Makes you feel really uncomfortable.

Great blog

Mike

I agree with you, Peter’s article is well-written and inspiring. As you said, I do think that your readers will resonate with it because it only speaks to a certain group of people. The wider populous is so afraid right now that they are screaming at anyone who doesn’t see their situation as “poor me.” Some of them are too busy throwing a pity party to be more open-minded and see the opportunities that this may present. I’m not saying that people who have jobs need to be laid off so that this can happen. I’m talking about those who already have been. It’s already done and blaming people and being down in the dumps isn’t going to change it. And of course, a terrible thing happened, it’ll put anyone down in the dumps for at least a short time, but picking oneself up and being open-minded to the possibilities is what is going to turn the mood and the economy around. The “this sucks” attitude in the air isn’t going to get us anywhere.

Just like you said, Peter’s article will resonate with entrepreneurs because they are always looking around for better opportunities and aren’t afraid to take the risk.

But the other piece of this puzzle is just how risky it is right now. Entrepreneurship is risky enough when the economy is strong, but right now it’s even scarier to think about starting a new venture, but on the other hand there are many ways and many industries which allow you to start small with little overhead. These definitely aren’t as risky. I think that’s where we need to start looking, at least for those who are very worried about the risk. When I started my tutoring business years back, the only start-up expenses I had were a couple of textbooks, a business license, phone bill and the gas for my car.

Anyways, my point here is that the emotional environment of the country is very very fragile. It’s like trying to tell someone who’s mother just died that they need to see the opportunity here rather than the sadness, fear and anger. Some people are still in the beginning stages and others may have just gotten to the open-minded phase and unfortunately some may never get there. When worries of homelessness, starvation, foreclosure, divorce, etc. loom in the distance it is hard to keep a steady and positive mind.

You and I and Perry and Peter and the rest of your readers know the truth that Peter speaks, but as for the general populous, it’s obvious that they’re not read for that yet.

You are right on target.

Your #3 take away is so important. When we learn/discover some truth we are often hell bent on sharing it with others. It never works. The most disappointing results I have had in life have revolved around trying to help those in need rather than those who are ready, anxiously seeking to be helped.

All entrepreneurs could save themselves lots of time and energy if they would focus their efforts on those who are truly ready for their help and guidance.

I think this situation calls for a bit of compassion and empathy – because some people simply don’t have the self-esteem (or stubbornness) to think like entrepreneurs.

Your post reminds me of an experience I had in grade 11. I was taking a class on entrepreurship, and had received a good grade on a paper. When one of my classmates learned of my grade she said, “You’re so lucky. You’re going to be rich when you get older, and I’ll be stuck working at Sobey’s” (which was the name of a local grocery store). I can remember feeling shocked at her comment – that someone so young had already decided their lifelong fate. It’s that kind of fatalism and hopelessness that is probably behind the attacks on Peter Bregman.

The whole subject hits so close to home. In Jan 2008 I quit a job that I hated (but paid really well)to find a career path that I can enjoy. Then the economy went to hell and a handbasket and I’m doubting my decision…still think it is the right thing to do and am learning everything I can to pursue my dream of becoming an Internet Marketing guru. Having never been an entrepreneur I can understand peoples hostility when they feel trapped and don’t see the options…I don’t understand how people feel it is OK to spew hostility to others though.

I’ve enjoyed your book AdWords for Dummies – it was one of my first books on my journey to learning about Internet Marketing…and prompted me to jump in with both feet. When looking for a formal program to learn more I came upon a Master Certificate program in Internet Marketing offered by the University of San Francisco. I love it and would recommend to anyone who wants to learn or enhance their knowledge on the subject.

Thanks for directing us to the article and your subsequent post. I agree with your views wholeheartedly.

I’m currently working for a relatively large company, while pursuing my passion of internet and affiliate marketing “on the side”. It’s something I absolutely LOVE to do! And it just kills me to have to go to “work” each day. I say that I “have” to go to work, only because that job pays the bills and I’m not quite where I’d like to be with my internet marketing business…but I’m getting there, (thanks to you, Perry, Terry Dean & a host of others ;)

There are rumors of layoffs & pay cuts at our company, and I sit there watching and listening to how truly frightened people are. On the other hand, I sit there and sometimes think what a blessing it would be if I were to be one of those laid off! It’s just the attitude I have these days because I KNOW I could make a living doing what I love, if I were forced to do so.

And like Dawn, my wife always asks if I’ve been in there, “playing on the computer”, like I’m playing video games or something! I have to laugh and just say…”yes dear..I’m just playing on the computer”. She’s one of those that believe you go to work every day, you put money in your 401k, and you retire at whatever age it is now…and you try to survive the rest of your days on whatever you have in savings. I just can’t comprehend doing that! There is certainly nothing wrong with doing that if thats what you want to do…but for me, there is something much better out there! I could go on for hours…but I’ll spare you!

Thanks again for the inspiring post,
Chris

Whenever we discuss my ‘fooling around on the internet’ I can see that he just can not take that leap of imagination to see where it might end. I truly believed that once a little money started coming in that he would be able to see the enormous opportunities that I can see. But he can still only see my income set forever at its present level. The fact that it has risen from zilch TO that level means nothing.

So, although it’s difficult to understand how people could be so angry about an article, I can see where it is coming from. They simply can not believe that an opportunity for something better is possible for them.

Sad.

When the economy turns around, those that will benefit will be the ones who have been and are working on their own dream/business to make it and seize the opportunity that is presented now. Watch and see.