Finally Living For Me
Apr

This is a guest submission from Adrienne from AdrienneSmith.net
I have to begin by thanking Steve for inviting me to write a guest post for his blog. I’m truly touched and honored to be sharing my story with you.
I am much older than most people online today, I am a baby boomer. My career in corporate America started when I was about 22 years old. Every member of my family attended college except me. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up and was living with a learning disability, so I didn’t have a lot of faith that I would do well.
Not only did I not want to disappoint my parents, I also didn’t want to embarrass myself!
So after a few menial jobs in the work force I finally was offered a position as a secretary. I really excelled in that area mainly because I’m annoyingly organized and a real go getter. That opened up a lot of doors for me, where I continued to move up the corporate ladder for the next 31 years.
I was an executive assistant working for presidents and owners of companies and I was very good at what I did! I was in the top 5% of income earners in my field.
Change Of Events
I’ve always been a happy person and I believe that stems from having learned early on how precious life truly is. You see, my Dad fought cancer for 42 of the 45 years he was in my life. He passed away on February 23, 2003 and I didn’t handle it well. It wasn’t his passing that hit me the hardest, but actually the way he passed.
I went into a deep depression, had to go through therapy, and was on anti-depressants for almost two years. I honestly knew that my Dad wouldn’t want me to feel this way, but knowing that and being able to handle that are two totally different things. When I finally climbed out of that deep fog I had been in, I knew my life was changed forever.
Over the course of a 25 year span, I worked in several different fields but the job was basically the same. Oh sure, I was challenged at times but they became fewer and fewer. I was also becoming quite discouraged with the types of people our company was hiring.
I also had a higher work ethic than most of the younger generation and due to my position, I was responsible for taking up the slack of the work that wasn’t getting done. This meant I was doing the work of several people.
That got old really fast.
I always told myself that when I wake up in the morning and hate going to work, it’s time for a change. But change to what? I had been doing the same type of work for over 30 years and I had no others skills.
I know that’s why a lot of people stay where they are because they don’t know how to do anything else.
We are afraid to take that leap of faith because we have to support ourselves. We have responsibilities…
At the beginning of 2006, my boss told me he was retiring and was giving me a year to search for another position. By October of that same year I had found another J.O.B., where I remained until January of 2007.
Little did I know that I had actually been hired by the devil himself. Yep that’s right, the man was pure evil. I woke up every single morning for two months straight hoping that they would find a reason to let me go.
My wish finally came true; they decided to downsize the company.
I made a decision that very day that corporate America had seen the last of me. I am a very structured person, a planner, an organizer, someone everyone counts on, dependable.
I’m NOT a risk taker, but I knew that I would rather be poor and happy than comfortable and miserable.
Jumping Into The Online World
I was very familiar with the Internet and even updated our company website. I wasn’t ignorant of the online world so I thought I would get online, start making some money and life would be good. Sound familiar! What a rude awakening for me.
I was immediately in information overload. I didn’t know what I was looking for, I didn’t know who to believe, I didn’t know what I was supposed to be doing, I didn’t know how to do any of this stuff and I was so lost.
I eventually joined a network marketing company, did what they told me to do and never made a dime. It took me a year and a half from the time I got online before I finally started learning that if you want to have success, you have to introduce people to who you are, not what you do.
I just knew that this was the place for me; I knew that I could do this; I knew I was smart enough to eventually figure this all out. I just didn’t understand how much your mindset actually plays into all of this. I later learned that I had been attracting the wrong types of people.
I attracted the types of people who wanted something for nothing, who didn’t want to invest in their future or do the work required. That is why I failed in network marketing.
An Intro To Affiliate Marketing
While working there there, I was introduced to affiliate marketing. We all know if you’re looking to make money online then there will be certain products and services that you’ll need. I soon started making money with affiliate marketing. So I decided that was the direction I was going to go in.
In network marketing you are encouraged to build a team and then you are responsible for helping your team learn how to make money. If your team isn’t willing to do the work required, you don’t reap the rewards from their efforts. It’s different with affiliate marketing because it’s all up to you to make the sales and no one else.
I purchased my first course and that very same week I made three sales. I was so ecstatic that I was finally starting to understand how this all works. I did really well, I kept building different sites, promoting different niches and finally got to the point where I was making some steady income.
In November 2010 I decided to join a training community created by one of the top income earners in affiliate marketing to learn how to create my own successful business. I had been able to support myself but was not really building a business.
So I started from scratch and am sharing my experience in my blog. I believe I’m having success because of my honest approach to this. I know with hard work, dedication, and the drive to be who and what you want to be, this is achievable.
I’m now going into my fourth year online and I love working from home. Although I’m always on the computer working my business, I can now honestly say that I love what I do. I have several sites plus a free training community I created in 2010.
I’m finally living for me and doing what I want to do. I continue to learn and grow and I am so thankful that everything happened the way it did.
[author gravatar=”adrienne@adriennesmith.net”]Adrienne is a self proclaimed social media, blogging, and affiliate marketing fanatic. Her passion is to live life to its fullest and empower others to do the same. Her blog AdrienneSmith.net is all about helping others achieve success online.You can find her engaging with others on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.[/author]

Benny
What an inspirational story! I know you were nervous about it but you did a great job! Well written from beginning to end.
Most people in your situation would have gone on in their miserable job because after 30 years in the same field, it’s all they know and are comfortable doing. Even if it’s something they hate. Plus they figure finding another job at that age would be tough.
Good for you for coming out of your comfort zone and taking a risk! I know most wouldn’t in your situation. You must have been really miserable to take that leap of faith. Of course looking back now you’re glad you did. Surely if you didn’t, who knows how unhappy you’d be now still.
Amazing story and am glad you’re finally living!
Adrienne
You are SO right Benny… I think a lot of people after 30 years are pretty miserable. How many people really still LOVE what they do, love the position, enjoy working with the same people (we know that isn’t always possible) and happy with their salary! I was so scared but at the same time, I knew I couldn’t keep doing this for the rest of my life. I enjoy working!
You are right though, had I not done it I wouldn’t be where I am now and I’m so darn happy!
Thanks SO much for your comment. I was a nervous wreck about this… 🙂
Benny
If you didn’t say it was your first guest post, I would have NEVER been able to tell! Written like a guest post pro! 🙂
Adrienne
Ah thanks Benny!!! I’m so touched.. Okay, I’m smiling from ear to ear. Can you feel me! 🙂
Benny
I can feel it and I saw one of your videos and love your accent!
Steve
Adrienne,
Thank you so much for sharing with us! I think your nerves were unjustified as you have written a wonderful post 🙂
I believe that even if a person is not a great writer (like me),as long as you are sharing from your heart and being honest, people will want to read and share your writing.
Adrienne
Ah Steve, I appreciate you giving me this opportunity. I had to start somewhere right! This was the best place I could do that. Sharing more about me and how I got here.
I guess we are both great examples that you don’t have to be an excellent writer as long as you are honest and true to yourself. The rest will just fall into place.
Thanks again my friend.
Adrienne
Linda Grunewald
Adrienne-
What an exciting and powerful story. I loved getting to know how you began…the ups and down…and how it took you to today. You have so much to be proud of!
A lot of what you said resonated with me being a Boomer, too.
I had a home based business before it was cool. For 20 years..before the internet..I sold antiques from my home and at shows while being able to savor the joys of being a stay-at-home-mom and raising my son.
I was only in the corporate world before I had my son, but in two of those places I ran into spawn of your previous boss. Things were SO sexist back then without any recourse. Thank goodness I was able to be at home for so many years after.
But because of a late-in-life devastating divorce, I was finally thrown into the internet and so very much related to your trial-and-error process while finally coming out on top.
It was so inspirational reading your story. I’m sure it will provide hope for all women who read this as to what they, too can achieve.
All the Best!
Linda Grunewald
Adrienne
Wow Linda, I wish I had that chance to do something different starting out earlier in life. But I think we all have to look back and realize that had I not gone through all of that, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And I’m so thrilled to have taken that leap of faith and believed in myself that I could do this. I am NOT a failure. Never have been and never will be.
So happy to hear of other baby boomers making their way into the online industry or network marketing for that matter. We never had a lot of those opportunities when we were young so it’s great that we have them now.
I am so thrilled you stopped by my blog and I had the opportunity to meet you. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship! I appreciate you!
Jia Jun
Awesome Adrienne.
It’s great to know you in my blogging journey.
Life goes on, Success is a journey, not a destination.
I work on Network Marketing before too, and to be honest, I learn a lot in it, but not really making money from there. The education is awesome, just like you, I building a wrong team of people, end up I need to take up all the responsible and clean the mess.
