Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dreams!

Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dreams!

Posted on 21. Dec, 2009 by Michael in Blogging

It was the week before Christmas and Bloggers Everywhere are preparing for the Holidays!

Hi Everyone

Today’s post is of the general round-up variety – not something I normally do at IncomeDiary.com, but there has been a number of happenings recently, so I thought I would bring all these things together in one post.

And of course it is also the Holidays! Not just Christmas, but Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year and I am sure, several others – So Happy Holidays Everyone!

Don’t worry – the Title of this Blog Post will become clearer as you read on.

1) My 21st Birthday

Firstly, for those of you who did not know, it was my Birthday yesterday – 20th December. Not any old birthday – but my 21st Birthday – see photo with my Hip Grandmother below.

Michael Dunlop - Young Entrepreneur

2) Be Careful With Weights

On Friday morning I was at the Gym with my good friend Ali – when I offered to help him as he positioned to lift some weights. I don’t know how I managed to do it – but somehow in those few moments I ‘creaked” my neck and I have been in quite a bit of discomfort all weekend. I have been to see a lovely lady called Carol (a Manipulative Therapist) who has twisted me and turned me always – she assures me it will be good for me in the end.

Needless to say my Birthday Celebrations had to be somewhat curtailed – originally I was going to spend Saturday Night at a nice London Hotel with some friends – and we had Indoor Paint-balling planned for Sunday. Alas those celebrations will have to wait until 2010 now. I have to say everyone has been amazingly kind to me this weekend – doing there best to make me feel comfortable and I have eaten very well and friends have been dropping in. As long as I don’t have any sudden Jolts I am fine ;-)

Of course it is horrid to have this happen – but it has happened, I can’t undo it now so I find it is best to get on with things as best as possible. Anyway – I have had an opportunity to catch up on lots of DVD’s that I have been meaning to watch for some time. Plus I have been making notes on a pad for future blog posts – so not all is lost.

Anyway, enough of feeling ’sorry’ for me.

3) Moneylove Man Of The Year 2009

Normally my Modest Persona would not allow me to mention the next bit ;-) – but I am deeply touched that Jerry Gillies (whom some of you will remember from the Moneylove Manifesto Post a little while back) has awarded me his Moneylove Man Of The year 2009 award

2009 has been my best year ever in so many ways – and I consider it an honor when great prosperity thinkers like Jerry Gillies who frankly was a Star long before I was born acknowledge my impact on their online career. Thank you Jerry.

4) Yanik Silver’s Underground Online Seminar

Many of you will have heard me mention about the great impact that Yanik Silver’s Underground Online Seminar has had on my online career. Well in 2010 Yanik and I have teamed up to add a Young Moguls pre-day, just before the official seminar which will feature some of the most remarkable young entrepreneurs – under 25 and making a living online.

Right now I am looking for potential speakers. Amongst those already confirming are: Neil Patel of Crazy Egg, and KISSmetrics, Derek Johnson of tatango.com – ( See my interview with Derek Here ) and Kieran O’Neill – a 20 something serial internet entrepreneur with three huge successes online so far! Kieren sold his first website online for $1.25 Million at the age of 19 (See My Interview With Kieran Here)

Are you a Young Entrepreneur who would like to speak at this event? Or do you know someone who would make a good speaker? You can Contact Me Here to discuss.

If you have not already signed up for Yaniks Underground Online Seminar (affiliate link) BUT you are serious about your online career then now is the time to Book a trip to Washington DC next March. Yanik is offering the special rate of $1995 until 20th January 2010 which includes a whole raft of bonuses such as admission to a VIP Networking Dinner & Spy Mission for people who book now. I have to tell you, that Networking Dinner has to be experienced – to be believed. Yanik delivers and then delivers even more. I will of course be there. The people you meet, the insights you will get, the fun you will have is out of this world!

Yanik’s event attracts some of the brightest and best minds online – many of whom are generating significant incomes and building large businesses ‘underground’ – and are always a lot of fun as well as educating. Yanik also brings in some amazing Keynote Speakers. For example Bob Parsons of Godaddy and Tony Hsieh of Zappos both spoke at the event this year.

I really hope you can make it.

Give yourself the Ultimate Holiday Gift – a trip to DC and Yanik Silvers Underground Online Seminar next March

5) Some People Don’t Get It

Once in a while I get a really odd comment here on the blog – some that no matter how hard I try I really just don’t understand.

For example in last couple of days I have had an Anonymous comment …. from an individual who took issue with me promoting Hostgator.com and Woothemes.com

Apparently they took issue with me using affiliate links to promote products on my Make Money Online Blog? I mean, what planet are these people on? What – they expect me to run a Make Money Online Blog that doesn’t make money?

