How do you REALLY explain to people what you do for a living???

85 replies
This question is aimed towards people whose primary source of income is earned on the internet.

Do people around you including your family and friends understand how exactly you earn money? I was having a conversation with a cousin of mine, and he seemed to be under the impression that the 'internet' was giving me a salary because I had a website up!

I think one of the main challenges of earning money online is that not too many people understand just how challenging it is. You have to react patiently to ignorant remarks about how you are lucky enough to be able to work from bed and not do much besides lifting a few fingers!

What are your experiences with doing online work and dealing with society?

I would love to hear your experiences!
#explain #living #people
  • Profile picture of the author MattCatania
    I convey my message via words. That usually does the trick.
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    Logic outweighs all.

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  • Profile picture of the author RBenson
    I generally tell them to mind their own business.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheZafraGroup
    Well if people don't get what we do, then I tell them to check my site out and read a short story of what I do and how I get paid online. People are ignorant of the internet simply because it's not being taught to people publicly. What do I mean by that? Well schools and other businesses are pretty much keeping the internet as a source of revenue quiet. If they don't like what I'm doing then it's their problem. Heck at least we work at home or wherever there's an internet connection.
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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Fenner
    Hii
    I have the same problem. When i tell people i just get blank looks so i have to tell all about IM AND i have to use laymens teams not IM terms.
    I think i will have yo make a page on my personal site to explain this.
    Peace Barry
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by MattCatania View Post

      I convey my message via words. That usually does the trick.
      I'll try that next time around!

      Originally Posted by Tim_Carter View Post


      I should have done a bit of research before posting this. It's a more common problem than I expected it to be!

      Originally Posted by RBenson View Post

      I generally tell them to mind their own business.
      That's an option! Thanks

      Originally Posted by TheZafraGroup View Post

      Well if people don't get what we do, then I tell them to check my site out and read a short story of what I do and how I get paid online. People are ignorant of the internet simply because it's not being taught to people publicly. What do I mean by that? Well schools and other businesses are pretty much keeping the internet as a source of revenue quiet. If they don't like what I'm doing then it's their problem. Heck at least we work at home or wherever there's an internet connection.
      That's a great attitude to have I think. I agree - there is a general lack of awareness of how money can be earned on the internet because it is not being taught to people openly. Life is good when you work from home! Thanks for your reply.

      Originally Posted by Barry Fenner View Post

      Hii
      I have the same problem. When i tell people i just get blank looks so i have to tell all about IM AND i have to use laymens teams not IM terms.
      I think i will have yo make a page on my personal site to explain this.
      Peace Barry
      Thanks for your reply Barry. It's a good idea putting up a page on your website explaining in simple terms what it is you do! Hopefully it will get through some people's minds that way
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  • Profile picture of the author timbarker
    Banned
    Actually at first they don't believe on me. They don't believe that earning money online is possible. Then they notice that I don't ask money from them anymore, instead, I give them and that's how they believe that I earn money online.

    It takes months for me to get their trust and hopefully they now believe on me.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by timbarker View Post

      Actually at first they don't believe on me. They don't believe that earning money online is possible. Then they notice that I don't ask money from them anymore, instead, I give them and that's how they believe that I earn money online.

      It takes months for me to get their trust and hopefully they now believe on me.
      It's great to be financially independent, isn't it? I've gotten the disbelief reaction as well. With time, once they see firsthand money in your hand, this lack of belief can be overcome.
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      • Profile picture of the author John Coutts
        You should have been with me when I tried explaining to the local tax office in my town here in Spain what I do for a living. They had never encountered anything like it, and had no idea of how to classify me.

        They eventually decided I was some kind of an artist. I didn't argue with them as that meant I was free to get on with what I do. That was five years ago when we first moved to Spain.

        John.
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        • Profile picture of the author tbc41
          I keep it real simple and just say that teach people how to work online...
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  • Profile picture of the author Ross Petal
    The best way to describe what we do in IM is to start off by explaining that we help companies maximise their profits (if your creating sites/seo/backlinks etc) and if your promoting affiliate products, FB ads, Adwords etc then you say that you help other companies to improve their selling strategies for products. We get paid for offering our services...just a thought
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  • Profile picture of the author garraye34
    This is a question I find very hard to answer when I was a newbie. Why do you want to hide from your shadow. If you make consistent living on the internet why would you feel shy of telling people you're an internet marketer. By so doing people treat you with great respect, they know that daft people cannot make money on the internet.

    If you're into offline/internet marketing just tell people you're "Internet Marketing Consultant"
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    I tell people: "I make videos and do graphics" - which is perfectly true. I just leave out the "which I sell on the Internet" part. It's easier that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Clyde
    I tell them I "sell stuff" online.
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulyC
    I've found that saying "Internet Marketing Consultant", which is true, is something that most people who don't know about IM can at least understand. Internet they know, marketing they know, and consulting they know. Does the trick most of the time!

    Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author J0hnnycl1ckz
    "I build websites" end of story. If questions are asked always stick to short, common sense answers that are easy to swallow.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Tell them I am snail farmer. The blank stare on their face is priceless....and I just smile.

    WHY? well it stops the barrage of endless stupid questions. ha ha LOL.

    Try it. Its fun, and the conversation moves to more interesting topics like that weather. LOL ha ha.
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  • Profile picture of the author typoo999
    I tell them I make websites and applications.
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    Boom shakalaka!
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  • Profile picture of the author Shoot
    I just say I am homeless, and live under a bridge.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      If they seem to be a prospect, they get a 30-second pitch and a business card. All others get a one-sentence summary, business card, and a referral request. There's no sense in wasting a good marketing opportunity.
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      • Profile picture of the author PerfectSolution
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        If they seem to be a prospect, they get a 30-second pitch and a business card. All others get a one-sentence summary, business card, and a referral request. There's no sense in wasting a good marketing opportunity.
        Why didn't i think of that? This is brilliant
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  • Profile picture of the author hardnova
    I say, "hello, I sell instant powerful multimedia websites for a living, would you like one?" then no matter what they say, I whip out the Xoom and make a demo site right there in less than 2 mins and blow their minds. they say "how much" and I say "whataya got"..by this time they have forgotten the conversation about what I do and are trying to pay me to do something for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
    With great difficulty, until about a year ago.

    These days it's somewhat simpler:

    ....................,/¯../
    .................../..../
    ............./´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
    ........../'/.../..../......./¨¯\
    ........('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
    .........\.................'...../
    ..........''...\.......... _.·´
    ............\..............(
    ..............\.............\...


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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by John Coutts View Post

      You should have been with me when I tried explaining to the local tax office in my town here in Spain what I do for a living. They had never encountered anything like it, and had no idea of how to classify me.

      They eventually decided I was some kind of an artist. I didn't argue with them as that meant I was free to get on with what I do. That was five years ago when we first moved to Spain.

      John.
      HAHAHAA Recently I went to the bank to get a new credit card for my corporation. The account manager asked me what I actually did for a living and it took me 15 minutes to explain to him. Even THEN he didnt understand what SEO meant and said "right, right, banner ads".

      I wanted to punch him.

      I totally know what you mean


      Originally Posted by garraye34 View Post

      This is a question I find very hard to answer when I was a newbie. Why do you want to hide from your shadow. If you make consistent living on the internet why would you feel shy of telling people you're an internet marketer. By so doing people treat you with great respect, they know that daft people cannot make money on the internet.

      If you're into offline/internet marketing just tell people you're "Internet Marketing Consultant"
      Well, people understand marketing, but when you put the word online before it, get give you a weird look LOL.

      Now I just tell them I have many websites

      Originally Posted by spearce000 View Post

      I tell people: "I make videos and do graphics" - which is perfectly true. I just leave out the "which I sell on the Internet" part. It's easier that way.
      Hahaha yea removing the online part is a good idae..

      Originally Posted by Clyde View Post

      I tell them I "sell stuff" online.
      True. I said that once. The other guy said: "Like ebay?"

      Originally Posted by PaulyC View Post

      I've found that saying "Internet Marketing Consultant", which is true, is something that most people who don't know about IM can at least understand. Internet they know, marketing they know, and consulting they know. Does the trick most of the time!

      Paul
      True. That is probably a good idea

      Originally Posted by J0hnnycl1ckz View Post

      "I build websites" end of story. If questions are asked always stick to short, common sense answers that are easy to swallow.
      Yea that is a good answer. Damn, I dont know why I tell them I am an SEO... because that leads into a totally different discussion.

      Originally Posted by celente View Post

      Tell them I am snail farmer. The blank stare on their face is priceless....and I just smile.

      WHY? well it stops the barrage of endless stupid questions. ha ha LOL.

      Try it. Its fun, and the conversation moves to more interesting topics like that weather. LOL ha ha.
      HAHAHAHAHAAH. This is the best answer ever.


      Originally Posted by Shoot View Post

      I just say I am homeless, and live under a bridge.
      Doing this would kill the conversation prematurely lol.

      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      If they seem to be a prospect, they get a 30-second pitch and a business card. All others get a one-sentence summary, business card, and a referral request. There's no sense in wasting a good marketing opportunity.
      The businessman in you is definitely taking over

      Originally Posted by hardnova View Post

      I say, "hello, I sell instant powerful multimedia websites for a living, would you like one?" then no matter what they say, I whip out the Xoom and make a demo site right there in less than 2 mins and blow their minds. they say "how much" and I say "whataya got"..by this time they have forgotten the conversation about what I do and are trying to pay me to do something for them.
      LOL genius.

      Originally Posted by DireStraits View Post

      With great difficulty, until about a year ago.

      These days it's somewhat simpler:

      ....................,/¯../
      .................../..../
      ............./´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
      ........../'/.../..../......./¨¯
      ........('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
      ..........................'...../
      ..........''............. _.·´
      ..........................(
      ..............................



