About Neil Patel
On April 24, 1985, I was born in London, England. From the beginning I had entrepreneurship in my blood, but I’ll get into that a bit later. When I was 2 years old, my parents decided to move to sunny Orange County, California. At first we struggled a bit, just like most first generation Indians; my mom’s first job was a non-paid teaching gig, to which she had to walk a few miles everyday with my sister and me. My dad on the other hand worked for one of my uncles. His job didn’t pay much, but we were grateful for the opportunity my uncle gave him. But because of my mom’s aggressive nature and my dad’s hard work ethic, my sister and I were able to live a middle class lifestyle.
Throughout my childhood, I was surround by entrepreneurs. All of my uncles on my mom’s side had multiple businesses, which led them to all to be successful. My uncle’s entrepreneurship rubbed off on my mom, which encouraged her to start her own home daycare business. But it never revenued more than 100k a year and my dad was satisfied with his average job. This meant my sister and I would not live a “rich” lifestyle.
Entrepreneurship
Growing up, I always thought about what I could do so that my lifestyle could change. For years I couldn’t come up with anything, but during my first year at John F. Kennedy High School things started to get better.
My cousin, who is a year older than me, was selling burned music CDs to students at the time. I saw how he was making a few bucks so I started doing the same thing within my freshmen class, but I tried to be a bit more careful by not selling pirated media. I quickly realized that I could only make a few dollars a CD, so I then started selling black boxes.
Soon after I was known as the kid in high school who was selling black boxes. I then decided to capitalize on this by purchasing cable black boxes in quantity on Ebay and then selling them to my classmates as well as their parents. Business was booming and I made a few grand in profit.
Realizing that there wasn’t a long-term career in selling things that could be potentially classified as “illegal”, I decided to get into a legitimate business. I noticed that many of the kids in my school were fixing up their cars with after market parts, so I decided to get into reselling automotive parts. I picked up a resellers permit from the State Board of Equalization, which allowed me to buy car parts at a discount and sell them to other students.
The Corporate Life
Because my income from my businesses was not stable, I decide to get a “real” job. I was only 15 and the only local place I could pick up a job was at Knott’s Berry Farm, in the park services department. The department I worked in sounded cool, but I was in charge of picking up trash, emptying trashcans, cleaning restrooms, and sweeping up vomit. Although the job sounded bad, I loved it because I got paid a few cents more per hour for cleaning the restrooms compared to most of the other jobs at Knott’s Berry Farm.
After 3 months of working at Knott’s, I quit and picked up a job at Quality Systems. This job didn’t give me any steady income, but the job paid out a few hundred dollars in commission per sale. I was selling $1600 Kirby vacuums. I went door to door and tried to convince homeowners to let me clean their carpets for free and I would then sell them on the vacuum after shampooing their carpet. After doing this for a month or so shockingly I sold a vacuum to an Indian couple (I was surprised because generally Indians are cheap). But after a week reality kicked in and they returned the vacuum.
Realizing that the average American could not afford to buy a $1600 vacuum, I decided to look for other career opportunities. My sister was working for an Oracle consultant locally and she introduced me to him. I found out that as an Oracle consultant, my sister’s boss was billing companies 125 to 250 dollars an hour. I was shocked to hear how much he was making, which led the entrepreneur within me to come out once again. I tried to figure out how I could also make that much as a high school student, so I turned to Monster.com and started looking for Oracle consulting jobs. The problem was, I had no clue what Oracle was.
.COM boom
Instead of finding a job on Monster.com I learned about Monster.com’s business model and how they were making hundreds of millions of dollars. As a kid, I thought that if I could even make 1% of what they did, I would be rich. This led me to start my own job board called Advice Monkey. After spending 5 grand to build the job board, I launched it and learned that you have to market a site for it to be successful.
Knowing that I needed some help with marketing, I hired an Internet marketing firm. Within a few months I learned they were taking my money and doing nothing valuable in exchange, so I fired them. I then hired two more firms who also provided little to no results.
Because a few Internet marketers had taken all my money, I decided to learn Internet marketing myself and within a few months I became pretty good at it. Advice Monkey started to become popular, but it never succeeded because the site was not setup to take credit card transactions.
A New Life
My sister was still working for the Oracle consultant and she kept telling me how he was making a lot of money. I then decided that I was going to take that career path and open up my Oracle consulting company. But I had two major roadblocks in my way: I was nowhere near 18 years old and I didn’t have a college degree.
With my sister’s help I started taking general education college courses at Cypress Community College while in high school. My goal was to finish college in 2.5 years.
My first college class was Speech 101, in which I had to give three speeches on any topic of my choice. One of the speeches I gave was how search engines work. After giving the speech one of the individuals in the class asked me if I wanted to consult Elpac Electronics on their Internet marketing strategy. Using my sales skills that I learned from selling vacuums door to door, I was able to lock them into a $3500 a month consulting gig. Realizing that I could make a lot of money and change my lifestyle by doing Internet marketing for companies, I decided to start up an Internet marketing company with my sister’s boyfriend (now her husband).
The Good Life
My business partner and I got a bit lucky as the owner of Elpac had a son who owned an ad agency. He found out from his father the results we provided and soon enough more marketing contracts started coming our way.
The Internet marketing company started taking off and as a kid I thought I was “rolling in dough”. With the money I made I started investing in a few other companies. I invested around a million dollars into a hosting company called Vision Web Hosting that never worked out – sadly I lost all of the money I invested into it. After realizing investing wasn’t for me, my business partner and I took the rest of the money we made and created another company called Crazy Egg. Crazy Egg created a lot of buzz when it came out and I surely thought I would end up selling it for 10 million dollars because we were getting so much interest from Fortune 1000 companies.
When we weren’t able to get an asking price of 10 million dollars for Crazy Egg my business partner and I decided that we were going to raise venture capital because Crazy Egg wasn’t a profitable company.
After pitching Crazy Egg to venture capitalists for 6 months, I realized no one was going to invest in it. Because of this we had no choice other than to figure out how to make Crazy Egg profitable.
The Mad Man Life
Because we needed income to make up for the losses in Crazy Egg, we continued to run our Internet marketing agency. Although we were making millions from the consulting company, none of us really enjoyed what we were doing.
I personally was attending college during this time as a full time student while working 60 plus hours a week. And to top it off I was traveling almost every week and I was speaking at over 50 conferences a year by this point.
Luckily enough, Crazy Egg started to do well financially and we quickly learned how lucrative software companies could be due to the reoccurring income. You just have to give each software company a few years to take off. And because we didn’t enjoy being consultants we decided to get back into creating more software companies.
Reoccurring Income
From creating software applications that would help manage companies marketing budget to creating the first podcast advertising business, we decided to create and invest in software that solved problems companies were facing.
Unlike our Crazy Egg experience our newer software ventures didn’t seem to work out. The development firm that was supposed to build one of our software companies never completed the job. And although the podcast advertising business was up and running, the guy who was running it wasn’t too passionate about it even though it was his idea. So when we had interest from a few companies who wanted to buy the business nothing ever came about it because the CEO of that business wasn’t interested in working for someone else… even if he got a decent pay day.
The Simple Lifestyle
Sooner or later, we learned that the reason Crazy Egg succeed while the other software companies didn’t is because not only does it solve a unique problem that enough business are experiencing, but it does so in a very simple way.
With our new found knowledge, we decided to create another analytics company that would solve a much larger problem than what Crazy Egg solved. Crazy Egg was doing well, but it is never going to be that 100 million dollar company because the market size for that one product is very limited.
The product that we happened to come up with was KISSmetrics. And funny enough we were able to get funding for it by True Ventures whom I once pitched Crazy Egg to and they decided not to fund that company.
Over the last few years KISSmetrics has been growing and we released a few more software products under that brand. We also raised a bit more venture capital from a few other venture firms and a few prominent angel investors in Silicon Valley.
Today
I’m currently spending all of my time on KISSmetrics and I am working on creating that 100 million dollar company. I wish I had a crystal ball that could tell me what the future holds for me, but I don’t have one.
Luckily enough, I have made more money than I have lost and I have been able to leverage that money into investments like apartment complexes, .com companies, the stock market, hedge funds, brick and mortar businesses, venture capital funds, and best of all my parents. Hopefully my investments will pay off so that I can continue to do what I am doing and not work for anyone else.
Over the next few years my number 1 goal is to share what I have learned with you so that you can have a better life than me.
The Future
Although I love being an entrepreneur, sadly I don’t think I’ll be able to do it forever. I probably have a few more good startups in me, but after that I want to focus on the non-profit world. See, I was born with a gift, in which I am able to help websites get a ton of eyeballs through the web. Hopefully I can take that gift and help non-profits get enough eyeballs to their website so that people like you can help change more lives.
I hope my story inspires you to do something with your life. You don’t have to be rich to be happy, but instead you just need to love what you are doing.
Best of luck with your entrepreneurial career! And feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.
This amazing course will teach you, step by step, how to double if not triple your traffic over the next 30 days.
Look over my shoulder while I share: 
{ 1327 comments… read them below or add one }
A little age but achievement is like one can reach on top of Mt. Averest.
Nice analogy! Reaching the top of Mt. Everest is hard… probably much harder than what I did.
I wish you could do lot better than this with your 3 firms. Have a successful life buddy.
I hope I do so too in the future.
Thank you, you too.
Hello Mr. Neil,
It was very much inspirational reading about how you emerged a successful entrepreneur. I wish all the success in your life! I also learnt how hardwork & passion is essential to be successful.
You are a role model. At such a yound age you have achieved so much. Its really amazing. All the best to you . You will definately be much more successful than what you are now
Thanks! Sadly, I feel that I haven’t achieved enough.
Hi Neil, I am 34 years old and recently married. Until now I have worked for companies, but feel that the time is right to start a business venture. Do you have any further tips or advice??
I do:
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/05/05/8-things-i-wish-i-knew-when-starting-my-first-business/
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/01/25/7-reasons-my-first-business-failed/
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/01/14/7-business-mistakes-that-nearly-made-me-go-broke/
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/01/13/want-to-be-successful-then-learn-how-to-sell/
http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/04/10/8-reasons-i-am-successful-and-you-are-not/
That’s what is keeping you moving! isnt’t it?
Yep, more or less.
wow. finally, I found something useful for my paper to write down about. that is attention-grabbing and helps me with more analysis in the future. Glad I discovered this blog.Thank you. And I do hope you will develop a few of your ideas about this subject and I’ll positive come again and browse it. Thanks for the trouble and time.
Definitely,
I am glad you were able to get use out of what you read.
The best type of writing and information will always grab your attention, even if it is subtly.
I appreciate the suggestion and am happy to be able to help.
Neil Thanks for sharing. I try to share my success up to this point with others. But never did in this way, good idea. I am 31years now and nowhere close to where I would like to be. But one thing for sure is that when you fail at somthing it’s just another chance to learn something new.
That is something you can mention in your about page.
thanks, that’s exactly what I will be doing.
Worse case if you find out that your readers don’t like something, just modify the page. My about page has gone through 5 or so revisions.
Hey Neil was wondering what’s the best way to get hold of you I had some SEO questions I would like to ask if you have the time.
Thanks in advance bud.
The best way is to write out your questions on one of my blog posts, and I’ll respond to them right away. That way, in case other people had the same questions, they will see the answer too
Wow. congratualations on your intelligence, courage, curiosity, stamina and fortitude. I remember back when I was your age and had so many of the same qualities and dreams. Life is like a big circle. At this stage I am once again facing embracing the need for those qualities all over again to recreate my life as I choose it to be. May we all have a measure of good luck and enjoy the adventure which we call life.
Thank you,
I hope you are able to make your life into what you want it to be now. Very nice words to follow, it is important not only to work hard but enjoy life as we go along. Thank you fro sharing.
What I appreciate the most at you is the fact that you look, act and ARE humble!
Bravo!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I am great full for everything I have been able to accomplish and have yet so much more to do.
Hello Patel your an inspiration how can we make our non profit organisation web site more visible since you have said that you want to help our website is http://www.orphanjuctice.org
Hi Neil,
I was rather inspired by your story. Derek Johnson of Disqus referred me to your page. I’ve been trying over 10 yrs. seeking startup seed for my business and for me, it’s been quite challenging. I’m a single parent of 4 with one remaining in the nest and I see myself running and operating my own business in the near future. I was fortunate to land a job in an educational institution and raise my children on a fairly decent salary. But there is so much more in life that I’d like to achieve as a testament to my children and my entire family. Thank you for sharing your story, I feel that I am taking steps in the right direction by networking with like-minded entreprenuers such as yourself.
Glad to hear it Tyshun. You have had a very interesting journey so far, so I commend you on your present success. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.
Inspiring read. And I thought I was motivated and a hustler, I feel shamed.
I am just highly motivated. When you come from very little you work hard to make sure you have more then enough. If you have something strongly motivating you, then you will be just as hard working.
I am really surprised to read the story. It is something like Bollywood film’s script. Second thing, I have never seen such ABOUT page till now. It inspired me a lot!
Hahaha, I haven’t heard it described that way before. Thanks, I am glad you found it inspiring.
A profile that every teenager would dream about, but only a handful could achieve what you have achieved Neil. Congrats!
Way to go…
Thanks! I think a lot of people can achieve what I did (if not more), they just have to be willing to put in the effort.
you are so great. You have a good fighting spirit
Thank you, I try to do my best to accomplish everything I set out to do.
hi,
neil patel
good work
my name nitin and my age is 20 and just started my own business, of website . but due too my age not many guys taking me seriously.
please give me some advise.
This is a tough one. The best ways to get people to take you seriously are:
1. Talk professionally around others. In other words, don’t act like a kid.
2. Give valuable advice to people. Even if they think you are a kid, they will listen if your advice is good.
3. Dress grown up.
Great Tips, Neil.
I would like to add few more here.
1. Avoid communication gap for better mutual understand
2. Marketing Management ability would help to grow business
3. Be yourself, what you are, never hide any things and never shows expertise at which you are not.
4. Age does not matter, one of the great example is Niel Patel itself, be confident and serve the best you can. Learn corporate etiquettes.
5. And most Important thing, Don’t work for money in online business, create business relationships with highly qualified services which satisfy your clients.
Thanks,
Nice additions, you could even write you own blog post from it. Thanks for sharing these points.
I’ve been surfing on-line rather more than three hours as of late, nonetheless I don’t ever discovered any interesting posting like your site. It’s pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if most of site house owners and folks produced nice content material as you do, the net might be much far more useful than ever before.
Thanks,
Good content can be hard to find, but is the main tool in a successful blog.
I appreciate the kind words and hope what you have read is helpful to you.
Ha, I’m 13.
Future rockstar
delete this comment neil but I really feel ashamed of you being the indian origin. You wrote “generally they are cheap” and that hurts me as an Indian. Perhaps, you could have looked at the other side..
Apart from that, I admire how you became successful and especially, your never say die attitude. Congratulations and wish you best success ahead.
I don’t think being cheap is a bad thing. I think being cheap has helped a lot of Indians succeed.
Now, that’s a weak statement.
You should acknowledge the fact that Indians are the “best” minds in the world, and in all honesty, many Indians have made other people succeed, not the other way round.
The way you presented that particular statement was not at all understandable. Well, I think that we lead a much better lifestyle than any other country’s citizen could think of.
We care for anyone and everyone, do not prioritize people based on countries or something. Sorry, but I think you should remove that particular statement.
Best of luck ahead.
@bhavesh I think you may have taken Neils statement out of context, if not, I think his response being cheap is not a bad thing it has helped a lot of Indians succeed probably through saving (not spending) and accumulating wealth cleared it up.
@Swastik in response to your comment “many Indians have made other people succeed, not the other way around” My wife’s Indian, I just got back from Mumbai where I was living for the past 7 months and can tell you that some of the friends and family I employ there consider me helping them succeed because of the pay I give them compared to what they would receive from an Indian company so in their eyes “I, a US citizen am helping them succeed” so I think we need to understand that people’s ideas of success are different from person to person, and there’s people around the world from different cultures helping people from other cultures succeed and great minds come from all areas of the world.
Well, you employed them because you needed them. You would have to pay a LOT more price and get cheaper quality work if you gave that work to another person.
I’m not being biased, neither I have any grunges but I want people to change their mentality of Indians being “cheap”.
Indians certainly take much less pay for work, but they are not “cheap”. I know Neil might have meant in context of money, but the way that statement comes through is simply not something I would digest.
Oh, and those Indians who work for a cheaper rate, they help people accumulate money.
I’m sorry if you felt anything wrong, but I think that statement should not be there.
On the other hand he may not need them and could hire someone from China or Vietnam. The possibilities are endless… I think both sides benefit. It isn’t a one way street.
Swastik, your right the some of the Indian workers I employ I hire for their technical skill, others for personal reasons but I think this has turned off topic as Neil was only sharing his life work experience which was one kind to do in the first place, I mean, you get so many people in the industry that talk about how their experts and how they’ve accomplished this and that… it’s a breath of fresh air when you get a person that’s willing to put it out on the line for open dialogue as Neil’s done here. My take on the whole thing is it was a piece to inspire which it’s done for for me and from the looks of it most people commenting. One more point Swastik, being out in India for that time was a culture shock, I really didn’t comprehend how much I took for granted, now I do. I have a bunch of Indian friends now all of which I admire for their differences, as with each relationship I’ve been able to develop across the world.
I think that is the case with many of us. We take many things for granted until we see them ourselves. For example I have never been to India and I have no idea how it is. Hopefully one day I will end up going.
Thanks for chiming in Donovan. As you stated, outsourcing to Indians helps both sides. I think we both equally benefit from it.
Absolutely Neil, I could start another post on how much outsourcing parts of my business has helped me, it really is beneficial to everyone involved.
I also do the same. The funny thing is, although I am Indian I have never outsourced to India. Most of my outsourcing takes place in Europe.
Neil what type of work do you outsource to Europe companies if you don’t mind me asking =o).
Just some programming stuff. I don’t outsource anything anymore, but I used to.
LOL, ok thanks Neil!
What about sales have you guys ever outsource sale? I tried once and just lost money to the firm. Was thinking of trying again localy. But on the other hand might just expand my sales department. anything you could add to this would be great.
I have, it didn’t go well for me.
Well after the problems I had finding a good sale company to outsource to, I dicided to separate and expand my sales department in to it’s own company.
Don’t outsource sales, do them in house.
I am not trying to stereotype Indians. I do think they are some of the best minds in the world, but I think your thinking is a bit biased. For example, what one person thinks is a good lifestyle may not be “great” for another.
As for removing the statement, I am not because I don’t mean anything bad from it. As I stated earlier, I think it is a REALLY good thing. There is nothing wrong with being frugal and I hope more people in this world learn to save their money.
i’m indian and i’m cheap, very proud of it too. perhaps even too proud, i’ll even brag about how cheap i am.
but i do not wish cheapness for just my people, rather i wish men and women of all cultures will unite to create a global utopia of cheapness. it’d be heaven on earth!
indian or not, i wish you all much cheapness in 2009 and beyond.
I am happy to see that people other than myself are proud to be cheap.
Hey guys hold on, Don’t take it to heart, Do not take it personal, This so called guru “Neil Patel” wrote that line just to make the post little controversial and encourage people to post more and more comments. It’s just one of the trick these all internet marketers do to seek your attention, just to make you take some action, just to make you think and reply. Anyways, if this guys is real, my comment will appear on his blog otherwise i would consider this guys the most cheapest Indain on this planet.
I didn’t write that one line to create controversy…
Neil, I think the main problems with us Indians is that we cannot think professionally. We take thinks to heart just like Swastik and Bhavesh did and thus miss out on opportunities. I guess the Babu culture is still quite predominant here and that’s why, inspite of having some of the best minds we still cannot flourish.
