We're already a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and yet, people are still raving about working on the internet. They say ridiculous things like they know it all. “You can now make money 24/7, without ever leaving your home.”
Sadly, those people are likely to be either beginners or very old marketers who are left behind in the race. They only deliberately encourage you to buy their affiliate products in an attempt to get a commission. Well, I'm not saying it's a trick or trap. I'm saying, rather than getting carried away with what you "could" do because of the nature of your job, you should focus on what you "must" do.
Did You Know?
- Productivity Levels: 77% of remote workers say they're more productive when working from home, contrary to the myth that home environments are too distracting.
- Communication: Despite concerns about isolation, 85% of companies report that remote work has led to an increase in communication among team members.
- Flexibility Benefits: 90% of remote employees report better work-life balance, debunking the myth that online work blurs these boundaries excessively.
- Economic Savings: Remote workers save an average of $4,000 annually on commuting, food, clothing, and other expenses.
- Job Satisfaction: 74% of remote workers say they are less likely to leave their employer as a result of flexible working conditions.
“You’ll have more opportunities to advance your career.”
No, You won't.
Opportunities are everywhere, so the statement itself is obviously yes, isn’t it?
When you're working online, you're not limited by geographical boundaries. It means you have more opportunities to connect with people from all over the world, which gives you a much larger pool of potential employers and potential networking contacts.
The potentials are equally available to millions of others who are trying to work online. But all the potential employers will only hire you when you present your valid qualifications and experience, as well as your passport copy. Most of the networking contacts are there to sell you their products.
So this is easier said than done. The statement is ignoring the competition - looking for a job opportunity can be much harder than looking for one locally.
“You can work from anywhere.”
Nothing special about It.
Doesn't this phrase make you feel like vomiting, as it's been so overused for years?
Indeed, the phrase has been popular since internet marketing became the new norm like a decade ago. Grossly over-glorified. Of course, you can work from wherever you like. My dog knows I’m working at several locations.
When you think about it, being able to work “from anywhere” is only amazing if you never want to stop traveling the world and earn enough monthly income to pay for decent hotels and flights, as well as the mortgage for your house back home.
Otherwise, working from anywhere is as appealing as night shifts. “You don’t have to work during the day, so you can go shopping on any weekday!”
By the way, not everyone can “work from anywhere”, anyway. If you are a non-US citizen, you’re not permitted to do any kind of remote work while in the US with a tourist visa.
“You can make your own schedule.”
Yes, that’s true with affiliate marketing, blogging, and video marketing - they all allow you to work any time you want. You can take a whole month off if you want.
But that doesn’t apply to all the online business models. For example, if you run an ecommerce business, you’ll be pretty much working every day to monitor the orders and answer customers’ inquiries. There is some time constraint to email marketing, too.
It might sound so attractive, perhaps if you’re not a morning person - no longer having to get up early and drive/commute 2 hours to work. But the flip side of it is, you can make your own schedule means you should really make your own schedule well. Because you could either end up;
- Becoming a lazy slug, or
- Working 16 hours a day.
Working long hours doing what you love to do isn’t a bad thing for the short term. You don’t want your eyes glued to the screen for years, do you? Unless you have a lifesize dream (like, becoming an international guru or something.) You want to schedule your day wisely, and hopefully, you want to have “quality” free time eventually.
“You don't need expensive equipment or office space.”
“All you need is a computer and an internet connection” That’s another overused phrase, an overblown statement. Because with a lot of other remote-work jobs, you only need a computer and the internet. Bookkeeping can be done only on-screen (plus pen & paper, occasionally.)
Find a job in a company that’s within walking distance from your home, then you don’t need to pay for anything, that’s even better!
Did You Know?
- Technology Use: About 65% of remote workers state that they do not feel any technological hindrance in performing their tasks effectively.
- Cybersecurity: Contrary to the belief that remote work increases cybersecurity risks, 92% of IT professionals report successfully implementing secure remote working policies.
