It was early summer, 2012. Shane burst through the door, taking a break from the yard work.
“Jocelyn, you’ve got to listen to this podcast!” he exclaimed. I smiled and nodded, as I often do when Shane gets one of his wild ideas. He continued without skipping a beat. Apparently he had chosen a random podcast to listen to while mowing the yard, and the people on the podcast had started online businesses and were eventually able to quit their day jobs. He was instantly convinced that this was our destiny.
I wasn’t.
Over the next couple of weeks, Shane became even more obsessed with online business. I figured it would be a passing thing, as most of his obsessions are. He started a couple websites in another attempt to prove to me that online business was the key to our future happiness.
I still wasn’t buying it, and I felt like all this research was a complete waste of time.
A few days later, everything changed. We were getting ready for bed one night. I was reading a book, and Shane was using the computer. Everything was normal, until he grabbed my arm and screamed, “I MADE ELEVEN CENTS!!!”
Yes, $0.11.
Someone had clicked a Google ad on one of the sites he made. That was the moment I realized that he might possibly be onto something with this online business stuff. Someone Shane had never met randomly found his website, clicked an ad, and gave us money. It was incredible.
We were both totally amazed that it was possible to make money while lying in bed. What could we do if we put a little more effort into creating content? That’s exactly what we’ve done ever since that day.
I can’t tell you how thankful I am to the person who clicked that Google ad. That person indirectly made it possible for us to quit trading time for money at a traditional job, and start investing our time into passive income.
Now we can spend more time with our children than ever before, and do work we love whenever we want.
And it all started with that first eleven cents.
What would it take to change your life?
Hey Shane & Jocelyn,
Just wanted to flick you two a quick message to say that I have recommended the SPI podcast featuring you two lovely people to dozens of my friends – even those who have no real interest in internet business. Why? Because you two sound like the most genuine, down to earth couple and it had me grinning ear to ear listening to the two of you speak of your success.
I’ve just posted my second post on a brand new blog and I honestly believe you two were the little inspirational boost that I needed to do so.
Take care and keep on smiling,
Alex
Awww…. Thanks so much, Alex! We love online business, but more importantly, we love the people who leave us awesome comments and messages. Thanks for dropping by to share these kind words. 🙂
What was the turn around time from the moment you bought your first domain until you made that $0.11?
I work as a Paramedic and Police officer in the Houston, Tx area and I was thinking about making study guides/content based on my years of experience. I don’t know much about web design but I’m willing to learn. Your story, as I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again, is very motivating.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Not exactly sure Travis…maybe 2 months? But that two months was hundreds of hours of work lol…something like that. 🙂
Shane and Jocelyn…just gave you guys a 5 star review on iTunes. Well earned. Thanks a bunch for your great (and easy-to-follow) advice. Looking forward to more!
Hi, I was so impressed with your story about making making money online and something that motivates my inner heart to start an online business and quit my traditional job.
Actually, I’m an avid followers of Pat Flynn of SPI that’s why I came across with your blog thru his article featuring about your success…
Thanks for sharing your success.
More power and God bless!
Shane/Jocelyn,
Sounds like you both had that “moment” that I did while on vacation. To sum it all up, I was on vacation in Italy and while there I made $10 completely passively from someone buying an image. That $10 made me quit my doctoral program and focus more on my website. More details are here if you’re interested: http://onehourprofessor.com/how-vacation-stopped-pursuit-doctoral-degree/
That “AH-HA!” moment is one that is amazing and I am hopeful that eventually this website side gig will make enough for me to focus on it full-time.
Loves you guys on SPI and love you show and story! We need to get you on the SHIFTing WORK podcast. Your story is what our listeners need to hear! Thanks for sharing so much on what you do!
Jocelyn and Shane love you guys! Thank you for all the inspiration you have given us. It’s good to know you have been in our foot steps and now are a success. It can be overwhelming just starting out. Sometimes it seems so easy for others until you hear their stories and understand they are just like you!
Blessings,
I stumbled upon your site again and realized you guys are the .11 centers!
I remember listening to your SPI episode and really related to the story. To many it could sound ridiculous getting excited over 11 cents but I have had similar moments and the episode really brought me back to those. Huge inspiration! Keep up the great work.
Blessed on 11cents is a Blessing U have to start some where to make it grow.
Amen to that! Brick by brick!
What did the website look like, how money did you have invested in it and what did they buy?
I see that you invested hundreds of hours before you got this result. How did you keep motivated with all this time invested?
I wouldn’t say we had invested hundreds of hours before earning the $0.11. That was the catalyst for believing this business model was viable and kept the fire burning for the hours we spent after that. 🙂
I’ll never forget my first money made online. Dec 28th, and it was $1.70. I actually printed out the report and framed it. My reaction was identical: I ran yelling into the other room to tell my girlfriend, who was highly skeptical of all this “Internet business stuff.”
That $1.70 was via the Amazon Associates program. Google AdSense has eluded me, however. I’ve heard of other people doing well with AdSense, but in the 8 months I had ads live on my blog, I made a whopping 2-cents. So, I recently shut down AdSense and removed all the ads from my blog. Meanwhile, AA has been doing great for me.
I sometimes wonder if I’m missing something–perhaps doing something strategically wrong–with AdSense? Do you have any tips/resources for using AdSense? Or, is AdSense no longer as viable as it once was a few years ago?
We rely on our own products. Adsense is a nice little bonus if you use it, but you are always better doing your own thing.
Ads are fickle. We would rather build our own brand than Google’s ad platform 🙂
Hi,
I am so motivated after hearing this story that I am taking the plunge.
I am starting my online business today with this message. I am not sure what it takes, I am not sure when I will make the money or how much, but I know I will.
Thanks for the inspiration
Sanjay
India
Awesome Sanjay! If we can help let us know: https://flippedlifestyle.com/flipyourlife
Starting is the most important step!