OPP Update: July 2017

HAPPY EARLY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!

We are halfway through 2017 blog readers!  For me, I have much to reflect on as it pertains to the first half of the year.  My life has changed quite a bit, particularly when it comes to my living arrangements.  I have no regrets about what happened.  All I can do is move forward. 

This past month I have learned a few things in regard to internet marketing, thus I have changed my strategy as it pertains to safelist advertising.  As of right now, I am no longer using safelists to promote my business ventures.  From what I have learned, it is pointless to promote my ventures to a list of people who are doing the same.  What I am promoting on the safelists are two of my advertising websites, PIF43 and $1.50 Cash Magic for which I am seeking referrals.  So far, I have signed up referrals for each, but I still have a long ways to go.  I am also promoting a safelist, Mister Safelist, which I am also seeking referrals.  

Also in June, I have attended two webinars that was presented by an internet marketer from New Zealand, who has used ClickBank to build his brand.  Listening to those webinars have given me hope as far as advertising my ClickBank affiliate programs and building my brand.  As an internet marketer, you have to not only learn how to earn income, but to apply what you have learned.  As I learn and apply what I've learned, I will share it in this blog.  

One medium that I plan to use in the near future is the use of YouTube videos.  Internet marketers have been successful using this tool.  I'll probably use videos to first build my brand, then use it to give advice in different areas of internet marketing. Creating videos are a vital way of building business relationships.  After all, no one's going to buy from you if they don't know who you are!  

In June, I have started driving with Uber again after my car was fixed.  Some days were extremely slow, and others kept me busy. However, driving for Uber is not a long-term goal of mine.  I already have a work-from-home customer service/sales position. My next step is to find another.  I did get an offer to work for Working Solutions with the StubHub campaign, but it would have meant training during the hours that I'm working my Tan Physics job.     

Lastly, my plan is to slowly get more involved in my SFI business. Not in terms of promoting it, but to learn more about it, so in later months, I will start promoting it again.  I plan to talk more about the SFI opportunity in another posting.  

In summary, things are going slowly but surely.  I have my days when I don't do any advertising, but for the most part, June was a more productive month than May in terms of me reaching my goals.   For my American readers, have a Happy and Safe 4th of July! 

Seeing The Light

Happy Monday blog readers!

Before I get started with today's discussion, I want to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Belated Fathers' Day.  I hope your day was a special one.  For me personally, I'm not a father, but I accept the Fathers' Day wishes from my friends and colleagues anyway. Even though I'm not a dad, there are times when I play a "father figure" role, so that's something to celebrate.  

On Thursday night I read this e-book written by Internet Marketer Jerry Iannucci (see the picture below):

The name of the e-book is called Safelist Marketing Tactics.  I've had this e-book in my possession for a while now, but never took the time to read it...until Thursday night!  Before reading SMT, the way that I used safelists to advertise my services were all wrong; and a waste of time!  After reading this e-book, the blueprint to my Pathway to Prosperity has changed! Not only will I use safelist advertising more effectively, I will begin making money with safelists.    

If you are reading this post, and you are seeking the pathway to become a better internet marketer, then I suggest you click the link above and read SMT for yourself.  

I believe the main reason why many internet marketers fail to make money online is that they fail to educate themselves.   If you are an internet marketer, and you think that you will make money by simply posting your website and affiliate links on free websites, then you are sadly mistaken.  There are thousands of us internet marketers who have something to promote.  The ones who promote their businesses (and brands) effectively are the ones who are making the money while the rest of us are left scratching our heads.

Truthfully, I'm still a novice when it comes to internet marketing, but from what I've read so far, I'm beginning to learn what it takes to be successful at this venture.  Now I must take what I have learned and apply it to be successful.  If can do it, then so can you!

Check out the SMT e-book, and let me know what you think! Have a great Monday!

   

All About Blogging

Hello Blog Readers:

It is early Wednesday evening, and I just finished talking to my Uncle Bob.  Today is his birthday!  Weather-wise, it looks as though we got some rain after the last 3 days of sweltering heat. Truthfully, I wouldn't know, because most of my time have been spent indoors.  I can't stand the heat.  LOL
   
As per my last posting, I wanted to use this posting to talk about blogging in general.  I'm still a novice when it comes to blogging, but now I have a better understanding as to why people blog.  A blog is your own personal journal that others can read.  Frankly, I have something to say, and I want to tell the world!

Earlier this year, I picked up a book, Blogging All-In-One for Dummies.  This book is going to help me become a better blogger.

  

Nonetheless, my purpose for creating this blog has not changed. My purpose is still to chronicle my journey from mediocrity to prosperity, which I hope will inspire others to take action in their own lives.  During the journey, I want to provide information on various topics pertaining to business, internet marketing and entrepreneurship.  
  
So far, I have only read a few pages of the above book, but I'm learning quite a bit about how and why people blog. My goal after reading this book is to become a master at blogging, as far as the information I provide as well as how I present it.  I plan to use more pictures to give my blog more pizzazz!  

I also plan to provide information not only in my journey to financial independence, but to provide the latest information in the fields of business, internet marketing and entrepreneurship.  

