Battling so many things

[shellymac]

Hi all..sorry I haven't been at the forum for a while. Still job hunting and seems like I am not making much progress with my website business lately. With my frustration on PPC it is taking a toll and making me wonder about this program. I am battling the negative comments about having such a website...and if this honoring to God or not. (for example being a christian, and offering such programs on my site that may be portrayed as offering false hope to people--getting rich quick etc.) This is becoming huge debate at our household. Someone asked me if I could get up in front of the church and state that I have a Work at home website.....and to explain what I do...and honestly I think it would be hard to do because I worry too much about others judging me and thinking its all a scheme. My heart is telling me to continue...but so much confusion sets in with all the negative that I hear...I just don't know if I should continue. I'm hoping some christians will speak up on how they feel, and I hope that this is not going to be deleted. I have total faith in the program and believe that it works...and I am not here to destroy anything. Just having some other opinions would be great.

Shelly

[Nancy]

Hi Shelly,

When we, I mean everyone here on the forum, decided to try our hand at working from home, we all ran into people who said you are fooling yourself and trying to fool others. My strongest advice is #1 Listen to your heart, continue to trust in God to always lead the way in every aspect of life. #2 You need to understand exactly what it is you are doing, before you can explain it to other people. If you don't understand the programs you can't explain them to other people. #3 The people who are giving you a hard time, I would guess are family and friends. They don't understand and nothing you can do will make them understand. They need to trust you and your beliefs. You are an honest person, they need to trust you.

Don't let it get to you, we have all had people tell us the same as you are hearing. Trust in God, and yourself. Best advice I can give.

LOL
Nancy

[garovich]

Hi Shelley,

Unless you are intentionally misrepresenting something for other than what it is then I don't know why there would be a problem. We aren't in the business of giving people false hope. We provide information and people choose what is of interest to them. In my view, everybody is a big boy or girl and can decide what is best for them.

What you say in your ads on your site can influence how people will perceive an offer. For example, and ad that says data entry job in my opinion can give a false expectation that this is a traditional work at home job. We all know this isn't so (with the exception of Ignotius).

Is there some hype in some of the offers? Sure there is. But would it be any different if you had a weight loss site? People know they need to eat less and excercise to lose weight. Look at the fine print in the Nutri-system ads at the bottom of the screen as an example.

People looking at a business opportunity or work at home already know (at least on some level) they will need to make an investment of time, money or both unless an ad is misleading. Some of them will even make this investment and never do anything with it (I've done this myself). Did someone give me false hope about something? Absolutely not. I made a decision I thought was a good one and didn't follow through with it.

With all of that said, if it's going to cause problems at home then only you can decide what you should do. As far as what other people think - well, unless it's family (and sometimes not even then) it really doesn't matter to me. Letting what people think of me can limit my thoughts and actions so I don't worry about it.

You have to see yourself in the mirror everyday and if you don't feel like what your doing is working for you in a positive way then I think your answer is a simple one.

I wish you the best whatever decision you come to.

Gary

[Deb]

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Shelly,

We are all, if we are trusting Jesus Christ for our salvation, missionaries.

I struggled with whether this business was "right" for a while, but then realized that I could spend 90% of my time at an offline job making money, and still never have enough, or I could spend perhaps 30% of my time online, have plenty to support my elderly parents, and another family memeber who isn't well, and may not be able to work much longer, put my daughter through college, had to give to the church and charity, and spend the extra 60% of my time I had freed up to cunduct Bible studies, and help the people around me who are struggling with their faith.

At the same time, I could be teaching other Christians to do the same.

Sure, it's taken two years to get it set up, and I still have a ways to go, but if the rest of my life can be more focused on faith and ministry, those two years have been a great investment!

3PP works, and I'm one who needs a lot of mentoring, so this has been my first choice. Soon I plan to branch out and start another online business in skin care that will be a little less controversial. Having the two income streams will give me more stability as well, but I could never have begun to set up the second business without the training I've recieved here.

I realize God leads each of us differently. I just thought it might help to hear what conclusions others who have struggled have come to.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm currently being accused of fraud, and this thread has been a big help.

[Sandi Moses]

Shelly, if there is something on your website that makes you uncomfortable, there is no reason why you can't remove it.

