What it takes to succeed in business.
June 5, 2008
Depending on whose figures you're looking at, in the USA, 90% of all new small businesses will fail in their first 5 to 10 years. My personal experience with folks who are trying to "make it" online is that the failure rate is higher and faster. Why? Because when things don't go as planned many just give up and decide that they are unable to succeed on their own.
Is there a true key to success in running a business online? Yes, there is, and it's largely psychological.
My wife and I were browsing a local mall recently, as we occasionally do to get out of the house and do something fun. I'm not a shopper — I hate shopping — but I love bookstores, so I always make it a point to stop at the Borders bookstore when we go. My wife calls me a dork for doing it, but after checking for any new John Grisham novels I always head to the Science section.
This last time I found a fascinating book called The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, by Leonard Mlodinow. I love numbers, though I'm no mathematician, and this book is quite readable even if you cringe in fear when you hear the words "algebra" or "calculus."
The book discusses, in part, how the laws of randomness are at the heart of many successes that are often attributed to one person's abilities. To quote Mlodinow, "We all understand that genius doesn't guarantee success, but it's seductive to assume that success must come from genius."
Well if genius doesn't guarantee success, then what does?
Citing a 2005 Psychology Today article, Mlodinow later states that "psychologists have found that the ability to persist in the face of obstacles is at least as important a factor in success as talent."
Persistence is incredibly important when you're working for yourself. When you have a job, if there's a problem, you go to a manager or boss to help you solve the problem. When you're working for yourself, you have to take the initiative to fix the problem on your own. When you have a job, you earn a steady paycheck that you don't have to create. When you're working for yourself, it's up to you to ensure that you have enough work in the pipeline to keep the bills paid. There is a lot more stress and headache involved in being your own boss, especially in the formative years of your business.
Even if you're a super genius gifted with incredible talent, you're going to run into a lot of problems running a business. If you don't have the ability to persist in the face of those obstacles, you're going to fail, no matter how bright or talented you are.
This is particularly true in the online world. Many seem to believe that running a business online should be easy — but it's not. Doing business online typically does provide a greater level of flexibility and freedom, but it still requires a whole lot of good ol' fashioned (dare I say the four letter word?) work. This unexpected realization coupled with a lack of tenacity can quickly result in disillusionment and despondency.
Do people really believe that running a business online is easy? If you want evidence of this fallacious belief just look at all of the get rich quick schemes available online. Look at the top sellers in the ClickBank marketplace (especially the top Business to Business products). People promising riches for doing easy work like filling out surveys. "Common" sense should tell you that if it was that easy everyone would already be doing it, and yet these products continue to rake in money from countless people trying to chase the dream of self-employment.
The flip side of this psychological coin is that, even if you're just an "average Joe (or Jane)", with persistence and dedication you can succeed. Whether you've got a unique new idea of you're own or you're just replicating a successful method you've learned from some brilliant person, it's the persistence that's going to pay off for you.
Personally, it has taken me a few years of solid dedication, hard work, dozens of failures, sleepless nights, endless worry and loads of stress to get me to where I am now. And where is that?
I'm now at the point where I can spend 50-60 hours a month doing what really matters in life: volunteer work. Yes, I still work a lot (it's in my nature), but I can take my daughter to the arcade mid-morning on a weekday when we practically have the whole place to ourselves, and I can take several trips a year with my family without constantly worrying about my business because I have a fantastic support staff, and when my son is born in late July I won't have to ask anybody for time off to get to know him.
It is a dream, and it's one worth working hard for. Stick to it, keep trying despite obstacles and failures, and you'll get there, too (if you're not there already).
Let me close with a statement from Mlodinow's book that I particularly enjoyed: "It might seem daunting to think that effort and chance, as much as innate talent, are what counts. But I find it encouraging because, while our genetic makeup is out of our control, our degree of effort is up to us. And the effects of chance, too, can be controlled to the extent that by committing ourselves to repeated attempts, we can increase our odds of success."
Please post your thoughts in a comment below.
Comments
100 Responses to “What it takes to succeed in business.”
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Jonathan Leger has been earning his living online full-time since the fall of 2004. He regularly posts advice about search engine optimization (his current passion), AdSense and Internet Marketing. He is the creator of a suite of popular software tools, including: Jonathan L Leger 
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I fully agree with you Jonathan. There is a saying..
if you have patience you can hold water by hand upside down.. if you have patience to wait till it can become ice.
I have started this online and it is a year old now.. I have at many point of time thought that i need to quit.. now it has started slowly shining..
Only thing what is required is sincere dedication to oneself and his business.
Regards
Madhan.
[…] about how persistence is at least as big a part of success as talent. It's called "What it takes to succeed in business." Check it […]
Thank you for this wonderfully inspirational post, Jonathan!
I am going to bookmark this one, and refer back to it whenever I find myself in need of a little boost of motivation.
