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How many friends have you LOST because of IM?

by YonghoShin
89 replies
Have you lost friends from your "past life" (before you discovered internet marketing) after you became successful?

One of my most painful moments was realizing that my absolute best friend at the time was holding me back from who I wanted to be, so I consciously decided to disconnect myself from him.

He always criticized me for "being unrealistic", "being too drastic" and "working too hard". I explained myself to him, but he just stuck with his beliefs that business is risky and success is too rare.

I kept thinking about Jim Rohn's quote "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." It was time to decide: did I really believe what Jim Rohn said? Do I have the guts to let go of my BEST FRIEND because I don't like the way he thinks?

Disconnecting myself from my best friend felt like taking a splinter out of my thumb, but now that I look back on it, I'm very happy I decided to do that.

Have you ever had to disconnect from people you knew because they just didn't "get" what IM and success were about? Share your story!
#friends #lost
  • Profile picture of the author Willie Murray
    None of my friends not even my wife understands IM and I wouldn't even attempt to try and explain it, that being said if I were in your situation I would have done exactly the same thing as you...
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    • Profile picture of the author SuccessMarketer
      I am having the same problem right now... one of my best friends told me in one ocassion to - basically- stop dreaming... unfortunately he does not realise that this same mindset of him is what's keeping him where he is... whilst I am working on my wealth and soon will realise that I am moving on with his or without his support. My wife supports me and that's more than enough for me (she's soooo patience... lol)
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    • Profile picture of the author Jaymark
      I know it must have been a gut wrenching decision. But you're right...you can't be pulled down by naysayers and others who may feel they are helping you but are really sabotaging you.

      Stick with positive and upbeat people and it will help to get your plans launched and operating effectively.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim_Carter
    None.

    I have one who has a particularly negative outlook on business, but we just don't talk about that. We have fun doing other things.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ntech25
    A lot of people think all we do is playing games on these computers. I just ignore those types of people and when the checks come I smile =)
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    • Profile picture of the author swilliams09
      None because of IM. But plenty because of their own choices. Anyway your post about what your friend says reminds me of these lyrics from the streets.

      Stop dreaming
      People who say that are blaspheming
      They're doing nine to five and moaning
      And they don't want you succeeding when they've blown it
      And you idols - who are they?
      They too dreamt about their day
      Positive steps will see your goals.
      Whether it's dollars or control, feel the gold.
      I ain't helping you climb the ladder
      I'm busy climbing mine.
      That's how it's been since the dawn of time
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  • Profile picture of the author dragoncpa
    None.
    My friends just tell me you need to do more sport. Health is also important.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Friends and business have always been pretty separate for me, but I have friends who have bugged me to fix their computers because they know I'm a geek. That gets old after awhile, but it hasn't caused me to lose friends.
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    • Profile picture of the author Psst
      Banned
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Friends and business have always been pretty separate for me, but I have friends who have bugged me to fix their computers because they know I'm a geek. That gets old after awhile, but it hasn't caused me to lose friends.
      You've got a good point here. I've been doing IM for well over 2 and a half years now but non of my friends and family members know what I'm doing.
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  • Profile picture of the author pdrs
    Definitely haven't lost any, but I keep a pretty low profile as to what I do anyways. Whoever said it earlier, rambling on and on like a get rich quick ad isn't going to impress anyone.

    One of my favorite quotes is - "If you're happy and you know it, shut your face" from Hugh Dillon who was in one of the greatest bands ever - The Headstones

    Basically, if you're digging what you do then by all means keep doing it, but don't feel like you need to "spread the gospel" to all of your friends like a born again Christian - now if your friends have questions and are genuinely interested, that's a different story all together!
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
      I haven't lost any because of IM. The group of people I hung around with changed as our interests diverged, but that can happen with a lot of things.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    Nobody understand IM in my family or etc. You have to do things right though, im a hardworker but i dont know if i will reach success. However, nobody believes or knows that there is money to be made on the internet still in 2011, thats shocking
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    • Profile picture of the author Fafa
      I was just thinking about this the other day..I have one of my new buddies who just started network marketing and I've been in this for about 1 yr and 6 months now and he wouldn't take a word of advice from me. I can see all the mistakes he's doing when I first started and its killing is business. I haven't lost him yet, but once he realize that I could of help him have a great jump start in the beginning he is going to be sick!
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Brock
      If you start buying better stuff than your friends, that's when the resentment starts kicking in. People don't generally like to be "shown up". So if you are making a ton of money, from my own personal experience it's best to just drive around in crappy cars and keep your bank digits to yourself.

