Why are you doing IM?

16 years ago

Andy, when I asked my list recently what they most got from me, I was
surprised at the answer... most said INSPIRATION.

I've since made that part of my USP

Try asking the people you work with/for - the answers will illuminate.

All success
Dr.Mani

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JayXtreme

16 years ago

I have issues with authority... that's my reason.. I cold never stand being told what time to work, what time to break, what time to take a pee, how to do something...

I work damned hard, even when I was in employment... but I just have issues with putting in effort on command...

It's my terms or nothing

Peace

Jay

p.s. My baby girl makes it worthwhile now too.. she's 7 months

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lazavas

16 years ago

Originally Posted by JayXtreme

I have issues with authority... that's my reason.. I cold never stand being told what time to work, what time to break, what time to take a pee, how to do something...

I work damned hard, even when I was in employment... but I just have issues with putting in effort on command...

It's my terms or nothing

Peace

Jay

p.s. My baby girl makes it worthwhile now too.. she's 7 months

amen to that brother! i recently walked out of a job i didnt like, not just didnt like, but the treatment i was getting there, one of old work mates said that i left because i "dont like authority" and its true, i make no excuses, i wont let some pr@ck tell me what and when to do it, so thats why im replying, i thought it was kinda relevant to me as well, well in mate

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Peter Bestel 16 years ago

Andy

We, that's me, Heather my wife and our daughter, started with the big question: What do we want from this life and how can we start to make it happen?

For many of the same reasons you stated, we simply shut up shop, sold the house, left jobs, moved school, left friends and family and started living in a place where we reckon we can achieve our immediate and short/long term life-goals.

We stumbled across IM as a way to achieve this. We had business ideas but had to figure a way to realise them whilst maintaining our dream. IM is fitting in quite nicely at the moment.

Evaluating where we're up to, where we want to go and how we want to get there are almost constant questions.

We are extremely happy with how our journey is progressing. We make small adjustments so we keep on track and we keep on going.

It sounds like you're at a crossroads. You've yet to settle on your true purpose, without which you'll face some big questions that will be hard to answer. Decide on this and things will become clearer.

I wish you all the very best with your decisions and I'm confident that you'll trust to your own judgement.

Peter
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Platinum Matt

16 years ago

Andy,

It was really obvious the first time I met you, that your greatest pleasure is in helping/teaching others.

I don't get any pleasure from doing what I do anymore... I do it for the money.

I hope you find what makes you happy.

Matt

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lacraiger

16 years ago

its a fun way to make money. and i dont have to leave the house

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lissie

16 years ago

I'm doing IM because I want a business which can generate me passive (mainly ) income long-term. I too am over working for d**kheads and my definition includes most bosses I worked for. It broke my spirit working on meaningless projects for bosses who were more interested in their own careers than the good of the company or the people who they managed. I am out of corporate IT and never going back.
And I love being able to work in my pj's!

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flnz400

16 years ago

Mostly to fund other investments. Super easy to build cash flowing businesses and stay liquid if need be. Low overhead, not limited by demographic, MASSIVE LEVERAGE!!!!!!, etc...

Control over my greatest asset, time.

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Abel1337

Banned 16 years ago

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Steven Wagenheim 16 years ago

Dear Andy:

Hope you're doing well. You're probably wondering why I'm writing this
response in the form of a letter. Well, I have my reasons. It's therapeutic.

Let me first answer your question as to why I do IM. Then I'll offer some
advice that you can take or not. It's free.

I do IM for several reasons. To say which one is the most important or the
most driving would be impossible. I get something from each one.

1. I need to support my family. Now, I understand that I could do that with
a job. But I can't stand working for people and after doing that for 45 years,
I had enough of it. I just can't do it anymore. So working for myself is the
only option for me.

2. I enjoy being creative. I've been writing for over 30 years of my life.
I've written everything from songs to plays to novels to you name it. When
I saw that I could take my writing to the Internet and actually do something
with it that could also earn me some money, I was thrilled. To do something
you love and actually make money with it??? Wow! That's heaven on
Earth. That's really the reason why I write so much. For me, it's not
really work, though so many people can't understand that.

3. I love the challenge. You're not getting a paycheck. You may not get
a paycheck. You may not make a dime. You may starve doing this. I love
knowing that I have to constantly be on my toes to keep getting paid. I
could work for a boss, go through the motions, do an adequate job and
make the same amount of money as if I busted my hump. Not the case
with IM. You have to be constantly thinking and keeping ahead of your
competition.

