on your marriage and your year to come traveling the globe.

The one thing that most IM's don't realize is that you don't have to have a HUGE sum of money to be "successful," all you need is enough to live the life you really, really desire.

Best in 2009 to all!

Ain't that the truth... It took awhile to shake the dreams of millions out of my head in order to earn real dollars.

cozandeffect · 12-31-2008, 02:59 PM

Eric: Definitely a plan... maybe I'll video myself taking shots of crazy Asian liquors and post 'em!

Amber_Writes · 12-31-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozandeffect

LEARN something today, and DO something today. You'll see results, I promise.

Have a sit down with your partner (or yourself, if need be) and ask yourself what you want out of next year. Then figure out what you can give people next year to make it happen.

Very well said, and point taken. And since it's the last day of 2008, I'm going to DO SOMETHING TODAY to kick off my tomorrow!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Paul Coleman · 12-31-2008, 04:23 PM

This thread is so inspiring. I've noticed that the people who succeed have a special attitude:

I'm going to work hard, take action no matter how much it hurts, and never quit.

Congrats on your success. Freedom!!

Paul

lavenderstreak · 12-31-2008, 04:31 PM

I want to join in on the congratulations. Your story is inspiring and you're traveling my favorite part of the world! I hope to be following in your footsteps by this time next year.

Have a great time and best wishes for continued success,
Cheryl

Eric Evans · 12-31-2008, 04:55 PM

Wow, I just found out about the Warrior Forum today and this is the first thread I've read...and well, my first post now!

What an inspirational thread, from the first entry to Eric Stanley's video, I'm pumped for the coming year! I too quit my job in october to go full time with my internet dreams! I'd be dabbling around for a couple years, made some small change doing affiliate marketing and ecommerce and decided to give it a real go. I'm not expecting to be an overnight millionaire, but I'm having a blast learning and I'm absolutely confident I will be successful with hard work. Eventually opportunity will come and I hope to be ready.

Happy new year everybody!

Eric Stanley · 12-31-2008, 05:03 PM

Happy New Year Eric and welcome to Warrior!

raynman · 12-31-2008, 05:10 PM

glad to hear of your mariage and success!

I am close to where you were at this point last year...except married already and I have a 1 year old and this is the only thing that I am doing to try and support us.

Have fun in your travels. My goal is to buy a camper and travel the US with my wife and daughter in 2010. I love hearing people living their dreams.

Enjoy the life!

12-31-2008, 12:03 PM	#1
cozandeffect HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 196 Thanks: 27 Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts	First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World There's no time like New Year's Eve to wax philosophical about where you and your business headed. As of this time last year I: worked two full time jobs (travel agent by day, waiter by night) engaged, and really worried about paying for the wedding lost, confused, depressed, etc. You get the point. Fast forward a year: my wife and I both gave notice last week to our employers. We have a one way ticket to Bangkok, and will spend 2009 traveling the world, while continuing to build our businesses, which will provide automatic income for years. Here's a brief recap: In January, I had a MILLION DOLLAR IDEA that would catapult us into the upper echelon of wealth, power and prestige. I was so excited about it, I quit my night job and created a 50 page e-book, software, and three audio CD's and sold them via Adwords. Millionaire? Hardly. It made a couple hundred bucks a month. I would have made more money sticking with the restaurant, wearing a lousy bow tie and serving overpriced food. Internet Marketing took an immense amount of time to build, and offered a trickle of additional income. All in all, it really wasn't worth it. Or was it? I learned a lot from that product, including a solid understanding of Adwords, list building, split testing, and automation. The fact is, that stupid website my wife (yep, we tied the knot last month) and I put together is still earning a few hundred dollars a month on complete autopilot. We duplicated this process with another product, with similar results. Then, we took this newfound knowledge and freelanced as an Adwords specialist (me) and a web designer (my wife). This led to teaching an internet marketing class at a local community college (and an agreement to set up their adwords campaign). All in all, the offline work brought in just over $2,300. Again, there wasn't a TON of money rolling in. But that's not the point. The point is that we were taking ACTION. And this is where many fellow Warriors can relate... We spend hours on this forum, discussing methods and strategies. We check email several times a day. We "calculate" our future earnings, without taking the time to MAKE IT HAPPEN TODAY. I've recently created another website that is currently bringing in $100/month. Not riches, but it's still money in my pocket that I don't have to work for. Furthermore, the $500 a month we're making on auto pilot will go pretty far in Thailand, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam... I have to thank so many Warriors here for contributing to my modest success this first year, such as Xfactor, Steve Waggenheim, and Allen Graves. There's a large percentage of us here who fall between the "newbies" and the "gurus." We do OK online, and are still learning the ropes. Over time, you start to develop your own style... your own business models... and over time, you realize your own success. Success boils down to two equal ingredients: Knowledge Action They're like breathing: in order to stay alive, you have to do both, and in equal proportions. Too many people (myself included) focus on learning new skills, and forget to actually put those skills to use. In other words, LEARN something today, and DO something today. You'll see results, I promise. Have a sit down with your partner (or yourself, if need be) and ask yourself what you want out of next year. Then figure out what you can give people next year to make it happen. Thank you Warriors, and have a fantastic 2009!