      Yea. I like that idea It gets the point across.
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian Little
    I tell people I import russian prostitutes and sell them on ebay.

    It usually stops people from ever asking me about anything I do, which works perfectly fine for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author JasonParker
    Here's your answer: "I'm in sales."

    "What do you sell?"

    "Software, digital products."

    "What kind of products?"

    "(Insert your niche here)"
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  • Profile picture of the author QJN
    lol That is hard to explain to average people...when you start talking about affiliate marketing and publishers..they get lost! I'm dating a doctor and I always have this conversation on the phone.
    Doc: "What are you doing?"
    Me: "I'm working!"
    Doc: "Doing what?"
    Me: "Working."
    Doc: "Tell me!"
    Me: "Updating my websites, marketing, webinars and stuff"
    Doc: "I wanna see!"
    Me: "No, I'm busy"
    Doc: "Please, please..show me!"
    So I'd send a link to one of my pages...
    Doc: "You're so smart! How do you know to do all that?" LOL
    Me: "Because I'm so F*cking awesome!" :p
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  • Profile picture of the author vjboc
    I tell them that I built a Price Comparison website.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by Christian Little View Post

      I tell people I import russian prostitutes and sell them on ebay.

      It usually stops people from ever asking me about anything I do, which works perfectly fine for me.
      True. Prostitutes are a great way of ending the discussion (or starting it if you think about it lol)

      Originally Posted by JasonParker View Post

      Here's your answer: "I'm in sales."

      "What do you sell?"

      "Software, digital products."

      "What kind of products?"

      "(Insert your niche here)"
      True, probably a good idea.

      Originally Posted by bhoduarts View Post

      I would say i "design and develop websites,also i do graphic and print design" and that is what most people understand easily

      BHODUARTS
      Yes, website design they understand, SEO, no sir.

      Originally Posted by tbc41 View Post

      I keep it real simple and just say that teach people how to work online...
      Dont they ask you what "work" do people do online?

      Originally Posted by QJN View Post

      lol That is hard to explain to average people...when you start talking about affiliate marketing and publishers..they get lost! I'm dating a doctor and I always have this conversation on the phone.
      Doc: "What are you doing?"
      Me: "I'm working!"
      Doc: "Doing what?"
      Me: "Working."
      Doc: "Tell me!"
      Me: "Updating my websites, marketing, webinars and stuff"
      Doc: "I wanna see!"
      Me: "No, I'm busy"
      Doc: "Please, please..show me!"
      So I'd send a link to one of my pages...
      Doc: "You're so smart! How do you know to do all that?" LOL
      Me: "Because I'm so F*cking awesome!" :p
      HAHA I know what you mean. My mom is a doctor and SEO and website design is something she will NEVER understand.

      Originally Posted by vjboc View Post

      I tell them that I built a Price Comparison website.
      Most people understand that idea since they are always looking for deals, good stuff!
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  • Profile picture of the author Recession_Proof
    I simply tell them "I am a webmaster".

    Which then leads them to ask. "Oh, for what company". LMAO.

    My answer.. "For every company".
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  • Profile picture of the author zoomsixx
    I always say the same thing. Web design, graphic design, web marketing. You know, a little of everything online. Whatever makes money. Confuse them a little and you don't have to worry about specifics. Usually the subject is changed quickly.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I tell people, "I show small business owners how to market their business on the internet". Then i give them my business card.
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  • Profile picture of the author Seth Bias
    I tell them I am a Arms Dealer or in the Mafia... LOL I love the looks I get
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  • Profile picture of the author Elluminati
    Just start telling people that your job title is Online Hustler. That should speak volumes.
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  • Profile picture of the author vjboc
    I think it's funny when I tell someone what I do online, then they ask if I made any money, then proceed to say it must be nice to make money for doing nothing. They have no clue.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joey Tribbiani
    Most people around me only know to turn on their computer and log in to their facebook, email and youtube account so when they ask me how/what I do, I just tell them it's my magic.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by Recession_Proof View Post

      I simply tell them "I am a webmaster".

      Which then leads them to ask. "Oh, for what company". LMAO.

      My answer.. "For every company".
      HAHA. For what company? Classic.


      Originally Posted by zoomsixx View Post

      I always say the same thing. Web design, graphic design, web marketing. You know, a little of everything online. Whatever makes money. Confuse them a little and you don't have to worry about specifics. Usually the subject is changed quickly.
      Haha. I guess you are right. People do understand these terms but they dont really know a lot about them.

      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      I tell people, "I show small business owners how to market their business on the internet". Then i give them my business card.
      Yes, thats a good way to get more leads to your business. I should start doing that

      Originally Posted by Christian Little View Post

      All I can say is that I'm grateful nobody has asked me to show them lol.
      HAHA.

      Originally Posted by sbias View Post

      I tell them I am a Arms Dealer or in the Mafia... LOL I love the looks I get
      Mafia works best Hey if you are earning a lot of money, they might as well just believe that you are doing something illegal.

