It’s a Long Hard Road – Looking For a Painted Arrow on the Ground
Written by Eric Walker on Nov 28, 2008 1:36 pm
Read More: Leadership | Mindset | Personal Development | Positive ThinkingIt's a sweet bittersweet journey when you don't know exactly where to go, but somewhere out there, there's a shadow of a place that will welcome you home.
-Kaitlin Rose from The Drifter
Written by Eric Walker and Kaitlin Rose
The Beginning is a Good Place to Start
I’ve been in the throws of internet network marketing for just under a year.
When I started out, I knew nothing about making money online.
I only knew that I no longer felt the passion necessary to teach middle-school. I was in a rut, and not making enough money to fulfill an urge like gravity, pulling me towards something bigger.
Internet marketing, internet network marketing, internet affiliate network marketing - whatever I saw it called, sounded like the answer to take me to the next level in life; time freedom and a bigger paycheck.
Where Do I Begin?
Being new to the internet is an exciting and terrifying thing.
So many options, so many opportunities! Where do you begin? How does one choose?
Every page I clicked someone told me they could help me make money, and fast. They talked about their great team, their years of experience and guaranteed success rates.
I was often wooed, and felt persuaded time and again to take action.
I didn’t know any better. I didn’t have a guide to show me the ropes. I didn’t have a clue or a single bit of advice to fall back on.
Who Can You Trust?
Everyone I talked to told me I could trust them. I constantly asked myself how I could really trust anyone.
I really feel for the beginners I talk to now. There is no convincing I can do to earn their instant trust. It doesn’t work that way.
Trust is formed over time. Through experience.
I now know there is no sense in bringing up the word. Like the subject of race in Obama’s campaign. You either feel it or you don’t. Talking about it isn’t going to do anything, change anyone’s mind or convince otherwise.
I Started Making Friends
My first “guides” were the friends I made online. I’m sure any one of them would tell you they weren’t my coach or mentor, but to me they were.
If not for the honest suggestions of these "collaborators," I most likely would have wasted a lot of money trying out business after business.
I got lucky and I got smart when I joined honest and respectable attraction marketing training provider. And I know this because not everyone I’ve met or talked to has been so fortunate.
Got the Tools But No User Guide, and No Road Map 
So I found the attraction marketing training where I could "live and learn." Swell. Love it. So much value. Now what?
I literally spent the next six months implementing everything I learned. But it was a complete scattershot. There was no real focus or direction, just a mess of content and many things started but not finished.
Meanwhile, I was reading like crazy. Reading and learning as much as I could.
Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, Dillard’s Magnetic Sponsoring, Building on a Budget, Black Belt Recruiting, Tim Ferris’s Four-Hour Work Week, Seth Godin's Tribes, Ann Sieg's The Renegade Network Marketer, Mike Klingler's The 7 Lessons that Attract Prospects. The list goes on.
And while they were great, valuable and inspiring reads, I struggled with how to implement their teachings.
I surrounded myself with intelligent, successful people in the hopes that their knowledge would drip down. And it did. At times I would have the clarity of a saint, and understood how to conquer the world, and other times, I was as lost George Bailey leaping from the bridge in the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. I didn’t know what to do.
Sound Familiar?
There is a saying that for every thought you think there are hundreds of people who just thought the exact same thing.
With that said, my experience does not stand alone. There are others out there who have had this struggle. And I want to help them.
After what I experienced – traveling the vast desert of the internet, I don’t want to see anyone else go through that. If I can help it, they won't.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Knowing is one thing. Implementing is another, and waiting is the biggest test of all.
Now that I have the understanding, I find myself increasingly frustrated that almost nothing is happening fast enough.
1. How do I get more people to my capture pages?
2. How can I further optimize my current content?
3. What changes to do I need to make?
4. How can I improve my strategies?
5. Is there more I need to learn?
These are the good questions - the difficult questions - I ask myself everyday.
Becoming better is always asking yourself what you can do to be better. Patience, determination, motivation and passion get me up and keep me going everyday. Without this mindset, I would be part of the 97% who fail.
It’s a Long Hard Road 
Success doesn’t come overnight. Rarely.
There’s a difference between those “struggling” to make it and those who are comfortably self-employed.