      There's a big difference between casually mentioning your successes to your friends vs. buying objects to prove your success.

      When I was a bit younger I bought a Porsche 911 and a bunch of fancy stuff to kind of prove my friends wrong (they said I couldn't do it, so I was determined to prove 'em wrong). Lost a couple friends not so much because of the car but because of what it represented.

      Now I drive a $500 Volvo, wear t-shirts, sweatpants, and jeans and have shoes that are like 3 years old. None of my friends know the size of my bank accounts, and I plan to keep it that way.

      It's just not worth it IMO.
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  • Profile picture of the author RevSEO
    Unfortunately you'll need to walk away from those toxic relationships/friendships. Freinds get comfortable with who you are, and who they are and they don't really want to dynamic to change. Typically for selfish reasons as well.

    At the end of the day you'll need to walk away from those "friends", because if they are pulling you down and constantly negative they will pull you down.

    I recently moved away from my hometown and as such I decided that those few friends that were like that simply aren't worth it in the long run. As such I've moved away from good friends with them too occasional acquaintances.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dannyboy12
    Wow drastic measures OP! guess you gotta do what you gotta do. I try and not let IM get in the way of my friendships and time spent with my gf. theyre far more important to me than money.
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    • Profile picture of the author scrofford
      Originally Posted by Dannyboy12 View Post

      Wow drastic measures OP! guess you gotta do what you gotta do. I try and not let IM get in the way of my friendships and time spent with my gf. theyre far more important to me than money.
      I don't think it's all about money here. I think it's about the way you think and the mindset you have. I've dumped friends because they were holding me back in my thinking.

      Negativity is contagious. So you want to stay far away from it. Most people never believe that they will get very far in the things they try and accomplish. Especially if it's hard to do. If you are trying to be a success at something, you don't need the dead weight holding you back.
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      • Profile picture of the author Laurie Rogers
        I agree with this and if people think losing a friend is drastic, well I ended my marriage partially because of it and money had NOTHING to do with it.

        Some rules of thumb I live by:

        NEVER let anyone poop on your dreams (no matter who they are) and when I saw The Pursuit of Happyness - where Will Smith's wife kept on telling him he was being unrealistic etc. (my ex husband was like that) I was finally grateful that my decision to leave my husband to pursue my "happyness" all those years ago was the right choice for me, just like it was for Will Smith in that movie.

        NEVER let anyone tell you you're incapable of doing anything, your only limit from being incapable of doing something is yourself. And if people don't get that, it's their issue not yours.

        NEVER let people's issues regarding jealousy or envy get under your skin, again that's their issue not yours and you are not responsible for their "feelings". A TRUE friend will always be celebratory of your successes, not envious or jealous.

        You are ONLY responsible for the poop on your side of the street, not the WHOLE street. Meaning, you are only responsible for your actions, your feelings, goals, aspirations etc. so don't take on other people's baggage.

        If people are negative, avoid them like the plague, if they're not open to hearing constructive feedback about their negative attitude. I avoid negative people, whiners, bitchers, negative people in general - yup we all need to rant about stuff once in a while, but if it's constant - I get rid of those people.

        Most of my friends are IM'ers and yes I have lost a lot of friends that were non IM'ers and that was partially my own fault for picking friends that were not right for me and had no faith in my abilities - due to my own insecurity issues at the time.

        Do I regret any of those choices, no I don't.




        Originally Posted by scrofford View Post

        I don't think it's all about money here. I think it's about the way you think and the mindset you have. I've dumped friends because they were holding me back in my thinking.

        Negativity is contagious. So you want to stay far away from it. Most people never believe that they will get very far in the things they try and accomplish. Especially if it's hard to do. If you are trying to be a success at something, you don't need the dead weight holding you back.
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        • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
          It's one of those simple but emotionally difficult decisions that Tim Ferriss talks about in the 4-Hour-Workweek.

          One of the side effects of business building is that it also builds emotional maturity. Some of your friends may not have the maturity needed to adjust to your growth.


