Does anyone else feel misunderstood?

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I thought when I began making passive income all of my friends would want to learn how to do it and join in. Instead, I am met with skepticism, doubt and the belief that I am foolish for thinking passive income was a possibility.

The odd thing about it -- is I don't just "think" passive income is a possibility -- I KNOW it is a reality. My husband and I already have some passive income coming in to our families budget. We are so excited about it & others are treating us like we have "pie in the sky" type dreams.

I feel hurt. I thought people would be jumping on the bandwagon and I could help them learn how to do what I am doing once I was successful. Instead, they act tell me "it isn't possible" and "I am following pipe dreams".

Has anyone else experienced that?
#feel #misunderstood
  • Profile picture of the author warriorsam
    It happened all the time, people are just unwillingly to accept that some things are indeed possible

    Frankly speaking, its their loss if they do not believe in this concept
    they would rather work their life away and have only one stream of income
    while you being the smart one have multiple stream

    dont let it bring you down

    When i first started, i dare not tell anyone what i was doing in my spare time.
    i knew i be met with ridicule and be a joke
    now that i am more experience, i can fully explain to them the concept and make them see my way

    sorry for the bad english
    trying to improve on it
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  • Profile picture of the author ladywriter
    Yes, but I don't feel hurt so much anymore.

    They are responding based on their worldview and their set of beliefs about what is possible. It's about them, not you.

    I don't even discuss it with people anymore. When I am doing well with it, THEN they'll all want to know how. And if not, that's ok, I can laugh all the way to the beach while they're working 12 hours in a cubicle.
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by kstark View Post

      Yes, but I don't feel hurt so much anymore.

      They are responding based on their worldview and their set of beliefs about what is possible. It's about them, not you.

      I don't even discuss it with people anymore. When I am doing well with it, THEN they'll all want to know how. And if not, that's ok, I can laugh all the way to the beach while they're working 12 hours in a cubicle.

      Even when they see that you are successful, many will study what
      you are doing, and still not move away from their cubicles.

      You'll want to show them that you really have found a better way,
      and want to help them, and they won't let you.

      I do think about them periodically while sitting in a beach chair,
      working fewer hours, enjoying what I do, and earning 50 times what
      many of them earn.

      Willie
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    • Profile picture of the author MIRENGE
      When you start something and succeed in it within a very short time people may misunderstand you but keep on at the end they may need you to show them the way forward.
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  • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
    Originally Posted by seotechnician View Post


    I feel hurt. I thought people would be jumping on the bandwagon and I could help them learn how to do what I am doing once I was successful. Instead, they act tell me "it isn't possible" and "I am following pipe dreams".
    Jealousy is a terrible thing.

    I have a friend that went through what the government like you to do, school, uni, nice job etc. He hates the fact I do what I do whilst he's going to work 9-5 and letting his boss decide when he can earn more money. Trouble is, it's his fault and instead of realising what I'm doing is not only more fun but better rewarded, he gets jealous and tells me I should get a "proper" job.

    I take rather a dubious amount of pleasure telling him he has a proper job all right but I have a business that employs people like him and that I'm grateful there are people out there, like him, willing to make other people money in return for a wage.

    Warriorsam - sorry for the bad english
    trying to improve on it
    If English isn't your first language I think you're doing extremely well and if it is your first language you're still writing better than most English people.

    Good for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
      Originally Posted by Richard Van View Post

      Jealousy is a terrible thing.

      I have a friend that went through what the government like you to do, school, uni, nice job etc. He hates the fact I do what I do whilst he's going to work 9-5 and letting his boss decide when he can earn more money. Trouble is, it's his fault and instead of realising what I'm doing is not only more fun but better rewarded, he gets jealous and tells me I should get a "proper" job.

      I take rather a dubious amount of pleasure telling him he has a proper job all right but I have a business that employs people like him and that I'm grateful there are people out there, like him, willing to make other people money in return for a wage.

      Rich, this is so true.

      I said just a few days ago, in a thread on a similar topic, that I'm always subjected to people's negative crap - jealousy/bitterness, etc - when they learn what I do.

      - "So basically you're a lazy arse?"