You're welcome Pamela! Thanks for your kind words.
Jon
Great motivational article Jon,
I have definitely had my times where I felt like quitting and giving up.
I found myself in a position where I didnt have a choice but to make money online….it was slow at first, sometimes discouraging, but now has really began to amount to a decent monthly some–I am not loaded mind you, but I am happy and the successes I have seen only 'fuel' my fires of determination to keep going strong!
I am glad I have learned what I learned and that I have stuck it out…and now am beginning to reap its rewards!
Thanks..
Hi Jon, I agree — often, there's simply no substitute for hard work. I also think it's very important to have as clear a vision of where you're heading as possible.
It's easier to stay motivated that way because you're aware of why you're doing what you're doing. It helps you question whether what you're currently doing is actually worthy of your attention. After all, our experience of life is simply a reflection of what we put our attention on. ~ James
Jon,
A very inspiring post and a smart one at that. I can't count how many times I've felt in the past that someone not as smart, or knowledgeable as me in the online world was pulling down huge successes. Until I came to the same conclusion your post just described I spent more time {snip: complaining} about how this fella or that person got lucky and I get rotten eggs.
A Paradigm Shift (borrowing something from Mr. Covey
is what we need to have when we hit walls like this. If we're working a system, running a new start up or what ever we all know what we need to do we just need to do it, and not spend time on un-productive tasks.
Just Do It! (it worked for Nike didn't it
Jonathan,
I am transitioning from an ebay powerseller to full-time internet marketing. I am putting in probably 50-60 hours at least per week.
I have a close tie to at least one online community and read quality blogs like yours every chance I get.
Guess what? I'm starting to figure this thing out and I expect to be making regular income, however small, before the end of the summer.
Thanks for reminding us that what we do DOES make a difference and that we CAN succeed if we're willing to work hard at it.
Best wishes to you and yours if we don't hear from you before your son is born.
Best,
Jeff
Hi again boys n girls … Jonathan … First impressions “939 word count” … Strange I did this count before I read any of the body what's happening to me …. aaaaahhhhh
… I think I know WHY??? Because I opened this page from a link Jonathan has sent me as he does… Often!! Lol
I scrolled down the page to check on the comments first But BUT on the way down I spotted this;
” Like this post? Publish It On Your Own Blog”
…clicked it decided instantly I would write an article about my day’s events … you see I’ve just seen the BIG PICTURE
All I need to do now is figure out the best way to share … One thing is for certain this Blog is the BIZZ just look at the information there on the right of this page … come on guys n gals lets all make the difference …. SHARE!
Plan your work … work your plan “stop searching” make one tactic work then exaggerate that process but only with in half the time until it can be an automated process or Not? 2B … Think about it?
All my best to you and your day
Phillip Skinner
197 words not bad seeing I’m in a rush … WHY WELL that’s another comment another blog-day doooohhh “221 now” +
I agree 100%. I'm running a business and holding a full-time job. This requires 70-80 hours of my time per week, including weekends. To top off that I have the constant concern of deploying with my Army Reserve unit (Did a tour in Baghdad already 2004-2005) It's about sacrifice and hard work. You cannot let those distractions drag you down.
Always look forward, never give up. Anyone who says you can be successful without out hard work and sacrifice is fooling you.
Hi Jonathan
Thanks for the reminder.
I'm sure we've all heard this quote before, but it's so easy to forget it, when things aren't going as we want{
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
~ Calvin Coolidge
Paul
Very well written Jonathan…Thank you so much for my dose of inspiration…I like the way you have put the whole post together…
Great post once again Jonathan! I always read yours, you have a very analytical approach to things that definitely helps others when you are explaining your points of view. Oh, and congratulations to you and your wife with the upcoming birth of your son in July! I'm glad you have AC for her sake, Texas heat is no joke, especially for a woman expecting ; ).
Thanks for the inspiration. We all need it when we work alone. I'm going to have to make it on effort because I missed out on the genius part.
I was watching Wayne Dyer on PBS one day last year doing one of his 'pep talks'. He said, "Go write this down - It's on it's way." So I did. All I could find right then was a scrap of note paper. But I put it next to my computer where I can see it all the time.
Now when I think I'm just running in circles sometimes, I remind myself that it's on it's way!
Thanks Jonathan for another great post!
Your viewpoint is so balanced and spot-on reality. I have long felt that tenacity is far more important than talent, because it can often make up for a lack of talent. The other important ingredient is consistency.
It is awesome that you are now not only able to enjoy time with your growing family, but you can aux. pioneer too!
Show's that you haven't lost site of the more important things. Excellent example.
Wishing you continued success, and thanks for all you are doing.
Gabrielle
That book by Mlodinow looks interesting - will have to check it out. Yes making money online is hard and it goes up and down, but it is worth it.
Great though.
I found that distraction is the main obstacle to make something in internet.
