I Quit My Day Job 4 Years Ago (This week)

68 replies
When I made the decision to quit my day job and go IM full time 4 years ago this week, the first place I went was to the Warrior Forum to post my accomplishment. What a feeling that was! The best!

I'm going to give some golden gifts in this post.

One of the techniques I used to earn over a million dollars online was what I call:

"Take one step backwards.... to take a bunch of steps forward!"

While everyone else out there wanted instant gratification, I played a different game. I played the "sacrifice" game. I had a job at the time that paid 90k per year so I was fine (I did not like the job and wanted out, but had time).

I decided to sacrifice instant income... instant gratification... to position myself for long time success. After watching this market, it was clear, that place would be in "building relationships".

What I did was sacrifice "copywriting" in order to build relationships. I even did copy for free. One of my free clients was Keith Baxter. He also paid me for some projects too. I had others, some behind the scenes millionaires too. I got them on skype and yahoo messenger and got everything I could get out of them.

I went from one person to the next... even when some got a bit pissed off thinking I just used them for information... and when was done... moved on to greener pastures. Not true, but I can see how some feel that way. The truth was I got away from negativity. If someone brought me down (after getting to know me)... or I just did not gel with them for whatever reason, I moved on and found others to build relationships with.

This was key to making over a million online very quickly.

Some relationships are lifelong. Like with Mike F. Jack Mize, Keith Baxter, and many others. Others are still buds, but not as close. No big deal, such is life.

However, the relationships were key. Nothing was more important to me personally, and those relationships helped funnel momentum. Momentum is the key word here. And, nothing fuels momentum like talking and interacting with people.

Also, through relationships, I got the goods. I learned the real insights, the real ways to get traffic, the real psychology to marketing, leverage, business, positioning, etc.

For example, I paid keith good money to consult me on traffic. He would have done it anyway as a friend, but it was so great, such good stuff, whatever I paid him was not enough.

He's not the only one either.

One guy named Dan Ramsey showed me all sorts of stuff he was doing and I used those techniques. Another underground guy who would be pissed if I mentioned his name, has continued to give me strategies all because I created a salespage for him for $250 instead of $2500. Sacrifice indeed!

I pulled off a 20k per month membership with Dr Mike... all because I wrote a letter for him... for... you guessed it... $250

Sure, I've done my fair share of affiliate marketing outside the IM niche... CPA marketing... etc etc etc... but the bulk of the money I made was from IM baby.

So, relationships equalled fortunes. It can for you too.

Did everyone like me, of course not. Does everyone love me, of course not. Am I perfect, of course not. Did I actively and purposely build relationships? damn right.

Momentum!

This is the key to success IMO. With momentum, everything is easy. Problems are solved easily without sweat. You feel like you have the golden touch. Life is a party. Times are good.

Without momentum, it's a grind. It's harder.

How do you get momentum?

People.

Touch people. Reach out and spark conversations. Just this week, I sparked conversations with over 20 different people. I dare you (triple dare you) to try and spark 20 to 50 new relationships (or spark up current ones) over the next 7 days. Do it.

If you do that... I would bet... big bucks... you'll have opportunities coming out your ears... you'd be on the brink of momentum... and your life may never be the same.

Lastly, there's no magic button.

Thanks to all of you who have been a part of my life through these years, who have helped me, have taught me, shared with me, had patience with me, and who have become friends. Thanks to the Warrior Forum and Allen.

Respectfully,

Eric Louviere
#ago #building relationships #day #job #quit #week #years
  • Profile picture of the author Maddi
    Eric mate, you are essentially giving away my business model out.

    That is what I am all about, relationships. I'm doing more or less the same thing you did. *Sacrifice.

    I love the relationships I make online and offline[seminars-IM events- workshops] and those are not all for monetory gains either. I love the relationships I make. Some have become life long friends too.

    I give... I give without expecting in return and I'm sure it all pays off in the long run. I'm glad I can relate to your post here [I can see the millions shining and waiting now...]

    and yup! there is NOT A MAGIC BUTTON. If there was one, we'd know about it somehow.

    Thanks for the refreshing post at 2:10am mate. I'm sure there is a lot to learn here.

    by the way, just paypal'd you $250

    Thanks
    Maddi
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    • Profile picture of the author andr3w84
      Excellent post indeed and a great confirmation of the pivotal importance of R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P-S. (thanks for reminding me as well )
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  • Profile picture of the author GuerrillaIM
    Consulting / web design / software development / copywriting - are all extremely competitive servcie industires and the people who succeed, like you, understand loss leader advertising.

    You make a loss on the initial front end profit, but the lifetime value of the client you win more than makes up for it.

    We used to pay £3 per click on google to sell £49 custom built websites. Losses on front end were horrific, but life time value of the clients we won made it very lucrative.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
      Eric is the man - PERIOD.

      I've been in chat conferences where everyone could speak, and pretty much just sat there waiting for the dude to say something - ANYTHING.

      The thing that I like most about the information and advice he gives is he doesn't give a **** if you like it or not - IT IS WHAT IT IS....and he doesn't sugar coat it.

      Without ever purchasing one of his products, I'd be willing to bet that I've made in excess of 100K just following advice that he gave to a room of 30 people...29 people didn't follow it in most cases...I did.

      Basically, when he gives advice about business...I'm all over it.
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      • Profile picture of the author FredJones
        Great job Eric - I hope all of us make it big eventually.

