Plan One | afflilate marketing goal
Plan One
Just over one year ago I had a grand idea that I could make a little bit of cash on the side using not much more than my laptop. It’s all documented in my introduction. All that didn’t get too far I must admit but the reasons I started are just as valid today as they were then. I still want to explore this avenue but it is very much work in progress . I’m going to keep it all simple and call it Plan One.
My time , my security and my freedom
I want to start out by highlighting a few things I’m grateful for . I am lucky enough to live in the developed first world , with all the benefits that it brings . I have a wonderful family to support me and a good job that provides a steady income . Life is not bad at all . Two events have happened recently that have made me think though regarding financing my current standard of living and making the best use of my time .
The company I work for is doing O.K . At our particular location we are busy providing the best service we can for our customers . A few months ago our biggest customer ( 80% of our local work) decided to place its requirements out to tender . Luckily we retained the contract , but it was a nervy few months . This was an eye opener for me. Somethings are just out of our control . No matter how good you are , how good your team is , how great a service you provide , if your customer moves it contract elsewhere there is diddly squat you can do about it . If we hadn’t retained the contract my current working life would have become very uncertain . My only real income stream could have ended abruptly . No doubt I can or could find other work if need be , but this event was a wake up call .
Read a book , it’s good for you
The other event that has occurred recently was that I read a book called ‘ Money ‘ by Rob Moore. I know this is now sounding a bit clichéd but hang on in. The last time I wrote a book review was back in high school . I’m not going to write one now , but I’ll highlight the pertinent points that hit home with me.
Personal money beliefs , the purpose and nature of money and the well explored topics such as capital , equity and income are all to be found in this book. All standard stuff . However I found such topics as ‘values and vision’ , ‘gratitude and appreciation’ and ‘time-money relationships ‘ the real points of interest . I’d never before considered the importance of the ‘time -money relationship’ . I currently live a very traditional work model . Simply put I am leveraging my time for money with one employer . Like most people without really consciously considering it I’m leveraging my time for money to pay the bills , put a roof over my head to delay having free time till retirement with fingers crossed that I have a few years left at this point . Of course reference the income stream I’m leveraging my time for, apart from ensuring I provide the best service I possibly can , I have no real control . My main source of income could end at any given moment if some corporate chap decides to move business elsewhere .
So one works to establish a lifestyle by trading time for money . If you don’t work one has plenty of time but no money. They say money doesn’t make you happy but having money and time allows one to pursue the things that you may already enjoy to bring happiness. Of course the word ‘time’ is hugely important . The clock is ticking . Our time is finite and the most valuable resource we all have .
Summary
So in a nutshell I’ve had a bit of a perception shift. My wife calls it a ‘midlife crisis’. Maybe , maybe not? I kind of think going out and buying a flash sports car or new bike is not the best use of my time.
So is it possible for the average person to secure an income from home to leverage their time in the best possible way for the lifestyle they want now? Well that’s the whole point of this project. We will see? Roll on Plan One .