We will adapt sooner or later. Everyone tends to take things to heart, we just have to learn not to.
Most of the Indians I know are very successful and very cheap. I have not been to india so just talking about Trinidadians and the ones I meet here. .lol okay grouping the whole race is wrong. but I am Indian so I can lol. However it’s a normal thing for indians to say this about them self. So, No Neil did not say this to spark excitement. infact it’s wired that it sparked so much excitement with another indian person.
Thanks for backing me up.
Hi Neil,
Have you seen the Guru movie (Indian)? It is the best example of being cheap.
I think that being cheap is the first step to grow or succeed in life.
I have.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
Only with Indian people will you find such a extended conversation about being cheap… haha just joking.
Seriously though, there are many ways to get rich not just one. There are many ways to be successful, not just one. There might be trends or certain traits that are common between rich/successful people; but being cheap isn’t a common nor uncommon trait.
Being cheap could be the first step to grow or succeed in life – for some people. It depends on how you view the world.
The problem with being cheap is that you’re coming from a mindset of scarcity. Scarcity of money. You’re limiting yourself. Why? Because you’re being cheap because you’re scared of the use of money. If you had infinite money, would you care? Most likely not.
I think frugal is a better way to attend cheap standards of living. Cheap in itself is not a positive way to live your life.
I can go on forever, and I’m not trying to convince anyone that being cheap is bad.
But if you do study the rich or study those who teach on moving towards that level, not just Indians, you will find that many are far form being cheap. I’m not talking about 6 digit (that’s not rich), I’m talking about people who bring in 1 million/year +.
Neil will probably know what I’m talking about if you don’t believe me.
Yep, you are right. It is easier to save money than make money.
I agree, in regards to Indians, not being able to think professionally, I don’t think this would be a problem solely confined to Indians. Anyone, whose belief system is being challenged would feel obligated to defend it, and heated emotions usually prevail over placid thoughtfulness – a result that is often detrimental to any business transaction.
Indians are very business minded. Obviously not all of them, but a lot of them are.
What makes you think Indians are the best minds? No doubt that some are intelligent people, but that you can say about most nationalities!
Exactly! Every nationality has great minds.
I can’t help but ask… best mind for what? I’d be surprised if there was a genetic predisposition for being the best at everything, sounds like a novel by Huxley.
Just smart people in general.
You know I think the difference between people like you and Neil is that, Neil is no hyprocat about life. He says things as they are and not be obsessed to be attached to a National Pride, which is nothing but a form of control. I am Indian and I laugh hard when a comedian like Russell Peters (also Indian) jokes about Indians being cheap. He also jokes about other cultures and backgrounds. It is also Russel’s open mind that make him also successful. National pride is a form of control, being aware of your roots is something you can really be proud about, that is if you are aware. And if you are really open minded, you start laughing about highly sensitive people that hold onto old forms hypocrasy. No Nation or culture is perfect. Indians being cheap means nothing more than they would go for the lowest bid, and as seen in the worst cases in India, regardless of how much the seller may undersell and suffer. The positive side is that it kept us grounded and safeguarded our values. On the other hand I understand you why you actually feel offended, it is because Neil made a prejudiced comment, which he probably didnt mean like this. So to conclude I am Indian and I am not offended but can laugh about myself…open mindedness leads to success. And general wealth depends on how open minded people can be and let go of false pride and and category thinking. Be free and focus on yourself.
Neil, I agree with both your first statement that ‘generally Indians are cheap’ and your second one, ‘being cheap has helped many Indians succeed’.
I too have sold door-to-door for long enough to know that it is very unusual for Indians to want to purchase expensive items if a cheaper look-alike can be found. But this, coupled with saving is how you accumulate the capital to allow you to move on to bigger ventures. And that also is a distinct characteristic of Indians in the West.
An Indian friend of mine from New Delhi told me that this year, there will be more billionaires in India than in the USA. And that is just the start.
It is always good to see that others feel being cheap is a good thing.
Wow … we all really need to be a lot less sensitive. People will find any reason to be upset. I think the world would be a lot better place, and it would be much easier to get a long if we all chilled out a little, and sanity checked a statement to see if there was any malice. If there was ignorance, then we should strive to correct it.
Indians are cheap. And by cheap, I don’t mean people pay them little. I mean they are frugal. I know because I am Indian. And no one in their right mind that makes an meager living should be thinking about buying a $1600 vacuum. But plenty of people do (hence the current economic crisis fueled by so many people living beyond their means). I applaud them for having the sensibility to not keep their $1600 vacuum purchase.
I also really applaud you Neil for sharing your story with us with such candor. You are a great role model at such a young age.
Peace
A
Thanks!
I probably should have used the word frugal instead of cheap.
yup.. frugal is the world.. “cheap” presents a very different picture.. sounds demeaning and disrespectful…
Yup we Indians are frugal and we’re proud of it.. We’d rather not buy something we can do without than drown ourselves in credit card debt.. I think this was one of the reasons why we could make it through the recession with not much damage done…
and yes we are sensitive too:P
btw.. congratulations on your success! You are truly an inspiration..
and you should come down to India sometime:)
Thanks Alshwarya. We may not all be that way, but a lot of us are
Thanks for the inspiration! I needed to hear a story like that to keep me motivated online. I think that is the hardest part about creating anything online, …the waiting. Gotta let those SERPs catch up.
It took me at least 3 years before things turned around.
this is wonderful overview of your life, As a Indian i can understand how you feel after achieving such a wonderful goal.
still there is always chance of improvement in life and long way to go..
i wish you a all the best for the future..
regards
jigs
Thanks! I wish you a successful life as well.
thanks neil,
I had seen your website acsseo before 8 months, and i used to visit it at every week..such a wonderful design and navigation.
Thanks! We have a few great designers that are in-house.
Just bumped into this site through smashingmag .. and interestingly i got to see advocating the same point of view that i usually do… keep on trying no matter what happen.. and look for other ways around or change however if you find something working good for you do it ‘persistently’… eventually you would succeed, this reminds of I guess of bill gates saying that it’s not your failure to be born poor but if you die poor then it’s really your failure!!!
Best of luck for future successes mate!
It is a numbers game. Something has to hit sooner or later.
Hi Neil,
I’m a 43 year old man with a wife and five children and have been a serial entrepreneur for 20 years. I have over 2 dozen startups under my belt, all either failed or never gained enough steam to start. I have a day job that almost pays the bills, wife works at night to try to make up the rest. Two kids with autism, two more under the age of four, but my oldest boy, 12, shares my entrepreneurial dream (illness!). Spend most of my workday here at a dot com jotting down new ideas and I come home every night with a wad of them which I toss next to my pc in hopes of getting a chance to flesh some of them out before I crash from exhaustion. After all this time my dream of starting up a successful business feels like a drug addiction, and my wife wishes I would give it up because she’s tired of seeing me hurt. I tell her that I would be more hurt if I gave up. I keep telling her that anyone who tries is bound to win at some point, but even I’m beginning to wonder. I’m a marketing person with a strong interest in the brand design aspect of the businesses I work for, consult with or startup myself. At this stage, and after creating so many corporate identities, business plans and marketing strategies, I’d have to say that helping entrepreneurs make their startups look and feel viable to investors and future customers would be my strengths – bringing them to fruition by myself, or with half-interested partners, not so much. Do you think that I should keep trying? If so, might I be of any service to a startup of yours or someone you know? Thank you, Neil!
I think you should adjust your approach. Sooner or later something has to work for you, so you shouldn’t give up. But instead of creating more startups, you should look to join forces with someone who already has a startup and help them. This way you can get equity in their company and reduce your risk because with your current family situation you don’t want to lose more money. When you are young you can take more risks and as you get older you should take less risks.
Greg,
I agree with Neil there that as you get older you have to reduce the amount of risk you would take and the reason is that others depend on you which is not the case when you are younger.
That does not mean that one should stop taking risks completely and keeping that in mind I would say you should keep trying. However, as Neil said you ought to do some different things or have different approaches. The amount of experience you have would be handy for any business and you are bound to be successful or be part of a successful team.
Best of Luck.
The difference is that you need to take more calculated risks. As you get older with more “experience”, you’ll get what I’m talking about.
Hi Greg,
I am 41 and I know what you mean by being exhausted, but you still need to somehow push on an spend 2 hours a night working on your copany, or else nothing will get done.
You might need a fear to push you to do things that you think you are too tired to do. For example, if you were dead tired, and went to sleep, but then awoke to find your house on fire and your family in danger, would you stay in bed because you were “tired”? So you need to find something that will scare you to death to motivate you to do it.
Second, with over 24 start ups, I hope you’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t. You might consider starting up a blog site where you mentor new business people in exchange for some money. That might give you the inspiration and motivation to push on and get bigger and better. However people want to learn from someone who has succeeded, so you might have trouble selling yourself as someone who has failed a lot. But it is up to you, so do what your heart tells you.
Great advice Steve. Thanks for taking the time to help Greg out.
Greg, I have great sympathy with your predicament – BTDT-and-got-the-teeshirt. Here’s a tiny idea which might help. Find an biz concept which is really simple where you absolutely know that you will succeed. (Easiest thing is not to be original, copy a successful biz idea. See also - Classic Inventor’s Mistake). Then do that until you are having reliable success. Later move towards what you’d prefer to be doing.
The point of this approach is that how much effort you put into a project depends on how you feel about it. If you have a succession of ‘failures’ your motivation is bound to drop. And the reverse happens with successes – even if they are’t precisely on target for your long-term aims. Success breeds success and failure similarly. So aim low and build from there.
Thank you for your thoughts. You make a lot of good suggestions. I appreciate you giving your opinion and advice of the matter.
Being a 20 year old entrepreneur who is part pursuing a few ventures I have to say I feel saddened by your story. My biggest fear is that I’ll be homeless though so I’ll keep doing this forever. I read about your losses, but what have you gained? What have you learned? Who have you met? I think your doing some major things wrong (not saying I know it all) but I’d like to see your ventures that have lost money. Where they all unique ideas? Did your customers have a big NEED for your product? Do you have mentors and friends that are millionares? The answer to those questions for my life is yes…If they are you don’t have those things down then I suggest you try them, if the answer is yes for your questions than let me know.
It definitely is a roller coaster ride, Vlad. I agree, you have to keep on pushing hard.
What do you mean by roller coaster ride Neil? I mean I understand that everything is a bit of a gamble since we don’t know everything, but don’t you think there’s a certain formula for success? I mean do you think that if I 1) Build Skills in my field 2) network with the right people (those that are smarter and better than you) 3) microtest 5 new ideas a day that are have a huge NEED attached to them and 4) build a temporary cash flow that eventually I’ll be successful? I think I’m smart enough, definitely not a genius, but I’m getting my bachelors degree at 20 I’m not stupid. Tell me what you think…
I think you are on the right path. I like how you outlined those 4 points. If you keep evaluating yourself at every juncture, and improving, success is very likely.
I was also born in 1985, but I’m elder than you. hehe
As a young guy, hopefully you are using age to your advantage. It is a great way to get ahead in life.
Great story neil, very inspiring indeed. I am looking to make it big in the internet too but the problem is i have a lot of things to take care of which really slows me down. how do you find time to take care of everything?
You just have to plan out your days. You can be amazed at how much time you can save but cutting out the useless stuff like television.
Your history is very inspiring me! Thank you Neil!
Thanks! Let me know if you ever need any help, or anyone for that matter.
omg this is an awesome and inspirational story, funny, with drama, and a neverending happy ending. I look forward to resprouting the seeds of some or all of your ideas. Wish me luck.
best regards
o.
I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it.
Best of luck!
Hi Neil
First of all congratulations on your success, feels great to see Indians reaching heights. I love the way you reply to each of your comments
I work with a web design company in Dubai Internet City as an associate art dir, I do a lot of freelance too here in Dubai. I wanna start my own company soon, not for money but to do good work and control it fully.
My website is: http://www.puneetsakhuja.com
Advice me how to make base for that.
Thanks much buddy, all the best!
P
I will be your first client.
Hopefully that will get you started.
So glad to have checked out your Webside Chats just now.
http://www.jackhumphrey.com/fridaytrafficreport/webside-chats-by-jack-humphrey/
And also to have found your blog. I’ll be hanging out here more often
Another awesome peer to follow on my pursuit of happiness. I’m right behind you I’m 21 in college right now trying to break freeee. I’m not exactly a tech guy but an entrepreneur ready to roll!
You don’t have to go into the tech space, you can be an entrepreneur in any field.
Best of luck!
Hey Neil
Awesome story! I can only hope to gain a fraction of your success.
Keep up the quality content and thanks for sharing your experiences.
One quick question: Do you have any suggestions on how to instill entrepreneurship to high school students bent.. brainwashed into only on studying?
Warm regards,
~Hoo
The best way is to give them examples of how other people their age have made millions and that they can be rich and successful at their age.
By doing this you will get them to start dreaming about being rich and hopefully that motivates them to learn more about entrepreneurship.
I am not sure if you are a teacher, but if you are make sure you have someone else come to your class room and give the speech.
Yes, I am a teacher.
Thanks for responding. You rock!
I have brought in “successful” guest speakers before, but nobody in their age group.
Would you be willing to shoot a short 5-10min video sharing your story and upload it to youtube or something?
Cheers,
If you could email me at neil@acsseo.com with some things you want covered in the video, that would be great.
Do you need my services, I would love to work for a big shot like you are. I am moving around the world, working from different countries but still dont make the money I would like to make.
I want to make at least 1 million USD.
I am not sure if I could afford your services.
Everything was looking pretty sweet until i got to this comment: “Other than that I hope I have a big exit one day…” … is all this just a job to you or are you actually really passionate about it? If you’re passionate about it then how can you already be planning your “big exit”? Ronnie talks about this quite a lot…
The theme on your companies website is incredibly easy on the eyes!! This sites theme is awesome too, but that other one is like caramel, but for eyes.
I think everyone should have goals. Why should someone be in business? In most cases it is because they want to work for themselves, do something they love, and make tons of money. I have been running my own company for years and if you never make tons of money doing so, then what is the point.
yes, your business is just a means to achieve what you really want in life. so everyone should have a big exit planned, but also enjoy the journey that gets you there!
It is all about making yourself happy. If you aren’t happy, then do something about it. This is why everyone should have a plan on how they can get to the end of their journey.
hi neil,
great story. neat site. i’ll bookmark it. just a quick question. i’m a web designer. i love all things web related. but my biggest passion isn’t designing. it’s helping other people achieve their entrepreneurial goals. i have a few ideas i’m working on and my to do list gets longer by the day.
do you tend to work on multiple ideas at a time to keep from getting bored? or focus on one to get it just right?
I try to focus on one idea at a time, but it tends to be where I usually work on 2 things at once.
I just wanted to say that I love CrazyEgg. I got info on it a while ago on Pro Blogger, then I got a membership. It’s awesome. Knowing where you’re visitors are clicking is huge. This is the best program on the market for this in my humble opinion.
Thanks for the support!
Hi Neil,
I admire your success.I have been able to start your own business because you got business background since your childhood.
I didnt get such background .But I am working in India’s largest software company for 1 year and want to start business .How can I do that.
The first step is to figure out what you love and hopefully there is a potential to create a business around it. After you figure out what type of business you want to create, then you just have to DO IT.
I wish I could tell you how you can do it, but in most cases it will be different for each person/business.
Hi Neil ,
If possible give me some businees tips.
Email me some specifics and I can try and help you out.
Great Think!! Great Idea!!
Which qualification to start a Web business?
thanks,
kpjothivelu
kpjothivelu.in
You don’t need any qualifications. You just have to be willing to take risks and work hard.
thanks!! your future plan?
Are u start your company in india?
when,which place?
thanks,
vazha valamudan
kpjothivelu
My future plans are to keep working on my software companies. I haven’t started a company from India yet… for now I am going to stick with starting companies in the United States.
Great Story…Mine is a lot alike right now but I keep on pushing forward. God Bless!
If you are wondering when you should keep on pushing forward or when to quit, consider reading “The Dip” by Seth Godin.
I’ve known you casually for a few years Neil and yet I didn’t know all of this. Great story!
Thanks Lee. When is the Lee Odden story going to come out?
Love the bio, its a shame you couldn’t get into more detail, cause you have some great stories, and many failures and laughs that have made you successful.
I think your positive out look on life and your sense of humour is a big part of your success.
I am proud of you little brother, hopefully one day you ll learn to park a car without damaging it..
I will go into more detail
The bio should be updated within a day or two.
Great story.. it’s amazing you could turn a few months of unsuccessful sales experience into a $3,500 a month consulting gig. That rocks!
Keep swinging the bat dude, looks like you’ve already had some hits, and the home run’s coming I’m sure.
If you need more players on the team, I’m a free agent..
All you have to do is put in the time and effort. That is the main reason people fail.
I have had hits, but sadly they are only singles. I would love a home run, but at the moment I would even take a double or a triple.
As for more players, I am always looking for more players. It is just trying to figure out where they can fit in the overall picture.
Fantastic efforts Neil. Reaching the top of Everest is not as tough as you think it is. Nothing is tough. Its us who make things tough for us. We need to work hard and then everything is possible. Your a good example of that.
Thanks! Hopefully one day I will also climb Everest. It’s probably too cold fore me and a very long journey, but it sounds fun.
good job neil, we are the same age, and i can say i’m not quite successful as you yet, but thanks for showing that ideas can be easily executed into action!
Thanks Eric! If you ever need any help, let me know.
Great story Neil. I look forward to following your bright future. Keep up the good work and keep spreading your advice around.
Thanks Ryan! Hopefully your future is brighter than mine.
hi neil! i just would like to know if you are a programmer by profession. this is because the companies that you co-founded are IT based. thanks!
No, I am not a programmer. Unfortunately I am not that technical.
WOW, very inspiring Neil. The best thing about the whole article is your humbleness of the success you’ve made; congratulations Neil!
Thanks, but I personally don’t think I am successful yet.
Success is a state of mined, You already gain succes at the sec you can see it. The rest is just the out come of succes. alot of people think of the gains as the success and that’s just a buyproduct of success.
Brent
Thanks. My mind says I want 100 million dollars, but I don’t have it yet.
lol you mined just need to embrace the fact that you have a 100mil the rest is just details
LOL, only if it was that easy.
Thanks Neil for your Encouraging words….i will try to follow your paths…
Best of luck! Let me know if you need any help.
Niel, do you think you can help me succeed in my business.i am based in new york and have a trucking company.
Email me more about your company and where you need help.
How do you define success Neil? Is it strictly how much money you have?
Success is more so how much money you have and what you do with it. Or what you do with your life. In my book you are successful if you do something notable, such as spending your whole life trying to find a cure for cancer even if you don’t make any money doing so.
Great answer. People have the mindset that if you are rich, you are successful. Now if the same person has a son or daughter that is addicted to drugs, how can that person be considered successful. He/she failed as a parent.
Yep, there is a lot more to life than just money. Money is a good to have, but don’t let it corrupt you.
Inspiring life story.
Unless you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth, most of us come from simple families that work hard. Not everyone can go to college. The trick is to shed blood, sweat and tears and not to feel like a failure. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going. That’s what was always done.
The difference is that today with the internet, we have great resources right at our fingertips. There is no reason not to be successful. Take advise from experts and make it work for you. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Reinventing the wheel is one of the major reasons people fail. Even if you think the wheel could be better, it doesn’t matter. All the matters is what the customer wants.
Hi Neil,
thanks for having such interesting website as yours on the net.