So the three most important words for me at least are:
FOCUS
PERSISTANCE
PACIENT
and of course. HARD WORK.
The success is inevitalbe with it.
regard
Thanks for all the great response guys.
Gabrielle:
I'm planning on applying to reg. pioneer starting in September, so I'm very happy about the way things are going towards that end!
[…] Source: internet marketing […]
Very encouraging post Jon.
All kinds of people following different business models succeed and I guess the only common factor is that they did not give up.
Yes it helps to have support, mentoring and some training - but you can have all that and fail ( give up)
I love your case studies but its also good to hear something of your personal story
Thanks
Alex
I agree you cannot get away from fact that sucess requires hard work and didn't some famous corporate guy say that 'Success is 99% failure"
General Patton also said "Siccess is how high you bounce back after hitting the bottom"
Winston Churchill stated that "If you are going through hell - Well keep going"
But lets face it, even if you are willing to put the work in - what about all those sheep in wolves clothing that exist on the internet, ready to empty your wallet with their skillful manipulation of the human imagination and normal human desire for freedom.
What about all those lying Review sites that exist on the net and those who own lists who recommend products they have never used or read themselves!
What about the extortionate prices for tuition, seminars and ebooks and software and now membership sites?
One excellent membership site, overnight went fom $97 a month to $397 a month - The internet community has lost touch with reality, or at a minimum they have lost touch with the fact that money is a means to an end and not the end in its self.
Nice post. I fully agree Jon.
I always tell my friends if they start something they hope to become a success to go on with that something, and not to give up, because they try all types of activities and they have no success with any.
Sorry for my poor english.
Andrei, Romania
Hi Jonathan,
This makes one of your best posts in my books. Thank you very much.
I quickly realised that one had to try several times at many things that are rewarding in life generally.
Personally, in the face of obstacles I always think about the numerous attempts it took to invent the light bulb and I push on.
Its not easy but I have a big goal that I must get to and know I will.
I'll be getting that book too
Thank you
William
Jon,
this post brought tears to my eyes. I know exactly what you are talking about and every word is so true. On top of everything you said, it takes also lots of self discipline. But the reword is so great .
Jenna
Online or Offline, from garden centre to cake maker success is all in the mind. Have you heard of 'NLP' look up 'The Master Keys" on Google and you begin to understand that you can achieve absolutely anything YOU want ! thats right anything with a strong enough desire. Sure if you want to be succefull at you business you must believe that YOU will be and do what it takes to push your self the extra mile. Visualise your success and realise your vision, thats all their is to it, simple really and YES anyone can do anthing if they REALLY WANT to.
How badly do you want it?
Once again Jonathan your advice is 'Rockin' when you going to start charging me for being a Guru
I do think the average person would rather watch american idol then do something productive, and when they try if they do not get instant results they give up.
Entrepreneurs on the other hand love the feeling of accomplishment and the rush of self made money,i do any ways. I guess thats why we have employees and employers!
Great Post
I completely agree with you. All the old sayings like success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration are so relevant to the Internet Marketing profession. Notice I call it a profession, because I firmly believe that those who succeed do so because of countless hours learning and doing and trying new ideas and failing and sometimes succeeding and evolving and adapting. I guess we have all gone through that pain barrier of wondering if we can ever really be trully successful in this business. The get rich schemes must always fail and with it the fly by night amateurs. Your post is an affirmation that belief in ourselves and our ability to make our dream a reality is the real driving force to long term success.
That was a great post Jon. The stick to it attitude has lost its appeal. It is just like everything today, it is easier to quit, whether it be work for a new job, your marriage cause you don't want to make it work, or a number of other things that you can think of. If your not going to make it work no matter what the cost, why start. That is just my opinion. Follow the road least traveled and you will have what others only dream about.
Steve
Hi Jon,
I agree with the general principal. But to rehash one of Einstein's sayings (I think it was him), regarding the foolishness of doing the same things over again, and expecting a different outcome. Isn't that also persistence? Blindly 'persisting' without analysing what it is that you are doing will get you nowhere.
Best wishes
Charlie
Great post Jonathan. Being an Ironman Triathlete (and not being able to swim when I signed up for my first one), when everything is going sideways and you feel like you can't put one foot in front of the other, it's amazing what you can overcome when you're in the right mind-set. Like the previous post said - it really comes down to "how badly do you want it" - and if you are ready to commit yourself to accomplish something, the only thing that should be going through your mind is "whatever it takes…"
Another couple of GREAT books to read are "The Attention Deficit Work-Place" by Mitch Thrower (friend and fellow ironman triathlete, and the mastermind behind the active.com network) as well as "Jump In! Even if you don't know how to swim" - by Mark Burnette - creator of Survivor and last but not least "It's not about the bike" - Lance Armstrong. If you want to be motivated and inspired to succeed in business and/or in life while overcoming seemingly unsurmountable odds, these books will get you thinking in so many positive ways, you can't help but succeed.
cheers and thanx again for a great post.
