Anyone have regrets from not starting earlier?

55 replies
Pretty straight forward question. Have any of you on here ever thought back to when you first started and wish you started earlier?

I haven't really even started my IM journey, but from reading around here and soaking up everything I can like a sponge, it's obvious to me that these things don't happen overnight. Last year I started reading this forum and wanted to get my feet wet, but I kind of gave up on it after putting fourth minimal effort. Now I look back and wish I just stuck with it because I know I would've already had a year of experience under my belt -- even if I had little success I'd still be way farther than I am now!
#earlier #regrets #starting
  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    I don't regret starting sooner, it was 1998, and was still on a phone modem. But I do regret not doing some thing differently. Not getting lazy at times. Not doing things I knew I should have. Working smarter, ect.
    Signature
    PLR Affiliate Program Has Launched! Easily Promote Over 5,000 PLR and MRR Products.

    Largest Selection of PLR Articles on the Planet! PLR Ebooks, PLR Video, PLR Websites and more with Private Label Rights
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683110].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ameliaevie
    Banned
    Yes, I really regret for my joining date in this sector. If I would join so earlier, it would better for me. Of course now I am earning a handsome amount of money from this sector, if I would join so earlier, I would make profit more than now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683243].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Diana Lane
    I'd echo much of Ron's answer, but on the plus side that year will have taught you something else, even if turns out to be just one tiny experience from it that you can draw on somewhere down the line. It's surprising how often that happens.

    One thing is almost certain, though. No one ever made any money by tormenting themselves over time that can't be bought back, so park your regrets in the 'non-profitable' pile and move on and prosper. Good luck!
    Signature

    Plot short fiction, long fiction, even outline non-fiction * Edit the question prompts to suit your genre * Easily export text and image files for use with your word processor or Scrivener.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683256].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
      Originally Posted by Diana Lane View Post

      I'd echo much of Ron's answer, but on the plus side that year will have taught you something else, even if turns out to be just one tiny experience from it that you can draw on somewhere down the line. It's surprising how often that happens.

      One thing is almost certain, though. No one ever made any money by tormenting themselves over time that can't be bought back, so park your regrets in the 'non-profitable' pile and move on and prosper. Good luck!
      Good to see you back around here
      Signature
      PLR Affiliate Program Has Launched! Easily Promote Over 5,000 PLR and MRR Products.

      Largest Selection of PLR Articles on the Planet! PLR Ebooks, PLR Video, PLR Websites and more with Private Label Rights
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684455].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Miguelito203
    Originally Posted by BGreen94 View Post

    Pretty straight forward question. Have any of you on here ever thought back to when you first started and wish you started earlier?

    I haven't really even started my IM journey, but from reading around here and soaking up everything I can like a sponge, it's obvious to me that these things don't happen overnight. Last year I started reading this forum and wanted to get my feet wet, but I kind of gave up on it after putting fourth minimal effort. Now I look back and wish I just stuck with it because I know I would've already had a year of experience under my belt -- even if I had little success I'd still be way farther than I am now!
    There are things I would do differently if I had to start over again, but at the same time, you have to realize that every marketer has his or her own journey. I've learned to just be thankful I found out about making money online at all. If my life had gone according to plan, I wouldn't have even thought about pursuing making money online. I'd probably just have a regular job, where I worked full-time until I passed away (since most people can't afford to retire).

    Since my life didn't go as planned, I found out about online entrepreneurship, which totally opened my eyes to possibility I didn't even know existed before. It has literally changed the way in which I see the world.

    Joey
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683283].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Stevie C
    Looking back and regretting things is a waste of time. If I had to give advise I'd recommend taking action fast and failing fast. If you're dithering around deciding what to do then pick a method and stick with it for a while- be it writing a kindle book, affiliate marketing, ppc or whatever.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683314].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ybholy
    Bitterly , am regreting starting too late . I would have done it better by now but all the same , when you woke up is your morning .

    Being committed and devoted , you and i can make it better . Have a nice day at you all
    Signature

    For all Mobile Updates, Computer News and Technology Tips>>https://www.wpbloggertemplates.com is there for you!!!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683337].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnnyPlan
    A lot of social media is only now maturing to the point where you can capitalize on it. Just five years ago, Facebook was nowhere near as big as it is now. And, no such thing as Pinterest then either. Either site could make you rich if you know how to promote there.