I’ve been blogging for around 2 years, first year on my previous blog without knowing and exploring myself much on blog, but on my current blog which I’ve build for half year now, I keep learn from other bloggers and interact with them.
That really opens my eyes to the possibility of blogging and online business.
Let’s fight for the journey to peak. =D
*And that’s my blog name too, JTP | Journey to Peak. 😀
Awesome.
Adrienne
Hi Jia,
It’s always great to meet other people who are or have gone through some of the same things many of us do. Building a business online or just a home business is a huge learning experience. But by meeting others who are going through the same thing helps us understand and learn as well.
I believe we are all here to help each other and that my friend will get us to where we need to be. Let’s enjoy this ride together. We’ll have SO much more to share when we get to where we were meant to be.
Thanks Jia and have a blessed day!
Adrienne
Adam
Adrienne, what a great write up..Really enjoyed it.
Your story is truly inspiring. Reading about your past gave a boost on my motivation to strive further and work harder than I ever had.
Thanks for being so inspiring.
You Rock!
Adrienne
Thank you Adam, I appreciate that. It means a lot.
You are so much younger than I am so you can get to where you want to be a whole lot quicker then me. I have no doubt you can accomplish anything you set your mind to either. That’s what I admire about you.
Thanks for your comment and I’m so happy I have been an inspiration! 🙂
Sheila Atwood
Adrienne,
I really liked seeing how you ended up working online.
Although I have been in business for my self 90% of my working years I have found the online world has some real difference my offline business has. It has taken some time to get use to a “virtual reality.”
Love your first guest post…you can post for me anytime!
Adrienne
I never had that drive and ambition, nor the belief in myself that I could do something other than what I was thrown into doing Sheila. I wish I had taken a different direction early on or had parents who inspired me to be all that I could. But then again, I have to look back and realize that we all have to go through certain things in life to get to where we want to be. We just have to know when to grab it and I guess my time was then. So glad I chose this direction instead of sticking to what I was comfortable with.
Thank you for saying that and I just may take you up on that soon. I’m building that confidence now so watch out! 🙂
Sarah Russell
Adrienne – What a great post (not that I expected anything less, given the quality I see every day on your main site)!
I love hearing stories like this about the different paths we all take to finding what fulfills us personally. I’m glad to hear that after a long struggle, you’ve reached such a great place.
Keep up the great work!
Adrienne
Hey Sarah,
Thank you SO much for that, I’m so touched. You know we all pretty much start out writing for ourselves and we eventually end up writing for others. I know the way I come across won’t appeal to everyone so we all get nervous when we start expanding. Or at least I think other people do as well.
It has been a long journey but I’m glad I took it. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not gone the direction I was pulled. I can’t tell you how happy I am now and I was happy before. Let’s put it this way, if you’re in a bad mood or feeling down give me a call. I’ll cure you in no time at all. I’m contagious. LOL!!!
Thanks again Sarah. IT means a lot!
Adrienne
Ilka Flood@The EnlightenedNetworker
Hi Adrienne,
First, congratulations on your first guest post! That’s awesome!
Thank you for sharing your personal story! I’m sure a lot of people can relate. It’s all about finding our passion and then finding a way to make money with it.
You found out what wasn’t working for you, but you never gave up. Now you have found what IS working for you and you go after it. Very cool!
Keep on keeping on and keep inspiring the rest of us!
Ilka
Adrienne
Well hey Ilka.. So good to see you and thanks for the comment.
I’m so thrilled that life turned out the way it did. I’m so happy to be here and to have stuck with it. That’s what is really important I think. And all of my blogging friends that continue to inspire me and teach me as well. I love working online and helping others. I am definitely passionate about it.
I will continue to move straight ahead and do my small part to inspire others.
Thanks again…
Paul Wolfe
Hey Adrienne
Congrats on your first guest post.
You’re a better writer than you give yourself credit for – and you display the characteristics of someone who wants to get better. And more importantly WILL put the necessary work in to get better.
Your story is interesting – everyone’s story is – and you told it well.
Will be following your journey with interest!
Paul
Adrienne
Thanks Paul, I’m a proud Mom now. And you are too kind. Your writing skills blow me away, I only can hope to be as good as you some day! But hey, I’ll continue to take what you share with us and move forward. I’m a learning machine my friend.
Everyone does have their own story so I enjoy hearing how others got here myself. Which is why I enjoy Steve’s blog so much. We can all relate to others in some small way.
Thanks again Paul, I appreciate your comment. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
Adrienne
Kelly Ellzey
What a great story of escaping from the corporate world! I meet so many people who are in similar situations you were in – but they stay stuck by using the excuse, “it’s too late for me”. Not you! I love stories like yours!
Adrienne
Thanks Kelly!!! Hey, I may be older but I’m not dead!
You know that with corporate America failing so much right now when people do hire employees they are going for the younger generation now. They don’t want us older more experience people anymore. So why not step outside our comfort zone and reinvent ourselves? I’m the perfect example. If this scaredy cat can do it and succeed, anyone can… 🙂
John Garrett
Adrienne, you are such a STAR!!
I appreciate you opening up and telling us your backstory, it’s important because of the inspiration that can be gained.
You are already someone I point to as an example and I’m very glad we’ve come to know each other online. Keep doing what you do!
Adrienne
Thank you SO much for the support John.
I was a bit nervous actually spilling ALL the beans.. Some of it I guess I had to go through to get me to where I am today right! But I’m so happy to be here among so many wonderful and inspiring people, yourself included. I’m learning so much from all of you.
Thanks for the comment, you know it’s so appreciated. Will see you soon..
Adrienne
Dino Dogan
Hey Adrienne…great and a compelling story. Ive learned a lot about you 🙂
Adrienne
Hey Dino…Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate it. I hope you like me anyway after this! LOL!!! 🙂
Peggy Baron
Great story, Adrienne, and I’m impressed that you put it all out there.
As far as guest posting goes, you shouldn’t worry because you’re a great writer, as is evident on your blog. I’ve been meaning to invite you to guest post on mine!
Keep up the good attitude and smiley avatar!
Peggy
Adrienne
Hey thanks Peggy. Yep, I was nervous about laying it ALL out there but we learn from what we’ve been through to become who we are today right! It’s kind of like some women are proud of all the wrinkle on their faces. We went through a LOT to get them so we should never be ashamed of them. That’s my attitude!
Thank you for that. I appreciate your confidence in me. I had to do my first one before I could take that next step so I’m glad I did now.
I appreciate you Peggy! Thanks a bunch..
Janet @ The Natural Networker
Adrienne, aloha. Congratulations on what will be the first of many guest posts. Like everything else I have seen of yours, Adrienne, it’s terrific.
With your attention to detail, you included the facts and tidbits that make your story even more interesting to and educational for people.
Though I am sorry for your experience with the “evil” boss, the online world is a better place because he “forced” you to be open to and, in fact, welcome other opportunities. Tell me the truth, Adrienne, aren’t you just a little bit glad that he was the devil so that you were ready to leave rather than the nicest boss in the world who you might stay with “just because” he was so nice?
There’s no doubt in my mind, Adrienne, that all the success you want will be yours because you are such a people person and, on top of that, you are super organized. That’s an unstoppable combination.
Having been self employed for decades, I have long known the tremendous pleasure of working for myself. Earlier today I left a comment on a post of Samantha’s and I believe it applies here as well.
Adrienne, this is one of my favorite quotes that I would like to share with you.
“To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?” – Katharine Graham
Again, Adrienne, Congratulations on your first guest post. Best wishes to you for a wonderful weekend. Aloha. Janet
Adrienne
Well hey Janet… Always a pleasure to hear from you lovely lady!!!
You are so right! If that particular guy would have turned out great, I would have stayed on that path and never given this a second thought. I would have stuck with what was comfortable and what I knew. But deep down inside I was expecting that situation not to be any different than the previous ones so I think unconsciously I willed all of that to happen to me. See, I was already paving the way for much better things for me.
I LOVE that quote Janet, I’ll definitely be using that one girl!! And thank you again for your kind comment. It’s so great to be connected with so many awesome people here online. I’m so thrilled I stepped outside my box and just went for the impossible. I’m so darn happy I did.
Have a fabulous weekend yourself. Mine will be the best!!! 🙂
Dia
Hi Adrienne,
I loved reading your story how you started online and how you are progressing. This is very inspirational and I could feel the energy in this post and your enthusiasm 🙂 Thanks for sharing Adrienne, great job
Adrienne
Thanks Dia it’s been a wild yet enjoyable ride.
Now can you see why your post really hit home for me today? So glad I’m past that now!
