Confessions of a Six Figure Professional Blogger

From The Heart… [A Personal Story]

January 24, 2010 | Personal

Well, unless you’ve had your head in the ground the last few days, you’ve probably seen that I’m kinda in “launch mode”. :)

You know I’m leading up to something. I have put on my marketer’s cap. The list has gotten a bit noisy. :-) Yeah, I know. It is part of the process.

Everything will quiet down again once the club doors close. I’ll continue to provide my usual free blog content. Those bloggers who decided to take a step further and join the Blog Masters Club will continue to work with me as I teach them the most in-depth course on blogging as a real business which is available anywhere (no exaggeration).

Tomorrow is the big webinar. It is free for everybody and I hope you can make it.
RSVP For The Webinar Now

Space is limited. I’m not sure if we’ll tap the limits of GotoWebinar, but you never know. It is tomorrow night at 8PM EST. If you are at all interested in making money as a blogger and learning about the opportunities for us moving forward, then I invite you to RSVP. Please don’t RSVP if you know you can’t make it at that time. I want to conserve space for people who can be there with me in real time. 622 people have already decided to join me tomorrow night. 1,000 is my cap, imposed on me by GotoWebinar.

Before that, though, I wanted to get something off my chest. This is something I feel very strongly about.

The Curse of Cynicism

suspicion Chances are you’ve gotten some of these emails from me or others and you’ve said, “Heh, he just wants to sell me something.” Or…, “This is how he makes his money – selling people on how to make money.”

Have I guessed correctly? If so, its OK. I don’t take it personally. ;-)

It is natural to many to be naturally cynical. To suspect people who have something to offer you. To suspect all offers of help.

I know plenty of bloggers, too, and I know that many bloggers get a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to marketing.

My response to this would simply be my own history.

A Little Story

See, I used to be the type of blogger who would watch the so-called “internet marketers” talk about big bucks. Sounded good, of course. But, after awhile I got cynical. I sat there in my cocoon and just figured it out for myself.

I tried, anyway.

Sure, I did fine. I mean, I managed to get my tech blog off the ground and have it making some money. I could even live off of it (sorta), but I had to supplement that income with doing web development work for clients on a per-hour basis. In other words, I was a part-time blogger, and a part-time hourly boy.

In 2006, even though I was doing pretty well compared to many other bloggers, I was still not exactly where I wanted to be. And I still had to supplement my income doing other things I didn’t enjoy as much.

I had figured a lot out, though. The dot-com bust around 2000 really forced me to make some moves and learn some things. The lessons I learned are still invaluable to me today (I describe those more in the Blueprint report).

In 2007, things began to shift for me.

And, you know what?

The first step in that shift was to suspend my disbelief. To suspend my skepticism.

And I did that by actually beginning to LOOK at these internet marketers. Did they have something to offer me that was actually valuable? Some did, others didn’t. Some offered real value, others over-hyped themselves.

The journey took me through a few products that I bought and ultimately to the house of a fairly well-known marketer. There, in his house in Scottsdale, AZ, I had a POWERFUL realization.

I realized I was sitting on a huge business model – BLOGGING – but that I was not doing it right. I had blinders on and it was keeping me from realizing the full scope of blogging as a real business model.

What really kicked me in the behind to make it happen for real was the birth of my daughter in December 2007. Elyana was beautiful (just like my wife), and she was my responsibility.

I was a blogger. Most people scoff at that as a profession. Just try getting a home mortgage or something and entering in the word “Blogger” as occupation on your application!

But, the necessity of needing to increase my income in order to provide for my growing family made me get into the mood of “kicking ass and taking names”.

I brought my income up to the $140K level for a couple years, then last year I broke through the $200K level for the first time.

But, it all started with…

Suspending Disbelief

…And accepting the help and knowledge of those who were more expert that I was.

fish_leap My point here is – Don’t trap yourself under the sand of skepticism.

I do have something to offer you, yes. I do plan to charge accordingly for it. Some, perhaps, might even think it is too expensive. But, it isn’t – not this. I believe it is a POWERFUL course borne out of my 12 years of blogging and figuring out the right ropes. Any blogger who goes through my course and uses it is going to see great results in traffic and income.

My approach to blogging is different. It is realistic. As my good friend, Grant Griffiths (founder of the Headway Theme), said, I have turned the usual blogging course on it’s head.

I did not make my money in blogging by telling other people how to make money blogging. I did it in a completely different niche – technology.

But, my skepticism, and my “do it all by myself” approach to everything was holding me back until I just made the decision to knock it off and try something else.

After all, the only sure-fire way to have nothing new happen is to not do anything differently.

The Family Grows Again

I am gearing up to make 2010 rock even more. That same burst of necessity that was originally sparked by the birth of my daughter, Elyana, is about to be reinvigorated…

In roughly 3 weeks, my wife and I are expecting our second child. A boy, this time.

