Archive for July 19th, 2007

What’s your Internet Lifestyle?

Thursday, July 19th, 2007

There’s been a lot of changes going on in my life lately…new house, new baby….and I guess a new site right here…

About 6 months ago, I purchased this domain (InternetLifestyle.com) because I thought it really captured everything I’m about. So I’m looking forward to seeing how this site evolves (and hopefully you’ll have a say in it). I really want to be beyond any type of “box” product.

It seems like just yesterday (really it was 2000) I started working out of my 1-bedroom apartment with a glimmer of an idea for my first website. (Yeah, I know this sounds like an informercial already – but I promise I will not show you how to place tiny classified ads.) ;)

And now today, I have dozens of successful websites bringing in automatic cash flow for me regardless if I work or not. Of course, some months are better than others depending on if I’m actively running a promotion or not – but my original site InstantSalesLetters.com is still going strong after 7 ½ years making 6-figures per year.

Not bad, right?

Considering the fact I’ve basically not changed the site in years – I’d say pretty darn good. (Now, of course that’s another post when I show you how stupid and lazy I’ve been by not testing enough on this site and how I’m changing it.) And I still have no clue how to put up my own website.

Personally, the Internet Lifestyle means being able to do pretty much whatever you want, almost anytime you want and let the Internet pay for it!

Actually, most of my friends still wonder how I’m driving around in a brand new Aston Martin and how my wife, Missy, and I can take off for so many trips. A few years ago, we spent 2 months living on the beach in Manhattan Beach, California where we rented a house and just brought our laptops. I picked Manhattan Beach because I’m big into beach volleyball (even though I’m 5’8” – but I can jump!) ;)

And that’s just another aspect of the Internet Lifestyle to me – do your work from anywhere you can get an Internet connection and follow your passions. I loved being able to look out at the Pacific Ocean each day and play volleyball almost every other day there. Last year we headed back again for a few weeks but this time with our son, Zak.

Personally, my own Internet Lifestyle means experiencing life to the fullest and living adventures! I get my thrills from any kind of extreme activity like Running with the Bulls, bungee jumping, sky diving, Baja racing, exotic car road rallies, falling out of attics, Zero G flights, an upcoming trip into space and more. I’ve posted a lot of these on my InternetRoadTrip.com blog.

I know for some people these kind of outlandish adventures aren’t for them – but if there is something you’re passionate about and excited for you can do it thanks to the income generated online. Or some people don’t need to make a fortune online – they’re happy with a little website on the side making a few extra bucks and maybe paying for a car payment or 2.

Truth is, never before have we lived in such a time filled with immense opportunity to do your own thing…quickly and easily. The Internet has truly been a revolution for anyone that wants to either “Moonlight Online” or got at it full-time and make a solid 6 or 7-figure+ income.

I love it when I hear from others living the “Internet Lifestyle” and would love to hear your comments.

If you’re already succeeding online what’s the best aspect of the Internet Lifestyle for you? Or what would the ultimate Internet Lifestyle look like for you?

Here are a couple things off the top of my head what the Internet Lifestyle means to me:

  • Being able to take my son to his “My Gym” class on a Thursday and be the only Dad there.
  • Having people from all over the world respect and appreciate your contributions.
  • Meeting exciting and switched-on Entrepreneurs who enjoy having fun and good times to “mastermind” in whatever city we decide on. (Hmm…Amsterdam and Vegas were interesting!)
  • Never having to set my alarm clock. (Or more recently being naturally awoken to the soothing sounds of a newborn crying. ;)
  • Drinking a beer (or 2) for lunch.
  • Having money come in on autopilot while I was sleeping.
  • Doing the work once and getting paid over and over again.
  • Being able to fund nearly any kind of adventure by putting out another quality product or offering.
  • Wearing shorts and t-shirts all day.
  • Never having to worry about shaving.
  • Forgetting what “Rush Hour” is and being surprised when you hit a standstill on the beltway in the afternoon.
  • Never answering to a boss.
  • Being able to turn off the laptop and take Zak to the Splash park
  • Having your Accountant perplexed and surprised when you see him each year at what you do and how much it brings in.
  • Being able to watch every little milestone in your son’s (and now daughter’s) life. Everything from his first real smile, first step and first word.
  • Working with who I want…when I want.
  • Deciding to splurge on a bottle of Colgin IX Syrah at a steakhouse with your buddies.
  • Never waiting in lines because your concierge has put you on the VIP list.
  • Not living for the weekends.
  • Not having to look at the right-hand side of a menu when deciding what to order.
  • Contributing to the causes and charities that are important to me.

Now to be honest, it’s not all good leading the Internet Lifestyle and working out of the house.

Missy will forget I have a “real” job and interrupt me to ask about what kind of rug we should get for the kitchen. Or Zak will knock on my office door during a conference call asking for “DaDa”. Or having the fridge be a few feet away to grab the last slice of pizza anytime I want. ;)

But I wouldn’t want it any other way. Let’s hear your thoughts – post a comment.

What is your Internet Lifestyle?

What do you love about your own Internet Lifestyle? Or if you haven’t got there yet – how would you like it look like? See if you can list 10 things…