      Originally Posted by Elluminati View Post

      Just start telling people that your job title is Online Hustler. That should speak volumes.
      Online hustler. lol. Love it.

      Originally Posted by vjboc View Post

      I think it's funny when I tell someone what I do online, then they ask if I made any money, then proceed to say it must be nice to make money for doing nothing. They have no clue.
      Yeah. No idea how tough it is to make money online. Oh well, most people dont really know what goes into it since they have never tried it.

      Originally Posted by Joey Tribbiani View Post

      Most people around me only know to turn on their computer and log in to their facebook, email and youtube account so when they ask me how/what I do, I just tell them it's my magic.
      Being a magician is always a good answer. I should use it too sometimes!
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    What is the reason for the inquiry? Your answer will depend on what you should tell them. Since family members wont understand and most people get confused when you talk techy talk. Just say one of these.

    Internet Marketing Consulting(like paulyc said)

    IT Consultant

    Social Media Marketer

    In conclusion:
    The one that will probably get people to shut up the quickest is working in IT. They'll figure you are some smart techy guy who know math and science and probably doing something beyond their comprehension.

    On the flip side: If you want to drum up business then tell everyone you meet that you work from home. Make sure you have a business card with link to your website or and affiliates (like myob said).
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  • Profile picture of the author sriram rajan
    just show them the money once u make it big and then they will wait to hear from u :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
    I tell them I am the person who implemented clicking the start button to shut down their computer
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  • Profile picture of the author AppsFromHome
    My Aunt told me I would be the next Mark Zuckerberg....when in reality I do NOTHING with social media except maybe build a few fan pages if my clients need it.

    It's like they get I work from a home office and do things "on the internet" but don't understand concepts like SEO, Video Marketing, Mobile Websites, etc....
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    • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zimmerman
      I don't really explain it at all. I simply say I work from home on the computer. If I know them, it usually follows with a "can you show me how?"

      I always tell them "Sure, I'm going to give you a list of things to do for me for the next month. You get them all done and on time, then I'll show you how to do it."

      Not one of them has ever reached two weeks
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  • Profile picture of the author smartdept
    If I sense I will have a hard time explaining what I do to a person, then I make it brief and move on to the next subject.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

      What is the reason for the inquiry? Your answer will depend on what you should tell them. Since family members wont understand and most people get confused when you talk techy talk. Just say one of these.

      Internet Marketing Consulting(like paulyc said)

      IT Consultant

      Social Media Marketer

      In conclusion:
      The one that will probably get people to shut up the quickest is working in IT. They'll figure you are some smart techy guy who know math and science and probably doing something beyond their comprehension.

      On the flip side: If you want to drum up business then tell everyone you meet that you work from home. Make sure you have a business card with link to your website or and affiliates (like myob said).
      Thanks for this great answer. I just wanted to know how people who were in my shoes answered to such questions

      One thing I never do when people ask me .. is give them a business card. I will start doing this soon enough.

      Originally Posted by sriram rajan View Post

      just show them the money once u make it big and then they will wait to hear from u :-)
      HAHA. Money always talks.

      Originally Posted by Troy_Phillips View Post

      I tell them I am the person who implemented clicking the start button to shut down their computer
      Good answer

      Originally Posted by SDotSpells View Post

      My Aunt told me I would be the next Mark Zuckerberg....when in reality I do NOTHING with social media except maybe build a few fan pages if my clients need it.

      It's like they get I work from a home office and do things "on the internet" but don't understand concepts like SEO, Video Marketing, Mobile Websites, etc....
      Most people will never understand, that is for sure. Online marketing is a unique art, to be honest.

      Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman View Post

      I don't really explain it at all. I simply say I work from home on the computer. If I know them, it usually follows with a "can you show me how?"

      I always tell them "Sure, I'm going to give you a list of things to do for me for the next month. You get them all done and on time, then I'll show you how to do it."

      Not one of them has ever reached two weeks
      This is a GREAT answer and something I do myself. All my friends want me to help them with online marketing but when I tell them to read up on the ebooks I send them, they do not do so. Problem solved

      Originally Posted by smartdept View Post

      If I sense I will have a hard time explaining what I do to a person, then I make it brief and move on to the next subject.
      Probably a good idea, since most of the times you will have to explain it.
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  • Profile picture of the author lucidsuccess
    tell them you make huge money for sitting next to a computer 2 hrs per day
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  • Profile picture of the author sandy christine1
    I just tell them that i am a webmaster and tell them Web designing, graphic designing, web marketing is what i do.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisjenva
    Most people think I actually repair computers. So, I get people all the time wanting me to fix their computers. I'll just usually tell them I don't fix those types of problems and refer them somewhere else. Not worth explaining what Internet Marketing is.
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    • Profile picture of the author BrashImpact
      I love to tell people when they ask what i do...

      "I control Eyeballs on the Internet"
      which helps my Clients and Customers make Vast amounts of Profits and ROI... Those that can afford our service hire us and those that can't get left behind...

      This typically gets everyones attention real fast....and they understand it almost immediately... However it took me several years to get to the point of this definition...