      - "As a single parent, I have to work 60 hours a week and still claim benefits to keep my 5 kids and feed my gambling addiction, and you're telling me you earn more than I do for sitting on your arse day-in-day-out?! That's wrong. Either you're a liar or a criminal."

      - "Honest day's work for an honest day's pay, mate. There's no other way, unless you're corrupt politician or a leeching, abusive, bourgeois capitalist."

      - "Are you sure you're not just some crazy fantasist who's really just on the dole / claiming benefits??"

      Sure, they understand the concept of "self-employed", but seemingly only insofar as being "a man with a van" (plumber, electrician, painter/decorator, etc.) or owning a "bricks and mortar" - apparently not in the form of what we do, at all.

      I nearly always end up having to explain it all more upon their further questioning, as their curiosity seems to be aroused by the fact I'm able to pick and choose, to a large extent, the time, place and frequency of my work and still manage to increase my income perpetually with no real employees, no dedicated premises, no "physical" assets, etc.

      All I can say is, a lot of people must be majorly dense if they cannot grasp what is essentially a very simple concept - especially given the number of times I've explained it.

      Or - and perhaps rather more likely - they have no problems understanding, and just don't like to accept responsibility for their own lifestyle limitations when they're working all the hours God sends for what they feel is a subpar/mediocre set wage. Having said that, I've even spoken to barristers and doctors who refuse to believe it ... but I imagine they'd especially fit into the category of "overworked" and thus the same feelings may apply, to a degree. And to be fair, the bitterness exhibited from such individuals is almost always far less.

      Oh well, you learn to deal with it after a while, anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
    I try to pay little attention to what others say. What works for me may work for them, or it may not....either way, it has taken ALOT of work to get where I am, and, while I love sharing and teaching, there are billions of people in this world who could benefit--I try not to get down by the few that would rather criticize than take action themselves. What you do online will be what you make of it, and if people don't want it themselves, you can't make them want it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Ashwood
      "I'm just a soul who's intentions are good,
      Oh no, please don't let me be misunderstood"

      The Animals

      It's a common phenomenon.
      The majority of people follow the crowd, take the 'safe' route; while a minority are prepared to take risks, look for another way, and think outside the square.

      Like many of you here, I have been under a constant barrage of criticism. I'm told to get a job, even if it pays minimum wage and stop trying fly by night, get rich quick schemes. Until recently that is, read on.

      Reality Check Time
      I'm 62 years old with three heart attacks under my belt, and have no formal education. In the current economic climate I would be living on welfare, and probably in a 'giving up' mindset.

      But I didn't buckle. Instead I continued to learn this IM business, learning from my mistakes along the way. I'm sure that many others feel isolated, with no one who either understands or cares. Worse than that they are ridiculed by friends and sometimes family, and have to be extremely self driven to keep going.

      I beavered on, alone, for a considerable time. I chose not to discuss my business with anyone.

      Then One Day ...

      At a large family and friends get together recently, my wife chose to very loudly make an issue out of my time wasting and "idiot schemes". One of my neighbours, in an attempt to calm things down, asked if there was any sign of making any money from it.

      I simply said, "Well, since you ask, I made $400.00 in 2009".
      He said, "Is that all?"

      I continued, " ... and just under £43,000 ($68,000.00) in 2010", and walked calmly away, smiling to myself.

      I was surrounded by the 'critics' for the rest of the evening, trying to pick my brains.

      My wife, furious, said, "Why didn't you tell ME?"

      My reply? "You didn't want to know."

      I guess the moral of this saga is:
      Be true to yourself, and your beliefs;
      Keep persevering;
      Don't give up;
      Ignore the critics - they just don't understand.
      Cheers

      Alan
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    This is the difference in mindset! This is how otherwise intelligent people say, do, and believe really stupid things.

    There's not much you can do about it. I stopped playing missionary/evangelist to the financially illiterates years ago.

    Those are not the people you need to talk to about your success, your ambitions, your goals. We are!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ofthemix
    Trust me, you don't want your family and friends jumping on the bandwagon. I had a really big issue trying to teach my aunt how to make money online. It turned into her yelling at me over a 1 yr domain renewal for $10.

    Sadly, a lot of people want to learn but they don't want to spend money to learn.

    If they don't ask, don't teach them. If they ask and aren't willing to invest, don't teach them. And if they ask but don't seem to take it seriously, don't teach them.

