Has it ever happened to you that while discussing your job with friends or family people don’t have any idea about what you do.
Or your classmate who you haven’t seen for ages, talks about career and suddenly asks: “And you?” “I’m an Internet marketer” (here you feel a surge of pride), “Sorry, what?” Not “Wow!”, not even “Really?! Tell me more about it!”, just this humiliating “What?”.
I know the reason why they do so. You may be surprised, but many people are still ignorant of the Internet, let alone SEM, PPC and other 3-letter online businesses. To believe them, Internet marketers are those who
- sell e-books (btw, what does “e-book” mean?);
- flood your inbox with spammy messages, like “Order 9 $1 bottles for $10 and get one more absolutely FOR FREE”;
- just scam;
- waste time in front the computer screen, looking through multiple stupid pages (this refers to all the three).
The thing is that people who don’t use the web treat it like something unreal: you can’t try on sneakers from a virtual shop or hear the ring of coins sent to your online account.
And unreal allegedly stands for unreliable. Have you experienced such an attitude?
All in all, how to convince your relatives/friends that you are neither a spammer nor scammer, but a serious businessman?
Don’t try to explain the inexplicable. Don’t show them your website(-s) and stats reports. Don’t answer their naive questions.
Just invite them some day to voyage in the yacht (not that I have one) you bought from your online revenue and they’ll believe, I bet!
I’d love to know if you’ve ever been in this situation or simply tell me your thoughts about this, even if you’re a part-time Internet marketer…
{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
Haha Aurelius,
Your comic got me and then I had to laugh some more about your post. You are spot on and whilst I haven’t experienced this since I’m an Internet marketer I have in my past MLM business.
It’s hilarious really and I love the idea of telling everyone I’m going on a cruise for 6 month because I can or drive my brand new Porsche down the local towns mainstreet once I have one.
Sweet revenge against ignorance
Monika
Hey Aurelius,
I love this new post. Totally relate to it.
Other quotes go like this: “There are a millions of websites on the Internet, it’s impossible to make any money online.” I love that one.
My dad called my business a “so-called business” the other day. Well it’s doing pretty well for me, this “fake business”.
Fabian
Haha,
I’ve tried a variety of approaches to explain what I do when I meet new people. I like to be modest as well and sometimes feel like I’m boasting when explaining my business.
Most of my friends joke that I’m a spammer too. Or ask me, “You still making money selling dreams?”.
Gary.
Since I’m out of an ‘official’ job for almost 3 years now, my parents are getting more worried every day. (They have this unbelievable idea that you can’t be happy when you’re not earning money/have a job).
(I don’t try to explain what I do anymore… it’s impossible anyway…)
Jee, I sured liked the look on their faces when I told them that these last 6 months I had made more money than I ever would in my teaching job. ;o)
LOL that’s exactly what I thought about internet marketing when I first heard about it too…it’s funny because it’s true. aaaaaahhhh
Keep em coming!
Stuart
Hehe… I remember the look on my face when I told my parents that I need to make a sale to “generate” the money for a new car.
Or when my sister said (about my full-time income online brother that was still studying back then): “It’s got he finishes University so he has something to fall back on and work as an Engineer.” … she looked pretty puzzled when I replied: “No, I don’t think he would settle anymore for the tiny income Engineers make.”
Or my neighbors the other day… “How come you have the lights on until the early morning and don’t get out of the house before 3 pm? And then only to get the mail from the mailbox?”
It’s a lot of fun.
BTW… if somebody asks me, I don’t say that I am an Internet Marketer. I tell them I am an Online Business Owner. They dig that better.
Best regards,
Frank Bauer
I can absolutely, positively relate to this! My friends and family have no clue what it is that I do. I’ve started saying “I’m a newsletter publisher” and they seem to understand that better.
Denise
Keep the cartoons coming Aurelius!
I tell people that I sell books, what’s hard to understand?
Alex
Hey Aurelius,
Actually my friends and family have been for the most part quite supportive. There has been one comment asking if it was “one of those MLM things”, of course they have no idea what MLM really is. They really don’t understand what it is I’m doing online, they just know that I’m trying to make money. I think it’s better that way.
Jeff Sargent
Hey Aurelius
Yep I totally relate to this post, people cannot beleive that you can truly make a living online!
I am always asked do I really make money, and I am like YEAH and lot’s of it.
Their next question usually is can you teach me!!!
Sally
I also get the same question and I answered I make money from internet. Just stay in your home and see your money comes in
aurelius speak malay la
Good post, Aurelius.
