Starting an online business or expanding it beyond what you imagined it could be is the dream for those looking to make money online.
Since I began blogging, I have been inspired by many people in the blogging world who have found a way to achieve their goals of freedom through online business.
Here are just a few of those inspirational stories to help you get motivated to chasing your dreams!
How to Leverage LinkedIn to Create a 7-Figure Business
Imagine having a career one day, and then it being over the next. That’s what happened to Lewis Howes. A career-ending injury in 2007 took him from the Arena Football League to his sister’s couch with what seemed to be no other options.
What Lewis did have was time. After a suggestion that he try LinkedIn from a friend and mentor, he took the time to build up his knowledge of the online networking and social world. He made lots of connections, created the largest sports industry networking group on LinkedIn, and wrote a book on how to be successful on LinkedIn.
He then went on to create courses on LinkedIn, Webinars, Video Marketing, Facebook, and more online marketing topics leading to a 7-figure business. You can read his inspirational story in this post on Forbes.
How to Quit a 6-Figure Job at a Fortune 100 Company to Become an Entrepreneur
Imagine being successful – making 6 figures at a Fortune 100 company with nowhere to go but up, then realizing that the corporate world is destroying your spirit and your passion. That’s what happened to Farnoosh Brock. She wanted more out of life and business, and knew she would never find it in the corporate world. After some preparation, she quit her career and started on the entrepreneurial path. Now, she is fulfilling her dream by building her own profitable business. You can read her inspirational story in this post on Prolific Living.
She has even created a course for others looking to take her lead called the Smart Exit Blueprint where she shows you why and how she resigned from her career to build a profitable brand in less than 2 years. It include interviews with yours truly, Pam Slim, Dan Miller, Marlee Ward, and other inspirational experts.
How to Leave Your Solo Gig and Become Part of a Larger Brand
Imagine having your own business, but wanting to take it to higher levels. That’s what happened to Brian Gardner of StudioPress. He had created an amazing WordPress framework, Genesis, but he was done with dealing with aspects of the business beyond creating the product including marketing, handling his hosting, and single-handedly supporting a 75,000 strong customer base.
So when he got the call to join Copyblogger Media, it was a no brainer. He was definitely interested in joining their team. Now he enjoys his part in the business, which he alludes to as being in the band playing music he loves while only having to be in charge of his own instrument.
You can read his inspirational story in this post on his blog.
How to Be Successful Despite the Odds
Imagine having a disease that changes your life in your mid-twenties. That’s what happened to John Paul Aguiar. He lost a kidney to kidney disease and had to wait for a donor on dialysis.
Since he was no longer able to hold a 9 to 5 job because of his treatments, John spent the time finding ways to work independently and make a paycheck. Within 11 months, he was able to stop receiving disability checks because he was making enough money online to support himself.
You can read his inspirational story in this post on the National Kidney Foundation website.
How to Build Your Business Through Blogging
Imagine having your own product and using one online marketing strategy to take it from 0 to 100,000 customers in nine months. That’s what happened to Leo Widrich, co-founder of BufferApp.
He started an intense guest blogging campaign and was published on tons of blogs in the social media niche including Mashable, ProBlogger, Social Media Today, Social Media Examiner, and Danny Brown.
Many of his guest posts were about Twitter, making them the perfect posts to drive a Twitter-loving audience to his product leading to many, many new customers.
You can read his inspirational story in this interview on Search Engine Watch.
How These Stories Helped Me
You hear about people being inspired, but you might wonder what that inspiration led to. In my case, it led to the realization that you don’t have to have a traditional job to make a living. I’ve never been fully attached to my jobs – I never cared about making employee of the month, socializing with the boss to get ahead, or any of the other politics of the work environment. All I’ve ever wanted is to do something I love and make enough to live on from it.
After following those that have set a goal in the online business world and succeeded, I decided I could do the same. So I made the transition from a secure full-time job to more risky world of freelance writing. I only say risky because it is the first time in my life I have not had a consistent, guaranteed salary or hourly income. Instead of just doing my primary job while others handle all of the other aspects of the business, I am doing my writing work along with marketing, sales, accounting, and collections.
Now that I have been a freelance writer for almost a year, I can say it was well worth the plunge.
What bloggers, online business owners, and online entrepreneurs have inspired you the most? Please share their story in the comments!
manisha singh February 3, 2013 at 12:06 am
I am new in this field,i also want to do online business,after reading, these stories has motivated me,and increased my eager to know more about online business.Thanks you lot for sharing,hope you will post such info article in future also.
Patrick Wagner January 23, 2013 at 7:02 pm
I have not commented here before but his seemed like a good time to do so. Reading these stories has given me renewed hope that I can accomplish much with my blog. Thanks to all those who shared their stories.
charansingh January 17, 2013 at 1:49 am
We learn SO very much from inspirational stories like these. Having known JP for many years I can say dudes like him help drive me. Really good stuff here, because it reminds us we all face obstacles – many, face REALLY big blocks – yet with persistence you can get around them. No excuses, just keep going. Persist. Obstacles melt.