          Joe Mobley
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  • Profile picture of the author ddyson
    Some of my friends have drifted from me since I have been involved in business in general. When our egos lash out we discourage others, though we are really mad at ourselves. People are mirrors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bevo Troy
    Just make sure they know that there is a business side of you and a social side of you, and combining the two normally doesnt work out too well
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Not having any friends, it is hard to lose them.

    It is so true that if you take the average of your ten closest friends that you hang with, you will be about the average of them. One of the best ways to improve your position in life is to hang with successful people.
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    The problems that I had early on were friends wanting to "do what I do". They wanted me to teach them how to make money, but like most of the people that want to get into this business, "teach" means do it for them. I learned quickly that I can't spend all of my time growing businesses for other people.

    I did end up losing a long time friend over it. I had set him up a website in the industry that I was crushing at the time and instructed him on the best ways to promote it. He expected me to do it all for him and that led to a breakdown of the relationship.

    In hindsight, did I really need a friend like that anyway?
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    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      A 'friend' who doesn't accept you for who you are and
      what you do is not a real friend anyways.

      My policy: I do what I want to do and whoever comes
      along for the ride - fine. But I'm not gonna change who
      I am or what I do just to be accepted by someone else.

      It's possible to outgrow some friendships and grow some
      new ones.

      And remember that the majority of people are going in
      the wrong direction and heading for a lifetime of failure
      and frustration.

      If you want uncommon results, do uncommon things
      and associate with uncommon people most of the time.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
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    • Profile picture of the author Elzie1
      I agree with the first post that stated that you are or will end up like the five people that you hang around the most. If you have friends that are tearing away at your dreams you will have to leave them behind, or they can drag you away form your dreams (never let anybody steal your dreams). I understand they have been friends for a long time and sooner or later they may need help, if you keep up your IM business you have a better chance of being there for them in the future. They will come around when your sucess is the thing that helps save them from the slavery of the boss that will soon despise. Understand that they don't see the big picture the way you do.

      thanks Elzie G.
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  • Profile picture of the author numbermoja
    Most of them because they don't believe in my vision, but I have made a lot more because of IM I love my mastermind group they are my best friends we make money together.
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  • Profile picture of the author cybersoul
    Too much hard work on IM in the initial journey, That's true.

    Needs proper devotion to become successful. In the same time, making believe on IM to your people around is real tough and thus support is usually zero from there.

    Argument can be there but disconnecting with friends and people around would really be sad.

    Even he or she argues with me but a friend is a good asset in life.

    That's the way, i see and care people around.
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    • Profile picture of the author Naimath
      It's true working as an Internet marketer does make you get cut-off from your family and friends. Ask me, I have lost several friends because of this online working. In fact, few of my friends have even suggested me to go to a rehab for getting so crazy and engraved into the work and forget talking to them. lol. But I think it is only till you make your income automated; once that is done, then you can spend PLENTY of time with your family and friends. But regardless of what happens around, I love being in this field, I love writing, I love handling my content writing team and forgetting what happens in the world around. It's just amazing!
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    I do have a lot of friends that don't understand what I do or why I feel the need to check my email every few hours to get updates on what my assistant is doing, but I haven't lost them. I have to work hard to keep my business out of our hang out time, though they are becoming more understanding. I found the key is to not talk about work with the negative ones. I do have quite a few friends that seem to think what I do isn't real work... I simply don't talk about work with them.

    Like many above me said, I think I have made more friends from IM.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paleochora
    I am like Suzanne in as much as my online business is separate from my social life.

    I find when friends ask me what I have been doing after a couple of minutes of me detailing the on-page SEO tweaks I was making that morning and the split testing I ran and the keyword research I did that day, I see their eyes start to glaze over. Hell, my eyes start to glaze over, lol.

    They tend not to bring it up much after that.
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  • Profile picture of the author clarentino
    haha..this is a great thread.

    I've lost a friend or two in this IM journey. I'm doing IM part-time since I still have a day job. Most of my evenings are spent working on writing blogs, backlinking, etc..

    I seldom hang out with my friends anymore, like I used to. I suppose I wanted something much more out of life.
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  • Profile picture of the author rockone
    Sorry to hear that YonghoShin. I have not lost friends for this reason. There are other personal reasons how I lost few of my good friends. Sad Story.
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  • Profile picture of the author smear
    Thanks God I have no such bad experience but some friends criticize me for work such as IM.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    Friends? No. Acquaintances and former co-workers from my 9-5 days? I wouldn't know because I rarely see any of them; they're still on the treadmill trying to earn a living, worried they might be next in the pink slip parade, and I'm enjoying my new lifestyle doing what I like to do and getting paid very, very handsomely for it!