Looking forward to more great articles.
Best of luck for 2009!
Cheers
–Hans
Thanks for reading and supporting Quick Sprout!!!!
gotta love the pirated content hustle
LOL. It seems like we both did well selling pirated stuff in high school. Gotta love Napster.
I want to thank you for the efforts you’ve got made in penning this article. I am hoping the same greatest work from you sooner or later as well. In fact your inventive writing skills has inspired me to start out my own BlogEngine weblog now. Actually the running a blog is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a advantageous instance of it.
Thanks,
I appreciate the kind words. Inspiration and dedication are two key factors to success and it seems like you are heading in the right direction. If you use what you have learned and never stop learning you will be more likely to succeed in your work.
Good luck.
Good job Patel,
Your story inspiring me
Thank you and best of luck with your future.
Neil,
You’re truly an inspiration with all your accomplishments and the fact that you still remain grounded and level-headed.
I’ve been watching your rise to success for the last little while and have to say that you have helped motivate me to push harder and aim higher because I see the possibilities that are out there. And like you said, if you don’t like the hand you’re dealt, do something to change it!
Thanks for sharing your story and being so candid. Like you, I love helping others, so don’t be shy to let me know if I can help you out with anything.
To your continued success!
I’m glad to be of assistance. Let me know if you need anymore pushing.
Hi Neil,
Thanks
Anukul here from Delhi(INDIA). Right now I’m working as UI Expert. You know what after working almost 4years in companies now feeling Still I’m not in right place. think to quit soon & hopefully will start web/application development and affiliate marketing business.
Looking forward for your valuable suggestions for the same.
Thanks,
anukul4all@gmail.com
You should start a company while you are still working at your current job. Once your company starts taking off, you can then quit your job.
Agreed with you.
let me should acknowledge my situation to you. actually I have to finish MCA backlog papers as well, which I can’t due to job things so think to take break from job for 6-8 months. But at other side I think to make my folio and start my own business.
Please suggest.
Thanks,
Anukul
Hey Anukul, I am not 100% sure what you are asking. Can you please clarify your question.
Thanks
Neil,
Nice story which also motivates me to do something instead of doing just simple job and be happy.
If you come to bayarea please let me know. We would like to motivate other kids in our temple(vaishnav temple).
BTW:- My son name is also Neil Patel and I think we might have bidded in auction for neilpatel.com !! upto $500.
Thanks
KEtan patel
LOL, I missed the bidding on it. Luckily one of my friends bidded on it and bought it for me.
Hi Neil, I just got here and read your story very inspiring I am 41 years old guy, just lost my job, at the moment I am blogging and doing Internet marketing for the past 6 months, only small ncome I made from my blog, but I have this hunch feeling I’m on the right path, I need your opinion should I get a real job again or do pure Internet Marketing Entrepreneur although we all know it’s tough.Need your input
I would try to do both. Once your own business takes off then you can leave your new job. If you have a good amount of money in the bank and have no family, then you may not need a job, but being 41 years old, I would consider getting one.
You don’t even sound remotely intelligent, let alone successful. If you are wasting a MILLION dollars in one investment (that you lost entirely) you sound like a fool.
All of these pats on the back are ridiculous. And as for the Indians being cheap thing… jeez people, lighten up, there are far worse stereotypes than being considered cheap. Especially in the sense that was implied, which was being frugal.
The measure of success is going to be different for each person. You are probably right in that I am foolish and not successful. I am not saying that I am not well off, but compared to some of my friends, I haven’t accomplished what they have yet.
Hey Neil,
It was nice meeting you at the Mixergy 2.0 event at Earth Bound Media. Like you told me to I checked out your website
Anyway, great story and very useful website. I actually used Crazy Egg for a past project. I thought it was a great tool. Anyway, I thought your idea of doing monthly drink-togethers in the OC wasn’t a bad idea…I’m bummed I’ll be missing you guys at Yardhouse tonight. Have a blast!
Maybe we will see you the next time we go out. Thanks for checking out my blog.
Quite inspirational. Came across a similar story a couple of days ago on digg
http://digg.com/tech_news/10_Questions_with_Mr_Dushyant_Bhatia_CEO_of_Blogertize
This guy also saw an opportunity in recession and is makin some quick bucks in there
Truly motivating to see such stories. Wish I could come up with something innovative someday
Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
What an inspirational story…as a recent college grad I’m working a full time job, blogging, and helping form a few startups myself. Always good to see some other successes, especially at a young age like myself!
Keep up the work. That is the best time to start a company because there are a lot of people around you that can help.
Please I would like you to help me to start a business of my own. I am a youth in Ghana in the West Africa
Email me with what you need help with and I will try and do my best to help you out.
Hey Neil,
We have communicated in the past in reference to the “the black card”- I work with Amex.
Anyways..Great story and an inspiration to all. My parents came here with nothing and worked in a factory 12 hours shifts and when my mom was 3 months pregnant with my sister…she was eating Cheeseburgers..b/c thats all they could afford (and she doesn’t eat meat) and I look at what they have built today on their hardwork and dedication….
Keep up the good work..
You should get Amex to reduce their fees.
I think I’ve heard of this black card guy…
Great seeing you at Quick Sprout. Didn’t we meet at the OC Mixergy?
I hope so. The more connections I can make for guests at Mixergy, the more it’ll grow.
Thanks for helping me make more connections!
Inspiring story. You have done well.
Hopefully you do better than I did.
I’m so much inspired from reading about you, and you tell it …very interestingly.
I’ve used Crazyegg long back, when it had sort of like a “free” version.
Nice to meet the guy who helped start it.
Again, a truly inspiring story!
Always glad to meet a Crazy Egg user!
Neil,
It is humbling to learn of your life’s path. Looking back, I’m certain every experience added up to be the perfect recipe for your current success. Although we are different in age, I feel you on the losses, mistakes, and people ripping you off… I too have been ripped off. You are so right, the people you care for and eat with are the ones that rip you off the most. Lost millions and couldn’t have been at a worse time. Well we all live and learn.
I’m starting a internet marketing service company as well, keep us posted on (at least some) of trade secrets and know-how.
Happy 2009!
Let me know if you need any help or have any questions in regards to your Internet company.
Wow!
Amazing story Neil and quite inspiring. I found your site from Smashing Magazine and am glad I did. Great job.
Thanks for sharing.
Ed
Thanks for letting me know where you came from. I was wondering if Smashing Magazine readers would like my blog…
Hey Neil,
This was indeed an amazing story. We have an aweful lot in common. Next time you’re in seattle we should do breakfast again.
We should. I will be there at the end of this month.
You have a great story i have been following you for awhile now. You said dont be afraid to ask so i will ask several question.
1. How did you manage to get a million bucks to investing in hosting company that failed?
2. Crazy egg did you program it yourself if not where did you find the programmers and what programming language did they used?
1. I borrowed the money from family.
2. I found programmers and they programmed it in Ruby on Rails.
Thanks for the reply. i love your blog.
No problem. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Where did you find these people? I’m having trouble finding good programmers.
You just get lucky some times…
Wow, very inspiring story, Neil. I know there were lots of failures along the way, but they seem to be what has brought made you to eventually succeed. Didn’t the experts say “success is failure turned upside down”? Thanks for sharing your story. Like I said, it will surely inspire lots of people, especially those who want to give up after one or more failures. Like you said – “life isn’t fair” but we can’t stand at the sidelines and complain about this fact. Instead, let’s keep keeping on until life at least becomes “fair” for us.
I like that saying. It pretty much is failure turned upside down.
Dear Patel:
I am Student of Entrepreneurship. I am looking for an entrepreneur for my life case study assignment. Would you plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz give an interview. I am really very surprised by your creative ideas and thinking that how could u do that.
Your greatest, biggest fan is waiting for your positive reply
Love,
Furqan
No problem. Just email me the questions and I will answer them.
Fascinating and all done at a very young age. Truly inspiring. My blog is a directory of stuff like this I find on the internet. Am definitely going to put a link to this blog.
Thanks for supporting!
I heard lot about yours but first time i read and get a chance to know about yours, your story very inspiring specially for Youth who want to make money with hard work. Our best wishes always with yours.
Thanks! Best of luck to you to.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for your story, it was very inspiring. I find it interesting that you said as a child you were able to live a middle class lifestyle, but you still desired to live a “rich” lifestyle. In many biographies I’ve read, the person started off dirt poor and because of their dis-satisfaction with their situation, it drove them to do whatever it took to build a better life for themselves. This concept is repeated by many immigrants, who realize that America has many oppportunities if you work hard and work smart.
But I sometimes think that I lack that needed motivation because I was rasied in a middle classs lifestyle and I am basically surviving now, but it is far from my dreams.
Can you maybe write a new story to share tips on how you used your dreams to create motivation to work hard even though you were comfortable to live a middle class lifestyle? And how you were able to keep going when nothing seemed to be working? Perhaps it would give me and others an extra insight or motivation to wake up early, work hard at the right things (working smart), work late, and do it consistently each day as steps to get to our goals. Often as we get excited and start working, the results are not as we have dreamed them, so we get discouraged and slack off or stop working toward our goals. What is the magic of persistance to make you keep going?
I will try to write a blog post on that. The hard part about it is that I don’t know how I used my dreams…
Well maybe start with what pushed you to want to have a lot of money? Was it watching your uncles who had good businesses? Was it watching lifestyles of the rich and famous on TV and wanting to have lots of money to buy things? And then once you had that dream what kept you going toward it even though you were not selling any vacuums?
For me, I just dreamed about money. Watching TV shows like Cribs on MTV helped push me forward.
Hey turban boy, you are annoying me with your comment notifications, why dont you setup comment notifications only once and when you click on email link you get a new comment email again again.
This is how you do it, you are trasking my emails for fuck sake
I am sorry. I just unsubscribed you from getting notifications.
With every email there is a link to unsubscribe. All you have to do is click the link and you won’t get anymore email notifications.
Also when posting a comment, you don’t have to click the “subscribe to comments” check box.
Once again, I do apologize for all of the emails.
SEOANDWEBDESIGN.COM, you just embarrassed yourself with your rude comments and now your comment will be online for all to see whenever they search for your domain name.
Besides, this blog is built by wordpress, and Neil doesn’t have anything control over how it sends email notifications. It is so simple to unsubscribe, just click the link in the email. If you can’t figure that out, then I’m scared to think about what kind of quality of web and seo stuff you do. And if these comments are trashing your inbox, then you don’t have a very busy inbox, so you better get to work improving yourself.
Steve, thanks for the support. I really appreciate it.
Uhh, using words like that and making racist comments like that doesn’t make you or your company look very professional. Just saying.
Thank you Karan
WOW, you have given me great inspiration. Thank you for sharing and good luck with all life endeavor. I can only dream of having one successful like yours!
You don’t have to dream about it, you can. Just be willing to put in the time and effort.
Congratulations,
What a sum of lessons… Your tale gives me some confidence again at a time of doubts.
Would you agree to see your text translated for my french news journal ? It will reach soon the 500,000 visits (total…) and your example should please all readers. For another english edition (mostly read throughout Thailand), I could just direct-link it as is…
Thanks and all the best !
That would be really cool if it is translated into French.
Hi Neil
I just came across this page. Before this I was doing some research and looking to get latest information and industry trends for Internet, so I can make a good online marketing strategy for my new startup thats almost 9 months old and we are raising finances for it.
I really enjoyed reading your biography and after reading it I am more inspired now. It happened many time in life with me when I am about to give up and a book, article, biography or a person help me to gain confidence again and push me forward. So did you.
Thanks Neil.
Thanks for that.
Anyone can do what I did, if not a lot more. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Best of luck!
Hi Neil,
I like you. You have a very inspiring story that would benefit most young entrepreneurs. And dude, you are funny and to the point kinda person. All the best! Cheers!
Thanks! Some people don’t like how I am frank, but I rather not beat around the bush.
Hi Neil,
I’m done with the 2 reports intended to relay your talk amongst the french-speaking community & others. Please send me in private some address, in order to post you the hidden links to the articles (so that you can check before I publish).
Thanks
Don’t worry about it, I trust you. Feel free to re-publish. You don’t need my approval.
OK thanks, there you can see the referral of this blog (nothing changed) :
http://www.thainewsland.com/?l=en&a=378541
and translated into french language:
http://www.global-report.com/mb/?l=fr&a=290881
Regards,
MB
Thanks for translating my info.
hire me ^^
I don’t have any job openings right now, but send over your resume. If I have something that may fit you, we can go from there.
Hi Neil
Hates of you buddy….i will follow your foot step.
can you please give me some idea regarding how to become a king of big deal like you.
or can you share some knowledge with me, if possible.
Thanks & Regards
Kamal Patel
There are 2 things you can do.
1. Go back through my old posts on Quick Sprout and read them. They will teach you a lot about being “a big deal”.
2. Help out as many people as you can. Don’t ask for anything, just help people out. It will help with your branding.
Hi Neil,
Its very nice to here about you.I got some idea how to improve…..it was very inspiring. I find it interesting that you said as a child you were able to live a middle class lifestyle.
Yea, my parents tried to provide a decent lifestyle. I was lucky enough to not have to worry about the basic things such as food and shelter.
Hi Neil,
I have to know lot of things from you.If you are ready to teach me please let me know.I will explain to you all the questions?
Regards
Shaun
Email me when you are ready. I don’t know what I can teach you… but if you ask me questions I will try my best to answer them.
Great story…
.
I think you should write your story in more detail.
I think you can even write your autobiography
This page is also bookmarked for future reading.
Thanks Mike. I am not sure how much more detailed I could get, but I will give it a try.
i don’t read ABOUT page much but i read yours , it was hard work from you , so you reach a good stage . but you should thank your sister because she was supporting you and she have a big role in your life ” sure beside your parents “
Yea, my sister does a lot for me. She still helps me out.
To know the truth one must accept anything happens in their live, without resistence
Nice quote. I think everyone should accept everything that happens to them. Your past is what makes you who you are.
Calling Indians cheap is insulting. I understand what you meant; that some Indian are cost conscious and save a lot of money by living frugal, but putting it that way is not a good way of describing a community.
Have a good day!
I am not trying to insult Indians… I think it is a good thing.
I love how in depth your About page is- it’s very interesting to learn so much about the person behind a site right away. Today is my first time to your site and I am intrigued by your experiences! I’ll be reading more of the site, definitely. Thanks!
Danelle Ice (Homemaker Barbi)
Welcome to Quick Sprout!
I hope you like the blog content.
I agree that a beta is more important than a business plan.
A good in between is creating a focus plan.
Yeah, I’ve been getting feedback everyone I know on earth
on how to compete with eBay and it’s very enlightening.
Concentrate on their weaknesses and don’t create a copycat site.
Neil
I enjoyed reading your business history. It could be made into a movie. I have a website called http://www.gasstations.com. Me, my father in-law and brother in-law came up with the idea. We are trying to sell advertising to support it. Would you take a look at it and let me know what you think of it. My father in-law and I also have a business brokerage company where we sell c-stores, hotels and other retail businesses. It is http://www.gasstationsforsale.com. My question is this, how do we get more companies to advertise with our http://www.gasstations.com website? Thank you for your time. I really enjoyed your website.
The best way for you to get advertisers is create a list of all the potential companies that could advertise. Once you do that call each of them up and see if they would be interested in advertising.
I know this solution sucks, but it works.
Inspiring life story. All the best dear.
Thanks! By the way, you should consider picking a simpler design for your blog.
Thanks for your suggestions Neil. Its nice to know you have visited my blog. I will definitely work on this suggestion.
As a blogger you are already on the right path by listening to others. A lot of bloggers have egos… it is good to see that you don’t have one.
I m novice in this field.So learning is the only thing i can afford. Your story was inspirational.Its nice to see that a Indian has done this.I changed my blog design. Plz have a look at it.
I am a PHP developer and worked on Wordpress. You can have a look on this website http://theviewpaper.net. I developed this.I am thinking developing my own Theme for my blog and my own webhosting. So till then i have to suffice with these themes.
Thanks
The design isn’t too bad, but it isn’t a standard layout. I would consider using a standard 2 column layout.
The link to theviewpaper.net doesn’t work.
Ok.
http://theviewspaper.net/ try the link again. Its working.
I like that theme much better than the one on your blog. I still prefer the 2 column layout… but that could just be my personal preference.
Really inspiring story. I look forward to reading more from you as I just started blogging last month. I got linked from shoemoney
Cool! Thanks for letting me know where you came from.
Best of luck with your blog.
Neil,
Nice story and can truly appreciate what you have done for yourself.
I would love a chance to speak with you and get some advice, etc….
thanks.
Send me an email and we can go from there.
Weird story. I came across your site because my friend put a warren buffet quote on his facebook status. I googled it and then i found this: http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/12/19/be-fearful-when-others-are-greedy-and-greedy-when-others-are-fearful/
I would imagine that other people would find your site from your other web sites or maybe if they’re searching for SEO-related articles.
Anyways, nice accomplishments for your age. I’m 3 years older than you but nowhere near anything you have done. I hope I can learn more from you.
Thanks,
Hertanto Lie
Thanks for taking the time to read Quick Sprout.
That is a great story. It is funny how life can run you around and around in circles while you are searching for a better thing. I believe that I have a similar personality. My folks were high school teachers, but I have an entrepreneur from day one. In fact, I was just talking with some friends the other day that I have never had a job, were I received vacation time or any benefits other than a discounted seasons pass to Mt Baker.
I look forward to keeping up with your future adventures via quick sprout.
Thanks for subscribing!
Best of luck with your ventures.
what an amazing story neil! truly, hard work will get you anywhere. the best of luck to you & your future endeavors! =)
Thanks! Hard work is something that always pays off.
Its great advice for me.It will encourage me always.Thanks Neil for this post.Keep it up.
Cool! Best of luck1
Yes , hard work always pays off, it’s the inside feeling of succeed and not to give up midway .
It is hard not to give up when you aren’t seeing success for a very long time. The key is to setup small milestones that you can reach every so often.
That’s the exact phrase we are looking Neil, ever onward though not seeing real success, yet making milestone on every progress.
Just keep in mind that you won’t hit every milestone. That’s OK. Just keep pushing forward.
You inspire us………………
Nice to read your story.
Thanks! I think everyone can inspire others, they just have to be willing to share their experiences.
This gives me a lot of inspiration
. I love things on internet, but have many worries abt future
I am from India, Always thinking of which career to choose
Thank you boss!
Choose the one you love. Don’t just do something for the money!
Great blog…wonderful story (on you!). It’s funny – my blog isn’t “selling” anything. I write about what moves me…it was designed to be a prose version of my radio talk program. And it’s working…but, no dollars are flowing in. And yet, the blog is getting more readers every day.
I’m not giving advice; I’m not a consultant; I’m not a strategist. But I believe when one writes the truth (read: something he/she is passionate about), people become absorbed. Whether talking about a major sporting event, a news headline or something crazy that happened with my daughters, there are touchstones for people to grab onto…
…Much like what you’ve written. I’ll be back often! Good writing – honest writing, no matter the topic, is something I enjoy.
Thanks! Once you build up a big readership you will figure out how to make money. You first want a really solid reader base.
Got into this site through smashingmag, got to tell you that I am impressed at your portfolio of achievements at such a young age. Man, at 21 I was a rockstar of a different kind.
I do have my own sites too which gives me an extra income.
Thanks! No matter what kind of rock star you were at 21, you will be fine…
Interesting story, but have you actually made any money overall? Sounds like a lot of fail, mixed with hype.
I have. I am making more than I lost.
Heya. Thanks for all of these tips–it’s really helpful. Within the next few months, I’d like to start my first blog. So this kind of advice is really needed for me.