Good lesson – > where you start matters not. An office job, arena football league, wherever. How much you want it matters most. I was an unemployed security guard who runs a blog and gifting team. No idea I’d be traveling the world for the past 16 months, but I wanted it, and I dwelled on inspirational stories like those you’ve provided. Absolutely no better way to keep on keeping on when things get tough.
charansingh recently posted..Industrial Live Project Training
Paul Parkinson January 8, 2013 at 8:48 am
That is great information, and trust me these type of stories keep all of us motivated, so keep hoping for Good guys. One day you will shine
Mukesh Dutta January 8, 2013 at 1:31 am
Hi Kristi,
Stories like these, keep me motivated. I’m going through all of the above stories in detail now. Thanks for the great post!
Denise Gabbard December 17, 2012 at 5:11 pm
These are all great stories– and I remember Lewis Hoyes when he was first starting out on LinkedIn–I was recruiting at the time and we exchanged a few emails about what he was setting up, and I have to say he really impressed me because he so friendly, professional, and REAL! A lot like yourself, Kristi:) Any baby news??
Pankaj November 6, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Hi Kristi ,
Such a inspirational article , i will be a power booster for a person like me who is looking for same kind of success .
Thanks again!!!
Lilibeth Leoligao October 26, 2012 at 9:51 am
Generating more traffics for your site through bloggers who are visiting your sites from time to time. Blogging with relevant issues and replying and sharing what you have for the good of the internet market. I will use this until I will be successful in my new plan for creating an interesting website.
Lilibeth Leoligao October 26, 2012 at 9:47 am
Great! Blogging and commenting is an avenue wherein you can share what’s in your mind, your trend, business and tips on achieving in the internet market. It will never be a waste of time to those whose passion is to share the world through social media and other apps and learning the trend of internet business. Doing such thing is a plus factor to me a website fanatics and I’m learning now for my new plan website. Good job……
sjhon October 17, 2012 at 7:59 am
Despite of all the issues, one can indeed achieve personal career and cost-effective wish so long as one can be serious in the organization execute out.Firstly Trust is essential for online business then we can go for a success
Michael October 9, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Great Post Kristi,
This is the kind of motivation we need for self employ and beginner in the business. Despite of all the challenges, one can indeed achieve personal career and financial dream as long as one can be persistent in the business pursue.
I like the image with the Farnoosh Brock at the beach the most and the quote just simply said it all.
Thanks again.
Suus October 1, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Allready make all my money online with a webshop. My next goal is to make money online with just a website and no physical products which need to be shipped daily.
Allways inspiring to read stories from other people!
Steven Millard September 12, 2012 at 5:07 pm
wow, what. a. post. Very inspiration stories to keep me going. Regards, Steve
Mohamed Osam September 11, 2012 at 11:12 am
Thanks Kristi for your article. I would emphasis though on the importance of finding a market need when starting an online business or any other business for that matter.
Entrepreneur’s success is largely defined by spotting a need and having the will to take risk. “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing.”
Yea, one more thing, I would stay away from naysayers.. They are a major spoiler. Listen of course, then learn and refine your plan.. but still do what you believe in.
Mohamed Osam recently posted..Do Americans really understand all woman voters?
Mohamed Osam September 11, 2012 at 11:15 am
Oh, btw, that risk quote is by “Leo Buscaglia” .. Just wanted to give the guy the credit.. It is not me who said it, I cannot even right as 1% good as he does
Mohamed Osam recently posted..Is this a Race?
Kristi Hines September 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm
You’re welcome! I think each of these people found that market and that’s what has made them so successful!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Pritam Nagrale September 11, 2012 at 4:53 am
Hi Kristi, its very inspiring article. You always write excellent & well researched articles.
Pritam Nagrale recently posted..How to Start a Small Business in India
Kristi Hines September 12, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Thanks Pritam!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Jeremiah September 8, 2012 at 11:28 am
Thank you, I have been working hard for slow progress, I needed that jump start.
Kristi Hines September 9, 2012 at 12:39 am
Slow progress is still progress. Hang in there!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Heather Stone September 7, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Hi Kristi,
What an awesome post about the many opportunities available to all of us out there. I loved the video about the possibilities offered on Linkedin especially. Thanks for sharing this post on BizSugar too.
Heather Stone recently posted..Will the Community Bank Crunch Squeeze Small Business? How to Find Out
Kristi Hines September 9, 2012 at 12:32 am
Thanks Heather!
Hope everyone at BizSugar finds it inspiring!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Bird Deterrent September 7, 2012 at 9:23 am
Great stuff! The one that inspired me the most is the story of Lewis Howes because he had no real experience with online marketing and LinkedIn but through hard work and a lot of research he was able to master the world of social media marketing and now teaches others to follow in his footsteps. I can relate to him the most since I have a sports background and i’m actually part of his sports networking group on LinkedIn
Kristi Hines September 7, 2012 at 1:01 pm
That’s great! Yes, it is pretty inspiring that anyone from any walk of life can do a complete 180 and be successful in a totally different setting.