I see it in the eyes of so many beginning marketers holding a silver platter with a huge offer.
And on the other side, I see the someone like Mike Klingler's contented smiling face (holding a phone to his ear) who don’t even have to whisper the word mentor and their phone is ringing off the hook.
The only way to get there is to build relationships. To market yourself, and what you have to offer -- repeatedly, over and over. Eventually the sales will rise. Your name will be recognized.
Here’s another way to look at it:
The musician starting out with an independent label is happy to have sold 2000 records.
The rock-star sells 2 million.
But the rock-star didn’t make it over night. The first ten years they made change playing smokey bars.
Trust, Faith and the Refusal to Give Up
I can rise above the fold and accomplish my goals. No matter how long it takes, I’m not giving up.
I am passionate about helping others because I don’t want to see anyone “waste” their time like I have, because they don’t understand "the system," where to go to find the correct training or how to properly use the training efficiently.
No one can get anywhere alone. Find people who can help you, and in turn, help as many people as you can.
When you are truly passionate about your goals, you’ll work as hard as you need to accomplish them. (It's important to create this kind of positive environment.) That’s why I have two part time jobs. That’s why I stay up late and get up early. Decision is the ultimate power. And that is why I will not fail.
We look forward to your comments, and encourage personal experiences that describe your determination to keep going in this business, as well as the strategies you are using and the people who helped you along the way.
Views: 627
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Comments: 18 
About the Author: Eric Walker
Member Since: 05/06/2008
I'm a Distributor For:: SendOutCards
Other Company: Eric Walker Marketing LLC
Industry: Education
Primary Web Site: http://EricLWalker.com
Re: It's a long hard road
Eric,
Nice post. I'm sure it spoke to the exact type of people whom you are looking for. I know it spoke to me. I wish you all the best.
Your honesty is refreshing. Don't give up, I will see you at the top.
James Yarbrough
http://networkingfox.com
Eric,
Eric,
You really hit home to a lot of new network marketers. It is a long and tough road. However if we stay persistent, we can achieve our goals.
To our success,
Alex Wrobel
Greatmlmresults.com
Moving Boulders
Hey James and Alex,
Thanks for stopping by gentlemen.
It's quite a process to really get traffic to your capture pages, and have opt-ins, and then have a follow up system in place, and know how to develop relationships using that follow up system (as well as providing value over the phone).
No small task.
But I reconcile the experience like budging a boulder...it is difficult to get that huge boulder to move, and then when you do unearth it from its resting spot, it may only be an inch or two. And then another couple inches. So on and so forth until it can't be stopped.
The delayed gratification keeps us hungry, sharp and poised to listen.
The struggle is worth the effort.
Pass me the crowbar
I'm hearing you Eric. This piddly plastic teaspoon I'm using on this boulder is not making much impression, so it's time to upgrade to some serious weaponry.
The bewildering array of options this site and all the related offers of help soak up hours a day of valuable development time. Every now & again I just decide to focus on the lessons at Renegade University and it all seems so much clearer.....then another email arrives & I feel compelled to check out what folks are saying on BN!!!!
Discipline required!!! Can I buy that somewhere in a handy screw top jar?
Focus and Discipline- and Passion.
Hi Eric
I know exactly how you feel. The part about the long hard road! I laughed to myself because I have been here before: When I started coaching gymnastics with little 7 year old kids, I knew it would be 9 years for them to become Olympic athletes. And boy was that a long hard road. But I did it. Became National Coached and travelled the world. Through Focus and discipline and passion.
The trouble (I have found) is that in this industry, no one tells you it might take years!
You kind of realise it as you get into it...that old saying "you know you know something when you know how little you know" springs to mind!
But I have become relieved. Relieved to know it takes time. This will weed out the phoneys. The true leaders will emerge. And when you become dedicated and committed moving forward like the turtle (not the hare), you'll win.
That, and of course having Great Trainers (same applied in Gymnastics!). And a group of supportive people around you. People who can help you.
Oh and one more thing. Focus and discipline is good stuff, but I have found its passion that keeps you in it. Find what you are passionate about and you'll be in for the long haul.(Passionate beyond making money).
I think you have found it- learning and teaching! I learn from you all the time. Thanks.