    I know it sucks when family and friends don't take your internet marketing efforts seriously, but at the end of the day does it really matter? What's in your wallet (sounds like a Capital One commercial) should be all that matters to you.

    And if you want people to take you seriously about what you've done and what you are doing then you've come to the right place. If you're seriously interested in teaching people how to do what you've done, then I recommend creating a product and selling it to people who actually do want to learn and will take you seriously. That way you can kill two birds with one stone: fulfill your need to teach and network with people who take your online business seriously.

    My 2 cents.
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    • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
      Originally Posted by Ofthemix View Post

      Sadly, a lot of people want to learn but they don't want to spend money to learn.

      Or the TIME and EFFORT it takes to learn. You're in the 1-3% of people who understand this, so, it's natural that you will run into indifference and skeptical attitudes. DON"T let it discourage you!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Charlotte Jay
    I've come across my fair share of negative nellys in my time. Including my husband *cough cough* lol Over time I've just learned to ignore it. I try and focus on the end result rather the process. While they're going to be working well into their retirement years just to survive, I will get to enjoy my family and do things that I want to do on my time. I just picked up Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich and it is really helping my mindset and goals.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dannyboy12
    When people ask me I just say Im into online "business". If people want to hang out with me and I'm busy with IM I say I'm doing "business", all smooth like. I've just finished Uni and it looks like I'm getting a job as a copywriter for a massive ebay clone based in NewZealand called Trademe. On my C.V I put that I have a small online copywriting "business". BOOM job secured!
    I think the word "business" said in a smooth, suave voice is the way to go when talking to IM muggles about what we do!
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    • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
      Originally Posted by Dannyboy12 View Post

      When people ask me I just say Im into online "business". If people want to hang out with me and I'm busy with IM I say I'm doing "business", all smooth like. I've just finished Uni and it looks like I'm getting a job as a copywriter for a massive ebay clone based in NewZealand called Trademe. On my C.V I put that I have a small online copywriting "business". BOOM job secured!
      I think the word "business" said in a smooth, suave voice is the way to go when talking to IM muggles about what we do!
      Trademe is an ebay clone?

      Hardly, Ebay could not compete with the homegrown product. Next lets kick out McDonalds and KFC and make New Zealand even better to say nothing of healthier.
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  • Profile picture of the author Charlotte Jay
    Michael, I totally agree with everything you said. I've never been interested in the whole 9-5 lifestyle where I'm told what to do. Me and the corporate world do not mix at all (I have been told off more times than I care to tell at workplaces) I am a bit of an independent thinker when it comes to earning money and many people take issue with what I'm doing. You know what, I don't care, I'm making more money than them with far less drama, politics and hours worked. Bite me. lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author sambaz
    WOW, how are you making your passive income? and if this is a reality for you why would you listen to people who are saying it isn't possible when its clearly working for you and you are physically seeing the results?

    It amazes me how people still don't believe it is possible to make passive income when you have shown them infront of their faces. Some people are just crazy don't let them hurt you, who is winning you or them? YOU!

    All clever business owners have a passive income stream. Ask them is their boss at work physically making the money or does it just appear in his bank account because of his employees doing all the work for him/her? I ran a WSO for half a day I listed it once and money came into my account for doing nothing.

    Some people are just plain ignorant in my opinion!
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Ashwood
      Originally Posted by sambaz View Post

      WOW, how are you making your passive income? and if this is a reality for you why would you listen to people who are saying it isn't possible when its clearly working for you and you are physically seeing the results?
      It took a lot of time, pain and failures, believe me..

      "He who laughs last . . . "


      .
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    • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
      Originally Posted by sambaz View Post

      WOW, how are you making your passive income? and if this is a reality for you why would you listen to people who are saying it isn't possible when its clearly working for you and you are physically seeing the results?
      I know. It bugged me when I started to believe her -- and let her get under my skin. She is like a grandma to me -- so I take what she says personally.

      She told me to get a cashiers job?!?!?!

      I was like wait/what?! I make far more than that by consulting (not passive income - but good money)...and I have two degrees. One in Web Database Administration and the other in Organizational Professional Development. I can do consulting with both degrees and make really great money.