What's the criteria? If you don't want to have to explain to God on judgement day why you thought it was OK to offer a particular program, then remove that program. Yeah, that's harsh, and yes you are forgiven but . . . . .

Now, you also need to remember that you are not responsible for other people's choices. Also, no program, no job, no opportunity, no business is for everyone. Desperate people might sign up for something that requires an investment of time and money, as well as at least some level of skill at something. When they realize the money isn't going to fall into their laps without any effort on their part, they cry foul. That does not mean the business is a scam. It could be, but each one has to be evaluated on its own merits.

There are several offers and programs that some forum members offer that I do not because I am not comfortable with them for one reason or another.

Try removing the offers that make you squeamish and see if that helps.


Sandi

[hazenenterprises]

Shelly,

I believe we all hit stumbling blocks and we all have our ups and downs not only in our business but in our personal life too.

I truly believe that you need to pray about this - ask God to guide you - there is no harm in stepping back from the business and taking some time to figure this out in your life. The beauty is that your business is going nowhere so it will be there when you are ready.

Think about what offers you want on your site - do some of your own research. Maybe this will help you to have a better understanding of these programs and to make the choices you feel are right for Your site and Your business.

I feel for you in your struggle as it is hard to deal with all of those emotions. I find the most comfort in turning on some Christian music, reading the Bible and praying - bring yourself closer to God during these tough times and He will bring you peace that surpasses understanding no matter which road you choose!

Good Luck and keep us posted.
May God Bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand!
Robin

[happymom]

Shelly-
I can relate in a way, and it seems like people are quick to accuse when they don't have all the facts about things. But don't feel guilty about their lack of knowledge. The biggest thing you can fall back on is knowing that people can receive refunds for these programs if they change their minds. No one is making people decide to join these programs.

Right now I'm dealing with scoffers in my family, including my husband who don't think I can make money online. They don't comprehend how it works. Unfortunately my husband is the worst one...he pesters me daily about getting a real job. I feel very alone at times, but I feel like I'm where God wants me to be, and I pray that I will be able to quickly catch on and start making a profit, but I have to rely on faith...I really feel I need to be home with my kids and think God will help me make it through. I will pray for you that God will open doors for you where he want you to be, and close doors that he doesn't want you going though. Follow your heart and trust God...in the end we answer to him, not our friends and family.

Julie

[shing]

I really didn't want to post here, but I guess I will, anyway. Here goes:

Truly, this is what keeps me going - I can help other people - especially Mothers who want to stay home with their children. As a Christian, I often study the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings and try in my imperfect way to follow Him. The scriptures tell us "He went about doing good".

I feel that we are "doing good" under Erich's tutelage. He has blessed us with great knowledge. He's shared the tools to succeed. I can go out on the internet with tested WAH opportunities that others can use to get out of debt, stay home with their children, help with retirement, dig out of a deep hole where they feel such a helplessness. I can steer them away from scams, one visitor at a time. These are all good things.

We have a great pool of combined knowledge here. Erich began that and now the pool has grown to include many successful people who come here to "do good".

In addition to that, I personally have learned a great deal from my experiences. It's tough to juggle my insane schedule and keep up with everything. Sometimes, I even have a difficult time visiting the forum. Because I have been working TOPS, I haven't always had time to do the laundry or cook the meals or keep the house as clean as I would like. On their own initiative, my children and husband have taken up some of the slack and have also learned a great deal from that experience. (Like to appreciate Mom more and what all she has to keep up with.)

Sure, we have set-backs, and failed business recommendations that feel terrible when they fail because we have recommended them. But we all are doing the best we can to avoid those things. As an experienced group, we have a better chance than trying to go at it alone.

I know God has given me talents and gifts that He expects me to use for the benefit of others. I feel the enormity of that responsibility. I don't take it lightly. I removed BU from my site months ago and downgraded because I wasn't comfortable with it. I think each of us has a responsibility to make sure we are comfortable with what we represent.

One thing you have to remember. There are a lot of successful people in this forum using Erich's methods. And the opportunity has been made available to others. But you can't do the work for them. If they come to you, searching for help, you can point them in the right direction and help them succeed, but then it's up to them to do the work. If they think TOPS will be handed to them on a silver platter and they won't have to lift a finger, even though they have the desire, but no work to back it up - that isn't your fault, or God's fault.

