Questions, questions…

So like just about everyone else here, between my day job and my IM business, I’m pretty darn busy.  Add to that my wife is working on a site of her own and regularly needs my help, I’m bordering on insanely busy.

Suffice it to say, I’ve missed a few family social events and what not which (when I do finally attend) inevitably leads to questions…  “Where have you been?”, “What have you been up to?”

So I explain in as few words as possible because I know….  That it’ll lead to more questions!   Well how does this work?  Why do you do that?  Can anyone do it?  etc. etc. and my conversations usually end up going something like this:

“So you do internet marketing huh?  I’ve heard of that but not really sure how it works”.

Yep.

“So how does that work?”

(masked sigh – thinks to self: does he really want to know or is he just making polite conversation?)

Um, there’s a lot to it but in general you produce quality online content, drive traffic and monotonize it in some fashion.  That’s the short answer anyway.

“That’s fascinating!  Tell me more!”

(Hum... Think maybe he’s just trying to appear interested before he heads over to the crab dip he’s been eyeing for the last minute of our conversation)

There’s literally a multitude of ways to make money on the internet!  Everyone just kind of finds what works for them and what doesn’t and sticks with that.

“Wow, so what specifically are YOU doing?”

(Ok – I’m happy to share if he’s really interested.  Let’s test him and find out…)

I hear the crab dip is excellent, have you tried it yet?!?!

I really don’t mind the questions, in fact I love talking about what I do and sharing what I know but in the end it always boils down to this:

“Wow!  That sounds awesome man!  Do you think you can teach me how to do all of that?”

Um, well – I guess.  Never mind I had to endure countless sleepless nights, hours and hours of research and training, time away from family and friends, missed my favorite TV shows for God sakes! Not to mention, spent a lot of money…

But sure, I’ll work you into my busy schedule, take more time away from my family and my business and give it all to you completely free of charge!

I didn’t say that of course though that’s what went through my mind.  I’m sure this happens to you guys to one degree or another – how do you handle it?

I’ve just been trying to deter people like that by saying something like, “oh I don’t do very well at it because I’m new and still learning, or I haven’t made much money at it yet so I’m not sure I’m the one you should be asking!” but almost never seems to put them off.

I’m half tempted to just say, “Classes start at $100/hr, when would you like to start?   :)