I hope you don’t mind me going into this and asking for some further advice. I have some issues with my mental health that make it difficult for me to have a typical day job, so I thought that my interest in art, writing and the internet would make it a good idea for me to try to provide me with some income.
Do you know of any other ways, sites or tips regarding trying to make it in the “blogging business” successfully?
Thank you!
Read problogger.net, shoemoney.com, copyblogger.com, and johnchow.com.
Neil I love stories like yours. They are inspiring and show what can happen with we venture out of our “comfort zone”, believe in ourselves, and take risks.
I’m preparing for a launch in March of a robust but easy to use web platform to manage email, email marketing, autoresponders, video, calendar, contacts, documents,etc all from one interface. I’m preparing to hit the ground running, to get the information “out there” as quickly and effectively as I can as I see this to be an essential tool for businesses.
I’ve just begun blogging and your website has great advice!
Thankyou!
Best of luck with your venture. You will probably get tons of positive feedback and negative feedback when you launch. Just make sure you learn from the negative feedback and don’t let it slow you down.
Thank you so much for sharing that. That’s great. I will totally have to write an about me page that is detailed as that. Congrats on not giving up.
Internet marketing is hard and knocks you down a lot, but it’s important to get back up.
Good job!
It takes a lot of time to do so, but you won’t regret it.
The idea behind all great idea is always keep motivated at all stages, and that is not easy, especially when you are not making or making small money in this business, one side of our mind says we want to quit and other side says we have to continue, it’s like talking to yourself, if we understand Zen teaching, every time we wake up from bed, sometimes we speak to ourselves, has our master really we wake up, becoming one and focus requires abundance of mind power to do it and by practicing it through Internet Marketing is a good way to know your determination to keep persistence on this path or not.Before I make comment to this great community I astonished reading one of comments from Alvin Phang blog, gathersuccess.com, a woman can cure herself from stage 4 cancer using her mind power to do it, take that as a motivation.Good luck to you all.
WOW! I’ll have to check out that blog. Thanks for telling me about it.
Neil you are amazing. Your achievements pale only to your courage to succeed. You will do well in life. Stay as focused as you are now.
Be well
I hope so. I haven’t made it big yet…
Neil,
I think that no one should allow him/herself to become complacent. As God’s creatures, we should all strive to do more, be more, etc. Reward doesn’t always always some in the form of money, however.
I agree. It is my greed getting to me.
Neil,
When you have a talent, it should be exploited. If it makes tons of money for you, all the better. One consequence of creating wealth, is that it enables others too to make money. They receive employment, either directly or indirectly, as a result of your efforts.
I didn’t think of it that way. I do employee a good amount of people.
Hi Neil,
just was going through tweets and got on to your website., it was inspiring for me to read your story …i am just 21 and want to live the same life you live today. will try my best…
bye
Harish,India
Hopefully you will be more successful than I am.
Best of luck!
Where can I get creative cards made like the ones in your article “51 creative cards” I am trying to find them for a gift!
I would contact http://www.davidairey.com/
Hey did you go to CSUF? I have a feeling I’ve seen you on campus.
I did.
Nice. Good to see a fellow CSUF alumni making it big! What was your major?
Marketing. It took me 5 and half years to get my degree.
Well it took me 5 years to get my CS degree. Where/how did you learn the technical aspects for creating sites like CrazyEgg, KISSmetrics, etc? Or did you just hire programmers like me?
I hired programmers.
lol….that was funny
It’s the truth.
I am not an expert about this matter, however as soon as studying your weblog post, my understanding has improved extensively. Please enable me to getting your rss feed to keep up a correspondence with any future updates. Good work and will cross by to my buddies as well as my web page audience.
Definitely,
Glad it helped improve your understanding of the subject. I appreciate it, and I’ll get you on my rss feed so that you will be able to be updated.
Thanks, your story is really motivating me, Its nice to see an Indian Origin to do such great things in life, proud to be an Indian
all the best for your Future
A lot of Indians do well. I just hope to be on that list of the successful Indians one day.
Your story is really inspiring neil. i have no words……
You have tons of words, you just have to think about them.
A really encouraging story for young developers like me.
Even I left my job with IBM to start my own company.
I am into Adobe Flex & Actionscript Development, and specialise in Flex widgets & AIR desktop applications.
I know I have a long way to go. If you have time, please do visit my website.
Rahul,
ActionScript Developer
You will do well. Developers are always in demand, even in a bad economy.
Your’s is a truly inspiring story, and hats off to you buddy for trying. You’ve just taught me something: Never give up…cuz i already have given up (i’m 26, only have my associates degree, jobless and the only thing i’m good at is putting up main frames together). Wish i could do change that
Incase you haven’t yet, I would read this post: http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/03/02/don't-give-up
Your post are amazing i love to read it
Thanks for taking the time into reading my long story.
Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on all your success! You have really accomplished a lot at such a young age. I had never heard of you before and kind of stumbled across your blog by accident. I am familiar with Crazy Egg, though. We use it at work all the time and love it.
Thanks for supporting Crazy Egg!
Hi Neil, glad I found your blog! I am starting up my first business right now! Seriously like right now I am filling out the FBN paperwork. I just wanted to say hi and thanks for the resources and inspiration!
Cool. I hope to see you here again.
Hi Neil,
I just look to your website. Great and inspiring.
Thank you for all your sharing. Wish you all the best…
No problem. Hopefully this inspires you to share your story.
Hey Neil,
I am really impressed by your achievement. I believe, if there is a ‘will’ there is a ‘way’ but you changed this by making a WAY for yourself and creating a WILL for all of us to think SMART
I too am a young entrepreneur trying my ways to succeed in my business and your blog has just inspired me to Think Big, Work Hard, and Believe that, the Best is yet to come!!
Best Regards,
Meghna
You got the right attitude. You will be successful.
Well it’s great to see a fellow indian working hard and
Getting what he deserves.
Have to appreciate your will.
Keep doing the good work!!!!
Sam
Thanks, will do!
It is great to see someone younger doing so well. I am finding it difficult to find affiliates/ partners for web projects. I have been webhosting for 2 years, but have been web designing for more than 5 and last year finally got done with one of my degrees despite having a 6 year old son. I have a network of sites, and most are interactive on some level.
However, I have not become, as they say “financially free”… it seems a lonely journey, but I am optimistic that eventually I will make the right connections as I have been striving to do.
Anyway, your story is encouraging.
Just keep on pushing forward. Things will look better sooner or later for you.
I always want to change my lifestyle and i constantly think of ways to do so. Your life has inspired me in a true sense to start something really substantial and make a difference to my life as well as others.
Thanks and all the best
No problem! Best of luck!
After reading this posting, I contemplated the very same level that I invariably wonder about when scanning new blogs and forums. Simply what do I take into consideration this? Exactly how should it impact me? This and extra posts in your weblog proper right here actually give some stuff to look at. I basically ended up here by way of Yahoo once I was very first doing some internet study for some course carry out that I have. At all times very good instances searching by way of and I’m hopeful that you’ll carry on writing new posts. Cheers!
Glad you find the posts useful. Thanks for reading. Cheers to you too.
Good day, my group is just establishing our first website, looking out and figuring out what’s needed. This weblog caught out proper away. I’m fired up about this, and adore the design of your site. Are you able to let me know what “theme” it’s?
Hello,
Sounds like you have a lot going on. I’m glad you enjoy my site.
However It’s still in the works. So far there is no theme set to it yet.
I’ll be sure to let you know differently when it is up and finalized.
I don’t usually sit and read someone’s blog, but yours seems interesting and when I read about all of your ups and downs leading up to your success it really makes me think. I for one have never been rich, in fact I live on the line of poverty. I work p/t and trying to put myself through college for web design (my ultimate goal is to be a photographer/web & graphic designer all while trying to enjoy life with my son 5 year old son. I’ve always wondered what i could do to help myself and then I realize that it takes patience, virtue and the will to understand what you are good at and how you need to make it happen. Maybe one day I’ll be able to live boss free-And put my son through college as well.
Thanks for the words of encouragement!
Great achievement by you. Your story is highly motivating. I hope I follow your path to gain success like you.
Thanks! Hopefully you become much more successful than me.
Neil how do you find the time to do everything that you do? Just found your blog through Jack Humphrey interview with you. Think it’s the first time that I have sat down and read all these comments at once. Really like your blog and will enjoy reading going forward.
Thanks
Louis
I don’t know. I don’t have much time these days… hence the lack of blog posts.
I must learn from you Neil.. I want to become a “rock star†Neil.. I will be your loyal readers..
Appreciate it. Do what you love and you will get there.
Hey Neil, I just read your story and saw your picture and realized that your friends with Warren…We used to hang out back in high school…Can’t really ask him for any advice because he never takes me seriously..well anyways, hopefully you can help me out….Im trying to start a internet biz of my own, and I don’t know how to create a buzz for it and get people talking about it. Do you have any tips prior to the launch of a website to build a buzz and get traffic flowing right away?
Create a great product/service. That is the best tip I can give.
Hi Neil. Really good way of writing about your life. In my point of view you, its hard to express and tell everything about own life to other person. Or may be I am less expressive. But one need courage to share everything as you have did.
In this internet era every one wants to earn online. I still remember days when I am in school in 10th I got land line bsnl phone. So India was not that much technology friendly. But now I have seen younger Indian entrepreneur.
Any ways, Keep it up with success.
You have to learn a niche and get good at it. Don’t try and learn everything.
Tell me something Neil, how do you motivate and spark yourselves, when your down?
I just think about money.
Hi Neil,
Greetings from Morocco. I got led to your blog through the Thesis theme’s promotional website. I’m an intercultural learning consultant in the late 30′s. Your practical internet marketing tips are greatly appreciated, but your life story is really inspirational. Thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge and to wish others to do better than yourself.
No problem. If you don’t use Thesis, you should consider it.
Hi! i just read your journal, i wish i can have a view like you. I am 27 years old, and also doing internet marketing now. however,sadly, i have nothing in my hand. my income is not stable also. thanks for the post, it let my know that i have a chance to improve all things from now on.
Keep on cranking away. It gets better as long as you keep on pushing hard. A lot of the good Internet marketers are also struggling right now.
Hi Neil
How can I,at 25 years of age,become a Neil Patel ? I ruminate 16/24 hours online in a hope to make money ?Please guide me.
Do what you love and keep on learning more. As long as you keep on trying something good will happen.
Neil,
Did you ever finish college?
I did. It took my 5 and a half years, but I finished it.
Where did you finish it at? Did you find it distracting that you were doing your thing and going to school at the same time?
And why did you finish it doing what you were doing?
California State University of Fullerton.
It was very distracting, but my parents wanted me to finish it.
So you were making 6+ digits while going to school?
Yep, but 6 figures isn’t that much money these days.
I think I was doing a good 6 figures a year in high school and a good 6 figures a month in college.
That’s great man, it’s good hearing things like that.
Did it ever kill your credibility that you were a student? People not taking you as seriously being a student, people wondering why you were in school, hating on you at school, etc?
Oh, and what kind GPA did you grade with?
I was in school because my parents forced me to finish.
As for my GPA I think I had a bit under a 3.0 in college.
Very compeling bio Neil
Your early entrepreneurs attitude made you what you are today…which is tottaly amazing
Can you tell me what personal qualities you are most proud of and which helped you the most in your journey?
My favorite is being aggressive. I may be too aggressive at some points, but I love it. If I see something I want, I go after it.
Neil, call me pedantic, but do you appreciate that in the UK the word ‘aggressive’ would describe someone who likes to attack you physically, violently maybe. In the US, the word has taken a different meaning, ie using energetic action to pursue a goal.
Note also that there is an important difference between being aggressive and being assertive. There is nothing wrong with assertiveness, it means not being afraid to state your views on an issue; aggressiveness (here) implies threatening others.
Robert
Thanks for the heads up, I didn’t know that the word aggressive in the UK means to get physical.
Wow! It’s funny how God allows you to stumble on certain things, to realize that you are either on the right path or wrong path. I literally stumbled onto your blog and I needed to hear [read is more like it] what you had to say. Wasn’t sure what I was doing here in the blog-o-shere world. After reading your about page and your things you would change post changed my thinking about what it is I’m gonna do in the online world.
Thank you. Please know you are now official bookmark! And you have a new subscriber. Looking forward to learning more about you and your lessons.
Thanks for bookmarking the site. I really appreciate it.
Wow, that was absolutely inspiring. So many things stuck out and surprisingly strike similarities to what I’ve experienced.
I’m 22 today and not quite sure of where to land in the corporate vs. entrepreneurial world. Don’t want to make the wrong career move, but at this age, is there even a such thing as a wrong move? What to do, what to do.
Not really. Do what your heart tells you to do. If you really love something, go that route.
Hi Neil,
I read your quality posts from few months. You have a good skill to maintain quality as per search engine and visitors’ requirement.
Good job.
Best luck for bright future.
Thanks! I will try and write more often.
congratulations man..
you’ve been persistent and have succeeded. sounds a bit like my story as i have tried so many different biz but none have led me to make any real money. though i keep positive and know that 2009 will be the turning point.
once again congrats and btw i love crazyegg.. really great product you’ve come up with.
Thanks for supporting Crazy Egg.
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How do you work that out Neil?
We live in a hyper competitive world, everybody would like the big income, few have it; ergo, they are or do something which the masses don’t.
Don’t kid yourself about untalented people making it big. Most likely you haven’t yet realised exactly where their talent lies.
Robert
Good point. I should go deeper and try to get to know people a bit better before making judgements.
Unreal Neil. Congrats on your hard work and achievements!
Thanks. You can have great achievements too.
Nice way of recovery, like your Story. If I knew 10 years ago what I know now, I might be rich by now. you about story remind me off all the thing I done to get to where I am now.
but by the meanwhile who know, right now my Internet business is on hold, because I landed a job at a hospital near at home, as an consultant that pay approximated 2500 month.
It is never too late. You can become rich no matter how old you are.
Neil,
Great story and even better the way you elaborated it. The most remarkable part is that you started again after having lost..quite a bit.
Pls keep us posted on your latest happenings!
Cheers!
Will do. Every few months I try an update my about page.
Very inspiring story of your way to the top Neil! What would you say was your one key to success?
I never gave up.
Your story is Interesting N Inspiring Neil, I like your point ‘ If one way is not good go to another way if you can, but never stop going towards success….!’
Yep, sooner or later you will succeed.
All start with good intention and good Karma will be on your path.
Thanks! I am a big believer in karma.
Wow, incredible story! I wish you well in your new lifestyle. It is an inspiring story…I will work hard aswell and see where I end up!!
Thanks! Best of luck to you too. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Great story Neil. Young entrepreneurs like yourself always impress and intimidate me. I think your story is inspirational for many, especially when I find myself right in the depths of learning web analytics. Since I am just completing my education at the University of Washington I am in search of a company where I can “relaunch” my career in web marketing and analytics. I say “relaunch” because I left my employer after 7 years consulting with local SMBs in print and online advertising. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Never be intimidated by us. Remember we are still young and can learn a lot from people like you.
Really inspiring story. I couldn’t do even close to what you did at this age. BTW, I am an Oracle Consultant.
I wanted to be an Oracle consultant, as you already know. It seems like a cool and fun job.
I found your profile on twitter and found your story to be very inspiring. It is amazing how much one person can do by the age of 23.
Thank you for making a positive contribution and for being an inspiration.
No problem. I guess I will have to Twitter more so I can get more people to my blog.
wow!!! All I have to say is wow!! You truly are an inspiration. Your biography was beautiful to read. I myself am in that mode right now (started a little late..lol) But I am trying to create new business ideas that I beleive the world needs. Thanks for the inspiration. I won’t give up on them.
Keep in mind that ideas are a dime a dozen. It is all about execution.
Best of luck!
Thanks a lot. I will definitely need it. And I do agree with you. It’s all about execution and marketing at the right time.
And don’t spread yourself too thin. Stick with 1 idea and not 10.
Very True. Now that I need a lot of help on.
Just pick the idea that you like the most and feel that has the most potential.
Also pick the one that is doable and in your means. For example, don’t pick an idea that takes 100 million dollars.
Hey Neil,
Your story is truly amazing and very inspiring! Congratulations on your success.
I got into web design about 4 years ago and moved to front end development and finally to SEO/Online Marketing. About 2 years ago I started a supplement review site but haven’t touched it until recently. About a month after I started working on it, it really started making some decent money ($1,000/month). I think my biggest challenge is that I often feel like I can and should be doing bigger and better things, but I’m not. I get discouraged with working on the same site because I feel like there are more efficient ways to do things, but I dont know what they are. I often have ideas for tools that can speed up the process, but I dont know how to make them. I often have ideas for new sites but either dont start them or start them and dont finish them. Execution is everything, this I know, but how do I get better at executing things if I’m doing the same thing over and over?
Thank you,
Marko
Marko I here you on that. I design and feel the need to enhance my web development skills. When your learning new things your progress can be daunting. Congratulation on making money. Trust when I say not always easy to do.
Will
You and Marko should contact each other. You can both probably learn a decent amount from each other.
Figure out where you are inefficient and try to improve upon it. Because if you are inefficient you won’t be able to execute as much due to lack of time. You can do this through software like http://www.rescuetime.com or you can start talking to other designers and ask them how they are improving on their efficiency.
Also look back at your past and see were you messed up when it came to execution. Learn from your past mistakes.
Neil is right in saying that “lack of time” really means failing to understand the relative importance of the items that make up your day. According to the Pareto Principle, only a small part of what you do is responsible for moving you towards what you aim to achieve. The rest of your day is consumed by things that hardly contribute. The trick is recognizing which is which and then cutting down on the weakly-leveraged ones. If you do that, you will have the time you need for the essential actions.
It is all about being efficient. Sometimes you can get a lot more done working 4 hours a day than 8 hours.
Very inspirational story.. thanks for sharing your experiences
No problem. You should also share your experiences on your website.
Hey Neil,
I’ve read about 4 or 5 posts on your blog thus far. It’s all very high quality stuff, no filler. Thank you for taking the time to write them.
I’m doing my best to follow your advice and the advice of others that I deem to be valuable to more effectively market my start-up company’s services. So far its slow going, by now that my business partner and I have graduated from Cornell and completed our degrees we will have much more time to invest into growing the business. We are hopeful that our persistence and willingness to learn from individuals such as yourself will pay off in the end.
Thanks again,
Matt
No problem. Best of luck with your ventures.
Neil, what a great story! I don’t read many blogs since they don’t relate to what I do but your blog I always read. Why? It most always has a helpful tidbit (sometimes blockbuster) of information that I can use to improve my site, my outlook or strategy and in general gives me a lift.
Thanks,
Gene:)
Thanks for reading Quick Sprout!
Love this. Inspiring. I’m in the process of starting a business myself. I’ll writng about my experience soon.
Let me know when you do. I would love to read it.
Neil,
I have some website ideas but its hard for me to decide how much money i can spend on designing of the site?
For example, for a site like this (quick sprout), how much we can spend for logo design & complete website design?
Not much. I use services like logoworks.com and 99designs.com to reduce my costs.
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Yes, I do you can find me at neilpatel.
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will eventually come back from now on. I want to encourage continue your great work, have a nice day!
Every designer or developer takes different per hour or per project.SO somebody can want for the logo $500 and another $300.
I know.
But that’s the whole problem, its difficult to choose in that case.
If we simply think that, higher cost people will give better results, then we have to choose costly guy
but we can’t simply believe in that statement.
You can publish your project in 99designs,you can give your price and they will make examples of logos.
Great minds think alike.