My boss and and co-workers at my part-time job have been asking about my Internet Marketing business.
They know I’m going to quit working there as soon as my business is profitable enough.
Funny thing is, it took way too long to explain even the basics of Internet Marketing and I still don’t think they understand even half of what it involves.
Especially when I tried to mention I was “selling information”. It’s all about products and services in the “real world” and most people are too busy working to think about what goes on behind the scenes.
I won’t even get started on what my family or friends think!
Haha, tell me about it! I’m not making my living online but it’s a little side income, and a hobby at that. But people still doubt it’s possible, or think it’s done illegally or some nonsense like that.
The weirdest thing is, my friends are the ones who don’t understand it and my parents actually do.
But for the people who are ignorant and don’t, or just brush you off as an email spammer or whanot, it’s just their loss!
This comic hits the spot. My dad says that all I ever do is “play” on the computer just because I’m starting out now and haven’t really made any money yet.
Great comic
I have been quite lucky so far. Probably because i have always played down the hype surrounding affiliate marketing and explained it to my friends as an online business that requires a lot of work and dedication. In fact some are actually so impressed they are giving it a go.
@ Monika – 6 month cruise…nice
!
@ Fabian – “There are a millions of websites on the Internet, it’s impossible to make any money online.†– I was in this situation, too!
@ Gary – ““You still making money selling dreams?â€. – I like that one! So funny.
@ Mieke – out of the job for 3 year, good on you!
@ Frank – “Online Business Owner” – that’s a good way to put it. Sounds more legitimate
@ Denise – “I’m a newsletter publisher†– I like that one. Great for anyone who has a list.
@ Alex – “Books” – I guess that can give you instant credibility if you’re the Author. They’re books but in electronic form
@ Jeff – Good to see your family and friends support you. I still really get that.
@ Sally – “YEAH lots of it” – haha, I like that one!
@ syed – good to see you’re making money online
@ aidilmujahid – I’m not Malaysian
@ Michael – ahhh…I can relate to everything you’ve said. Trying to explain and teach them, and they still don’t get it. When I was working at my job my co-workers and boss knew I was going to quit anytime soon too. It was only a matter of time.
@ Tay – Extra cash is always nice, isn’t it
? It’s their loss, exactly! By the way, thanks for including some of my post at your superbloggingtips.com blog. Appreciate it.
@ Guillermo – “playing on the computer” – My mum tells me that, too
She thinks I’m lazy and a bludger. I just tell her I don’t need to work as hard as everybody else. I’ve got more spare time.
@ Affiliate Marketing Guide – Good to see you’re giving and getting positivity.
Thanks for posting everyone!
Another nice cartoon, Aurelius. Keep them coming up.
A few yeas ago, when I told a few of my classmates at university that I wanted to be an internet marketer. They laughed. They thought I was going to be crazy.
It’s not crazy, right? It’s more freedom, indeed.
Hi Aurelius, like most of the others I can relate to what u & they r saying but it is even worse when u have not got any income coming as yet people think u r a real fool. Hopefully 1 day I can roll up in a nice flash car & say I bought it with last months earnings.
Thanks for your comments.
@ Darin – More comics coming
I know what you mean. When I was studying I told my friends about what I wanted to do in the future. They thought it wasn’t possible. The idea just sounded too good to be true.
@ Col – hey, at least you’ve got the belief that making an income online is possible. Most people are skeptical so they refuse to believe it, at the very least.
Hello Aurelius Tjin,
How do you do? This is my first visit to your blog. It seems like I am going to visit often. You have a nice blog and offer great products for your readers. Keep up the good work, buddy. What is your nickname? We, asian usually have a very short nickname. Is it Aure or Tjin? Mine is Les. You need the word “help” after Learn more about how I can ….. below your pick. Ok Aurel, you are a great looking guy with a nice heart and creative mind. God bless you!
@ Majelis – Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate it. Glad you’ve found my blog useful. Most of my site visitors come back to read more interesting blog posts. My nickname is Lee.
Hey Aurelius/ Lee,
I just reading your blog and this post really caught me. You know , yesterday I met an old school teacher on the road and she asked me what am I doing at present. I told her, I am working online and this year I am planning to get into Internet Marketing. Not only she had a hard time , fathoming what is it that I am doing and ultimately, she gave me lot of wise advice about how should I proceed with my career etc… boooh..
I was so disappointed.. people in my region still can’t accept that a person can work online full time and it’s no less than a real life job.. in fact more..