I hope my story can help others. If I can do this anyone can, that’s for sure. At least now I’m here to help so they don’t have to make all the mistakes I did.
Appreciate your comment and hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Jon
Adrienne!
Great to see you over here and congrats on your first guest post. You pulled a classic Adrienne and made it engaging by being so open and authentic.
You’re operating in a whole new space and I have a lot of respect for what you’re doing. Way to turn a new career leaf and thanks for leading by example as you strive for improvement.
See you around…
Jon
Adrienne
Hello my wonderful friend. I’m so thrilled to see you here. Thanks so much for commenting on my first guest post. I’m smiling from ear to ear!
I appreciate your support and everything you have done for me Jon. You are a true gentleman and a dear friend. With people like you in my life, I can do anything! 🙂
Have a blessed weekend and you will definitely be seeing me around.
Adrienne
Devesh
Hi Adrienne,
Glad to see you finally started doing guest posting. Congratulations Adrienne. Great Job. Keep at it.
What an awesome and inspiring story. Affiliate Marketing is one of the best and most effective way to make money online.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic post. keep up the good work.
Have a great weekend.
Adrienne
Hey Dev, thank you. So glad I finally took that plunge as well. Hope this is just the beginning.
I do enjoy affiliate marketing. I think it’s the beginning stages of learning how to do anything here. If you can do this, you can write your ticket is the way I look at it. I’m just so thrilled to now be helping others learn how to accomplish this as well.
Thanks again for your comment, it means a lot.
Franziska San Pedro
Dear Adrienne (and Steve),
I’ve been reading your (Adrienne) blog for quite a while now and followed the link from your blog that lead to your guest post.
Congratulations! I loved reading your story and I am very appreciative of the internet and the endless communication possibilities. I would have never been able to find out about you.
Wonderful, thank you for sharing,
Franziska San Pedro
The Abstract Impressionist Artress
Adrienne
Hey Franziska, what a really nice surprise. That’s what I love about the internet too. I would have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people had it not been for social networks and visiting other people’s blogs. I’m so thrilled you’ve been checking mine out for some time.
It means a lot for you to stop by and leave me a comment. I so appreciate that! I hope we can continue to keep up with each other. I would love to learn more about what you do as well. So until then, have a blessed weekend.
Adrienne
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe
Congrats on your first guest post, Adrienne – yay!
You should do it more often, by the way, considering you are such a good writer and that guest posting does wonders for your traffic and name recognition.
Ana
Adrienne
Hi Ana,
Thank you so much for stopping by… I really appreciate it. I was SO excited to finally write a guest post. I was a nervous wreck about it.
I now have had a few more offers because of this so will definitely be considering it in the near future. I’ve heard how beneficial it can be so I’m now really realizing just how much.
Hope you’ve enjoyed your day and thanks again for your input. 🙂
Bill Rich
Great post Adrienne…
As always, your easy writing style and enthusiasm for what you love to do shine through and make for interesting and compelling reading.
It’s tough to break away from a lifestyle most of us have been conditioned to covet…I;m glad you broke free.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Adrienne
Wow thanks Bill.. You know, I never looked at my life as interesting. The way we view it and others is completely different which was why I was so nervous sharing most of my stuff here.
But you are right, for us it’s a little more difficult breaking away from what we know and going into the unknown. Because it’s difficult for me to comprehend a lot of stuff, I was scared. But at the same time, I so needed a drastic change. I just had to believe in myself and just go for it. So glad I did.
Thank you so much for your comment. It’s greatly appreciated.
Thomas
Hi Adrienne
Congratulation with your guest post 🙂
What an inspiring and personally post. I am glad that you are finally doing something you love and that you do it for yourself and not for anyone else. Sometimes we stick to long in a job that makes us miserable because we don’t think we can find another job. First when we finally leave, we find out that we should have done that long time ago. The world is full of possibility, but it takes a lot of courage to go for it and we might not succeed every time.
Have a great weekend Adrienne.
Adrienne
Ah, Thomas my dear friend. So glad to see your comment… I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and read my first guest post.
You know I always had a lot of faith in myself when it came to my position as an executive assistant because I was VERY good at what I did. I had no problem finding work, usually. But as the years went by and I became more and more unhappy with what I was doing, that’s when I had that wake up call. As I mentioned, I later learned that I brought a lot of that upon myself not knowing at the time my mindset had everything to do with what was going on in my life. If I had not gone through this and wanted to really learn more I wouldn’t be where I am today so I have to be grateful that things worked out the way they did. And, I’m now living the life for me. No one else, just me and I love it!
Have a blessed weekend yourself my friend and thanks again. I really appreciate it!
Mandy@learn-to-blog
Hi Adrienne, what a great post. I love your attitude and also believe that it is how you look at things that makes all the difference. Very good guest post, your host should be pleased!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Adrienne
Hi Mandy… Thank you and I appreciate your comment. You are definitely right, it’s the way we look at things that makes all the difference in the world. I do believe that this post has been more helpful to me than I can put into words and I definitely have Steve to thank for that. Had he not approached me, I would still be in the same place not moving forward in that direction.
I’ll be sure to continue enjoying this journey Mandy… Absolutely!
Riley Harrison
Your realness shines through Adrienne and I have no doubt that your success on the internet will continue to increase. People buy from those they trust and like and you qualify on both accounts.
Riley
Adrienne
Thank you Riley, that truly means a lot. Especially coming from you!
What you see is what you get with me. I’m an open book and to honest for my own good. It’s hard to come across to people sometimes online who don’t know you from the next person and don’t know your motives. But, I’m genuine and that will never change. So I appreciate you saying that and I’m so glad you stopped by.
You have a blessed weekend my friend.
Oliver Tausend
Hi Adrienne,
congratulations to your first guest post, you did an awesome job.
Thanks for sharing your personal story and for not shying from telling us how you felt. That is very important because our emotions are important guides when and if we don’t allow them to run us.
I can totally relate because I was unable to get up in the mornings only 1 1/2 years ago. It felt like wearing a pyjama of lead. Time for a change.
Take care
Oliver
Adrienne
Hey Oliver,
Thank you for your kind words, they meant a lot.
I am definitely someone who will tell it like it is. My motto has always been if you don’t want my honest opinion, don’t ask me. I’m pretty much an open book. If someone wants to know something about me I’ll tell them. I’m not ashamed of anything I’ve been through because it got me to where I am today.
Once you realize you are miserable, it’s definitely time for a change. I’ve stuck by that all my life so in the past I would just find another job. This time I said no more. I’m over all that.
Glad to hear you are on this same journey Oliver. I love connecting with people who I can relate to.
Have a great weekend and thanks again…
Adrienne
Harriet`
Its so true that the online world is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life. I like nothing more than sitting down of an evening and reading a few blogs to unwind and connect with other people!
Adrienne
I’ve met so many fascinating people here online Harriet. People I would never have known otherwise. It’s not only been a fun experience but very beneficial as well. I love reading the different blogs and people are introducing me to so much more all while learning so much from them.
Appreciate you taking the time to read my post and hope you’ve had a wonderful day!
Adrienne
terence karkabe'
Hi you!!!!! It’s been said that “all roads lead to Rome” and that the journey is it’s own reward and all that stuff. I never had the experience of living in a corporate culture and my life has been a very different journey than yours but here we both are. Oh I’m not making a living from the blog yet but that’s not the point. It may take some time to do that and yet, I’m where I want to be, doing what I want to do and saying what I want to say. In the short time we’ve been acquainted you have inspired me and provided me with probably the single most valuable piece of information for getting my message out. Visiting other blogs, communicating with intent to be of service and inviting reciprocation is a wonderful strategy. (it also just happens to be completely natural to me) We are in totally unrelated fields, traveling different roads to get to the same place and I love that. So congratulations on your first guest posting, God bless and talk to you soon.
Adrienne
Hi Terence, wonderful to see you my friend. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day and hopping on over here to read my first guest post. I’m like a little kid, so excited from this first experience.
I LOVE that you are doing what you enjoy when you want. I admire people who have taken a different path than what I was on. I enjoy hearing how others started and what they’ve accomplished in their lives.
Wow Terence, I’ve inspired you! I love hearing that, thank you. Visiting other blogs and interacting with others is a fabulous way to not only meet new people, but learn what they are involved in and even learn from them as well. I love visiting other blogs too. It’s my favorite thing to do.
Thank you for sharing this with me and everyone else. So happy you stopped by and I’ll see you soon.
Adrienne
Carolyn@The Wonder of Tech
Adrienne, I don’t know which was braver, you overcoming the challenges you faced in life or your sharing them with the world in your blog. Thank you very much for your revelations which are inspirational and heart-felt.
