What I Did Today.
Yesterday, I sent out a mailing to my EasyPLR.com list with a questionnaire asking for feedback on a few things.
If you'd like to give me your feedback, you can here: Please Help Me to Best Serve You!
I've gotten over 70 responses so far and one of the common trends I'm seeing is a level of frustration. Basically “Stop telling me what to do and tell me what YOU do.”
I understand. It has to do with both Credibility and Trust.
I also got questions about “Do you REALLY make a sustainable income online?” I don' t know if you're asking about me, specifically or if it's possible. I don't normally share numbers, simply because I was raised to be private about money, I don't really want to tick off the FTC, and because I figure I'll be real and you'll see the truth, as opposed to those who are talking out of their ears.
However, I also realize that's a leap of faith that I'm asking for.
Here's the scoop.
- Yes, I make over six figures online.
- Yes, I can send an email and make several thousand dollars if it's the right offer. (And, sometimes they just bomb. lol!)
- Yes, I consistently make money in niches OTHER than Internet Marketing. I don't just sell “how to make money online” stuff. I started in other niches and still “play” there to make sure anything I teach works across the board for all niches.
- Yes, my ONLY source of income for my family is my business.
- Yes, both my husband and my mother work for/with me.
- Yes, I can have the heat pump break, have a new one installed and pay cash.
- Yes, I'm debt free.
My life is pretty wonderful.
- No, I don't own a Ferrari.
- No, I don't have a million dollars in cash laying around.
- No, I don't have a vacation home in Hawaii.
- No, I don't own a private jet.
I hope that helps clear that up. 🙂
So, back on that note — here's exactly what I've done today. This is not an “average” day as there is no such thing in my life. I have kids, dogs, a marriage, and a business. There is no “normal”. And, my to do list may not match yours.
However, in all transparency, here's my day as of 12:45 as I'm about to have lunch…
1. Got up, felt stuffy from allergies. Took two Benadryls.
2. Realized I probably shouldn't have taken 2 Benadryls when my fingers started to feel fuzzy.
3. Sat at my desk with coffee and decided to work anyway and hope for the best.
4. Checked on an issue for an affiliate promo that I wanted to send today to see if I had the all clear. Got the all clear. Things are apparently working now.
5. Checked on the mailing that I'd written yesterday (for today) to see if it was helpful, useful, and valuable to still send to my readers. Sent email to my EasyPLR.com leads list and then to my customer list. (30 minutes)
6. Dealt with puppies, kids, etc. Made sure everyone was fed and dogs had been let out, kids were doing chores, etc. (an hour)
7. Checked Twitter to see if all was well there. Retweeted a few people. Responded to a few people. (10 minutes.)
8. Purchased 6 solo ads for next year. (5 minutes).
9. Tweaked & wrote copy for 6 solo ads and sent it to list owner. (30 minutes)
10. Updated my bio for the new NAMS sales page to explain who I am and what I'll be talking about for my presentation. (15 minutes)
11. Checked on Emails and dealt with a few issues. Set some emails aside to think on them, and ignored some figuring they'll either work themselves out or go away on their own.
12. Pondered the answers I got from the questionnaire and decided to think on them for a bit.
13. Got email from my VA that I only had one response for Expert Briefs this week, so I resent the email to my group there to see if anyone else wanted to contribute.
14. Loaded up some audios on my mp3 player so I can listen if I do housework later.
15. Wrote this blog post. 🙂
On a usual day, I'll do a variety of things, but across a week's time things average out more. I normally make progress on the following things –
- Do something for my lists.
- Write something on my blog.
- Fit in some form of marketing (interviews, videos, article marketing, etc.)
- Tackle something for product creation.
Well, time for me to have lunch, go to a movie and do some housework – and hopefully kick these allergies.
Let me know how your day went. I'd love to hear from you.
Warmly,
Nicole Dean
Recommended: If you'd like to peek inside the activities of other successful online business owners, you're in luck.
Two of my friends have private newsletters where they show you *exactly* what is working in their businesses every month. And, you can get either of them – cheap.