        While I liked you giving-away attitude - something that I need to learn better even though I do make it a point to give some of my best in the Warrior Forum - there is another thing that caught my eye in the post.

        It is something that I have seen some but not too many people do. And that is the way you ended the email.

        "Respectfully".

        I wonder - people who say "respectfully" do tend to give the exact away (just a correlation and not as a cause-effct or anything, to "measure" the psychology), from some deeper conviction inside - and that leads to a better business. I mean, to say "respectfully" one has to feel "respectfully" too - and that in itself potentially says a lot !!
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        Eric is the man - PERIOD.

        I've been in chat conferences where everyone could speak, and pretty much just sat there waiting for the dude to say something - ANYTHING.

        The thing that I like most about the information and advice he gives is he doesn't give a **** if you like it or not - IT IS WHAT IT IS....and he doesn't sugar coat it.

        Without ever purchasing one of his products, I'd be willing to bet that I've made in excess of 100K just following advice that he gave to a room of 30 people...29 people didn't follow it in most cases...I did.

        Basically, when he gives advice about business...I'm all over it.
        wow man, that's very nice of you to say those things. Thanks so much. I'm glad you are having such success! I knew you would do great. People here really love you too. That's awesome.

        I do think anyone can quit their jobs and make-it big online from home. I also really believe that if they focus on building relationships, that can do the trick. Not just for monetization, but for masterminding, a friend to bounce things off of, people to share ups and downs with in this journey... etc.

        In business, they say, all it takes for a company to lift itself is to hire a new dymanic person to the team. That one good hire can change the complexion of the entire company. I've seen that happen before.

        Well, in our line of work, one new dynamic relationship can change everything.

        I know a programmer who started out as a teenager here. He contacted me out of the blue and asked some questions. He then offered to program for me as a partner. A year later, he moved to Austin to work with me from Florida. He then worked with me for a long while and eventually launched his own stuff and has made a fortune online.

        I guess he used my own medicine.

        I remember one time at an event, someone asked what's the best way to get JV's to an expert panel. Dr. Mike said, "Pull an Eric". lol

        Hey, it works. It does.

        Eric
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        • Profile picture of the author NewbiesDiary
          Great thread! I gotta agree totally.

          The turning point for me was heading off to the Warrior Bash on the Gold Coast almost 2 years ago now. I met some fantastic people and still have relationships with some of them today.

          Those relationships have led to business opportunities, friendships with more fantastic people, a partnership on a couple of products, another partnership about to shoot me into the next level of IM, another partnership that is estimated to bring in a nice $20k / month plus, inspiration to get off my arse and focus, a new belief in myself and lots more.

          I'm fulltime IM these days and have just finished a trip across the country with my offline niche site - where every single one of my new members joined after the relationship I spent nurturing.

          Now I have people approaching me (wow) to partner with me on new projects - way cool stuff!

          Next will be teaching what I've been doing over the last year - and yep the relationships I've built will def be helpful there too.

          Great thread!

          Stef
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      • Profile picture of the author discrat
        Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

        Eric is the man - PERIOD.

        I've been in chat conferences where everyone could speak, and pretty much just sat there waiting for the dude to say something - ANYTHING.

        The thing that I like most about the information and advice he gives is he doesn't give a **** if you like it or not - IT IS WHAT IT IS....and he doesn't sugar coat it.

        Without ever purchasing one of his products, I'd be willing to bet that I've made in excess of 100K just following advice that he gave to a room of 30 people...29 people didn't follow it in most cases...I did.

        Basically, when he gives advice about business...I'm all over it.

        JK, Do you think I am going to listen to an Uncle Kracker wannabe look a like ( in early Kid Rock days)

        In all seriousness, Eric seems to be the real deal and I listen to him when ever he talks here on Warrior and suggest others do the same !!
        Signature

        Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Eric,

    A great post about relationships. I know I wouldn't have gotten this far this fast if it wasn't for the relationships I've made a long the way.

    Like the old commercial.....you've come a long way baby. I remember our first phone conversation which was probably about 5 or so years ago. Glad to see you posting in here. Time flies when you're having fun eh?

    Mack Daddy RoD
    Signature
    "Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out."
    - Jim Rohn
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  • Profile picture of the author John Rogers
    People, if you want some inspiration, scoot on over to the old forum (as opposed to the even older forum), and take a look at what Eric was doing four years ago. Take a look at what Mike F. was doing four years ago. Then take a look at what they're doing now.

    Hell, take a look at what Jeremy was doing two years ago, then take a look at him now. He's certainly on the right path.

    It just takes a little smarts and a lot of work.
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    • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
      Originally Posted by John Rogers View Post

      Hell, take a look at what Jeremy was doing two years ago, then take a look at him now. He's certainly on the right path.
      Hell, I've been very impressed by Jeremy in just the past ONE year, and four months ago I probably would have said I couldn't stand him.
      Signature
      "The Golden Town is the Golden Town no longer. They have sold their pillars for brass and their temples for money, they have made coins out of their golden doors. It is become a dark town full of trouble, there is no ease in its streets, beauty has left it and the old songs are gone." - Lord Dunsany, The Messengers
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      • Profile picture of the author John Rogers
        Originally Posted by CDarklock View Post

        four months ago I probably would have said I couldn't stand him.
        Me either. Cocky little *******.
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  • Profile picture of the author JayPeete
    Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

    Touch people. Reach out and spark conversations. Just this week, I sparked conversations with over 20 different people. I dare you (triple dare you) to try and spark 20 to 50 new relationships (or spark up current ones) over the next 7 days. Do it.
    Definitely how fortunes are made...
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    $560.81 Per Day In Commissions?
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris W. Sutton
    Eric Louviere... now there's a name from the past. I once knew a guy named Eric Louviere. We were friends. We were enemies. We once stood on opposite sides of the bridge over a controversy here in the Warrior Forum. We used to talk on the phone and laugh. Ah yes, I remember that!