      She tried to tell me a cashiers job makes $20/hr. I wanted to ask (but didn't -- I held my tongue). What planet are you from? I would be lucky to make $10/hr as a cashier.

      She wasn't even remembering I have kids who I would have to pay someone $8 - $10 an hour to watch! Working inside the home allows me to make money without affording the babysitter -- and make passive income to boot!

      Anyhow, the whole conversation has been very crazy. I ended up very hurt.

      I had to stop myself and remind myself -- she is calling passive income pipe dreams. I am already making some passive income and I can repeat the process to make more. Proof it works is hardly pipe dreams.

      Ok, Ok...I'll stop ranting. LOL! Thanks for listening!
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      • Profile picture of the author Alan Ashwood
        Originally Posted by seotechnician View Post

        I know. It bugged me when I started to believe her -- and let her get under my skin. She is like a grandma to me -- so I take what she says personally.

        She told me to get a cashiers job?!?!?!

        I was like wait/what?! I make far more than that by consulting (not passive income - but good money)...and I have two degrees. One in Web Database Administration and the other in Organizational Professional Development. I can do consulting with both degrees and make really great money.

        She tried to tell me a cashiers job makes $20/hr. I wanted to ask (but didn't -- I held my tongue). What planet are you from? I would be lucky to make $10/hr as a cashier.

        She wasn't even remembering I have kids who I would have to pay someone $8 - $10 an hour to watch! Working inside the home allows me to make money without affording the babysitter -- and make passive income to boot!

        Anyhow, the whole conversation has been very crazy. I ended up very hurt.

        I had to stop myself and remind myself -- she is calling passive income pipe dreams. I am already making some passive income and I can repeat the process to make more. Proof it works is hardly pipe dreams.

        Ok, Ok...I'll stop ranting. LOL! Thanks for listening!

        And what's wrong with a good rant my friend?

        When you're working alone, and the most important people in your life aren't listening, you have a chioce; pay for counselling; or Have A Good Rant among your peers. At least they can understand and empathise.

        Among the 'useless, waster' comments, I too was advised to get a job at Tescos (UK supermarket), on pretty much minimum wage.

        1. With a mortgage of £237,000, I thought I'd have to live a loooong time to make a dent in it;
        2. I was already working most days as a home maintenance contractor, which paid better at the time (not so good now).

        Most of my IM work has been, and still is, carried out during the night - 10.00pm till about 5.00am, so I can chat to those funny folks that say "awesome" a lot on the other side of the Atlantic.

        I actually love working at night, when the world's quiet, but I am pretty wrecked.

        I get so tired I look abut 60!

        Oh, I am about 60 . Still sexy though.
        Alan
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      • Profile picture of the author pickthat apple
        Oh well you will just have to get yourself an offline job if you feel bad, won't you?

        You all must know what a passive income looks like: a flat that you rent to somebody, shares in a company, various investments...

        As long as you mean well and try to sell your product like anybody else on this earth, I don't know what the problem is.
        Some prefer to do it online - many other would never dream of giving up the excitement of a face to face job.

        We are doing shopping online, filling documents, booking tickets, socializing, all sorts! What is the difference?

        Of course somebody will be jealous!
        I bet the factory workers which made your car working shifts like 5 to 12 or so, would be the first to feel bad.
        So possibly it is advisable not to brag about passive income too much with somebody unless they can benefit from it.

        Anyway, this post is not directed to anybody in particular, it just came out by itself having read some above posts.
        Have a nice day!
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  • Profile picture of the author JoshTara
    At first people will be skeptical and tell you it will never happen. Once it happens they will say, sure it can work for you but not for me, you got lucky, or just plain deny it. People want you to get ahead in life.......... just not ahead of them.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Every second you spend feeling hurt is wasted and can never be regained. Forget what people say or think and just keep marching. The best proof for those who feel they need to prove something, is success. Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alan Ashwood
      Just a few more words for the critics
      • Economic Downturn
      • Inflation
      • Company Bankruptcy
      • Redundancy
      • Wage Freeze
      • Unemployment

      Now - don't YOU feel vulnerable?

      Cheers

      Alan

      .
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      • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
        Originally Posted by Alan Ashwood View Post

        Just a few more words for the critics
        • Economic Downturn
        • Inflation
        • Company Bankruptcy
        • Redundancy
        • Wage Freeze
        • Unemployment

        Now - don't YOU feel vulnerable?

