I frequently receive questions about how to make money quickly. Here is an example …
Any ideas of how I can make money quickly – and I'm not talking millions, just some extra cash. For real…
And here is my response…
I'm glad to hear that you don't need millions immediately or I'd be extremely curious about the type of trouble you are in. 🙂
I can help you learn how to earn an online income, but to ‘make money quickly' is another matter entirely.
For quick money, you might consider the type of job that pays cash at the end of an hour or a day's work, selling a bunch of stuff you don't use, or picking up jobs at Freelancer, but I suppose that's not what you meant by “make some extra money relatively quickly“.
As I specialize in teaching folks how to build online businesses as affiliate marketers, I guess that you meant “make money quickly online” .
If that's the case, my first thought is that you could make some ‘relatively' quick cash by placing pay per click campaigns, but that requires MONEY that you have to be willing to risk – unless you want to invest in a PPC campaign building tool to reduce that risk — but that too requires money.
Other than that, I don't know anyone who has ever made money quickly online — and I DO know a lot of people with online businesses.
As I suspect that statement may seem strange coming from someone who has made millions online and enjoys an affluent lifestyle, let me share some history about my online business with you.
- I designed my first website (a flower seed exchange site) in 1996.
- I launched my first affiliate marketing site in 1998.
- That site earned $10.99 in its first month and I was THRILLED.
- I was so EXCITED by the results that I WORKED on my business every spare second that I had – including during breaks at my full-time job as an air traffic controller.
- I estimate that I worked 40 – 80 hours per week on my business during the first year. In other words, my FOCUS was on that project and little else.
- In addition to time, I INVESTED money in training materials produced by experts to LEARN all I could about the business.
- I found it easy to FOCUS because the work didn't seem like work – the CHALLENGE to succeed was FUN and REWARDING.
Now, here's what I consider the most significant factor in my success…
My MOTIVATION and DESIRE to succeed was literally palpable because I knew I couldn't keep working as an air traffic controller forever.
Ergo, failure was NOT an option.
So, I PERSEVERED and by the end of the first year, I was earning 5K a month net, i.e. putting that much money in my pocket every month, and, by the end of the 2nd year, I was making 10K per month.
TWO years to exceed my existing income and quit my job despite the fact that I knew NOTHING about business when I started the venture. Quite frankly, I thought that was pretty darned spectacular.
Too, my business has grown throughout the ensuing decade with continued WORK, DEDICATION, and PERSEVERANCE.
Of course, nowadays with all the training materials and industry conferences, anyone who is motivated to learn, work and persevere could make 10K a month in less time.
Speaking of educational materials – it took me 6 months to write the Super Affiliate Handbook and I still WORK to maintain it and make sure that it's the most comprehensive step-by-step guide to affiliate marketing available — all for a small $27 investment. If I'm not mistaken, you may already have a copy. Read it. It will explain all you need to know about making money as an affiliate marketer — you know, the stuff that I do.
Or, join us at Affiliate Blogger PRO and get the book, video tutorials and access to our community forum in which I answer members' questions directly.
I also provide scads of FREE information on this site to anyone who is willing to make the TIME to avail themselves of the material to LEARN.
Moreover, I regularly make time to reply to those who make the effort to ask specific questions about doing business online… just as I'm doing now.
You could opt for one-on-one coaching through the process of bringing an online business to fruition – but I'm not sure that you can invest thousands in personal coaching.
So, here are a few questions to help you decide whether or not you're ready to start making money online…
- Do you understand what would MOTIVATE you to succeed? (Hint: Money is NOT a valid answer.)
- Do you know what your PASSIONS are?
- Can you maintain FOCUS on your DESIRE?
- Can you INVEST TIME, EFFORT and some MONEY to LEARN?
- Can you PERSEVERE until your online business is a SUCCESS?
If your answers to ALL of the above are ‘YES' then please use the resource links above to make the EFFORT required to LEARN what it takes to build an online business.
If any of your answers were “NO”, then here's a tidbit of advice based on many years of working with new online entrepreneurs…
Those who succeed and make scads of money online don't start with the statement “I want to make money quickly”. They begin with the question “what can I do for others?”, because ultimately, success is a measure of the value we bring to others to help them succeed.