    Now is the right time for anyone to be getting into internet marketing and selling goods and services online.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683368].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    The time is still a fair playing ground, instead of lambasting on what you should have done or not do, it's smarter to pick up the pieces of your shattered IM life and rebuild it.

    Businesses survive, reputable businesses crash, new ones are springing up.

    Companies that were making all the money in the past are shutting down now, some old ones are still getting bigger, better and stronger. It's a general phenomena, I hate to become a philosopher here but can't help it.

    No time for regret!!!
    Signature
    Grow your social media account, Spotify Streams, YT Views & IG Followers & More
    Software & Mobile APP Developer
    Buy Spotify, Facebook Bot & IG M/S Method
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683372].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Monja
    Actually yes. I know that I have been looking at online stuff when I got out of school in 1999 but never thought there would be such big chances to make money
    Signature

    Free Business Class on Skillshare:
    http://skl.sh/2bvH8nS

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683478].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rtws
    me! big time regrets for not knowing how tough it can get with a bit of bad luck..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683487].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author samlee
    Yes but better late than never. Have faith instead of fear. Stick to one thing till you have success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683609].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    Yeah, around high school would have been an awesome time to start.

    But it's not something I constantly dwell on.

    It is what it is (so to speak)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683770].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    Yeah I have a few regrets that I didn't start in the IM world a few years earlier. But you have to bear in mind that Internet marketing has only really taken off properly in the last decade.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9683775].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ivanadee
    Yeah. I wish I started earlier but anyway, I'll think the positive way so I am thankful because I get the opportunity to know IM
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684062].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      I think most of us can raise our hands to this question.

      Started in late 2007 ,and wish it had been 2003 when I had the opportunity to.

      But no use in dwelling on the past.

      Onward march



      - Robert Andrew
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684137].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author CurtisSi
      Banned
      [DELETED]
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9687818].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author cgyc88
        My regret is not listening to this advice "build you list". Should have started to build my list much much earlier. Anyway mistakes are lessons learned...no regrets about the learning part.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9687831].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zak L.
    I wouldn't say this is a regret - just a learning experience.

    Hypothetically, if I could go back - I would get a coach from Day 1 to work with me 1 on 1.

    It's different for everyone, but I find that when you have that clarity about what you should be doing - the whole game changes.
    Signature





    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684220].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tom Addams
    I started pretty much as early as I could start. Little over 20 years ago. But I do seriously - seriously, seriously, seriously - regret not jumping on domains from the outset. When I think of the domain opportunities I missed . . . well, put it this way, it doesn't make me smile. I had money, too, but I was too stupid to listen to advice and take action. First and last time for that. I learned my lesson!

    GRM
    Signature

    I Coach: Learn More | My Latest WF Thread: Dead Domains/ Passive Traffic

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684330].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dec Mc
    In this Internet Marketing game you actually learn a lot more from your failures and mistakes than you do from your successes which is not a bad thing !
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684863].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jbmarwood
    Everyone wishes they started earlier. If you started on the Internet in the 80s you'd be a cajillionaire. No point looking back, just look forward.
    Signature

    How to Beat Wall Street.
    Trading Systems & Strategies
    jbmarwood.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684954].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Smhype
    It's never too late to start... I like the saying, A year from now you'll wish you started today!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9684958].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I started wayyy back before some were born, in 1985 with a company called Amway. No, it wasn't internet marketing but it had many of the guiding principles that many people still use in here and online.
    While the 3 years I was involved didn't see me gaining huge success, it did teach me a lot and that has helped me now.

    I have only been working online for about 5 years as a serious business due to ill health and am so grateful to be able to do so or I would be in serious financial trouble.

    Never live with regret. Just do what you can with what you have today and, tomorrow, you'll be better off for it.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685622].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author nik0
      Banned
      I regret it quite a bit, I only became real active about 1-1.5 years before Google came up with all their Panda's and Penguins and back then the competition was much less fierce, when you compare what it takes to rank for some 8k/searches best.... keyword opposed to now it's like a world of difference.