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
John Paul September 7, 2012 at 8:16 am
Kristin, a HUGE Thank U for including me and my story in your post.. you just made my weekend
And to be along side Lewis, Farnoosh and Leo, 3 people I respect is an added bonus.
Sharing my personal “stuff” isn’t easy, but I hope people can see from my story that no matter how bad things get, it always get’s better. If they can take that away, then all the sharing is worth it to me.
Also Thank U to Ryan and Jane.. I Appreciate that support
John Paul recently posted..Marketing With Twitter Effectively – Free Guide
Kristi Hines September 7, 2012 at 12:59 pm
You’re welcome John Paul! It’s not often that you see someone find the strength that you did when they are going through such a difficult time physically and turn that into a new career! That’s the stuff that inspirational stories are made of!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
John Paul September 7, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Thanks Kristi, the kind words and positivity mean a lot
John Paul recently posted..Social Media Platforms Are About Traffic and Relationships and Not About SEO
firdosh joy September 7, 2012 at 2:03 am
Hello Kristi , these are really some inspirational and motivating stories. These really some great stories which will motivate me work more on my blog.Thanks Kristi for such a great post.
Kristi Hines September 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm
You’re welcome Firdosh!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Susan September 6, 2012 at 11:58 pm
Reading everyone’s story has been inspirational and encouraging, John’s in particular. Fear and the uncertainty of being able to live without a guaranteed pay check often stops us from stepping outside our comfort zone unless it’s absolutely necessary. Congrats and well done to everyone who has done just that, and continued success to all including you, Kristi.
Kind regards,
Susan
Kristi Hines September 7, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Thanks Susan! I’m glad you enjoyed the stories!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Susan September 8, 2012 at 2:05 am
You’re most welcome, Kristi! Thank you!
Kind regards,
Susan
John Paul September 8, 2012 at 11:18 am
Thank U Susan for the kind words.. Hope mine and the rest of the stories will help motivate you thru the down times
John Paul recently posted..Social Media Platforms Are About Traffic and Relationships and Not About SEO
Bharat September 6, 2012 at 11:30 pm
Really inspirational stuff! I like the story of BufferApp guys and they are doing a good job. Another thing I like the most about BufferApp is awesome User interface design. Kudos!
Kristi Hines September 6, 2012 at 11:46 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting Leo at BlogWorld last year. Once I got the personal tour of their app, I haven’t looked back since. It’s the one Twitter tool I am happy to pay premium for!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Susan September 10, 2012 at 9:27 am
You are most welcome, John. Thank you for sharing your story and for taking the time to reply.
Laurent Matignon October 11, 2012 at 12:47 pm
People at Buffer are really nice indeed. I’m using their famous plugin for Wordpress (Digg Digg). There was a lot of bugs at the beginning. Now it works like a charm, they have fixe almost everything !
There was a Buffer deal on Appsumo a few days ago but I’m short on cash for the moment so I didn’t jump into to. I’ve got to try the free version first. Sure it’s some great stuff.
Ryan Biddulph September 6, 2012 at 8:47 pm
We learn SO much from inspirational stories like these. Having known JP for many years I can say dudes like him help drive me. Really good stuff here, because it reminds us we all face obstacles – many, face REALLY big blocks – yet with persistence you can get around them. No excuses, just keep going. Persist. Obstacles melt.
Good lesson – where you start matters not. An office job, arena football league, wherever. How much you want it matters most. I was an unemployed security guard who runs a blog and gifting team. No idea I’d be traveling the world for the past 16 months, but I wanted it, and I dwelled on inspirational stories like those you’ve provided. Absolutely no better way to keep on keeping on when things get tough.
Thanks Kristi!
RB
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Network Marketing Training – 4 Things to Do When the Internet Crashes
Kristi Hines September 6, 2012 at 11:45 pm
Great to hear that stories like these helped you believe that anything is possible no matter what the odds. Those (and yours) are the types of stories to keep on hand when you feel down – they remind you that everything can turn around with the right attitude and persistence.
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!
Jane September 6, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Kristi, nice to see you at Famous Bloggers and truly inspirational stuff you’ve shared here
Love them – especially the one of John. Nothing can be given as a excuse for not moving forward with our dreams and goals.
Thanks for sharing these awesome stories and guess what? I’m reading this post first thing in the morning (after reading Hesham’s mail) – so that’s really inspiring!
Jane recently posted..3 Sneaky Ways To Convert Casual Readers To Loyal Readers
Kristi Hines September 6, 2012 at 11:40 pm
It’s been awhile since I’ve written here, but it’s good to be back.
Glad you’re getting to start the day with a little inspiration from the blogging world!
Kristi Hines recently posted..You’re Invited to an Online Baby Shower!