Just about every host offers an Affiliate Scheme – so clearly if you are going to recommend a Host after your research then you would use their affiliate scheme. I researched loads of hosts and have used a good number of them over the years and I chose Hostgator.com because for me the offered the simplest and easiest to understand support and CPanel with one click easy install for your blog.

Likewise with Wordpress Themes – I had spent $1000’s on customising Wordpress Themes prior to discovering the wonderful, beautiful range of inexpensive themes from Woothemes.com

The thing is this individual is clearly interested in making money online because they mentioned they had been looking at Make Money Online Blogs for a while – but we are all the same, using affiliate links to promote products! This is just my impression but I felt this individual hated the idea that anyone earned any money out of something they bought? I mean when they buy a cane of Coke at the Grocery Store they probably object to the retailer making a profit on the transaction.

The thing is their attitude here (objecting to someone else making money) is actually the attitude that is preventing them from making money. Personally I have always found it better to be inspired by what the other guys is making rather than jealous of their success. Or putting it another way – I really don’t care that much what someone else is making, as long as I am making money myself.

It is always my goal here to deliver awesome value and I have found that if you do that the money side of things really does tend to take care of itself.

Forgive my little rant – but I am also aware that it is individuals like this who steal other peoples dreams and make other people into sad cynical individuals just like they are. People who will tell you it is too late, you can’t make money in this business or that, or that other people can make money, but not you because you don’t have the right education, right background etc. Do not let these people steal your dream!

If a young college dropout and dyslexic can succeed online – why not you?

And for the record – I make no apology for repeating the affiliate links above – I mean if people really object to me earning from my recommendations – they can always strip out the affiliate link!

Finally

Thanks to the many of you who sent Birthday Wishes — I shall be returning to this ‘turning 21 thing’ again soon.

And watch out for at least a couple of interesting posts that I have planned for between now and the end of the year.

2009 has been such an amazing year and it is my sincere pleasure to count on so many of my readers as friends now – Thank you.

Enjoy the Holidays

best wishes

Michael

If you're really considering making a living through blogging, then you absolutely have to check out Blogging To The Bank by Rob Benwell. In his book, the UK millionaire blogger reveals step by step how he makes as much as $90,480 a month from just a few hours work.

For people ready to dive into a more premium guide, you should consider Blog Mastermind by Yaro Starak. Yaro teaches how you too can master the exact SYSTEM he uses to make a minimum of $10,000 to as much as $35,000 per month, blogging part time.

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42 Responses to “Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Dreams!”

  1. Tammy Kahn Fennell

    21. Dec, 2009

    Glad it’s been a good year for you! may the new year bring you success as well :)

    Reply to this comment

  2. Andrew @ webuildyourblog.com

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy belated birthday wishes and congrats to a wonderful 2009!

    21? That takes me a back a few years.

    Re: idiot comments. I had one recently in response to my free guide. It went like this:

    “Why did you say free, just to get people to come to your site? I want to inform you that this is a false statement. I see this all the time on the web and its not right. Let customers know upfront that this is not free.”

    Free in my terms is you don’t have to give me any money – just your email address. Perhaps they were saying it’s not free because they did have to enter their email address. I did ask for clarification but they never did reply!

    Idiots.

    All the best and have a great Christmas.

    Andrew

    Reply to this comment

  3. poch

    21. Dec, 2009

    All I want to say is HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michael!

    Reply to this comment

  4. Fazreen

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy belated birthday and happy coming Christmas. Enjoy your holiday and have fun.

    Reply to this comment

  5. Patrick

    21. Dec, 2009

    Michael, I just want to say that I’m truly inspired by your success online. At age 21, you’ve accomplished more than most people in their life time!

    I have a special folder in my Inbox dedicated just for your emails b/c I look forward to reading them, and reviewing all your recommendations.

    You’ve done an amazing job of building trust with your readers. Btw, how do you get all these “experts” to grant your interviews?

    If I can achieve a fraction of your success in 2010, I will be HAPPY–I’ve yet to met my first penny online, but I’m hoping that will change in 2010 b/c I’ve worked very hard in 2009 laying the groundworks! Keep up the great work, and don’t let anyone steal your dreams.

    One day, I hope that we cross paths b/c I sure would like to “pick your brain.” Happy holidays and happy be-lated birthday ! :-)

    Reply to this comment

  6. Mike CJ

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy birthday Michael and I hope the neck gets better soon.

    Reply to this comment

  7. Iman Yusef-Yahya

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy 21st Birthday Michael!

    Reply to this comment

  8. Jeremiah

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Michael.

