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How to avoid answering "What's your monthly income now?" type of questions, in a sweet way?

by Raja Kamil
52 replies
I'm not sure about you.
But, I myself is annoying with this kind of questions.

It's not that I'm hiding or what. Yes, I earn pretty good of income, but why on earth will I brag about it?

Especially with those at seminars or conferences.
I know there are eager to know, how one can make life from computer and internet.

These always happen in so called 'networking session', when everybody had a chance to introduce himself and when my turn, I would say, I'm doing small online business.

Guess what, after the session, few people will come to me, and ask what I'm doing. So I say, a little bit about affiliate, selling my own product, both digital and phisycal.

And then, few more questions which I don't have problem with that.

And then, CHECKMATE !, They are asking, how much is my earning.

I really don't like this kind of question, and have difficulty to answer it and here the reason :

1. If I tell them how much I'm earning, they will think I'm joking or lying to them (I have experienced this before)

2. If I don't tell him, they will lookdown to me (well, they are engineers, doctors, lawyers and some proffesional that want to shift to create their own business)


So I've dilemma on this situation. Hopefully, my respectful friends in WF can suggest me the best answer to this kind of question.

ps : I tell my dad about this. He suggest me just ignore it and give them my business card, that's it . Pretty cool and will trying this one when had a chance.



~ Raja Kamil
#answering #avoid #questions #sweet #type
  • Profile picture of the author Webkingseo
    I will answer them that "I have enough money if i will die on next Monday..."
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Patrick
      How about saying, "If I tell you how much I'm earning, you will think I'm joking or lying to you" - doesn't the truth work perfectly here?
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert X
    Well,,, I can't show you a fake screenshot of my earnings,, but! I can show you what a teener stack looks like in my hand,,, and we can count it out together on video.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raja Kamil
    Guys, so funny
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    • Profile picture of the author SangGuna
      If me,i'll choose the 1st one and add this..
      "u know what,my earning always make people think- Ridiculous! its up to them,most important thing is-i've been tired to withdraw from atm.."
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  • Profile picture of the author itsmeantor
    Banned
    Most of the time it show their weakness and I would remind them it's not that important or related to the topic.
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    • Profile picture of the author trevpen
      Perhaps honesty is the best policy here, after all. Just tell them that it embarrasses you to discuss your earnings, and you would rather not!
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  • Profile picture of the author typoo999
    I just tell them "I earn enough".
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    • Profile picture of the author mrdomains
      Originally Posted by typoo999 View Post

      I just tell them "I earn enough".
      This. Always.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    My income is my business. You can't learn more about your business from knowing how much I earn. Focus on your own business to achieve success.
    That's the polite way.

    The NOT so polite way = none of your damn business!
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    • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      My income is my business. You can't learn more about your business from knowing how much I earn. Focus on your own business to achieve success.
      That's the polite way.

      The NOT so polite way = none of your damn business!
      Nope, that's the right way
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      • Profile picture of the author dudelive
        My pockets are so deep I can feel my toes.

        Actually I just say "The Wife's Happy" and leave it at that.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChristianG
    "I'm not an accountant or a lawyer and my responses can not be taken as one. Here is my accountants number and you're welcome to contact him with any relevant questions. Now if you want to discuss Internet marketing, here is my contact details"
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      While I think it's a rude question to ask of a stranger or on a forum - this is a bit different.

      If you are talking about your business and how well you do - you are leading them to ask the question.

      So I say, a little bit about affiliate, selling my own product, both digital and phisycal.
      Just have an answer ready like "I make a good living" or "all my bills are paid" if you don't want to name a figure. They are asking because YOU are talking about your income and how you earn it.
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      • Profile picture of the author Matthew Shane Roe
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        While I think it's a rude question to ask of a stranger or on a forum - this is a bit different.

        If you are talking about your business and how well you do - you are leading them to ask the question.



        Just have an answer ready like "I make a good living" or "all my bills are paid" if you don't want to name a figure. They are asking because YOU are talking about your income and how you earn it.

        I'm with Kay on this. Whenever someone asks me I simply state "I earn enough to pay my bills and do what I want".
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  • Profile picture of the author Raja Kamil
    thanks for all replies.
    I just want to say that, I never mention about my earning, or even I don't wear high class clothes, not even a watch, while I'm still driving my old car.

    I think they asked because of :
    1. perception to internet business. especially when media published a lot of success fron internet business
    2. jealousy. because the way they asked and the way their eyes looking at you. you know that. I think most of us had experienced this.
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  • Profile picture of the author AffScot
    To be fair, what you earn hasn't really got anything to do with anyone else. It's not something that you need to share with anyone.