- Employment Opportunities: Remote job postings increased by 300% from 2019 to 2021, indicating growing acceptance and opportunities in online work.
- Environmental Impact: Remote work is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 600,000 cars off the road annually.
- Mental Health: 40% of remote workers report improvements in their mental health due to reduced commuting and greater flexibility.
“You don't need qualifications or previous experience.”
Then You'll have to try extra hard.
There's nothing more or less to the statement. It is what it is, just like any job specification.
The phrase merely says the barrier to entry is low. And if the barrier to entry is low, it’s either the competition is high or something’s wrong with the job.
Anyone can start selling lemonade on the street without previous experience, but the question is who will buy it?
If you’ve been wondering if working online would be technically challenging, then you don’t know anything - you’re already far behind everyone else. So unless you are prepared to work extra hard, you should rather contact a local recruitment agency.
While it is true that there are some jobs or opportunities out there that don't necessarily require any skills, qualifications, or previous experience, it would be unwise to make the blanket statement that this applies to all job openings.
Having some sort of relevant skill set and/or qualifications can help a potential employee stand out from the competition and give them an edge in getting hired. Even for those positions where prior experience isn't necessary, having at least a basic understanding of the position's responsibilities can prove invaluable during an interview process.
In short, while you may not need skills for every job opportunity available on the market today; possessing some form of knowledge or expertise will always provide greater benefits over simply relying on simply luck or chance when vying for employment opportunities.
This hidden knowledge used by the elites will let you generate wealth and prosperity
Knowledge is Power, My Friend
No matter what career you choose, there are always good and bad parts to it. Working in any field can be rewarding and challenging at the same time.
After all, there are some risks involved when you go full-time as an internet entrepreneur. So what should you do instead?
The magic answer is not in this post or available anywhere else for free, so if you want to hear something groundbreaking, you’d better be disappointed.
After all, you just have to keep learning and keep applying new methods as you learn. It’s an ongoing process over and over again. At least I can tell you once you dive into the world of working online, there are reasons not to quit.
Did You Know?
- Professional Development: 63% of remote workers have access to training and professional development opportunities, debunking the myth that career growth stalls when working remotely.
- Collaboration Tools: Usage of digital collaboration tools has surged by over 44% since the beginning of remote work trends.
- Company Loyalty: Employees who work remotely at least once a month are 24% more likely to feel happy and productive in their roles.
- Workplace Presence: 52% of remote workers feel they are just as visible to their leaders as if they were in the office, challenging the "out of sight, out of mind" myth.
- Inclusion and Diversity: Remote work has been shown to increase diversity in hiring, as companies can recruit from a broader geographic area.
Digital Skills
Web Development
So, you want to jump into web development? That's a pretty solid choice. With languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can build websites that look good and function well. Frameworks like React and Angular add more flavor and capabilities to your projects, right?
- How to Start:
- Install a text editor like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.
- Start with HTML and CSS tutorials online. Websites like freeCodeCamp and W3Schools are good starting points.
- Once you're comfortable, move on to JavaScript.
- Where to Learn:
- Online courses (Udemy, Coursera)
- YouTube tutorials
- Books and blogs on web development
Graphic Design
Graphic design is your go-to if you're all about aesthetics and visual storytelling. Mastering tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator lets you create some seriously cool graphics and logos. Canva's also a great option for beginners, don't you think?
- How to Start:
- Get a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud or start with the free version of Canva.
- Follow step-by-step tutorials online.
- Where to Learn:
- Skillshare or Lynda for in-depth courses
- YouTube for specific tutorials
Content Creation Essentials
Words, visuals, videos—content is king, isn't it? Knowing how to write compelling articles, shoot great videos, and snap stunning photos can set you apart.
- How to Start:
- For writing, start a blog or write articles on platforms like Medium.
- For video, you can start by making simple vlogs with your phone and editing them.