      Robert
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    • Profile picture of the author curly sue
      one word Interpreneur. if they ask who else does this? mark zuckerberg
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  • Profile picture of the author vip-ip
    I find people who have a need and I sell them whatever they need. If I'm joking around, I say I'm a hustla. But if I'm being seriously called a middle-man, I rebut with entry-level entrepreneur

    Best Regards,
    vip-ip ...
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  • Profile picture of the author AlexC1
    I tell everyone that I am online marketing specialist. Copy cats are allowed
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  • Profile picture of the author coralbue
    You guys are lucky. Whenever I tried to explain what I do, people usually reply with something along the lines of: "so you spam the internet."

    Doesn't matter what I say afterwards, they just think that I spam the web.
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  • Profile picture of the author POLLITO122
    My parents believe that i'm all the day playing with the computer and suggested me to submit a CV to a job website for people wanting seeking a job in germany as foreign workers.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by lucidsuccess View Post

      tell them you make huge money for sitting next to a computer 2 hrs per day
      Haha! I try not to brag. Sometimes its hard

      Originally Posted by sandy christine1 View Post

      I just tell them that i am a webmaster and tell them Web designing, graphic designing, web marketing is what i do.
      Probably a good idea, something they understand.

      Originally Posted by chrisjenva View Post

      Most people think I actually repair computers. So, I get people all the time wanting me to fix their computers. I'll just usually tell them I don't fix those types of problems and refer them somewhere else. Not worth explaining what Internet Marketing is.
      HAHAHAHA. Damn, thats a new one. Every successfully made someone understand what IM really is? I am expecting a no.

      Originally Posted by vip-ip View Post

      I find people who have a need and I sell them whatever they need. If I'm joking around, I say I'm a hustla. But if I'm being seriously called a middle-man, I rebut with entry-level entrepreneur

      Best Regards,
      vip-ip ...
      Middle man. Hm.. Yeah they would understand that one. Good idea!

      Originally Posted by AlexC1 View Post

      I tell everyone that I am online marketing specialist. Copy cats are allowed
      Dont they ask you if you are the one spamming their mailboxes?

      Originally Posted by coralbue View Post

      You guys are lucky. Whenever I tried to explain what I do, people usually reply with something along the lines of: "so you spam the internet."

      Doesn't matter what I say afterwards, they just think that I spam the web.
      Yes, I have had this happen a lot of times. And yes, just to NOT prolong the discussion, I admit to spamming the "net". haha.

      Originally Posted by BrashImpact View Post

      I love to tell people when they ask what i do...

      "I control Eyeballs on the Internet"
      which helps my Clients and Customers make Vast amounts of Profits and ROI... Those that can afford our service hire us and those that can't get left behind...

      This typically gets everyones attention real fast....and they understand it almost immediately... However it took me several years to get to the point of this definition...

      Robert
      To the point, I like it. I will use this more in the future

      Originally Posted by POLLITO122 View Post

      My parents believe that i'm all the day playing with the computer and suggested me to submit a CV to a job website for people wanting seeking a job in germany as foreign workers.
      HAHA! I like that approach.

      Keep your feedback coming guys!
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanmilligan
    Banned
    I like to tell people I am a male prostitute to thousands of beautiful women :p
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Kage
    I tell them, I sit on my chair all day, tweaking websites, drinking juice, and the money just rolls in. Either that or I tell them I am a Provider of information for those who seek it and are interested in spending capital to obtain it. (that usually gets them off my back)
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  • Profile picture of the author temlawn
    OMG. This hits home..lol.. Usually I tell them too much detail and I get the deer in the head lights look..lol like im speaking a foreign language. Ive actually thought about this question in my brain on how to actually explain what I do. Finally I came to the realization of the old term K.i.s.s. Keep it simple stupid (referring to myself). So now I simply say I own and promote websites. No detail. Just simple and straight to the point. Of course the next question is... "How Much Do You Make" - I dont like giving numbers but when they hear a figure they immediately want me to teach them 20 years of experience, thousands of hours in coding, developing, learning, tweaking, and such.. to them in 15 minutes..lol.. so they can duplicate my income. Even my mom who doesnt know how to barely turn on a computer wants to do the 15 minute learning to success module that simply doesnt exsist. Excellent Topic! I thought I was the only one who had this problem. of course the wife doesnt care, she thinks im a walking ATM machine..lol.. OMG I have problems
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  • Profile picture of the author Martin Lee Jr
    Ok Let's see - My Mom thinks I am a computer technician, one of my friends thinks I am an SEO ( he has a business offline, and has been studying SEO) wizard, another friend thinks I am a drug dealer.