    This type of information should be kept personal in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author jivens
    Banned
    be honest. That never hurt anything...
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  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    I don't think it is polite asking somebody their income

    Impolite comments should be reciprocated, so just tell them it's none of their business!

    But if you must be nice, just say that you earn enough.

    I'm sure people are particularly interested in your income because of your not-so-common job. They probably want to know if they can also 'do nothing but sit online all day' and earn a decent living! I love how how not too many people outside the community understand the job of an internet marketer!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    Folks, it's a cultural thing. In some countries it's very normal and acceptable to ask someone's income - even when you first meet.

    To answer your question, I'd tell them and let them think what they will.
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    • Profile picture of the author satrap
      Originally Posted by Kelly Verge View Post

      Folks, it's a cultural thing. In some countries it's very normal and acceptable to ask someone's income - even when you first meet.

      To answer your question, I'd tell them and let them think what they will.
      Exactly!

      I come from Iran (Persia) and back home it really is no big deal. In fact its one of the first things you talk about when a business topic comes up.

      It really is a cultural thing and differs from country to country and culture to culture.

      For example the thumbs up in the us means good luck or great work or whatever, but back home, giving a thumbs up is our way of giving the middle finger!

      Of course, when I was granted refugee status by US government and came to US 8 years ago, I had a lot of adjustments to do as you can imagine!...

      The funny thing is that these days, although I dont really care if someone asks me how much I make, but when people ask other people, I quickly think "that is really rude"!
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  • Profile picture of the author TG Arunah
    Why do you want to avoid his question and why are you getting irritated with that question ? His idea of asking you is his curiosity and wondering whether what you said in the seminar is really true. He is looking for "proof and evidence" which you can't show in a forum like Seminar. So flash your business card and tell him, I would rather show you what I earn than tell you. Come to my office tomorrow at 11.00 AM and we will discuss about this. If he really comes to your office, he is definitely going to be your customer if your proof impresses him.
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  • Profile picture of the author paul_1
    If you don't wanna give them numbers then just say You're earning enough for your daily needs plus a little extra then SMILE and walk away

    Smiling means you don't wanna disclose more info about it
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Fullman
    Hi Raja,

    1) Show them *someone else's* earnings achieved as a direct result of your seminars.

    2) Give them your seminar

    3) Give them your business card

    Job done...



    Cheers,
    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author tjcreation
    Smile and say "Why would you want to know that? How about if we talk about what YOU earn."
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  • Profile picture of the author jaggyjay
    Here's an answer I've actually used before...

    "Professional etiquette prohibits me from disclosing my income, but I'm quite happy with it".

    Be sure to say it with a smile. It's honest, it's polite, it let's them know in a nice way to mind their own business... and it might actually make you some friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author thetrafficguy
    I get this question a lot.

    I've found simply saying "I'm doing all right" is a good enough answer.

    It they keep prying you can tell them "You can make a nice living if you're willing to bust your hump for a bit".

    Leave it at that. They'll get the idea pretty quick
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  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    "I make more then a doctor working at home in my underwear".

    "I make less then Lebron James but more then an NBA benchwarmer".

    "I just missed the wealthiest man in Canada list by 2,543 spots."
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  • Profile picture of the author Shoot
    I usually just tell them it is not how much I earn but the quality of life and the freedom that is the biggest pay off.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jake Draper
    I think it's a legitimate question. However, it depends on the circumstance. I've seen this happen at a lot of "make money" business seminars. If it's in a different environment, I've asked "how much money could be made in this type of endeavor?"hmm maybe I'm rude?
    If I were you, I would say, "I'm comfortable. And I have no worries."
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  • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
    How about an old school "it's none of your business"?
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  • Profile picture of the author onSubie
    "I probably make a little less than you. How much do you make?"
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  • Profile picture of the author thetrafficguy
    "Just slightly less than my best year selling crack!"
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    • Profile picture of the author maxrezn
      Originally Posted by thetrafficguy View Post

      "Just slightly less than my best year selling crack!"
      I prefer saying human trafficking...with a straight face.
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  • Profile picture of the author Claire Koch
    just say, "You first"! That'll be the end of that and you'll both be smiling
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  • Profile picture of the author agc
    I just say "well, I get paid".

