Having Multiple Streams of Income - My Little Story

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.

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"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.

How I Workout When I Travel

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 =)

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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

Top 10 Reasons Why Athletes Are Terrible Entrepreneurs

Now before you begin reading this post, please note that I am an athlete and an entrepreneur. More of an extreme sports athlete, I've raced mountain bikes and have been obstacle course racing since 2011. This post is based on my own experience through years of being around elite athletes of all sports genres. Some of the information below has been given to me by the athletes themselves.

Top 10 Reasons Why Athletes Are Terrible Entrepreneurs:

1. SPONSORSHIPS - Athletes have worked hard to get where they are, and companies see this as a way to market their products so they approach these athletes with free products and gear. A lot of these athletes then promote these products just for free swag, races, exposure, but very rarely get paid. Instead of relying on sponsorships, why not try business and partner affiliations and get paid for products that you really use and believe in. Build your dream, not theirs!

2. MINDSET - The mindset of most athletes is to be the best at what they do, unfortunately it doesn't mean being the best at making business or money making decisions. Companies make money from these great athletes, I think it's time for athletes to change their mindset and begin educating themselves about taking their talents and earning a living with something they are passionate about. It's time to become entrepreneurs, and not just an athlete with an employee mindset.

3. "I Just Love What I Do" - I hear this a lot from athletes. They say they love what they do and then they continue to go to a job that they don't like on Mondays. People who love what they do, they do it for a living. Pro Football Players do what they love to do and get paid. Why not start a business on the side to help you do your passion full time and one day you will be able REALLY DO WHAT YOU LOVE, and not just say you do.

4. FEAR - Athletes are great people. They have earned respect from a lot of people, and they have credibility. That's great, but what happens when you can't play football anymore, or race elite at a Spartan Race, what's next? Athletes are BEASTS by nature but have a fear of venturing out of their comfort zones. By the time they retire from their sport, most of them are dead broke or struggle to make ends meet. Why not get the knuckle up and diversify while you are still on top, so when you're done playing top athlete, you will still be able to stay afloat. Become an entrepreneur, sponsorships are temporary.

5. CLOSE-MINDED - This is a big one. Athletes are so set on their own ways sometimes it cripples them. Most athletes are used to getting hand outs and so many times they expect to get things for free. They expect to be offered business partnerships without even doing their own research or work on their end just because they are an athlete. Be smart, understand that business is totally different from athletic training and be open to learning about ideas that could benefit you in the future instead of expecting things to fall on your plate all the time.

6. TRUST - It's difficult to find trust in anything that you do which involves business. Some athletes trust too easy, while others have a 12 foot wall around them. Athletes like to keep a lot of things private because they train to be the best, and that's understandable. If they give away their secrets, then someone else will be the best, and they don't want that. But in order to excel, athletes have to find trust in a coach, accountability partner etc to keep them on point. Business works in the same way. Search for a person that you can trust, someone who has credibility, and someone who is focused on your goals (not theirs), and allow them help you build a future business....together!

7. STUBBORN - Some athletes think they know everything. Yes, they are great at running, catching, surfing etc. but if you want to continue having companies (and a boss) run your life then it's time to listen and begin getting some sound BUSINESS advice. This is where you can stop running and start listening because your future is at stake.

8. RESIDUAL INCOME - Most athletes don't have a clue about passive residual income (Income that keeps on coming in even though you are not working). Pro Athletes live off of endorsements, sponsorship deals etc. But if you're not one of those big time athletes then this might be something that you should be looking into otherwise you'll be working a lot harder (for the rest of your life) then how you are training now.

9. BAD INFLUENCE - The cool thing about athletes is that they all ban together like brothers and sisters. The camaraderie is insane! But when it come to business, some athletes consult the wrong people. Like anything, if you want advice on having a good relationship with your spouse, you don't talk to someone who has relationship issues! Business is the same way, if you want to run a successful business, you get advice and direction from someone who is successful in the business, not someone who has failed or knows nothing about business. It's called the BASICS.

10. DON'T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES - Let's face it, becoming an entrepreneur is tough. Most people don't have the mental toughness to become successful business owners because of the fear of selling, getting rejected left and right, and the big "D" delayed gratification, people just want success now, and it just doesn't work that way. Athletes endure lots of pain, so you would think that they would make good entrepreneurs, but that's not always the case. Just like anything, if you don't BELIEVE you can, then you're absolutely right!
 


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