        Cheers

        Alan

        .
        LOL! Thanks! Love it! Thanks for giving lots of fuel for my critics. LOL.

        I guess I AM The one who is crazy (to them). I see the internet as having the potential to wipe all of those vulnerabilities.
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    • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      Every second you spend feeling hurt is wasted and can never be regained. Forget what people say or think and just keep marching. The best proof for those who feel they need to prove something, is success. Good luck.
      Good advice! Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author skibbz
    Originally Posted by seotechnician View Post

    I thought when I began making passive income all of my friends would want to learn how to do it and join in. Instead, I am met with skepticism, doubt and the belief that I am foolish for thinking passive income was a possibility.

    The odd thing about it -- is I don't just "think" passive income is a possibility -- I KNOW it is a reality. My husband and I already have some passive income coming in to our families budget. We are so excited about it & others are treating us like we have "pie in the sky" type dreams.

    I feel hurt. I thought people would be jumping on the bandwagon and I could help them learn how to do what I am doing once I was successful. Instead, they act tell me "it isn't possible" and "I am following pipe dreams".

    Has anyone else experienced that?
    who cares about what people think? when you go to the bank and you are counting tha $$$$$.

    People outside of the IM industry never seem to get it, especially family and friends. They look at you strange when you tell them you can make money online even when you have the checks to prove it.

    that is why so many people die broke because of being so shallow minded, If you have residual income and they are still skeptical then leave them alone. It will not affect you, its neither here or there. Just keep doing your thing and building success, you are the one who will have the last laugh in the longrun when you are all old and they retire broke while your business has blossomed and is making millions
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  • Profile picture of the author ZILLIONAIRE
    ...are you kidding me! half of the people i know think that all online marketers are scammers, while the other half wants to learn it all in one day!!! and when i tell them that its not that easy to be learned in a week or so and its an ongoing process, they think that i dont want to teach them! plus, they cant justify paying for an eBook or a domain name!!!
    a lot of my friends are college graduates and they feel that its not fair that i make more money than they do just by sitting at home!!!
    jealousy is a real bad thing!
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  • Profile picture of the author brunom
    I know a lot of people who wanted me to teach them everything I knew in an afternoon and were expecting sales to pour in within 24 hours with no investment.

    It's crazy! They believe that this doesn't take time and effort but we know how much time we've put on our online businesses, how much we had to invest and how long it took to get some sales.
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    • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
      Originally Posted by brunom View Post

      I know a lot of people who wanted me to teach them everything I knew in an afternoon and were expecting sales to pour in within 24 hours with no investment.

      It's crazy! They believe that this doesn't take time and effort but we know how much time we've put on our online businesses, how much we had to invest and how long it took to get some sales.
      I know she tried to tell me I wasn't working -- simply because I can't replace my husbands income yet.

      Sheesh! I work harder than most....... passive income takes more time -- but it is more rewarding in the end.
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  • Profile picture of the author pmbrent
    You are part of the 5% who controls/understands money, everyone else is part of the "rat race" and may never see things the way you do or want to for that matter. Congratulations on your success so far for there are bigger things to come, just surround yourself with like minded people and you will succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author TroelsJepsen
    Originally Posted by seotechnician View Post

    I thought when I began making passive income all of my friends would want to learn how to do it and join in. Instead, I am met with skepticism, doubt and the belief that I am foolish for thinking passive income was a possibility.

    The odd thing about it -- is I don't just "think" passive income is a possibility -- I KNOW it is a reality. My husband and I already have some passive income coming in to our families budget. We are so excited about it & others are treating us like we have "pie in the sky" type dreams.

    I feel hurt. I thought people would be jumping on the bandwagon and I could help them learn how to do what I am doing once I was successful. Instead, they act tell me "it isn't possible" and "I am following pipe dreams".

    Has anyone else experienced that?
    I experience that all the time, and as a result I tend to just do most of my talking about IM here on Warriorforum. Getting in to discussions about it is a waste of time if you ask me. It's annoying that people look at you as crazy and as you mention it can be hurtful as well.