    He once dropped into a conference room I was monitoring one night. It was just the two of us and we discussed internet marketing for quite a while. I saw in him a determination that I had never seen in anyone else before. I knew this guy was going to succeed because he was uber-focused.

    I have learned that it doesn't really matter which side of the bridge you stand on; you give respect where respect is due and I have respect for Eric Louviere. I walked away from that bridge a good while back and I hear it's no longer standing anymore. Doesn't matter!

    You know, when you decide you are going to cowboy up in the rodeo arena, you climb over the railing and you set your butt down on that raging bull. Then they open the gate and off you go. Eight seconds or the dirt, THAT is where your future is determined. You hit the dirt, you either get up and give it another go at another place and another time or you give up. I can guarantee that Eric Louviere would have gotten out of the dirt and given it another go. THAT is why he is successful. You keep trying and eventually you wind up at the pay window.

    Eric probably landed in a lot of bull**** but he wound up at the pay window many, many times. Heck, you should see the barn he lives in now!
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    • Profile picture of the author jdenc
      So a very coincidental thing happened to me while reading this thread. I had just opted into Erics newsletter and I got a call. I have been running a two pronged attack on my unemployment. I am researching online businesses while pursuing some offline opportunities in web design and SEO work.

      So anyway some people vandalized the pool area in my apt complex. Several thousand dollars worth of damage with the cleanup and replacement costs. Well I have a friend who deals a line of security cameras as one of his companies product lines that includes PCs, servers, routers, service, etc. So I called him and flipped him the lead from need. Then since I have the personal relationship with the property manager I sat in with him to boost his credibility. After the meeting I also talked to him about his website which needs some real help. I hit him with my "you know Google is the new Yellow Pages and you're on the last page".

      Well he called me while I was reading this and offered me a piece of the camera job, the contract to redo his website and run an SEO campaign, run an offline marketing campaign for some products he wants to start selling and the use of extra space in his local office as my own rent free for HQing my new business. BTW the Yellow Pages line got parroted right back to me when we started talking about redoing his site and the SEO work, so it works. I get started tomorrow with helping him polish a newsletter, reviewing his site and sitting in on marketing call with Dell.

      So with no intent to do anything other than give my friend a shot at some work I am getting a great jump start on my offline plans and making some cash while I am at it. It's good to help people with no concern for your wallet. Do it enough and that will take care of itself.
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      • Profile picture of the author FredJones
        Totally agree. And additionally, help the person, as long as s/he is honest, independent of where s/he is in the business. Believe me, that is one of the best of gems that you would ever do.

        EDIT: When I said "where s/he is in business" I meant help no matter whether s/he is established, starting or anything intermediate. Help irrespective of whether s/he is rich or broke, if you have the right way to help (by providing value).

        Originally Posted by jdenc View Post

        So with no intent to do anything other than give my friend a shot at some work I am getting a great jump start on my offline plans and making some cash while I am at it. It's good to help people with no concern for your wallet. Do it enough and that will take care of itself.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

    the relationships were key. Nothing was more important to me personally, and those relationships helped funnel momentum. Momentum is the key word here. And, nothing fuels momentum like talking and interacting with people.

    This is probably the biggest key to success in most fields...not just internet marketing.

    Great post.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian Swinburne
    Hi Eric,

    I am VERY new to IM, in fact I have yet to make my 1st dollar. I like your attitude but I have been searching around WF for a few days now and can't seem to find a place to "jump in". With no experience it is difficult to join a conversation. Scared of making a fool of myself.

    Thanks for your post anyway.

    Cheers,

    Brian
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    • Profile picture of the author Formulam
      Originally Posted by Brian Swinburne View Post

      Hi Eric,

      I am VERY new to IM, in fact I have yet to make my 1st dollar. I like your attitude but I have been searching around WF for a few days now and can't seem to find a place to "jump in". With no experience it is difficult to join a conversation. Scared of making a fool of myself.

      Thanks for your post anyway.

      Cheers,

      Brian
      Well - there you go - you've just jumped in. My tip is that if you've got a question for the forum try searching first to see if it's already been covered. But if you can't find a satisfactory answer, just jump right in and ask. We were all new once - there's still stacks of stuff I haven't got a clue about and I worry that i'll wind up sounding dumb.. but no one'll know will they - it's just me and my computer isn't it???

      Everyone friendly here - so don't be afraid!

      Cheers, Lala
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  • Profile picture of the author Ernie Lo
    Well done Eric..

    Just wanted to let you know one of the very first ebooks I read on Internet Marketing was yours - about 5-6 years ago? I forgot the name of it....but It really hyped me up and thanks for that!

    Ernie Lonardo.
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  • Profile picture of the author webdollarz
    Eric.. man, you are one guy with substance !
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    See?

    This is why I keep asking senior warriors to come back here often.

    They don't listen to me, BUT if we all get together and shout it real loud, maybe, just maybe, some of them listen to us.

    These guys are priceless. The old forum is priceless. Private Room's older threads are priceless.

    Bring back these guys.
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    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
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  • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
    Hey Eric,

    Happy anniversary. (Maybe it is really a birthday!)