And there will always be those that tell you something won't work. They are everywhere throughout history and in our day. It's easy to criticise, but hard to actually get in and do the work. It sure makes it tough on us, though. If you're committed, work hard, hang in there, follow directions, learn from everyone you meet. Read a lot of posts and articles, and find out for yourself. As you gain confidence, others close to you will notice.

Children are young and in our care for such a short time. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to raise and teach them. I hope to help others with the same desire - to do the same. I don't feel that there is anything wrong with that.

Shawna

[troyzone]

Hi Shelly,

You have received a lot of great advice, and I'm not sure what I could offer that hasn't already been said by others, but I'll attempt to add my two cents in any case.

As you know, there have been many scams on the Internet over the past several years, and these have served to give the work at home industry as a whole a bad name in the eyes of many people, especially those who aren't as informed about our field. I guess the saying is true that a few bad apples can spoil the barrel.

The same goes for spammers...there are many legitimate email marketers with opt-in lists, but as soon as the words "email marketing" are mentioned, the first word that pops into most people's heads is "spam". This is unfortunate, but true.

In reality, anyone who has been in this industry any amount of time knows that spam is NOT an effective marketing method and is NOT used by legitimate online marketers, and certainly not by us here. There are probably just a relatively small number of individuals who send such junk mail, but they do so by the millions and flood the Internet with their garbage, giving everyone else a bad name in the process.

It is unfortunate that such stereotypes and bad reputations surround the online work at home field, but all we can do is hold our heads up high, utilize ethical marketing practices and teach others to do the same. Then, perhaps, we can look forward to a future where our field's reputation will be substantially improved and the scammers and spammers will fade away into the background due to the ineffectiveness of their unethical practices.

I'm sure there isn't a person among us who hasn't had to deal with family members, friends, and others say negative things about the online work at home field or our efforts to build our own online businesses. I've encountered such resistance in both family members and friends as well. The fact is, their opinions are generally uninformed and based on the above-mentioned stereotypes with no real factual basis for your particular business.

While they can be disheartening by times, I don't let them sway me because I know better and know this really does work and is legitimate, as has been proved by many people here. Keep in mind that those of us who are here have done much more research and have a much more informed perspective into the online work at home field.

The key teachings of many religions include helping others, doing good deeds and contributing to this world in a positive way, and this is exactly what we are doing here. Erich has taught us ethical ways to conduct business and that helping others is the true path to success, and we are teaching others this as well.

This system doesn't just work so well because Erich has taught us an effective way to lay out a web site, what programs are profitable, and what ways to advertise are effective. These are all part of it of course, but the main reason this system works so well is because of the underlying spirit of people helping other people find more happiness, more success, and financial freedom in their lives.

This allows people to spend more time with their loved ones and gives them more time and desire to help others as well, by providing them with information on legitimate, profitable opportunities. Our work at home directory web sites serve a positive purpose by steering people towards legitimate programs and away from the scams and predators on the Internet. We extend people a helping hand via our sites, our downline contacts, and this forum, but it's up to them to decide for themselves what to do.

Not everyone is going to agree with you, informed or not, that is just human nature. I'm not generally one who concerns myself with what others think of me....I have my own opinions and they are entitled to theirs. As an individual, it is up to you to decide what you feel in your heart is the right way to go or the right thing to do. Others can offer their opinions and they may not always agree with you, but it is ultimately your decision.

I know in my heart that this is a great place to be and that I am doing the right thing, and I have long since learned to tune out the negative comments of skeptics and less informed individuals. After several years of research and involvement in this field, I know the difference between an ethical business model and a scam, and I have never felt so good about being involved with anything as I am here.

Others may judge you either way, but remember it is not their place to judge...there is only one true "judge" to be concerned with. Thus, it is ultimately up to you to follow your head and your heart, and decide which way to go in life and with your business. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Troy

[zeta]

Shelly,

Ok, I am going to add my two cents also. I too have been gone a while, Just as I got my online business going we decided to get into real estate investments so we took a class and have been very busy getting
that off the ground - what a year!! We now have 50 rental checks coming in monthly! I really believe in not putting all your eggs in one basket.

