I quit my in-house SEO job last month to become a freelance internet marketer. Even though I made the decision to leave, for the first couple of weeks I was so angry and terrified I could barely function.
What was I thinking? What have I done? Why would anybody pay me to promote their website when there are so many talented internet marketers to choose from?
It took some serious mental readjustment before I was able to pull myself up from the muck and start believing in myself again. But I didn’t do it alone. In addition to the support and encouragement of my super-sexy husband, I found the courage and self-confidence I needed by reading about the struggles of other internet entrepreneurs, many who’ve been through far worse than me.
I keep several of these posts bookmarked so I can reread them when I need a little kick in the pants. Here are a few of my favorites:
My Entry to Internet Marketing by Rae Hoffman
I don’t think I can adequately express how much I admire Rae Hoffman without sounding like a cyber-stalker. (“Did you ever know that you’re my heeerooooooo?”) Rae is living proof that even when life tries its hardest to stomp you into the ground, you can be successful online with enough determination, smarts and — most of all — hard work.
What To Do When You’re Scared Shitless by Naomi Dunford
With her shaved head and her delightful potty mouth, Naomi is quickly becoming one of my favorite people on the internet. This post was exactly what I needed to read when I quit my job … so much so, that I burst out crying when I read the headline (and I’m even getting a little teary-eyed as I type this). In short: It’s OK to be afraid, as long as you don’t let it control you.
The Snowboard, the Subdural Hematoma, and the Secret of Life by Brian Clark
For Brian, it took a life-threatening snowboarding injury to make him realize that he needed to pursue his passion and stop playing it safe. Sometimes I seriously wonder whether it’s possible for me to succeed without suffering through some horrifying, tragic event … and whether by writing this thought down, I’ve just invited fate to bitch-slap me.
You Are Better Than You Think by Andy Hagans
As far as I know, Andy’s never been a single mom or had a traumatic snowboarding injury, but this was one of the first posts I ever read by an online entrepreneur that really inspired me. Andy reminds me that if I want to be successful, I need to be myself, be confident in my abilities, and for the love of god, just get started. You’ll never succeed if you never try.
Who inspires you? What words of wisdom can you share with a struggling entrepreneur like me? Please leave a comment below!
