I’ve been working for “the man” since my first job at 15 in the tobacco fields. I’m still an employee decades later although in much better circumstances. I never thought I could actually be the employer of myself or anyone else.
That changed because of this blog.
Blog to Business
Bucksome Boomer was started for both selfish and selfless reasons. I wanted to keep myself motivated as I strived to become debt-free and hoped I could help at least one person along the way.
One year into blogging I attended the Savvy Blogging Conference and met bloggers who not only made money from their blogs but considered it a business. It started to open my eyes to the possibility and didn’t take long to bear fruit. Six months later the blog had generated $4,000 after only earning $20 the previous year.
Revenue continued to grow the next year and I fully made the transition to business owner. I got a business license and opened a banking account to segregate the money. Money also went out for the blog including a redesign, staff writing and more to improve the end product.
Other Business Possibilities
It’s highly unlikely I can replace my income entirely from this blog. I started a second blog with my sister and we’re light years ahead of income with that than I was with this blog after one year.
I’ve also thought about business ideas outside of the web and have identified a couple that would fit well into our lifestyle in a few years when I retire from my day job.
A New Way of Thinking
All of us can be our own boss, we just need the confidence and self-belief that may be lacking.
My grandfather ran his own business for half his life. He owned bees (6oo hives at one point) and had acres of fruit trees. The bees generated honey plus he rented them out to other orchardists that didn’t want to bee-keep; all on a sixth grade education.
I now believe what my grandfather knew; I can own a successful business. So can You. Are you ready to launch yourself?
This post is a part of Women’s Money Week 2012. For more posts about Entrepreneurship, see womensmoneyweek.com.
photo by jardenberg
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Thank you for writing this one Kay Lynn. I have just been puzzling over this one today: received wisdom is that at some point it is late to strive and to change. I passionately believe that it is never late and that we can achieve whatever we decide we want enough. I never though I’ll have a blog; or that I’ll write about PF, banks and the economy (I teach philosophy, after all). Inspiring stuff!
Maria, that’s exactly what I was trying to convey. We can do so much more than we originally start out to do; including being your own boss!
Great post! It’s true: it’s never too late to be your own boss. There are certainly pros and cons, but if you’re looking for something else to do and could use a side income (who couldn’t!) then it is something to consider.
Also very impressed by your grandfather’s business! Owning a bee hive is one of my dreams. Someday…
ImpulseSave, unfortunately none of my grandfather’s six children wanted to follow him in the business so he had to sell his hives and cut down his fruit trees at retirement.
I listened to NPR’s interview with Reid Hoffman (promoting his book) who didn’t think of himself as an entrepreneur initially.
Jai, it is a mindset and I think not enough people think they can do it.
The experience is very inspiring.
Thank you.
It’s never too late for anything. Think about how old Mother Theresa was when she made a name for herself!
Funancials,Mother Theresa is an excellent example!
It’s been so fun to launch my blog and now think about doing other things. $1,000/month used to be a pipedream!
I did like the days where no money was involved though. More fun!
Sam, there is certainly less stress and pressure when it’s for fun versus money. I decided to focus on the fun and let the money come; not run after it.
“Six months later the blog had generated $4,000 after only earning $20 the previous year.” That’s brilliant. You must have worked hard to achieve that, but it was clearly worthwhile.
Pete, I just had to start taking the opportunities that came my way. It’s been a great experience.
You used to work in the tobacco fields at age 15? That’s interesting, not everybody can say that. I agree that being your own boss helps you start thinking in a new way and leads to discovering your potential in other areas besides just business as well.
Max, my parents had four kids so not a lot of extra money. I wanted to buy clothes, make-up and records so went out and found a job. It taught me to stay in school; manual labor was not what I wanted to do in life!
That’s awesome that you were such a go-getter. I did manual labor a lot when I was younger as well, and I totally get where you’re coming from with it being motivational to stay in school. I’ve worked as a farm hand, but field labor is incredibly backbreaking to say the least.
I’m new to blogging and can’t believe people are making money at it. I thought it was just a way to interact with others over the internet. Great job! Here’s to your continued success.
Thanks, Charlotte. It is easier to sell advertising in the PF niche than it might be in others. For my other blog, we make most of our money from affiliate sales.
Things are changing on my side as well. I had to open a new bank to segregate income.
SB, I also have a separate business credit card to charge expenses. It helps me track expenses better.
I love love love the idea of being an entrepreneur. Its funny to have this conversation with who have never even considered the option of doing so. I keep stressing that is easier than most people think.
Marissa, it is so much easier than someone thinks. Starting a pet sitting service or notary public service is pretty low cost and easy.
Kay, Terrific post. You are doing great and are an inspiration for the rest of us.
I don’t think you need the inspiration but I hope it helps those that think they’re too “old” to change.
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