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Don't Be Put Off By The Word 'Business'...This Stuff Can Be A Very Profitable Hobby Too!

by Steven Fullman
13 replies
Hi,

One minor quibble I have with some of the old guard is when I hear this "blah blah":

"If you don't treat your IM activities as a 'super serious business', then you'll fail".

Nonsense.

IM can be a (very) profitable *hobby* as well.

It sure is for me.

I'm no captain of industry. I'm not the next Zuckerberg. I have no desire to employ an assistant (virtual or otherwise). I don't want an affiliate manager...

...and I'm perfectly happy with my lot. It pays for luxury goods and holidays.

I'm just a programmer. You might be a writer. Or have Social Networking skills. People skills. Organizational skills. Graphical skills.

Whatever...

Anyone can make a buck in this world, if you put your mind to it.

I totally applaud those of you with the ambition to be the next Kern, Filsaime, Walker. You're awesome. More than awesome...you're the future of this industry (in my day it way Cheney, Silver, and Lok...and they're still going strong!)

I think though, it's important to recognise that we don't all need to be the equal of those guys in order to succeed. Don't apply unnecessary pressure. Concentrate on earning your first/next buck...if that's all you want to do.

Us hobbyists can still make a pretty darn cool living. I'm proof.

So, set your ambition as high as you feel comfortable with, and recognise that you *already* know a thousand times more about making money than the next guy...just by visiting this forum.

..and don't feel you *have* to mix it with the big guns.

Cheers,
Steve

#businessthis #hobby #put #stuff #word
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    Very realistic viewpoint. Too many people hear so much hype that they think anything less than a six figure income means failure.
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  • Profile picture of the author cashcow
    Good point. Some people just want to make a few extra bucks with this stuff and that's perfectly fine!

    Even if you have a job that you love and are doing this as a "hobby" or for some extra money, the really cool thing is that you have the ability to make money without a boss handing you a paycheck. How far you want to take it is up to you!

    Lee
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    • Profile picture of the author ceecee12
      Encouraging thoughts!
      thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
    Originally Posted by Steven Fullman View Post

    Hi,



    "If you don't treat your IM activities as a 'super serious business', then you'll fail".

    Nonsense.

    IM can be a (very) profitable *hobby* as well.

    It sure is for me.


    Who says "super serious business"?

    I don't agree with you, your premise is not right.

    Nobody says you have to make a six figure income.

    A hobby doesn't mean you aren't serious. It doesn't matter what you call it, once there transactions involved, it's a business.

    So, when the HMRC (or IRS) guys come knocking, do you say "it's just a hobby, why should I pay tax?"

    Of course not
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
      Actually, I agree with you 100%

      110% if it helps

      I always find that people are more committed (emotionally) to their 'hobbies' than their 'work'.

      Don't you agree?

      Certainly, I try hard to commit to my customers. That's a given.

      All I was trying to say is: if you want to earn your rent money, or pay for a holiday...don't feel pressured into thinking that -- unless you dream up a 6/7-figure launch -- you're dead in the water before you even begin...

      Because that's not true.

      Your point about the tax man is absolutely valid, and probably should be discussed in its own thread.

      Best wishes,
      Steve

      Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul View Post

      Who says "super serious business"?

      I don't agree with you, your premise is not right.

      Nobody says you have to make a six figure income.

      A hobby doesn't mean you aren't serious. It doesn't matter what you call it, once there transactions involved, it's a business.

      So, when the HMRC (or IRS) guys come knocking, do you say "it's just a hobby, why should I pay tax?"

      Of course not
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  • Profile picture of the author O0o0O
    That's a good perspective, mate. It all depends on what type of lifestyle you want to live. Then it's a matter of building your business around that lifestyle.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    It depends on what type of IM you are doing. If you provide services online than most likely a professional serious business image would work better. For info product creators a more casual 'hobby' image would work.
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  • Profile picture of the author rockyonfire
    Yup I agree with you. Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Like the quote:

    "Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life" - Harvey MacKay

    I agree with you Steven, I'd much rather make less money and enjoy myself while I did it, than do something I didn't like that made me a mint. You don't need a fortune to be happy.


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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
      Great to hear from you, Audrey!

      Been a while. Too long.

      How's things?

      Cheers,
      Steve

      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      Like the quote:

      "Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life" - Harvey MacKay

      I agree with you Steven, I'd much rather make less money and enjoy myself while I did it, than do something I didn't like that made me a mint. You don't need a fortune to be happy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    Steve, I am really really well, enjoying myself immensely at the moment. I'm psyching myself up for a 96km hilly trail walk in about a week, raising funds for youth projects. I'll be on my feet for about 30 hours, through a cold winter night! Awesome!

    Got a few little plr writing projects on the go on topics that really interest me, and dipping my toes into the offline world, and having fun with that too. I'm far from rich, but there are absolutely no complaints here. :-)

    What's happening over your neck of the woods?
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      I'm psyching myself up for a 96km hilly trail walk in about a week, raising funds for youth projects. I'll be on my feet for about 30 hours, through a cold winter night! Awesome!
      Bloody hell. 96Km? Hills. 30 hours? Cold winter night?

      You're mad!

      Except...it's for the kids. So you're slightly less mad. Just...erm...sadistic, or is it masochistic (I always get those two mixed up)


      Originally Posted by Audrey Harvey View Post

      Got a few little plr writing projects on the go on topics that really interest me, and dipping my toes into the offline world, and having fun with that too. I'm far from rich, but there are absolutely no complaints here. :-)

      What's happening over your neck of the woods?
      I'm just programming as normal. Great to see you're having fun, and trying out different stuff. That's so cool...

      Best wishes, and best of luck with your 'mental' marathon! It's inspirational.

      Cheers,
      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    actually great tips there steve mate!

    Good job.

    I think as a business owner, i use to treat this like a hobby but now my hobby is a real business with real turnover things have changed. But this is a very good post and can make people take the first step. That is all it needs sometimes.

    There are so many big people in here, with their big lists. That alone can make you soem good money. It has for me in one IM niche. And its all about leverage. You dont need a gazillion dollars to get started online, just use the guys that have big lists and have done the hard work already.

    Just takes a little bit of thinkin out side dem boxes!!
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