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My Journey to Becoming a Successful Online Entrepreneur

I’ve often heard people asking, “How do you become an online entrepreneur?” This question always makes me reflect on my own journey, the steps I’ve taken, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Today, I want to share my story with you, hoping it will guide and inspire you. At the end of this post, I’ll include links to some of the books that have been invaluable to me. Remember, it’s never too late to start; actually, now is the perfect time!

The Beginning of a Dream

The journey started with a simple dream—I wanted to sell digital art. I poured my creativity into my work, hoping to touch people through my art. However, things didn’t go as planned. I struggled to find the right audience for my creations. Here are some examples of my early digital art pieces:

A stylized digital drawing of a person wearing dark sunglasses and a scarf covering the lower half of their face. The background is a solid bright yellow, and the drawing has a high-contrast, almost silhouette-like effect with bold black lines and shading.
Desert man (type of art I wanted to sell online)
An artistic digital collage featuring various elements including an old-fashioned telephone, a stack of cash, a bundle of different currencies, a mobile phone, and a large hatchet labeled "Busy Signal." The background is a vibrant magenta color with black splatters, creating a dramatic and intense visual effect.
A cover for a Jamaican Artist (Busy Signal) made by me

I dreamed of being a digital artist, but I just couldn’t find the right people to buy my art. So, I shifted gears and moved into design, still wanting to stay within the realm of art. I started creating logos and posters, but this path also didn’t pan out as I had hoped. I realized I needed to gain visibility online, so I decided to create my own portfolio website.

The Birth of a Website

A website! I discussed this idea with a friend who was a web designer. He helped me get started by buying a domain name and giving me some space on his shared hosting. I began designing my website and found that I really enjoyed the process. I shared the website with people I knew, both in person and online. Talking about my passions brought me a few clients, though not many.

A minimalist illustration featuring three geometric shapes, each labeled with different descriptors: "charlatan," "martyr," and "hustler." On the left side, a vertical scale ranges from "TALK" at the top to "WORK" at the bottom, indicating the relative emphasis of each trait. The shapes correspond to varying levels of talk and work: the "charlatan" has a wide top and narrow base, the "martyr" is a tall and narrow triangle, and the "hustler" is a balanced, rectangular prism.
Minimalist illustration by Joey Roth depicting the balance between talk and work through three geometric shapes: the ‘charlatan’ with a wide top, the ‘martyr’ as a tall triangle, and the ‘hustler’ as a balanced rectangle.

Even with the limited number of clients, it was a fantastic learning experience. I experimented with content management systems like Shopify and WordPress but soon realized I wanted to create something custom.

Diving into Web Development

Determined to build custom websites, I started learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I built simple projects initially, which helped me understand the basics. I then explored frameworks like Svelte and React, and even ventured into backend technologies with Node.js and databases. One thing I often did was to take on projects even when I wasn’t fully knowledgeable about them. I would learn on the go, claiming “everything is easy to learn,” and this approach allowed me to earn while learning.

Expanding My Horizons

To attract more clients, I began studying Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and online advertising. I read a lot of books on advertising, fascinated by the art of creating compelling offers and launching products effectively. I applied my newfound knowledge in small projects, testing different strategies to see what worked best. One example is my Canadian Resume Creating service, where I used tools like ChatGPT and Canva to create resumes for people in Algeria. I branded this venture as Beyond Algeria, emphasizing the importance of good branding.

Venturing into Software Development

I was always on the lookout for passive income opportunities. An idea sparked when a client hired me to create software. Even though I didn’t know much about software development at the time, I took on the challenge. I learned quickly, delivering a basic product that met the client’s needs. This experience inspired me to create FooRa, a software designed to address common problems for multiple clients. FooRa became my model for passive income—create it once, sell it many times.

Continuous Learning and Growth

Throughout my journey, reading has been a key part of my growth. Here are some books that have greatly influenced me:

Business & Startups

The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

  • Learn how to start a business with minimal investment and leverage your skills to create a profitable venture.

Product Launch

The Product Launch Formula by Jeff Walker

  • A comprehensive guide to launching new products successfully, focusing on strategies and techniques that ensure a strong market entry.

Advertising

Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age by Jonah Berger

  • Explore the science behind why certain products and ideas go viral, and how you can apply these principles to your own work.

Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins

  • A classic text that delves into the principles of effective advertising, still relevant in today’s marketing world.

Networking

The Introvert’s Edge to Networking by Matthew Pollard

  • Provides practical advice for introverts to excel at networking and build valuable professional relationships without feeling overwhelmed.

Self-Motivation

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

  • Explains how small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time, helping you achieve long-term success.

No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy

  • A motivational book that emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving personal and professional goals.

These books have provided me with invaluable insights and practical knowledge that have helped me navigate the entrepreneurial world.

The Journey Continues

Becoming a successful online entrepreneur is an ongoing journey filled with learning, experimentation, and persistence. Each new venture, whether successful or not, teaches you something valuable and adds to your personal growth. As I continue to explore new opportunities and embrace challenges, I hope my story encourages you to start your own journey. Remember, it’s never too late to start. Now is the perfect time to take the first step.

Happy reading, and good luck on your entrepreneurial adventure!

knock my door if you need any help.

meGasmi