4. I love helping people. The money has become kind of, well, let's just say
the thrill of the paydays aren't what they were. Yes, I still need it but you
know what? You get spoiled and eventually those checks don't thrill you
as much. I'm sure you can relate to that. Don't get me wrong. I don't
want them to stop. But I don't get all giddy like I did 5 years ago when I
had my first $100 day. So the helping people part is where I get a lot of
my joy that the money doesn't give me now. I love the emails I get
thanking me. I love the thank you's when I make a forum post that helps
others. This is why it matters to me what people think of me. You could
never understand that. Maybe now you will. Without knowing that I am
making a difference in the lives of others, a lot of why I am doing this is
lost.

Okay, now we come to the advice part of my letter to you my friend. And
yes, even though we have had our differences, I consider you my friend.

I know you probably hate cliches. But this one is so true. Life is short. I
can't believe that I am over 50. I have a 19 year old daughter and I don't
know where the years went. And no one knows how long he even has on
this planet. Tomorrow could be my last day. And with some of my health
issues, it just very well may be.

Therefore, I live my life as if everyday is my last. In doing that, I don't
waste one minute if I can help it. And that means not doing ANYTHING
that I DON'T want to do unless I have no choice. I have eliminated so
many things from my life that I used to do because I no longer get any
joy from them and like I said, life is too short to be doing something that
is just taking up time.

So Andy, I say this from the bottom of my heart, if YOUR heart isn't in
this anymore and you can afford to just give it up...do it. But I can't
answer that question for you. Nobody can. Only you can look inside
yourself and decide if what you're doing now is what you REALLY want to
be doing.

I've recently started writing songs again. And if by some miracle I am able
to write a big hit and really break into the business, my IM days will
probably be gone, at least as they are now. I'll probably put up some free
site with every piece of knowledge I have so that others can learn and
have success and leave it at that. This way, I'll still have the satisfaction
of knowing that I am still helping people. The money will be taken care of
by my other profession as well as the joy of creation and the challenge.
After all, not every song is going to be a top 10 hit.

But I know those chances are slim to none and I'm fine with that. See, I
do enjoy what I'm doing. And as long as I do, and nothing comes around
that I enjoy more, I'll keep doing it. It's really as simple as that.

So if you find something that you enjoy more and can give up IM to do it,
do it. It's really that simple.

I don't know if any of this has been any help to you or not.

I hope it has.

Sincerely,

Steven Wagenheim

PS - Allen We need a script font in this forum so I can sign my letters
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TheMagicShow

16 years ago

I am doing IM becuse I can't stand being told what to do, some folks are very clever and their bosses try to discourage their movements, I quit my job moons ago because I had jealous bosses that tried to control my creativity, restrict my excitement for their business, so I told them to screw themselves and quit and it is way better now.

IM has lots of perks but it also can get very lonely, that is no lie and many know that being infront of a pc or trying to make gazillion of dollars will not make anyone happy all the time.

The IM business is a flexible one, there are so many areas of work for people to get into, just pick what you like and kick some a**

I have 3 concurrent contracts all done from home and they revolve around what I like to do, do what you like and get paid for it.

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Thanks for the responses so far.

I spoke to fellow Warrior John Taylor last night and had an interesting chat about life and our futures.

I've lived most of my life for other people but mainly the people immediately around me and I now feel like I want to help people in a bigger way, more people and in a more fundamental way.

I do like the IM stuff and I'm sure I'll incorporate some elements of IM in whatever I decide for my future, but I just need a bigger context for it now.

My issue isn't that I have any problem to get away from or I'm not happy doing what I'm doing, it's just that - like people have already said - life is short and ultimately it passes very quickly. When I'm gone I want the dash between my birth and death to mean something more than the amount of time I was around.

I know you can't always tell the scope of how you help others and little things can change peoples lives in ways you don't realise, but I don't want to have to look for the meaning when I know that when I get things aligned properly and live with passion in a way that is focused squarely on the things I value most, things can be so much better for me and the universe.

I've considered doing some traveling just to meet people who have inspired me over the years with their writing, audio and video products to see if a natural opportunity to do the same for others comes along.

I believe that as long as I keep moving towards an answer, things will keep changing for the better.

I feel a little selfish because I know many people have proper problems to deal with, but I've had my fair share of issues to deal with so I reckon it's my time to get aligned with the best life the universe had in mind for me.

Andy

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TheMagicShow

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

Thanks for the responses so far.

I spoke to fellow Warrior John Taylor last night and had an interesting chat about life and our futures.

I've lived most of my life for other people but mainly the people immediately around me and I now feel like I want to help people in a bigger way, more people and in a more fundamental way.

I do like the IM stuff and I'm sure I'll incorporate some elements of IM in whatever I decide for my future, but I just need a bigger context for it now.

My issue isn't that I have any problem to get away from or I'm not happy doing what I'm doing, it's just that - like people have already said - life is short and ultimately it passes very quickly. When I'm gone I want the dash between my birth and death to mean something more than the amount of time I was around.