Tavis
I went full time nearly four years ago just before my daughter was born. It took a lot of work and nearly four years to get there but I did it. I have my ups and downs now but still am able to see my daughter each and every day. I thought about quitting so many times but eventually you get to the stage when you just know it is going to happen.
Stick with it folks, work and learn and you will get there if you beleive!
Gary J Kidd
I get lots of emails from Guru's. Many of them I never open. I always open yours and read everything you have to say. It is always benefitical. Thanks for all you do to help me succeed.
Jonathan,
The Law of Attraction says that the right things will come into your life when you need them. Your blog post has definitely come at the right time for me. I am currently struggling to get my Internet business off the ground, and it was good to read such a positive post. Thanks!
If it wasn't for persistence after countless failures, we'd still be using candles and wood to light and heat our houses, horses for transportation, probably have a life expectancy of about 50 years, and the examples go on and on.
Paul has a good quote about persistence, but if things are truly random, then persistence, planning, and strategies are pointless. You can't say that each time you buy a lottery ticket it will improve your chances of winning over the last time. It doesn't. Because it's random, your chances are the same every time and no matter how persistent you are, randomness wins.
Success is cause and effect. Do certain things in a certain way, and you'll be successful. Exactly what those things are can't be known, only approximated. So, the reason that persistence defeats failure is that failure happens all the time. It's the adjustments that we make to our strategies, actions, and plans (or ignoring feedback and staying the course when appropriate) that make the difference. This is entirely different from having a million dollars fall on you from the third floor of a building.
Obviously, the combination of talent, intelligence, aptitude, behavior, circumstances, and so on is random in each individual. But, a large number of people have become successful by modeling others (implying non-random cause and effect). I'm speaking about success in general here. In fact, that is one of Tony Robbins' methodologies in teaching others to become successful… model what successful people do. Whether you like him or not, he has produced results, and formulas do work when applied.
I know the response to this is: read the book and it will become clear.
-Kurt Schmitt
Kurt:
The point of the book wasn't that everything is truly random, but rather that randomness has a larger impact on people's lives than they believe based on what they see.
It's not that being talented or intelligent plays no part, but rather that being persistent plays at least an equally large part in success. And that continuing to "try, try again" to accomplish your goals will eventually get you there.
Hi Jon
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I have never been a quitter so its only time before
I succeed. your on going success Paul Perry
Internet has been polluted with scams. It's really hard to find somebody who doesn't cares only about yourself. I'm retired with 37 years like the war disabled person and since then time performs for the computer. In the beginning I didn't know nothing but until today I work really hard with many sleepless night. Slow collect the small piece of jigsaw puzzle, you give me a good part of this.
Thanks
There is nothing wrong in setting a HIGH goal and failing to achieve that goal.
Most people's problems is they set a mediocre goal and they achieve it.
So, Set a high goal, and celebrate your little victories along the way (i.e. your first $100 Google check, your first $1000 month, etc etc.)
Jon,
Excellent points, being talented or intelligent are important aspects when developing, reasoning and analyzing business strategies. But it takes persistence to overcome failure.
We use our intelligence to adapt and overcome, but failure is in fact, a part of web life.
Analyzing patterns and niche strength do not always guarantee initial success.
Thanks for the continued encouragement,
George
Hi Jonathan,
I almost said "this couldn't have come at a better time" when I realized I would think that on any given day, lol.
What I will say is I am so glad I found you and your great content. Bless you and your family -
That's a great post. We run a small shop and often, as other retailers disappear into the ether, we discuss the whys and wherefores. Sometimes business close because they weren't flexible enough to cope with the market conditions; for instance, closing for lunch, closing early, not being open for business. Other times, it's obvious that they haven't chosen quite the right stock for their target market and passing trade. We all get this wrong (I know we do - and more often than we'd care to admit). However, over the years, our line of defence against a changing marketplace is to have a wide variety of products on sale so that when one section is quiet, there's another section of products to take up the slack. We haven't made a fortune, but our persistence has kept us in business.
M
Well, intuition plays a major role in it too!
Intuitively, you need to know you are in the right place at the right time.
Then:
—–Understand the tools that make it work.
—–Seek advice, information and tools from intelligent people and businesses. Pay attention to how they do things.
—–Diligence- Yes, even though it was Einstein quoted "…doing the same things over again, and expecting a different outcome," –several others have also been credited for this saying.
——————
I have opened and read every email from Jonathan Leger, I suggest you do the same. It is rare in life to come across something so consistently welcome.
Johnathon i agree with others about this being somewhat inspirational but I'm only commenting really because of something that was once said to me.