You can also try to look for a designer over seas.
If you use crowd sourcing you can get things done cheaper. The quality may not be there, but you will save money.
Neil,
Thats really great that you have worked hard to achieve and become an entrepreneur in such a small age.. me too decided to do small business in the internet.. but only thing I blog a lot like anything…
Hope to hearing from you soon.
Charu
I will be posting a blog post soon.
Hey Neil,
How did you learn about Internet marketing? Through courses, classes, books or a internet marketing teaching company?
Just by doing it on my own site. I also read a lot of Internet marketing related sites like http://www.searchenginewatch.com.
Reminds me of my young clients/retailers who are just out of school/college and sell through innovation. I’ll make a case study and post it on my blog
Cool. Thanks for also linking to your blog… I will check it out.
Very inspiring story. Thank you very much for sharing it, especially the part about the ‘fairness’ of life. A lot of people are stopped by that. This idea should be taught in every single primary school!
I read on a blog (Zoe Westhof’s Essential prose) this quote: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” You showed us how to do exactly that
Thank you!
Thanks Jean! In order to be successful in anything, you absolutely need to be a hard worker and someone who doesn’t take no for an answer.
Wow, Great story!
It’s nice to read refreshing content… Haven’t seen too much youthful avant garde material that is as sharp as your story & activities.
Your story’s a lot like mine on my way to Wall st a few years ago.
I’m ~2 months older than you & have gone through a lot of similar trials, the current econ situation not being the least of them
.
Even though I’m kind of a techie & a pretty fast learner, I’ve just recently begun to exploit the potential of the web. I’ve been thinking about starting a Blog & you have a great model to serve as an example.
If you’re ever in NYC, shoot me an email. I’ll be following your blog.
Ciao,
Mike
That sounds great Mike, shoot me an email with your contact info and I’ll let yo know if I’m ever out there. Glad you enjoy my blog.
Inspiring to say the least. Thanks for telling me your stories I am on my path, and there’s nothing that will make me give up.
Good for you, it’s important to have that attitude.
Truly inspiring Story Neil. I am very much glad to say that you are the only Indian who has made name on Internet. I am looking forward to do something like you in coming days if i can get your support would be awesome. I earn TON of money online but i don’t know how to present things online. Just a request if you can do something in order to support me.
Thanks, but there are plenty of Indians who are successful on the internet. All it takes is hard work and persistence.
Very interesting and inspiring story.. its hard to believe that you have gone through so much at such an early stage in life… very impressive! wish you good luck for life ahead
Thanks, its possible for anyone, you just need to work hard and passion
.
Good thing that business spirit person, that’s a plus to you. Your life story can encourage more people and can lead them to a bright way.
Good Luck…
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words
Great story that give hope and inspiration. You’re right about life. Keep moving forward and don’t quit. I’ll be following your blog. Thanks!
Thanks, I am glad to have you as a follower. I hope it’s a valuable resource for you
go gujju bhai!
so now u gujratis are sexy too??
(since ya’l were millionaires and single already)
hehe
hahahaha thanks!
Neal, I am so happy that you are one of the few transparent people who still exist. My experience is similar to yours. Alot of ideas, hard work but little to show for it. I have spent alot of money chasing after my great ideas with little return. When you said marketers stole your money and not deliver, in my case programmers stole my software and locked it. I kept retolling and pushing forward. Teaching myself and learning to get help.
I enjoyed your inspiration.
Thanks so much. I think being able to empathize with someone else is the most rewarding thing you can get out of a blog. If I can share my stories, and someone can relate to them then I feel I have done my job.
Hi Neil – Excellent story of success and determination. You have quite a following.
Like you, I am young, driven by a fierce fire but a little short on resources for marketing our new bike company online (metabike.com)
With your specialty knowledge, do you have any advice on where to tap into to increase sales / interest?
Stay healthy Neil!
-T
Sorry for the late reply. Hopefully you are still keeping up with the blog. You might want to create your own blog, and definitely look into an advertising platform to incorporate onto your blog. Thanks!
Hey neil, your sucess story is really amazing, and its quiet encouraging to get it from you and your blog really rocks, keep it going!
Thanks! I really appreciate it.
the thing you had said about indians is too bad.. Being an indian u shouldn’t say like that.. Indians aren’t cheap they look for there future.. They save money for there children’s..
yes, Dear Indians are not cheap you should not write these words. Indians left their country to earn money. Otherwise you are insipiration for us . I bookmarked this page…
Sonia,
I don’t think Neil meant it a a rude way..it was a funny touch to an inspiring story..I’m Guju, Indian, Patel,Desi..whatever You want to call it…and Its true we are cheap..but thats not a negative thing..and when someone says we are cheap we shouldn’t become defensive either..I take it has a compliement..maybe if they rest of the country was Cheap like most of us Indians..their homes wouldn’t be in foreclosure or having financial diffculties (not all but most people) ..etc..we have our lifestyle, where we consider the future for ourselves and our loved one…My non-indian friends..think I’m the cheapest of all..and I tell them its in my blood…It’s compliment not a insult..because of people admire how successful Indian are, we should embrace our ways with a smile and laughter..because I do…
Great Story Neil..
ha ! Ha! neil…..I see people are laying into you abt the cheap comment……I could add one other stereo type…what about the “tight” gujju…..I am marrying a patel. I am a punjabi who are notorious for being more reckless with their money. My fiance is definitely more cautious with parting with his money, “tight” as my punjabi mom says…
I meant Indians are cheap in a great way. When I say cheap I mean smart with our money. We are some of the kindest people on earth
Hi Neil,
You are an inspiration to every Indian wanna be online businessman Keep up the good work mate.
Thanks,
Dav
Thanks Dav,
comments like these mean a lot to me, and keep me moving forward.
Truly inspirational! Good on you for making it at such a young age – I’d really like to be as successful as you (as I am currently 22), but in different areas. I recently setup a “proper” blog at http://blog.siosism.com but am still learning a lot about what it takes to make one successful. For now, I’m using it as a PERSONAL blog to cover my favorite topics such as web design, animation, blogging, games, personal development, and productivity. Although I know this is quite wide in range, I’m using the blog to capture all my findings and, hopefully, help others learn from my discoveries and failures.
If you have any tips on how to curtail my wide range of topics, or maybe even successfully market them all as one, that would be greatly appreciated. If not, I understand since you must be a very busy man – I am just so thrilled to have come across a young, successful entrepreneur such as yourself!
Good luck in the future and may your spirit prosper!
PS. Do you have a Facebook account?
Yeah, search “neil patel” on facebook and go ahead and add me, I’ll accept your request.
Hey Neil! Thanks for the reply. I looked you up previously but, unfortunately (or fortunately?), there’s more than one Neil Patel! I think I’d need the email address you use on Facebook to properly find you. If not, you could just add me: “George Siosi Samuels.” Or just join my fan page (yay) @ http://facebook.dj/siosism, and I’ll be able to find you a lot easier. Thanks again Neil. I continue to boast many good things about you, and look forward to communicating with you more!
LoL, yep there seems to be a lot of us. My email is neil@neilpatel.com. Let me know if you have trouble finding me still.
Dear Neil,
Your story is inspiring and what you write about indians are not totally true,we can puchase the things which are most essentials.
Beacause of this tendency we are not too much hurt by global meltdown.
Global meltdown, or globalmelt-up, just focus on what you’re passionate about and stick to it. Persistence is what will allow you to move forward.
How. Such an amazing story, Neil. I feel bad that I wasn’t able to do so much when I was young. Heck, I didn’t even know what the internet was until I was 17, I’m 29 now. I was dirt poor as a kid. I’m talking NO electricity, NO running water, and NO food at times. Yes, in America. I was also homeless in my last year of high school. I used to want to be an animator or movie director, but I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. Now I’m interested in web development (and hopefully iPhone app development). I’m still a novice, but reading stuff like your story is really helpful. I just feel like I’m starting “late”. Thanks for all the info, Neil!
There is no better time than now
Great story glad to see that other people to go through the same struggles however you persevered and proved that hard works pays off long-term.
I’m just one of the thousands of examples out there, hopefully it inspires you to take action.
Hi Niel, I love how you refer to successful carriers as rock stars, its kinda motivating. Reminds me of that Intel commercial where the programmer walks in and they all treat him like a rock star for a change.
Yeah, that was funny. The guy in the commercial wasn’t the real guy, he was an actor. They used an actor who was a really big “Fob”
Hi Neil
Great spirit and every one of us in this world go through some of the experiences similar to yours at some time of life. Life is always forward journey and such a journey against strong winds is always challenging.
I have been traveling my journey against many strong winds falling, rising and moving forward always.I have started a social networking website and i need all the smart minds and creative minds to give comments and feedback of how i can make it more interesting and creative in terms of colors, theme, UI and most importantly the content.
I have already received your feedback and i wonder how i can start seeding my own content interestingly.
Once again good luck Neil and wish you achieve your $100 Mil soon.
Use other social networking sites to get your word out. And most importantly, network like crazy! If your not making solid and powerful connections, don’t expect to get anywhere.
What a great story (so far)! You had me smiling while reading the whole thing. You are inspirational. I appreciate your candor. Just hearing you casually mention you lost a million dollars in an investment and lived to succeed makes me feel better about my investments over the past year(s). I’m putting all my crazy eggs in my own ventures now, so maybe I’ll end up following your path (one can hope)! Keep up the good work, and thanks again for an excellent post.
Certainly Rich! Losing money is part of the process and nothing one should take so seriously they prevent themselves from growing even bigger. Just remember to focus on what’s important and think big.
You’re an inspiration! I look forward to reading many more of your blogs. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
I’m glad you like it Liz. Make sure you subscribe via email and get the posts sent directly to your inbox.
Hi Neil!
Oh yes I just signed up for your posts to be emailed to my inbox. I had created one over a month ago but after reading your blog about Twitter, I’ve decided to “revamp” all my online profiles and split out my personal and professional usage. Thanks to your post on the Twitter topic, I’ve deleted my personal Twitter (which was getting really annoying and I’m glad it’s cancelled) and created a formal one. I’ve also closed out my personal daily blogger and replaced it with a more formal blog to post about my experiences and exposures to the web/graphic design and small business world, etc. (I hope that you don’t mind but I posted your website link to my blog!)
Reading your thoughts and experiences is already helping me gain knowledge on what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and I greatly respect all that you’ve accomplished! Good luck with many more successes to come to you =)
I look forward to speaking to you more and reading all of your thoughts to come.
Happy blogging!
I hope you can grab as much info from me as possible and quickly and adequately apply it within yours.
Oh how embarrassing! Need to correct something.
“I had created one over a month ago but after reading your blog about Twitter, I’ve decided to “revamp†all my online profiles and split out my personal and professional usage.”
I was referring to creating a blog in the beginning of my sentence. =)
I figured that’s what you meant
Neil, I am very impressed with your posts. It is funny, you think of your life growing up in the OC and the challeneges and experiences that brings. I was very impressed with your story. If you are still in the area I think you would be great person to network with. I have some similar stories, successes and struggles. Both of my brothers were sprots stars and attended Los Al HS. I attended Mayfair HS in Lakewood. My brother was a football star running back. My dad wanted him to attended Kennedy HS. The football coach said, “I do not need a running back…” and told my dad “I think Los Al was a better situation for your son.” So he attended Los Al and was the county leader in rushing and td’s. He had 5 td’s against Servite HS in game two at Los Al. The Kennedy Football coach was featured in the OC Register the day after the Servite game as the worst blunder in HS Football in a decade. ” I did not know who the kid was or I would have definitely kept him at Kennedy” Once my brother signed to play at Colorado with Kordell Stewart, He did thank Kennedy HS for making it all happen! I think my brother sent the Kennedy football coach him a gold watch after he got back from the National Championship game in Miami.(lol) He was bashed constantly in the OC Register over the years.(lol) Anyway I recently did the marketing campaign and worked with SEO for OC Smile/ OC Dental Centers. I am a former AF Military Officer in Spcl Ops. and Space Systems Mgmt. I am a corp executive with a major fortune 500 company. I also worked as an IB at Merill Lynch worked with guy founded of blue tooth. One of the original investors. Krispy Kereme (IPO)and Wozniack and the guys at Mobius Venture Capital in Colorado during the dot com era. I am just making six figs and living comfortable. I am always looking for humanitarian efforts or charitable causes for the sick, or those in poverty looking for just a helping hand or advice.
Wow Vin, that was quite an impressive story, especially since you mentioned my school several times. Congratulations on your success so far. We should definitely meet up some time, but I’m currently in Seattle. Just shoot me in email in the near future and I’ll keep you posted.
I hate you!
just kidding!! I mean dude how can you think about life and future at such a young age 
.. seriously!!! I wish i started thinkin early on!! uff for enjoyin childhood 
anyway just came across your name few days back.. will def. start readin your blogs… cuz i wanna be filthy rich.. actually no just rich.. actually u know, for now, i just wanna be able to pay my bills :’(…
cheers!!
lol. It was just one of those things I’ve always had an interest in. I was passionate, and then I transformed my passion into profits.
Neil , as every one in cloud i am greatly impresseed . It was kind of late that i came to know about you but i am glad i did. Your postings are awesome. Whats unique about your posts is they combined both technology and business wisdom and are very potent mixures. I love your 53 advises and worth every bit following. Your posts are helping me a tons in designing my web start up from ground up. Keep it up. Wish you the best.
Cheers..
Thank you! I make sure that everything I write can easily relate to my audience. Make sure you subscribe for future updates.
Hi, Neil Patel, I’ve been reading your blogs?… I am completely new to blogs “stuff”, I call computers= “confusers!” Very incredible biography, life, success and failures accepted and moving right along. I’m a retired Registered Nurse, and have been thinking about developing my business first, Dove’s Delights, I’ll be looking into it in the city/county that I live in.. I’m planning on starting my business for Feb 23rd, 2010, an easy date to remember!! So, I’ve got a few months to get it done in time!!! Surprise! I’m 52 years young! Garden thousands of Spring Bulbs here in Colorado, just am finishing up planting about 700-800 flowers, Spring Bulbs, Tulips, Daffodils, Alliums, and Hyacinths. Still got 80 Crocus to go and Siberian Irises to plant.. then water lots! Getting ready for a Great Photo Oportunitie next Spring!! I also take Photos of plants and flowers in the yard!! One of my business Ideas for Dove’s Delights! You are a terrific inspiration to me! Look forward to comments via email, I don’t yet have a website that I know of, am on Facebook as Dove Degtiareff.. Hope to hear from you soon, Sincerely, Debi Degtiareff
That’s fantastic Debi! Make sure you connect with me on twitter and facebook. If you ever need any advice, go ahead and post your questions on the comments… I always reply.
I loved this post. Reading it helped me to focus on my venture even more. What I took from your story was that no matter what the challenge was, You approached it without fear. And by giving 100% to the task at hand win or lose it prepared you for the future. I have a cartoon series that i have been developing for the past 2 years. I funded the entire project and now that I’m ready to look for distribution, I’m getting cold feet. What advice would you give to someone that is “scared to pull the trigger”. How do you prepare yourself mentally to succeed?
Getting cold feet is normal, in fact most people get that feeling before they take action. Have the mindset of “failure is not an option”. Your journey has just begun, so be prepared for ups and downs, but most importantly, be prepared. By that I mean, calculate what can happen regardless of it’s possibilities.
Thanks! The funny thing is that while developing the series that was my mindset (“failure is not an option”) and it pulled me through some tough times. Honestly my problem is the pitch. It’s not my strong point. I’m one of those “the project speaks for itself” kind of guys, but I realize that I have to work at pitching my project and ideas. I know that practice makes perfect so I have to practice. I really stumbled upon your site. I honestly have never heard of you before and I read alot of business articles and research constantly. I’ve told many of my friends about your blog already. Keep up the good work and keep inspiring peeps like me.
Well I’m glad you were able to find it. Pitching your product requires persuasive communication, take a look into that.
Hi,
I’ve an internet business idea that I want to implement. But as just a business consultant straight out of college, I don’t know where to begin as far as finding resources, people to collaborate with, and approaches to brining supply and demand for my idea. Do you have any resources that can help me think through the process of making an idea into reality online?
Thanks,
Ed Lee
Look for bloggers in that particular niche and talk about it with them.
You inspired me with your quote about Life is Unfair! I could say, I’m in the wrong path studying the field of Electronics, but when this job that I’m taking now as SEO Specialist, it opens door to a new direction.
Life isn’t really unfair.
Cheers! More success to you!
Haha, Glad I can help
Hi Neil, great story. You truly embody what the entrepreneurial spirit is all about. I really like that you are using your experience to help others. Your story needs to told to a wider audience(When is the book comming out?). Continued success.
It’s in the works, Quicksprout readers will the first to know…
Neil,
How much of your success would you attribute to your speech at Cypress? Would you say that was your eye opener?
If you had not landed that gig, where do you think you would be today?
Congrats again on your continued success…
That was one of my starting points which changes my perception on everything. I do believe that if I didn’t start there, I probably would have been inspired elsewhere though.
hi friend,
iam very much impressed by reading your path to success. great neil, here iam working for the company but iam really not interested. i dont want to be kite but i want to be a bird. your path gives me hope in me. still iam exploring hard to start a new venture…
great wishes for ur success.
c.velu
I like that analogy, don’t want to be a kite, want to be bird. Well, it’s okay to be a kite for the time being. After work, thats when you can focus on being that bird of yours.
Neil,
Very Inspiring indeed. I am about to get started on developing my software product and looks like your blog will help me a lot in learning about new and related things.
Keep the good work going.
Thanks Vishal,
Great, I hope my post will be of help to you.
I will, good luck!
Hi Neil,
Your story impressed me a lot, because I feel like we have some of that entrepreneurship in common. I also have several failed and some successful attempts at making money as a youngster so far, and now I’m running my new site with the certain hope that I’m finally gonna make it.
You are a role model for me.
Keep it up man, your story was awesome, it has to continue that way!
Thumbs up and respect,
Zoli
Great to hear Zoli, I wish you success with your new site. Focus on what you did right, and amplify it!
Unbelievable I just realized how old you are!This fact is truly inspiring for me.
Great that you find it inspiring. Remember, age has nothing to do with your success. Anyone can do it.
Yes if one possess strong determination!I failed with four .com businesses by now but I am still 27 so I hope to achieve your success.
Age is nothing but a number. It doesn’t matter how old you are, success can happen whenever. Some of the richest people in the world don’t reach their success till their late 50′s or 60′s.
Your story impressed me too Congratulations on your success ! I guess you are Indian origin by your surname Patel, but I really feel bad as you mentioned “Indians are cheap” These lines will heart every Indian like me, can you please remove those lines, I can understand you may got some experience about Indian but for that you cant blame all Indian
Well it’s not a bad thing
Being froogle is great! Especially in economic times like these.
Hi Neil,
Your childhood was full of struggle. What a coincident, my childhood is little like yours. Now, you’re successful, but I am still struggling.
–Himanshu PATEL
It’s not that my life is full of struggle right now, it still is. I’m following a new venture, http://kissmetrics.com, and it’s not easy. Everyone struggles here and there, just push through it and focus on your goals.
I failed several times too, but its not the number of times you failed that’s important, it’s the number of times you keep moving forward. Edison failed 9,999 times.
Very inspiring story. One interesting point is if you are always being frugal on every little aspect of your life like buying the cheaper ketchup or finding the 5 dollar cheaper graphics card from another company, one day when you lose 1 million dollar from an unsuccessful investment, none of those tiny bits of money that you saved would not matter at all:) That was just a little thought from me. By the way in this part of the text “A New Life
My sister was still working for the Oracle consultant and she kept telling me how he was making a lot of money.”, “he” should be “she” I guess:)
Good for her! Oracle is a fantastic place. Being froogle is important because too many rich people end up going broke because of too many small or big expenses.
