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Desperation has taken over!

by yixar
30 replies
Hi guys,

I have been learning online marketing for the past 2 years. I started my hand at web design and other marketing services in last November. Since then, I have gotten not a single client

I worked a 12 hours a day job, 7 days a week just to keep my family from starving (I'm not in the US). Things have taken a turn for the worst for the past couple of months. I got laid off my job about 4 months ago and have been living off of $100 to $200 per month. I've had to go many days without food just so my daughter can eat.

Since I got laid off, I've tried doing many odd jobs like babysitting, odesk and house-cleaning. I've done all that while working on my consultancy business. All the income I've made for the past couple of months have been going towards paying my rent and bills.

I am against the wall here. I basically have nothing as I am typing to you now. I had to make the decision to send my daughter to live with my mother last week.

Basically, I'm saying that to say this. Even thought I'll be homeless in a week, even though I haven't eaten in 2 days and even though it seems like my life is just a big pile of crap... I'm not giving up! I'll continue to try until it is impossible to continue and even then I'll be pushing.

I refuse to believe this is all I'll have. I refuse to give up and so should you

Peace
#desperation
  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    You don't need your own business, you need a JOB! Where are you from? What skills do you have? Is it just you and your daughter? No wife/husband/significant other to contribute? PM me your skype info, maybe I can help you, maybe I can't, but I don't offer often.
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  • Profile picture of the author yixar
    I've PMed you. Thank you, even if you can't help, I appreciate the gesture.
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    • Profile picture of the author abbot
      Banned
      Instead of typing up this thread, you should be typing up a cover letter for your resume.

      I don't suggest this much...but forget about your business for now. If you're to the point that you're sending your young one to live with someone else, you should have zero concern about growing your business. You need to focus on rebuilding until you're to the point that you can support her.

      I'm not trying to be rude, but why should your mom support your daughter while you try to grow a business?

      I'm speaking from pure experience. I was in your exact shoes once, only with a son. I had to bite my ego in half and look for a job. Businesses and riches can always be focused on later....once you're on your feet.

      I know there will be some here that get on and say "eeehhhh hurrrrrr jus cold call until you make a sale". but I'll play devils advocate and suggest you get a job. Worry about the Lamborghini's once you have a house with running water.

      Best of luck to you. Keep on pushing.

      "We must break ourselves down, in order to build ourselves up"
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  • Profile picture of the author yixar
    You misunderstand. I'm trying to grow my business while looking a job. Since June, I've sent out 350 resumes both locally and online. I have an interview next week Thursday for an online job. I'm not naive, I know what it is I need right now and that is a job to survive but I just made this thread to show that even though I'm in such a tough spot, I'm not giving up on my dream.

    Thanks for the advice
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    • Profile picture of the author abbot
      Banned
      Originally Posted by yixar View Post

      You misunderstand. I'm trying to grow my business while looking a job. Since June, I've sent out 350 resumes both locally and online. I have an interview next week Thursday for an online job. I'm not naive, I know what it is I need right now and that is a job to survive but I just made this thread to show that even though I'm in such a tough spot, I'm not giving up on my dream.

      Thanks for the advice
      350 resumes and 1 interview? What type of jobs? Where are you from? Have you been following up with every single resume?

      More businesses than you would think, will not hire unless a follow-up is placed.
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  • Profile picture of the author yixar
    I'm located in Jamaica. Much hiring is not being done now as our economy is in shambles. And when someone is hired, it's because you know someone in the business. (Corruption runs very deep here).

    Jobs range from teaching (will have to stop applying for this because the government has passed a bill to stop hiring new teachers for the next 3 years), Admin jobs and Accounting jobs. I've been having better luck with my online applications on oDesk. I've gotten a couple projects hear and there over the past couple months on oDesk but nothing long term. The job I have interview for is a long term one, virtual.

    And yes, I do follow up with all local applications.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    I often ask myself if I lost my job tomorrow what would I do to make money.

    I think it is a good exercise.

    Here is the thing... Every single person on this planet can do one or more things that people will pay them for.