But, they aren't for absolute beginners – so only look if you consider yourself beyond the “newbie” stage. 🙂
Here they are – and I recommend them BOTH highly. Choose the one that connects more with you.
- Melissa Ingold's Private Newsletter. – Includes planning sheets, audios, and all kinds of cool stuff. Melissa really focuses on infoproducts.
- Tony Shepherd's Private Newsletter. – Includes a monthly report. Tony is no-nonsense and a little on the guerrilla marketing side of things. I pay for his newsletter and it's pretty cool, advanced stuff.
Thanks for reading!
Steph
December 28, 2010 at 2:05 pmIt’s really helpful to see what your day looks like, Nicole. Right now, my day is focused around kids, while fitting in writing/working on my sites during naptime and after bedtime. Only having a limited time to work is both a hindrance and a blessing – it’s a hindrance because it’s only a little bit of time, but it’s a blessing because I go into it laser focused and get a lot done (most days!).
I think I’ll be sad when all the kids are in school and I have the whole day to work…
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:16 amIt’s interesting, isn’t it?
I’ve been experimenting, myself. If I sit down at my desk with no agenda and an open time frame, I get very little done. However, if I plan an hour and have a solid agenda before my butt hits my chair – I can move mountains.
Over the summer, I only worked one hour per day as often as possible, just to see if my income would drop. I found I was so much more productive and creative that it didn’t.
I’m going to play with it more and let you guys know what happens. 🙂
TrafficColeman
December 28, 2010 at 1:07 pmNicole you are one busy lady who knows how to get your work done..keep pushing on young lady…hope you enjoyed the movie?
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:12 amWe got to the movie and it was sold out. lol.
Instead we went and got smoothies, got my son’s haircut, and hung out at Barnes & Nobles for awhile, came home and watched a movie on demand. “Princess and the Frog”. Cute. Reminded me how much I love New Orleans and want to go back soon.
Never did get that housework done. 😉
Alyssa
December 28, 2010 at 1:54 pmSee that’s the kind of “passive” income day I’m looking for. Client work day is much more time infused.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:14 amThere’s definitely a blend that’s important. I only do a touch of consulting and coaching – just enough that I enjoy it, but it doesn’t dictate my life.
Remember my advice: Try to make yourself your OWN client and get in at least 30 minutes to an hour on your passive stuff every day.
Lisa Marie Mary
December 28, 2010 at 8:32 pmI love, love, love this post! Without sharing details that people don’t always share, you’ve told us exactly what we might be wondering about, in terms of the income possibilities of online businesses! I love that! I also really enjoyed the list of what you’ve done so far – very interesting and helpful!
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:17 amSo you like it? lol.
I’ll do it again soon. Not today, though. I’m being lazy! 😉
Loretta
December 29, 2010 at 1:05 amI love what you’ve done here. I don’t think it’s necessary to share numbers and intimate details, and honestly I don’t like it when people do that, or feel like they have to do that, it generally comes off in the wrong way. What you did here is perfect, it gives the example without sacrificing the little bit of privacy and mystery that’s left in the world of the internet!
You’ve majorly grown and come a long way from selling mom and baby bracelets way back in the day 😉 It’s an interesting progression to watch and I love that you share your knowledge and sexy testing info with us here on your blog while still working in other niches.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:20 amThanks, dear. 🙂
I’m actually revisiting a lot of things about how I do business. While I see others getting more polished — I find it a turnoff for my target client.
If I hire a $3000 designer to rework my blog, then I can’t teach most of my customers how to do it affordably, right?
If my bio states that I have 15+ years of experience in (whatever) – then how does that give hope to someone just starting off?
Just some things rolling around in my brain this week.
The Mom
December 29, 2010 at 12:02 pmI couldn’t agree more – you don’t need all the $$$, it just makes people crazy to listen to it. I like the REAL examples.
Diana Walker
December 29, 2010 at 1:57 pmTotally agree! “Too Polished” is definitely a turnoff – we need “Real-ness” “Authenticity” more than ever before, and it is so refreshing to have your wonderful AUTHENTICITY, Nicole!
