Don't know where I belong. Can anyone help me to find my path?

21 replies
Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have been reading tons of articles on this site, before posting this one.

I don't have the skills you all have, like selling, promoting or doing marketing and business, but I am fascinated by it. So, I'm trying to understand whether learning to "do business" is right for me (or whether it will be one day) or if it is only my imagination that drive me to learning something new, but that in reality I am not built that way (I have always been to the side of creativity and art - and I have a totally bad relationship with money).

I am wondering if I can merge my love for internet, computers, electronical devices with my drive for making and creating, with the monetization side. Could you help me to understand this a bit more in depth? I will be grateful for that and will exchange the favor as well.

Thank you all.

Matteo
#belong #find #path
  • Profile picture of the author Jamell
    You have a gift and talent which is art so that could be the niche you start in being that you are passionate about it .

    Do not overthink the process because it will lead to confusion.

    Use your skill and passion which is art to get your message out there and also build your reputation.

    In other words share your expertise on different socialmedia olatforms about art.

    The.secret of getting ahead is getting started Mark Twain .

    Action breeds confidence .Remember you will learn and develop more skillsets as you go along .

    No one started out knowing everything they know ,learning and growing is a process .

    Take it one step at a time .


    .
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    • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
      Thank you so much :')

      Sometime one just needs assurance.

      I will start and share my journey with you.

      Will be back soon,
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Before you start - develop a plan of action. Know WHAT expertise you are sharing and how you can monetize it if that is your goal.


    You might want to read through some of the threads on the 'warrior path' section here - for a realistic view of what is involved in building a business or in reaching a specific goal.
    Signature
    Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
    ***
    Sometimes I just want someone to hug me and say...
    "It's going to be OK - here's a horse and two million dollars."
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  • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
    Thank you Kay King,

    I have always been thinking about the commercial side of the art world.
    I'm checking the 'warrior path' right now and have found some inspirational threads.
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  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

    I am wondering if I can merge my love for internet, computers, electronical devices with my drive for making and creating, with the monetization side. Could you help me to understand this a bit more in depth? I will be grateful for that and will exchange the favor as well.

    It sounds like you would be great at setting
    up WordPress/websites as well as designing
    graphics for all sorts of things from headers to
    print on demand projects and ebook covers.

    Once you develop some basic skills, the sky's
    the limit for you. You will then need to learn a
    few more of the fundamentals about domains,
    developing content and monetizing your sites,
    if that is the route you choose to take.

    Keep in mind that most of these things can be
    done by others, you don' t necessarily have to
    do everything yourself.

    Get busy learning as much as you can, start
    working on your projects, get lots of practice
    and things will fall into place for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
      Yes!!! That's what I was trying to say, Monetize.

      The fact is that I get stuck into learning too many things all the time and I don't produce much, I don't narrow it down; instead, I open up too many possibilities and that makes it more difficult to choose a direction.

      But I'm hopeful about it and as you say, I will keep going. Do you have an 'exercise' for me, or a challange, to test my skills? The idea of doing something 'just for fun' excite me more than doing it too seriously.

      Thank you so much anyway, for what you wrote.
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      • Profile picture of the author Monetize
        Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

        The fact is that I get stuck into learning too many things all the time and I don't produce much, I don't narrow it down; instead, I open up too many possibilities and that makes it more difficult to choose a direction.

        You're so welcome.

        Anyone working in internet marketing can fall victim to
        information overload, because there's so much noise
        everywhere. There are hundreds of YouTubers making
        videos about passive income, they all copy each other
        and before you know it that market is totally saturated
        with videos and marketers using that method to make
        money online.

        And there's also a boatload of books and courses on
        that same topic as well.

        So things can be frustrating for someone just starting
        out, that is why it's important to learn the fundamentals
        first, then you can branch out and try different methods
        later on.

        As to what you should do, it's up to you but I would
        recommend you start by learning to setup WordPress.
        This way you can set them up for yourself, sell your
        services to others, and sell WP sites.

        If you learn WordPress you will always have money if
        you manage things correctly and you will never need
        to depend on anyone.

        You can learn this skill through books, YouTube videos,
        blogs, and of course you can go to WordPress.org for
        their tutorials. Just to be clear, I am referring to setting
        up WordPress on independent hosting, where you get
        a theme, etc. Not a WP blog on the WP system.