12-31-2008, 12:11 PM	#2
Michael Oksa The Ethical Marketer War Room Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 6,065 Thanks: 1,750 Thanked 3,028 Times in 1,340 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Thanks Coz, You're right on the money (literally and figuratively). The saying that "knowledge is power" isn't true, as you so aptly pointed out. "Applied knowledge is power". Setting goals is meaningless if you don't do anything to achieve them. The new year is a time when many poeple make resolutions, but the cynics look down their noses at those who do. Let me say I make resolutions every year, some are kept, some are not - but I'm the better for attempting all of them. You had what you thought was a million dollar idea, then reality hit. Some people only have hundred dollar ideas, AND never start. Results are harder to predict for new people, and it makes one wonder how many million dollar ideas never got of the ground because the originator of the idea didn't see its true worth. All the best for the new year, Michael
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12-31-2008, 12:11 PM	#3
Mark Kaye HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 291 Thanks: 52 Thanked 77 Times in 35 Posts Social Networking	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Great story! Very inspirational. Congrats on your marriage and your year to come traveling the globe. The one thing that most IM's don't realize is that you don't have to have a HUGE sum of money to be "successful," all you need is enough to live the life you really, really desire. Best in 2009 to all!
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12-31-2008, 12:20 PM	#4
OmarNegron #1 Yankee Fan Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 352 Thanks: 22 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Great story man! I will use your story as an inspiration. Keep going my friend. Take care Omar!
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12-31-2008, 02:18 PM	#6
brandiwoodrum Warrior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Great story! I am very new to IM, and your story is insperational. I am hoping to be able to provide more money to family this year. I know that it is going to take alot of work as well as time educating myself. I want nothing more than to succeed and pull my family out of the rat race we live in now! Good Luck and I wish you continued success in the future!
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12-31-2008, 02:59 PM	#9
cozandeffect HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 196 Thanks: 27 Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Eric: Definitely a plan... maybe I'll video myself taking shots of crazy Asian liquors and post 'em!

12-31-2008, 04:23 PM	#11
Paul Coleman bookPumper.com War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: California + Mexico Posts: 1,147 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 642 Thanked 1,566 Times in 159 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World This thread is so inspiring. I've noticed that the people who succeed have a special attitude: I'm going to work hard, take action no matter how much it hurts, and never quit. Congrats on your success. Freedom!! Paul
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12-31-2008, 04:31 PM	#12
lavenderstreak Warrior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Social Networking	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World I want to join in on the congratulations. Your story is inspiring and you're traveling my favorite part of the world! I hope to be following in your footsteps by this time next year. Have a great time and best wishes for continued success, Cheryl

12-31-2008, 04:55 PM	#13
Eric Evans Fierce Warrior Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 23 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Wow, I just found out about the Warrior Forum today and this is the first thread I've read...and well, my first post now! What an inspirational thread, from the first entry to Eric Stanley's video, I'm pumped for the coming year! I too quit my job in october to go full time with my internet dreams! I'd be dabbling around for a couple years, made some small change doing affiliate marketing and ecommerce and decided to give it a real go. I'm not expecting to be an overnight millionaire, but I'm having a blast learning and I'm absolutely confident I will be successful with hard work. Eventually opportunity will come and I hope to be ready. Happy new year everybody!

12-31-2008, 05:03 PM	#14
Eric Stanley Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 841 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 41 Thanked 119 Times in 73 Posts	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World Happy New Year Eric and welcome to Warrior!
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12-31-2008, 05:10 PM	#15
raynman HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: North Carolina, USA. Posts: 297 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 91 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	Re: First Year in IM: Quit Job, Travel World glad to hear of your mariage and success! I am close to where you were at this point last year...except married already and I have a 1 year old and this is the only thing that I am doing to try and support us. Have fun in your travels. My goal is to buy a camper and travel the US with my wife and daughter in 2010. I love hearing people living their dreams. Enjoy the life!