Did you find this post informative and useful? If so, please share it with others! If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!
Cheers,
Very inspirational story. Focus and persevere is really a good key to success. There is always a failure in success but its just a big challenge for you to learn more and help you brings out the best in you for you to become more successful in life. So take everything as an inspiration.
Hey Peyton,
Love your comment – So take everything as an inspiration.
Right on!
Nice article. I also believe that the two main ingredients to be successful are # know what are your passions and maintain your focus on your goals.
Nice article. It great to read real stories about those that have been successful. I sure there are many people out there with dollar sign in their eyes thinking that they can make tons of money on the internet, The old saying is so true, “if were easy, everybody would be doing it.” That is what I think frequently as I work many hours a day on my site 7 days a week in most cases. I’ve only been at it since Feb. 2009 and have made 0$ so far, but I am bound and determine to not give up until I see that I am successful.
To all of you that are working out there somewhere trying to make a respectable living from the Internet….Cheers!
Im just a newbie and im sure that this article here really inspires me and and other starting webmasters out there also. I still havent earned any $$ yet tbh but im sure that with more hardwork everything will be alright. and yeah I agree there is really never a shortcut. 🙂 Thanks for the great info here Rosalind.
I also earned money online about $70 per week, It was not as big amount but at least it was real… 70 dollars is a much money here in our country, It already feeds my wants and some luxuries…
With your details above, I would like to commend…. It is true indeed, that to have a real quick money online you must have the patience and determination…
And the fact is One day you will amaze with the RESULTS…
Hi Ros,
Just wanted to let your readers who want to make money quickly know that I just listened to a teleconference where the featured guru suggested that if you need a couple hundred dollars quickly you should visit sites such as
elance or guru.com and apply for a quick writing position there.
Keep the great info coming, please.
Ros,
Thanks for sharing the fact that it took years for you to gain the affiliate income you now have. All the hype out on the internet is just that!
There is not an easy way to make money on the internet. All of us have to remember to choose an area become an expert and stick to it. We do not any other programs, software etc. to look for that secret sauce.
Also, you built your email list, as they say it is all in the list.
Mark
Hello Ros,
As a subscriber everytime I see your email it is the first one I open.
You have some great information. This was a very good post you did on making money quickly. I agree with you about getting coaching because you could loose so much money online instead of making money.
I also agree with several of the comments listed above.
One of the questions that people ask me about doing business online – whom can we trust?
There are about 20 people whom I send them to and you are at the top. Your website, NetprofitsToday is a great place to start for anyone who wants to learn how to make money online. (viral marketing)(networking)&(website design)
You tell them about web hosting companies, autoresponders, affiliate programs, and so much more. It’s all in one location. Your website has a great layout.
What I “Love” about your site is that you had experienced all this by purchasing many of the items yourself. I know that you have saved many of us a lot of money by your product reviews.
Keep up the good work. I enjoy your website info.
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
Thanks so very kindly for stopping by and leaving your comment. You are much too kind… but glad to hear that you appreciate the material. 🙂
Cheers,
Ros
Thanks for your great post Ros.
Wish you all the best,
Suroso
@Rosalind, when you say that:
Those who succeed and make scads of money online don’t start with the statement “I want money”. They begin with the question “what can I do for others?”… because ultimately, success is a measure of the value we bring to others to help them succeed.
Don’t you mean that they might have started out wanting money but the success didn’t come until they changed their focus and wanted to help other people?
I think that it is a VERY limited amount of successful marketers that initially started online JUST to help other people 🙂
/Mikael
Hi Mikael
I guess some start with the realization that success is best achieved with a ‘give to get’ philosophy while it takes others more time. However, I would think that those who become really successful probably have that ingrained in their thinking about just about everything – not just business.
Cheers,
Ros
I love reading this post. Making money online is not that easy. You’re right, it takes dedication, perseverance and the passion to succeed.