Congratulations on your first guest blog post! You must be breathing easier now that you know your eloquent writing has been a success!
I would love to have you as a guest blogger on The Wonder of Tech anytime.
Best wishes for much continued success!
Adrienne
Hi Carolyn,
I’m with you there, I think they were both pretty hard to overcome. Steve had told me he wanted to know the turning point of why I decided to go the direction I’m in and it all had to do with the passing of my Dad. I’ve always been a very happy person and the majority of the time enjoyed what I did. But all the petty and small stuff seemed so insignificant when something like that happens and after I finished therapy I realized I wasn’t happy going down that same long long long road anymore. My Dad would want me to be happy so it was a huge turning point for me. I was nervous about sharing it with the online world to be honest with you. Only my close friends really know that much about what I’ve been through. But, I’m glad I did because we all have been through something in our lives right!
Thank you SO much Carolyn for inviting me to write for your blog. Wow, I’m overcome with all these awesome people approaching me now. I will definitely take that into consideration so thank you again. I’m truly touched.
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend. I know I am! 🙂
Jayne Kopp
Hi Adrienne, what an incredible past you have had. I do remember you telling me a few things when you were over at my Blog, (about your Dad’s struggles).
I am so glad you were able to pull yourself up and keep on keeping on.
As far as Boss from He (double hockey sticks)… been there and done that too!
I sure wish I had one of those ‘lightbulb’ moments and started blogging sooner than I did.
I am very interested in trying my hand at affiliate marketing. Perhaps when the dust settles on my current project(s) I might ask a few questions if you would be ok with that.
Thanks for your lovely post!
Jayne
Adrienne
Hey Jayne, welcome to my first guest post!
I’ve actually had a LOT more happen to me in my life but that would end up being a novel. My turning point was loosing my Dad. I just woke up one morning and realized I wanted to be happy. And that even meant what I was doing for a living. If I could conquer that, there was no holding me back.
It took me awhile to get into the groove of blogging, my way. I was taught to just promote what you are doing which is why all my earlier posts are geared toward that. But that’s not really what I wanted to do.
Whenever you are ready to consider affiliate marketing, just give me a shout and I’ll be more than happy to help in any way I can.
Again, I appreciate you stopping by and thank you again for the support.
Allie
Andrienne-
“Introduce people to who you are, not what you do.” I am going to post this on my office wall in huge letters.
When people get to know you more as a person, they are more likely to trust you and want to do business with you.
What an inspirational story. I took a peek at your other sites and I really look forward to learning more.
Thx!
~Allie
Adrienne
Hi Allie,
Don’t you hate it when you meet someone and you ask them about themselves and they jump in and start telling you what they do for a living? I don’t care what you do for a living, I want to know who you are. That’s the only way you’ll ever get to really know people. So that’s how I start my conversations on social networking sites. It really works wonders.
You are so right, once they get to know the real you and hopefully that person is genuine, then they will consider doing business with you because they now trust you. As it should be.
Thank you for that and I look forward to getting to know you better as well. We are all here to help each other, that’s the way it should be.
Thanks again Allie.
Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
Adrienne,
Thank you for your openness and honesty. The most inspiring people are those who make it through the hard times with courage and enthusiasm and you are one of those special people for me. Your life story has taught me that we can never make excuses for ourselves and that we need to take charge of our own lives, even if it takes years and years to really come to the realization and make something new happen.
You used a really strong line, that rang so true to my heart: “I’m NOT a risk taker, but I knew that I would rather be poor and happy than comfortable and miserable.” People tend to assume that I must love adventure because I live in Peru, but the truth is that I made a cozy nook for myself here and I intend to stay in one place. =P I’m not making a lot of money, but I sure am more fulfilled and ecstatic to wake up every morning. =)
Thank you for being you, Adrienne, so naturally a motivation to others. And thank you for sharing you. =) So glad to have met you.
Adrienne
Ah Samantha, what a pleasure to see you.
I don’t have a tolerance for people who make excuses. I’m not afraid to let them know either. I also can’t tolerate those who are all talk and no action. That’s why I don’t mind using me as an example. By no means am I at the level I want to be yet, but I’m headed in that direction. I’m doing the work and putting in the time so if I can do this (and I show people how) anyone else can do this too.
I love that you are doing what you enjoy doing and living where you want to live. I have a one bedroom condo and it’s small. I’ve lived here 21 years and it’s mine. Some people who come over can’t believe I live in such a small place, but that’s me. I visit some people’s huge fancy big homes and that’s great if that’s what they want. But it’s not me. It never will be, I don’t like a lot of space. So I definitely can relate to what you are saying. And I’m so thrilled to hear how happy you are.
It was my pleasure to tell my story and I do hope it motivates at least one person to move forward instead of standing still. We can all have better if we just do the work. It will get you to where you want to be.
So glad we crossed paths Samantha and thank you again for your lovely comment. You KNOW I appreciate it.
Samantha Bangayan
Adrienne, I just wanted to mention that I absolutely love imagining you in your condo and now I know why we connect so well. =) Thanks for being an inspiration!
Adrienne
I love that too Samantha… I feel SO much more connected with you! Thanks for letting me know that!
Marcus Baker
Hi Adrienne,
Congratulations on the guest post! What a great job you did too of sharing journey with us all.
I sensed from reading your own blog that you are an organized go-getter so I just smiled when you described yourself as such. 🙂
I enjoyed getting to know you better via this post Adrienene.
Isn’t it funny how things always work out for the best in the end. I am so pleased that you are happy and living the life you love.
~Marcus
Adrienne
Thank you Marcus and I think its great for us to get to know each other a little better through our blogging ventures.
Yep, I still haven’t figured out who I got the organization from. Sure, my Mom is to an extent but she’s nothing like I am. But, it did get me hired for almost every job I had so it worked in my favor.
I am so glad things have worked out the way they have as well. And it’s only getting better. As a matter of fact, things are moving faster for me this year then ever before. I’m just so thrilled.
Thank you for your comment Marcus, it means a lot. So glad we are blogging buddies! See you around soon.
Adrienne
Diana Simon
Hi Adrienne, what an amazing story and thanks for sharing your experience here. I am new to blogging and appreciate your honesty of how sometimes things don’t workout such as the network marketing you first joined.
I left the corporate world to do something I have always wanted and that’s teaching. That lead me to coaching where I have completed my training to be a certified professional coach. I haven’t left teaching because I know that building a business online takes time. While the gurus and experts sell the idea that it’s easy to make money online, I think that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication (which you have mentioned!)
I have only been blogging for 2 months and have heard of guest posting. I admire your courage and hope to also follow your footsteps by guest posting soon. Soon meaning next month 🙂
Thanks for sharing and putting yourself out there!
Adrienne
Hi Diane,
Welcome to blogging, I sure hope you are enjoying this experience. As you can tell, there are a LOT of fabulous people online and I’ve learned so much from each and every one of the ones I’ve come across.
That’s the reason I chose the path I’m currently on. There is way too much hype online that is so misleading and I fell for it when I first started. Silly me, but I want everyone else to know what it takes to get to where you want to be.
Congratulations on your career change and now the coaching. Some people were trying to convince me to become a life coach because I’m so good at helping people “put things into perspective”. I’ve always had that natural way about me and I’m also the one everyone calls for advice. But I wanted to do something different and I admire that you went for what you want and now you are building that business so you can leave the corporate world behind some day. That’s the smartest thing to do.
When you decide to start guest posting, send me an email because I’ve got a list of blogs that accept guest posts so you might want to look at some of those. I also had my first guest blogger write for me last week so I’m going to consider that as well for my blog. So let me know when you are ready and maybe we can do something together.
I appreciate your comment and can’t wait to check out your blog. I’ve got me another blogging friend now. I’m looking forward to it. 🙂
Adrienne
Linda
Awesome post, Adrienne!
I enjoyed reading about you and how you started online. I am happy that you found something that you completely enjoy and makes you money! WOOHOO! That’s what we here are all striving to achieve and it is always exciting to read how yet another person has quit their JOB to become successful online.
Congrats on your achievements!
Linda
Adrienne
Thanks Linda, I appreciate that!
I also enjoy reading how people have gotten to where they are and I have heard some really touching stories over the past few years. Just keeps inspiring me to never give up.
Glad we are on this journey together!
