| The State Of Play |
| Written by Nez | |
| Monday, 28 July 2008 | |
|
I've been a very busy boy lately. I've really gotten into the lead up for the 30DC this year, and not just because I'm now involved behind the scenes. Having been a participant since the very first challenge, I believe the 30DC will always hold a special place for me each year as it's really what got the ball rolling and enabled me to move onto greener pastures. But internet marketing was never my only source of investment, and that's what has led me to writing this post. I began my year in a very comfortable place, but the goalposts have now moved, and it's scary, frustrating and exciting all at the same time. But let me give you a bit of backstory if you're not familiar with how I got here. I began 2008 very differently from previous years. I was a primary school teacher for 10 years (elementary for those of you in North America), and although I loved being with the kids on a daily basis, for a variety of reasons I knew that long term, teaching just wasn't where I wanted to be. Fast forward to 2008 and I was about to embark on a new journey, that of a full time internet marketer/web designer. I quit the teaching profession, set up my home office, and hunkered down ready for the time of my life. At just the right time, an internship program arrived via Ed Dale and Dan Raine, and I took that on as I've always believed the best way to learn from people is to be as hands on as possible. Seven months into 2008, from an internet marketing perspective, things couldn't be better. But here's the thing, a part of what enabled me to take such a huge step were some investments my wife and I had made along the way. The internet side has been great, but these investments were really the icing on the cake, enabling me a bit of flexibility to grow my business organically, without trying to force things to make ends meet. Well, in the last week that has all changed. I won't go into specifics, but let me just say that our largest investment has just become another victim of the US economy, and overnight we've lost a lot of money. I mean a lot of money. Think six figures a couple times over and you're getting somewhere into the ballpark. Now, that is the first and last time I'll mention it. I'm not a victim and I won't be laying blame or crying poor. I only mentioned it so I can better illustrate the state of play I now find myself in. I now need money, a lot of it. I could go back to teaching tomorrow, but it really wouldn't help, there's no leverage there. A fortnightly pay packet is nice and safe, but there's no room for growth. My current online markets are okay, but nowhere near being able to cover the sudden shift in budget I find myself with. Here's the thing I really want people to get though. This changes nothing. I still want the same things, I still aspire to the same goals, and I still believe that I'll get there. What I have right now is a golden opportunity. The level of comfort I'd built up for myself is gone, and I'm back to square one. The difference this time is the experience and skills I have going in. I feel like I'm starting all over again, and really, that's exactly what the situation is. If I look at what I've achieved online over the last few years, I have to be brutally honest with myself. I've done okay, but I really should have taken things to new level before now. It's like I was a trapeze artist who only ever performed with a safety net. The act was okay, and people clapped, but I never really stretched myself because I always had the net there to catch me. Well, the net is now gone and I have 2 choices. Keep performing and get better at what I do, or walk away because I'm afraid of what might happen. Am I scared? You better believe it. Will I take the safe option? Never. Strap yourself in if you're hanging around, things are about to get very interesting. Trackback(0)
Comments (17)
  written by Allison R, July 28, 2008
(here comes a lot of stuff I believe)
Lasting real change only comes when the (whatever type of) pain is too great to bear. Sounds like your financial issues is going to "force" you to change the status quo and I for one will be watching with great interest. The universe only waits for so long before it gives you the kick in the arse you need. I'm cheering you on, you are smart, talented and there is no reason in the wide world you can't do what you NEED to do (make sure you WANT to, fully commit  ) Go Nez Go!!! report abuse
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 written by Hugh Fraser, July 28, 2008
Nez,
I have only known you a short period of time but I have faith in you and I know you are getting there just like I am, I am progressing at a slower pace that you but hey that is OK. report abuse
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 written by Frosty, July 28, 2008
Nez,
To succeed in life and business is almost never easy and always requires you to embrace change. I believe external change always produces better results in a faster time frame. Personal change as you have clearly stated, brings results much slower. You do engineer a safety net around your life and taking baby steps rather than giant leaps of faith. The future is definitely looking brighter for you today than it was yesterday. You have done the right thing and I don't believe you are going to have any trouble adapting and turning this situation into a very positive new direction for you and yours. Simon P.S Paul Zan Pilzer said "Success in business depends largely on your adapting skills - the ability with which you learn new things". Nez you have some of the greatest adapting skill of any one I know and absorb new technological at a much higher rate than most mere mortals. Go get'em Nesbit report abuse
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 written by Mindy Koch, July 28, 2008
Whoa... sounds like you really had a rough week. Whether or not you play victim or not... I still feel for you. Wow, I can't even imagine that.
I am sure rooting for you and you are in my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes! report abuse
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 written by Edmund Pelgen, July 28, 2008
Hey Nez,
I completely understand where you're at...I've been there and am working my way out of a similar situation (I guess) and I completely understand what you mean when you say "I should have taken things to a new level before now" I similarly chastise myself for th very same reason. What motivates me is following inspirational people like Ed and yourself on twitter rss etc....My twitter list is like my inspiration/motivation list..and you're on it mate so Good luck. I'm looking forward to meeting you in Brissy this week. Thanks for your honesty and openness. Cheers and Good luck. Edmund report abuse
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written by Mindy Koch, July 28, 2008
I just found out that "rooting for you" means something else in Australia than it does in the US.