Now, I’ve got 2 kids riding on blogging to support them. And so it continues… :-)

I hope you’ll join me and make 2010 superb.

The Blog Masters Club doors open on Tuesday, January 26th, around 12PM EST.

But, tomorrow, I’ve got a LIVE webinar for you. 8PM EST. To attend, you need to RSVP right here:
RSVP For The Webinar Now

You’ll want to be at this webinar. Trust me.

I’ll see you tomorrow night.

Oh, and I ask that you comment on this post and let me know… Are you with me in suspending disbelief and in making 2010 frickin ROCK?!

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  • Its nice walk with you in your memory lane. Inspirational and giving strength as well.

    So everything is now well placed and I am sure this will give us best result.

    Best of Luck David.
  • well its a nice story well written and well versed, post as a whole is quite interesting and useful, keep writing such posts for us, I ll be waiting for your blog updates!
  • Boky84
    Congratulations on your baby ...
  • "I did not make my money in blogging by telling other people how to make money blogging. I did it in a completely different niche – technology."

    As far as I'm concerned, that is the most important sentence in your entire post. You were Already a successful blogger before you started a blog about making money blogging.

    I think for those of us who aspire to be successful bloggers ... Yes, by all means suspend disbelief ... shoot for the stars ... but seriously, how many blogs about "how to become a problogger" written by people who aren't making enough money to pay for lunch each day, let alone support a family on, do we really need to read ?

    Congrats on the new baby. :-)
  • "but seriously, how many blogs about "how to become a problogger" written by people who aren't making enough money to pay for lunch each day, let alone support a family on, do we really need to read ?"

    I'd say 2 or 3 is enough... and after a while, 0, because probloggers in the money-making niche regurgitate content again and again and again. Oh, from time to time, you do stumble on a gem worth reading.. (David has some great stuff), but apart from that, it's the same stuff all over the place.
  • Depends who you read, I guess.
  • Since earning cash on-line gets more difficult each day,
    we must fight cynicism everyday!
  • Hi David

    I've been watching your launch process closely since reading your blueprint. I have been quite sceptical about earning enough from blogging in the past. I now realise as you quite right said in your post that if you dont do anything different how can you expect a different result. I am embarresed to say that I booked to attend your webinar and then forgot to turn up! (apologies) BUT I am really keen to joing the Blog Masters Club. Is there a link to the recording available for us foreigners? :-)
  • Yeah, are you on my list? Because I emailed it out a couple days ago.
  • David,MikeCJ brought me to you and I thank him. I have followed your vision in the last couple of weeks and realize that their are more hard working and honest dealing human beings in the internet world than I thought.
    You are straight forward and pull no punches. My wife and I have been working hard to learn the "ropes" of blogging and we are 58. We are young at this but by working hard we are going to make it.
    Thank you for being you. We thank MikeCj for being their for us.We thank ourselves for having faith in us.God be with you and your family. We will meet one day.
    Pierre & Pierrette from the Thee Quest Team.
  • Well, thank you.
  • larryelkins
    David: Little Elyana is so cute. She must take after her mother, cause you're so ugly. Just kidding. And congrats on the new baby. Anyway, I think I get what you're saying. While not everything is on the up and up, it's equally true that not everything is a con. Just because that green piece of paper with Abraham Lincoln's picture on it that I sent to Site Where We Work Miracles didn't get me listed number one on Google for 3000 keywords, I shouldn't get discouraged. Anyway, I'm just getting into trying to make money at blogging and I appreciate the advice.
  • Hehe... my wife is much better looking than I am. This is true. :-)
  • I am so glad that you shared this story. To be honest, I have already reached this point. I am here now and I am searching out the best information to make 2010 the best year of my life. Thanks for your help. You have been awesome and I am looking forward to your webinar tomorrow. Thanks again.
  • Great story, David.

    I am greatly appreciative of what I have learned from your leadership. 2010 is only the beginning, as much success lies ahead.

    Here's to a packed house at the webinar, where folks will see the true value in positioning themselves for future success by taking action today.
  • Forgot the most important thing... HUGE CONGRATS on the expanding family, mate! :-)
  • thanks dude.
  • Hi David!

    It's hard to "suspend disbelief" when there is so much crap and misinformation out there. It is so hard to sort the fact from the fiction. My gut is telling me that you're on the level though, so hopefully I'll see you at your webinar (caveat on the comments re Linux)

    Kind regards,
    Steve.
  • sorry about the Linux thing. GotoWebinar has an awesome platform... I guess they figured hardly anybody uses Linux, so why bother. But, like I said, I'll try to Ustream it, too. I will record it.
  • Sam
    Hey David, will your course cost more than last time?
  • No, it won't. Base price for the monthly will be the same as last time. I will have an upfront option this time, though, that will save quite a bit of money.
  • Ray
    I'm with you, David. I retired a year ago from the Postal Service, and now I realize two things. I want and need more money, and I absolutely have to have something to dedicate myself to. I enjoy writing, and I think I have a talent for it...at least my English professor thought so. I am ready.
  • Cool. Just put some thought into choosing the right market. Think about your passions, what you're good at, etc. And we'll go from there. :-)
  • travisamorgan
    Thanks for telling us a little bit of your personal background in how you got where you are today!!! personally, I had the opposite problem. I was buying ebook after ebook, trying to get through them and then finding no success and decided to just try and figure it out myself.