Dear Rosalind Gardner,
If one has the drive, don’t listen to much to those “work in your pajamas” bull… and not getting excited looking at photoshopped cheques, she/he (he/she?) too can do well, in almost everything.
Hi,
I should post a picture of me working in my PJ’s… as I am now. 🙂 One of the nice benefits of working from home.
Cheers,
Ros
Very inspirational story! There is never a shortcut
Love this post Rosalind! There is so much hype on the ‘net and it’s hard to get people to understand that. After being an entrepreneur most of my career, I now build, teach and mentor on the Internet. I still find it hard to believe all the people out there who can see through the hype in direct mail and magazines, but CAN’T on the Internet!
People want, but they don’t want to work to earn what they want today. I find that sad as life is about the journey – not the end! It’s the same to build an income stream or a business.
Magic happens when you you focus and persevere through the issues that present themselves on your way to success. When people read or hear about that next success story, they need to remember there is another story they haven’t heard about the failures and hardship they had to endure along the way.
Thanks for a great post!
Hi Gail,
Excellent point about the failures and hardship part of the journey. I’d like to add that those are the things that teach us the most and help us grow the most. Personally, I think that those who succeed are those who thrive more on the challenges – and less the end result.
Cheers,
Ros
I think make money online sometime not real with the beginners.
I totally agree with this post. The get rich with no sweat and tears culture that we seem to be living in today is enough to drive me nuts.
I have been a sponge of learning for the last 2 years and now I am starting to do it for myself. I just had my first affiliate check for $100 bucks and I am over the moon about it.
Learning is the key and weeding out all the you had have your own mansion on the hills in 1 month crap.
Thanks for keep it real and interesting.
Derek,
A big CONGRATULATIONS on your first affiliate check for $100 bucks! That’s awesome and I totally understand being ‘over the moon’ about it. Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Ros
Thanks for taking the time to respond to all the comments. That really shows a lot about your character.
Cheers to you!
Derek
Hi Derek,
It’s my pleasure to dialogue with folks who make the time to stop by and leave a comment. I’m not always that good with the timely responses (on the road, or whatever) but I do try. 🙂
Cheers,
Ros
Nice post! Very informative! Thanks for sharing!
I too have wondered about the above question, and after 6 months of starting to delve into internet marketing, I was flabbergasted with all you have to learn. I’m lucky that I don’t have a 9-5 job so I have the time, however I don’t want it to outbalance my need for fresh air!
I do agree, you MUST love what you do, otherwise don’t waste your time or money getting into this business.
I’ve bought some packages from “gurus”, at first for the promise of quick money, but found there is more to it than I originally thought. I’ve yet to make a penny and that’s OK, I look at as I’m still learning and I just recently found my niche. It wasn’t a waste of money, I use that info as a learning tool (not what it originally promised) but I stay on their mailing lists for the info alone. Now the heavy work is ahead to implement the time/work to create the website, however I truly am passionate about this venture, which makes it exciting!
Ros, you are a godsend with this website, I come here to chill and read “honest” and extremely informative articles. When I do get the extra money I WILL buy your book (I’m on SSD, so funds are limited)
There is no quick fix, (unless you’re into illicit stuff). Anyone promising that is using the oldest line to sell. Thanks also for all your readers’ comments as they have helped me make (hopefully) “skillful” decisions.
Hi Kim,
It’s a pleasure to have you as a reader and I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve found your niche – one that you’re obviously passionate about. I’m also glad to hear that you’re taking a balanced approach and not spending money that you can’t afford to spend. You might want to consider starting with some Squidoo lenses until you can invest in hosting and an autoresponder.
I especially appreciate your comment “I have the time, however I don’t want it to outbalance my need for fresh air!” That’s such an important point to remember. Thank you!
Cheers,
Ros
Always love your posts Ros. Succinct, practical and above all, honest without sugar-coating or fluff.
I’m sure many (like me) have been sucked into various claims of a get-rich-quick through an online-mega-empire in 7 minutes a day etc.
That there are ethical people like you to counter that really cheers the heart.