Hugs
Diana
Satu
December 29, 2010 at 5:24 amThe best thing is that there’s no sign you have to build backlinks yourself! Maybe your VA does it all or you do it on other days.. 🙂
Vacation homes, Ferraris etc don’t really appeal to me when it comes to internet marketing. Good solid six figure income does, though.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:32 amYes, it’s a very solid six figure income. And, it’s after expenses, of course.
I don’t “build backlinks” in the usual sense, per se. I do, however, produce top quality content and spread it all over the internet – which has the same effect, but has allowed me to avoid google slaps since 2004. 😉
Cindy Bidar
December 29, 2010 at 6:26 amWhat a nice day you had! I love when I have days like that. My goal for 2011 is to have more of them. I’m with you Alyssa – client work is draining. Need to do less of that and more of my own work. 🙂
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:36 amSee my response to Alyssa. 🙂
Janet Eisenbise
December 29, 2010 at 9:15 amI really enjoyed this post Nicole. Your description of your day is something I can relate to. My goals for 2011 include more time working at home doing product creation and marketing and less direct client contact. It’s heartening to see that you are succeeding. And personally I appreciate the “low disclosure” approach and am really put off when gurus post pictures of beach houses and hot cars.
Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year for you and your family. I look forward to reading your posts.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:45 amTHANK you, Janet, for taking the time to comment. While I wouldn’t mind a hot car, it just doesn’t make sense for me.
My Trailblazer gets the job done of carting around kids and taking dogs to the vet — without freaking out if something gets scratched, spilled on, or fur on it. 🙂
Sharon McMillan
December 29, 2010 at 8:53 amNo credibility issues as I know the kind of days you lead, but even so – I love seeing this and its not just about noting where I relate but more importantly how much your day reflects the kind of work, focus, interaction and flexibility that suits so many of us.
Quick question for you: are solo ads simply that – individual ads you purchased or is that some kind of advertising product. I’m planning my marketing strategy for next year and I’m looking at making some strategic ad purchasing decisions (would love your advice).
Love this post Nicole 🙂
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:39 amHi you! 🙂
I occasionally buy solo ads which are ads that run alone (not as part of a classified ad or top/bottom of the email ad) to a related list.
I’m very picky about these, but if I big marketer that I know and trust offers them, I’ll scoop them up.
Basically, they’re sending a note to their lists about me – with nothing else in it. Does that make sense?
Diana
December 29, 2010 at 10:21 amI would like to be organized. Taking care of my 86 year old Mom with Dementia does not allow this possibilty.
If I get up at 4:30 am, she will get up at 5 am. She has an internal radar which tells her I am up. Then we’re joined at the hip. Sometimes I can get an hour of so to myself.
I will just keep plugging along because I can’t stand the thought of the alternative.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 11:46 amAll you can do is all you can do.
Plugging away was how I started, too. I had a toddler home all day, so very little time to focus. Just keep at it.
Warmly,
N
The Mom
December 29, 2010 at 12:20 pm“… as opposed to those who are talking out of their ears.” Talking out of their ears? Where’d you get that? I didn’t teach you to say that? Oh, the lessons learned at mother’s knee… lmao
Okay… on to the meat of the topic. I can testify that Nicole’s normal day is fraught with peril at every corner. She has her plate FULL. Her house is crazy (she didn’t mention the drum set that Santa brought). 😉 Throw in THREE dogs now, two kids who demand plenty of her attention, and a hubby who, bless his heart, has many passions; NASCAR, football, Facebook, music, fried foods, family, and oh yeah… Nicole, and you have one wild household.
In the midst of all THIS, Nicole also has a crazy Mom who demands much of her expert advice, along with time to have fun, often over a bottle of wine. 😉
How does Nicole keep her business going? Well, all these crazy people in her life respect her and love her. Yes, we’re demanding, but we’ve learned (over some time) that Nicole’s time to work is precious and should be respected just like Nicole is. Oh, it’s not easy to tell a 13 year old, a 9 year old, a husband, and a mother to SCRAM… but she does it, and does it well.