    But on the other hand I also have an understanding for those people. If they have lived their whole lives believing that the only way to make money is to get paid for each hour they work the concept passive income might be a bit hard to digest. Nobody likes to be proven wrong, at least initially
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  • Profile picture of the author RemyMartin
    Most don't understand how the internet works. They just think it's here for research, shopping, and porn --- when really it offers probably the best opportunity out there to make money today.

    I don't even bother talking about IM outside of forums really.
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    The money is the motive.

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  • Profile picture of the author luke4
    They're just jealous. They can't believe that they have to work 8 hours a day 6 days a week whilst you do half of that
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  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    don't tell others tht u r making passive money.
    if u r earning then its for ur good.

    take it easy...can pay more attention to earning money than thinking about those jealous ppl.

    thnx
    tc
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  • Profile picture of the author gefflong
    This happens in all facets of life.

    People know what they know and don't understand anything else.

    Just as a quick, easy example...

    My wife and I learned about couponing about a year ago (before all this extreme couponing junk on TV). We don't go wild like on the TV show... that is a myth. There are no grocery stores that will allow you to buy 500 identical items and use 500 identical coupons all at the same time and shut down an entire lane while they check you out for two hours. They do that because there are cameras, it's a show, and it's staged that way...

    Anway, we learned the in's and outs of working the CVS and Walgreens deals.

    I'm not going to get into specifics, but it is very easy to combine deals with coupons and come out of the store having bought $30 worth of stuff that ended up costing $2, or even free. (using extra bucks at CVS and Register Rewards at Walgreens.)

    I mean, we don't go in every week and get tons of stuff for nothing, but it does happen. Even when it's not "free", we always pay less than 50% of the actual cost... usually much less.

    With that said, we tried explaining how to do this to family members and mostly the response is... "That can't really work. If it works so well, why doesn't everyone do it?"

    I've even taken them along on a trip to show them and they still either question it or say it's too much work.

    It's just in their nature to do what is expected and always choose the easy route instead of the route that may have a little time or effort involved.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    screw what people think. Heck I did not even have a supportive family when i started IM.

    That hurt, and I am glad I had others to tell me to keep going.
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  • Profile picture of the author Hesaidblissfully
    Originally Posted by seotechnician View Post

    I thought when I began making passive income all of my friends would want to learn how to do it and join in. Instead, I am met with skepticism, doubt and the belief that I am foolish for thinking passive income was a possibility.

    The odd thing about it -- is I don't just "think" passive income is a possibility -- I KNOW it is a reality. My husband and I already have some passive income coming in to our families budget. We are so excited about it & others are treating us like we have "pie in the sky" type dreams.

    I feel hurt. I thought people would be jumping on the bandwagon and I could help them learn how to do what I am doing once I was successful. Instead, they act tell me "it isn't possible" and "I am following pipe dreams".

    Has anyone else experienced that?
    Honestly if I didn't know any better and you told me you make "passive income" on the internet, I would probably be skeptical also.

    Remember, most people's knowledge of online business/internet marketing and the like is filtered through them through the media, which tends to focus on certain types of stories (ie: the 16 year old kid who strikes it rich with some wacky website idea, or the "internet marketing scammer" who ripped off millions of people - cue dramatic music ). In other words, online business is something that involves young, tech savvy kids getting rich overnight through some wacky idea, and "internet marketing" is a scam. That's what people are exposed to, so those are the assumptions they make.

    Remember there was a time when YOU didn't know about this stuff, either. What would your reaction have been if somebody told you they make passive income online back then?

    Also, people's reaction to something depends on how you frame it. Tell people you make passive income online, and you get met with skepticism. Tell them you have a publishing business, and you sell books, videos and audio products through different online marketplaces and you may get a different reaction.

    That said, most people aren't really that interested in working for themselves. They like the IDEA of it, but when they realize how much effort goes into it, and how uncertain it can be, they'd rather stick with their day job (even if the complain about it nonstop).
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  • Profile picture of the author ddyson
    Discouragement is fear, remember that people judge themselves more than they judge anybody else. When a person tells you you're going to fail they are really talking to themselves because people are mirrors. A successful person will never tell you that you are incapable, there's a reason for this, objectivity has to be trained and few just acquire it organically.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
      Nobody I know understands what I do. My wife is very supportive, but does not really understand. Although the amount of time we can talk about it before her eyes glaze over is steadily increasing.