I have always been a bit of an entreprenuaral spirit and a little bit of a free spirit and even in days when i worked real jobs, as soon as i was bored or unhappy in that job i changed it, same goes for houses and anything else in our lives. Thankfully my wife is either equally as free spirited or incredibly tolerant!!!
One day 10/years ago i was out for a sunday bike ride on my own, and went a little off road. I stumbled across a derelict and boarded up house, now this looked in a right state and i had no idea why it was there or who it belonged to but i knew with the grounds and the size of the house that i loved the location and the space, so i cycled home and collected the ever tolerant wife and showed her it, she agreed it was beautiful bud a shame that it was effectively going to ruin.
3 weeks later i was in that house, painting and adding the finisheing touches for us moving in, you see i TOOK ACTION, i found the owners, called them, visited them and done a wonderful deal and secured a wonderful property for us and our young family, a property ther was no way in the world we should have been able to afford.
Several of my friends called me names (in good humour i think) and 3 at least said - and i quote "I cant believe it. you always land on your feet" (there was actually some expletives in there to. I calmy replied Yes, perhaps i do, but you can only land on your feet if you actually jump!!!!!
Take action, perservere, i think it makes sense in terms of your post. I dare say that many who read your blog, and probably some who comment on this post will not take action and i believe that is the only reason i make money online, I jumped and took action.
keep up the good work
Iain
oops sorry about the spelling - its late late night here - thats my excuse
Jonathan: "What it takes to succeed in business", is a good article. It was encouraging to me right now as I am still hanging in there. I know eventually it will pay off. When I succeed, it will be through the efforts of a few people who cared enough to help me along the way. Then it will be my turn to help others succeed.
Thanks for caring,
Meedith
The Internet- IS- a scam. People want to sit on their butt and click away thinking they are accomplishing something. The get-rich-quick mentality abounds. It won't happen here, it won't happen out there. If you were born poor you are gonna stay that way… Unless you make a decision. It doesn't have to be the "right" decision, just make one.
The biggest roadblock to making headway is fear of making the wrong decision. So what if you get screwed, it happens. Just don't let it be a big screw up and you will recover. Invest only what you can afford and never throw money at a problem… Ever!
I am like Jonathan, I do what I want, when I want. I made a decision. My decision was based on the fact that I am a crappy "employee" and I had better find something where I can work on my own terms. In the work-a-day world I was barely functional. That lesson was learned and repeated over and over again. I finally got it.
Making money on the Internet is not child's play, although I have heard about some enterprising kids getting some action. She is an ungrateful mistress and cares less about you than any employer, so you had better be prepared to sweat a little, cry a lot, and get angry enough to be determined to kick some butt! (Mainly your own).. I have seen some of the best and the brightest get nowhere, and I have seen total lamebrains make millions. The difference was persistence. Not talent, not education, plain old stubbornness. Determined to stick to something because if they quit they will have failed entirely. Failing is OK, it is just not an option. You don't go into something thinking it is OK to fail. If you do have a meltdown though you are simply paying for your own education, and that is a good thing.
It reminds me of an old 49'r story about the Gold Rush days, holds true today. Some old codger sets up a claim, digs and digs and digs. One day he throws in the towel and leaves his claim. Some young miner comes along, digs half an hour on that same claim and hits the mother lode. Happens all of the time in real life. Just don't quit before you work your claim all the way through!
Great post, Jonathan. I can always count on you and Perry Marshall for practical advice on life, success, and personal effectiveness. To succeed at anything—whether it's business, or any other area of life—persistence in the face of obstacles is definitely required.
Awesome material as usual. Thanks for all that you do.
Nice post probably took me a lot more years than you to figure half that out, particuarly the point about work
The problem with the word "persistence" for myself was that for many years I belived persistence meant attacking something with everything you had 24/7 this can work 10% of the time but gets old the other 90% of the time.
As I got older I started to take a more leisurely attitude, if at first it dont work put it to one side for a period of time days / weeks / months and start another project then go back to the 1st project when you are ready and try again if it fails again put it to the side again till later.
This Lazy Man's approach has worked well for me because I dont have any failed projects on the web "just a lot of unfinished ones"
Every now and then because of the law of averages I get a winner from which I normaly learn something which can be applied to the unfinished projects.
Persistence down a single road can and will often fail as you stated about 90% of the time.
Thanks for saying it so well, Jon. I have often felt discouraged, but I know this is the only way to go. You are a giver - thanks for the encouragement. By the way, how do I publish this on my blog?
Great post Jonathan
And thanks for the reminder… I desperately needed to hear this message today… the universe has conspired again.
Thank you.
Thanks and I must agree in every way. I am self-employed in a brick and morter service business. I have 20 full time employee's and it requires more than 100 hours weekly to keep it all together.
My wife is terminally ill at age 41 ( Pancreatic Cancer ) and I am trying to replace my income to enable time freedom to spend more time with her. The only thing it seems to require is the same devotion of time that it takes in my regular business in the start…..I can see it getting easier and I think online you can truely learn to work smart rather than hard.