- Where to Learn:
- Writing workshops
- YouTube channels focused on photography and videography
Data Analysis
Data is the new oil, and data analysis is how you refine it. Learning Excel is the bare minimum; mastering Python or R takes it to another level.
- How to Start:
- Start with Excel spreadsheets and get a grip on formulas and data manipulation.
- Move on to Python or R for more advanced stuff.
- Where to Learn:
- DataCamp or Coursera for specialized courses
- Blogs and forums on data science topics
Social Media Management
Building a brand or want to get famous? Knowing the ins and outs of social media can be a game-changer.
- How to Start:
- Start by choosing one platform to focus on initially.
- Experiment with different types of posts and analyze which ones get better engagement.
- Where to Learn:
- Social Media Examiner for tips and strategies
- Online courses focused on platform-specific algorithms
In my opinion, the internet is an amazing resource for learning all these skills. Whether it's online courses, blogs, or YouTube tutorials, there's a wealth of information available. What really matters is putting in the time and effort to practice and apply what you've learned.
Tech Savvy Goodness
Remote Collaboration Tools
If you're working remotely or just need to coordinate with a team, knowing your way around Slack, Trello, Zoom, and Google Workspace is super helpful. These tools are essential for modern communication and project management, don't you agree?
- How to Start:
- Sign up for free versions of these platforms.
- Use them in small group settings to get familiar, like planning a small event with friends on Trello.
- Where to Learn:
- These platforms often offer their own tutorial videos and FAQs.
- There are countless YouTube walkthroughs that show you tips and tricks.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a must-know if you're into tech. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but they're incredibly versatile and powerful.
- How to Start:
- Sign up for a free tier account on any of these platforms.
- Start with simple tasks like hosting a website or setting up a database.
- Where to Learn:
- AWS has a great set of free online training resources.
- For Azure and Google Cloud, platforms like Pluralsight offer more structured learning.
In my experience, consistency beats intensity. You don't have to become an expert overnight, but regular, committed effort pays off in the long run.
Digital Marketing
SEO
SEO is the magic wand that makes your content discoverable. If you’re running a blog, e-commerce site, or any online venture, this is non-negotiable. You want your stuff to show up on Google's first page, right?
- How to Start:
- Get familiar with basic SEO terminologies like keywords, meta descriptions, and backlinks.
- Optimize existing content, track performance, and adjust as needed.
- Where to Learn:
- Moz and SEMrush have great free guides for SEO.
- Online courses on Udemy or Coursera are comprehensive.
PPC: Paid Attention
Paid advertising through Google Ads and Facebook Ads can get immediate eyeballs on your content or products. The trick is making those clicks count, don't you think?
- How to Start:
- Familiarize yourself with the platforms by setting up a small campaign.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates.
- Where to Learn:
- Google has its own free certification course for Google Ads.
- For Facebook Ads, there are specialized courses on platforms like Udemy.
Email Marketing: Old but Gold
People might claim email is outdated, but in the marketing world, it's still a big gun. An engaging email campaign can do wonders for customer retention and engagement.
- How to Start:
- Pick an email marketing platform like Mailchimp or SendinBlue.
- Build a mailing list, even if it's just friends and family to start with.
- Where to Learn:
- Many email platforms offer free beginner's guides.
- For deeper knowledge, online courses and webinars are your best bet.
Getting into Digital Marketing: Practical Steps
- Pick Your Starting Point: Choose one aspect, like SEO, PPC, or email marketing, and go deep before going wide.
- Do Competitor Research: Check out what businesses or individuals in similar niches are doing.
- Hands-On Practice: Set up a small blog, a PPC campaign, or an email newsletter to apply what you learn.
- Analyze and Adapt: Keep track of metrics to understand what's working and what needs tweaking.
- Join Online Communities: Sites like Reddit and specialized forums have lots of professionals sharing valuable insights.
From my perspective, digital marketing is more art than science. There's a lot of trial and error, and what works for one brand might not for another. But that's what makes it exciting; it’s a field that’s always evolving.