While I was busy with real estate and another online opportunity, I had very little time for my website, but God blessed me and kept it running on auto pilot. I made money but not as much as I will now that I can
work it again. Now I am to the point I can really get back to it. I have been reading the forum trying to catch up the last few weeks, but wasn't going to post till I was caught up. But you made me

Just to fill you in - My husband and I traveled with Nascar and loved our job and the money!
I had to have knee replacement surgery in the "off" season of 2006. No problem - I am superwoman I will be ready to go back to work in February - WRIONG!! What I thought was a 6 week recovery turned out to be a 6 month recovery and therapy. I wasn't even well enough to look for a job. I didn't want to loose everything we owned and we were draining our savings. I was scared and prayed and prayed.

That is when I found Erich's phase 3. I was skeptical too. I emailed some 3 phase members and asked a million questions and they answered me - with positive feedback. So I jumped in when the forum was 1 week old. What a blessing it was for me and I thank God every day for finding Erich and this business opportunity at that time! I don't even want to imagine what would have happened in our life without me
finding this and being able to make money online from home. And it sounds as though I was even more blessed for not finding "the other guy".

Sure if I wouldn't have worked hard and followed his and the forum members advice, guidance and direction I would have lost a lot of money and cried Scam - but I was determined!!! I followed every word of
Erich's advice in the 3 Phase, read it a million times, and HAVE made money and am so blessed for the
knowledge and ability to help others do the same that I know God is happy with me.

I can stand up in front of our church and proudly say I have an online business that WILL help people change their lifestyle! I have had people be able to donate more to the church because of the money
they have made from a few opportunities online. My business has helped our church grow!
I don't feel bad about telling anybody about the website, if they don't like what they sign up for they can get a refund.

My experience with friends and family and church members doubting what I am doing is - they are more jealous than skeptical!! I don't feel I have to prove anything to anyone except myself! I don't ask people with a job to show me their paychecks, so I don't feel obligated to show them anything. What I have found is the ones that don't support me are the ones that don't want to change their lives. One friend in particular will call weekly to see how the website is doing, but he is the type of person that wants everything handed to him! If he would try this he would never make it, because he wants a "regular" job with a "regular" paycheck and "regular" days off. Well this isn't for him. He is still waiting for us to loose everything as we once thought we would. He was here the night I found Erich's website. I still call him a friend even though
he is not willing to learn anything new and do better for himself.

Ok - I should have made this a book not a post!! I am not a woman of few words especially when you get me on a subject I believe in. I guess that is why I don't let other people's thoughts get to me. I believe I am a very good christian person and love the world and once again love my life!

Shelly you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your spirits pick up soon and things blossom for you. I know you have had a rough winter in Iowa and just think spring is right around the corner and things will be brighter for you. You have a great looking website and I know you have worked very very very hard on it and I know you could be very very very successful if you stick with this and believe in yourself and what you are doing. You are a smart person and I am proud of you for your determination and how far you have dome,
Believe in yourself and you will make the right decision and you have lots of support and prayers on this forum.

If you are having trouble with PPC and advertising maybe we should start posting more questions on that. Seems lately most posts are new members with getting started questions. I really miss some of the past members that would really share what was working for them and what wasn't. Seems the forum has gotten away from that part.

God Bless You and your family
Zeta

[talfighel]

Hi Shelly,

Here are a few pointesr that may help you out. I took it out of an article that I wrote:

People don't reach success in business because they are not able to reach a decision themselves. They let other people around them influence them by their negative opinions.

They allow their friends and family to make those decisions for them. Think about that. Didn't that happen to you a few times in your life time? It happens to many and that is why so many people fail in business or in any other part of their life.


I think that it would be VERY smart of you to speak less about your online business to your family and friends too. I used to do that too years ago and it did not help me at all.

Even now I don't.

Who cares what they think. This is YOUR decision and you should go all the way with it.

Yes you will have good days and days where you feel like quitting. Everyone goes through good times and bad times.

This is a great opportunity and you can make this happen for yourself too.

Talk less to your family about this and you will see that you will feel better.

When you get checks in the mail, they will ask you all sorts of questions and the one that I hate is when they ask, "Ya, but how much money did you spend?".