        I taught myself HTML website setup 20+ years ago
        and learned WP along the way, and whenever I take
        an inventory of my skills, that is the most valuable in
        my repertoire of internet marketing skills. I'm so glad
        that I realized its importance early on.
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        • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
          Regarding the skills, that's the only step of the process I can always rely on, because I love to learn and love to learn 'to do' something new.

          What is blocking me in the process is the second step: now that I have the skills, what do I do? How do I sell my self? Should I work 1-on-1, or to organization? Would it be better to build/create something and sell it, or is it better to work side to side with someone?

          Too many questions block me, that's true, and that's why sharing with you my thoughts - and receiving feedback - frees me from these blocking questions.

          I have learned to use Webflow, instead of WP, which I thought was an innovative idea to build high-quality website. However, I couldn't move on after that, like finding clients, working for clients or sell websites.

          My problem is with the actual step of working/finding clients/working for clients/making money...

          It's the system that I don't like, maybe... not being independent, but having to rely on clients clients clients...

          That's why I'm here... to learn how to work for myself...

          What do you think about this?
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          • Profile picture of the author Monetize
            Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post


            It's the system that I don't like, maybe... not being independent, but having to rely on clients clients clients...

            That's why I'm here... to learn how to work for myself...

            What do you think about this?

            You don't have to work with clients if you don't want to.
            You can setup websites for yourself and do affiliate
            marketing or other types of monetization and you do
            not ever have to deal with anyone.

            I never heard of Webflow, I recommend WP because
            most people know what it is. It also has themes and
            plugins that your other system does not. Plugins are
            what gives your website functionality at an affordable
            price or even for free.

            The reason I recommend selling WordPress services
            or developing websites for others is that you can then
            charge a monthly hosting/maintenance fee, which will
            provide recurring/residual income. Most people cannot
            grasp the concept of this. Do the math.

            Don't try to re-invent the wheel. Stick to the fundamentals
            and do what works. It seems that you are worried about
            hypothetical things that may/may not happen in the future.
            Worry about problems when they occur and deal with
            them just like you have dealt with everything else.
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            • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
              This is fantastic.

              Yes, I'm an always-worried person, due to the lack of guidance and self-esteem/confidence (those strange things everyone always talk about like the personal growth holy grail you should be having in order to have success - words that lost significance nowadays).

              This will be now my process (correct me if I'm wrong): 1. I will open my affiliate marketing website (I will follow the 'Affiliate Marketing for Beginners 2020' guide by Jeffery); 2. I don't know exactly how to continue (promoting, sharing, posting, generating more traffic - since I'm new to this, I'll also read the 'Internet Marketing Glossary').

              However, I'm still curious about the different ways I can work - or make something that works for/with me - on the internet (I'm so fascinated by it), so I will keep looking for a while.

              I'd be glad if you could tell me how to exchange the favor. You all have been helping me in ways that could seem so little at first but that give me so much.

              So thanks again, I'll be posting soon to share my journey.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
    Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post


    I don't have the skills you all have, like selling, promoting or doing marketing and business, but I am fascinated by it. So, I'm trying to understand whether learning to "do business" is right for me (or whether it will be one day) or if it is only my imagination that drive me to learning something new, but that in reality I am not built that way (I have always been to the side of creativity and art - and I have a totally bad relationship with money).

    Matteo
    If your looking to get started the suggestions above this are spot on. Don't over complicate things by reading to much other stuff on the forum. If you do, you may get overwhelmed.

    You do mention money and a few other things about skill. Take a look and read all 3 pages of this thread. It gets really deep into certain things that could help you. The forum vets are worth listening to. https://www.warriorforum.com/main-in...houghts-2.html

    Added - Try viewing the forum in Classic View it will be a lot better following the conversation between people.
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  • Profile picture of the author zakria maqsood
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
      many times I meet different forms of resistance... how do you deal with that? Anyway... I'm understanding that sharing my thoughts with you is actually helping me more than working on the business itself... to overcome those blocks...
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Matteo -



    Another good thread to read through and learn from:


    https://www.warriorforum.com/warrior...m-nothing.html


    I don't suggest anyone try to follow what someone else did - but you can learn a lot from those who have succeeded and are willing to talk about it...


    Rather than 'reading' the IM glossary - bookmark it and look up what you need when you need it.
    Signature
    Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
    ***
    Sometimes I just want someone to hug me and say...
    "It's going to be OK - here's a horse and two million dollars."
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11678611].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    @Matteo

    Thank you but I don't need any favors.