Tania
Fun and Exciting Learning Curve!
If you had told me a year ago that I would be marketing myself online with cheques coming in from all over the place I would have laughed in your face. This time last year I was sitting on the most valuable information I have ever received; I had purchased Ann Sieg's e-book, The Renegade Network Marketer and my thinking? "Oh I can't do that." Not even being exactly sure what that was.
My offline network marketing business was growing nicely using old school methods or so I thought. I now cringe at the mere thought of making a list of names or driving to yet another hotel meeting. I went from thinking who is this person bashing my industry that I am so passionate about to being eternally grateful for someone finally telling me the truth. I so wanted to believe that if I only worked harder and invested more time it would pay off in the end.
It finally dawned on me that even though the concept was good the vehicle was broken. Ann Sieg has saved me months; no years of frustration and disappointment!
That was the long hard road. Today we have a shiny new vehicle to drive. Is this get rich quick? Absolutely not. There is a learning curve just as you point out. Having mentors like Ann Sieg, Mike Dillard, Mckay Earl and Mike Klingler offer incredible value to help us shorten this learning curve. Friends like you and others I have met via Renegade University also help immeasurably.
To Your $uccess!
Irene
PS. re. hard, long road. A mentor of mine, Michael Losier, author of Law of Attraction, asks this question: "Is that what you want?" (shades of Dr.Phil) He explains that the law of attraction is always working for you positively and negatively. If you think something is hard then it will be. Michael Losier was asked twice to be part of The Secret and declined. After Oprah did a segment on The Secret she was deluged with How to apply it requests. Her producers went searching for answers and found Michael. He is now regular guest on Oprah's Friends
Irene, Great Comment!
I really enjoyed your comment. It's funny, last year at this time was when I was saying to myself, I no longer want to teach, and I don't want to finish my masters degree. Finally, coming to terms with that reality was a stepping stone. I went home that day and started googling...this was around late November or early December. It wasn't until I revisited Magnetic Sponsoring and reading Building on a Budget in March (yes, March...I researched and researched and took a lot of trial offers from December to March). Finally, many "dots were connected" when I joined Renegade University in mid April and also read the Renegade Network Marketer.
When I say it's a Long Hard Road...Looking for a Painted Arrow on the Ground...I really mean that you have to keep your head down (nose to the grindstone) and just put one foot in front of the other day after day because the journey is literally a 1,000 miles, and there is only one way to go - walking one foot in front of the other.
Re: It’s a Long Hard Road.
Eric,
Great article! I really appreciate your honesty. Probably the most successful internet marketer was not an over-night success.
I feel that achieving success in this business is a process. It requires tremendous effort and determination. There are no shortcuts.
I agree with you. We must find the right mentors, learn all we can from those mentors, and apply what we learn. By making progress everyday, we will get there.
Great job, Eric.
Scott Hubbard
Connecting & Collaborating
Thank you Scott,
That process starts to feel like it is moving along once you begin connecting with others. It's these connections that evolve into mutual relationships, and these mutual relationships become quasi-mastermind/brainstorm sessions. This, I think, is at the foundation of every successful business. I can see that you're making that discovery. It has been great connecting with you, and I look forward to doing so more often as we both move forward.
Great article
Keep putting those feet forward and your nose to the grindstone Eric. I have no doubt you'll get there.
RE Long Hard Road
Thank you Eric,
Finally someone says what I feel, and I was beginning to think to myself. What am I doing Wrong.
Of course, I know I need to get my domain and hosting set up and my capture pages and on and on. Yet I keep reading and reading and checking out everything.
Thank God for Ann Seig and Mike Dillard. Would you believe I have had Magnetic Sponsoring book for several months. I read it and I tried some of it and I put it aside. It just did not work. Or so I thought. Then finally I bought the Renegade Marketer. Now I know better and have it out and working with Renegade University and Mike, I will over come, one step at a time and I will Succeed.
Thanks for an informative and interesting article.
Sandra McFerren
Well Said!
Great article--I have found that success in network marketing is all about personal development and being committed to reach your goals. Too many people are looking to get rich quick, and they get frustrated when it actually takes work! Thanks for sharing your experience.
No user guide
How true. Just what I am feeling tonite. Loaded down with a thousand ideas but so little time in a week, one hates to wander off down some pointless path.