So Shelly, don't talk to them about your business. That is why we have the forum for. To associate with people who are already doing this business and are succeeding.

Tal

[David B]

Thank you, Shelly, for having the courage to start this thread. Many of us go through similar experiences, and having this forum to share with others is great. The replies from so many experienced TOPS folks is inspiring, to say the least, and very helpful, informative, and encouraging. I can't imagine any other system, program, or even "job" having the kind of support that is provided on this forum.

Thank you everyone!
David

[Erich]

Hi Shelly

I don't know that I can add anything unique to what has already been said here.... But I'll try.

First off, yes it is true there are a large number of people who attempt to work online as we do... and fail. That is a fact of life.

Most people who come thru our websites spend a minimum of $50 on up to several hundred plus... for an opportunity to earn money at home. They know going in to this... they are risking their money. We don't sell to Children or mentally challenged. I feel like anyone who can afford a PC and internet connection and can find my website is responsible enough to make a choice like this. We do not promote or market any scams or frauds. There are a few which are hyped up a bit more than is needed but that is simply the nature of the business and to keep up with the competition. A high percentage of our offers have Money Back Guarantees and most of the rest are simply lead generators for which we get paid a small fee for providing contact info so a comapny can attempt to sell their product..

The national averages and statistics of individuals starting a new small business shows that over 90% fail within their first year. Most all these people [who are savvy enough to do the research thru the SBA] know this in advance and start-up anyway. These stats come from offline "brick and mortar" type busineses. These people normally invest a minimum of $10,000 on up to $100,000+ and know the odds are against them. Our referals invest a small fraction of that...

Owning your own business is part of the American dream... most everyone wants to be completely independent and totally free. A small business owner has that independence and freedom. I basically go where I want, do what I want... anytime I want.... and so do most all other small business owners.

That is what everyone is seeking along with being able to take care of themselves and their families. When a friend or family member asks me if they should join TOPS or one of our affiliate companies... I tell them probably NOT!!!

Then I qualify that by telling them that if they are willing to work their rear ends off for at least a few months and be completely committed to success and won't accept anything less... Then... maybe they should look into it.

Everyone is an individual and motivated by different incentives. If a person truly wants to work out of their home as an independent business person... they will find a way to do it whether it is online or off.... and it makes no difference if they start something referred to them from your website or an ad in their local newspaper. You are simply providing a bridge across the river to the "promised land"... so to speak.

From a Christian standpoint... the Lord commands us to take care of our families, give to the poor, and support His Church with the money we earn... That is what I do... I also give to charities outside my Church.

There is no black and white anymore... We live our lives in todays society in the grey area. You are selling a dream that can come true if the person wants it bad enough and is willing to work for it... In my mind it is that simple.

If you are having conflicts about your Christianity and working Tops... Let's take this to the extreme and try to feel what a Christian Soldier is going through on his way to battle when God told us... "Thou Shalt not Kill"... That is a true conflict to have to deal with...

Take Care

Erich

[jtmusic]

I may be the only one on here who has done this but here is my standpoint. Chistians it seems, get put under the microsope a little more than others.

One tiny little thing that might seem wrong and they assume it's the entire religeon. I don't believe we are offering false hope to anyone and I'll tell you why.

I kow that Erich told us that we don't need to buy the opportunites we are offering on our website but I did. I tried everyone.

I didn't buy them to start a new business with them but more to know what I'm writing about and how that particular program works and how to make money with it. I also feel as though I can offer advice on these programs here in the forum to new members signing up.

I have made money from every program I tried. I got checks and paypal payments from Inbox dollars all the way up the data entry business sales. I've done the surveys and they do pay.

As far as I'm concerned, the programs are 100% legit. I found this out first hand.

I thank God every night for my new business and for giving me the opportunity and freedom the have such a business. I don't going around preaching that I have a work at home website but everyone, including my church-going friends, know I have one and that it works.

I just wanted to try and ease your mind a little about the whole "gray area" with work at home websites. I see nothing gray about it.

Just my opinion -

JT

Edited for an easier read. One long paragraph:Tal

[mcomo]

jtmusic said:

I may be the only one on here who has done this but here is my standpoint. Chistians it seems, get put under the microsope a little more than others.