Thanks again…
~Adrienne
Curtis Basco
Just Read: Finally Living For Me http://bit.ly/fHaiuM @EndGrind
Wow ! Adrienne, what a neat partial autobiography of your climb out of a prison in jobs that you were too good at, bored, and miserable. No one writes like you do, with that personal touch that resonates with that personal insight to let us all feel your vulnerability, mistakes, and now, wisdom in your field .! I love each of your wonderful sites ! What a special gift to know you personally and be called a friend. You’re SPECIAL, and I know it !
curtis basco
Adrienne
Ah Curtis, you’re the best my friend. You are always inspiring me to look beyond my insecurities about some of the little things and making be believe in myself. It’s friends like you that keep me moving forward help me keep realizing I can truly conquer the world.
Thank you SO much for taking time from your busy schedule to read and comment on my first guest post. I know life has been hectic lately but it sounds like things are only getting better for you as well. Can’t wait till you get your blog up and going. I don’t doubt you will be a huge success as well.
Shirley Hoke
Dear Adrienne, I loved your story and the inspiration I received from it as I was reading it.
It has been so wonderful getting to know you. When we met the first time in Houston, it was as if we’ve known each other for a long time. It was so much fun!
I’m excited about starting the training with you and for your help with my first blog.
Your quote, “Introduce people to who you are…not what you do,” I hope to use in my first post.
Thank you Adrienne for who you are and what you do to help others.
Blessings,
Shirley Hoke
Adrienne
Hi Shirley,
You are one of my very first real friends I met here online and I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to meet in person while you were here for your conference. What a journey we’ve both been on ever since.
I’m always thrilled and excited to help you in any way I can because I know you have so much to offer others. We are both living proof that even us oldies but goodies still have a lot in us and we too can have success online. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you get started. As long as you start.
I’m so looking forward to that first post. It’s only the beginning for you young lady!
Thanks again Shirley and hope you are having a blessed day!
Adrienne
Connie Rose
What a FANTASTIC article, Adrienne! Even though I knew your story, it was wonderful to read it and be inspired all over again! I look forward to working with you soon to get my blog up and running! 😀 Thank you for your honesty and willingness to just give us the facts, Ma’am! You RAWK!!
Adrienne
Ah thanks Connie, I appreciate you stopping by. I KNOW how busy you are young lady. I’m eager to get your blog up and running so you can start reaping the rewards that you are due. You will have so much fun socializing with everyone. You have such a unique service you offer.
Thanks again…
Adrienne
Justin | Mazastick
I love the idea of escaping corporate America in exchange for some personal freedom. Your story is awesome to hear and very inspiring to me.
Adrienne
Ah thank you Justin…
You know sometimes we just need to go for it and pray that it will all work out. I’m just very blessed that I have a very supportive family and friends who have never told me I was a complete idiot and stood behind me while I took this road. I’m just so thankful it all worked out. Now I know I’ll never go back, ever and that makes me just so darn happy.
I wish you the very best with your own journey!
Brankica
Hey Adrienne, what a great story. I was really down when I read the beginning but it kinda brought me back up by the end 🙂
Although a relatively young worker I have experienced being pi$$ed at people not doing their jobs, wow, how that annoys.
I actually started my online ventures cause I was bored while being on a deployment overseas, lol, but it turned out to be great. It didn’t take me too long to start making money which is great, cause I would probably give up fast.
Now that I am doing this for fun and not going to that day job anymore, I feel great. The best part is that when I get bored with this, I just take the day off and there is noone to tell me that I can’t take it, lol.
This is really an inspirational story!
Adrienne
I will tell you Brankica, my life hasn’t been the most exciting thing. Especially the career I ended up falling into.
I’ve never known anything else and was never given any direction that I could ever do anything else. Telling my Mom that I was quitting corporate America was scary. But she knows I’m a go getter and not one to sit on my hands doing nothing.
I also have a very low tolerance for people who don’t do the work which is why I became more and more dissatisfied with that career. Of course, a lot of people online aren’t willing to do the work either but that doesn’t affect me anymore.
Deployment overseas, wow. Now that sounds interesting. I wish I had been given other options when I was younger but then again, I wouldn’t have learned what I have so I have to take what life gives me. I’m happy now and that’s what matters most.
Thanks SO much for commenting. You know I appreciate you girl. See you soon.
Bruce
I found you from a comment you did on Ana’s Traffic Generation Cafe profile page – what a great idea that was, (so great I “borrowed” it!)
Classy the way you closed comments & redirected people here.
This was almost like looking in the mirror, – except I’m a guy!! – & I haven’t taken the big step yet & said adios to work I’ve begun to dislike.
Your story is remarkably similar to mine, even the network marketing stint. (Want some pills? I’ve got a closet full!!)
Great first guest post – give yourself a back pat!
– Bruce
Adrienne
Hey Bruce,
Don’t you LOVE it when we run across so many cool ideas others are sharing and actually telling us to do the same thing. Okay, well if you insist!
I know some people must think I’m crazy but I wanted ALL the comments to be on this one post. And look how well that turned out! Yey me! lol…
Wow Bruce, really! My story is similar to yours. I’ve never met someone else with a similar story so I’m thrilled to meet you. So I guess my advice would be don’t pray too hard that they let you go because believe me when I tell you, it works!!! But, I’m SO thrilled it all worked out or I would never have done this. Okay, well maybe I would have eventually but when you have that job you think that everything is going to be okay so you don’t need this. At least I thought that!
Sorry, sounds like you got stuck on auto-ship. Thank goodness my experience wasn’t like that but it might as well have been since mine was a higher priced ticket item. Ouch! Oh well, I still use the product so not all is lost.
I’ll have to be sure and visit your blog to see what you are up to these days..
Thanks so much for checking my blog out and commenting on my very first guest post! So glad you stopped by. Oh, and I’ve been patting myself on the back all weekend. SO glad this all worked out!
Nomadic Chick
It takes an immense amount of guts to dive into something new without a known outcome.
I love that you are older (as am I) and are proof that you CAN change your life.
Thanks for sharing and here’s to living for you!
Adrienne
That it does my friend and I don’t know if it was that in particular or I was just fed the heck up with it all. I had even attended a seminar the year before titled “What do you want to be when you grow up” hoping that would help but it didn’t. I’m not the gutsy kind of woman but I’m so thrilled I went for it and then there was no turning back.
I love that you are on this same journey and there are many more women my age going for it as well. That J.O.B. holds no promises as many have found out the hard way so why not try to improve your life while you can!
Thanks for the comment, I really appreciated hearing from you. This has been such an awesome experience.
Daca
I am not so good with writing a comments, but I just wanted you to know this is one beautiful story. I really like it.
Adrienne
Ah thank you Daca… I’ve learned that if you write from the heart, nothing else matters. I hope you will move forward with that and start expressing yourself. I’m sure you will do fabulous!!! We all have a story to tell.
Thank you so much for your comment. Small or not, I appreciate it.
Ileane
Hi Adrienne,
What a fantastic introduction to your life story. I was devastated when I lost my Mom last year so I can truly relate to your grief when your Dad passed. You and I are more alike than we realized. It’s been a pleasure meeting you online and this post just brought me one step closer to Adrienne Smith – “the person”.
I actually did a guest post where I shared a lot about my personal life too and I think it’s a very liberating experience, perhaps even therapeutic.
Steve,
Thanks for hosting Adrienne for this post. I’ll be sure to visit your blog more often.
Cheers!
Adrienne
Hi Ileane, I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my first guest post. I’m happy to hear that you did one similar to this one as well. I thought if I’m going to start, writing about my life will be a breeze.
I’m so sorry you lost your Mom recently. I pray I don’t take her passing the same way I did my Dads. She’s my best friend, my rock and we are so close. I can only imagine what you have been through.
I’m so glad we have connected here online. It’s been a pleasure learning from you and I feel like I’ve known you awhile now. Looking forward to getting to know you even better.
Have the best day ever and a fabulous week.
Adrienne
Usman@FirstHosting
Aloha, really amazing story.
It took a while to read it all, but it really inspired.
As I saw your blog, and saw it growing day by day, I think you learned much then and doing good, in my case it took me 3 years to understand online world and still im trying to sort it our and you done it one years.
Good
Adrienne
Hey Usaman… It was a little long so thanks for sticking with me.
Actually, I’ve been online going on 4 years now. I’ve tried so many different things and failed miserably. It seemed like it took me forever to really start learning the right things to do. And then once you do you have to start taking action. Once you do that consistently you will start seeing results and things will all start coming into place. Wish I had gotten online, found the right information and started killing it from the start. But at least I’ve finally arrived and that’s what’s important.
Appreciate your comment Usman and thank you SO much for your comment. I’ll see you soon my friend.
Adrienne
Usman@FirstHosting
but Adrienne everything going good now, right? so lets forget the past and keep on track.