Hi Neil. Very inspiring story. I am glad I came across this blog and your profile. I had just one small question for you. I can understand that how business is in your blood!! (
) but I just want to know who are those people who inspired you the most to get really succeed in to the life? You had very bad time in the business at some point of your life when you failed, So who were all those people who still made you going by deeply inspiring you?
I dont mean the people who gave you support during those times (like your sister or parents, because they always do inspire us, thats pretty obvious), I mean the real successful people, just like Edison ( whose example you gave you before). If you can name such other few people ( who are not so well known like Edison) then we can also get inspired by them.
If there is no any exact answer of this question with you then thats ok. But if you have got some interesting answer then I will be ( and I am sure all will be ) glad to hear it.
Best of Luck for all your future ventures…
Viraj
The people who inspired me? Warren Buffet was an icon of mine? I love reading about people who become something from nothing.
Hello Neil, I also grew up with struggle, I recently turned 21 and I am an aspiring entrepreneur. It’s really important to have a mentor, did you have a mentor while developing and launching all or most of your businesses?
I am looking to also try and market my own websites, are there any top books you’d recommend on internet marketing?
p.s There’s nothing wrong with being frugal, I have saved LOTS of money from it!
Being frugal is great! People who spend their money too lavishly will have it affect them later on in life. BUILD WEALTH.
Very inspiring story. Congratulations and wish you best success ahead.
Thank you, appreciate it. All the best to you too.
Hi Neil,
Just curious to take your opinion!
I have been following your blog for some time and am an aspiring entrepreneur as well!
I recently co-founded a first co-working community in the MENA region, Elegua (eleguasurf.com). Noone ever heard of such a thing in this region thus the infamiliarity created difficulties of gaining clients.. Learning curve for this society is steep and we are slow to get traction..
What would you do if you were in my place to somehow get to the tipping point?
The tipping point requires persistence. You are on the right track, but you must remember that during the good times and the bad, you need to push forward.
I want to start my website . Is it still free on google i don’t know. I want my independent website as i have lot to say .I like to write.I want to make people aware on lots of topics.I do want to communicate and get response from people around the world.
You are expert in this matter, would you be kind enough to write me an email to sufggest how to do this . Thanking you in anticipation.
Daksha
Go to hostgator.com or a hosting company of your choice and sign up for their service. They’ll be able to guide through the steps to start something up right away.
i want to earn money on internet can please guide me
Create a blog and provide information from your personal perspective. Give to the world something you think others can’t offer…. start with that.
Neil,
I am setting up a new blog using the Thesis Theme and saw your site. Then when I started reading it I was pretty amazed. I am a member of StomperNet and David Bullock who is on the faculty there really promotes Crazy Egg. So I signed up to track metrics on my Uncommon Games site. Crazy Egg rocks.
Looks like things are working out pretty well for you now. Congratulations.
BTW, if you haven’t read Malcom Gladwell’s books, you really should. Very insightful! Changed the way I think on a lot of stuff.
Thanks Cliff. Yeah, I’ve checked it out and I agree, it’s a fantastic read.
Hello Neil,
This year I started a study abroad immersion company in China for students, executives and anyone who wants to come here for a relaxing time. My google adwords campaign has been a failure and i am in the process of giving my campaign to someone who would like to adopt a pay per form type model. I sent the person a chart showing what stuff on the form was what i would pay for the most and then i would pay per form that was filled out, is this the best way to do this type of marketing instead of giving someone a cut of your google adwords budget to run the campaign? My fears are of course if the forms are fradulent but the person gets paid the most if they provide a valid phone number and a high quality form (long types message). I am iffy about it because I have never done this and don’t want to get my money taken away after google took it from me in the first place.
please send me an e-mail, don’t prefer to have this replied on the board (if you don’t mind)
Derek
send me an email neil @ neilpatel.com
hi Neil, Im Ryan 37 y/o from the Philippines, with 2 kids, and married to a wonderful wife, Just like you I ventured to different businesses, unfortunately none of them succeeded, probably I am short of financial resources, but in terms of network I have a very wide network from top influential people in my country, both government and private sector, up to grassroot level, in terms of education I have 2 master’s degree. i have helped a lot of people in my country,I’ve helped them in terms of their business concerns, employment, personal, etc. I am a strategist, and my forte is damage control ,managing people and image engineering of people and products. , I know very well that I am a congenital bussinesman it so happen, that break doesnt come my way in the field of business easily, as of now Im working as Consultant And Training Director in a Government Agency. You’re story Neil inspired me a lot, Im very optimistic that one day my break comes my way also in business, Coz “I believe that I am always Divinely guided,, I believe that I am always taking the right path of the road, And I believe that God will always makes a way where there is no way”.. Neil its an Honor and privilege for me if you will include me as one of your friend,, Thank You and may GOD BLESS you More…Ryan Joseph Dean….
That’s fantastic! Just remember to keep on pushing and always move forward. There is no point in you taking a look at what was or what could have been.
Hi Neil,
I’m Aravind and im 17 now, im very determined to make it big in ma life, but i hav no idea how to start.I’ve got a sound knowledge on computers(not to boast!) and i’m really eager to work on somethin’ and reading ur story has jus encouraged me….I would like some advices from u on how to go about..
Unfortunately, you have the talent that millions of other people in this world have. But the good news is, everyone has the same exact challenge. There will always be people better, but you persistence and ability grow and develop is what will set you apart. Focus on strengthening the skills you think you’re weak in.
Hey Neil, I’m 14 yrs old, and I’ve been good with electronics, computer, etc since I was 10 yrs old. My dad went to a computer school, and so I would watch what he would do, then I started to get the hang of it. I made a ebay and paypal account when I was 10 or 11, then at 11 or 12, I would buy electronics(laptops, videogame consoles, and more) from eBay or Craigslist, fix them(or get some help) then sell them back on ebay or craigslist. Anyways my blog is http://www.dPalz.com and I also live in Washington. I wanted to get some more advice for what I should do with my blog and more. Thanks.
You are too vague with your question. What exactly is it that you’re trying to accomplish?
Hey wassup man!
Nice life story. I really like it. I’m seeking a bit help from you.
I’m 15 and lookinf forward for my career. I’m a tech geek and have been planning to build my own blog. I am also planning to earn a degree in web designing and graphic designing.
I have been buying electronics for really cheap and think that I might also introduce a webstore at my blog and sell stuff at a bit higher price.
I just want to know that should I go for this investment or not. And also I want to know what is more safer and profitable way oy trading: stock market or forex trading?
Waiting for your reply…..
Just make sure you have a plan on how you plan to make money. Don’t jump into it without reviewing first.
Check out your market size first. Market size is most important. How much money is spent annually on the product / market that you plan to operate in. If it’s more than $5 billion, continue your research. If it’s less than $5 billion, you may want to choose another product or market, unless you are fine with staying small time, and that’s certainly ok.
That’s a great way to look at it Ryan. Research is more important than you think
Neil,
I liked your journey in the internet marketing.I am a toddler in this business.
You have proved one thing by your example that ‘mere academic knowledge will not fetch you fortune’.
Its the zill to continue with one’s attempt towards the goal (money is also included in it) does matter.you are epitome of this achievement.
Most people are toddlers Manoj, but you intentions have to be involved in the long haul. Doing so will help you achieve success.
Hi Neil,
A very interesting read and a very inspiring post, thanks for sharing it.
To me, this particular sentence stands out: “[...] and I have been able to leverage that money into investments like [...] and best of all my parents.”.
This (and the fact that you reply to all the comments) speaks for your respectful personality and I’m wishing you the best of luck and success always.
Kind Regards
R.
Thanks Rias, I respond to every comments simply because I want people who read my blog to know that if they take the time to interact with me, I must do the same for them.
Hi Neil,
Every little word moved me.. I have a full time job in Bangalore now which pays me around 20 grant every month which is more than sufficient for a *normal* life, I have this feeling deep down inside which never gets me contempt and I keep worrying about every other minute that passes by wherein I don’t do anything.
I have a lot of Ideas and no money for investing. When I think of quitting the job and jump start something of my own, I have a family fully dependent on me. Daily life has become an acrobatic play on ropes.
Could you guide me whenever you have spare time? cos its good to teach fishing to the poor than give a fish everyday
That’s fantastic. Send me an email neil @ neilpatel.com with what ever question you have. Although you’re better off asking me on the commenting forum.
Hey Neil,
I wonder why comments from this thread are ending up in the spam folder!
Anyways; I’m really glad that I found this thread while I was surfing thru the junk.
An year ago I took up an Internet marketing course, and worked hell lot after office hours during my free time. December 17th 2010 I quit being a software engineer, and have been doing well till now; and as of now my earnings happen to be 3 times more than my salary; plus 6 times more free time
. I’m glad that I had butterfly in my stomach all the time; I’m glad I still have.
I didn’t see any in the spam folder so I’m not sure what happened to them. It’s aways exciting to hear stories like that
. Make more and do it in less time… a goal that very few people achieve.
hi neil nice story it motivated me to do something new in life, i am amazed you are about 3-4 years older than me but u have achived tremendous achievements in so little age, better luck in ur future life.
Age really has nothing to do with it Fahad. You or anyone else can achieve success, it all depends on your determination or lack there of.
Great story…very motivating. Love hearing about stories like this. Looking forward to your next ventures.
Fantastic, but I think you should be more focused on YOUR ventures.
Dear Neil:
About the Indian are Cheap, I Think this is not the right word.
Since they work so hard to make money, They think twice before they spend it and always thinking to save up for the future. I am not an Indian but, my culture is so close to your culture and I think I could understand them. so proud of you. Lucky your parents that they have you.
Best regards
Fatemeh
Well, nothings wrong with Indians being cheap, most of us have just been raised to be that way. It goes back to how our parents were raised etc.
Great Story of yours. Came across your blog via some thing I don’t remember but now I will be subscribing to this blog.
By The way Happy Diwali !
That’s excellent Chirag, Happy Diwali to you to my friend.
Great story mate. Your story has inspired me a lot. Thanks for sharing it with us and Happy Diwali.
I’m glad to hear it Ayna… Happy Diwali to you too my friend.
My name is Khielan and i am just as curious as u are when you were much younger.I hope you don’t mind but i have this crazy idea of starting of my own company(a social network company basically enriched in entertainment).What do you think i should do and do you have any ideas to help me get started?Thanks and God bless!
Talk to other people that are doing the same thing or similar. Network with them, bounce some ideas off and then take it from there.
Hey Neil,
At little age you learned so many things. That is what you earned so far, I think that will make you successful in future. Congratulations and wish you best success ahead.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Dushyant. It just comes to show you that age has nothing to do with success. You can 15 or you can 75 and still make it big time.
Hi,
I agree with a lot of stuff you write .. And disagree too with some stuff
… However blog is quite an inspiration to all readers… but an enterpreneur must be able to get inspiration from inside himself/herself.
Neeraj
Hey it’s okay to disagree with me, I’d rather have it that way anyway. It only helps me grow in search for getting bigger and better.
Tell me, when you started your business with hosting company you was invested million dollars. That mean you already had a supporter for investing a money into business. This is the good side you had to dreaming something. I want a cracking guideline how to start a business when we have a $zero to invest. Such situation arises basically when we are in the college and our pocket money is not enough to buy a branded jeans or tees, but having a dream to become a businessmen and parents are just planning about pushing their son to get the job. what to keep?our dream or we have to start thinking that we are just made for job.
Well you need to build the right networking connections. You need to sell your idea and concept to the people who can help you make it happen.
Hi Neil,
Great stories. I have read a few that you have posted on this website. Today I was really bored at work and and punched in ‘how to become rich’. Then I read all your posts. Very interesting life you have. I dream of becoming rich. Although I never tried anything as brave as you did. I work very hard, usually 11-12 hours a day, 5 days a week. I believe I will become rich one day and all will be worth it. Just have to stay positive.
Good on you!
Jasmine
Cool, I am glad you enjoyed them. Sometime you have to take big risks in order to gain success. I hope you will accomplish your goals. Keep up the hard work and don’t be afraid to get creative and take some risks!
Hi Neil
Your story is very much inspiring. Your have made lot of money at this very young age. Evey new beginner should learn from you. Even me like you have started many business and all have failed. Hope I and many more people get inspired from you and learn.
Regards
http://www.sandeshm.com
Well, there are plenty of people out there that have done well from doing what you’re supposed to do. Work hard by doing what you love. Simple concept, just go do it.
well Neil the biggest problem I have is to get that head start with minimal capital (available capital). I am an Indian from Jamaica. I’d like your response
You know what Oniel, that’s actually the same problem that almost every entrepreneur has. Learn sales and sell your idea to the right people.
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Right on Neil! Understanding the importance of sales, developing some skill and then doing it is critical to your chances of success as an entrepreneur. Great ideas wither without competent selling.
Glad you understanding what I’m talking about Robert. Sales is essential in growing any type of business you want to excel.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!
Thank you for the offer, I usually write my own content. However, If you shoot me an email then we can see from there. My email is neil@neilpatel.com
I am have a website that has not turned a profit yet (2years) and I really want to take it to the next level. Any general advice or ideas you have will be greatly appreciated. thanks.
Well, most websites don’t turn profit for many years. What kind of website is it?
Which blog monetization strategy do you think pays more?
a. consultative marketing for affiliate products
b. paid consultancy
c. advertisement
d. selling hidden text links
You know, the truth is that anyone of them can work… it all just depends on how you market yourself and your ideas.
Brilliant…
“But after 23 years of living I have learned one really important thing: life isn’t fair! If you don’t like the cards you are dealt with, do something to change them. And for some ungodly reason, if you are unable to change them, keep moving forward and don’t look back. All you can do is try.”
More American’s should read this and take it to heart especially in these hard times. Instead of waiting for the government to deliver you to your goal, you should go out and make it happen. Thanks for todays inspiration.
Eran
You gotta work with the cards your dealt… you always have the option to fold like the mass majority do or you can suck it up and work hard.
I am also into the field of Internet business and hope to learn a thing or two from you and if interested we can be partners as we are top class in provision of stock market tips in India. Well I did not like your comment that Indians are cheap as they believe in value for money and that is the only reason that India is not in a recession unlike America where they live from card to card.
Your story reminds me of my visit to London, nonetheless we are friends. Look for your visit to site at Indian-Share-Tips.Com
Regards
Well, not all Indians are cheap, but many of them generally are. It’s not a bad thing to be cheap, it’s actually a compliment. Valuing you’re money is actually a skill that many Indians have.
Awesome bio man. Def. kudos to you for all your accomplishments. Im sure there is more you can do. I wish i had the entrepreneu blood in me. Im just a 20 year old Med Student At John Hopkins. Hopefully that will work out but its hard work. I much rather spend my time on a website and manage that and make money.
20 years old, you’re at the age where almost anything is possible. You have the ability to work hard and make a killing by the time you turn 30.
Hi Neil,
First of all I am happy to see you successful. Also I am of an opinion that you can write whatever you want and feel. But I think you being never to India, you might not know whats mentality of Indians is these days. Things have changed a lot. When first generations of Indians came to U.S , U.K there were not any Bank ATM machines anywhere. Now even my small village has one
Also you go to cities like Delhi/Chandigarh/Bangalore and any other big city or even small towns these days, you will find more Merc and BMWs than any town in U.S ad U.K. Today’s generation in India don’t always think every time about CHEAP. But yes Indians do understand value of money better than most of people in U.S and other developed countries, because in India we are not supported by Govt. We have to earn only then we can eat and live under a roof.
Now to those guys who took Neil’s comments very emotionally-just take it lightly guys. Neil is talking previous generations of Indians
Take it easy. Enjoy your time everyone and cheer up. Reading Neil’s story should have encouraged to to some extent. Atleast I am happy I stumbled across it today.
Congrats once again Neil. I might one day contact you with Internet consulting work….yesssss no worries will pay you much more than $3500 per month. I am not CHEAP
lol, well thats good to know. Not all Indians or all of India is cheap, but there is a good chunk of people, who are.
Neil,
I am finding out the hard way that you have to market an internet business for it to succeed as well. Do you have any advice on how to gain the knowledge that you have gained? Was it just through trial and error, or did you find certain articles/books incredibly valuable? It can be frustrating getting it started, but I will not rest until I get this thing going. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
James
You need to hustle… real success isn’t just done online, it’s mostly done offline. Networking events, speaking, etc.
Good introduction of your about pages. Talking about the past, current, future. it is insipring to express what lifestyle do you expericed before.
It’s inspirational for people looking to follow the same or similar path. I loved hearing it from others, which is why I’m sharing it myself.
Neil, what are you doing in Seattle now? Moving the company up there to merge with Microsoft
Have fun and become a billionaire
lol, that would be nice
very inspiring life story neil ! I’ve one questions for you:
If we don’t have enough money to hire some professional people to handle business law/contracting or internet marketing, what should we do ?
Thanks
Use websites like http://legalzoom.com to expedite the process.
Hello Neil,
I think your articles are very interesting. Very nice that you share all the knowledge you have. I know you will be ‘payed’ back in tenfold. For example by people responding happily to you (like myself). Every time i red an article of yours i developed. Thank you.
Thanks Thomas, I appreciate it. I share with you what works and what doesn’t so that maybe you won’t make the same mistakes as I did.
Neil,
It is amazing seeing your success, particularly considering your age. I am 24 years old as well, and I am in a crossroad. My job right now gives me around 150-180K, 50 hour work week, but I am an employee, not an employer.
I have ambitions to go to law school, in hopes of broadening my horizons, and thus broadening my income.
However, I can’t help but think about the wisdom from the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” which the highly educated father was the poor one.
My question to you is: Would you continue a job that pays what I get, and use that money for investments? Or would you invest in more schooling which could land a higher paying career?
Thanks. Your blog is truly insightful.
I would do what you are really passionate about. If you love law, then consider being a lawyer. But I don’t know if it would be wise to be a lawyer just to make more money.
I haven’t looked up the stats, but I don’t think most lawyers make that much money.
In addition to that if you went to law school for three years you would lose at least $450k in income. Plus you would have to pay for school.
If it were me I would keep on moving forward and use the money I made from my job and invest it in things like real estate. All of the filthy rich people I know didn’t get rich by going to school, they got it through business or investing.
Just my 2 cents though. At the end of the day you should follow your heart.
Hi,
It’s nice of you to have such mature thinking at such a young age. The desire you have for success is invaluable. Perhaps it was your positive influences; perhaps it was the harsh living. While most of us fell for stupid teenage-wasting things, you saw the direction right from the start. That’s why you’re light years ahead of me. I’m only a few days older than you, yet you make me feel so ashamed not for being unsuccessful but for not even trying.
A couple in love shine glamour on their face, which makes the loveless ones envy. To me, their glamour is no way as attractive as an entrepreneur like you, determined with big ideas and the unachievable. (You look great by the way!)
Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Don’t be ashamed of anything… whether your older than me or younger than me… it has nothing to do with it. What it has to do with is hard work and passion. If you’re not willing to go the extra mile, well than you’ll won’t be able to achieve the results you’re looking for.
You are so great! You have achieved so many things within short time that others can’t do. I think I will follow your step. I look ahead to reading many more of your quality blogs.
Sounds great Chris! I wish you all the success and hopefully Quicksprout has been a great resource for your venture.
The big difference between me and you is that you take big risks like 5k for a young guy that does not have that much money to his name.