One tiny little thing that might seem wrong and they assume it's the entire religeon. I don't believe we are offering false hope to anyone and I'll tell you why.

I kow that Erich told us that we don't need to buy the opportunites we are offering on our website but I did. I tried everyone.

I didn't buy them to start a new business with them but more to know what I'm writing about and how that particular program works and how to make money with it. I also feel as tough I can offer advice on these programs here in the forum to new members signing up.

I have made money from every program I tried. I got checks and paypal payments from Inbox dollars all the way up the data entry business sales. I've done the surveys and they do pay.

As far as I'm concerned, the programs are 100% legit. I found this out first hand.

I thank God every night for my new business and for giving me the opportunity and freedom the have such a business. I don't going around preaching that I have a work at home website but everyone, including my church-going friends, know I have one and that it works.

I just wanted to try and ease your mind a little about the whole "gray area" with work at home websites. I see nothing gray about it.

Just my opinion -

JT

Edited for an easier read. One long paragraph:Tal

Jt:
Nice post. It's a very Strong testimonial.

Mike C

[Sandi Moses]

Thank you JT for making his post!

As TOPS has evolved quite a bit over the past year I am hoping Erich is or will soon be making a re-write of the 3 phases of instructions. Hopefully, this post - or at least a link to it - can be included.

JMHO as always, but even making it a sticky here in the forum wouldn't be a bad idea.

Sandi

[shing]

JT,

This is something I have also wanted to do ever since I began with TOPS. But T has taken all my time! How wonderful that you were able to take the opportunity to do so. That will help you in every aspect of TOPS. If I ever get things automated and everything slows down in the slow months, I plan to follow your lead. It's so helpful to know exactly how to describe the recommended opps. Although I believe, since I've been doing this for well over a year, now I understand them so much more than when I first began. Take courage New people - it will come, eventually. And if it doesn't, JT sure has a great idea!

Thanks for posting!

Shawna

[Hank and Dot]

Shelly,

I am battling the negative comments about having such a website...and if this honoring to God or not

We know that we can not accomplish anything without God's help. When we began our business it was with the understanding that it, too, belonged to God. God gets the praise and glory everyday, whether it's a good day or a not so good day! We thank God for what He is doing through us.

Every time you make a sale or a lead, that is another person you can pray for. We don't know who they are, but God does. Ask God to bless that person and help them find what they are searching for. Pray especially that they may know Him as their Savior.

Do you have a link on your web page devoted to God? If not, then do it. Think of all the visitors you get to your site, and if only one receives Christ through your link, it would be worth it. You make the link, God can handle the rest.

We would hate for one day to have God tell us He gave us so many opportunities to witness for Him and we wasted them all!



Use every opportunity available to advance God's Kingdom,

Hank and Dot

[shellymac]

Thank you all for your continued support, and what I think that has helped me most with this is knowing that prayer is KEY, and everything must be left in God's hands--so I am praying that I will leave this in God's hands, and try to move in the direction that is pleasing to him! I am so glad that this forum exists, and I am thankful for all of you who have taken the time to express your thoughts.

Shelly

[fonda]

Shelly,

I have read each reply and it seems as though each of us have faced similiar comments and flax from our family members. But know this, God is always in control even when we think He is not.

The Bible says that when the seed is sown the devil comes imediately to steal it a way. I have always noticed this, that just before something good happens in my life there is always a final battle to go through.

It could be that you are on the very edge of your victory if you don't give up. Keep trusting Him and allow the Spirit of the Lord to guide you.

He will never guide you wrong. Unlike our earthly father, our Heavenly Father will never do us harm. All good and perfect gifts come down from the Father above in whom there is no changing and He never turns away from us.

One more note:

When I am ask about my internet companies by a family member I just simply hand them a free phone book and say could you sell this if I paid you $100. "Of course", they say. Then I say, "What would you do with the taverns, pron shops, tatoo parlors, bars, and all the non Christians who are listed in this book?"

You can guess the replies.

My statement to you is this, Don't we just offer a directory"? Are we not the good guys directing people to the best Work At Home Businesses available anywhere today?

My advise to you is this: Lift your head up and feel good about what you are offering, that is as long as you keep it pure, because you are offering the TOPS!

edtied for an easier read. One long paragraph: Tal