The business end of things I can’t comment on. I know she’s good at what she does. The personal side of a day of work at home, I know something about. Nicole works hard, but she also plays hard. That’s the balance, I believe.
I enjoyed reading this post. It’s very cool to get a glimpse into your own daughter’s work world. 😀 Thanks, Nik!
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 12:23 pmLIKE!
The Mom
December 29, 2010 at 12:29 pmGLAD!
Mark Mason
December 29, 2010 at 4:47 pmI have not been to her house, but I have met both Nicole and her mom. I can confirm that they are both nuts. LOL
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 4:47 pmI resemble that. 😀
Diana Walker
December 29, 2010 at 4:58 pmTrue, True!!!! Diana
Lisa Marie Mary
December 29, 2010 at 7:42 pmBwahahaha!
KatrinaMarie
December 29, 2010 at 2:47 pmNicole,
As I take a deep breath and exhale…it has all been said…so I will just say…
Thank u, thank u, thank u for being real…You gave me back some sanity today.;)
KatrinaMarie
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 2:54 pmHi KatrinaMarie,
It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed today. Big hugs!
🙂 N
Diana Walker
December 29, 2010 at 1:53 pmBrilliant blog post, Nic!
You have helped me so much over the years, and you continue to be so real and willing to share your knowledge. Very inspiring and just what I need for 2011!
Love this…….”Remember my advice: Try to make yourself your OWN client and get in at least 30 minutes to an hour on your passive stuff every day.”
Thanks and Happy New Year, Nic!
Diana
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 2:51 pmI’m so glad you liked it, Diana! 🙂
Erik Emanuelli
December 29, 2010 at 3:44 pmThansk for sharing this post, Nicole.
You are very busy !
You helped me a lot with your tips, thanks again.
Nicole
December 29, 2010 at 2:56 pmRemember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. There was a time when I was doing the happy dance that I was making $1/day in Adsense. 🙂
Please don’t give up. I see so many wonderful people with such potential give up because they don’t have the support to get through the rough days WHEN they happen.
And, please keep sending in your questions on my survey form so I can know how to help…
http://www.nicoleonthenet.com/about-nicole/your-feedback-is-important/
Edie Dykeman
December 29, 2010 at 5:45 pmIt is great to be able to peek into a busy household. I am caregiver to my 88-year-old dad with plenty of needs, and my 3-year-old grandson with special needs. I’m spending crazy hours on the web and certainly not getting as much accomplished as I would like.
My to-do list looks doable for someone who has all day, but somehow it keeps me moving along even if I don’t have everything finished by the end of each day/week.
Reading posts such as this does give me tidbits that I can use in my current situation. Obviously with Dad’s age, I will someday have more time.
So, right now I just enjoy everyone while I can and hope for time to build my business during the week. This is my second year and I am making so much more than last year (although you would laugh at the total, LOL).
Kim Roach
December 29, 2010 at 5:15 pmHey Nicole!
You are very quickly becoming one of my favorite marketers online 🙂
I love getting a sneak peek behind the curtain.
I’ve been doing solo ads as well this year and they’re definitely one of
my favorite forms of paid advertising. Fairly low cost and much less
risky than other forms of traffic 😉
I won’t even go near PPC. Just not my style.
But solo ads I can do.
Also, have you tried the new Warrior Forum banners ads? Those are
working really well for me also. I’ve placed 4 banner ads there and I
always double my money. Definitely another nice advertising spot.
But seems they’re almost always booked 🙂
Thanks again Nicole.
You ROCK!
– Kim
Suzanne Holman
December 29, 2010 at 8:18 pmNicole, I loved spending some time with through your morning activities!
That was fun….
And I don’t know about you and your mom being crazy, but I do know you’re both
lovable and I’m happy to know you! It was great to meet your Mom at NAMS in Atlanta!
Suzanne
George Williams
December 29, 2010 at 9:23 pmLoved reading this post Nicole 🙂 Keep up the great work! Best of the season to you!