    Either way, the new friends I've made online more than make up for it!
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  • Profile picture of the author ivanadee
    Everything is OK. I always prepare backup so, I have offline job and online job to balance everything. I also try to join in the local community to make sure that I still have ability to socialize
    Anyway, just keep going
    Wish u the best
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  • Profile picture of the author Monique3000
    When I wasn't making a dime, I almost lost my husband! LOL. He was very optimistic at first, but then no money was coming in. As I started making some, he came around though.

    However, I think if your friends leave you because of IM they are definitely were not your friends to begin with.
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  • Profile picture of the author Claire Sharp
    None! Most of them understand the life of Internet Marketers. As IM, it's just a matter of how you handle your time.
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  • Profile picture of the author txconx
    I haven't lost friends specifically because of IM but, like you, I have made a decision that a friendship has to be ended because it's toxic to me. In the last 2 years, I ended two long-term relationships. One was a client of 20+ years and the other was someone I've known and has worked for me off and on for a little more than 20 years. I felt both of them had an image of me that was stuck in the past. Neither one respected what I've become and done over the last 20 years and in many ways, they were both abusive. One made fun of me for my ambitions, but I was the first person she called when she had problems with her computer, the internet, e-mail, etc. As you get older, the phrase "life is too short" really becomes meaningful. I decided life is too short to maintain relationships with people who don't respect me or treat me with respect.
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  • Profile picture of the author RLINKEN
    Ha, I didn't "lose" any, but I did get rid of some...

    I just learned the importance of positively in your life, and was tired of sitting around a room of deadbeats talking about their problems lol...

    so I moved up, they stayed the same... some of you may be able to overlook the negativity in some of your friends, but I just didn't see a need for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
    I have found that when I got out of gas station business in 2007 and started Internet Marketing full time. I found myself surrounding myself with other Internet Marketers here in San Diego, I also joined Carbon Copy Pro in 2007 which is a whole community of Internet Marketers.
    I still hang out with some of my old friends...but they mostly contact me when they need help with Social Media or Internet Marketing as they look at me as an expert :-)
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    I haven't lost any friends because of internet marketing. I don't talk about my business endeavors that often with my friends, and even if I did, I wouldn't need them to be supportive in order to be happy or successful.

    Friends aren't business partners or social workers. They're your friends. I fail to see how they are relate to your online business in any way unless they act like total jerks.

    Either way, all of my friends have been supportive and have helped me with my websites to the best of their ability if I asked them to.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Banks
    I see your angle, but for me it is the opposite. I have a better relationship with my friends. I bike every Tuesday with one friend and play ball hockey every week with a few more. Any time they arrange camping trips or go to concerts I can go. The total freedom let me play in 2 hockey leagues last winter and make more friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kyle Stankiewicz
    I lost a few friends to the time investment. Combined with going to school and writing, IM really ate up the remainder of my time and some of my friends didn't like taking a back seat to the rest of my life.
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  • Profile picture of the author BloggingPro
    Hmm... Haven't really lost any friends because of IM. I have lost friends because of my new mindset of being a positive thinker, which is a by product of my time learning this industry.

    Internet Marketing (and everything that has come with it) has really saved my life. I'm not joking when I say that.

    To comment directly on your post, I don't think that it was because of IM that you lost the friend. It honestly sounds like you just didn't want to surround yourself with that kind of person.

    If anything people (friends and strangers) are more interested in what I'm doing "with all my websites" than the other way around.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kendall McGuire
      Originally Posted by BloggingPro View Post

      Hmm... Haven't really lost any friends because of IM. I have lost friends because of my new mindset of being a positive thinker, which is a by product of my time learning this industry.

      Internet Marketing (and everything that has come with it) has really saved my life. I'm not joking when I say that.

      To comment directly on your post, I don't think that it was because of IM that you lost the friend. It honestly sounds like you just didn't want to surround yourself with that kind of person.