E-commerce Essentials
Online Store Creation
Setting up an online store is the cornerstone of any e-commerce venture. Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are big names, but the best platform for you really depends on your specific needs, right?
- How to Start:
- Decide on a niche or product line you want to sell.
- Sign up for a free trial on these platforms to test out their features.
- Where to Learn:
- Each platform usually has its own set of tutorials and community forums.
- Online courses can provide a more structured approach to mastering these platforms.
Payment Gateways and Security
People won't shop from your store if they don't trust it. Secure payment gateways and robust security measures are a must.
- How to Start:
- Research various payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
- Make sure your website has an SSL certificate for secure transactions.
- Where to Learn:
- Security blogs and online tutorials can help you understand best practices.
- For payment gateways, their official websites often offer comprehensive guides.
E-commerce Action Plan: Practical Steps
- Market Research: Identify a product or niche that has demand but isn't overly saturated.
- Choose the Right Platform: Based on your needs, opt for Shopify for ease of use, WooCommerce for customization, or BigCommerce for scalability.
- Design Matters: Use platform-specific themes or hire a designer to make your online store visually appealing.
- Product Listings: High-quality photos and compelling product descriptions are essential.
- Security Measures: Implement security plugins and trustworthy payment gateways from day one.
In my view, e-commerce is a fascinating blend of marketing, tech, and psychology. The small details, like how your "Add to Cart" button looks, can make a world of difference. And as you grow, you'll learn to juggle logistics, customer service, and online marketing—all of which are equally critical for success.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Business Basics
Understanding the fundamentals of business management, marketing, and customer service is like learning the ABCs before you write essays. These basics form the bedrock of any successful business venture, right?
- How to Start:
- Take an introductory course in business management that covers various domains.
- Read seminal books like "Good to Great" by Jim Collins or "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.
- Where to Learn:
- Online platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer a range of business courses.
- Business schools often offer free or inexpensive online modules.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
The entrepreneurial journey isn't a sprint; it's more like an obstacle course. Having the right mindset helps you leap over hurdles and seize opportunities.
- How to Start:
- Surround yourself with entrepreneurial folks—network, join forums, or attend startup events.
- Set clear goals but be flexible in your approach to achieving them.
- Where to Learn:
- Podcasts featuring interviews with successful entrepreneurs can be enlightening.
- Books like "Mindset" by Carol S. Dweck offer valuable insights into developing a growth mindset.
Your Business and Entrepreneurship Roadmap: Practical Steps
- Learn the Basics: Dedicate time to learning core business concepts, either through formal courses or self-study.
- Market Validation: Before jumping in, validate your business idea through surveys or a minimum viable product (MVP).
- Networking: Engage with people in the industry to gain insights and possibly find mentors.
- Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan covering aspects like market research, financials, and operational plans.
- Test and Iterate: Once you launch, pay close attention to customer feedback and be prepared to pivot or make adjustments.
From my standpoint, entrepreneurship is less about taking big risks and more about taking calculated ones. It's a mix of preparation, opportunity, and, let’s be real, a little bit of luck. What distinguishes successful entrepreneurs is not just their ability to spot opportunities but also their resilience in navigating challenges.
Personal Branding and Networking
Personal Branding
In today's hyper-connected world, a strong personal brand is like your business card, CV, and elevator pitch rolled into one. It's how you tell your story and build credibility online, right?
- How to Start:
- Audit your current online presence. Google yourself and see what comes up.
- Update your social media profiles to reflect your professional persona.
- Where to Learn:
- There are countless online articles and guides on personal branding.
- LinkedIn Learning and other online platforms offer specialized courses.
Networking
Networking isn't just about collecting LinkedIn connections or business cards. It’s about establishing mutually beneficial relationships that can pay dividends down the line.
- How to Start:
- Attend industry events, webinars, or seminars—either virtually or in person.
- Don’t just reach out to people when you need something; offer value in return.