      My neighbors think I am retired and are always surprised when I talk about working. Passive income is one of the reasons why some insurance agents like what they do.
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    • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
      Originally Posted by ddyson View Post

      Discouragement is fear, remember that people judge themselves more than they judge anybody else. When a person tells you you're going to fail they are really talking to themselves because people are mirrors. A successful person will never tell you that you are incapable, there's a reason for this, objectivity has to be trained and few just acquire it organically.

      GREAT INSIGHT!
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt.McLaughlin
    It's just in their nature to do what is expected and always choose the easy route
    They're just jealous.
    They believe that this doesn't take time and effort
    people must be majorly dense if they cannot grasp what is essentially a very simple concept - especially given the number of times I've explained it.
    I can laugh all the way to the beach while they're working 12 hours in a cubicle.
    I agree with everyone in this topic, we are much better people than those lowly 'others'. We just understand things better and have more patience because we were born amazing.
    *sarcasm*

    And if they think 50% of marketers are scammers, it is because they sure sound like they are. Just read some of the titles in the WSO and you will see what I mean...
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    • Profile picture of the author gefflong
      Originally Posted by Matt.McLaughlin View Post

      I agree with everyone in this topic, we are much better people than those lowly 'others'. We just understand things better and have more patience because we were born amazing.
      *sarcasm*

      And if they think 50% of marketers are scammers, it is because they sure sound like they are. Just read some of the titles in the WSO and you will see what I mean...
      Not sure what you were trying to prove with that post, but I don't think anyone said we were better than everyone else or that they were "lowly others". Don't remember reading anything about how amazing we all are either.

      Of course we are going to think this is the best thing ever. We are all in IM and wouldn't be here for long if we didn't LOVE this stuff. It's pretty normal to be passionate and think it's the greatest thing ever.

      I also don't see anything wrong with the WSO titles. It is the job of the title to get attention. How many of the titles are outright scams? I'm pretty sure a majority of them can back up their claims.

      You are also jaded by the fact that this is an IM site. Everything on here is going to be geared towards "make money".
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      • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
        Don't talk about it. And if they ask, make it a simple answer. Don't brag... because that will either make someone feel bad they don't have a similar business, make them jealous or want to take up all your time helping them do it--which takes away from your time spent on your business which supports your family.

        It can be very tempting to brag because you are excited and rather proud of yourself. It just doesn't usually work out in your own best interest.
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        • Profile picture of the author seotechnician
          Originally Posted by AprilCT View Post

          ......or want to take up all your time helping them do it--which takes away from your time spent on your business which supports your family.
          Excellent insight! I often want to help people -- however by helping people (at least individually) I will take the time I need away from our families goals to succeed in this business. Great Point!
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      • Profile picture of the author Matt.McLaughlin
        Originally Posted by gefflong View Post

        Not sure what you were trying to prove with that post, but I don't think anyone said we were better than everyone else or that they were "lowly others". Don't remember reading anything about how amazing we all are either.

        Of course we are going to think this is the best thing ever. We are all in IM and wouldn't be here for long if we didn't LOVE this stuff. It's pretty normal to be passionate and think it's the greatest thing ever.

        I also don't see anything wrong with the WSO titles. It is the job of the title to get attention. How many of the titles are outright scams? I'm pretty sure a majority of them can back up their claims.

        You are also jaded by the fact that this is an IM site. Everything on here is going to be geared towards "make money".
        Never said that anyone said they were better; I said all that stuff...as sarcasm/hyperbole.

        Not trying to prove anything, just laughing at the whole "woe is me, I am a misunderstood marketer".

        I didn't say they were scams, I said it sounds like it, which is different than a statement of fact; its an opinion, one another person in the topic mentioned as being a general opinion of the 'they'. I simply agreed and elaborated as to why that may be an opinion of the 'they'. Perhaps the IMers can back up their product claims, perhaps not, I am not arguing that issue.