    Thanks for the great post. I am a fitness professional that teaches folks how to get six pack abs based on my own experience, so I know how the injuries can go.

    Be careful not to make your injury worse. Take it easy for a while and let your injury get better.

    Have a good one and thanks for the great info. Happy Holidays.

    Sincerely,

    Jeremiah Baker

    Reply to this comment

  9. Robb Sutton

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday! Mine is on the 23rd…so I know how the “close to Christmas” birthdays go. Heal up and go celebrate. 2009 has been a huge year for you and you deserve every bit of it.

    Reply to this comment

  10. Johnluffa

    21. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Mate…Take it easy on the weights :-)

    Reply to this comment

  11. Ms. Freeman

    21. Dec, 2009

    Well Happy Belated Birthday, and congrats on your award! :) So what makes the Gandmum hip?

    Reply to this comment

  12. Marshall Haas

    21. Dec, 2009

    Michael, your dad told me about the weight lifting mishap Sunday evening over Skype! So sorry to hear dude. Hope the bday was excellent still, Happy Birthday :-)

    I’ll be turning 20 on January 1st, woot woot! Also shot you an email about everything, talk soon and best wishes.

    Reply to this comment

  13. Paul

    21. Dec, 2009

    Michael,

    Many happy returns for your recent birthday; I trust your lady therapist will do a good job with your recovery. I know where your coming from when you mention the difficulties brought about by back problems. Ouch!

    Ignore those who complain about the contents of your blog; you only need to reflect on the comments, not only on this post but other posts throughout your blog to realise they are in the minority.

    Keep up the good work and look forward to the next 21 years.

    Regards

    Paul

    Reply to this comment

  14. Russell Handy

    22. Dec, 2009

    Hi Michael, I hope you enjoyed your birthday !!! I wish you and your Dad a great holiday and a happy, healthy and successful 2010 !!! I hope you feel better

    Reply to this comment

  15. Daniel Meade

    22. Dec, 2009

    Michael your Grandmother certainly is hip! Especially with your gangsta handshakes! POW! Haha

    I had a similar issue with complaints when an individual emailed me about his anger that my free ecourse contained affiliate links, and that my opinion couldn’t possibly be valid as I intended to make money from it! Again I replied, but got no response. Ironically, they’re still subscribed though!

    Reply to this comment

  16. JayDz

    22. Dec, 2009

    Another beautiful post by you! I love your spirit & i admire your hard work… This has really inspired me like alotta your posts have.. Looking forward to your next two posts… Keep ‘em coming… Get well soon and Happy Birthday :)

    Reply to this comment

  17. Tammy

    22. Dec, 2009

    Particularly like the whole part about affiliate advertising. Never understand the mentality of some people who begrudge anyone making a living! ;)

    Reply to this comment

  18. Patrenia

    22. Dec, 2009

    Thanks for the inspiration Michael. I always look forward to reading what you have to say. Happy Belated Birthday!

    p.s. You have every right for being proud of what you have accomplished. If only I had been as smart at the age of 21.

    Reply to this comment

  19. Mr Q

    23. Dec, 2009

    Hey Michael,
    Firstly Happy Birthday!! You given me personally so much value this year!! and I know that it only takes one harsh or negative comment to make us feel upset and frustrated (especially considering how much effort we put in to helping people).
    Just remember these are the minority and will never be as successful as you. They do this to feed their own ego, however the greater good will always win in the end and for 2009 Michael you have won!! that award speaks for it;s self! Keep up the amazing work! You’re such inspiration to not only young entrepreneurs, but all those looking to improve themselves! online and off!!

    Reply to this comment

  20. elmot

    23. Dec, 2009

    Belated Happy Bday! Been a good blogging year for you and hopefully to everyone.

    Happy Holidays!

    Reply to this comment

  21. Rafi

    23. Dec, 2009

    I wish you a very happy birthday, Michael. :) Great job with your blog and keep doing your good work.

    Reply to this comment

  22. Jeff

    23. Dec, 2009

    Well, I’m the 22nd response (there are 21 so far it says), so here’s to many more birthdays Michael. People are odd and you are right in saying don’t let them steal your dreams. Nice pic with grammy :-) .

    Thanks for 2009, you’ve inspired me to do better blogging and given me lots of cool ideas. Negative people inspire me (us), it is a pity that people don’t realize that at times.

    I hope your neck gets better very soon so you can properly celebrate the 21st year.

    To your success in 2010.
    Jeff.

    Reply to this comment

  23. Kwame| Sociatic

    23. Dec, 2009

    Heal up and celebrate your birthday Michael. You are the reason why I started blogging and I say a big Thank You and a Happy Birthday Michael. I was constantly wondering when you were going to turn 21 and here it is now:).