Adrienne
That’s one thing I don’t dwell on any longer Usman, the past! I’m all about today and what I can do this very moment to move me in the direction I want to go. I live in the present now and it’s awesome. Plus, everything keeps getting better and better with each new day! Life is good my friend! 🙂 Thanks again!
Peter Joseph
Inspirational, certainly a life story worth hearing. It’s the great part about the internet, everyone has such stories that are worth listening. Congratulations on the guest post too, and best of luck for the future 🙂
Adrienne
That is one of the reasons I enjoy Steve’s blog so much. People are able to share their stories here. It’s great to get to know people, I mean really get to know them. Like you, this is what I love about the internet. We are all basically here for the same reasons.
Thank you Peter, I appreciate your comment and that you took the time to stop by. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Rowena Bolo
Hi Adrienne,
Congratulations on your very successful guest post! I am excited and so happy for you, reading all the wonderful comments, (now, that’s the benefit of being late in commenting 😉 )…
You know I’ve expressed this a lot of times before, Adrienne. I felt an instant connection with you because I can totally honestly say, that if I were doing “Affiliate Marketing” now, then I wouldn’t want to learn from someone else, but you! We truly have the same desire to show people that building a home-based business takes hard work, consistency and lots of patience.
Well, although I am a network marketer, I believe that the fundamentals to successfully build an online presence as well as relationships are very much the same with affiliate marketing. I saw your authenticity and passion, and I can’t be happier having known you! …And now, I know you better through this post/story.
I’ll definitely be following you on your journey, and just like what everyone said, I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll have your massive breakthrough very soon! 😉
– Rowena
Adrienne
Hey Rowena,
Thank you SO much and like you, sometimes I like being late to comment because I get to see what everyone else has said as well. My heart is racing that I’ve received so much support from this post. I was really nervous about sharing all of this but felt there was a purpose. I guess now some people actually see me as a real live human being in the same boat we all were are still are.
I felt that instant connection with you as well. All those firsts and being so nervous about them all. And I appreciate you saying that. If you were starting out in affiliate marketing you would want to learn from me. That means a lot. But I’m happy that you are happy where you are and I have all the faith in the world that you will excel. You are a go getter and someone who knows what they want. I’ll continue to follow your blog and your journey as well. You have so much to share with us all.
You are right, no matter what you are doing online the fundamentals are the same. Who would you rather team up with, learn from or purchase from since there is so much to choose from here online. Someone you feel connected to who is really there to help you. That’s who!!!
I appreciate your ongoing support and you can bet that my breakthrough is just around the corner. We’ll have to talk soon because I have even more to share with you along those lines. But, knowing you are in France for a month I hope you take some time to yourself and spend it with your hubby. I’m sure he’s busy but what a place to be and together. Just enjoy this time.
Thanks again so much and we’ll be talking soon.
Adrienne
Rowena Bolo
Hi Adrienne,
I believe that I attracted the best people from online marketing (any niche) after I joined Heather’s forum and tribe. If it wasn’t for that community, I wouldn’t have known you, Jon, Janet, Sam, etc. In fact, through knowing all of you, I also know your the equally amazing connections you have! It’s like a web spider web of all wonderful, helpful people! What a beautiful blogosphere it is 😉
Thanks so much for having that instant connection with me, Adrienne. I must admit that I never imagined developing friendships with people from all over the world. I knew I was going to be online, but the relationships built just keep getting better.
Well, I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of my online journey, and you can be assured that I’ll be supporting you in your journey.
Congratulations for the “nth” time! And there are more celebrations to come – I just know 🙂
p.s. Thanks for your well-wishes, Adrienne. My time here in France would definitely open up a new level of inspiration and creativity!
– Rowena
Jill
Hi Adrienne!
This is such a wonderful post! I’m just getting into affiliate marketing and I can’t express how much courage and motivation you give me. 🙂 I’m so happy I found your blog and I look forward to going back and reading from the beginning as I have a lot to learn!
There’s so much great information out there and many people I’m learning lots from but I so appreciate how down to earth and approachable you are. I feel like you’re a friend that I could have a cup of coffee or a beer with. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your journey!
Adrienne
Hey Jill, thank you for this. It really means a lot to me. If you ever have any questions or problems, give me a shout. I’m always here to help and even guide you in the right direction. With my NSA blog I literally tell you everything I’m doing and even have shot some videos walking you through some of it. I don’t like seeing people struggle the way I did.
I feel the same way about a lot of people I meet online. Once we start chatting and getting to know each other it seems like we’ve known each other for years. That’s why I love socializing so much.
Can’t thank you enough for your comment, it really means a lot.
Have a fabulous day!
Adrienne
Josh Garcia
Hi Adrienne,
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this story. Take a look at how many people enjoyed it. I would have never known that you were nervous. Do it again!
Have a great day…
Josh
Adrienne
Thanks Josh, and it definitely helps that I’ve received so many wonderful comments. I think we are all a little nervous with our first guest post. At least I like to think so. 🙂
You have a great day as well!
Adrienne
Sire
What a great journey you had Adrienne. Sure there were some hurdles along the way but it was overcoming those hurdles that helped to mould you into the woman that you are.
Regarding network marketing, wouldn’t it be amazing if everyone pulled their own weight? Too bad they just concentrate on recruiting more members rather than actually generating an income?
At least with affiliate marketing you reap the benefits of the fruits of your labor.
Congratulations on your first guest post Adrienne.
Adrienne
Hey Sire, thanks so much for stopping by. I’m honored that you took time out of your busy scheduled to read my 1st guest post. Yep, I’m still excited.
I think that everyone wishes their lives would have been a peace of cake but then again, we wouldn’t have learned the lessons that we obviously had to learn in order to become the people we are today. At least that’s the way I choose to view things. I’m excited that I am where I am now. Life is great.
You are SO right. I wish that everyone who decided to create some type of business for themselves already knew without a doubt that it was going to take a lot of work on their part in order to reach success. Maybe then, everyone would do their part and then all could reap those rewards. Oh well, maybe some day right!
I am proud of my accomplishments and where I am today. Everything that I have worked so hard to put into place, I’m seeing the results. I hope everyone else is having the same type of success.
Thanks again Sire and I appreciate your time! You’re the best.
Sire
I’m sure those that are working at it are having some sort of success and if it’s not happening right away it’s only a matter of time, as long as they keep plugging away.
Mavis Nong @ Online Business Tools
Hey Adrienne,
First off, congratulations on your first guest post! Nervous? Never! You did a great job – look at the comments here 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational story. I love reading stories like this.
I wish you massive success and look forward to more of your guest posts 😉
All the best,
Mavis
Adrienne
Hey Mavis,
Yep, I was a nervous wreck not only writing this piece but kind of letting the cat out of the bag with some of the things I’ve been through that I’m not so proud of. But as I will continue to say, obviously I needed to go through those things or I wouldn’t be where I am today!
I also enjoy reading other people’s journeys of how they got to where they are. It’s one of the best ways to actually get to know someone. Helps us to connect with them in some small way. Which is why I love Steve’s blog. I hope more people will support him as he continues on this journey of his as well.
Thank you again.
Adrienne
Joy
Congratulations Adrienne, you did a fantastic job with your first guest post.
I am sorry you have had to experience such unhappiness and misery to bring you to this point in your life, but from a selfish point of view,I have gained from your pain. You are such an inspiration and give me the kick I need to continue on this wonderful new path I am taking.
Again Adrienne, great job and thanks for the look into what has made you who you are today.
Cheers
Joy
Adrienne
Hi Joy,
Thanks for that and you are right, sometimes we need to experience certain things in order to move forward. I wish I had never had to go through the horror I did with loosing my Dad but being in therapy made me really take a look at the bigger picture. I reevaluated my life and took a very hard look at myself. Had I not gone through that, I would have stayed on the same path and I know how that would have turned out! Not pretty!
I’m so thrilled that I’m able to inspire you to keep going young lady because you can do this. We all can with the right information and consistency. I’m happy to be on this journey with you.
Have a blessed day!
Adrienne
Lou Barba@informationhighwaycardandgiftshop.com
Hi Adrienne,
Congratulations on your success in the internet marketing arena. There needs to be lots of people like you whose actions aren’t 100% tied up to the dollar.
Lou Barba
Adrienne
Thanks Lou, I appreciate that and I agree with you. I know people want to make money but there’s so much more that can come from this experience when given the opportunity.
Appreciate your comment.
Adrienne
Bill Gelwick
Thank you for sharing this here Adrienne. What a great story. I enjoyed greatly reading it. Sounds like everyone thinks making money online is going to be easy, for the first 5 minutes or so. Actually, I’ve learned that it IS easy, but it’s not SIMPLE.
