I'm a World Juggler
IS VERY IMPORTANT AS AN ENTREPRENEUR.
I remember growing up in a small Florida town, and watching my Dad work so hard. I often wondered how he was able to support all six of his children because my Mom didn't work, well she did....taking care of six kids is no small feat, but you know what I mean =)
As I grew older, I began to notice that my Dad worked on multiple projects, he was always busy! He would wake up bright and early, and come home late at night. He was also in the US Navy, but that was just the tip of the iceberg compared to what he really had going on. My Dad has always been a workhorse, and always believed in having multiple streams of income, and that's where my entrepreneurial journey began.
GROWING UP
I always knew that I wanted to be like my father. What I mean by that, I knew that I wanted to be in business for myself. The idea behind someone telling me what to do just didn't fit in with my mindset, it just didn't. During my adolescent years, I worked with my Dad at his restaurants, catering and concession companies. I learned so much as a kid, and by the time I became an adult, I was managing my father's companies.
My Dad and daughter Lauren
PARTING WAYS
As time progressed and I became more and more independent, I wanted to venture out and try things out on my own, I wanted to explore outside of the family business. I went to culinary school and did a culinary apprenticeship at the Walt Disney World Resort and worked at the finest hotels and resorts. I began to learn more about the hospitality industry and thought that this was the place for me.
Working as a Chef at 5 Star Restaurant Victoria and Alberts - Walt Disney World
I worked in the hospitality industry for a decade I would say, and while working, I was woken up by something bigger when I backpacked Europe for a month in the early 2000's. It was nothing that I ever experienced and I knew right then and there that I wanted to do something that would allow me to keep exploring the world we all live in. Travel was now my ultimate dream.
"I grew up reading my Mom's National Geographic magazines, that's where my itch to travel originated"
BUT, BUT HOW?
The internet bubble was just coming in full circle and I bought my first Web TV, some of you might remember that, but unfortunately, the company failed. I started learning about how the internet works early on, but I never found my place it it. I did everything from online casinos, to travel sites, to Amway, and even tried the infamous chain letter lol. Nothing ever brought me success, but I never quit. I was always juggling, exploring, and trying new things.
AND THEN
Finally, after years of working odd jobs, countless business fails, I found internet affiliate marketing, it was the beginning of a new life, and an eye-opener to what I can really achieve online as an entrepreneur.
TODAY
Marks almost 10 years that I have been in the industry. And for those of you who are not familiar with online affiliate marketing, it's kinda like eCommerce, well.....it all works hand in hand. ECommerce and Affiliate Marketing is a very broad thing to say because there is so much that you can do within the field. Let's just say that I partner with companies who already have a strong infrastructure. They take care of my research and development, drop-shipping, customer service, and technical issues. So what do I have to do? Well, I simply market their products and services and earn weekly paychecks. It sounds simple right, but trust me, it took me years to create a full time income!
Hustle and flow at my Airbnb in Cyberjaya, Malaysia
AM I RICH?
Hmmm, that is all based on what you call success. For me, I don't need much as a minimalist, but I still work hard. Heck, the richest man in the world still works hard day in and day out, it's no wonder why Jeff Bezos is worth billions, oh and by the way....his business is eCommerce =)
SO WHAT ARE MY STREAMS OF INCOME?
Glad you asked, and I'm surprised that you made it this far =). I just have a thing about giving people a little bit of history before getting into the dirt. If you want to know what I do, here goes:
1. Online Affiliate Marketing - this all ties in with everything that I do with eCommerce, Network Marketing. I market everything from health and fitness, lifestyle products, and online travel services, but only market things that I use =) I have to believe in what I share with my friends, that's important.
2. Video Media and YouTube - I run a small youtube based media business where I film obstacle racing events, adventure travel, and cause-related non profit organizations. This is not really a business, but I tend to get companies and individuals asking me for my video services, so if I believe in their mission, I will help them out. As far as non-profit organizations and charities, I create content for them for free, it's just my way of giving back to the community.
Morzine, France to film the Spartan European Championships
3. Airbnb - I found this business model while traveling all over the world on video projects and decided to give it a shot. I am currently working on a few properties that will also include local tours and experiences. It's what I love to do when I am stationary and not traveling. By the way, I'm a Super Host =)
4. Restaurant - Well, I am not technically doing this at the moment (but planning and re-designing is in the works), but I am trying to encourage my Dad to retire so that he can relax and enjoy his life that he worked so hard for. Once this happens, if it ever does =) I will be taking over the family business that I left many years ago. Many people ask me why I would do such a thing and run a bricks and mortar type of business, and this is what I say, "it's where it all started for me", I want to continue my father's legacy. For as long as I am here, I will help my parents, because I am so grateful for what they have done for me. Taking over the family business is an honor, and I will cherish it forever.
My Dad and I at a Spartan Race in Tampa, FL.
So I don't know what you thought you would be getting by reading this blog post. I guess the main thing that I wanted to point out is that, if you really want success in life, it's not about just doing one thing. I would not be who I am today if I didn't juggle my whole life. Life is not about monetary things for me, it's all about the experiences. Today's society is moving so fast, and trust me, I know how difficult it is to keep up. My little piece of advice should you choose to take it is, no matter what you do, make sure that you love dong it, and helping people along the way.
What are your streams of income? What is your story? I'd love to hear from you. And if you are looking for another stream of income, please feel free to connect with me, I'm sure that together we can find a solution to help you get to the next level of your life.
Working multiple streams while filming adventures in Nepal
Have an amazing day! =)
Subscribe to my Youtube Channels:
- OCRTUBE.com, Obstacle Course Racing
- Lagalag Mafia, my personal family adventures
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