      Could've made real fortunes back then, still can but it requires much more upfront investment these days.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685634].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author apocalypsejay
    I have made more money selling tangible goods on ebay than using ebay's affiliate program. IM for me as basically a newbie is just passive income for now. It is very competetive and many learn the hard way and get burned by wasting their money on things like a website before they are fully prepared. Rome wasn't built in a day so be patient and persistent.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685807].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author skyro
    I don't have regret starting earlier but have skme regrets in not sticking to one thing earlier. As a newbie you can get lost and caught up in all the methods and new fads but if you stick to the basics you can get a lot further quicker.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685840].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author C G
    Started online 5 years ago. No regrets

    Cheers,

    C.G.
    Signature
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685893].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author busybee
      This is certainly a journey.
      Sometimes there are disappointments, when you take a course that does not work out.
      For instance, making money from adsence, only to have your account cancelled for breaking their TOS.

      Then there are periods of great excitement, when you stumble on a plan that works somewhat, with money pouring into your paypal account.

      But I agree with many of my fellow Warriors who wrote above, that having regrets will not be beneficial.
      It's the moving ahead and working hard now, that will get results.
      Signature

      busybee

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Salma08
    I never regret about what I have done in the past. But, I always keep thinking about what I have to achieve in future and my upcoming goals. According to me, thinking about past and regretting about past is just a waste of time nothing else!!
    Signature

    Salma Ali

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685923].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      I used to have dreams about alerting my parents to buy apple and google stock when i was very young. But that kind of stuff is a fantasy that doesn't really project into the future so i try not to think about it.

      It's the same with starting my business at the time that i did. Regret doesn't really help me progress, it just forces me to think about stuff that's done and gone. How does that help me right here and now?

      I don't regret the small stuff i can't control. It's almost like being so into technology that you wish you were born in the future where everything is more advanced.

      Just embrace how it came together for you right now since that's all that's really in your power.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9685965].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Brenda Callaghan
        I think we all sometimes think "if only..." when we look back but we can only do what we know at the time (it's not 'til later that you even realize you should have acted differently). Never beat yourself up about past mistakes - just learn from them.

        ...and a little advice learned from MY past mistakes - try to concentrate on ONE project at a time until you see results and not jump from project to project (I've learned that one the hard way!) Good luck going forward!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DaleRodge
    Every single day.

    If I had started IM earlier I'd have been a multi-millionaire by now without doubt, some of the sites I've had and sold years ago have gone on to make ridiculous amounts of money but back then I was just in it for a quick turnaround.

    Now I always wish I started earlier, whenever I come across a new niche I'm like why the heck didn't I start this sooner!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author .X.
    It takes as long as it takes.

    The only thing I regret is wasting time and money on
    shortcut approaches.

    Have a vision, start building, avoid the garbage
    thinkers.



    Originally Posted by BGreen94 View Post

    Pretty straight forward question. Have any of you on here ever thought back to when you first started and wish you started earlier?

    I haven't really even started my IM journey, but from reading around here and soaking up everything I can like a sponge, it's obvious to me that these things don't happen overnight. Last year I started reading this forum and wanted to get my feet wet, but I kind of gave up on it after putting fourth minimal effort. Now I look back and wish I just stuck with it because I know I would've already had a year of experience under my belt -- even if I had little success I'd still be way farther than I am now!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686718].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NeedBucksNow
    Yeah. Could have done alot of things different before if I had taken the time to learn what really works online.
    Signature

    HOW TO QUIT YOUR BORING JOB AND START MAKING MORE CASH MARKETING FROM YOUR HOME!
    http://needbucksnow.com/
    JOIN MAXBOUNTY TODAY AND I'LL SHOW YOU HOW I'M FINALLY MAKING MONEY ONLINE USING PPC!
    http://www.needbucksnow.com/top-cpa-offers/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686727].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author prosperity4all
    Originally Posted by BGreen94 View Post

    Pretty straight forward question. Have any of you on here ever thought back to when you first started and wish you started earlier
    I personally don't have any regrets not starting any earlier, simply because I feel I got "in" pretty darn early (late 90's when dial up modems were all the rage)

    As long as you got in sometime, I think that is all you need to be concerned about. If you never get in and never try, you will surely never make any money and thus that is failure imo.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686784].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JPaston
    My main regret is that, when I first started way back in 2007, there wasn't the wealth of information that is readily available today.

    I would have dearly loved to have the benefit of the training that I've received in the past few years much earlier on in my marketing career. When I think of the years I wasted making mistake after mistake when all it took was some proper coaching - well, it makes me shudder!

    So, wish I'd started earlier? No. Wish I'd started learning how marketing really works earlier? Yes!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686799].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jonb
    Regret is pointless. You're here now and in the game. that means the universe says you're ready. Maybe you weren't before.