    You were a big help to me when you put together the first WF event, and I stayed in Austin an extra day to get advice and to hang out with you and the others.

    Are you still in that same location?

    Thanks

    :-Don
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  • Profile picture of the author pearlydean
    Very inspirational thanks Eric. I don't know you but it's great to be able to read superb advice like this from someone who has been there and done it. I am on the first few rungs but hanging on in there.
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    • Profile picture of the author apoorv.parijat
      Very nice article Sir Eric.Makes me believe in my methods.Sacrifice is important and most difficult part.Short term gains have to be given up for long ones.

      Thank you for this
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
        Chris Sutton, thanks man. You really helped
        me A LOT when I was so confused about this
        online marketing thing so many years ago.

        You and me have had many conversations and
        you are one of those relationships I was
        talking about. A friend. I mean, I pounded you
        with questions. lol but, you were/are
        very nice and helpful.

        Guys, chris is very knowledgable about
        IM and is a perfect guy to build a relationship
        with, or pay for consulting. He did
        some consulting for me and some of my
        clients who paid as much as 10k each.

        They loved him more than me. lol

        Rod Cortez was a guy I was neverous to
        talk to. I read all his posts and used
        to hit him with questions all the time.

        He once told me about egos. I had never
        really understood what people meant by
        egos, etc etc. so I just asked him how
        egos can get in your way. He answered,
        and a light bulb went off that changed
        my life.

        He also helped with all sorts of other
        insights too. Tons of them. Like, this
        business is simple, but not easy. Another
        awesome guy, as you all know already.

        ...

        Don, I still call that area home (Lakeway),
        but dont have that office anymore...or
        all those employees. Thankfully.

        ...

        Thanks for the nice words and I'm glad
        I've been able to help a few of you here
        as well.

        I posted this because I believe in what
        I said, and think it can help everyone
        who reads it, to earn more in their life.

        It was meant to help, not to toot my own
        horn or anything. But, I do thank you for
        the nice comments. Very much!

        Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author ShaunAllen
    I've read a lot of Eric's stuff through the years and really enjoyed it. It seems like he's one of the few people that I've seen actually join this forum before 2007 so I feel a little camraderie (sp?). The only thing I don't like about Eric is that he lives in Austin home of the Longhorns. Bye Bye Big-12.
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
      Originally Posted by DaveJ13 View Post

      I've read a lot of Eric's stuff through the years and really enjoyed it. It seems like he's one of the few people that I've seen actually join this forum before 2007 so I feel a little camraderie (sp?). The only thing I don't like about Eric is that he lives in Austin home of the Longhorns. Bye Bye Big-12.
      I hate the longhorns Dave. I hope they go to the Pac-10 and A&M goes to SEC. I'm sick of them. I live in Lakeway, outside of Austin and there's a lot of Aggies there. I just live there because it's the best place in Texas IMO. It's beautiful there and the people are awesome. The schools are top notch.

      I'm also glad the B12 is no more. Bye bye B12.

      The only downside about Austin, is the University of Texas. lol

      Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author abbie kye
    Awesome! Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author buffblaze
    SO how exactly did u make your money, affiliate marketing ????????
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  • Profile picture of the author Ross Dalangin
    Congratulations Eric... you're right sacrifice on something you believe will help you on what you want to achieve and building good relationship could lead to great success.

    Ross
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  • Profile picture of the author William Gilreath
    Thanks Eric. I am glad I read this post. Sometimes you know what you should be doing but just never get around to it. It takes people like Eric to remind us what IM is really all about and that is relationships. Build relationships with the right people and your income will automatically grow. Thanks again Eric.

    William
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  • Profile picture of the author marshallbailey
    I needed to read this thread tonight..

    I find out on Tues. at 10:30 am if I have a job or NOT.. the company I work for is cutting it's sales force by 50%...

    Great post...

    If I get cut... I hope I have the courage you had four years ago..
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Grant
    Congrats on your anniversary and your success. Here's to many more years of success for you
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    • Profile picture of the author Jackm
      I'm going to throw in my contratulations here on the WF as well. I'm one of those rotten lurkers but this is an occasion to come out of my shell and tell you what a lot of you already seem to know. This is one genuine dude.

      I'm lucky enough to have witnessed the unfolding of sheer determination that got Eric where he is.

      He is actually the guy that told me about the WF.

      Back in May 2006 I attended an IM Conference hosted by Robert Puddy in Dallas, TX and by pure luck I plopped my butt down next to a guy I'll call friend for life, named Eric Louviere.

      The funny thing is I'd already been making money online for about 4 years and been full time for about 2 years and I didn't know anything about the IM community except for a few of the bigger Gurus.

      Four years online, two fulltime and I'm the guy in the crowd raising his hand asking what a squeeze page was... I was clueless.

      We shared a lot of ideas and goals that weekend. I sat in my hotel room commiserating with Eric about a day job that he hated, and the hours of studying and learning and IMPLEMENTING that he was putting in to change his circumstances.

      I had no doubt that he would do it, but little did I know he would do it in such a big way so quickly. But then again he's the guy that always tells me that you have to "explode out of the mud".

      He didn't know any big gurus then, but he made a point to get to know them and make an impression.

      We learned a lot from each other that weekend. But more than the clickbank and adsense tactics, the most valuable thing for me was the relationship.

      I'm proud that I got to know the "I hate my day job" Eric, who is really not much different than the "I can't this month, I'm in the Caymans" Eric.