I know you can't always tell the scope of how you help others and little things can change peoples lives in ways you don't realise, but I don't want to have to look for the meaning when I know that when I get things aligned properly and live with passion in a way that is focused squarely on the things I value most, things can be so much better for me and the universe.

I've considered doing some traveling just to meet people who have inspired me over the years with their writing, audio and video products to see if a natural opportunity to do the same for others comes along.

I believe that as long as I keep moving towards an answer, things will keep changing for the better.

I feel a little selfish because I know many people have proper problems to deal with, but I've had my fair share of issues to deal with so I reckon it's my time to get aligned with the best life the universe had in mind for me.

Andy

Andy,

I know exactly what you mean, you want to live life to its fullest and enjoy all the time you have left on this earth, one person that has and is living life to its fullest is that fella " Richard Branson", the owner of Virgin records, enjoy your life bro and make it what you want to make of it.

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luckystar

16 years ago

hello everybody,
I am doing IM so as to make money and help people around me.

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energyguy 16 years ago

I enjoy I'M because you can find inspiring people in almost every corner.

Someone told me once to remember that feeling you had the first day you walked into your job....remember that everyday you come to work.

It is easy to become bored with anything you do.

I think you are on the right track by wanting to give back. If you have not done so yet, sign up to go on a missions trip...it will give you a new perspective...

you got great support here with other warriors...PM me if you ever wanna chat.
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- Killer Joe 16 years ago
  
  Well, the first time I read a sales letter that said I can sit in front of my computer naked and make millions I knew I had just read the perfect job description.
  
  But when I got to the part where it said I needed a web cam I was disappointed to say the least.
  
  Luckly for me I read another sales letter that said I can sit in front of my computer in my pajamas and make millions. Now this one was a lot more believible. No web cam, just my finger on the 'SEND' button, all the rest was taken care of.
  
  Now, don't get me wrong, I still play the lottery regularly, but this sounded as close to a government job as anyone in my position who isn't a handicapped female minority can land.
  
  I've done all the right things, set up my ClickBank account, got my Google Adsense account, signed up on every IMers' list who had any possibility of putting at least two sentances together in English, all the right stuff.
  
  So the future looks bright, I'm checking my accounts after every meal, and waiting for my first big check to come in the mail. In the meantime I'm plastering my walls with pictures of Lamborghinis, big yachts, my dream mansion by the beach, and of course some of the more important stuff like a new computer, an Iphone, and a Wii for when things get slow and I have time to play.
  
  All in all this journey has been everything they said it would be. I haven't gotten out of my pajamas in over a month, I work from home, I don't have a boss, and my dreams are starting to replace reality.
  
  That's all for now, I have to get back to writing my home study course about making millions on the internet. I hope I didn't reveal too much information in this post, after all, I want people to buy my course, and I've just given most of the good nuggets away here.
  
  But first I have to check my emails so I can keep up with the latest offers. Everything is evolving so fast I'm just thankfull I have time to read all those things. Some of those videos are really cool. Especially that beach bum guy who looks like Jesus. The Pee Wee Herman guy is pretty cool, too. He's a pagan and he hangs around with Jesus, go figure.
  
  I guess this business makes for some pretty strange bedfellows.
  
  KJ
  
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  Mary Gallivan 16 years ago
  
  Hi Andy
  
  I'm doing IM because I enjoy it! - Well, most of it - I'm not very good at the techy side of things but I plod along and learn slowly.
  
  Another reason for doing IM is because I want a means of having an extra income after retirement age. I've often joked with my son that if I HAVE to go into a retirement home I want a laptop and internet access!!
  
  When I started out several years ago I began selling on eBay as a hobby and it progressed from there.
  
  IM also keeps me occupied. I can't go out to work, although I loved the last job I had, money wasn't brilliant, but I could plan my own week, work flexi-time and had nobody looking over my shoulder all the time.
  
  I enjoy planning my own routine/day to suit my own needs and those of family etc.
  
  You have provided such valuable information and advice in this forum and I would hate it if you moved on to pastures new although you must do what is right for you - to fulfil your needs.
  
  Best wishes
  
  Mary
  
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WL_Marketing

16 years ago

Sure, if you've solved your money problems, then go for it!

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ExRat

16 years ago

Hi Andy,

I don't know if you could bear to tear yourself away from the internet, but -

I'm tempted to stop doing it and just go traveling and meeting people or building schools or water supplies where there are people in desperate need.

...if you are seriously in a position to do this and are tempted to, why not just give yourself a year to try it then review things after? And if you're not sure now, why not talk to people who have done it? (I realise this thread is attempting to do that) - I mean really talk to someone offline and ask them what it did for their life.

The reasons I say this are many, but here are two -

1) If things changed (as they often do) you may never have the chance to do those things again - ask yourself how much you would regret not doing it in that scenario.