Adrienne
Appreciate it Bill, it means a lot.
There is a lot to building a business online and it’s crucial that they get the right support from people who can help. I thought I could do this alone but I was sadly mistaken. There are going to be certain areas you will definitely need help with because you just can’t seem to grasp it or it’s not your area of expertise. That’s why socializing really helps. Look at all the awesome people I’ve met through socializing. Yep, just like you said. It’s easy, it’s just not simple.
Thanks Bill!
Jeffrey Morgan
Ok, here I am … what is it that we’re supposed to do over here? Ohh…
Hi Adrienne,
I’ve been at it for about the same amount of time as yourself. My start was a little different, with the building of my own Linux OS first. I finally ran out of money before finishing the project and thought that I would take on Blogging. If anyone could succeed at Blogging it would be me. Two years later … nothing. You’re kidding right?
Time to shift gears, so I thought that I would offer my services to others who wanted to build websites for their brick and mortar businesses. I just finished a site for $6000.00. I’m close to riches, I’m sure of it … except for the fact that it took me two months of 10 hour days to finish the site. That’s $36,000 a year, taxes out of that, I’m still below the poverty line for a family of four in the states. You just can’t think this stuff up … I dare you to even try!
Adrienne
Ah Jeffrey, my dear dear Jeffrey… 🙂
Wow, we’ve been doing this the same amount of time! Well, I definitely know you know your stuff with those coding posts you’ve been writing about recently. You know how over my head those are.
Sounds like your online business is very time consuming but just think how it will be once you start getting a lot of referrals. Maybe you can even start assisting people with creating their blogs… You know how people want their own blogs so maybe that’s something to consider. I have no doubt you will have success either way.
And you are right, you just can’t think that stuff up! LOL!!! You’re a hoot!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I REALLY appreciate it.. Hang in there my friend. It will all work itself out!
Darren Spruyt
Wow.. Truly inspiring story there Adrienne. I must say that it was very courageous of you to take that leap of faith.
I would say that I have been very fortunate to have worked for the devil at a very young age. I remember working for a really mean boss while I was serving the conscript army – I would get reprimanded for no reason, had to work really long hours, and get blamed for his mistakes. This also meant that I could not just QUIT if I want to until I served my term.
Wait, then again, isn’t everyone working in the corporate world like that? They suck it up because they don’t want to lose that JOB. I guess it really does not matter when you realize that you need to make the shift, the importance is that you do make that shift and I must applaud you for that!
It is great to hear you are doing well online and I would definitely love to learn more from you. 🙂 Great post!!!
Regards,
Darren Spruyt
Adrienne
Thank you Darren, I appreciate your comment.
That’s the scary part about depending on the corporate world. That’s all we know and for most of us, that’s all we think there really is! We have that mindset that we’ll just quit this one and the next one will be better but it never is. It’s never ending.
But as long as we finally reach some point that we know this is enough and take some type of step, that’s all that really matters.
Thanks for sharing that with us. It’s nice to know I’m not the only person this has happened to. I know you are on a different road now as well. I hope to learn more about you too. So until then, have a great week!
Adrienne
Jym
Hi Adriennne,
What a story… You’ve come a long way to get to where you are! It’s stories like yours that serve to inspire and give hope to those who are at the beginning of such a journey, knowing there’s a freer way to live but perhaps not sure how to step forth and reach for it.
I have to say this seems like a very fitting first post to have read of yours – i feel like I know you already!
Great work and nice to connect with you.
All the best,
Jym
Adrienne
Hi Jym,
Life is one big learning experience wouldn’t you say! That’s why I love sharing what I learn with others because I want them to know that I started much later in life than most. Totally changed career paths, jumped into the unknown, failed miserably, but I never gave up and it’s all paid off. If I can do this, anyone can if they have the passion to do something else with their lives.
Since we have just recently connected I’m glad that you have now learned a little something about me. You can definitely tell that I’m just your normal (well maybe not) average person paving their way to a better life.
Thanks for the comment Jym and am looking forward to getting to know you better as well.
Have a blessed day!
Adrienne
Dr. Bob Clarke
Adrienne, you post is so inspiring. As a fellow Baby Boomer I know how difficult it can be to transform from a “comfortable” life to one that is more challenging but far more rewarding on a personal level.
In regards to your Network Marketing experience, one sentence in your post especially rings true. You wrote, “I finally started learning that if you want to have success, you have to introduce people to who you are, not what you do.”
When you figure that out, then networking becomes much simpler, and a heck of a lot more fun. You start attracting those like you and worthy of your time. That’s when you start seeing success in any business model.
Great post, Adrienne. I look forward to getting to know you better in Heather’s community!
Adrienne
Hey Bob,
You lead such an interesting life, both you and your wife. At least you are preparing for your future which a lot of people just aren’t really thinking about. Until it’s happened to you and your life changes at the blink of an eye, most people believe that what they have been doing and preparing for is enough. There is no job security anymore and your investments aren’t always safe. Life can surprise you at any moment so it’s really smart to be more prepared.
Yes, it was a learning experience for me and it’s helped me so much with what I’m doing online. Once you find out more about a person you can then decide whether or not what you have will be a fit for them or you may know someone you can introduce them to. Either way, they will be much more open to listening to you once you have taken the time to actually get to know them. That’s a lesson everyone needs to learn no matter what direction you go.
I’m looking forward to getting to know you as well Bob and thank you SO much for your comment. I really do appreciate it. I know you are one busy guy…
Hope you have a wonderful day and we’ll connect again soon.
Adrienne
Mouh
Adrienne, I am so touched. As I read your story tears welled up in my eyes, seriously.
From now and on, you are my inspiration!
Adrienne
Ah Mouh, thank you for that!!! I hope they were tears of joy because I’m in such a better place. Guess we all have to go through something to get to where we are.
Some of life’s issues aren’t always pleasant but as long as we learn from them then I guess they were necessary.
Happy to hear I can be an inspiration! Boy, you made my day young man! Thank you for that and for commenting. I appreciate you!
Have a blessed day!
Adrienne
Allyson Stewart
Hi, Adrienne!
Thanks for sharing your life and experiences with us. I can truly feel your heart and passion!
I’m a new follower of yours and am glad to have found you… I am glad as well that you followed your dream and quit your “corporate” day job. Now, you’re making an impact in the lives of others so they too can “live life.”
Congratulations!! I wish you continued success.
Adrienne
Thank you Allyson…
I am glad I left that all behind even if I had to struggle for quite some time. In the end, it was well worth every moment, every lesson learned, every failed opportunity and every amazing person that I have met along the way. I definitely am finally living for me!
I appreciate your support and your comment. I wish you the same…
Jens P. Berget
Hi Adrienne,
Wow, what a brilliant post. I love that you’re writing such a personal story and that you’re showing us that everything is possible and that success is really just about working hard and following your dreams.
Way too many people are just working at their old jobs, because that’s what they’re used to or that’s what people expect them to be doing. I know this from my own experience. That’s exactly what happened when I told people that I was going to write a novel and stop working.
Some people told me I was nuts, other people admired me and said that it was awesome. It’s all about following your passion, and you did a brilliant job of inspiring us to do exactly that.
Thanks Adrienne.
Adrienne
Thank you Jens, that means a lot coming from you. I feel we are a lot alike in many ways. I admire the road you are taking as well and love how honest you are on your blog.
I know there aren’t as many people willing to take that plunge. Personally, I have never really cared what other people think. I just really haven’t ever known any better to be honest with you. But once that was awoken in me, I was full steam ahead. So glad I took that leap of faith and I’m happy you have done the same. Wish I could read your novel but know it’s in your own language. Probably a really interesting story though. You KNOW I love mysteries.
We aren’t nuts at all Jens, just following our dream and not afraid to take chances. I’m living proof that you can start at any age.
Thanks again my friend, I really appreciate your comment. Have a blessed day!
Adrienne
Nigel Yip
Hi Adrienne
What a inspirational story and it’s wonderful to hear that you enjoy working from home. I also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on doing such a brilliant guest post. Keep up the great work and thanks again for sharing with us your story.
Best wishes with everything
Kindest regards
Nigel
Adrienne
Thanks Nigel, I appreciate you taking the time. I know life has been pretty hectic for you lately!
I love working from home. I’m such a people person that my family and friends were worried about me but I love it. I’m online chatting with people a lot so I don’t feel alone at all. Have also had a chance to meet some of them in person now. It’s been a great experience.
I’m so glad you enjoyed ready my story and I appreciate your comment. Thanks again.