    Jobs are just a "simple" way to handle this. But they are not the only way. You mention a lot of things. A lot of directions. But I think that is your problem. Stop pointing in a million directions. Choose one thing. The one thing you are most likely to get paid for. Now focus on that. Get people to pay you for that.

    If you focus on one thing. As long as it is something that people will pay for. You will make money.
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    • Profile picture of the author yixar
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      I often ask myself if I lost my job tomorrow what would I do to make money.

      I think it is a good exercise.

      Here is the thing... Every single person on this planet can do one or more things that people will pay them for.

      Jobs are just a "simple" way to handle this. But they are not the only way. You mention a lot of things. A lot of directions. But I think that is your problem. Stop pointing in a million directions. Choose one thing. The one thing you are most likely to get paid for. Now focus on that. Get people to pay you for that.

      If you focus on one thing. As long as it is something that people will pay for. You will make money.
      I agree 100%. At times I tend to be a bit "scattered" especially in situations like I am in now. I'll take your advice and focus on one thing.

      Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
    So please tell us... What is the one thing you are best at?

    There are more than a few people here who pay others to do things.

    My heart hurts for you.
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    • Profile picture of the author yixar
      Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

      So please tell us... What is the one thing you are best at?

      There are more than a few people here who pay others to do things.

      My heart hurts for you.
      I'm best in administrative duties. I have most of my experience in that field.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    You're educated and seem to have writing skills. Perhaps writing is an avenue.

    Another Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author PanteraIM
    If you can write SEO optimized articles you can make a bit of money here and there on the forums. More than $200 a month at least.
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    you cant hold no groove if you ain't got no pocket.

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    • Profile picture of the author yixar
      Originally Posted by PanteraIM View Post

      If you can write SEO optimized articles you can make a bit of money here and there on the forums. More than $200 a month at least.
      Yes, I can write. I've done a couple article writing projects over the past year.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrian John
    I'll help you if you want.I was in the same situation as you sometime ago and people from here helped me and became my fiends eventually. Now I wanna help you get a boost in your life.

    All you have to do it's sell mobile websites.First one it's on me, then on the next 2-3 sites you can pay me after you get paid by your clients(if you don't get paid upfront, which you should).
    What do you say?
    If you need any help selling them I got a list with some links on WF and others that will improve your selling skills which is what you have to develop in order to live by your own rules.

    However, all you have to do it's Take Consistent Action and never give up.Your next client it's just around the corner.

    Good luck and take care.
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    • Profile picture of the author yixar
      Originally Posted by Adrian John View Post

      I'll help you if you want.I was in the same situation as you sometime ago and people from here helped me and became my fiends eventually. Now I wanna help you get a boost in your life.

      All you have to do it's sell mobile websites.First one it's on me, then on the next 2-3 sites you can pay me after you get paid by your clients(if you don't get paid upfront, which you should).
      What do you say?
      If you need any help selling them I got a list with some links on WF and others that will improve your selling skills which is what you have to develop in order to live by your own rules.

      However, all you have to do it's Take Consistent Action and never give up.Your next client it's just around the corner.

      Good luck and take care.
      I've PM ed you
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by yixar View Post

        I've PM ed you
        You need consistent money, you don't need someone trying to get you to sell for THEM when you haven't been able to sell for yourself. I have a few employees from Jamaica, they are by far my most productive. I'll look for you on skype.
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        • Profile picture of the author bluecoyotemedia
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          You need consistent money, you don't need someone trying to get you to sell for THEM when you haven't been able to sell for yourself. I have a few employees from Jamaica, they are by far my most productive. I'll look for you on skype.
          I am nameless

          Jamaica??? really?? that's pretty cool.. what do these people do for you if I may ask???

          btw how is the office environment treating you?? would you do it again?/ I am thinking about moving to an outside office..for productivity

          thanks

          Eddie
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        • Profile picture of the author Saluki Guy
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          You need consistent money, you don't need someone trying to get you to sell for THEM when you haven't been able to sell for yourself. I have a few employees from Jamaica, they are by far my most productive. I'll look for you on skype.
          Jamaicans in Belleville?
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          There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted — all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. - Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by bluecoyotemedia View Post

            I am nameless

            Jamaica??? really?? that's pretty cool.. what do these people do for you if I may ask???

            btw how is the office environment treating you?? would you do it again?/ I am thinking about moving to an outside office..for productivity

            thanks

            Eddie
            Two are in Kingston.. one is good with multiple CMS platforms(WP, joomla, drupal magento, etc.) php, css, etc. The other is more of a wordpress guy, but awesome for graphics, he does 95% graphics and would kind of like to get him moved up as a project manager for an outsourcing team, he also does most of our print ads.