2) You said -

Because I'm single, I don't have anyone else to consider directly and can do what I like, so the family thing might become important again in the future but right now it's all about me - and that's not enough for me.

Travelling, just for the sake of travelling - to find yourself, find a path etc - often brings out a side of people that is someone who is really living life - as a discoverer and adventurer - meeting totally new people. This can be the thing that causes other things to fall into place - EG meeting someone who changes your life.

In short, it is an opportunity that many (can only) dream of. If you've worked hard and done well for yourself, then if you choose to do things for others, or just for yourself - it shouldn't be a problem to you or anyone else.

You appear to be travelling a lot and meeting people anyway - my main point is if you have opportunities at this time but also many choices and are unsure - take the bold option, the one with higher risk but greater rewards. Do what YOU really want to do because at the end of it all, it's only yourself that you have to answer to and only yourself that is really paying any attention to your journey.

If it was me in your position, I'd enjoy a well earned break from PC's, cyberspace and the virtual online world and I'd immerse myself in the real world.

If I'm ever unsure of which way to go, if I find nothing else to base the decision upon, I look for balance. A change is as good as a rest.

HTH

PS Why am I working online? Well I am staying in the UK while my son grows up, but he's nearly thirteen now. But basically, I am working online so that (ideally) I will have adequate income streams in place so that in a few years time I can have the sort of problem you have - too much choice. Then my ass will be on a plane - initially to somewhere hot, with big waves and fit feisty Sheilas.

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Cash Blasters Online

16 years ago

That's easy for the money, otherwise why not do it !!

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rontoski 16 years ago

Andy,
You are one of the good ones.
Congratulations on being able to make the choice.
I say, take a sabbatical from your beloved IM and go put in some wells for the poor. If the gushing water and joy of those who can drink fresh water for the first time is greater personal satisfaction than the pull for IM--you have your answer.

Ron E
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JohnHuizinga

16 years ago

Absolutely use your time and money to change peoples lives. I'd like to see myself in that position in 10 years or so.

Better yet, use your money and your skills to "leverage" other people's money to help people. Start a charity.

Oh and in answer to your first question. My list is about the same as the one you started with. I also have a longer term one (call it daydreaming) that involve making a difference in the "real world".

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Meanna Blog

16 years ago

I just really want to see the process work. But also along the way i've met some great guys with massive energy and a willingness to see each other succeed.

I suppose there's enough for us all to go round!!

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Mohamed_Mnafeg

16 years ago

I'm doing IM because I love IM
I love IM
I Love IM
I l___ ove IM

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writergirlk

16 years ago

I loved reading everyone's responses!

I'm a writer. I write mainly for clients - SEO work, content, that sort of thing. It's a never ending cycle of

1. Find Work
2. Do Work
3. Get Paid
4. Repeat

I love writing, but that routine is getting old. I started my writing career for different reasons - churning out 50 articles on flooring wasn't in my grand plan, that's for sure! I wanted to work for ME. And even though the business is mine, the end product isn't.

But now I have this knack for writing search engine friendly articles that actually sound good. Internet marketing is the next logical step. Now, I can apply what I learned by writing for others to my own projects.

Oh ya, and I love working from home.

Well, it's not always from home - sometimes it's in the car, on a plane, in a hotel room... My husband and I travel a lot and I am able to go when he has a business trip because of both writing and IM.

And you said:

I'm tempted to stop doing it and just go traveling and meeting people or building schools or water supplies where there are people in desperate need.

Why not do both?

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tonyscott

16 years ago

I was stood on a wall overlooking the town of Girona in Northern Spain, one week after setting off walking through a section of the Spanish Pyranees.

I decided that I would like to organise my life in such a way that I could do more of what I'd just done.

Nearly five years later, and I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer.

Travel Andy, just go where your feet take you.

Tony

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writergirlk 16 years ago

Originally Posted by tonyscott

Travel Andy, just go where your feet take you.

Tony

Agreed! Never stifle the urge to travel. Would you regret it if you never went? If yes, go for it! You can always still do IM from anywhere if you need money (well, almost).
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vorales

16 years ago

Hi There,

Well i m doing IM because i wanted to transform my life, this i feel is the best medium to make money as in 21century.

I wish to work from home and earn ,which i can do through IM.i want to get financially free.

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Maybe I should also say - I've already traveled all over the world to more countries than I can remember. I've been traveling for most of my life and I'm currently in the middle of traveling around Asia. I'll be taking my first trip to Australia and New Zealand in the next few weeks, but the world's a big place and I already know that I care more about the people I meet than the places I visit, but I do like to keep seeing new things and meeting new people.

So, it's not like I've been stuck living in one country all my life and now have the travel bug, traveling just seems to be something I've always been drawn to and made sure is part of my life in some way.

Thanks for the great answers so far, it's really interesting to hear other people perspectives on this.