    At the end of the day I tried to explain Internet Marketing, but nobody listens - so I let folks believe what they want

    I think it will get better as Harvard University has begun teaching Internet Marketing
    Signature
    How Can I help...
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Patrick
      Originally Posted by YasirYar

      You have to react patiently to ignorant remarks about how you are lucky enough to be able to work from bed and not do much besides lifting a few fingers!
      I've heard variations of that remark more than once, but I remind myself not to take it as an insult. What they're really saying is, "That sounds enviable - I wish that I were in your position!" Which isn't such a bad sentiment, right? It's actually rather close to congratulations.
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  • Profile picture of the author giseo
    I would show my father big checks and he would just look at them and ask, "So how are you going to make a living?" Hah I love that old guy.
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by ryanmilligan View Post

      I like to tell people I am a male prostitute to thousands of beautiful women :p
      Male prostitutes never went out of style I guess HAHA

      Originally Posted by Sparda View Post

      I tell them, I sit on my chair all day, tweaking websites, drinking juice, and the money just rolls in. Either that or I tell them I am a Provider of information for those who seek it and are interested in spending capital to obtain it. (that usually gets them off my back)
      Lol. Provider of information for those who want it. Interesting.

      Originally Posted by temlawn View Post

      OMG. This hits home..lol.. Usually I tell them too much detail and I get the deer in the head lights look..lol like im speaking a foreign language. Ive actually thought about this question in my brain on how to actually explain what I do. Finally I came to the realization of the old term K.i.s.s. Keep it simple stupid (referring to myself). So now I simply say I own and promote websites. No detail. Just simple and straight to the point. Of course the next question is... "How Much Do You Make" - I dont like giving numbers but when they hear a figure they immediately want me to teach them 20 years of experience, thousands of hours in coding, developing, learning, tweaking, and such.. to them in 15 minutes..lol.. so they can duplicate my income. Even my mom who doesnt know how to barely turn on a computer wants to do the 15 minute learning to success module that simply doesnt exsist. Excellent Topic! I thought I was the only one who had this problem. of course the wife doesnt care, she thinks im a walking ATM machine..lol.. OMG I have problems
      Thanks for the input

      Yea. Once I tell people what I do, they ask me the same thing: Can you teach me?

      And then the discussion heads south when I tell them IM is not easy.

      Oh well, this thread has been entertaining. I guess I am not the only one going through this

      Originally Posted by mlj2577 View Post

      Ok Let's see - My Mom thinks I am a computer technician, one of my friends thinks I am an SEO ( he has a business offline, and has been studying SEO) wizard, another friend thinks I am a drug dealer.

      At the end of the day I tried to explain Internet Marketing, but nobody listens - so I let folks believe what they want

      I think it will get better as Harvard University has begun teaching Internet Marketing
      SEO, computer tech and a drug dealer. Good combination

      Originally Posted by Jon Patrick View Post

      I've heard variations of that remark more than once, but I remind myself not to take it as an insult. What they're really saying is, "That sounds enviable - I wish that I were in your position!" Which isn't such a bad sentiment, right? It's actually rather close to congratulations.
      I guess, now that I think about it. But it is difficult not to get exasperated when they say "you do literally nothing and earn money all day". haha.

      Originally Posted by giseo View Post

      I would show my father big checks and he would just look at them and ask, "So how are you going to make a living?" Hah I love that old guy.
      Dads never change. Mine still tries to understand what I do
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  • Profile picture of the author vip-ip
    @Sexy Sue: This thread reminds me of a scene from The Social Network
    The next question after that is, "well, how many of THOSE do you know?" - this is the one where the answer "I don't care" stumps people.

    I wonder if DNA scientists have a similar problem.

    Best Regards,
    vip-ip ...
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  • Profile picture of the author melad
    I say to people "Things are always changing, nothing is sustainable".
    Visit my website and see what my occupation is. taleamsystems.com
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by sexy sue View Post

      one word Interpreneur. if they ask who else does this? mark zuckerberg
      Damn, that sounds a bit to simple. Will be using it!

      Originally Posted by vip-ip View Post

      @Sexy Sue: This thread reminds me of a scene from The Social Network
      YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
      The next question after that is, "well, how many of THOSE do you know?" - this is the one where the answer "I don't care" stumps people.

      I wonder if DNA scientists have a similar problem.

      Best Regards,
      vip-ip ...


      Originally Posted by melad View Post

      I say to people "Things are always changing, nothing is sustainable".
      Visit my website and see what my occupation is. taleamsystems.com
      HAHAH. A nice way to get people in the door.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ant Marshall
    I have this trouble every single time and I forever seem to be changing my title.

    I'm a digital marketing specialist but my friends look at me like I've got crap on my face when I say that.

    So to relieve them of their clueless I just say, I help websites rank, rebrand businesses, set new marketing strategies and sell knowledge.

    Their still clueless but it makes me look good. Haha.
    Signature

    If you haven't made money online yet then just send me a PM and let's see what we can do together.

    Did my post help? Click thanks! ->

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  • Profile picture of the author thelionz
    Well! Don't Know what you people will say..... I tell them that i get the share from our family business and they pay me to spend time with my children and wife and staying away from any TROUBLE.... Works fine as its tiny little part of the truth....

