Friday, November 5, 2010

Online Marketing

Most of the people I know knows how to use the internet. Being a computer science graduate myself, I've developed an interest in communications through social networks and blogs. Website development is not really my passion but it somehow helps having some basic knowledge in that area. 

Right after graduation, I became a business owner and have never been employed to this day. I get to go online most of the time both for business and pleasure. Becoming an entrepreneur after college called for a lot of adjustments because the academe has trained me to become a corporate slave. The people closest to me got disappointed because they expected me to get a job after getting my degree. I did apply to companies because I wanted to know how they test applicants to become employed. I undergone online tests, written exams and personal interviews. I've experienced the pressure of being under someone's mercy. I did get job offers but I turned them all down. What the heck was I thinking, right? 

Time and financial freedom.

Yes, I was thinking about my own freedom. Sorry for using the term "corporate slave" a while ago but that is how I view a person with a boss. Think about it. Employees are being paid for their time, effort, knowledge, creativity and obedience. How terrifying is it to hear the words: "you're fired!" after committing a mistake?

What's the connection of my story to the title of my blog? Better alternatives.

Did you ever realized that employment is not the only way to earn income? If you haven't, I'm telling it to you right now: There a lot of ways to earn income, not just from a job!

Online marketing is one way. This is for people who at least know how to use the internet and know the word Facebook. There are a lot of references available about starting to earn online. This blog was meant for me to earn through advertisements and links. It only takes a decision to start.

I've seen other people doing online marketing as a source of extra income, there's nothing wrong with that. If you are currently employed and wants to earn from this, I highly encourage it. 

Learning new skills and ideas does not stop after graduation. Learning is a continuous process. The more you learn, the more you earn. ;)

Monday, November 1, 2010

FOCUS

Yes, it's my dream car, but we are not going to talk about Ford Focus here.

Most people advice others to have focus in order to achieve success in life. "Focus on what?" is usually the question that comes to my mind.

Honestly speaking, I'm easily distracted by even simple things. These distractions makes me lose my focus and tend to forget what I was concentrating about. But the bigger question is: What am I focusing on in the first place?

Fears. Obstacles. Commands. Useless. Sacrifices.

Have you ever lost something or someone because of focusing too much on the things I mentioned above? I'm sure we all have. Personally, I have lost clients just because I was so focused on the fear of rejection and the obstacles I have to face to continue the transactions. I've known people who lost eagerness and excitement in what they do just because they concentrated on the sacrifices they have to make instead of the benefits of their work. I'm sure most of us lost some precious time with family and friends just because of focusing on useless things in life. Being distracted from focusing on these things are definitely needed. Have a break, evaluate where your focus is.

Freedom. Opportunities. Creativity. Usefulness. Success.

Now these are the things we should concentrate about. This is more than positive thinking or optimism; this is having focus on good things and not get distracted by anything or anyone. I'm not saying to always dream of the future and forget about the reality of today. No, we should still be realistic but we have to be optimistic. Realism is for our "today", optimism is for our "tomorrow". I'll give you an example:
(Being realistic) Today, I only have P1000.
(Being optimistic) I can use this money to invest on something that could increase my money for tomorrow.
(Being pessimistic) I need to spend this money today for my expenses, then I'll have no money for tomorrow.

Do you see the difference now? Okay, I'll give you a test.

I have here a business opportunity that could give you an extra $200 every week. Capital starts at $350. Do you think it's a good investment?

Where did you focus on? The capital or the income potential? Most people focus on the capital, that's why there are a lot of poor people today.

Having FOCUS is a secret weapon for success. But any weapon, if not used for the good, can lead to destruction. What are you focusing on today? ;)