Danielle
December 29, 2010 at 11:53 pmNic,
You so totally rock:-) I knew when I met you way back when;-) what an AMAZING person you are…and may I say I sooo miss you!
We need an event to go to to catch up! Let me know where you’re going this year:-)
Love ya,
Danielle
Dawn Z Bournan d
December 30, 2010 at 6:42 amFantastic post Nicole! Thank you so much for showing us a glimpse of a superwoman in action. It is so easy to forget that success is just made up of consistent action taking mixed with a bit of fun! Thanks for the reminder.
Wishing you a wonderful New Year’s celebration and a 2011 that is even more joy filled and propsperous than the year before!
To your Fabulous Success,
Dawn
Christina Lemmey
December 30, 2010 at 9:37 amLove this post, Nicole! Definitely gives us all the hope that we can achieve more in our businesses. My goal for next year is to work on MY niche work a little each day so I can take the month of December 2011 off and really enjoy the holidays!
Genesis Davies
December 30, 2010 at 12:38 pmWell, apart from the allergies, it sounds like a great day! 🙂 My goal in 2011 is to get away from clients completely and work on my own stuff. I’ve been working on it for a while and have a bit of passive income built up, but not enough to survive on yet . . . so my plan is to be there by next December.
Ruthie
December 31, 2010 at 1:22 amAwesome, post! I found your blog a few days ago and love it! I have listened to nearly all the pod-casts and definitely feel inspired for 2011. Thanks, Nicole.
Ruthie
PS Can’t wait to hire my hubby 🙂
Ashley Wright
December 31, 2010 at 5:25 amGoo post NIcole, I think that is what separates top marketers from thoese who winge and complain about not making any money is that you have a plan and you basically GET THINGS DONE! I like the fact you mention about your allergies also! (that can be a big obstacle to not just marketers but anyone! 🙂
I do look forward to hearing from you in the new year and I know you will have more success than 2010!
I also agree with Danielle an event would be great so could actually meet you in person!
Speak soon
Ashley
Lalitha Brahma
January 4, 2011 at 6:50 pmHi Nicole
What an authentic way of sharing about how your day looks like. I am also impressed with the harmonic lifestyle-Six figure income earner, a mother who is proud of you and working from home. You are an inspiration!
Thanks
Darren
April 19, 2011 at 11:45 amLooks like you are doing pretty good for youself. Hopefully one day I can be at least 10% as successful with my affiliate websites.
Do you find you need to get a lot of backlinks to start competing with other sites in your niche?
Barbara
June 1, 2011 at 3:25 pmThanks, Nicole! I’m always looking to see how others structure their day. Great of you to share. Also a big thanks for Tony and Melissa’s newsletters infomation. I picked up both. I’ve long been a fan of Melissa’s work.
Dan Farrell
August 11, 2011 at 11:10 pmHi Nicole,
Loved your day in the life of net marketer. Mine was a little different thought :o)
Day after getting back from AZ and visiting son, daughter and 3 grandkids, I spent am talking with Sony tech on how and why my new laptop (1 mos) had missing desktop icons and programs. Finally did a restore and still have empty files/folders!
Went to skin doc, and nurse at Cleveland Clinic for checkups and found out I have multiple skin cancers and low INR (blood thinning).
Went grocery shopping, made cheeseburgers for dinner and looked with disgust at virus laden computer.
Drank a couple glasses of wine to salve my emotions, watched the Republican Debate with boredom and went to bed, only to be woken (spelling?) up with Acid Reflux and found myself reading your story and typing out this day (typical?) on another computer.
Here I am in wee hours of am, not able to sleep and knowing that I didn’t really do a thing to make any money today (or yesterday?) and will have to pump it up tomorrow (or today?).
Grateful to have the 5 second commute, not have a boss looking over my shoulder, and do whatever I want, fix computer, worry about medical issues, suffer with GERD and not be able to sleep (as usual).
But isn’t it a great life?
Many ?’s, some answers and mostly worries. Good Night y’all!