      We still share ideas, partner on projects and eat food that's bad for us, all the while talking optimistically about the Aggies.

      I read about a lot of struggles here and you have to know that the gurus and success stories were in your shoes at one point.

      I am actually lucky of enough to witness this type of metamorphosis on more than one occasion.

      Over a decade ago I was a department manager of a start up company in Houston. I had this help desk employee that I had to constantly look the other way to his frittering away hours trying to sell vitamins and everything else you can think of under the sun, online.

      He got away with it because I liked him. His name was Keith Baxter. I still like him.

      Anyway, Eric, onward and upward. Go Aggies.
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
        Originally Posted by Jackm View Post

        I'm going to throw in my contratulations here on the WF as well. I'm one of those rotten lurkers but this is an occasion to come out of my shell and tell you what a lot of you already seem to know. This is one genuine dude.

        I'm lucky enough to have witnessed the unfolding of sheer determination that got Eric where he is.

        He is actually the guy that told me about the WF.

        Back in May 2006 I attended an IM Conference hosted by Robert Puddy in Dallas, TX and by pure luck I plopped my butt down next to a guy I'll call friend for life, named Eric Louviere.

        The funny thing is I'd already been making money online for about 4 years and been full time for about 2 years and I didn't know anything about the IM community except for a few of the bigger Gurus.

        Four years online, two fulltime and I'm the guy in the crowd raising his hand asking what a squeeze page was... I was clueless.

        We shared a lot of ideas and goals that weekend. I sat in my hotel room commiserating with Eric about a day job that he hated, and the hours of studying and learning and IMPLEMENTING that he was putting in to change his circumstances.

        I had no doubt that he would do it, but little did I know he would do it in such a big way so quickly. But then again he's the guy that always tells me that you have to "explode out of the mud".

        He didn't know any big gurus then, but he made a point to get to know them and make an impression.

        We learned a lot from each other that weekend. But more than the clickbank and adsense tactics, the most valuable thing for me was the relationship.

        I'm proud that I got to know the "I hate my day job" Eric, who is really not much different than the "I can't this month, I'm in the Caymans" Eric.

        We still share ideas, partner on projects and eat food that's bad for us, all the while talking optimistically about the Aggies.

        I read about a lot of struggles here and you have to know that the gurus and success stories were in your shoes at one point.

        I am actually lucky of enough to witness this type of metamorphosis on more than one occasion.

        Over a decade ago I was a department manager of a start up company in Houston. I had this help desk employee that I had to constantly look the other way to his frittering away hours trying to sell vitamins and everything else you can think of under the sun, online.

        He got away with it because I liked him. His name was Keith Baxter. I still like him.

        Anyway, Eric, onward and upward. Go Aggies.
        Ahh, Mr. Jack "online to offline master" Mize!!!!!!!!!

        Guys and gals, this humble guy here is DA MAN. You have no idea. Way back then in 2006 at Puddy's seminar, Jack showed me how he was making over 30k per month and other amazing things. He showed me some PPC techniques that instantly increased my income - that night!

        There is nobody better you'll ever find at "offline marketing"... taking small businesses and making them love you and pay you out the wazoo. Jack has a rabid group of followers who dig the s*&t out of him.

        Jack, post more here dude! People will love the insights you have man.

        Anyway, thanks for the nice words Jack and everyone else. I apprecaite it and I'm glad some of you are feeling inspired. That was the point. Tony Robbins says people either do great things through:

        -- Inspiration

        -- or desperation

        (or both)

        If you can get inspired to reach higher... to do even 1% better than you did yesterday... then you'll grow and achieve your dreams. Get inspired and get around inspirational people.

        Eric
        PS - Cayman Islands rule! Go there and swim with the huge sting rays. You'll remember it for a lifetime.
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  • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
    Great post...

    It all comes down to getting out of your "comfort zone"
    We (almost) all play it safe, stay hidden working from our bedrooms and go unnoticed and unheard... Really great post. Something I will be working on in the near future...
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  • What an awesome post! Thanks man

    So pleased to see such nice people out there getting rewarded for their sacrifices.
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  • Profile picture of the author samuraiwriting
    Hey - that was great! I just read an article about getting away from negative people and helping them think more positively. That is an interesting list of what helped you with IM. Maybe you could write a memoir about it someday. Thanks!
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    • Profile picture of the author adamcm
      Congrats for successfully moving into this genre of work and quitting your day job. People like you are an inspiration to guys like me.

      I have only just began internet marketing for about 6 months now. Typcially i create various pages and try to promote products based on keyword placement. Your post got me thinking. This is probably going to sound stupid, but you mention that relationships are key. Can you tell me what types of relationships you are talking about? In the marketing I do, I rarely interface with any consumers. What you are doing is probably different from what I do, but I wouldn't mind someone enlightening me on what exactly you are doing. If that makes any sense!

      Thanks, and congrats on the 4 years!
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
        Originally Posted by adamcm View Post

        Congrats for successfully moving into this genre of work and quitting your day job. People like you are an inspiration to guys like me.

        I have only just began internet marketing for about 6 months now. Typcially i create various pages and try to promote products based on keyword placement. Your post got me thinking. This is probably going to sound stupid, but you mention that relationships are key. Can you tell me what types of relationships you are talking about? In the marketing I do, I rarely interface with any consumers. What you are doing is probably different from what I do, but I wouldn't mind someone enlightening me on what exactly you are doing. If that makes any sense!