      If anything people (friends and strangers) are more interested in what I'm doing "with all my websites" than the other way around.
      I definitely agree...surrounding yourself with "positive people" can only yield positive results. With friends and life in general...nice thread
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    Zero...not sure why someone would lose friends over an online business unless maybe you sell bird cages...
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Haven't really lost any friends, though if its eating all of your time I can see how it might.
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Newcastle
    I don't have any friends ....
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Newcastle
    Just kidding... I just don't tell any my friends or colleagues what I'm doing...that way I don't have to put up with their nay-saying. Although, it is difficult to keep my successes to myself, it's worth the effort.
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    • Profile picture of the author mominternet
      Sorry to hear what has happened. I do wonder if IM would ever be an issue between my friends.

      I am a newbie and thankfully, so far none have made an issue of it. Although, I am getting the questions like, "What is it that you plan on doing, anyway?"

      I explain first I am working on learning how to build a list, study SEO, figure out the traffic thing but my ultimately goal is to start my own membership site where I can be surrounded by people who do understand me

      LOL, really, I am still working on the details as to what exactly I will do in IM but when I see the success I desire, rather than explaining to my friends who do not understand I plan to do something special that is unique to us.

      The cool thing is I am finding friends that do have an interest in IM and I share what I know with them and my friend even let all her FB friends know what she thought of me in such a sweet way.

      The best thing is not to worry about being "accepted" as an IM, that is like forcing ourselves on our friends. Now, a friendship may need to be cut off because a friend is being disrespectful and a hindrance...then I would say that is not much of a friend.

      By the same token surround yourself with like minded friends that will encourage you.

      Thanks for the thread as it has given me much to think on.
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  • Profile picture of the author idk007
    Originally Posted by YonghoShin View Post

    Have you lost friends from your "past life" (before you discovered internet marketing) after you became successful?

    One of my most painful moments was realizing that my absolute best friend at the time was holding me back from who I wanted to be, so I consciously decided to disconnect myself from him.

    He always criticized me for "being unrealistic", "being too drastic" and "working too hard". I explained myself to him, but he just stuck with his beliefs that business is risky and success is too rare.

    I kept thinking about Jim Rohn's quote "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." It was time to decide: did I really believe what Jim Rohn said? Do I have the guts to let go of my BEST FRIEND because I don't like the way he thinks?

    Disconnecting myself from my best friend felt like taking a splinter out of my thumb, but now that I look back on it, I'm very happy I decided to do that.

    Have you ever had to disconnect from people you knew because they just didn't "get" what IM and success were about? Share your story!
    To most people, IM seems kinda shady, but most of the people I know do much more "shady" things. IM is just bringing together a need with a product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Danceraaq1
    I don't say anything to anyone about what I do. Except for my brother who does the same thing, no one else knows a thing. I just do my thing and bank the cheques.
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  • Profile picture of the author bankboss
    as a matter of fact none actually...just stick to what you're doing..."BEST FRIENDS" will come back once they see you rolling
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  • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
    My ex-wife thinks it's "scummy", but then her favorite description of me is "Pond Scum", so it really doesn't bother me

    Besides, if she knew I was making money, she'd want some of it! (what am I saying - she'd want ALL of it!)
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    • Profile picture of the author Laurie Rogers
      hahaha .. sounds like my ex husband and your ex wife should get together, that`s all my ex husband rants about ... so how much money did you make this year in your shady business .. I just laugh, because apparently it`s really, really wrong that my income went way up after I left .. hmm maybe thats because I could concentrate better without you telling me how stupid I am for making money online .. ahhh the sweet nagging sounds of bitterness ... dont miss em LOL

      Originally Posted by cjreynolds View Post

      My ex-wife thinks it's "scummy", but then her favorite description of me is "Pond Scum", so it really doesn't bother me

      Besides, if she knew I was making money, she'd want some of it! (what am I saying - she'd want ALL of it!)
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      • Profile picture of the author cjreynolds
        Don't you understand?? You and I are both supposed to be homeless and destitute after loosing "the best thing that ever happened" to us

        Originally Posted by Laurie Rogers View Post

        hahaha .. sounds like my ex husband and your ex wife should get together, that`s all my ex husband rants about ... so how much money did you make this year in your shady business .. I just laugh, because apparently it`s really, really wrong that my income went way up after I left .. hmm maybe thats because I could concentrate better without you telling me how stupid I am for making money online .. ahhh the sweet nagging sounds of bitterness ... dont miss em LOL
        Signature