Be well,
Michael
Thank you for your wonderful inspirational post….I will do it, do it and do it over and over again until i success without giving up…On my way to success! Thank you for your encouragement!
Hi Jon,
Nice to hear that your new baby is due in July. You must be as excited as a bee.
It's also really, really encouraging that you keep mentioning that persistence certainly pays off. For me, it really did. Although I'm in no position to share exact details here because it might bore people off…
I'm now creating my own products and finally making decent money with my business. I'm even looking to creating higher ticket products to benefit my clients.
But all I can say is that there were multiple heartaches and mistakes I made along the way that you could say, "almost 2 years of dreadful misery doing everything wrong".
Heck, its not to sport and compare who is in the worst case scenario but I really found out that after every failure or mistake I learned so much and knew what "not to do" after those ordeals.
Now, I can only say that I'm glad I never gave up and will never stop visualizing my dreams that will come to pass soon. That being said, could you share your personal story to what *really* kept you going when times were bleak?
Vern
I just wanted to say thanks Jonathan. Last night I went to bed feeling very despondant and pretty much resigned to the fact that maybe I just didn't have what it takes to succeed online.
This morning or got an email from you and as I always find your blog interesting and informative I came over to have a look.
It might sound corny but it was like I was meant to see your inspiring post right at this time so that I may persevere. And I will. Thanks for providing my 'sign' Jonathan.
Nicole
What it takes to succeed in business?
That is plain and simple…
You have to start and do the business that
you love. You should have passion with your
business so will not fail.
I have not always agreed with your previous posts, but this one is pure gold! And it could not have come at a better time — I was thinking this morning of giving up, getting tired and discouraged… you know.
But your post has changed that, been a great morale booster as well as timely reminder. And maybe I'll take a leaf from Neale's approach above too.
Wasn't it Thomas Edison who said (and he should know): "Genius is 99 percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration."
Anyway… thanks!
Your right on the money Jon. Hard work and knowledge is the key to success in business. I remember just a few years back I came online with an Ecommerce store. I took $40 to get a yahoo store and spent nearly 3 months day in day out building it. Then after about 5 months of being open the site starting doing 5 figures + a month because of my high rankings in Big G…. Needless to say I was very excited. Well to put a long story short…the site got so busy I was pulling my hair out so I sold it on Digital Point instead of hiring employees. I have since invested in lots of writers and it's working really well for Adsense…. I also plan to open another ecommerce store as well…..
Success is fine word, it makes us dream, it's it is a big word!!!!
I love to do what I do without big success, and I believe it works very well according to my stats.
But it is only me and a few of us know that it works like a Charme.
My corporate visitors don't seem to think they have to stick to any terms , conditions or rules. Rules is not something they think is for them. Just like the first convicts. And I stick by this statement.
If my website was a Restaurant!?
They think; to get a good feed,all they have got to do is order a five course meal, finish it of, pretend in the end; the food was crap and not pay for it.
Stealing and ripping someone of seems to be a widely excepted business conduct, especially by recruitment companies in Australia.
So I do not have much confidence in success with this but I'll keep playing with the site,………BECAUSE, i LIKE IT
Hi Jon,
Can I just say that you are an absolute breath of fresh air in this hyped up guru led world in which we live.
You always tell it as it is. I must say that you are probably one of only 2 or 3 "gurus" whose emails I race to open as soon as they hit my inbox.
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your son. Half your luck being able to spend all that time with him when he is born.
My wife and I are also expecting our 3rd child at the start of November. I can't wait! I wish that I was in your position of being able to stay at home and not have to worry. Good luck to you.
Thanks again Jon for all the great content and products you deliver.
Warm Regards
Brett Kruger.
Oh, I love reading posts like this, I really need them. They're are so true.
I've got 3 years, about $3000.00 and at least 3000 hours invested, not wasted, in trying to get my first online dollars.
Got all my necessary accounts and tools galore, but just can't seem to make it work. Just can't get that first dollar.
I keep trying though. After my 8-5 day job, I come home, 3 hours with the family, supper and catching up, 2-3 hours sleep, then on the computer 11 to 3ish. I won't quit. Plus, I love it.
So to you all in a similar situation, don't quit, keep at it, like Johnathan (preaches-to give sound advice) and…
Thanks, Trevor White
Right Toe, Jon
I learned this offline painting signs in the '80s and '90s.
First my brain saw what my eyes did, which sold the first 4 signs by asking what color the one I could see (there were 3 sites) was supposed to be. The deposit was my IPO, lol.
Within a year I'd taught myself how to mix colors and was beginning to do decent layouts. The only creativity required most of the time was price vs terms to make the job worth taking.
