My Success Story With eBoz.com

Home > Promote > Advertising > Articles

by Michael Wong

This article was originally published as the editorial introduction in the May issue of my eBoz! newsletter. It was never intended as an article, but I was overwhelmed by the response it got. So, here it is, in case you missed it.

It's been 6 months since I started eBoz!. I threw in my job and decided to make a go of it full-time. I knew businesses on the web can become quite successful, pretty quickly, but I was realistic and gave myself 6 months to make it work.

And has it? YES! I'm not making a fortune, but I am just about making as much money as I was in my boring day time job. And I am having a lot more fun and feel a real sense of achievement, which is just as important, if not more important, than the money itself.

That's not bad, considering that most businesses in the real world don't expect to make a profit in the first 12-18 months. But a web business costs a lot less to set up than a business in the real world.

And if I can do it, anyone can! There's nothing special about me. I don't have a degree. I'm not a computer programmer. I wasn't rich to start with. In fact, the Web site cost less than $500.00 to set up. And I only discovered the web just over a year ago.

The fact that I am based in the UK, didn't help either. We pay extortionate phone rates. Boy, do I envy American's when I hear that you get unlimited calls for $30 a month. The attitude of our banks are a joke. Tell them you are starting an Internet business and they practically laugh in your face. My bank doesn't even have an email system installed!

So why did I do it? Well, I knew I wouldn't get anywhere stuck in my old job, which by the way was a waiter. I'm not ashamed to tell you that. Many famous stars were waiters or waitresses before they became rich and famous. Working as a waiter was just a stepping stone, nothing more. I always had aspirations of being successful one day. It just took me 10 years to get around to it. So, I'm a bit slow. I know, but that's ok. I have another 40-50 years to kill, before I have to hit the grave.

You may be reading this and thinking, "If only I could do that". Keep thinking if only and it will never happen to you. But I have a family, mortgage, car, pension plans, health insurance plans, 2 dogs and 4 cats to support.

I understand. But aren't those just excuses? Be honest. Let me tell you this story.

I have a friend who has a mortgage, family, car and all the other things, to support. He was earning quite a lot of money as well, in his 9-5 job. But he decided that he wanted more than what his job was offering him. He didn't quit his job straight away and start up his get rich quick plan. That would have been foolish.

He started by building a Web site in his spare time. Over the course 2 years, he built it up into a successful enterprise. By the time he was ready to take the plunge, he didn't really have to worry about where the money was going to come from, as his Web site and other online ventures were making a very tidy profit for him.

I've tried my hands at many things over the years, full-time and part-time. Most of them failed miserably. But I never gave up. It is always said that winners never give up.

I remember a story about a TV show about millionaires. They were all about 35 or so. The interviewer asked how many businesses they had run before they became successful. I can't remember exactly how many they said, but I think it was in the region of about 15. So they had all failed 14 times, before they made it!

How about the story of Thomas Edison. Apparently, it took him over 1,000 attempts, before he successfully invented the electric light bulb. A young reporter at the time interviewed him after his 500th attempt. He asked, "Mr. Edison, why do you persevere with this invention, after failing 500 times to make it work?". Mr. Edison replied, "Young man, you have got it all wrong. I haven't failed 500 times. I've simply discovered 500 ways of how not to make an electric light bulb."

How about the story that the man behind Kentucky Fried Chicken. Apparently he needed funding for his idea and had to knock on over 800 doors, before someone would take on his idea. That's what I call perseverance! Could you take 800 no's? I would have shot myself after about 50.

So what am I blabbing on about?

All I am trying to say is that the Internet is full of opportunities. It has often been quoted that the net is a gold mine, and it is. Everyone is welcome to take their share and you don't even have to travel to California for it, either.

It doesn't matter where you live, what your circumstances are, how old you are, how much money you have, what qualifications you have, or what color, creed or sex you are. All you have to do is learn all you can from people and companies who are successful on the net. Read as much as you can. Learn how to build a Web site and market a Web site Get some Web site building software packages and play around with it. Think of a new idea and start building your first Web site

And your idea doesn't have to be something unique, although it does help. All you have to do, is make sure that you build and market it more better than 80% of your competitors. It is often said that the top 20% in any profession will always be guaranteed a job. I think the same can be said for businesses. The top 20% will be successful.

If you need help and guidance in starting your web business, feel free to contact me. I will have to charge you for my time, so please only write to me, if you are serious and have the resources. I wish I could offer my time and knowledge for free, but I have to eat as well!

I'll finish with a few final thoughts.

"85% of everything that a person will accomplish or attain would be based on their attitude. Only 15% would be based on their aptitude or ability."

German expression - "Too soon old, too late smart"

"Most people are afraid of change because we are afraid that as a result of change, we will be worse off than before the change took place."

And this is one that I love. Remember this the next time you make a lame excuse for not calling someone or for missing an appointment or forgetting to send that birthday card.

"There is never enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time to do the most important things."

I wish you the very best of luck with your online business!