5k goes a long way when you are just working a 9-5 job. Well I invested about 2k in my current project so I am taking a risk.
It is already lucrative but I think with this advancement I will make a killing.
Thanks,
Brian P
What did you invest the 2k in? As long as you stick to it and give it your all, you’ll have a chance. Remember that offline work is much more import than just the online work.
wow, your life story is just inspiring and I believe you will rock soon. I am also working in Internet Marketing field from last 3 year, earlier in my college life I was working as a web designer and from then only I got inspired to try luck on Internet Marketing. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
Absolutely Ayush, but I haven’t quite reached where I want to be just yet, so the journey is far from over.
It’s quite amazing, to see your replying to all the comments being a busy man yourself.
I found your story very inspirational, and i think that was enough to motivate me.
I am currently 14 years, and i have been blogging since quite a few years. I have also done some Online Marketing for companies. But that’s not even 1% equal to what you do.
If i were to ask one question to you is that how did you manage your time to do all this stuff? I mean currently i am in my ninth grade and i find the activities i carry out online are difficult to manage!
Well Monik, since you took the time to write a comment, I think it deserves for me to take the time to respond.
Hey Neil,
I’ve been a long time reader but started reading even more today and started commenting.
Your story is so inspiring, can’t wait to one day meet you and talk about internet marketing space.
Thanks for posting so much awesome content
Sincerely,
Jay Jalodomisa
Glad you’re enjoying the content Jay. I hope to have you as a reader for many more years to come. Hopefully you’ll grow as Quicksprout does.
Hi Neil
Hates of you buddy….i will follow your foot step.
can you please give me some idea regarding how to become a king of big deal like you.
or can you share some knowledge with me, if possible.
Since you’re in the vacuum industry, I suggest you follow, blog, comment on other blogs in the same industry. Do that for a few years while meeting with people and you’ll be a big deal in no time.
Hii there..Your life story so far seems good enough a inspiring movie-like for me.But at the same time is of a “real” Niel Patel..Very delighted to read this piece
Thanks Hazel… When I was starting out, stories like these are exactly what got me to move forward.
What are you using as your blog platform? Its nice
WordPress
I think I need Mr. Patel to show me the way.
Keep reading this blog and I’ll help you get to where you want to go.
hey Mr. Patel. i have read your story and i must say it touched me. i am a 22 year old girl living in Jamaica and my family is very poor. i just finished college and am now seeking out a way in which i can make money to sustain them during this recession period. unlike you, i have no one to turn to for advise or footsteps to follow in where my family is concerned. can you please tell me the first step that i need to take in order to become successful at starting a business even though i am not well-off financially?
Start by deciding what it is you are passionate about and what you can do well. Once you have an idea of the business you want to be in look into others in the same business and learn from there successes and failures. Read and study as much as you can on it. Then look into either applying for a job or an internship. If you don’t have anyone to guide you, go out and look for someone to mentor you. If you are hardworking and quick learning I am sure you will be able to find someone to help and learn from. Most importantly put yourself out there. Even if you get turned down, keep going until you get what you want.
Dear Neil:
Consider this my NOT very shy request. I was moved by your story and early successes and failures… and most particularly your offer to help others. So here it is. I work for a small but worthy nonprofit on Long Island, NY that teaches child safety and youth violence prevention. Our volunteers go into schools and teach kids how to prevent and deal with bullying and cyberbullying, child abuse and neglect, sexual harassment, and date rape. We’ve been around for over 27 years, have only 7 staff members and operate on a close to non-existent budget. We would like to do so much more but need the exposure and funding. I discovered you through my research on how to properly set up and optimize a blog… I think blogging may be just the ticket for us to reach a wider audience locally, and perhaps bigger and better things. We are limited to using the free blogging websites, so before I start, I would really appreciate getting some expert direction from you to do it right the first time… and maybe as cleverly as you did for Pronet Advertising. Thanks so much and happy holidays.
Try to promote your cause and blog through social media sites. If you are active and put yourself out there, people will respond. Use the sites to draw attention and show that you provide useful information and a positive message.
Best of luck!
I just stumbled upon this website, and I’m extremely glad I did! Your posts have been helpful and inspirational, especially to a young guy like me just starting out. Thank you!
I’m glad to hear it Amith, the main thing you must do is implement everything you learn… feel free to ask me questions anytime you want.
Hello Neil,
I wanted to say I really enjoy your story and cane see some similarities with my current situation. After running an IT consulting firm for 8 years, I found a renewed passion for social media, started a new company, and now am helping companies in this area. I could really use some direction/ guidance if you are at all willing. It would be much appreciated. Your insightful posts are always inspiring. Keep up the great work you do for the community- Justin
Sure, I’d be more than happy to help. You can ask your questions here or shoot me an email neil @ neilpatel.com
Hi Neil,
I was going to post a message exactly like this one of Justin, so you have already answered. I’ll email you right away. And congrats for the good work, young man!
Cheers, Francesco.
Glad it was answered
Hi Friend!
Is with great pleasure that I leave my comment, you were born to be an entrepreneur, because as a child already brought the blood will grow. If all of us so we thought everything would be different. I applaud you standing. Hugs
Thanks Caninde… I hope you find Quicksprout very useful and something that helps you excel in what you do.
Great site. I wish all entrepreneurs (including myself) were as good at self-assessment – and as wise about the benefits of knowing one’s limits.
Maybe wisdom really does come from experience.
It does… and it just comes down to you learning and reading continuously. Growth is a never ending process.
Good to read more about you Neil. Where your journey begins, it is the typical story of first generation immigrants. I say this with utmost admiration; the way you leverage your connections and the ability to create multiple successful ventures, you inherit the quintessential ‘Patel’ characteristic. They are born with a natural flair for creating successful businessess further accentuated with networking
I am learning from scratch and I would give an arm and a leg to have that. Keep up the good work. Like I said in my linkedin mail before, I am up for an arm-wrestle anytime. Cheers.
You can find it, just search for it on the internet, talk on forums, or go to networking events.
Hello!!
I am a legal staff with united Nations planning to get out and start some ventures.
I need help in raising teh capital.
Can you tell me how to go about it?
I would consider reading this post: http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/01/21/how-to-raise-venture-capital/
Sorry Neil but there is difference between cheap and cost effective. Indians are cost effective not cheap.
By the way, it looks many are putting comments here to get back links.
lol… however you want to word it is fine with me
. Yes a lot of people are doing that…. for the backlinks. Sometimes it helps bring some traffic to their site.
Dear sir
am a tanzania boy of 24 year old, i need to make money and live in a good life so which way is good to make mone,and what type of business is good and how much capital is needed.
sor sir i need your advice to me i like to be a good person in business and to get a respect in society
have a nice day
What are your interests?
I wan also shocked to read Indians as Cheap, but I am sure that Neil must be trying to describe Indians as cost effective!
Indians are cheap
It’s not a bad thing…. it’s a great thing!
Neil,
Thank you for sharing your story. Great inspiration for lots of people I hope (including me).
I wanted to ask that when you were starting out and trying to be an entrepreneur when did you realize that Internet Marketing is something that is exciting for you? Or did you go into Internet Marketing because you thought you could make good money?
I think you would have been passionate about Internet Marketing because I strongly believe that to be successful in a particular field one has to be passionate about that product or service otherwise you would start loosing interest. Do you agree with that?
Best of luck for the future.
It was something that I was always passionate about…. ever since I was young. It’s not that it isn’t about the money, of course it is… but it was the whole concept of this industry.
Hi Neil,
Good to hear you have done so well as one London boy to another. Do you know where in London you were born?
Do you think there is a still a living to be made from the internet that can be started relatively quickly, requiring a moderate amount of technical ability and a reasonable amount of time investement?
Totally agree with you that if you live around people who make money it rubs off on you…..my father worked for the Government…aaaahhhh!
Take care,
David
I don’t know where in London I was born.
I don’t think there is easy money to be made on the Internet. You don’t have to be technical, but you have to put in the time.
Hey Neil,
I am planning to start a job board, what are the most important things that i should be aware of? And how should i approach employers for the listings.
Take Care,
Zak
You need to do something different than most job boards. You can’t create another me-too type of site. Figure out what the problem people face when using job sites and try to solve it.
As for approaching employers, maybe give a handful of them free access for the first 60 days?
Do you think starting a blog and then integrating a job board would be a successful strategy or starting both together would be a good one?
Well it depends on how successful you can get the blog to be.
Thanks for sharing your success stories Neil. You are one of a kind young man that taking seriously about being an entrepreneur and be your own boss.
Neil, since I was a kid they called me a young entrepreneur already but it goes away when I started working 8 hours a day and making some $$$ a few per month. Now, that I have my own family and my son was just born two weeks ago and right now I really needed help to support my family. Then, now I am being tired of working pay check to pay check and starting out looking for a business online. Luckily I found an honest profitable affiliate business online selling domain names and this is now I am making extra income. But, to make it grow I have lost a lot from google for advertising. My question is can you help me regarding this business make it profitable? or maybe if I ask you to be partnered with me but I don’t you will gonna do that to an old loser like me now
Again thanks for sharing story and listening my life too.
~Julius
Congrats on the kid Julius…. tell me specifically, what kind of advice or help are you looking for?
Hi Neil, thanks for your care and reply here. I was on a venture regarding affiliate business program and I would appreciated if you can help me getting more traffic to my site. If this business will prosper many will be bless too, not only my family but also others who will be partnered with me on this business.
Start by reading this:
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/10/30/how-to-compel-your-visitors-into-subscribing-to-your-blog/ and then read this:
http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/10/30/how-to-compel-your-visitors-into-subscribing-to-your-blog/
Neil, what a coincidence to chance upon this site. Just back from an entrepreneur presentation, you know the kind where the successful entrepreneurs share their tips on how their multi-million dollar businesses become successful. Wow, and I was blown away when most admit they haven’t got a clue how they got there, it has been like random events leading to another random event leading to another and before you know it, their businesses have arrived! And to think that I have been trying to model after successful biz practices, and what they did to become successful. Well, I guess its best to keep the academics aside and just let things unfold!
It’s interesting how that’s almost always the case. Most people start in one direction and wind up somewhere completely different.
Neil, Traveller, I agree with you. I have lost and won a lot but never imagine making a radical and totally change my perspective to find better opportunities. And now… well, many doors have opened! I believe that these doors can still lead us to the doors before we could not.
Correcting myself: “I never thought before making the the radical and total change of perspective that I have given.”
A radical change in what you do is what it will take for you have a radical change in your results.
Opportunities will definitely come and go, just make sure you don’t beat yourself up if you decide not to go after one.
hi neil,
how are you……..by reading your life journey….it reminds me my family history….close match up…..india-uk and then usa…same thing on myside-africa-london-india and usa..
you are 24 year young &telented boy…i am not young but if you leave behind age factor i am educated-talented-hard worker but very smart-quick learner-always willing to take a risk…never afraid or never give up…i am now 50 year old and i work for us postal service since 1989.i came usa in 1987.
now we go to basic,
if i don’t know somthing,i do not feel shame to ask my good boy,
what can i do now ?
my knee injury and wife’s polio gait disability hit’s my head again and again, daddy now you have to wake up..do something…
look in your education(master in marketing&accounting),
so now i am asking your help, how this good boy take me somewhere ,me & my family feel secure…
dear neil,
i read everything on your site….even i am taking proud like my boy did it.i finished your reading last night at 2.50 pm.
realy awesome…..
now i am ready to spread my wings with you.i now perfactly motivated by you.now i know i am at right door to enter.
i am ready any time to roll with you.
here is my full contact.
vinny desai
106-hoskins circle
burlington,nc-27215
ph#336-382-1967-mobile
store#336-854-4412—under maintanance..
wife:336-382-1967-daksha desai
as i talk to you on phone i have one son-21 year old-he is in boston-he want’s to be doctor-last semister in pre.medical.and one 11 year old dauther, name mahima.wife name is daksha.
beside this i am very much interested to meet & talk to your
other family members specially mom& dad.
please feel free to contact me anytime,i am looking forward to hear from you soon.
i am proud of you.just tell me uncle ,i feel honoured.
thanks,
vinny desai.
Thanks for sharing your story Vinny, I’m glad you like Quicksprout and what it has to offer. Feel free to ask my any questions you may have about your business or whatever you’re trying to do.
Hello Neil,
I found your blog through the women expat page. You made success really early , congratulations. I’m an American living in Greece. I just started my own company , right now I’m trying to build my business in Greece but I don’t think they’re ready for online retail. I wouldn’t mind expanding beyond the borders of Greece. The product I sell is very particular. I’ve joined forums and I also have started a blog ( in Greek).
Any help with expanding online would be much appreciated.
Good for you Magdaline… it’s amazing to hear that your in an area where something you’re doing is sort of new and different. Even though it hasn’t take off for you yet, be prepared for it soon.
Big Up Neil. Keep up the good work, great story you are surely an inspiration to many.
David
Thanks David, I hope you were inspired to take action!
I have just started my learning about internet marketing and your story really inspires me…keep up the good work neil…!!!
Your endeavors did pay off good….!!! Hope one day i will also share the a success story like this…!!!
wish you all the best for your future…!!!!
Then you’re definitely at the right spot! Looking forward to your future responses.
Hey, Neil.
Great story about your life and career. I get the sense you’re a really nice guy who wants to help people reach their goals. I often volunteer for different charities in my community and when completed — always walk away feeling great, like I’ve made a difference. I’m a big believer in … “Make things happen for others and things will happen for you.”
I’d love to have an opportunity to chat with you sometime if that would be possible. I feel as though I could learn from you to help with my online business. Specifically, I’d like to get your feedback on my business model, which is ad supported. And other site related questions regarding site structure and functionality.
All the best.
@AndrewSansone
The more people you help get what they want, the easier and quicker you’ll get what you want.
Hi Neil Patel!
I am Raghuram coldfusion blogger for the last 2 years.
I am very much interested in SEO. please guide me to learn the techniques and suggest me the better ways to get into SEO business.
Thank you,
Raghuram Reddy Gottimukkula
Adobe Certified Coldfusion Developer
Bangalore
Start by reading this:
http://www.quicksprout.com/2010/02/15/the-7-harsh-realities-of-seo/
Hey Neil,
Love your blog, actually heard you once at smx social and loved it.
i wish i could do the same but as for now, working in a corp. (but loving it) and only during weekends i can do some really stupid stuff on the internet – which is the nest
keep up the good work
Well you always have the late nights or early mornings to do your other stuff don’t you?
What a great story.
I myself am a psychology student and researched lots of info on the matrix reality of the 3d dimension, and have a lot of theories and ideas coming through my chakra’s from other telepathic network sources from the universe.(some esoteric knowledge).
Have a lot of hobbies.
I myself have been researching internetmarketing, gadgets, tools, api, applications, internetmodels, opportunities to efficiëntly sell products/services on the internet.
Interested in making hypes, trends, optimized internetplatforms.
Love doing research and being updated on trends.
I am a beginner who is searching for internet opportunities, also my family has a lot of succesful entrepreneurs.
Would like to learn from your experiences.
I could give you some great advice on psychology: how to deal with emotions, people, ego, the human mindset and so on.
I am very excited,
Much love and succes,
Arsjaad
Thanks Arsjaad, I’d love to get your responses on some of the my other posts. Thanks!
Great story mate, I aspire to be someone like you
Thanks Daniel… you can just don’t make the mistakes I make and surround yourself with like-minded people.
I love your frankness! It was really nice reading your story. I’m two years younger than you, not as successful but quite determined too. Back to work!
Good for you WQ, anyone can do it… just keep pushing through.
Hi Neil, very inspiring stories! We do use crazyeggs at fitnessanywhere.com which is where I work full time. Would love to learn the details in your early success (internet marketing company). I am starting my own very exciting social computing (what is not?) projects through hiring contractor. But it can be challenging to find a top notch hacker like programmer. What is your experience with that?
It is really tough to find a good programmer. It took me years to find one and once I did everything worked out well.
The best place for you to look for talented programmers is at colleges and other competing companies.
U know what Neil, I heard a lot about you and at times read some posts on your site, for some reason I categorized you as “some geek Indian who coded and made big” (sorry to be honest here but we humans subconsciously stereotype people).
The first post I read was about the post of “business plans”. I didn’t agree to some points you mentioned and just left without any feed back. I never once clicked “read more” in your bio assuming it will be “how you got lucky knowing micheal and making it big and “pretending” to be humble” but today after reading “y you dont want to live in rich neighbourhood” I was curious about you can clicked read more
After reading I was filled with both guilt and admiration for the things you went through to get to where you are now.
What’s difference between Donald Trump and Neil Patel?
Donald will sweep his mistakes under the carpet and present cherry figure of his while you had the courage to show what mistakes you have done.
“Over the next few years my number 1 goal is to share what I have learned with you so that you can have a better life than me. If you have any questions or need any help with anything, please don’t be shy to ask.”
This paragraph just won my heart and I put you on the aspirations list to meet you someday in someway. Peace.
Well thanks Shanz, I appreciate the decision you made to view me differently than you originally did. Also, I thank for you for the comparison with Donald, but he’s in a completely different league
You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be.
Very true!
Neil,
I think I met you at a docstoc event a year ago, and my new business partner just sent me one of your articles…..you are spot on and as an entrepreneur I can relate to some of the failures you have listed, but think that in most cases the amount we learn from them makes them almost more valuable in the long run as a mediocre success.
Cool, glad you had similar experiences. I agree, it is definitely beneficial to learn from your mistakes. At least then you know what to do differently for the future and have a even better chance to succeed.
Hi Neil,
It so wonderful n inspirational to read your story. I am going to complete my MBA in 10 days, and i wish to start a Placement Consultancy in Ahmedabad by this July. I have no prior experience in this field. But i was a part of placement team of my college and placed almost 25/90 students alone.
I really need your advice on how to go about it and will clients/market accept a complete fresher and give business to me?
I also have 8 months on-the-job training in corporate cmmunications and also worked for a job site for 2 months. But somehow i wish to be an employer rather than a employee… Pls guide me…
Thanks in advance,
Vidya
If you provide to be valuable and give useful information then I am sure you will just fine. Especially with the experience you have, even if it’s not much and your eduction background. Give it time and I am sure eventually you will be. Take risks and be creative, eventually you will get what you want if you work hard enough for it.
Neil you may give a opinion “indians are frugal”, but using the word “Cheap” leads to misinterpretations as many people use the word “Cheap” negatively. I hope you don’t mean it, so I strongly suggest you to correct this as these are hot spots and sounds racial. But overall good writing.
My usage of the word cheap isn’t negative. It’s not racist and nor should it offend anyone. Being cheap or being frugal, either way the point is made. Sorry if it offended you.. just know that it wasn’t my intention to do so.
Hey Neil, what can I say…you have continuously looked for the right way and have found it, with great results!
Your story is really stimulating and pushes me to try even harder to accomplish what I want.
I’ll definitely follow you through your website & twitter!
Thanks for sharing,
Mauro
Thanks Mauro, always a pleasure to have a reader like yourself. Just be sure to take action with what you read
You’re such a cool dude
Thanks for sharing everything but I’m too lazy to read all of them at the moment…hehe…
Ps: I like your black Amex
haha
lol, when you get some time, you definitely should. There is some really good stuff.
Neil, You are a real role model for youngsters like us…Ur story is really pushing me up to try even harder…m also in internet marketing…working as fresher..I would be gr8fl to u if u will guide me or give me some tips to know more about Internet MArketing….Thanks..All da best:)
Hi Shipra… the truth is… if you just read the posts I’ve written religiously, you’ll know everything I do
Feel free to ask me any questions you have.