    They will interpret that to be "I make good money" but whatever "good money" is will be whatever THEY define it to be.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I like your dad's suggestion. Plus, i would keep my income under wraps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Samrath Gupta
    Professional Way

    Sorry to say but, I cant reveal my earnings due to privacy as well as its private.
    All i would like to say is- I make enough to live a SUCCESSFUL LIFE!
    I hope you like these suggestions :rolleyes:

    Regards
    ~Sam~
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    Originally Posted by Raja Kamil View Post

    1. If I tell them how much I'm earning, they will think I'm joking or lying to them (I have experienced this before)

    2. If I don't tell him, they will lookdown to me (well, they are engineers, doctors, lawyers and some proffesional that want to shift to create their own business)
    (number) figures a (time period).

    The overwhelming majority of people think "six figures a year" is a lot. This also happens to be right at the "five figures a month" border. But if you make half a million a year, this is also six figures a year and five figures a month. Indeed, anything less than $1.2 million a year is five figures a month.

    If you legitimately make more than $1.2 million a year, say "over six figures a year." This is also true: you make seven figures a year and seven is over six. But everyone will assume you just mean "over $100,000" which is also true.

    If they push for more specifics, act uncomfortable and ask if they're a tax official or something.

    I'm very up-front about my income because it's pretty low and I'm struggling. I think it's important for people to know that these things happen, you don't have to lie about it, and you need to stay optimistic and persevere.

    But once the income cracks into the five figure a month range and stays there, that's my answer. It's five figures a month, whether it's $20k or $80k, for exactly the reasons you state: because people won't believe the real number, and if you don't answer they'll assume you don't make anything substantial.

    On the other hand, not many people will be asking this, because when I can wear a $5,000 bespoke suit every day of the week you can bet your arse I will. And asking that guy how much he makes is like saying "please make me feel inadequate in front of everyone."
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    • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
      It bothers me that many people put out recaps of their earnings in dollars and cents totals broken down from wherever they earned it, and some do it every month.

      It's become very common every where you look on forums, so I think that leads a lot of people to just naturally assume there's no problem in asking anyone who works online how much they earn.

      Read a WSO or other online sales letter and some are pushing around some rather high figures that can be earned online.

      So, what is your problem when you don't want to fess up? The truth is, that what you earn or don't earn isn't anyone's business and you really don't have a problem, just one that is perceived by others because so many people do it.

      I handle most things with evasive answers when cornered, but still attempt to answer people. Everyone's results will vary, you and I are not the same person with the exact kind of abilities or make the same choices.

      When pushed even further by someone asking do you make at least this amount or that amount, my wise ass begins to show a bit and I'll say something like, I will neither confirm it, nor deny it and that's as far as I'm going to go. People have no business asking unless you are the one promising the income of a certain amount to them.
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      • Profile picture of the author kiwiviktor81
        Do like Dogbert and say "I make enough to buy and sell you... 834 times."
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  • Profile picture of the author robvegas626
    I respond by saying something along the lines of, "Let's just say I make a very comfortable living." Which is the truth.)

    No one who makes big money in this business would ask such a question. The bottom line is, it's impolite. You wouldn't ask a doctor, lawyer or insurance salesman who you meet at a dinner party, "Hey, so how much money do you make?"

    I feel the same way about when people in this forum start threads about "how much do you make." I always assume that the person asking the question is an amateur who has no idea how to make money online and is grasping for answers.

    And the question is completely pointless to begin with, because we're all in wildly different niches and make our money in a thousand different ways. So if some guy chimes in and says he's making 100k a month, so what? How does knowing that benefit anyone?
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  • Profile picture of the author Clyde
    Just tell them you're liquid. Then show them your Ferrari.
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  • Profile picture of the author BryanZ
    Hi Raja, that's a great question you know many people worry about these type of questions. To my opinion when networking it's all about presence and the way you handle yourself. If you are expecting that question to be asked someone will ask you that question & You have two choices you either answer it or not but in both cases you must answer them with confidence and congruency.

    I never tell people how much I make I would only talk about money if that person is a potential jv, affilate, business partner or someone I'm getting advice from, most of the times I'd answer by saying "I make more than enough to sustain my lifestyle" and quiet honestly I never get asked this question.

    I hope this helps, all the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author BingeSite
    "never enough "
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  • Profile picture of the author chasnsx
    Like The Fonz said in "Happy Days:" "In order to be taken seriously as a tough guy, once in your life, you have to have actually hit somebody."

    The same is true in IM. If you are going have any credibility in teaching other people how to make money on the web, you have to have a proven ability to make money on the web yourself, preferably from some source other than teaching others how to make money.

    If you are selling "get rich on the web" courses, then how much you make on the web from using the techniques you are selling is a fair question.

    If you are selling anything else and anyone asks, it's none of their business.
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