Sincere thanks. Andrew (Australia)
Thanks so very kindly, Andrew. Your comment cheers my heart. 🙂
Ros
Hi Rosalind,
I think the biggest problem when you start online is all the promises of being rich overnight. I work full time and probably like a lot of your readers work online part-time.
I have been doing IM for about 18 months (maybe a couple of hours a night after the kids are in bed) and I’m just starting to see significant results.
Like a real business, online marketing must be work at, you need goals, be self-motivated, be prepared to educate yourself and the most important thing is taking ACTION on what you have learned.
Regards,
Pierre
Hi Piere,
Fabulous to hear that you are starting to see ‘significant results’. Proof positive that perseverance is one of the most important keys to success. Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Ros
Ros, you are one of the rare teachers out there who can bravely admit how much hard work, time and effort it took to earn a decent income online.
When I first started, I didn’t invest much in learning, other than buying your ebook and a website building software. During the first 6 mths, I would put in intensive effort and giving up on sleep to work on building content for a niche site, yet not earning anything. In fact I even gave up after a yr because of exhaustion as I’m also working f/t and kinda get sick and tired of staying at home in whatever spare time I have to work on this.
It was until 1 year later that I saw some money SLOWLY starting to trickle in..from $5..$50..$100, What got me to sit up is that even as I do nothing, the money just keep increasing gradually and somehow made its way to #1 spot in Google and is still there till date. Now I get about $500 to $1000 each mth from this site alone with minimal maintenance. You can call it luck but it sure involve hard work to get lucky in internet marketing.
Since then, I have invested more money to learn about SEO and PPC, because knowledge is so crucial to succeed online. I have now go on to build other sites and earn money from it. Yes it sure takes time to go through the training videos, ebooks and to do the actual work, plus going through some inevitable trial and errors and learning from mnistakes..nothing comes easy, you sow what you reap.
Hello Dith,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. $1000 per month from one site is absolutely fabulous! Keep it coming!
I LOVE your statement “You can call it luck but it sure involve hard work to get lucky in internet marketing”… exactly! 🙂
Best,
Ros
Thanks for another awesome post.
Igor
Wow! This is really a great article. Some sites readily assures money immediately but I’ve seen that that’s not really the case actually. Thanks for sharing. Keep posting!
At last somebody has the courage to tell it straight. Yes I walked away from my job too, but it took me five years of trial and error, several treks up the garden path and some really hard work.
But you’re right it was great fun and it still is and it is because I took control of my own life and at times it was pretty dam scary, but your statement about perseverance and desire is right on the money.
This just doesn’t happen – it happens if you want it badly enough to make it happen
Hi Mark,
I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t tell it straight, although to be honest, there are days I WISH I could do hype – especially when I see what the masters of hype take in. Then again, peace of mind is worth so much more than those extra millions in the bank. 🙂
Glad to hear you describe your journey as ‘great fun’ yet scary at times… I hear you and I believe that’s the way that it should be. A modicum of fear is a great propellant.
Cheers,
Ros
Great post Ros!
There are so many snake oil salesmen out there that continually try to persuade everyone that they can make thousands, if not MILLIONS, of dollars in their first couple of months with an online biz – IF they buy their latest ebook! I don’t know of a SINGLE example of this overnight success.
I love that you included your 1st month’s earnings – a whopping $10! I am in the same boat. My site made $50.39 in the first month, but I learned from my mistakes and now almost 70% of my traffic is coming from organic search results from Google (with no $ spent on PPC). I will ramp up PPC very soon, but I want to learn more about it before diving in.
I come from a sales background and the battle cry is “ABC – Always Be Closing”. When it comes to online business it should be “Always Be Learning”! And, more importantly, apply that knowledge to your business!
Chow!
Diner Dave
Hey Diner Dave,
$50.39 in the first month is pretty darned great compared with most sites, although I know that you went the extra mile to have a lovely site designed and I do believe a professional look factors into a site’s eventual success. 🙂
That 70% of your traffic is organic is a true testament to the power of the blog, and I’m thrilled to hear that you’re waiting on the PPC until you’ve learned more about it.
Keep up the great work – and we’re looking forward to your next installment!
Cheers,
Ros