An empty wallet is a tremendous motivator. And sales is a numbers game. I suppose on a bad sales day I had around 3% closing rate, but I also knew that 35 pitches was going to get me a sale and I could find those people in anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
So my average sale planned to blow 20 to 40 failures out of the way to find the sale, which would buy me a few days to do the job and find the next one. Just like my online experiences, failure was cheap, but added to my experience base.
Now, on the subject of rain…
I am looking forward to the leveraged income that IM can provide. How much chance does a "one-man" show have to make it within a reasonable amount of time? Or do you advocate outsourcing as soon as possible?
By the way, did anyone ever tell you that you look like the actor Milo Ventimiglia from Heroes (lucky wife!)?
Hi,
I have just finished my children's book 'Eddie The Yumpee + The Pearls of Wisdom', basically a journey tale where Eddie collects 'pearls of wisdom' along the way. I was asked last night, what was the biggest pearl of wisdom? I replied:
"Never, ever, give up"
True story. All the best, Allen
Well stated written, well stated and the time was perfect for me personally with yet another project in front of me. It's not an easy road but I am finding it's well worth the effort and attention. Thanks for the words of encouragement Jonathan.
~Sarah
I am addicted to working on sites in my online business but I love the flexibility too. Like cycling to the beach and not having fixed hours of work.
Andy
John,
Thank you for this great article. I have always wondered if I have what it takes. It has cost me more than I can explain, but I will never give up on it. Thanks! Troy
This is pure gold Jon ! In my7 opinion this is the best post of your entire blog. Thanks for inspiring me.
Very thoughtful and encouraging post, Jonathan.
Really helps on the days that you feel like a dog chasing its tail and making no progress.
Keep up the good work and words…….
I agree Jonathan and the dear posters…
It is persistence that decides your success or failure.
But it is PERSISTENCE again that makes most of the people a FAILURE. I love to recall a book from Dr. Ken Evoy, 'Why people Fail?' He has proved the point.
People often fail by persisting to do the things which cause constant failure not only to themselves but other peoples too.
Don't take me wrong…
I am not rejecting 'PERSISTENCE' as a sole mode of success. I am just pointing out that anything can work either as a poison or as a medicine, depending upon your style of thinking and doing the things. You can achieve big success with a positive mindset, a definite dream and persistence in thought and action. And you can fail with a competitive (negatively) mindset, adrift dreams and incoherence in thought and action.
Hi Jonathan,
Yes, persistence is one vital factor to success in any endeavor, as evidenced in the writings of Napolean Hill's "Think And Grow Rich" (i.e.: "Three Feet From Gold"), and Jeff Olsen's "The Slight Edge".
As for solving any problem as a sole-proprietor, that is what I love so much about MLM. Applying the principal of the Mastermind Group mentioned in "Think And Grow Rich" avails one of far greater creative power than most individuals are capable of mustering.
I appreciate you,
Bill Tessore
I can't tell you how much this post means to me! I have been in a bit of a sales slump and can't figure out why! Your post reminded me that I am wasting time trying to figure out the "why" instead of focusing on pushing forward and accomplishing more tasks! Thanks Jon!
thank you for nice post. but i want to know how to make money from my blog……..
Yes, persistance is vital, but what guarantees success is persisting at doing the right thing.
I've had numerous failures over long periods of time being very persistant at working in the wrong markets, with products too advanced for the average customer, always at the bleeding edge.
As Tony Robbins has made his mantra - success comes from mirroring success. Find out what REALLY works NOW - not just what you're told does - then mirror that.
It's a lesson I've learnt late in life but am making the most of now, as are my children.
Thanks for a great advice Jon. You are always right.
Well then I guess that I'm lucky, because I'm a very persistent person. That randomness book sounds pretty interesting, I might check it out, or an article related to it.
Hi Jon,
exellent post as usual !
i believe if you keep trying and persist on finding out what works for you -then you will eventually succeed -given some time.patience is also a virtue.
Andrew M Harvey
Jon,
Great stuff as always with your blog and thanks for saying the truth as with all business it is tough to get going.
Thanks for posting such a good article. It will certainly boost my motivation to carry on.
Some say "third time lucky". When I was employed in the off line world some years ago, the CEO wanted to sell a major part of the company to reap the rewards of his efforts to date. As part of the senior management team, I was involved with every prospective client and the pitch we made to them. If memory serves me correctly, it took somewhere between 25 and 30 rejections before we made the sale. Each time it took a great deal of hard work. If we'd listened to the "third time lucky" mantra we would not have carried on. Personally I have three favorite hooks for the tough times-
1) If it was easy, everybody would be doing it
2) The harder I work the luckier I get
3) Successful people make a habit of doing the things that unsuccessful people would never dream of doing.
One final thought. Times change. Don't stand still!
Excellent article that clarifies many things and should be read by newcomers to business and online business as well.
Thanks for a great post Jonathan. I sure needed the encouragement at the moment but if it takes just more persistence than genius to make this work, then I can certainly do it too!