        Thanks, and congrats on the 4 years!
        The type of relationships I'm talking about is found right above in what Jack Mize said. Read his post and think about building relationships like me and him did.

        There are two main types of relationships to pay close attention to in your life, IMO. Thost two types of relationships to pay attention to our:

        --- Those who boost you up higher and higher

        --- Those who bring you down lower and lower

        People who are positive, inspirational, ambitious, have similar goals, similar morals, similar ethics, similar though patterns and who are there for you... who are unconditional... and who sincerely wish for your higher and higher success, those are the relationships you want.

        Those people are priceless for your mind, soul and bank account.

        Those are people you can bounce ideas off of... who you can mastermind with... who you can share challenges you have with... and who can stand next to you during battles.

        Les Brown said that when he upgraded his friends he upgraded his income. He's not being harsh when he says that. He's saying that an "upgrade" is an "upgrade" in thought patterns and attitudes.

        Those people think ahead. They think about what's next, how to do better, and tend to love other people. They look for a better way of living.

        The key is to find people who wish you the best sincerely and want to see you succeed.

        The other kind to pay attention to are the ones who bring you down.

        Those people are bad news for your mind, emotions, confidence, soul, aspirations, dreams, goals, well being, ambition, happiness, health, stress, anxiety, depression, fears... AND YOUR BANK ACCOUNT!

        Remove these people from your life as much as possible. If someone starts getting to you (your soul and emotions) than get off the phone, go do something else, excuse yourself from the conversation. For example, if some relative you have is negative or jealous and starts getting on your nerves usually in 2 hours, limit your time with that person to less than 2 hours. (some people we HAVE to be around - family).

        These people will rob your brain, influence your fears and ampliphy that little voice in the back of your head that says, "you cant do it".

        Pay attention to those people and limit them. If you cant limit them (significant other)... help to change their thought patterns. Get them to understand and wake up. It's a process because of years of conditioning... but it can be done. If you can do it for yourself, you can somewhat help others close to you do it too (significant others).

        I've lost some respectful relationships with people who are smart as can be, only because the negative influence damaged my confidence, or positive emotions and thoughts.

        Easier said than done and this is a lifetime practice, but you will see the light if you start working on this today!

        Yours,

        Eric Louviere
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  • Profile picture of the author MarketItAll
    Isn't that the best feeling when you are making enough money to quit your job? I remember it so clearly, leaving for that last day of work knowing that I would not be ever going back. And if I did go back to working for someone else ever, it was way, way down the road.

    And the only reason that would happen would be if I got very lazy, as my business model was solid and in place, making an automated income!
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  • Profile picture of the author nizldy
    This entire post just inspired the hell out of me.

    Eric, Sir, thank you so much for posting this. I'm so glad you did. Your message has given me new insight at a time when it was really needed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Ratliff
    Eric Louviere...

    This post is golden.

    While others can talk about it, Eric has done it...over and over again. I encourage anyone reading this thread to read (and implement) the items in his Disclosure Journal.

    Eric, your words are an inspiration man, congrats on the anniversary of your "freedom."
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
    Originally Posted by brieat View Post

    Pretty cool story bro, I'm on the same boat. Haven't had a job in 3 years. Feels good being the boss
    You're not the boss of me.

    Eric

    lololol
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  • Profile picture of the author Kent Hopkins
    Very inspirational post Eric. You remind me of how I felt in my first few years of being self employed. What a great feeling. It is more about the freedom than the money I think. My best year I took home about 400k out of 4M is sales, but it was the time I had on my hands that made it so great. (I still think if I would have monetized better, I could have made higher than 10% lol)

    I don't know all of you people here but I want to just say that back in 96 I became self employed full time and quit my job. I was self employed in direct marketing info products until 2000 and from 2000 until 2008 in selling video games online.

    Now, unfortunately, I have lost it all and am now working a job.

    Why did I lose it all? The economic downturn?

    Nope.

    Has anyone ever heard of going out of business because business is too good???

    Yep, that actually happens a lot. I voluntarily shut my business down because it became such a headache fighting with my merchant processor who were holding funds from me for extended periods of time.

    Why would they do that? Because I underanticipated my monthly volume and they would not raise it to the levels I needed. I was doing six figures per month, yet my monthly contract was only for 25k. They eventually upped it to 50k but still not enough to prevent them from feeling the need to hold back funds (for up to 180 days)

    I ended up telling my processor to deal with the customers because I was getting a job.

    And here I am today.

    I have to say, I miss it SO badly, but IM is a steep learning curve. I know the DM stuff, but this is a different world. I came to Warrior Forum because I have heard it is the definitive source for intelligent discussions on the topic. So far I have to agree.

    Thank you all for all of your intelligent inputs and inadvertintally helping out this not so newbie - newbie (re-learning all over again
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  • Profile picture of the author underthegun
    Congrats man. I hope to be at this point one day. I can make good money online now but it's very unstable. Some months I have made $2000 and some months I've been in the red $xamount.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Eric - Congratulations on your anniversary and your success. It's obvious (to me anyway) from the comments of the folks who know you personally, and from your own statements, that the success you have won has been earned and deserved.

      I've been at this longer than you have, but I haven't cracked that million dollar mark yet. I'm doing well, but your story is inspirational. Thanks.

      This....

      Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

      People who are positive, inspirational, ambitious, have similar goals, similar morals, similar ethics, similar though patterns and who are there for you... who are unconditional... and who sincerely wish for your higher and higher success, those are the relationships you want.
      ...really says a lot about you in my book. I know you were describing the kind of relationships people should look for, but I have no doubt it's the kind of friend you are, too.

