I have a friend. It is a person that I have never met in person, but we have had conversations online for probably more than 5 years now, perhaps as long as 7 or 8 years in fact. I’ll call my friend “Mike” for this post.
Over the years, Mike and I have mostly discussed business stuff. We have talked about the job that he has had over the years, and also talked about my online work and entrepreneurship.
A few years ago, Mike was really wanting to get some kind of online business going, but in my view, the ideas that he had were not really very promising. I had one business myself that was easy to run, and fairly profitable. I was a bit tired of it and thought I might want to sell it, so I offered it to Mike, at a fairly good price. Mike chose not to buy it, and that is fine, I just thought I’d make the offer.
A couple days ago I got an email from Mike. It was the first time that he wrote to me in nearly a year, and I was happy to hear from him. Basically, Mike told me how things were going for him. He indicated that things with his job were going worse than the last time we talked. He also told me that he is still hoping to find the right online business that will help him gain financial stability and freedom.
Well, Mike and I have been talking about that for at least 5 years, and as I said, perhaps as long as 8 years now. The fact that Mike is still “hoping” and “looking” for the right niche indicates to me that he probably never will. How many online ventures has Mike tried in all of those years? As far as I know… none.
Here is part of the reply that I sent to Mike
I would really urge you to find that niche that you have been talking about. Making money online is a great way to lift yourself up and get back on track. It also is not expensive to start an online business. I have had a lot of online businesses over the years, most of which are still ongoing. I have never spent more than $100 to start any of the businesses. One of the businesses that I started for less than $100 has earned me more than $1 Million over the years. So, even if money is tight, you can most certainly make it!
But, ther e is a catch… you have to actually do it. Thinking and dreaming about it will not make anything!
So, get busy and get it done! You can do it!
Mike is my friend, and I want him to do well. Truth is, Mike is just an example, though, one person that I have been in somewhat regular contact with for a long period of time. But, I get many emails every single day from people who “want to” or “hope to” or “are wishing” that they could make money online. Well, you can, but you gotta do it. Talking, hoping, dreaming and wishing won’t put food on the table or money in the bank.
Get out there and do it.
Finding your niche
Lots of people think that they “have to” find the perfect idea, the perfect niche, in order to get started. Well, I am going to let you in a secret: There is no perfect idea or niche! If you get an idea, think it over for a few days, and if you still think it is doable after you think it over.. go for it! It won’t be perfect, nothing is, but you can start it, then work out the problems. Make it better and better as time goes on.
Maybe that idea will earn you nothing for a long time. If that happens, it is normal. But, if you keep on working at it, it will start making money and getting better and better. One thing is for sure, though.. if you don’t do it, don’t give it a try, it will never get better, and for sure it will never make you any money.
Nike
A lot of times, when people ask me about starting a business, starting a website or whatever, I tell them that I believe in and follow the Nike policy. I can always tell that they have no idea what I am talking about. Some of them try to fake it and act like they know exactly what I mean. Others will ask me what I am talking about.
I tell them that it all comes down to just 3 words:
Just do it!
Come on, Mike. Come on anybody who is reading this… If it’s good enough for Nike, why not give it a try?
Great read Bob!!
Thanks, Michael! I am lgad that you enjoyed it!
Nice article, as usual. Thinking, planning, hoping and wishing are sometimes necessary but “just doing it” always works.
Those things are necessary to some extent, but when it goes on for years on end you might as well just give up.
Good advice, Bob. One thing I’d add is “stop looking for the Golden Nugget” that will bring in all the money you need in one shot.
This seldom happens, and it increases risk dramatically. Find a niche which intersts you and START. If it only brings in hundreds a month instead of thousands, then keep pushing it and start a second venture.
Anyone can do it .. if they DO IT.
Hi Dave – Yep, souns like we are on the same wavelength!