I am struck by the advice that says you need to employ many strategies (which entails even more tactics). On the other hand, there is the old networking business advice to keep it simple and duplicatable.
I am struck by the many changes in systems within my mlm experience (in one company and upline); it has been like rampaging through a maze. Along the way, you think, "This is a strategy I can follow; this other is one I am not suited for."
In a way, there is no lack of user guides. The problem is that there are so many conflicting guides, it is almost the same as no guide.
Just an added thought regarding several comments about "get rich quick." That's another conundrum. We are in a recession. We admit that this is a time in which many more people than usual will be looking for business opportunities. Call it what you will, if you are laid off, in debt, with a family to feed, you will want added income quick - not in years! So the conundrum is - It is probably true that a real business takes time to build, do we emphasize that to people, or just stick with... "You just need two to get two....[etc]"
"Embrace the Mess, But Keep the Lawn Mowed"
Richard, or "Richarto" (I've read your bio - I like the nickname),
I especially appreciate your comment. You've really stuck with the spirit of my article and added to it with honesty and clarity (as unclear as it may "feel"). Thank you for adding the overall value of this page.
I agree with you - there are a lot of "guides" that can provide some of this and some of that. It's sort of like being lost with no map and stopping at a whole bunch of gas stations to ask for directions and everyone gives you a slighty different direction to travel.
I've felt what you've described 100s of times (yesterday, in fact).
I titled this comment "Embrace the Mess, But Keep the Lawn Mowed" because it's a favorite saying that I made up for myself when things are all confusing and turned around, but there is still the daily daily grind of life to live.
A great poet and teacher, William Stafford, taught many writing courses and talked to many students about the writing process. One of the questions he was often asked was what would he do when he encountered writers’ block; what would he do when he could not come up with anything in the face of the grand writing we expect ourselves to be able to produce.
Stafford’s response, “I never have writers’ block,” he said. “I just lower my standards.” He came to believe that it was the "rough treasures" that would later become his most provocative poems, which were found in writing he did when “lowering his standards.”
As a teacher speaking to another teacher, I think you can appreciate this. So I urge you to stick with it, "embrace the mess, but keep the lawn mowed" and accept the "material" that flows from you even at first it does not meet your own expectations. And follow that until it does.
You have a tremendous amount of value to offer. Keep going.
Sincerely.
Clear and Honest
I really liked your post, I have wrote similar things describing "the begining" and being LOST. You said everything the same way it happened, and will continue happening to everyone who takes interest in "Internet marketing, internet network marketing, internet affiliate network marketing".
I feel the SAME WAY about wanting to help people avoid that. I wasted so much time in the begining and I can't get it back. If I knew what I know now, I would be finished with the "unfinished". I just had one of the worst weekends ever, and I learned alot from it. Along with reading this.....I know I have to keep going. I am going to complete the goals I've set, the way I've set them. When I started my journey I had no map. A few locals have shown me their map. I know I'm going the right way. See you there.
Mike
Getting Finished with the Unfinished
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comments.
I think it's a rights of passage. The delayed gratification only makes us stronger. It's weird that once we get the dollar signs out of our eyes, we really begin the see what this is for what it is -- a highly skilled industry. We have to learn how to market and set up a foundation for business, and then help as many people as we possibly can to create a small following. It grows as we grow from that point.
Sorry to hear you had a bad weekend, shrug it off, I saw your profile gallery pics, you're a strong abled young man with a darling daughter. Like you said, you have your WHY.
Look forward to seeing both of us progress here at BetterNetworker.
Reality Check.
Thanks for your article. We need more articles giving a more fair picture of what it takes to get rich with attraction marketing. Work is part of it. I too struggled until I found a map and friends and guides that helped me (and still help me) in that learning /growing process. What a great process.
Never, never, never, never quit--holds true for most things worth acomplishing.
Thanks,
claire
Delayed Gratification
Hi Claire,
Attraction marketing is work, it's definitely work. And you know, I just haven't met anyone who hasn't made it a study. I haven't met or heard of anyone who became successful without it hurting a little bit. And that's really what I'm trying to say here...it's gonna hurt.
Keeping on keeping on the remedy.