        Seems to be a simple misunderstanding of my intent. Maybe it was the quotes I was using. I was just intrigued by the whole "they" psychology of the topic. Notice that "they", "them", or the general "people" is used frequently.
        See? even you did it
        "but I don't think anyone said we were better than everyone else or that they were "lowly others"." Not saying it is bad, just interesting, ya know?
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        • Profile picture of the author gefflong
          Originally Posted by Matt.McLaughlin View Post

          Never said that anyone said they were better; I said all that stuff...as sarcasm/hyperbole.

          Not trying to prove anything, just laughing at the whole "woe is me, I am a misunderstood marketer".

          I didn't say they were scams, I said it sounds like it, which is different than a statement of fact; its an opinion, one another person in the topic mentioned as being a general opinion of the 'they'. I simply agreed and elaborated as to why that may be an opinion of the 'they'. Perhaps the IMers can back up their product claims, perhaps not, I am not arguing that issue.

          Seems to be a simple misunderstanding of my intent. Maybe it was the quotes I was using. I was just intrigued by the whole "they" psychology of the topic. Notice that "they", "them", or the general "people" is used frequently.
          See? even you did it
          "but I don't think anyone said we were better than everyone else or that they were "lowly others"." Not saying it is bad, just interesting, ya know?
          Just a misunderstanding then.

          I do see your point when I take the title into consideration.

          I'm not sure what other language "we" are supposed to use though. This is an IM board. "We" are IM people, "they" are not.

          For me, it would also be "we" and "they" or "us" and "them" if I was talking with my group of friends that all have young children... speaking about those who do not have young children. It's all about the setting.
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  • Profile picture of the author golferman13200
    Some people don't understand the internet is so young with endless ways to make a passive income.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan Mizel
    Lots of folks like to brag about their IM exploits to family and friends.

    My strategy has always been to keep my business relatively secret from those around me. They aren't my market, they can be argumentative and jealous, and frankly, it's none of their business.
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  • Profile picture of the author areevez
    It happens all the time, I dont feel misunderstood, they just dont understand. If they makes any sense. It's actually quite amusing to me to hear what they have to say about work at home stuff being fake and impossible
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Some people have the entrepreneurial sprit, and some don't.

    Go to school and get a good job. That is the mantra shared by the majority of people. Most of these friends of yours wouldn't believe you even if they saw your revenues or income stream. They are close minded and not suited to anything other than a J.O.B.
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  • Profile picture of the author beatlechan
    Many of my favorite quotes comes from 90's informercial star Tom Vu:

    "Don't listen to your friends. They're losers!"
    "At first I got lots of discouragement from friends and stranger who are loser! You know what these people kept telling me? They kept saying, 'Well Tom Vu, you a crazy nut, here you are, a poor immigrant, poor minority, speak no English, no contact, on and on, and you trying to be rich in America! You crazy, man! Look at people out there! They smarter than you are, they not even rich! Who are you to try?' And you know what? I have to keep telling these people every time, I kept saying, 'You are loser! Get out of my way! I make it somehow!'
    It always motivates me.
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  • Profile picture of the author NickTaylor
    I have for sure. I think most people who don't follow the norm have as well. Criticisms are like stones being thrown at a tree. The tree isn't moved at all. That how we should be when it comes to criticism.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Don't feel so bad, think of it in a positive light, if more joined in, that would just give you more competition to compete for rankings and traffic with
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  • Profile picture of the author msmir75
    Oh yeah I feel your pain believe me. But like many others have already said, taking those naysayers too seriously is only going to hurt you more and make you doubt yourself and what you do even more. If you allow it to affect you too much and for too long it will destroy you. I encountered one the other day and silly me, I allowed it to upset me for hours. However I took advantage of some quiet time for myself and thought about why I had allowed it to bother me so much.

    We are bothered by what these naysayers say because their negativity touches any doubt we have about us being successful.. it just brings the doubt and our own fears to the surface. Therefore we will believe that what they say confirms our inner fears about failing. But that can be conquered..what I am doing and what you must do (as previously suggested too) is to push what naysayers say out of your mind, block it out and only talk to like minded people about succeeding with online marketing. The more you do that and the less you allow naysayers bother you, you will be proving them wrong before you know it. And remember too, others who criticize you for what you are doing are only expressing their own beliefs that they would never be successful in online marketing (and I can bet you many of those naysayers even want to do it but are too afraid to even attempt it.. so they are throwing their fears onto you)!
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