Thanks for the inspiration Jon. This is much needed in these times where get rich quick schemes are everywhere. I agree that dedication and perseverance will finally pay off.
So keep on working guys to achieve that dream and goal you've been targeting. I know we all can and will achieve that!
Hi John
Your fine post encouraged me to endure in our line of work as Internet Marketers. But even more heartening was your goal to reg pio starting Sep! That too is my goal! We, of all people, know the value of endurance. Keep up the fine work!
Tony
PS., Gabriel's comments were also fitting.
I got lots of information and tips about your post! It's very inspirational and serves as a motivation for those who are aspiring of having their own business.
Having a clear perspective and goals in life is important to achieve success.
Thanks for the post Jonathan. Sometimes I want to give up since english is not my first language and I have to make an extra effort sometimes, but your post is helping me to get focused.
Thanks again,
Diego
Thank u for such inspiring article. I'm a newbie and many times I think there are too many obstacles I have to face. The article above encourage me. Thank u Jon…
Good article. It brings to mind my favorite quote, which comes from Calvin Coolidge:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”
I live by that.
Jonathan,
Congratulations on Pioneering in September. I've been doing it since September of 1984.
I sent you at ticket a few weeks ago inviting you to lunch if you ever get to Boston.
Thanks for your valuable SEO information too. Both of the company's websites I work for rank high, and in many cases first for all of the services we offer.
The results mostly have to do with your information. Not real hard though because it's a local area service business.
Lane
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the inspiring words!
You have a nack for writing and for motivating
people. But, what you say is more than just
fancy words. You certainly do have to be prepared
to stick to it, in the face of adversity.
All the best,
Laurie
setting up a business u will need to invest money on it…so i think the more u invest the more effort u will give cos u r not going to dump ur money just like that…"make money online" u don't even need to pay (well maybe few bucks)…so that's why ppl will quit easily cos they never really lose anything afterall…
I just got a chance to read your post today and found it quite encouraging.
I'm just finishing up on the last little details of a huge project that I started months ago. I just announced it's release on Clickbank last night to those who beta tested it for me and helped me to perfect it.
Persistence had taken me this far. The software is complete and the website is ready. But that's not the end of it. It still needs to be marketed. That's a whole new area of work and a whole new area of persistence.
My family keeps asking me when it will be finished. When will I be done? My reply was… "It will never be *done*. The whole point of running an online business is to constantly be working at it."
For myself, I've found that the best way to keep myself on track was to write down what I wanted to accomplish and then break it down into steps. As I completed each step I would cross it off the list. It feels good to have a completed list. :o)
Persistence is the driving force that will get you to your goal… but you have to know what the goal is. Where are you going? Don't have a goal? Persistence can also take you no where fast.
Hi John,
Just came by your article and I must say it motives me and I can hear a little voice saying keep doing what you believe and be persistence and you will see the light at the end of the rainbow.
Great and honest post. Straight from the heart and very inspirating. Keep it coming. I'll be visiting you site often.
leefrank
Unfortunately, hard work and persistence alone still will not get you there. Your hard work needs to be purposeful and intelligent.
Your persistence must be in following a well thought out plan.
You must also be willing to make adjustments to your plan on the fly when needed, and not just by whim. Otherwise, you are just spinning your wheels.
Loved it Jonathan, it does take time, the key is never give up!
Thanks
Awesome! information given by you, The information on online business is useful for the people.
Jon,
First of all, thanks so much for this encouraging post. Very well written…
And… now I understand (from the comments) why you're so different
It's good to know that I'm in very good company here. I've been a Regular Pioneer since December of 2005 and it's been a very rewarding experience.
…
Hope your son is bouncing around and in very good spirit.
Best,
Osobase
Article quote: "Mlodinow later states that 'psychologists have found that the ability to persist in the face of obstacles is at least as important a factor in success as talent.' "
Before "psychologists" became involved in this question, there were the observations of regular people who noted the many failures of people like Thomas Edison, who failed several hundred times to find the right filament for the electric light bulb before finally becoming successful.
In fact, he was so aware of this flaw that he had posted a quote over his desk which read: "There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking." Failure was not part of his vocabulary. That seems to be the way it is with most successful people. They don't even seriously consider failure at their endeavors.
Jon quote: "If you don't have the ability to persist in the face of those obstacles, you're going to fail, no matter how bright or talented you are.
Quite true. People who consistently fail succumb to a negative attitude. It's giving in to that attitude that keeps them from becoming successful at their endeavors. If you are not constantly treating your failures as examples of things not to do while making the attempt to find out what does succeed, then you'll never realize the triumphant fruition of your vision.
Thom
Yep, there is nothing easy about IM !! Jonathan you have paid your dues and are being rewarded for it. Congrats. I think you are a great example of what it takes to be successful at this. Persistence, discipline, and creativity are crucial in IM !!