Andy

Originally Posted by Brian McElroy

Hey Andy,

Only have a moment... about to see what's happening in
Rio tonight.

At the moment, I'm doing IM to have the best of both
worlds...

Owning a business, while having the freedom to live
and travel ANYWHERE.

I've done the other alternatives...

A NORMAL job (where I was tied to one location)... and
COMPLETE disconnection- just doing the kind of work
you mentioned (in my case, working at a small, rural
university in the mountains of Haiti).

It's up to you man. If you set your mind to it... you can
have anything and everything you want.

Just don't expect to find it in a forum

Highest regards,
Brian

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kf

16 years ago

Andy,

Wanting to make a contribution is one of the strongest human drives. Being in a position to make a contribution is not something everyone will have. One reason I do IM is to have the resources - financial, time, emotional - to make significant contributions. That will look different for each of us.

One thing I believe is that I can effect more change with financial contributions than I can individually through my time and presence. That said, I do have skills that I could lend to a project or cause that would have lasting value and far exceed any 'time' I might contribute.

I applaud your introspection. So many live lives of mediocrity (or quiet desperation). I know many people living their lives on auto-pilot. The first thing I needed to do was to start living consciously and be aware that I, and only I, am in charge of living my life.

The one thing we can never replace is time. It is finite and we are all running out of it. I know that recently I am acutely aware of what I want my life to add up to. Perhaps a mid-life crisis.

True story: A friend of a friend (who I also knew) killed herself last weekend. She was a lovely, generous person who always seemed full of life and enthusiasm.

I cannot stop thinking about it. I am constantly trying to figure out what is next ... If I do this for October, November, December, then I can do that for January and February, and ...

My biggest concern is fitting in everything I want to do. I can't imagine not wanting to get through the rest of the day.

Like you I have travelled a lot, and continue to do so. The wonderful thing about travel is that it expands us, makes us more tolerant, more generous. It is also something that can never be taken away. That moment, that person, that view is something we can always look back on. Travel enriches us in ways that few things can.

Living your life with a view to having no regrets is a great way to go. Just realize that those of us who make those choices, who live our lives in that way, are blessed. I'm constantly grateful for the opportunity to live my life as I choose and to be able to pursue my dreams.

Right now I'm learning to fly. Always wanted to but was busy doing other things. Woke up one morning a few months ago and organized my life to make it happen now.

BTW, now is all we have.

My now includes flying a little plane over the west coast of Canada. The scenery, and experience, is something I'll remember forever.

I'm not sure what I'll do with my pilot's license once I receive it, but - serendipitously - I saw a lecture advertised for pilots who do missionary work in Africa. This resonates with me. Perhaps my mid-life lark will reveal a completely new path for me.

Anthony Robbins talks about having a compelling future. It seems this is the part you are grappling with. For me, it's always a matter of deciding what is most important at any given time and then deciding to go toward it.

Part of that for me is always looking at what I'll regret if I don't do it.

There's a Canadian boy who builds wells in Africa. Ryan's Well Foundation. They're doing incredible work and he started making a difference when he was seven!

Also, there is an organization that builds a well that looks like playground equipment. You know those flat round discs that kids push until it starts to spin and then all jump on? The spinning of the disc draws the water. The ingenuity of this amazes me. Water for a community - entertainment for the children.

So many organizations could benefit from your skills. I hope you find your path. Whatever you choose, a thinking man can never go far wrong.

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Andyhenry 16 years ago

Originally Posted by kf

True story: A friend of a friend (who I also knew) killed herself last weekend. She was a lovely, generous person who always seemed full of life and enthusiasm.

I hear you.

There have been a few times in my life where I've given a lot of thought to my future.

In the last 5 years I've had a few times like this ignited by family illnesses.

I watched a film again recently called 'Goodwill hunting' which had an underachieving genius kid with a poor background who knew he could be making more of his life but hid in a community of friends who were all resigned to being labourers for the rest of their lives. They all knew he had something special and that one day he would leave and fulfill his destiny, but he was trying to avoid it.

Over the years I've often felt like just going through the motions of turning up to work and not doing anything more than earn money and pay bills was not right for me, but I've got my fulfillment from constantly traveling and learning about psychology, success, business etc. and the odd specialisation in a new technology.

Now all of this stuff seems pretty irrelevant and when I'm sat around a table with friends in a nice location I feel like that's all I need, but then I think about all the people in the world who are in the position I've been in where they know there's more to life but aren't doing anything about it, or they're stuck in a job wondering if they should just consider themselves lucky to have one.

So many people these days are unhappy about trivial things which they could change in an instant that I can't help but feel like I should be helping them see there's more out there.

Then there are the starving and dying people all over the world who just need basic things - which in this day and age is a crime.