      I like that.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheDebtEliminator
    Hello Eric,

    Great Post and a real way to learn the IM world from the best.

    Thanks so much for sharing with us

    Best Regards ... Ron
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert Puddy
    Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

    When I made the decision to quit my day job and go IM full time 4 years ago this week, the first place I went was to the Warrior Forum to post my accomplishment. What a feeling that was! The best!

    Thanks to all of you who have been a part of my life through these years, who have helped me, have taught me, shared with me, had patience with me, and who have become friends. Thanks to the Warrior Forum and Allen.

    Respectfully,

    Eric Louviere
    And all it took to get him to do it was a 30 minute conversation by the pool in Dallas... He's easilly led hahahaha
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
      Originally Posted by Robert Puddy View Post

      And all it took to get him to do it was a 30 minute conversation by the pool in Dallas... He's easilly led hahahaha
      Yep, that meeting by the pool with you was historic for me and will never be forgotten. A couple weeks later, the first seminar I ever went to was Puddy's and it was historic for me as well. What's funny was Craig said, "You might date back to this time and see the big shift in your thinking and realize it was everything before this event and everthing *after* this event."

      Boy was he right

      And boy were you right too.

      Now, I'm waiting for the next *shift* to come along and take me even further. Any ideas? 10 million per year would be nice! Any 10 million dollar studs here on the WF?? Give it up!

      Thanks Puddy!

      Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author schu31
    Steps to success, The moment when the light goes on and you have figured it out. Happy for you, wishing you all the best for making alot more abundance in all areas of your life.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gemini9
    Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your experience, quite inspirational. Looking forward to the day I can quit my day job.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimG
    I don't know Eric as well as many of the other folks that have posted but I can tell you I have purchased his products and I have read the info he has posted throughout the forum over the years but it wasn't until I actually met him at one of Dr. Mike's events (believe it was Traffic Tactics eminar) that I found out how great of a person he really was and the power of networking.

    In fact, I also happened to meet that crazy marketer Jason Moffatt at the same seminar and again, it seems the power of networking and showing/treating people with respect (be it other marketers, your cusomters or potential customers) goes a long way towards building a successful online business.

    The IM opportunity is an amazing one that we all share and I can safely say that it was the main reason I was finally able to retire last June from the Army after serving almost 21 years.

    Sometimes I think we need to read a good success story in order to keep us motivated so Eric,....many thanks for the inspiring post.

    Respectfully,
    Tim
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    • Profile picture of the author Eric Louviere
      Originally Posted by TimG View Post

      I don't know Eric as well as many of the other folks that have posted but I can tell you I have purchased his products and I have read the info he has posted throughout the forum over the years but it wasn't until I actually met him at one of Dr. Mike's events (believe it was Traffic Tactics eminar) that I found out how great of a person he really was and the power of networking.

      In fact, I also happened to meet that crazy marketer Jason Moffatt at the same seminar and again, it seems the power of networking and showing/treating people with respect (be it other marketers, your cusomters or potential customers) goes a long way towards building a successful online business.

      The IM opportunity is an amazing one that we all share and I can safely say that it was the main reason I was finally able to retire last June from the Army after serving almost 21 years.

      Sometimes I think we need to read a good success story in order to keep us motivated so Eric,....many thanks for the inspiring post.

      Respectfully,
      Tim

      Hey Tim,

      Thanks man. You certainly left an impression on me and everyone else at Dr. Mike's event. It was great being around you there and it was obvious as can be to me that you were different. Integrity and high caliber - just jumped out from you when you spoke.

      "Caveman, remember?"

      That was epic. Man, that was a big turning point too. That's when Keith stood up there and for 90 minutes just hammered us with one awesome traffic resource or technique after another. Then, he gave out thousands of dollars worth of software free.

      I about passed out at that event with all the traffic techniques and insights. I think that event probably brought me in an extra 100k alone. Maybe more. Yeah, that was the first time I met JMO. I remember Magic Ryan telling a small group of us at dinner how to bid on "domain names" with Adwords. Dude, that tip CRUSHED it for me for a long time.

      All these are great examples of the power of relationships. I thought by now there would be offline seminars on a weekly basis. Seems there isnt as many as used to be.

      Thanks Tim, you da man!

      Eric
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      • Profile picture of the author TimG
        Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

        Hey Tim,

        Thanks man. You certainly left an impression on me and everyone else at Dr. Mike's event. It was great being around you there and it was obvious as can be to me that you were different. Integrity and high caliber - just jumped out from you when you spoke.

        "Caveman, remember?"

        That was epic. Man, that was a big turning point too. That's when Keith stood up there and for 90 minutes just hammered us with one awesome traffic resource or technique after another. Then, he gave out thousands of dollars worth of software free.

        I about passed out at that event with all the traffic techniques and insights. I think that event probably brought me in an extra 100k alone. Maybe more. Yeah, that was the first time I met JMO. I remember Magic Ryan telling a small group of us at dinner how to bid on "domain names" with Adwords. Dude, that tip CRUSHED it for me for a long time.

        All these are great examples of the power of relationships. I thought by now there would be offline seminars on a weekly basis. Seems there isnt as many as used to be.

        Thanks Tim, you da man!

        Eric

        That was a fun seminar and one that I found to actually be filled with true value.