        I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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        • Profile picture of the author Laurie Rogers
          Oh right I forgot about that lol Better go find my cardboard box now

          Originally Posted by cjreynolds View Post

          Don't you understand?? You and I are both supposed to be homeless and destitute after loosing "the best thing that ever happened" to us
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  • Profile picture of the author Vulk
    Absolutely none, I like to keep my online business and real life activities/people separate.
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  • Profile picture of the author BXPS
    Havent lost any friends, I do organize my time wisely for friends, work, IM, Family etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Sometimes we have to make some tough decisions like this, hopefully your friend will come round
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  • Profile picture of the author ekfaysal
    Lost? infect i have made plenty of new friends.
    We have got some active groups that discuss various IM stuff on SKype.
    some of the IM guys are among my best friends
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    • Profile picture of the author Kraft
      I don't think I've actually lost any friends, but some of them do indeed view me in a new light. I'm still sincere and trustworthy, but now I can help them financially too.

      My attempt is to keep my marketing ethical. If I succeed in it, I can't see why I wouldn't make more friends instead of losing some.
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  • Profile picture of the author stylewars
    I lost a few because they invested but weren't poised to do the grunt work. Many believe this is a get-rich quick scheme and when I tell them they have to step on grapes to make wine, they shudder!
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    • Profile picture of the author juliettelixora
      People who misunderstood you might have another point and reason. And you should basically let them know about how IM works so that you will not end up losing your friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author jimcassa
    Yes, I understand this very well. You do lose friends, and gain new ones.

    I see it as personal growth. As you become more empowered you gain more energy, so you can do more.

    Friends who are happy to coast are at a much lower energy level, metaphysically speaking. Their opportunities are limited compared to yours.

    They are not bad people, we still love them for who they are, but as you resonate on a higher plane, by the success you gain, your lifestyle begins to change.

    There is a gap in energy between the friends you lose, and the ones you keep.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    all of them but made some better ones along the way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mohammed Hammad2
    Didn't lose any friend, but just didn't do a lot of talking about internet marketing.

    They don't support or support me! They just look amazed when I describe it to them.

    But they see that I am generating income so no one can doubts that.

    I have the feeling that they hope me the best but they don't understand what I am doing which I think is normal.

    But I've got many new friendships since I entered IM
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  • Profile picture of the author DallasK
    Friends are friends, business is business, and the two shall never meet. It's a good theory but if often doesn't work out that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author KeepFaith
    1 friend to be honest! But it was my fault if I was asked...

    It was a strange situation when that happend and I said a few things that just were appropriate... Causes of sitting way to long infront of the computer everyday chasing the dream!

    Need to build up the relationship again I think
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  • Profile picture of the author AlexisMoore
    It is a bit surprising how many people I have encountered who still don't understand that there is a ton of money to be made online. When I start explaining what I do, the first thing people hear is the internet and I can see their eyes glaze over. Either they tune out because they assume they won't understand, or because they are not taking me seriously. My husband is in the beginning stages of his online ventures, and I have a hard time convincing my family that what he is doing could seriously bring in some real income. The only reason that they are ok with what I do is because I waited until I started getting a little money from it before I even told them. In all reality, I don't have time for friends anyway because I not only work all the time but I am a mother. I don't sweat what anyone else thinks- you have to take care of yourself in the best way that you know how, and any friend who doesn't support you is not a true friend anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author FaBiz
    If you have lost friends, they were NOT friends......
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    REAL RESULTS! Try and See!
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulSolid
    Banned
    On One of my friend, we Hardly communicate right now.
    He is a good person...but not enlighted on anything related to computer
    talk-less of internet. and doesn't want to learn. so i stay off a bet from him now.

    Maybe he is waiting for me to show him my millions of dollar internet earnings b4 he will believe me.
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    • Profile picture of the author triste
      I think friends have a very unrealistic and misguided view of IM...it's best to just ignore the haters.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Never lost a friend over what I do. I actually mixed my favorite business/hobby with IM so have made many friends through my forum. About to arrange a hunt (gemstone) with a few of my members for next month.

    You're IM can take you wherever you want to go - but where is that? If you sit at the computer 24/7 you're gonna lose friends no matter what the reason. If you do what is good for you and get off the machine now and again and just go have some fun, there's no reason to lose a friend to your business inclinations.