Please allow me to say... I am sure CHEERING for you!! (Hope that doesn't mean anything bad anywhere??) report abuse
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 written by Ed Shaz/NextInstinct, July 28, 2008
Andrew,
You've already been inspirational. If I can help out there anywhere, please mention it. I'll be hurt if you don't. I understand, I was independent for a long time. But there are mates in our lives for a reason. Say the word any time. Guys with your integrity, who help others deserve no less. Blessings, Ed report abuse
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 written by Shannon, July 28, 2008
Hey Nez,
I love your attitude towards what happened. Many people would have given up and lived a life of "what I lost". Retelling the story about their misfortune to anyone willing to listen for the rest of their life, never getting over it, never moving on. I know you'll come back... Without a doubt... You have the whole package for success... If there's anything.. I mean anything.. that I can do to help, you let me know. I don't have a lot financially, but I'll work my ass off to help you in any way I can. Best of success to you mate, Shannon report abuse
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 written by Mack McKinney, July 28, 2008
Nez -
We don't know each other, but you're one of the voices on the 30DC forum I always pay attention to. Not just for the quality of your advice, but for the example you set - your helpfulness and generosity help make the 30DC community what it is. Can't offer you anything but moral support & understanding. The economy over here has made my fledgling IM efforts more urgent too. Here's to working without a net... Regards, Mack report abuse
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 written by Nathan Ridley, July 28, 2008
Hey Nez, sorry to hear about the misfortune, that sucks! But yeah I reckon that's really cool that you're seeing it as a challenge to overcome; just a bump in the road. The road to where we want to be is paved with this kind of stuff, it's just a matter of sticking it out. I completely agree with your mindset. There really is no turning back once you realise that success is inevitable and guaranteed, just preceded by some work and persistence. Good luck with it, although I suspect luck will have little to do with it.
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 written by Barb aka harmonicbarbie ;-), July 28, 2008
Hi Nez,
Really sorry to hear about your financial loss; that must have hit you super hard. Once again, I'm inspired by your great attitude and your refusal to be a victim of your circumstances. I have no doubt you will be successful in your IM pursuits, and no doubt you will continue to inspire us along your journey. Thanks for sharing your story. Hope I can help somehow on your path to success! Cheers, Barb report abuse
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 written by Caro :-), July 28, 2008
WOW Nez - there seems to be something about this year, for so many of us.
It sucks - and yet it shows what we're made of! I have no doubt that you will prevail and succeed. Thank you for your honest sharing. I know I keep on getting tripped up by my past obligations outside IM - that almost render the attractive income I earn from IM as 'useless' ...and yet I wont be beat, the ball & chain will one day come off. Even though I have times where I kick myself for past mistakes in judgment. I also know dwelling on the past/problems achieves nothing. It has to be forward focus, resilience, perseverance and a positive determined attitude & an ability to laugh at life, that I believe will win the day. I know you believe this too! I respect and admire you Nez and believe in YOU! Caro xx :-) report abuse
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 written by Sharon Fleming, July 28, 2008
I never ceases to amaze me just how the Aussies handle adversity.
Ned, your attitude to this crisis in your life teaches us all a very important lesson - all about believing in your dreams and not giving in when the road gets bumpy. The universe will grant you whatever you desire - if you believe it will. You sound like you believe this is your destiny, and so it will be. Never doubt it Ned, you create your own reality, and maybe you wanted to prove to yourself that you could succeed without the safety net. Only you know the reasons, but nothing that we bring into our lives is insurmountable (or happens by chance)- we never challenge ourselves with more than we can handle. Believe in yourself and the universe will support you with opportunities, friends and amazing love. God Bless Sharon report abuse
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written by Sharon Fleming, July 28, 2008
Sorry Nez, I kept calling you Ned (Oooops)
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 written by wbthom, July 28, 2008
Nez it's sad that you have hit a wall this way but sharing it with your friends is a great way to start moving forward.
Pain in whatever form it comes in can only be handled in one of two ways. You can whinge & whine & it might get you some temporary sympathy which leads nowhere - or you can rise above it & use the pain to drive you up & out of trouble. I've always admired your skills & now I more than admire your strength & determination.  Bill report abuse
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 written by meanderer121, July 29, 2008
I just found out about Randy Pausch's last lecture and was just watching it on utube and looking at tweets when I saw yours thanking everyone for their comments on your blog. Randy talks about brick walls in his lecture as being those things that stop people who don't want "it" enough.
It looks as though you may have just come up against one of those brick walls the universe hands us...good on you that you have decided to do whatever it takes to get through it, around it or dismantle it, even if it takes one brick at a time. I want to thank you for sharing. It helps me, someone absolutely brand new to the world of internet marketing, to know that you "gurus" behind the scenes are real people. It's sometimes tough when I think that you have all made it and I doubt that I have "the stuff" to do what it takes. It's not the "misery likes company" thing, it's that I doubt that I am like you guys in any way, that you have some "magical, mystical" powers that I don't have. I wish you all the best and I am sure that you will make that brick wall disappear. Thanks for all the work you do behind the scenes for us at the Thirty Day Challenge. Michelle report abuse
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Great post... It's interesting how life takes different twists and turns.
I have no doubt this turn of events will bring out the very best in you.
Congrats, on the internship with Ed too, by the way.
Take care, it will be interesting to see what 2009 will bring.
Cheers,
Lynne