My other mission with my blogging is to gain more readers.  Right now, a small number of people even know my blog exist, but I plan to change that in due time.  As I learn more about marketing techniques, I will use what I have learned to increase my audience.  
Yes, I am a novice at writing blogs, but in a year's time or less, I plan to become a master blogger.  As mentioned before, my blog is a platform created to share information that I know in the field of as business, which in turn will inspire other entrepreneurs to reach their own goals.

Have a good day my blog readers.  

OPP Update: June 2017

Hello blog readers:

On this first day of June, I'm having mixed emotions.  This morning I was on a high, but this afternoon, I've been brought back down to earth.  Perhaps this could be a wake-up call for me to get off my butt to take care of some business.  

Today started out to be a great day.  Less than two weeks ago, I was able to put my car into the shop to fix the damage sustained from an accident almost 3 months ago.  Today, I picked up my car from the shop, which means that I can resume my role as an Uber Driver, which is my second source of income.  

Later today, I received some disturbing news in regards to my first source of income, my Tan Physics customer service position.  As of late, the number of customer service calls have been dwindling. Today we had 4 customer service reps on the phone and the call volume was super slow.  Our supervisor made the decision to get 3 people off the phone.  I was one of the three who volunteered to sign off early (thus losing 5 hours of income).  

Later I received an e-mail from my supervisor, who says he will rearrange the schedule, which could mean that my hours will be cut.  With this Tan Physics customer service position, I'm making an average of $400 weekly, working 40 hours a week. If my hours get cut significantly, that could mean trouble as far as saving my money to get my new place.

Now that I'm settled in to my brother's place, May should have been a month to get the ball rolling with my ventures.  However, things have not worked out as planned.  

As you may have noticed, I don't have a blog posting since May 1st.  I won't lie....working 40 hours a week, though it's from home, wears me out!  When I'm done my work day, the majority of the time is spent either eating, napping or working out in the gym (which is a plus), which leaves me little time to promote myself or my business ventures.  On my days off, I'm either taking care of errands or visiting family, which again, leaves me little time to promote.  This will have to change if I'm going to continue on the Pathway to Prosperity.  

Throughout most of May, I was advertising my ClickBank affiliate links on the safelists.  However, advertising on the safelists alone will not get me to the promised land.  In May, I was supposed to start working on a report to advertise on a squeeze page (to build a list); I was supposed to learn more about blogging and to start applying what I've learned to this blog; I was supposed to resume my education with ClickBank University; finally, I was supposed to start finding other sources to advertise my businesses (mainly through social media).  Unfortunately, none of the above occurred.  

The one business opportunity I have revisited last month was SFI (Strong Future International).  My immediate goal with SFI is not to find new affiliates or to find new TripleClicks customers.  My goal at this point will be to learn the business as a whole.  SFI has several tools that can help me create an income for myself, so I want to educate myself on these tools, which in the end will help me market the business better as a whole.  

As you can see, I still have quite a bit of work to do.  It's good that I will begin driving again for Uber.  However, I also want to start building my long-term income.  

Have a good afternoon blog readers!

OPP Update: May 2017

Good afternoon blog readers:

Today is Monday, and I'm off from working my Tan Physics customer service/sales position today.  It's currently the middle of the afternoon, and I used my day to take care of a few things:

In addition to buying some grocery and checking my (P.O.) mailbox, I took my car to a body shop to get an estimate.  Later this month, I plan to get my car fixed, so I can proceed with my role as an Uber Partner, thus creating my second income.  It's been almost 2 months since I have given my last Uber ride (right before my accident).  Even though I can think of a dozen things I would rather do with my free time than to give Uber rides, I do miss communicating with my riders and I certainly miss the instant payouts.  Yes!  If I'm broke, and need some quick cash, all I have to do is give a few rides, and I've made my money! I love that aspect of driving for Uber.  

The month of May will be a transition month for me and my goals. Now that I am settled in at my brother's home, I can begin making the moves to get me closer to my goals.  First of all, I have proceeded with advertising my ventures to my safelists.  My next goal is to find that third source of income, whether it will be with the Staples customer service position I mentioned in my last posting, or something else.  Nevertheless, I want to have 3 sources of direct income.  

Sometime this month, I also plan to resume my education with ClickBank University.  From what I've learned so far, I will need to start "building my brand" by creating a squeeze page to opt in potential buyers to my businesses and services.  It's going to require some work, but I'm up for the task at hand.

Lastly, I just transferred my Planet Fitness home to the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE, so once the transfer is complete, I plan to work out 3-4 times a week.  After all, if I'm going to achieve my goals, I need to be healthy.  😎

In my next posting, I plan to discuss how I plan to take my blog posts to the next level.  HAPPY MONDAY!

A Rough But Positive Transition

This was not what I wanted, but I suppose it's for the best!

It has been 15 days since my move from my apartment to my brother's home in Wilmington, Delaware. The move wasn't easy, but it is done....FINALLY!