    Go out, kick ass and don't look back.
    Signature

    .

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686816].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DianaLensbury
      I wish I'd started later! I'd have more money left in my pocket.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686937].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ElGuapo
        It's not the start date I regret, but the approach. There was a lot of open opportunity a decade ago as advertising platforms were finding their feet and the web felt a lot more uncluttered and wild than it does today. Some seized the opportunities available, most of us got distracted...
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686961].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author HDRider
    No, since I also started back in the days when I thought my upgrade to a 56k modem was blazing fast.
    Also had net Zero then AOL geez.

    A lot of thing I would do different but it is a learning process.
    Signature

    ~ Ultra Fast Product Creation - Creating your own products is where the real money is... Let me show you how in this step by step guide.

    ~ Get Your Mind Right and Everything Else is Easy! Law of Attraction States...You Attract What You Think About.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686952].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    Regret is not a word I use, would I advise anyone else to get off their *ss and go hard at their objectives of building a business and use online marketing as a major part of that business - ABSOLUTELY!

    Regret itself is a rather useless concept as it implies negatively viewing the past, my choice is to learn from the past and do everything I can from this minute forward to achieve my objectives.

    What have I learned?

    1. To go with your gut- if your gut says it's worth trying, then don't ignore it
    2. Move ahead with massive action - it does very little good to limp forward, if it is something you believe in then go in with 150% effort, dedication and certainty
    3. There should be no excuse for not starting right NOW. Excuses are simply a way to delay progress and give in to your fears or anxieties - blast through them
    4. Be fearless...you will hear this from many people who have succeeded at anything in life, they would not have been able to succeed without being fearless

    Jeff
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9686992].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tobiascharles
    I agree there are things I regret not doing sooner but if I had I wouldn't have learned everything I have now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9687344].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jayden1981
    yes and no
    i have learnt alot over the three years..
    yes i wished i started when i was 18 years old and yes there is alot to learn
    but your always learning..
    no regrets so far!

    the answer to your question
    is YES...i wished i started when i finished high school
    Signature

    Read my article What is Affiliate Marketing?
    http://www.memoryrameka.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9687479].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IvoryPearl
    I was also back there in 1998 on the old dial up modem systems...knew that the internet needed a lot more substance...could kick myself for not creating Facebook, Google, Amazon...lol!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9688116].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author H.Miller
    I don't regret not starting sooner. If anything I regret not focusing in on just one thing sooner. I wasted a lot of time jumping from method to method. I finally realized just about all methods work if I would just stick with them long enough.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9689470].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SteveSki
    I wish I had got started earlier doing what really works.

    I was shown a simple (but not easy) system that works but
    I spent far to many years looking for an easier way instead of
    just working the system.

    Cheers,
    SteveSki
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9689553].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author nitro37
      Well, no regrets for me, since I started back in 1997
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9689954].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author masonisabella794
    Sure, if I could join more earlier than now, I would learn more than now. I would earn more than now. Of course now I am satisfied to my online earnings. When I joined on the sector, I was not able to earn money within 3 months. After 3 months, I was earning a little bid, by gradually, my earning was increase. So I regret here, If I would join in this sector about 5 years before, I would earn my current amount before 5 years. So I really regret for this. Very sad.
    Signature

    cool

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9690008].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author adetunji
    Well, no regrets for me. I started earlier enough!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9690019].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Poprugan
    I'm happy i started earlier
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9690024].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jen Eick
    Let me put it this way. I wish I would have, but I'm sure I couldn't have.

    I was adopted. I spent 13 yrs total searching for both sides of my birth family.

    It's one of those things I had to do before I could get "closure" and do other things in life.

    I now am happy to say I know all 3 sides of my family: My adoptive family, my birthmother's side, and my birthfather's side. As a result, I know who I am.

    I always say everything in my life is a good 10 yrs delayed, due to that need I had to discover my own identity. But it's been non-stop ever since for me...and I'm just getting started.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9757103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    I don't do regrets.
    Signature
    Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9757162].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    No point in having regrets. Sometimes you have to go through various life experiences in your career before your ready for a different challenge
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9757216].message }}
  • Focusing on regret is still not acting, and procrastinating on getting the job done!
    Signature

    Traffic Generation, Qualified Leads and Increased Sales:
    SEO Focused PR and Marketing http://www.twotreesmarketing.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9757658].message }}

Trending Topics