- Where to Learn:
- Books like "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi offer timeless networking wisdom.
- Blogs and podcasts on networking techniques can provide a fresh perspective.
Steps to Ace Personal Branding and Networking
- Define Your Brand: Identify what makes you unique and how you want to be perceived.
- Showcase Skills: Use platforms like GitHub for code or Behance for design work to showcase your skills.
- Quality Over Quantity: In networking, focus on forging deeper relationships rather than amassing a large quantity of superficial connections.
- Follow Up: A simple 'thank you' email or message after an event or meeting can go a long way.
- Keep Learning and Updating: Your brand and network are not static; they evolve as you grow professionally.
In my book, personal branding and networking are lifelong endeavors. They're not tasks you check off a list but habits you integrate into your professional life. The fantastic thing about personal branding is that it's a blend of authenticity and strategy - you're both the artist and the art. Similarly, networking is less transactional and more relational. It's not what you know, but who you know, and perhaps even better, who knows you, that often makes all the difference.
Cybersecurity
cybersecurity
Online safety is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. In an age where every click can be a potential security risk, understanding how to protect sensitive information is invaluable, wouldn't you agree?
- How to Start:
- Educate yourself about the most common types of online threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
- Implement basic security measures such as strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Where to Learn:
- Websites like Cybrary and Infosec offer free cybersecurity courses.
- Blogs by security companies like Norton and McAfee provide updated information.
Cybersecurity Awareness: Practical Steps
- Start Simple: Familiarize yourself with basic cybersecurity terms and concepts.
- Secure Your Devices: Install reputable antivirus software and keep your operating system updated.
- Be Email-Smart: Learn how to spot phishing emails and never click on suspicious links.
- Use a Password Manager: Trust me, it's way easier and more secure than trying to remember dozens of passwords.
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters or follow industry experts on social media.
From my viewpoint, cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, not just IT pros. Whether you're a freelancer, a student, or running a business, falling prey to a cyber-attack can be devastating. It's a bit like having an insurance policy; you hope you'll never need to use it, but you'll be glad you have it if you do.
Adaptability
Stay Curious: The Unquenchable Thirst for Knowledge
In the fast-paced digital landscape, staying curious isn't just a cool trait; it's a survival skill. If you're not continually learning, you're falling behind, simple as that, right?
- How to Start:
- Begin with identifying gaps in your current skill set or knowledge base.
- Set aside time weekly for self-directed learning, whether it’s reading, online courses, or tutorials.
- Where to Learn:
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on virtually every subject.
- Articles, podcasts, and webinars are also great resources for continuous learning.
Adaptability
Adaptability is the art of rolling with the punches. New tech and trends are inevitable, so your capacity to adapt determines how well you'll thrive.
- How to Start:
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable; put yourself in new situations intentionally.
- Learn the basics of emerging technologies even if they’re not directly related to your current role.
- Where to Learn:
- Following tech news websites or industry blogs keeps you abreast of the latest trends.
- Participate in online forums or groups that focus on future tech and trends.
Staying Ahead with Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Practical Steps
- Self-Assessment: Regularly evaluate your skills and identify areas for improvement.
- Skill Up: Use online resources to learn something new or refine existing skills.
- Be an Early Adopter: Don’t wait for a trend to become mainstream. Jump in early and learn through experience.
- Expand Your Network: Make connections in different industries and roles to gain various perspectives.
- Review and Revise: Periodically review your learning and adaptability goals, making changes as necessary.
Speaking from experience, both adaptability and continuous learning are more of a mindset than a set of tasks to complete. The world isn’t slowing down for anyone; new software, platforms, and methodologies are popping up all the time. Being adaptable and committed to continuous learning is a bit like installing updates for your brain. Keeps things running smoothly, you know?
So set up your learning goals and adaptability challenges and keep leveling up. No one ever regretted becoming too skilled or adaptable, I bet.
(Real Time) Affiliate Income Report Last Month
October 2024: $8,550.00