    It it really necessary to Disclose your source of income to everyone.... I don't think so... There is something called Privacy.... Isn't it Khan Sab
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  • Profile picture of the author frank07
    Interesting topic. I told them I write articles for earn money online. They may think it is decent money, many good article at newspaper, magazines and how much they earn. But some my articles can make hundred or thousand dollars.... it makes difference.
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  • Profile picture of the author dugu56
    I usually say that we are selling advertising online and this way I get no further questions
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    Be honest but don't give away any of your secrets. If you are not breaking the law, then you have nothing to hide.
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  • Profile picture of the author EmmaWilliams
    I tell them that I am entrepreneur. That I am a businessman but my company is online that is why I am in front of my computer most of the time. I have financial freedom, meaning I do not have to rely on the hours to know how much I will be getting at the end of the month. I also have a flexible schedule. I can work as much as I want. I can also take a break when I want to. I have PHP programmers off shore whom I trust because they help me run my business. I am an entrepreneur, as simple as that.
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  • Profile picture of the author andreaskam
    Good question. I tweaked it awhile back to mention those things people can relate to. Mentioning I've written for a big newspaper and for magazines (I have) is the one most can relate to. But it doesn't really dive in to the heart of what I do. Nowaydays I tend to say I create iPhone apps... then they say... oh I've had an idea - can you program it for me? To which I say I don't do any of the programming. Tends to kill the convo! If I can be bothered I can make the whole making money online thing sound very cool - 4 hour work week, lots of travel etc. Although, that reality really varies. At times in can be done but when I'm product creating an launching it's 16 hour days.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Man are some of you WAAAAY off the mark.

    Explain what you do in NON-TECHNICAL terms that demonstrate how you make money for your clients.

    Anything else is jargon and fluff, which will only bore, irritate or frighten your prospects.

    If you don't have an effective 30-Second Commercial, you're throwing opportunities away.
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  • Profile picture of the author CrossCreations
    I'll say self-employed and then either 'internet marketing' or 'online freelancer' and usually the only people who ask for more are people who know something about IM. Lord only knows what the rest think and I really don't care. I get confused frowns sometimes, yep.
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  • Profile picture of the author wfhblueprints
    Recently I avoid the hassle of explaining what I do by telling people that I inherited a small fortune from a long lost uncle.....

    When I can be bothered I tell them that I run other peoples businesses so they can profit...

    If I want to avoid further questions I tell them I work at a IVF clinic and Im the dude that needs to put the embryo back in the womb using rubber gloves and tweezers....
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    • Profile picture of the author deejones
      Like some others, I just say I'm a writer, which is enough for some people. Most people get the idea of getting paid to write. They don't need to know that I'm sometimes writing content for a website on which I will promote affiliate products, and will get paid a commission if someone buys those products.

      When I do try to explain in more detail, I get the blank stares and, "You're crazy," looks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sara Nightingale
    It is quite a challenge to break down what we do to generate a steady income online. Even when I explain it, people still don't quite get it. I feel like we are in a league of our own so to speak, it's definitely a fortunate thing to escape the rat race and it's a privilege to do what we do. I sometimes just toss out a couple tasks that I do and people just remark "that's cool". Bask in the fact you're an internet rockstar, keep it up, best of luck!
    Signature

    Sara Nightingale
    Customer Service Edge LLC

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    • Profile picture of the author deejones
      Originally Posted by Sara Nightingale View Post

      It is quite a challenge to break down what we do to generate a steady income online. Even when I explain it, people still don't quite get it.
      I actually know some people who would probably do very well in Internet Marketing. But, when I try to explain it, I can't get it across to them.

      Maybe it's one of those things someone has to discover on their own and want to learn more about.
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  • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
    This comes up as a thread topic once or twice a month.

    I've never been in a situation where it mattered much that family and friends understood what I did for a living. They don't seem to mind a whole lot that I don't understand (or care) what they do for a living either.
    Signature

    :)

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  • Profile picture of the author AC21DJ
    When I tell people they always give me a blank stare followed by silence. Then I tell them a little about it and they then give me the look of "you sad little dreamer, some day you will find a real job." It seems like people can't take it serious because they don't understand it. I can also admit that before I started in IM I didn't understand it myself and thought it was a joke myself. Most people don't realize there is work involved.
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  • Profile picture of the author cameronpalte
    Banned
    Originally Posted by YasirYar View Post

    This question is aimed towards people whose primary source of income is earned on the internet.

    Do people around you including your family and friends understand how exactly you earn money? I was having a conversation with a cousin of mine, and he seemed to be under the impression that the 'internet' was giving me a salary because I had a website up!

    I think one of the main challenges of earning money online is that not too many people understand just how challenging it is. You have to react patiently to ignorant remarks about how you are lucky enough to be able to work from bed and not do much besides lifting a few fingers!

    What are your experiences with doing online work and dealing with society?

    I would love to hear your experiences!
    Well, I'm 13-year-old so I always get the "your too young to be working" or the "you should spend your life focusing on more important things like how to get into med-school" the last one is mainly from my parents-. When people ask I how I make money from a website I normally just say that I have people pay me to advertise their site. I guess the best advice I have is too explain that the money comes from the advertisements on your site which gets (xxx) views. That will probably end the dilema. That is all.