In the weeks prior to the move, I had attempted to find sources to get help on paying my back rent. However, I was told the same things from each one.  Either they weren't taking any new appointments, or they wanted me to pay most of the rent, with them paying the remaining amount (usually around $150).  With my back rent at around $2500, I knew I was fighting a losing battle.  

On April 3, I came to the conclusion that I would not be able to get the assistance I needed to catch up with my rent, so I began making plans to vacate the apartment.  I assumed that the management at the apartment complex would give me a week to vacate once the eviction notice is served. Therefore, I figured I could work, then start packing when I'm off. However, things didn't turn out that way.  

On Wednesday, April 5, I received my eviction notice.  On the notice, it mentioned that I would need to vacate the premises within 24 hours.  I was like...."NO WAY!"  When I called the office, they mentioned that I would have a few days before the constable comes and change the locks.  Once they change the locks, I would have access to the apartment during business hours only, then they would lock the doors after 4:30 pm.  

I had plans to move out on Tuesday April 11, but because of this move with the constable, I needed to move out ASAP, so I changed my moving date to Monday, April 10.  It was a good move on my part, because the constable arrived on Monday morning, and the lock was changed.   Even though most of the big items were moved on Monday, many of the things, such as my clothes and kitchen items were left behind.  It would take me 3 days to move the remaining items from the apartment.  Below is a picture of the empty home office that I once occupied.  

It was a bittersweet departure when I moved the last of my things out on Monday, April 17.  I had occupied the space for 13 years, and now I'm leaving.  As I left, I played Alicia Keys song, If I Ain't Got You.  That was the song that I listened to the most when I moved into the apartment in 2004, so memories linger when I hear it.  

Nine days removed from completing my move, my legs are still aching from going up and down the stairs (I lived in a 3rd floor apartment), moving trash and all my belongings.  Most of my items were placed in storage, and the rest over to my brother's.  Thankfully, the moving is complete!  Even though it was a rough transition moving out, I do see a positive outcome in the near future.

For the first time in months (since November of last year), I don't have the worry of whether I'm going to be evicted from my home.  Even though these thoughts didn't keep me up at night, it did keep me from focusing on my goals of achieving financial independence.  Now that the situation is behind me, and I'm settled in to my temporary home, I can once again focus on my goals (see my new home office setup below).  👍

Since I've been here at my brother's, I have been acquiring credits for my safelist advertising, so I can proceed with promoting my ClickBank affiliate websites.  I will also start promoting my two advertising sites that I spoke of in a previous posting.  Also, in a week or so, I will resume my education with ClickBank University, then begin to create a squeeze page, so I can begin building my list.  As they say.....THE MONEY IS IN THE LIST!  LOL

As for immediate income....I am still working my customer service/sales job with Tan Physics.  In a few weeks, I will be taking my car to the body shop to get it fixed (from the fender bender I had in early March), so I can continue my Uber service.  Lastly, I will be seeking an job opportunity with the Arise Portal, possibly landing a customer service position with Staples.  Soon, I will have my 3 sources of income, and will be working on my 4th, 5th, 6th, etc.  

I am so glad that the move is over, so I can focus on making money and building my bank accounts. Soon enough, I will find another apartment to live, and will be back in my own place.  For now, I am continuing down the PATHWAY TO PROSPERITY. 

OPP Update: April 2017

Happy April Fool's Day blog readers:

It's Saturday afternoon, and I just completed my day on the phone selling/providing customer service to the sunless tanner.  In a few, I'm going to enjoy the NCAA Final Four Mens' semi-final games.

Last month, I mentioned that I was behind on my rent. Unfortunately, I was not able to get the assistance to catch up with it. Therefore, I will be vacating the apartment I've lived for the past 13 years, and will be moving in with my brother for a few months. Indeed, I'm taking a step back, because I won't have my total freedom that I was afforded the past 25 years.  However, moving in with my brother will give me a greater quality of life (income minus expenses).

While I'm living with my brother, my expenses will be lower, and I will be able to accumulate money much faster, so that will be an advantage in my favor.  What I'm not looking forward to is having to move most of my things to storage, and some to my brother's home...then when I find a new home, having to move it out of storage and into my new home.  

It is what it is though.  Back in May, I made the decision to leave my 9-to-5 to become my own boss, which was a risk. Unfortunately, I lose my apartment and my total privacy, but these losses are temporary.  As far as everything else, there's an upside. For one, as I mentioned before, I can put more money away, because my expenses will be less.  Secondly, when I find a new home, it will be better than my first apartment (or house if I decide to rent-to-own a townhouse).  Maybe it's time for me to leave this apartment (I killed 4 mice in the past 6 months).  

For the past 2 weeks, I've gotten away from marketing my businesses, because I was looking for sources to get help on paying my back rent (perhaps I'll discuss that further in another posting). Once I get settled into my brother's home, I will go full throttle with my marketing efforts; utilizing the new information I've learned from Clickbank University, and also signing up with more social sites to promote my businesses.  

Spring is here, and now it's time to continue my pathway to prosperity.  Yes, I've taken a step back.  However, I see myself taking 10 steps forward in the near future.  Perhaps this will be a turning point in my journey.  I can feel it!