    Wait... Nevermind. I guess I had the SAME problem. Because January first of this year, I emailed James at TheInfoPreneur and he got me shot in the right direction. But you two are my faves. Thanks much for all the great content and sweet advice. Keep on keepin' on!
  • Thanks. Yeah, most ebooks, though, are rather lightweight. It is rare I see a really good one. For example, I recently promoted "Beyond Blogging" and that's a pretty good ebook. But, many others would be better off free than paid.

    Cool to see James helped you out. He's a good blogger. Can't say I agree with everything he does, but he's a workhorse and he'll do well, I think.
  • travisamorgan
    Now, that is a true statement!! Luckily they all had 60 day money back guarantees. Yours did too. But yours actually HELPED me. Plus, it was made up of videos. And your free report about the six figure blogger is just pure gold. There's literally like NO filler in that thing.

    Haha! And that's the beauty of eating watermelons. Gotta spit out the seeds, but there's still some good stuff in 'em to munch on. ;)
  • pegkelley
    My skepticism comes from the fact that the people talking about making tons of money on the Internet are doing it by teaching others how to make money on the Internet. What about those who have some expertise and work hard to monetize their blogs and make products? Do any of those folks exist?
  • Yes. Me. I was making six figures as a blogger way before I was ever telling anybody about it, and in the technology niche.

    Usually, the only people talking about how much money they make are the ones selling the idea. It is natural.
  • Hey David,
    Hope you're enjoying Avatar...still need to see it myself.
    Great post...I think your point about looking at the Internet Marketers AND the bloggers hit the nail on the head! Some are helpful, some aren't....sometimes it just comes down to perception.
    SO looking forward to Blog Masters Club!
    Thanks,
    Kim Doyal
  • Awesome, Kim. Look forward to learning more about you, too.
  • I'm with you in 2010.

    I hope to see you on ustream or your blog or something considering GoToMeeting just doesn't like Linux.

    I'm also going to hopefully be joining your Blog Masters Club this year. We'll see what happens! :)
  • GoToMeeting just doesn't like Linux.


    Oh, you're kidding me. That pretty well sucks. Hopefully David will make it available in a more friendly format after the event.
  • I will be recording it and making it available to the mailing list. And, if my bandwidth holds up, I'm going to try to Ustream it, too. At least the webcam, so you'd be able to hear me, just not see the slides (maybe).
  • I'm definitely with you David. The time is a little bit tricky, for me I have to wake up at 02:00 AM and be at the webinar till 04:00, and what is even worse is that I got university exam the same day, so I will come to the exam totally sleepy and empty I guess.

    But I don't care, I really want to be in a position like yours one day. For this year I have a humble goal of reaching 500$/month income - not necessarily by blogging, because I guess blogs take quite some time to start racking in profits.
  • I'm honored. I will be recording it, for what its worth, though. At least if everything goes as planned. :-)
  • I've sent you e-mail regarding the requirements for webinar, do I need to install some software or set things up in my computer or I can just plug in my (analog) headset? I've used headset with Skype to talk to a guy from USA, and it worked perfectly, if that means something to you...
  • Well, it'll be a one-way thing. I don't plan to have anybody talking back to me this time. So, the way it should work is that you'll click the link to join the webinar (which should have been emailed to you). You will be prompted to install a component to your computer from GotoWebinar, then you'll be good to go.
  • Well, that's reasonable, because if 700-800 people had just something to say, that would be a total mess.

    This is going to be my first webinar by the way, so I guess I am a little nervous and excited... that and the fact that I have university exam in a little more than 24 hours from now, and haven't yet learned half of what I should lol.

    Now I go to bed, it's 2:30 AM in Croatia (my country) so I guess this is good night from me, and thanks for quick reply!
  • Great article here David!

    You kind of hit the head of the nail here...

    Most of my adult life I have pretty much worked for others, and provided my service within a 'safe box'. I have a pretty ok background; ok knowledge, and ok experience. Then like you describe here, when someone planted the seed within me that I should use my background; knowledge; and experience to create my own product the my disbelief's jumped to the surface.

    This is kind of a weird situation to find yourself in, knowing that you have helped a lot of other people but when it comes to yourself you get stuck.