So, while I know how to earn a crust and help a few people I don't want my life to continue within that limited framework, so I'm looking at the options to take it to the next level.

I have a lot of friends in IM and some are speaking at an event in Singapore soon so I'll see them and I can't imagine that I could easily just drop all IM activities, but I have a LOT of websites which I only created to make money with that I have in interest in spending any time maintaining, so I'll definitely stop a lot of my current sites so that whatever I end up with are things I care about.

And I'm sure I'll still drop by this forum whatever I'm doing.

Andy
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drmani

16 years ago

Andy, just a few minutes back, I watched this video on YouTube.

YouTube - Reflections From The Road with Dan...

One thing stood out for me from it:

"If there's one thing I've learned, it's to trust the process
of Life as it unfolds."

I know it'll resonate with you too.

All success
Dr.Mani

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waken

16 years ago

In short, for FREEDOM sake...

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ic7

16 years ago

Hi Andy,

I'm new to IM. But I consider myself lucky because the product I sell is motivational/inspirational. It's my own product, and I truly believe in it. I actually like promoting it and talking with people about it every chance I get.

By the way, I have a friend who sold everything and moved to Thailand to start a charity. He basically left a cushy life in USA to live a very simple life helping kids.

Isara - Charity Begins at Your Homepage

He's one of my inspirations. And I've got to say, you are now on my list of people who inspire me. :-)

Paul

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Originally Posted by ic7

Hi Andy,

I'm new to IM. But I consider myself lucky because the product I sell is motivational/inspirational. It's my own product, and I truly believe in it. I actually like promoting it and talking with people about it every chance I get.

By the way, I have a friend who sold everything and moved to Thailand to start a charity. He basically left a cushy life in USA to live a very simple life helping kids.

Isara - Charity Begins at Your Homepage

He's one of my inspirations. And I've got to say, you are now on my list of people who inspire me. :-)

Paul

Thanks Paul.

I love the idea of starting a charity. I'm currently writing a book and I'm thinking of self-publishing it and putting the proceeds to charity. I hadn't considered starting one but I love the idea.

Thanks

Andy

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Alex Sol 16 years ago

At first I started IM for the same reasons as many others:

1) Hated my job
2) Hated my boss
3) Hated my pay...

... and the list goes on.

So I started IM with a desperate need for Freedom and well, enough $$$ to pay the bills.

Once I started making MORE money than my bills required It turned into a challenge; How many copies of this product can I sell? Can I rank in the top 5 SE results for this keyword phrase? Can I do this? ... and I guess the whole feeling of "challenge" has been motivating me since!

In summer 2008, for the very first time in my life I was able to go on a European vacation... Germany, Holland, U.K - and it was all paid off by my IM efforts.

... It also feels great to receive "Thank You" e-mails from the folks on my list! I simply love it! It does feel great to help people out, even if it's something basic! I got into IM because of Travis Sago - and I am still thankful to him

Well, I guess helping people with their quality of life and new challenges are my current motivators

Alex
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- Karen Keyes 16 years ago
  
  Hi Andy,
  Saw your tweet and replied (regarding how I met my husband)...
  
  I haven't read through every reply in this thread, so I'm not sure if this was already mentioned or not. Have you ever read the 4 hour work week (ferriss)? I purchased it a few months ago to take with me on a business trip (day job). I highly recommend it.
  
  It seems to me that that book could be a very interesting read for someone in your position. Why would you have to stop doing IM in order to travel the world, meet people, fulfill your aspirations? Maybe after you read this book, you'll gain a new perspective. Instead of thinking that you have to give up IM in order to achieve your desires, consider instead how you can design your business(es) in such a way that you free up a) your time and b) your physical location and c) your responsibilities.
  
  Why am I "doing" IM? You know.. I make quite a good salary working full time as a software programmer, been at my company for 10 years and work from home. Why the heck am I also working every night on my IM endeavours??
  
  I'm obsessed. Addicted. In one simple sentence: I LOVE everything about it. I love discovering how I can make my own money. I love helping others and especially seeing those that don't "believe" all of a sudden realize the potential. I just... tremendously enjoy it. My first goal is to be able to quit my full time job. Then, after I have a fully established online business that is stable, my goal is to arrange/design my business so that *I* can walk away - and travel - and meet people - and fulfill my dreams etc. All while my business is still flourishing and profitable.
  
  4 hour work week - it's just a little book, why not take a look? You never know it might be just what you need.
  
  Good luck,
  Karen
  
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ic7

16 years ago

No problem. Good luck with the book and the charity.

Paul

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

Thanks Paul.

I love the idea of starting a charity. I'm currently writing a book and I'm thinking of self-publishing it and putting the proceeds to charity. I hadn't considered starting one but I love the idea.

Thanks

Andy

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Hi Karen,

I read that book when it came out.