So, I guess.. this is quite a common dilemma that most online workers or Internet marketers have to face..
Anyways, I must tell you, that I love the graphics in your blog and I have definitely bookmarked this blog and I am going to frequently visit it.
All the best
Love you, love your comics, love all you do, Aurelius !
I totally relate to the comic, but I loved the amazed look on my husband’s face when I produced my first affiliate cheque (whilst I jumped up and down, howling with glee).
I love writing, and family and friends know I had a book published some years ago so, when they ask why I spend so much time at the compter, I find it easier to just tell them I’m continuing my writing online and building my own business… Not a ‘big’ fib, as I am almost ready with my own sites and will have my own content…
I learned a long time ago not to worry over what people think, anyway, because you can’t expect them to appreciate or understand what they have never experienced.
Keep up your good work!
Hahha, “Is it like a pyramid scheme/scam?” – That is the EXACT thing my friend say to me when I explain to them ‘affiliate marking’ and ‘(e)book selling’ xP.
Hi Aurelius,
Very original, I’ve always been a visual
and auditory learner myself and I got a
kick out of it on the personal side.
Brian Garvin
Jeff West
@ Arita – I can totally relate to that. Yes, we all face it — whether you’re starting out or a seasoned marketer. I appreciate your kind words.
@ Catherine – Thanks so much for the warm and kind words
. I know it’s a bit late but Congrats on your first check. Yes, exactly…I don’t care what people say about what I do.
@ MintTree – Interesting name. Yea, situations like this comic tends to happen to me everytime we have some sort of gathering or meetup.
@ Brian – I also learn better by ear and visually.
Thanks for your comments, and always looking forward to hear from all of you.
I love this cartoon. Like all great cartoons, there’s truth in it. So many people treat Internet businesses like they’re hobby businesses. Well, too bad for them, because they are missing out.
This is hilarious because it’s so true.
I can really relate to this. People never understand what I do as a job. But I make more money than them so it doesn’t matter.
Just tell people your a glorified bum then invite them to your mansion =)
This is great Aurelius — I can relate 1000%.
You hit the nail on the head!
I have not much knowledge in internet marketing, just able to attract a bit traffic
Hi,
I stumbled upon your site and I really enjoyed this comics. You have great advices and tips here too. Thanks!
-Maxine
Great blog!
Great Blog!
Lots of viewer comments goes to show how many do face this
challenge of “defending” their choice of work environment.
I like to remember the comments I receive from family and
friends when I first tell them what I do. Then I remind
them of their comments when I show them the results!
I get a lot of (I’m sorries!)
This is funny but soo true at the same time!
People think that internet marketing is just a joke and that you cannot make a real living out of it, in truth you can FAST. lol
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Good Cartoon!
When people ask my daughter (15) what I do she says ‘I have absolutely no idea but it is in the internet’ Seems to work for her.
Here in Spain I have been informed by ‘knowledgeable’ people that Everything on the Web is Free. I say Oh OK.
With my relatives I have it easy because I have always done stuff they don’t really understand and do have a 16 yr old nephew who took in $13,000 monthly last year over the web so they know it can work.
But in general people have no cocept outside of ebay…
Best,
george
I do my business through internet too and sometimes ma friends do not want to talk about it at all, it seems strange for them, but I believe that they will soon think otherwise.
Good post. You know something every time I get asked what I do and I say I’m an SEO/SEM, people just look at me like I have just turned into an alien.
It’s got to the point now where I just say I’m a web designer. Seems to be easier and people seem to know what that is!!
KP
Well, people not involved in the line will never know what is exactly happen. That’s the reason some people are doubt about this.
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Hi Aurelius,
Thanks for your kind words over at my blog. I must say that your blog really contains very powerful information… every one of your blog post is extremely useful, be it for offline business or internet marketing.
Thanks for the great information and keep it coming. You just got another fan here.
Cheow.
Internet marketer or IM is a IT terms. people just don’t understand simply what internet marketer is.
Excellent post! I can relate to everyone here.How could someone who works in a office cubicle from 9 to 5 possibly understand what social bookmarking, RSS or affiliate marketing is? Online marketing is not a “real job” to them.Also, running an online business is much harder than a working in a office.Personally, I do 12 hour days marketing my online business.
What a great visual of exactly what friends and family says when they ask “What do you do?” You nailed it!
But when I tell them I make over $500 A DAY, all of a sudden they’re interested.
I look forward to future posts!
Ron
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s good to see I’m not the only one who regulary gets into this situation.