            Office wise... as of right now, I can't say its worth it. I made more from home, with less stress, lower bills, etc. I don't regret it... I just wish I would have planned differently, and I need to work on leadership skills, and training. I have a lot to learn about new regulations, taxes, scaling up... I always thought I had plenty of inbound leads, now I know there is no such thing. Its tough... it is a new hurdle to jump for sure.

            Originally Posted by Saluki Guy View Post

            Jamaicans in Belleville?
            No, remote. I probably shouldn't have said "employees", but I've had them working with me for 2 years now. There is a group of jamaicans in belleville though lol, they work at one of the pizza huts.
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by Adrian John View Post

      However, all you have to do it's Take Consistent Action and never give up.Your next client it's just around the corner.
      This is the most overused, overrated advice on WF and it simply is not true. It is actually why most people FAIL. Not your fault though, maybe that worked for you but for most it is untrue.

      To expand on this.... Taking consistent action is an awful thing if what you're doing doesn't work. Giving up is the right thing to do with certain things if it isn't working. The downfall of major companies has been that they didn't give up and took consistent action but that consistent action was the wrong action. You have to make the right decisions, and if it is the right decision but at the wrong time it is a bad decision. You can take the WRONG action at the right time and it could work out. You have to be able to analyze where you are at, and be objective... the worst thing for you to do is to let your emotions drive your decisions or to think that you are a failure if you give up. Giving up on something, to do something better for yourself, your life, and family can definitely be the right thing to do.
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      • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
        Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

        This is the most overused, overrated advice on WF and it simply is not true. It is actually why most people FAIL. Not your fault though, maybe that worked for you but for most it is untrue.

        To expand on this.... Taking consistent action is an awful thing if what you're doing doesn't work. Giving up is the right thing to do with certain things if it isn't working. The downfall of major companies has been that they didn't give up and took consistent action but that consistent action was the wrong action. You have to make the right decisions, and if it is the right decision but at the wrong time it is a bad decision. You can take the WRONG action at the right time and it could work out. You have to be able to analyze where you are at, and be objective... the worst thing for you to do is to let your emotions drive your decisions or to think that you are a failure if you give up. Giving up on something, to do something better for yourself, your life, and family can definitely be the right thing to do.
        Knowing the proper time to regroup is something that most people never learn.

        They either give up too soon - IMO the OP is jumping from idea to idea and never focusing on one that could work. Or they never test and tweak and continue on the path to failure just because they believe they should be consistent.

        I agree that piece of advice is given here a lot. But I believe for the vast majority in internet marketing it is the right advice. Like the OP they fail to focus on one thing long enough to even know if it works.

        But there are others who the opposite advice is more valid. That is the advice you gave here.

        Sadly most people will take the wrong advice (for them personally) and use it to justify what they do.

        Both pieces of advice are great for some people. But neither truly covers all people and situations. That is why best advice is tailored to the individual and situation. Of course on here we often are not given enough info by those who ask the questions to give them the proper advice.
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      • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
        Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

        Giving up is the right thing to do with certain things if it isn't working. The downfall of major companies has been that they didn't give up and took consistent action but that consistent action was the wrong action. You have to make the right decisions, and if it is the right decision but at the wrong time it is a bad decision. You can take the WRONG action at the right time and it could work out. You have to be able to analyze where you are at, and be objective... the worst thing for you to do is to let your emotions drive your decisions or to think that you are a failure if you give up. Giving up on something, to do something better for yourself, your life, and family can definitely be the right thing to do.
        Good point. Seth Godin talks about this specifically in his book, "The Dip." The Dip is when reaching a goal becomes extremely hard, and most people don't make it through.