I've been traveling for many years and doing IM, that was one of the reasons I like it - it's portable.

My issue is not with how to keep doing it, but whether I could be doing better things.

I get much more value from helping people in person and in specific ways, so I'm just moving the focus from helping myself to looking to help others more effectively.

I'm not ruling out anything just considering things with a completely open perspective in case something I would never have thought of comes up.

I'll be visiting, korea, taiwan, australia and new zealand in the next few weeks and still doing IM, so I haven't stopped either yet.

Andy

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Karen Keyes

16 years ago

That's great - you're doing what I aspire to do!

Do your interests focus on helping others get established in IM (and I realize you've been doing this already), or are you more interested in helping others not related to online?

You could start a series of traveling offline workshops

If you come to my area I'll be sure to attend!

Karen

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

Hi Karen,

I read that book when it came out.

I've been traveling for many years and doing IM, that was one of the reasons I like it - it's portable.

My issue is not with how to keep doing it, but whether I could be doing better things.

I get much more value from helping people in person and in specific ways, so I'm just moving the focus from helping myself to looking to help others more effectively.

I'm not ruling out anything just considering things with a completely open perspective in case something I would never have thought of comes up.

I'll be visiting, korea, taiwan, australia and new zealand in the next few weeks and still doing IM, so I haven't stopped either yet.

Andy

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ramukasenator

16 years ago

I am doing IM bcoz i do not want to work for someone anymore

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Kenneth L

16 years ago

For me it is one reason and one reason only:

T.O.M.O.L

This is the acronym I recently made up and stands for: To Own My Own Life!

That's it for me.

Freedom.

Freedom.

Freedom.

No Charitable endeavour, no greater good mission or anything like that. Simply because I want to be free and own my own life.

That's it!

I also honestly agree a lot with Henry Ford when he said, and I paraphrase:

"Charity is as much a cure for poverty as capital punishment is a cure for murder."

Don't get me wrong I'm not coldhearted, far from it, but some big changes need to happen on a political level before poverty will change.

And once again in answer to why I do Internet Marketing:

Freedom!

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Kenneth Rearden

"Charity is as much a cure for poverty as capital punishment is a cure for murder."

Don't get me wrong I'm not coldhearted, far from it, but some big changes need to happen on a political level before poverty will change.

Wow,

If we all thought like that - we'd all be waiting for the politicians and millions more people would be dying.

It doesn't require political change - there's enough surplus in the world in a few indiviuals hands to solve the poverty issue for most of the planet.

Take just a few Billionaires that decided to give all their money to help stop starvation and deceases which should not be fatal, most of the severest problems could be addresses without any political changes.

I do agree that political change would ultimately be required for a complete solution, but when there are people living in poverty in almost every large city in the world - there are definitely very easy ways to change lives without looking to far away.

Andy

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Marian Berghes 16 years ago

I am doing IM because I want to make my own money and not depend on somebody else/company. And because I plan of getting married with the girl I love in 1-2 years...and I do not want her to have the problems that I had/have. I lived in a neibourghood that most people had $200 medium salary...so you can understand why I am thinking this way
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Kenneth L

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

Wow,

If we all thought like that - we'd all be waiting for the politicians and millions more people would be dying.

It doesn't require political change - there's enough surplus in the world in a few indiviuals hands to solve the poverty issue for most of the planet.

Take just a few Billionaires that decided to give all their money to help stop starvation and deceases which should not be fatal, most of the severest problems could be addresses without any political changes.

I do agree that political change would ultimately be required for a complete solution, but when there are people living in poverty in almost every large city in the world - there are definitely very easy ways to change lives without looking to far away.

Andy

The truth is that until massive changes are made politically and to our monetary system Poverty can't be eleviated. Yes you can help but it's not the best solution.

Some Charities are wonderful and do great things but some of them aren't necesarily so good. Just check out The Rockefeller Foundation and find out what they really do rather than what they say they do and most people think they do.

It's great to help people but most of the time if there wasn't a corrupt system in place then they wouldn't need to be helped.

Case in point: Sending money to kids in Africa. It's a nice gesture and maybe accomplishes something but it should never have to happen in the first place.

If there hadn't been Imperial Plunder and then crippling loans and the installation of corrupt Governments then there would be no need for charity in that particular situation or at the very least far less.

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CWreports

16 years ago

I get much more value from helping people in person and in specific ways, so I'm just moving the focus from helping myself to looking to help others more effectively.

That's it, Andy. I think you've answered your own question. Maybe if you take some time to really look at all the ways you've helped others in self rewarding ways you could come up with a common element and go from there.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Carol

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wordsandthings

16 years ago

Freedom...

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Danc1122

Banned 16 years ago

[DELETED]

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

Originally Posted by Danc1122

I'm only 16 and I wasn't about to apply for a job and be maxed out at 7 bucks an hour! What a waste of time!