        I remember when I was showing my Ezinearticles.com stats by logging into my account live and in front of everyone and we started looking at an article I wrote regarding prostate cancer and I accidently said I liked prostate cancer and Dr. Mike countered that many of his patients would disagree with me...

        Seminars like that deserve to be put on more frequently...unfortunately the pitchfest seminars ruin it for everyone.

        Respectfully,
        Tim
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  • Profile picture of the author millionebook
    What a fantastic post... very inspiring and Eric your words will inspire me to success,
    All the best for the future
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr_Lauri
    Awesome post! I hope this will be an inspiration for all people reading this post! Sounds like a great way to build relationship.. To offer services at a discount price for the Go-To guys and girls.
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  • Profile picture of the author maleeqa
    Hi Eric,

    Congratulation on your success.

    Very inspired post and very good share.

    I am following your footstep eric..

    Thanks for sharing..an man, You Rock!!

    have a wonderful weekend,

    Best Regards,
    Mal
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  • Profile picture of the author wendymay1
    congratulations Eric.

    Building relationships no doubt is king. Without relationships this whole IM game would be boring.
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  • Profile picture of the author dannybaskara
    Congrats your anniversary Eric
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  • Profile picture of the author toplearning
    Congrats...It will take so much effort and pain to be on our own boss! You did it!
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  • Profile picture of the author createyouwealth
    Originally Posted by Eric Louviere View Post

    When I made the decision to quit my day job and go IM full time 4 years ago this week, the first place I went was to the Warrior Forum to post my accomplishment. What a feeling that was! The best!

    I'm going to give some golden gifts in this post.

    One of the techniques I used to earn over a million dollars online was what I call:

    "Take one step backwards.... to take a bunch of steps forward!"

    While everyone else out there wanted instant gratification, I played a different game. I played the "sacrifice" game. I had a job at the time that paid 90k per year so I was fine (I did not like the job and wanted out, but had time).

    I decided to sacrifice instant income... instant gratification... to position myself for long time success. After watching this market, it was clear, that place would be in "building relationships".

    What I did was sacrifice "copywriting" in order to build relationships. I even did copy for free. One of my free clients was Keith Baxter. He also paid me for some projects too. I had others, some behind the scenes millionaires too. I got them on skype and yahoo messenger and got everything I could get out of them.

    I went from one person to the next... even when some got a bit pissed off thinking I just used them for information... and when was done... moved on to greener pastures. Not true, but I can see how some feel that way. The truth was I got away from negativity. If someone brought me down (after getting to know me)... or I just did not gel with them for whatever reason, I moved on and found others to build relationships with.

    This was key to making over a million online very quickly.

    Some relationships are lifelong. Like with Mike F. Jack Mize, Keith Baxter, and many others. Others are still buds, but not as close. No big deal, such is life.

    However, the relationships were key. Nothing was more important to me personally, and those relationships helped funnel momentum. Momentum is the key word here. And, nothing fuels momentum like talking and interacting with people.

    Also, through relationships, I got the goods. I learned the real insights, the real ways to get traffic, the real psychology to marketing, leverage, business, positioning, etc.

    For example, I paid keith good money to consult me on traffic. He would have done it anyway as a friend, but it was so great, such good stuff, whatever I paid him was not enough.

    He's not the only one either.

    One guy named Dan Ramsey showed me all sorts of stuff he was doing and I used those techniques. Another underground guy who would be pissed if I mentioned his name, has continued to give me strategies all because I created a salespage for him for $250 instead of $2500. Sacrifice indeed!

    I pulled off a 20k per month membership with Dr Mike... all because I wrote a letter for him... for... you guessed it... $250

    Sure, I've done my fair share of affiliate marketing outside the IM niche... CPA marketing... etc etc etc... but the bulk of the money I made was from IM baby.

    So, relationships equalled fortunes. It can for you too.

    Did everyone like me, of course not. Does everyone love me, of course not. Am I perfect, of course not. Did I actively and purposely build relationships? damn right.

    Momentum!

    This is the key to success IMO. With momentum, everything is easy. Problems are solved easily without sweat. You feel like you have the golden touch. Life is a party. Times are good.

    Without momentum, it's a grind. It's harder.

    How do you get momentum?

    People.

    Touch people. Reach out and spark conversations. Just this week, I sparked conversations with over 20 different people. I dare you (triple dare you) to try and spark 20 to 50 new relationships (or spark up current ones) over the next 7 days. Do it.

    If you do that... I would bet... big bucks... you'll have opportunities coming out your ears... you'd be on the brink of momentum... and your life may never be the same.

    Lastly, there's no magic button.

    Thanks to all of you who have been a part of my life through these years, who have helped me, have taught me, shared with me, had patience with me, and who have become friends. Thanks to the Warrior Forum and Allen.

    Respectfully,

    Eric Louviere
    This is a very good post. Very informative. Congrads on you quiting your job 4 yrs ago today. I wish you many more successes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shane Hale
    Awesome post! It is very true! I have been building a ton of relationships in the IM business. Not until you start giving back, people will let their guard down. There are so many leeches out there who just want use many of the IMers out there. It can get you down. Just move on to the next is the best option!
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  • Profile picture of the author VyctorB_10
    Truely a touching story, Eric...

    I can definitely feel you on the friendship level thing, that's what's the pilgrimage of life is all about, and I truly believe it's friendship before fortune, that indeed lead to it.


    As a newbie to the site myself, would you be able to give me any headers on where to start off & the 1st step to take knowledge + action-wise to begin my journey here. Thanks!




    V~
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