    I think what has been really helpful for me, has being finding a coach as you David. You are fairly blunt, and I like that. There is no hype, and in your presentations you actually show how think outside your ' safe box'. Plus you practice the principle of over deliver.. ;)

    I'm looking forward to see you open the doors to the Blog Masters Club again. I was prevented to participate last year, due to death in my family. So now I am motivated and ready again..

    Cheers.. Are
  • Thanks, Are. Look forward to working with you. :-)
  • Jim
    David,

    Thank you for your inspiring words. I am with you in 2010. There is so much to learn and I truly believe that I have found the right place to get educated. I concur, may 2010 frickin ROCK!

    Jim
  • Hi David,
    I'd like to participate in your webinar but I'm on the other side of the world right now and at 3 AM I'm not exactly functional!
    Do you plan to record and offer it on demand for those of us unable to accept this invitation?
  • Yes, I do plan to record it. :-)
  • Barb
    Don't see login button...going to try again...
  • I would love to participate in your webinar but there's no way I can be up between 1 - 3pm and then get up with the kids at 7am :-)

    Good luck with it anyway!
  • barbdorsett
    Hi, David! Funny, but the only skepticism I see around my blogging and intentions are the other people around me! But I'm going to rock out 2010 with your help and we'll show them! I know you'll help me get over the speed bumps in blogging as a newbie, and my new blog is dedicated to helping people just like me, as we go through this journey together.
    Thanks in advance for your help--Barb
  • Love this article David. As a part time performer (magician), we ask our audiences to suspend their disbelief to enjoy the experience. It results in a much better "user" experience... so I can really relate to how this applies to business/blogging. Looking forward to the webinar Monday!
  • See ya there. :-)
  • Archan Mehta
    Well, David, what an inspiring story. You have graduated from the "school of hard knocks" and thanks to your street smarts and business acumen can provide for your family.

    Initially, when I read about your story, I was concerned, but now I feel relieved. I am happy for you, truly am, and glad to know you are making financial headway by leaps and bounds.


    It was also great to learn you have a beautiful baby boy on the way--two angels to call your own now. That's just great news: keep on sharing such personal stories as well. As readers, we also want to learn about your life, and not just your professional/business life.

    After all, it is the personal stories that inspire us to go the extra mile and achieve. My best wishes to you and your family and may this new year bring wealth, success and joy.
  • Thank you.

    I won't say it was a "hard knock life", but it was a growth process, that's for sure.
  • Leon Noone
    G'day David,
    I'm not sure that this is relevant but....
    When I started my business 30 years ago I soon realised that I knew very little about selling and even less about marketing. But somewhere or other i found this priceless little saying."Do only those things to which you bring a unique perspective. Buy everything else around the corner."
    About a year ago I moved my business online. It's still a valuable saying.
    Incidentally, I haven"t seen too much internet marketing so far. But I've seen mountains of internet selling.
    Have a great 2010 and good luck with the"newboy."
    Leon
  • Yeah, depends on how the marketing is done. There is certainly a difference between marketing and selling.

    Thanks for the well wishes.
  • David, I signed up for your webinar and added it to my Outlook calendar (nice addition to RSVPing to it BTW) and am looking forward to it.

    I have been making money online through products and services for about 2yrs now, I only recently started blogging about blogging for fun but have plans for this year to launch something new and I am excited about it.

    I am one that is VERY skeptical about this MMO scene, but unlike many others, I realize it won't happen with adsense or affiliates (at least not on the scale I am looking for), but sometimes still can't shake the skepticism.

    I used to scoff at bloggers like you and Darren (even though I have been reading Darren's blog for some time) and even got involved in the "A-Lister" bashing that was going on recently on some sites. I have much to learn.
  • Well, there is a middle ground between what you think of as MMO and blogging. The way I see it, if we use some of the marketing strategies, but combine it with transparency and relationship building through our blogs and social media - we can frickin CRUSH the internet marketing crowd. :)

    Just go with your gut, my friend.
  • fas
    I agree, people think that once you work all the way and get experience you should give it all out for free. Doesn't really work that way.
  • Hey David! Congrats on your second child! I'm fully expecting to make 2010 "frickin ROCK"!

    I'm just getting started in this blogging arena and I know I haven't realized the full-potential of the Internet. It's exciting.

    I wish I could make it to your webinar but I have a prior engagement this evening.
  • Great post David.. Your one of my Biggest resources for building my blogging carreer, Since I came from the IM mindset.. it's nice to see how to bring IM and blogging together..also nice to see that you do what your teach. Which is big for me since there are alot of " do this, but dont watch what i really do" bloggers out there.

    2010 will rock for me, thnaks a big part on you.
  • You know I'm with you in 2010, especially after all the help and advice you gave me last year.

    2010 is going to rock, and it will be my first year at six figures as a blogger.

    Cynicism really is corrosive.
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