If I were to Be a cashier at McDonald like most losers my age..lol then it would not do a damn thing for me..at least by doing this I am gaining knowledge for stuff that actually might come in handy in my future.

Also, because of child labor laws, It wouldn't even be physically possible for me to get a "real" job and make more than I do now...lol

I hear that. One of my friends had a nephew who worked for a fast food chain and he used to say that the parking meter outside where he worked used to make more money than he did - and he wasn't joking.

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JasonParker 16 years ago

My answer: To make enough money so that my wife and my dreams come true. Coincidentally all of these dreams can be achieved with about a $10k/mo income.
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moodyresources

16 years ago

One word for most if not all of us...FREEDOM

Freedom from a boss
Freedom to have the possibility to make way more than offline without having
to go the 30 year ladder climbing route.
Freedom to homeschool which is exciting with a 7 year old already reading
2 grade levels ahead with only a little parental motivation like we take her to the library and turn her loose.
Freedom to choose your own hours and work company to hang out with.

and many other reasons revolving around freedom.

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takita787

16 years ago

Originally Posted by moodyresources

One word for most if not all of us...FREEDOM

Freedom from a boss
Freedom to have the possibility to make way more than offline without having
to go the 30 year ladder climbing route.
Freedom to homeschool which is exciting with a 7 year old already reading
2 grade levels ahead with only a little parental motivation like we take her to the library and turn her loose.
Freedom to choose your own hours and work company to hang out with.

and many other reasons revolving around freedom.

and freedom

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cwrinco 16 years ago

<<"I'm tempted to stop doing it and just go traveling and meeting people or building schools or water supplies where there are people in desperate need.">>

I'm 65 and semi retired. I began working in DM (direct marketing) in the 1970's. Somewhere along the way, when computers were finally invented, I became interested in EM (electronic marketing), and now my life is mainly IM (integrated marketing). OK, it's about 80/20 internet/direct.

What I've learned along the way, among other things, is that if you want to do anything and do it well, you'd be well off knowing and understanding marketing, in the modern sense of the word. It 's the mysterious thing that makes the wheels go round.

If you wanted to build schools, dig wells, or help anyone in desperate need, the greatest skill you could possess is marketing. "Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action". It takes money and volunteers to get things done and it's people like us that can do that and do it well.

Think about it. Pick a project...any project...and think about what you could do to help the most. Lay brick, hammer nails, dig a hole? Naah, I think you'd instinctively head for the keyboard and organize a fund raising effort or locate some bodies to help.

Now, there's a righteous way to use your real skills.... do the work you love... and help in ways that others can only dream about. You and your skills are desperately needed out there. I'd suggest finding a project, falling in love with it, and digging in. The rewards are delicious!
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takita787

16 years ago

- work from home
- i think it's somewhat fun/easy to pick up on
- hours

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Andyhenry

16 years ago

That's great advice... thanks.

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Kelly Verge

16 years ago

I have been doing offline consulting for several years, but after some personal stuff, I found myself in need of extra income. Since I'm a single dad, it's important to me to be able to have time with my boys as well as provide for them. I've been paying the bills, but I'm still working on building a little cushion. IM has potential to provide all of this, and I feel as if the success I need is right around the corner.

For many people it's very important to find a way to contribute in a meaningful manner. I do volunteer work with a Boy Scout Troop as Scoutmaster. I give what I can, and right now it's time. I find it very rewarding.

I've also started doing more with my church (like the mission trip in my signature). I don't always know why, but in some ways I feel led to do these things.

As far as your path, use your strengths, but if something feels right to you, do it. There will be people who don't understand. Ignore them and focus on those you're helping.

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Nato Guajardo

16 years ago

I am in a similar situation as Kelly. I make over six figures consulting but I am finding ways to leverage my valuable time to produce seven figures. I feel that IM will allow me to do this.

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Christie Love

16 years ago

Andy, this post couldn't have come at a better time.

If anyone has noticed, i've been gone for the last month. Where was I? I was in the hospital due to a serious mental and physical breakdown. Within this month, I had to learn to talk, see, and walk again at the young age of 30 something. Why? Because that's where my job drove me.

During this time of recovering, I am diligently focusing on making my internet business a success. My reasons for starting IM is to gain a peace of mind, eliminate my stress and live my life with passion.

I have spent so many years, worrying about doing a pleasing someone else. It's now time for me to focus on pleasing... ME! I want to enjoy my family; make unlimited amounts of money doing what I love; live a life of freedom; get up when I want; go to sleep without worrying about if I will be tired when I wake up at 4:30 am, promote my darn self, and have time available to help those in need.

I have learned that life is way too precious to live miserably. So, Andy if traveling the world, helping others is what your heart desires, go for it. You definitely have my support. :-)

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