    I hear a lot of people here saying they lost friends because of IM but am thinking that these friends were not people they would keep around forever anyway whether they were in IM or brick and mortar. Sooner or later having someone around who likes to p*ss in your wheaties gets old no matter what your line of business.
    Signature

    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    I haven't lost any friends over IM. At first, I thought I did. But as I gained some wisdom over the years, I realized they really weren't friends. Real friends might challenge you from time to time, but ultimately they support your goals and dreams.

    I've lost a couple of girlfriends, some party buddies, but no true friends were harmed in the making of my IM career.

    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 cjreynolds
      Originally Posted by Rod Cortez View Post

      I haven't lost any friends over IM. At first, I thought I did. But as I gained some wisdom over the years, I realized they really weren't friends. Real friends might challenge you from time to time, but ultimately they support your goals and dreams.

      I've lost a couple of girlfriends, some party buddies, but no true friends were harmed in the making of my IM career.

      RoD
      People have a loose idea of what a "friend" is. Party buddies don't qualify, girlfriends don't always qualify...

      I was told when I was young that I could expect to gain one, or maybe 2 or 3 real friends in my lifetime. I didn't believe it then, but experience has proved it over the years.

      A friend, by definition, would not abandon you for your career choices. As long as what you're doing is not unethical or illegal, your friends shouldn't care. If you explain to them what IM is and they shun you for making money online, then they are acquaintances not friends. Big difference.
      Signature

      I just added this sig so I can refer to it in my posts...

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      • Profile picture of the author JPSimplySites
        I have lost none and made a lot of new friends through my IM business. Actually, I have been so busy with my business I have not had a lot of time to hang out with my local friends lately but I have not lost any due to IM.

        Luckily, I have not had anyone close to me being negative about my working online. They have all been very supportive and they do believe there are a lot of people making a full time living online and they believe I will be one of them.

        My husband is so supportive.... I am really lucky.


        Jan
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    I only wanted to put myself around people that were an encouragement. So yes I have lost some friends, but you will be able to see which ones are you true ones.

    I hate naysayers, but you can really use that to drive you harder. At least that is what I did. :-)
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    Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
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  • Profile picture of the author Pauline60
    None - my friends are my friends, they haven't changed because I got into IM. Its not an issue. They do whatever they do and I do whatever I do. When I told them they showed interest in what is was,nodded and then we went back to the gossip of the day.
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  • Profile picture of the author blink77
    I haven't lost any but I did not get much support in the beginning. Then my first check rolled in from Google and people took notice. Still they do not understand it but are curious. I decided to teach one friends in the beginning to show other people that IM works. Within one month he was paying his rent with the money he earned selling makeup brushes online. Once again, people took notice.
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    I have a FREE course to teach the basics about Affiliate Marketing.

    Rod Jamieson
    http://www.affiliationtoday.com

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  • Profile picture of the author Murt@gh
    I've never lost any friends due to Internet Marketing, that would be kinda' crazy, but I have lost friends due to a change of beliefs and a change of attitude in myself. It is best to get rid of those that pull you down and then you can get on with what you need to do that is going to make you happy in life, if it means that making some money is going to make you happy then make some damn money!
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  • Profile picture of the author jonhkh17
    I lost all my best friend, and plus recently I just lost my full time job because I work in casino in Las Vegas 1 of them got closed which is where I work. I don't go out with friend anymore because I spend all my time learn internet marketing. Right now I spend over 12 hr a day been 2 month now, because I believe internet marketing is real!
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    I think if done right, you can actually make a lot of new friends with IM.

    I mean if you're actually trying to help people solve a problem.

    That's what marketing is, right?

    Plus consider that most Warriors are hard-working, creative, friendly people.

    That's why people get addicted to the WF is because they want to be around those types of people!
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  • Profile picture of the author rekerlolz
    Actually me and my best friend started internet marketing together and we share our ideas with each other and pretty much make the same progress as one another. I am happy we are at it together because we definitely accomplish much more that way
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Barker
    I can honestly say that not many people that I was raised around or that I grew to become friends with understands the opportunity in IM and they think that it is all a big scam. This is because of the "junk" that is all over the net right now and this day and age in which we live. But... in terms of losing friends because of IM, I have lost 0! If you have a "real" friend no matter how much you disagree or they disagree with you, they will still be your friend.

    I can honestly say that I have lost 0 friends because of my transition and work as an internet marketer!
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