Many of the people who turn to Internet marketing do it because they feel that their career ladder has got stuck. They work hard, they're ambitious, they know they've got drive, skills and talent but their boss isn't giving them the breaks they need or their company just doesn't have anywhere higher for them to climb.
So they start dreaming of branching out on their own. If they build their own career ladder, they think, the sky's the limit.
And they're right
As an entrepreneur, your success depends on you. Reach the heights you want and you know that it will be because you had all the qualities it takes to get there.
Stick around at the bottom, of course, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself. (That's the less pleasant side of being a free agent.)
But building your own Internet business is like a ladder too: as you climb higher, you're no longer stepping on the same rungs. Each level you reach presents new challenges and new skills to learn.
You'll still have to do all of the things you used to do. They'll just be easier and take less time. But you'll also be grappling with new ways to earn money, new marketing methods and new products.
When I first started, I had to figure out how to create a website and bring in readers. When I had my traffic systems in place, I had to understand how to monetize them and keep the money flowing in.
And once I had AdSense figured out, I moved on to other advertising systems.
Today, I still keep an eye on my AdSense earnings. I'm always on the lookout for great offers that will benefit my readers. And I keep up to date with what Chitika and other ad systems are doing.
But much of my time is spent marketing using social media and creating whole new products to fit today's Internet environment.
Those first rungs I climbed still support me - as your first steps up the entrepreneurial ladder should continue to support you. But don't stand on them. There's always more to climb.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
February 25, 2009 08:55 AM
As always Joel, you offer everyone such wonderful insight.
February 25, 2009 09:33 AM
Good post. Adsense is just one step in the ladder.
February 25, 2009 02:19 PM
Oh you're so right. Starting any business takes consistancy and a need to keep learning.
At times though the frustrations (obstacles) can slow you down.
Just don't let them stop you altogether.
February 26, 2009 06:14 AM
Yes,you are right. Starting any online business require just three things...
your time, your patient and your persistence.
February 26, 2009 02:58 PM
How true this is. The main challenge is getting going and to stay moving.
September 6, 2009 08:22 PM
I guess the freedom in doing your own business certainly means being the one to create the levels you want to climb and how many levels you want to create. The sky's the limit! It also means having to constantly plan, innovate and come up with new ideas (levels) for the business while still staying focused on the core of the business. Certainly not easy for those of us who like to follow a fixed system, but those of us who like to get creative, this would be a treat.