Adrienne
Alexis
That’s one of the best story I’ve read this year online.I really feel connected to you now. It’s amazing how powerful is your saying that “Introduce people to what you are not what you do”. Your post is spot on Adrienne.You’ll make it dear!!!
Adrienne
Wow, thank you Alexis… You know I’m sure there are plenty more stories to be told. People just haven’t had that opportunity. Hence, Steve’s site is a great platform for just that. I love what he’s doing here.
It goes without saying that by introducing people to who you are instead of what you do, you will make a lot more connections. That’s how you build up that trust. Sure, it takes time but look at the rewards it brings. I say everyone should be doing much more of that instead of trying to push their stuff on everyone. Help them learn, be there to answer questions and you’ve just made a brand new connection.
Thanks Alexis, I appreciate it! Have a blessed day.
Adrienne
Chelsea Thomas
Adrienne,
What an inspirational background you have! I have to give you HUGE props for having the guts to leave the corporate world and take on something new and that you love!
You said it, I’d rather be poor and happy rather than “rich” and miserable too.
As I’ve learned, it is possible to be financially comfortable and do what you love at the same time.
Thanks for sharing this. Stories like these are a great inspiration to me to keep pushing for what I want in life and not to settle.
Adrienne
Hey Chelsea, thanks for the comment. Yep, it took a LOT of guts for me to say goodbye to the only thing I’ve ever known. Especially since I’m single and have no other support. Pretty darn risky if I say so myself but that’s motivation enough to keep on going and although I struggled it all paid off.
I also own the majority of my possessions so that is a big plus for me. Not much debt so what I make, I’m comfortable with. But, it will continue to get better with time.
I hope my story does continue to inspire others that they too can follow their dreams. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy helping others so they won’t have to go through near the same things I did to get to where they need to be.
Keep up the excellent work young lady! I admire what you are doing.
Jayne Kopp
Hi Adrienne, I am back again!! I have read this post and I really enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first time. Last time, I didn’t realize it was your first guest post.
I have only ever done one guest post too… I was nervous too… I think you did an awesome job and I am sure this blog has seen lots of new traffic!
Great job Adrienne!
See you soon and have a wonderful weekend this Easter!
Adrienne
Ah that’s so sweet Jayne, thanks for reading it again.
Yep, my very first one so you can definitely relate. Everyone was saying you had nothing to be nervous about but you know the feeling. You have NO idea how people will react especially since I’m sharing my personal journey for all to read.
I’ve now gotten other requests for guest posts so we shall see how that goes.
Thank you again Jayne, that means a lot. I’ll definitely have a wonderful Easter, I’m spending it with my Mom. You have a glorious weekend as well.
Adrienne
Heather C Stephens
Hi Adrienne,
Wow, I can’t believe this is your first guest post! Well done, lady! 🙂 I loved hearing your success story and I’m excited for you!
Working in a negative environment where you pray for them to let you go is a great motivator to help you end the grind and start out on your own. You’ve done an amazing job and I’m exited to learn more about affiliate income from you this year!
Beautiful post, Adrienne! I’d love you to guest post for me! 🙂
Heather
Adrienne
Hi Heather,
My very first guest post and I’m so thrilled it was so well received. Throwing everything out there is sometimes very scary but like I mentioned before, without having gone through all of that I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Little did I know that as I was praying to be let go that this would be the beginning of my new journey. I made that decision rather quickly upon walking out that door. I did try a few things before coming online but soon learned they were not for me either.
I appreciate the invitation Heather and thank you so much for your comment. I know I’ll be seeing you again soon.
Adrienne
Stacy
Hi Adrienne,
What an inspiring story! You have really stepped up and made a difference. You have a lot to share with others, you are a true leader.
Thank you for sharing your story, it’s always great to learn more about other bloggers. Stories like this really help to feel more connected!
Take care,
Stacy
Adrienne
Hi Stacy,
Thanks for your comment and I appreciate it.
You know, I could have thrown my hands up regarding a lot of issues that have happened to me in my life and just stayed in that same rut. But I don’t like to be miserable so I just couldn’t see myself doing that. I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone or I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I enjoy learning about others which help me connect with them as well. I know everyone has a story to share.
Thanks again and hope you are having a wonderful day!
Adrienne
Barry Wells
Hi Adrienne, Fantastic post and what an inspiration you are.
You’ve faced many challenges through life Adrienne and I feel you’re a living testament to my theory that life and work are like an athletic track. You get some momentum and along come the hurdles (problems) and when they present themself we have four options.
Get over it
Get around it
Get through it
Or stay where you are
Having faced many problems myself in life I always use the athletic track theory and it helps every time. Like you rightly said Adrienne, it’s about having the right minset along with some determination.
Reading through your post, and seeing some of the problems and issues you have faced, both in life and the work place, really is an inspiration for us all and one that many of us can learn from.
Onwards and upwards Adrienne, with your mindset there isn’t much that will stand in your way for long.
I wish you every success
Respect and Regards, Barry
Adrienne
Hello my dear friend… I appreciate you making it over there to read my post. Glad you enjoyed my story.
I think you and I have some thing in common. We are the ones that get over it or get through it! 🙂 Life keeps throwing us curve balls and I’ll run all over the place to catch them. Might take me awhile but I’ll get there. Be patient right!
Thanks Barry, I appreciate you! I just topped my comments to 150! I’m so excited! Thank you.
Adrienne
Marco Lee
Inspiring story Adrienne. I’m still in my twenty’s and have not even experienced office work.
I’ve read somewhere that “you don’t need to motivate employees, you just don’t need to make them feel unmotivated”. Maybe the pressure from the sloppiness of your coworkers and the issue from your dad triggered you to shift… cause you don’t want to feel that way anymore.
Good thing is that, you’ve found a way to better yourself, and yeah, live for yourself. We got to be selfish sometimes. 🙂
Adrienne
Hey Marco,
That’s awesome that you’ve never had to experience the office environment. I sure hope you haven’t had to experience corporate America at all. I believe that the younger generation has so many more opportunities that we never had at our age and for some reason, you guys are just so much smarter in the technology department. You can just figure things out and have that drive about you knowing that working for someone else is never where you truly want to be.
You are right, there was a definite shift for me. As time went by and the coworkers situation was not improving, all it took was losing my Dad for me to realize just how unhappy I truly was. I’ve always known life is too short but when it hits you in the face like that, it can’t be denied.
Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. I’ll have to stop by and visit your blog. It’s a pleasure.
Adrienne
Marco Lee
Thanks Adrienne. 🙂
I also believe that we the younger generation is so much privileged to for the opportunities that we can have. Sad thing is that most people don’t take that chance, or just cant put their heart out and live up to it. (Sermoning myself, haha)
More power to you!
Annie Andre
Adrienne,
What an amazing post. I feel your pain of corporate america. Those pesky golden handcuffs. I was actually grateful that i was laid off from my job a few years ago. Happiness is under rated..
We’re in the process of switching gears and i hope i never have to go back to corporate america. I sold all my expensive High heals and gave away all my suits. Ritualistically i hope it works…
Looking forward to visiting your blog.
Adrienne
Hi Annie,
I look at it as a wonderful blessing I was laid off. I know it can be very rough at first but in the end, it’s the best thing that could happen. Makes you put everything into high gear and go for it.
I wish you the very best Annie and have no doubt you will succeed at whatever you take on. Thanks for the comment and for taking the time to read about my journey. I appreciate it!
Have a beautiful day!
Adrienne
Maninder @ HackTik.com
Very touching and emotional post Adrienne. I could not leave until I read it full. This may be the story with many but not everyone has the capacity to take that plunge which you could do.
Adrienne
Thank you so much for saying that. That’s my life story and how I got here. I think sometimes we just need that wake up call and I didn’t want mine to be too late. It was now or never and I don’t regret it at all. If I can do this, anyone can.
Thanks again, I appreciate your comment.
Adrienne
amy@Goodbye Cellulite
You inspire me! How long into the 4 years online was it before you knew it was for you? I get so frustrated sometimes when doing SEO and learning different aspects of it. But then I realize that all learning takes time and patience and that if I stick to it, I will get it down. Thanks again for sharing your experience!
Adrienne
Hey Amy,
I’m glad that I can be an inspiration to you. That’s wonderful!
This truly can be a very frustrating place to be because everything is a learning process and we are learning things outside our comfort zones. Some of these things were so over my head. But I knew this was the only place I could be that could afford me the opportunity to actually make a better income then what I made in the corporate world and work from home. I knew from the start this was for me, I just had to find the right information so that I could finally get to where I wanted to be.
Hang in there young lady and don’t quit. If you need some assistance, send me an email and I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Have a wonderful day!
~Adrienne