    Reply to this comment

  24. Pete

    23. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Michael, I love to read your blog. I wish everyone a successful year 2010!
    Cheers!

    Reply to this comment

  25. KHALID

    23. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Michael

    Always I read your blog you are great

    Reply to this comment

  26. tun80

    23. Dec, 2009

    Hope your Nan gave you the bumps for the big day!!!

    Just a small tip from the offline world, get some kettlebells. Pair of 16kg. Give it 2 months, you’ll be hunting me down to thank me.

    Give you more functional strength than brain cells. (from what I can tell, you have quite a few of those.)

    Many Happy Returns!!

    Reply to this comment

  27. Ken Siew

    24. Dec, 2009

    It’s been a wonderful year reading your blog, hope you had a great birthday!

    It’s always inspiring to me seeing someone younger than me being as successful as you. Keep up the great work man!

    Reply to this comment

  28. Bhuwan Roka`

    24. Dec, 2009

    Happy BirthDay To You ..andMany Many Happy Return of the day best wishes
    Thanks
    Bhuwan

    Reply to this comment

  29. Eunice

    24. Dec, 2009

    Happy belated Birthday. Hope you did have a good time.
    Wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New year.

    Cheer

    Reply to this comment

  30. Sol Reporter

    24. Dec, 2009

    Firstly, Happy Birthday Michael!

    Secondly, Merry Xmas!

    Thirdly, one of the best posts you’ve made in your blog… I started my blog because of you… and also to change the world… Especially the country I live in, Solomon Islands…

    All the best and Happy 2010…

    Reply to this comment

  31. Julia

    24. Dec, 2009

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michael – I hope your neck gets better soon!

    Thank you for reminding us that we can all succeed online.

    Have a fab festive season, and a brilliant New Year.

    Reply to this comment

  32. Rick Resch

    26. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Michael and Merry Christmas!
    I find that is so true about when some people are jealous and don’t want you to get ahead like making more money than they do. It makes me furious and I just want to work even harder. They hide behind a veil in anonymity on the Internet. They attack you and can’t confront you face to face. If they had any worth they would let you know who they are. Let them die in their misery and rot in hell. At least you are trying and providing value to your audience. Keep fighting the good fight. I wish you the very best and I sincerely hope you have a better year than last year.

    Cheers!

    Reply to this comment

  33. Rachna

    27. Dec, 2009

    Happy 21st Birthday Michael! Wishing you a fabulous year ahead! It’s been great to see the success you have achieved with Income Diary and how it has become such a popular site in such a short while! You are truly an inspiration. May the new year bring you even more success and happiness :)

    Reply to this comment

  34. Kayla

    28. Dec, 2009

    Happy belated birthday Micheal! I have about 6 months to go before my own 21st (and I’m in the U.S. so I REALLY can’t wait ;P).

    What a silly comment…bashing affiliate links on a ‘making money blogging’ blog. Ha, some people aren’t the smartest. Clearly you’re doing something right at that commenter isnt! Best of luck to you in the upcoming year and keep providing the awesome content! As to date, you’ve been one of my biggest inspirations so far!

    Reply to this comment

  35. Jose Anajero

    28. Dec, 2009

    “If a young college dropout and dyslexic can succeed online – why not you?”

    You’re an inspiration, Michael.

    Thanks.

    Jose

    Reply to this comment

  36. Deji

    28. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday Micheal! I wish you the best in 2010. You have been a source of inspiration for people in my part of the world. Congratulations!

    Reply to this comment

  37. Daniel

    29. Dec, 2009

    Happy Birthday!

    Reply to this comment

  38. Mel

    02. Jan, 2010

    Michael, I don’t know you but I love your site and your emails. I’m fully aware that the things you promote are part of an affiliate program, but I also believe that you see value in them and aren’t promoting them just for the sake of it. Your content is quality, and I look forward to getting your emails in my inbox.

    People who expect you to create your content without making money from it are jealous and that you’ve taken the initiative.

    Good luck and happy belated birthday!

    Reply to this comment

  39. KIWI

    12. Jan, 2010

    Well Done on reaching 21 years old. I love your photo with Super Gran. I do miss my chats with your Grandmother.
    Your Dad tells me you are doing very well. Keep it up.
    I will next return to the UK for Andrew’s Wedding.
    Cheers

    KIWI

    Reply to this comment

  40. Voyage Montreal

    16. Jan, 2010

    Happy Be-lated birthday!

    Reply to this comment

  41. Are You Too Clever For Success? | Make Money Online

    19. Mar, 2010

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