        It's better to know when to quit something, and do it quickly and with commitment.

        Amazon.com: The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches...Amazon.com: The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches...
        "Winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt—until they commit to beating the right Dip for the right reasons. In fact, winners seek out the Dip. They realize that the bigger the barrier, the bigger the reward for getting past it. If you can become number one in your niche, you’ll get more than your fair share of profits, glory, and long-term security.

        Losers, on the other hand, fall into two basic traps. Either they fail to stick out the Dip—they get to the moment of truth and then give up—or they never even find the right Dip to conquer.".
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Douglas
    You say that you know web design. Do you know HTML well enough to code a simple order form?

    If yes then contact me at the.write.brothers1@gmail.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    @theOP: I've pmed you because I have some work you can do if you're interested.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrian John
    You, iAmNameLess , you are way higher than me in experience and everything offline and I learn a lot from your posts but consistent action will teach him a lot from my opinion.
    Just do it and learn from the experience, that's what I was trying to tell him.If you're doing it wrong experience will teach you how to correct that and make it better and better.
    I only can say what's working for me and I'm still trying to find time to learn more to open more opportunities so while I learn I'll share my experience with other that need help.
    I got materials and advices I read here on WF and other places that if he is up to learn and take action it will open his mind and will make him sales.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Don't beat dead horses.

    Know when to fold 'em.
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    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      Originally Posted by yixar View Post

      I'm best in administrative duties. I have most of my experience in that field.
      OK - do you use Elance? I actually have some admin stuff I need right now. It isn't much, but if you do a good job, there will be more.

      Also, I am willing to pay the $20 fee for you to put up an ad on http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors-hire/

      I will pay the fee after you write your ad and post it here.

      Other Warriors: Care to help this person write a GREAT ad to sell admin services in Warriors for hire?

      Who's in to help?


      .
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      Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
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      • Profile picture of the author yixar
        Originally Posted by Dan McCoy View Post

        OK - do you use Elance? I actually have some admin stuff I need right now. It isn't much, but if you do a good job, there will be more.

        Also, I am willing to pay the $20 fee for you to put up an ad on http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors-hire/

        I will pay the fee after you write your ad and post it here.

        Other Warriors: Care to help this person write a GREAT ad to sell admin services in Warriors for hire?

        Who's in to help?


        .
        Dan, thanks so much for offering the help but I caught a lucky break . A friend of mine got me a sit down yesterday (it was extremely short notice but who am I to turn luck down!) with the owner of a supermarket. She was looking for a Store Manager. Needless to say, she was impressed and asked me to come down today for a follow up. I got the job! Just got back home from a meeting with her. I start Monday and will be working 6 days a week 8 to 8. I'm so happy

        Thanks to all the other warriors who offered their help. You guys have been really great. I'll check in periodically when I have time.

        I still haven't given up on my business though but for now, its on pause indefinitely.

        Bless up,
        Rae
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    There's a lot of great Warriors here offering to help but I can't help but notice the OP says he's trying to grow his business for the past two years and hasn't gotten one client yet.

    I'm really sorry to say this but the OP doesn't have a business because there ain't any customers.

    Something's wrong here, two whole years not a single client? Not even a lucky fall into his lap client?

    OP should consider hard and fast if he's cut out to be an agency.

    I do hope you get the job so you can take care of your family and I'm sure you'll do fine on your up coming interview.
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    • Profile picture of the author yixar
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      There's a lot of great Warriors here offering to help but I can't help but notice the OP says he's trying to grow his business for the past two years and hasn't gotten one client yet.

      I'm really sorry to say this but the OP doesn't have a business because there ain't any customers.

      Something's wrong here, two whole years not a single client? Not even a lucky fall into his lap client?

      OP should consider hard and fast if he's cut out to be an agency.

      I do hope you get the job so you can take care of your family and I'm sure you'll do fine on your up coming interview.
      I said I've been in ONLINE marketing for 2 years, OFFLINE marketing since November. I've made money with internet marketing, I might revisit that soon when I have things in order.
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