    I have been making money online for
    20+ years, started by selling on eBay
    and was able to retire early from my
    day job. Most of the things I engage
    in now are passive income methods
    that I have developed over the years.

    I come to the forum to dispense what
    advice I can and I am ecstatic when
    I am able to help someone like you.

    If you're going to do affiliate sales then
    I recommend starting with ClickBank or
    DigiStore24 because most of their offers
    don't require approval. Once you start
    making sales you should contact the real
    affiliate networks like CJ, Flex Offers or
    the hundreds of others.

    There are some companies that manage
    their affiliate programs themselves, these
    are typically big ticket, high end products,
    so always keep your mind and your eyes
    open for affiliate opportunities.

    I hope that you keep us updated on your
    progress!
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  • Profile picture of the author Serene Carmen
    Hi Matteo

    Have you looked into NFT's? Lots of artists selling their work online on marketplaces like opensea.io.
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  • Profile picture of the author incomenow
    Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I'm new here and have been reading tons of articles on this site, before posting this one.

    I don't have the skills you all have, like selling, promoting or doing marketing and business, but I am fascinated by it. So, I'm trying to understand whether learning to "do business" is right for me (or whether it will be one day) or if it is only my imagination that drive me to learning something new, but that in reality I am not built that way (I have always been to the side of creativity and art - and I have a totally bad relationship with money).

    I am wondering if I can merge my love for internet, computers, electronical devices with my drive for making and creating, with the monetization side. Could you help me to understand this a bit more in depth? I will be grateful for that and will exchange the favor as well.

    Thank you all.

    Matteo
    Hey Matteo, whatever could be your creativity and skills, all you need to do first is start a website around that interest. Then use blogging, forum marketing, email marketing, and video marketing to promote it. I'm telling you that in a period of 18-24 months of doing these consistently, you're going to start earning a full-time income. While there are so many other business models out there, starting a website of your own and promoting it vividly is what I would recommend best for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
      Hi incomenow, thank you for your response.
      I have more than one long-term project that I could possibly earn a living with.
      What I am looking for, at the moment, is a short-term project, like a side hustle, that could support my other projects and partially help me make a living.
      Thank you again. Hope to give you something back soon.
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  • Profile picture of the author Profit Traveler
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I'm new here and have been reading tons of articles on this site, before posting this one.

    I don't have the skills you all have, like selling, promoting or doing marketing and business, but I am fascinated by it. So, I'm trying to understand whether learning to "do business" is right for me (or whether it will be one day) or if it is only my imagination that drive me to learning something new, but that in reality I am not built that way (I have always been to the side of creativity and art - and I have a totally bad relationship with money).

    I am wondering if I can merge my love for internet, computers, electronical devices with my drive for making and creating, with the monetization side. Could you help me to understand this a bit more in depth? I will be grateful for that and will exchange the favor as well.

    Thank you all.

    Matteo

    Do a search for Marques Brownlee.

    He loves tech and all he does is unbox tech gadgets on video (sent to him for free for his audience reach)

    He is now a Multi-Millionaire.

    When we can tie in our interests and passions into an income stream there is nothing better.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matteo Camarca
    Hi again everyone, thank you for your support.
    Regarding my journey, it isn't going very well (for now).

    I have designed my website. It is a personal website: a blog and a portfolio (but it still confuses me because the portfolio aims to a different target than the blog - the blog is a collection of my thoughts, daily logs, workout sessions, reflections and so on; while the portfolio is a collection of my previous graphic design works that were done some months ago).

    I built this site with the goal of sending it through social networks to find clients, offering them graphic design and web design services. Here, two things happens:

    1. When writing private messages to people, I don't like the idea of dealing with 'every kind of target' (from the individual that needs a portfolio to the organization that needs website management);

    2. I feel like nobody, nowdays, needs a website (or at least someone that manages it for them) because they can do it for themselves; so, either I am aiming to the wrong target (I should choose bigger corporations rather than individuals or locals) or I am choosing the wrong service, and should create a better one, an offer, something that the market needs more today).

    So, I need to change direction again. This isn't working (or I just don't like it).
    I was thinking that, instead of sending the link to my portfolio and looking for clients, it would be more profitable to send people a product.
    This would be way more immediate, and instead of saying 'hey, look at me, I am so good at doing what I do, why don't you ask me for some works?' I would say 'hey, this is something I made thinking about your needs, hope it solves your problem (or give you a better way of living)'.