    Going to do some math homework now so see you guys.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Just choose something simplistic from the many things that you might do and let them draw their own conclusions.

      I don't like too many people knowing my businesses anyways. I've had many friends copy me in past when it really wasn't welcomed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mary Wilhite
    Originally Posted by lucidsuccess View Post

    tell them you make huge money for sitting next to a computer 2 hrs per day
    Originally Posted by YasirYar View Post

    Thanks for this great answer. I just wanted to know how people who were in my shoes answered to such questions

    One thing I never do when people ask me .. is give them a business card. I will start doing this soon enough.



    HAHA. Money always talks.



    Good answer



    Most people will never understand, that is for sure. Online marketing is a unique art, to be honest.



    This is a GREAT answer and something I do myself. All my friends want me to help them with online marketing but when I tell them to read up on the ebooks I send them, they do not do so. Problem solved



    Probably a good idea, since most of the times you will have to explain it.
    Originally Posted by YasirYar View Post

    This question is aimed towards people whose primary source of income is earned on the internet.

    Do people around you including your family and friends understand how exactly you earn money? I was having a conversation with a cousin of mine, and he seemed to be under the impression that the 'internet' was giving me a salary because I had a website up!

    I think one of the main challenges of earning money online is that not too many people understand just how challenging it is. You have to react patiently to ignorant remarks about how you are lucky enough to be able to work from bed and not do much besides lifting a few fingers!

    What are your experiences with doing online work and dealing with society?

    I would love to hear your experiences!

    ===========

    What I would say that am doing? Am coaching successful people to become wiser...am a Marketing Guru. NOT just a job but a Career.

    Mary
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    • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
      Originally Posted by thelionz View Post

      Well! Don't Know what you people will say..... I tell them that i get the share from our family business and they pay me to spend time with my children and wife and staying away from any TROUBLE.... Works fine as its tiny little part of the truth....

      It it really necessary to Disclose your source of income to everyone.... I don't think so... There is something called Privacy.... Isn't it Khan Sab

      Nice, thanks for the feedback. Well normally I keep everything to myself, but some people REALLY want to know what I am doing and where I am heading with my life.

      It is a brown people thing, I am sure you know all about it

      Originally Posted by Ant Marshall View Post

      I have this trouble every single time and I forever seem to be changing my title.

      I'm a digital marketing specialist but my friends look at me like I've got crap on my face when I say that.

      So to relieve them of their clueless I just say, I help websites rank, rebrand businesses, set new marketing strategies and sell knowledge.

      Their still clueless but it makes me look good. Haha.
      HAHA. Most of them will stay clueless. Yes I have tried explaining the same thing using "analogies" which never really did work.

      Originally Posted by dugu56 View Post

      I usually say that we are selling advertising online and this way I get no further questions
      REALLY? When I say selling ads online, people go crazy and ask me EVERYTHING. lol.

      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Man are some of you WAAAAY off the mark.

      Explain what you do in NON-TECHNICAL terms that demonstrate how you make money for your clients.

      Anything else is jargon and fluff, which will only bore, irritate or frighten your prospects.

      If you don't have an effective 30-Second Commercial, you're throwing opportunities away.
      Probably a good idea. I'll try saying I make money for my clients, lets see how that works

      Originally Posted by wfhblueprints View Post

      Recently I avoid the hassle of explaining what I do by telling people that I inherited a small fortune from a long lost uncle.....

      When I can be bothered I tell them that I run other peoples businesses so they can profit...

      If I want to avoid further questions I tell them I work at a IVF clinic and Im the dude that needs to put the embryo back in the womb using rubber gloves and tweezers....
      Inherting family fortune is a good way to cut a discussion short HAHAAHAH. Nice.

      Originally Posted by mojojuju View Post

      This comes up as a thread topic once or twice a month.

      I've never been in a situation where it mattered much that family and friends understood what I did for a living. They don't seem to mind a whole lot that I don't understand (or care) what they do for a living either.
      Very interesting. I guess my family and friends really need to know what I do with my life lol.


      Originally Posted by cameronpalte View Post

      Well, I'm 13-year-old so I always get the "your too young to be working" or the "you should spend your life focusing on more important things like how to get into med-school" the last one is mainly from my parents-. When people ask I how I make money from a website I normally just say that I have people pay me to advertise their site. I guess the best advice I have is too explain that the money comes from the advertisements on your site which gets (xxx) views. That will probably end the dilema. That is all.

      Going to do some math homework now so see you guys.
      Wow! 13 year old? And making money online! That's an achievement in itself. Congrats.

      Yeah thats a good way to put it, people understand ads a little bit, but SEO and PPC, no sir.

      Originally Posted by shireen View Post

      When somebody ask about my career, I just tell them I sell "stuff" online :-)
      Hmm.. Don't think ask you "Like ebay?"

      HAHAHA
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