    Now, the point is to find a product, something that I love, that I know how to create - or learn how to create - that has a market, that has demand, that people really need and that is not another unneeded product.

    Since I have no interest in making/creating/building physical products but have a passion for the digital/intellectual/artistic world, I am aiming for something that can be created on my computer/mobile and that can be bought online (without that dropshipping stuff).

    Hope to hear from you.
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    • Profile picture of the author savidge4
      Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

      Hi again everyone, thank you for your support.
      Regarding my journey, it isn't going very well (for now).

      I have designed my website. It is a personal website: a blog and a portfolio (but it still confuses me because the portfolio aims to a different target than the blog - the blog is a collection of my thoughts, daily logs, workout sessions, reflections and so on; while the portfolio is a collection of my previous graphic design works that were done some months ago).
      I would suggest the 2 go hand in hand. YOU the person writing the persona blog "a collection of my thoughts, daily logs, workout sessions, reflections and so on" Is the inside track to the type of "Art" you would create. Being a graphic artist you are going to be inspired by all of these things when creating your work correct? By doing this type of thing you have the ability to connect with a "Client' on a level other than just the artwork... People want to connect and work with like minded people.

      Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

      I built this site with the goal of sending it through social networks to find clients, offering them graphic design and web design services. Here, two things happens:

      1. When writing private messages to people, I don't like the idea of dealing with 'every kind of target' (from the individual that needs a portfolio to the organization that needs website management);

      2. I feel like nobody, nowdays, needs a website (or at least someone that manages it for them) because they can do it for themselves; so, either I am aiming to the wrong target (I should choose bigger corporations rather than individuals or locals) or I am choosing the wrong service, and should create a better one, an offer, something that the market needs more today).
      Please, please correct me if I am wrong.. but you are a graphic designer no? Graphic design and web design are 2 different things correct? Back in the day to get cool web design you would have a graphic designer create a graphic that was then cut and spliced into frames. In todays web design world, that simply doesnt happen any more.

      Originally Posted by Matteo Camarca View Post

      So, I need to change direction again. This isn't working (or I just don't like it).
      I was thinking that, instead of sending the link to my portfolio and looking for clients, it would be more profitable to send people a product.
      This would be way more immediate, and instead of saying 'hey, look at me, I am so good at doing what I do, why don't you ask me for some works?' I would say 'hey, this is something I made thinking about your needs, hope it solves your problem (or give you a better way of living)'.

      Now, the point is to find a product, something that I love, that I know how to create - or learn how to create - that has a market, that has demand, that people really need and that is not another unneeded product.

      Since I have no interest in making/creating/building physical products but have a passion for the digital/intellectual/artistic world, I am aiming for something that can be created on my computer/mobile and that can be bought online (without that dropshipping stuff).
      The obvious answer is to sell ART... are you on Instagram? Maybe create and share some persona pieces VS sharing work you have done for clients. Have you looked at creating NFT's? Seems to me this would be right up your alley.

      Going with the NFT idea... maybe learn the process for yourself? There are tons of videos on how to create and sell these... get proficient at the NFT process then maybe, I dont know... Sell a bundle of NFT and sales for clients?

      You have skills that are very much in demand - plain and simple. And like yourself many many many creatives have a hard time converting those skills to dollars. I get it, your brain just doesnt function that way.. creativity and making money are like polar opposites to you. BUT from my perspective Creativity and making money go hand in hand.

      Start paying attention to Instagram and TikTok and look for whats trending... make some graphic art that fits the trend - and sell them as NFT's or just start filling your Instagram and portfolio with personal ART and see where that gets you. And share your tail end off on your blog... Your sharing your perspective, your inspirations.. and I will bet your art will reflect what it is you write.

      Look for contest to enter your work in. Look for online challenges. Start expanding your social reach by sharing right? pay attention to hashtags.

      Hope that Helps!
      Signature
      Success is an ACT not an idea
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  • Profile picture of the author netcontent
    Take it slow. Start with what you're really good at and see how you can monetize it (= make money out of it online). Go easy with taking in too much information. The best way to use the warrior forum is to soak up the skills you need once you've decided on an online business model. So do that first,especially following what you love to do.
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