Hey Neil,
You are truly a role model for people like us. Just curious on how did you set up crazy egg. Venture capital, Share Holders, Infrastructure, How did you have this software developed? Do you host yourself or you host the service at a third party ISP
There was no venture capital raised. It was just my business partner and I and a CTO. The CTO did the development and we hosted the software on Amazon.
You are a real inspiration Neil ! Very interesting ideas for your businesses. Lately, I realized that I should also share my lessons learnt the hard way and started a blog. So far users are very happy and I am slowly building a good community.
I am looking forward to see your great successes and learn from your experiences. Good Luck in all your endeavors !
Thanks Kumar! I’m happy to hear you’re doing well.
Hey Neil! I have to what I believe a revolutionary APP idea for cell phones. I’m trying to keep my focus through development and finding the right people to bring this too and I see your willing to give advice. Any chance we could talk? you should have my email. Thanks
Sure, if you have some specific questions you would like to ask me, shoot me an email to neil@neilpatel.com. I will do my best to help answer them.
Great going Neil..One thing I have noticed is that you post a reply for everyone who comments on your blog. No doubt your blogs are long, but informative. I am looking forward to get some really good Internet Marketing tips on this platform..
Yes, I believe that if you take the time to comment on my blog, I need to take the time to comment back. I’m happy to hear you finding some useful tips.
Thank You Neil for the reply, . I remember reading some time ago”leadership is more than success. Leadership is also sharing knowledge” You are a real inspiration
Titles don’ t make leaders, leaders make titles.
hey Neil patel
u have opened my eyes so i will not do the same mistake what u did i will not look at back i will look at front so tnx for the advice
your advice will help me lot tnx
Perfect Jitz. As long as it makes sense to you, I did my job
Hey Neil,
I really felt your real store as a moral store, thanks for shearing your thoughts.
I learn lot from your store that ideas not only by education, it may be by experience…you again proved it…..
Thanks Mani… as long as you find something useful and implement it, you’ll make it happen.
I think Neil Its the same story what I am facing right now and am pretty sure that I would be the next Neil Patel.
Excellent! Don’t be the next me, be the next you who makes a lot more money.
Neil,
I admire your success. I have recently decided that I want to make a website that will attract a lot of traffic. I am not going to sell any products, it will be purely informational. I am currently doing very simple web design tutorials.
The only thing… I am not very good at web design myself.
Did you hire somebody to design your websites? Like when you started “Advice Monkey”, did you hire a web designer to make it look professional and setup all the programming?
Did you teach yourself how to do all the programming?
This is my current problem, I want to learn how to do all that myself, but it will take me a few years at least to get to an expert level.
Any advice on how to get my website going? How much it may cost?
Thanks in advance!
Eric
Well Yes I would learn about it as much as I can then I would just hire someone cheap to set me up with something practical to get started. Use something like odesk.com
On my site: http://QuasiPreneur.com I put out in public what I’ve been accumulating privately for years. All related to starting a business, being an Entrepreneur. Timeless articles for inspiration such as you.
Great case studies of dot coms that said they could and would but couldn’t and didn’t and some that actually did…unintentionally. All captured for one to read and learn from.
That’s fantastic bud, thanks for sharing!
Neil,
Its great to read your story. I couldn’t stop reading. I too led a similar life of various ups and downs. Although I am not as successful as you right now, I smiled and laughed and agreed with most of your life experiences. Great to see one of us finally made it.
J Vanderford
Thanks Vanderford,
Many people have difficulties not only while growing up but throughout their entire life. I am glad you were able to relate to my situation.
Hey, Neil I like the title ” Quick Sprout” innovative what’s the idea behind it” have you written about it anywhere?
No, it was just randomly chosen
Hi Neil,
I recently started following your site, just registered for KISSInsights beta, (liking it). I have been blogging from past few years with not gr8 success, and still trying hard on improving. Would you mind doing a quick review of my blog? I am sure there must be many obvious flaws which I can’t see in my own work. I will be grateful to you.
Thanks for all great info you keep sharing.
1. Add a picture and bio of yourself in your side bar.
2. Craft more attractive headlines. Read the copyblogger.com headline formula guide.
3. Create an about page and make it very detailed.
4. Use threaded comments so that you can create more of a conversation.
5. End your blog posts with a question.
Neil,
Thanks a lot for the feedback. I am seriously going to work on all of it. I appreciate you spending time to help me.
about the threaded comment: I was thinking about incorporating Disquss comments, but have heard few drawbacks in terms of SEO. What is your opinion? I am using blogger.com.
Thanks again, I will be soon doing all your suggested improvements.
Disqus is great but can be a bit mess/noisy… so just keep that in mind.
Hello Neil,
You have really achived many big things in small age. I appreciate your effort.
I am SEO professional and want to touch with you…
My skype ID: niravpatel.seo – plz add me dear.
We can also share knowledge with each other.
Bye for now.. Keep me in touch…
Regards,
Nirav Patel
http://www.searchenginexperts.com.au
Drop me an email any time neil @neilpatel.com
Love your honesty and love your blog. So refreshing. Not as successful as you but working towards it!
That’s all that counts! Keep pushing through the breakdowns and you’ll have more break through.
Very interesting life! Love to talk to you if you have a few mins.
email me neil@ neilpatel.com
After reading your blog post on your past and how it has shaped you to become the successful young entrepreneur , it has really inspired me. I attended the Web 2.0 conference this morning in SF and I really enjoyed your presentation on Tracking People not Visits. I too am 25-years-old and at a young age felt a deep passion for the internet and the innovations it brings to everyday life. I started working as a house painter and recently 4 months ago co-formed Involve Media – web development and social media consulting. We are doing this to raise funding for a music based crowdsourcing application. Constantly I question myself if I am even headed in the right direction but after witnessing your presentation and reading your blog I am confident about my future.
Wow, it definitely sounds like you’re on the right track… keep pushing and fighting the good fight. You’re on your way!
Dear Neil
first of all i am proud of you you did it you have lot a head of you . i am planning to do some kind of online busnce can you help me giveing me idea pelase you can email me
thankyou
well…. it’s not that easy. First, what are you even interested in doing?
Hi Neil, I must say your site and the way the info is written appeals to me. I’ve read lot of seo/info sites for this niche and not one has been as appealing to me as to push me to leave a comment on their site (lazy i guess). But you’re the first I’ve done so. Right this moment I have 30 firefox tabs opened to article/posts from your site – will be reading them all to hopefully be able to take away and learn more to help my web sites and ideas I have planned become a reality (yeah lots of ideas just no know how to get to that destination). Been online for years but just been satisfied with what I have – it’s time I put in more effort and your about page and stories of your experiences have some what inspired me to try harder.
I guess I identify with you as I’m also a fellow London born folk who moved over to a foreign country – Australia.
Will definitely be bookmarking quicksprout.com
Wow, good for you! That’s a lot of reading! Let me know what you learn and how you’ll apply it.
dats simply gr8 to read abt u man…u really become my role model from now…
Thanks Rahul! Just be sure to practice the principals I teach
Hey Neil, your story is very inspiring and I’d loved reading every bit of it. I wish you great success in life
I didn’t knew that you are such a humble and hardworking person.
I Appreciate it, glad you enjoyed it.
I sold a vacuum to an Indian couple (I was surprised because generally Indians are cheap- What do you mean when you made this statement??????
Well I’m Indian and cheap myself, so it’s okay for me to make this comment
Hey Neil, Thanks for the response…Now I feel better…and since you are an Indian I hope you got it
lol, glad you’re okay with it now.
Neil,
Interesting life but like most Indians whose family was in business their son and daughters also do crazy things like sell pirated CD’s to their friends. All in all, you have accomplished lot but looks like all that did not teach you one important thing in life – YOU CANNOT GENERALIZE PEOPLE
how can you call Indians cheap? You may be cheap and I can understand that because of your background and to really generalize like you – your last name – Gujrati’s are synonym for cheapness in India. FYI if you lost on learning about the Indian culture.
So, much that I liked your profile your comment has stooped you too low. I would never ever take any advice from a person like you who has not even able to to understand such basic things in life.
As a whole, I pity that you are such a loser. Money does not coun’t anything Mr. Patel.
Shiv Agarwal,
Proud Indian
Hi Shiv,
After I saw Neil’s reply on my comment I said to myself just leave it here and let him do what he does best. But after reading your comments I feel that there are many Indians out there who might be offended by “that” statement.
Neil,
I suggest/ request (the way you like it) just modify that portion and the bitter experience ends. I think it’s not difficult.
Saurabh, let’s be honest here, it’s not a big deal. Not ALL Indians are cheap but they are generalized that way because many-most are. I can bet that you’ve generalized many times in your life, it’s Normal. Again, you got to let little stuff like this go. It’s not intentional said to offend you, so again I apologize if it has.
In your message to me you just said this:
“You may be cheap and I can understand that because of your background and to really generalize like you – your last name – Gujrati’s are synonym for cheapness in India. ” So it sounds like to me that you think Gujrati’s are synonyms for cheap? Either way, I apologize if you were offended… don’t be. Life’s too short to be offended by something like that.
Neil,
I see what you are seeing. Yes, I have generalized…so this is over…lets leave it here…cheers!!!
I agree, cheers!
Hello Neil:
I am new to your blog…just stumbled upon it.
I am in Miami, Fl. and have been in the real estate, land development and entitlement business for most of my career.
With my industry literally disentegrating from beneath me; I have looked to e-commerce as a method to launch a new products export company. In pursuing my new business I have been screwed, glued and tattooed by these “Design Companies” claiming to know SEO and have become ULTRA frustrated. I would like to know if you have any advice for me?
I now have two websites (both of which are not optimized) because this most recent clown (operating in Miami under “NetroStar, Inc.) claimed my site was impossible to organically optimize so he needed to build me a new one ( a bunch of nonsense -I now know. Actually, he just didn’t know the platform my site was built upon and doesnt know SEO, so he made up this lie in order to get me to give him several thousands of dollars. He then built a new site – which ALSO is not optimized…Aye!! FRUSTRATING!).
I have grown increasingly distgusted with the dishonesty in this industry. Particularily when those of a different business-era (pre-computers), such as myself; who do not know anything of html or php code, organic, white hat or other seo, etc… are getting taken advantage by these dishonest people who use their simple knowledge as a way to pull the wool over our eyes”..
Thanks Neil!
Dominic
If you want to hire a firm, email me and I can recommend some good ones depending on your budget and things of that nature.
If you want to optimize your own site consider reading SEO Book as they can teach you most of the things you need to know.
I hope that helps.
Hello Neil, I just read your story and it definitely shed light on a lot of things for me. I recently launched my company 3 months ago and although the response from the public has been great, I still have yet to find someone for SEO.
I have also been attending Pitching events to educate myself so I dont do or say the wrong thing. I am currently seeking an angel investor to open up to a few more cities.
I live in San Diego so if youre ever in town, let me know and I will buy you lunch at my restaurant. I would love to hear more about your experiences and what you found most effective when pitching. I sure could use your help, hopefully more than just a blog back. So let me give you a little more inspiration to email me so we can possibly talk on the phone, and who knows maybe meet or become partners one day!
My online program does focus on helping schools by putting money back in the schools where it belongs. We are currently working with several school districts which allows us to market and promote our program within the schools, reaching the parents and teachers. The feedback has been incredible, so I know I have the product, I just need to focus on getting traffic to the site. So if you would consider being my mentor for a bit, I could sure use your help. I truly feel that our program can make a big difference in our schools throughout the nation. If you take a look at the site and see, I think you might agree. The business model is very original and although we are a new company, it has great potential to be successful. But I need the right guidance to get there. So your expertise could benefit schools every where. Are you sold yet??
LOL, anyway, seriously if you would be open to chatting more about this, please let me know. Im trying to learn everything I need right now.
Thank Neil
I am definitely up for chatting some more. Email me with some times that you are free and we can chat on the phone.
Hey Neil,
i truly liked your about post you have mentioned above, its like absolute absolutely practical, and one thing i liked about you after reading the post above, i had read in robin sharma’s “monk who sold his ferrari”, to achieve complete peace and happiness you one needs to know himself and understand his own self. and i felt like you are truly practical and truly know yourself and very practical. i follow many blogs and sites and found them too be some times too theoritical or philosiphical, they are not bad, but still, yours was something truly practical, liked it, keep up the spirit, and Keep rocking buddy.
I think the monk who sold his Ferrari is a great book. I think that you should be authentic and practical when dealing with success.
any idea how i can become rich, i, m realestate agent.
thx
Invest in commercial real estate. Of course research is key. I primarily invest in apartments and multifamily real estate. With a few hotels and shopping centers. Single family homes don’t reap much profit unless you’re selling mansions or huge amounts of single family homes. From the real estate investors I deal with they usually have a combination of residential and commercial real estate.
I would agree with that being a very smart move on your part
Interesting story.I also started out in my teens selling pirate CD’s. But then I started my first company based on advice from a friend about offering computer training to people. I started a computer consulting company that would later be sold to the company that would become geeksquad.Then I got into mergers and acquisitions consulting.And thats how I learned how to fund various acquisitions and consolidate companies.I was never good at inventing. So I instead acquire real estate,companies,etc and hire growth experts to run them.All my investments make me a nice low tax profit.
If your goal is to be rich then I would suggest becoming a business intermediary.Acquire assets with positive cash flow and increase their value. Then sale or acquire more down the road.
Also on the note about seeking venture capital. You should have sought out angel investors for your company.
I appreciate the advice. I’ll look into it.
Very inspiring story. Looking back @ my life, I was an entrepreneur of sorts as well. I hope to become as successful as you by the time I reach the age of 25 or earlier! I’m 20 now, I suppose I have more than enough time.
You have a good 5 years to make it happen, stay focused and you’ll easily be able to make that happen!
Your story is inspiring, or you can say, raw inspiring, don’t misinterpret me, this is in a good note.I like action movies, which are raw, so do your story, its like a real life not reel life.Because i know success comes only after umpteen no of hurdles.Hope you find yours, while i find mine.:)
I think that was very put. Thanks, best of luck to you.
Hi Neil,
I need some advice… I am venturing on starting my own company…. it’s taken me years to find an idea that I’m really passionate about and have enough years of experience to do it well. I’m an attorney and I want to create an online community — like a Legal Yelp — to assist attorneys to find their support resources that they need for their cases.
I’ve vetted the idea with all sorts of industry leaders (i’ve been in the legal world of NYC for 14 years) and I keep getting told build it and we will use it.
Now the question… my challenge is partnering up with a CTO to create this company. I’ve tried hiring development companies in india — utter failure. I’ve tried hiring interns and kids outta school (MS programs) they are unreliable. What I need is a true CTO? How do I find him/her? I want them as a co-founder.
The sad part is that I’ve talk to investors and whole nine yards in NYC and everyone is ready to give us money as soon as the model is proven. It just has to get built.
ARGH
HELP please!
~sejal
Have you tried founder dating? http://founderdating.com/
There isn’t one in NY, but you could try making a trip to SF. Or you can consider going to Internet events such as the web 2.0 expo and start looking for a technical founder.
It’s a tough process… just make sure you don’t rush into it.
The best part of the story that I liked was –
“If you don’t like the cards you are dealt with, do something to change them. And for some ungodly reason, if you are unable to change them, keep moving forward and don’t look back. All you can do is try.”
Good stuff, Neil.
I have been an entrepreneur myself or trying to become one. Was thinking of doing MBA with focus on entrepreneurship.. Do you think that is worth it?
If you are getting an MBA to become an entrepreneur, then no. If you are getting an MBA to further your education and gain connections, then yes.
Hi Neil. Looks like a lot of indians here who are clueless about starting up. Any ways it would be really helpful if you could write an article on the topic of Email etiquette and the do’s and donts of a mail to an venture capitalist. Also try to add how much of the idea do we need to mention in the introductory letter, .since giving even a little bit of the idea will lead to the risk of someone else stealing it. Also mention what it takes to write a perfectly agreeable and greed inducing proposal.
I am sure lots of people will find it helpful.
Thanks in advance.
Marzooq.
Hey Marzooq, I have a few different articles in the cue, but I’ll definitely look into it. Thanks!
love your blog, i feel like i can relate to a lot of your experiences.
That’s awesome, I appreciate you reading it.
I am amazed to see such kindness in your comments here. More than that, I really appreciate you are replying to the comments.
Being a frugal certainly adds up as an advantage, whatever maybe your nationality. We were, as you, from a middle class family but things are going smooth now, because we saved and kept saving to get to this day.
It’s a process and it definitely doesn’t happen over night.
Hello Neil Patel!
I’m Vietnamese
I have read some articles of yours. I’m very interested in them.
You are really a good writer.
I don’t read your article because of rich desire. The reason is I am a teacher of Banking and Finance. So I would like to read something to enlarge my knowledge. And now I send you this comment to say thank you. Thank you for your opinion share!
I learn much from you.
Flora.
I’m glad to you enjoy my posts so much Flora, I appreciate you being a visitor.
Hey Neil, your story is really inspiring and something very similar. I’ve been following your articles for some time now, i’ve put some of your thoughts into practice, I am starting a social network. Thanks man.
Wow, good for you… let me know how it goes.
Hi friend very neat description about your life..It gives more energy n motivation to me to do something better than now…Thanks for share
That’s fantastic to hear, glad it helps.
hey Neil,
i’m sameer, it was great reading about you and i’m also willing to do something great and good but don’t know where to start from…….
could you please guide me?
i hope we could be good friends………sameerdhawan007@gmail.com
(not because i seek any profit from you, but i know i can learn a lot from you)
hoping to get a reply from u soon….
Sure, if you have a specific question or need something, just shoot me an email.
I have a dream.. a dream that I can build up a small company. not big like skype or paypal. all people has the right to have a dream; and i’m waiting for my dream come true.
thanks for your share! it makes sense to me a lot!
Good for you bud, I hope your dreams come true.
Hi Neil,
Nice to see you here! I’m kenny, i going to 30 in the end of this year. however, up to now, it seems that i have nothing in my hand. actually skype or paypal is too big thing. i just think about some real thing like how to earn enough money to take care my family. I think you have give me some ideas.
thanks !
Well that’s okay and perfectly fine. It just comes down to doing what you think is best for you and how hard you work at it.
i’m interesting to use your services but there is no option for Paypal payment, you should put this way to get paid.
-Chetan
What service are you talking about?
what can you help regarding to reach at the point where i want to do?
which point would that be?
Hi,
I really admire your success story. All the best
This is Murali, from EVHUB.IN portal which is basically for educating people related electric vehicles and renewable energy sources which started off as a hobby. But recently it has bagged Media partner opportunity for some famous events and hence invested in its redesign. Still I am unable to get the required registrations in my portal. I don’t understand why!
With best regards
Murali
Have you optimized your site for registrations? Use Google Website Optimizer to maximize your design so people sign up.
I am BE computer and want grow as you are so can you help me out want to start own software company
please help me
Start up a blog and write about what you’re looking to do. Start reading some of my blog posts and see if anything sparks any ideas.
Hi Neil !!!
I got inspiration after reading your post. I’m a new bee for Internet marketing. I need your suggestions to become successful Internet Marketer. As Internet marketing is passion for me I’m always hungry for getting new things. I hope you will help me in this.
Thanks for this inspirational post.
Well it’s exciting to have you in our realm. Feel welcomed to ask me any questions you have.
Hi Neil, I’m looking forward to learn from your mistake (I also made a few myself). Congrats for not giving up.
Now it’s important for you to keep pushing yourself forward no matter what.
Hi Neil!
I have a BURNING question that I simply must have answered: How can I get my site from a PR3 on Google to a PR4 or PR5? I love your blog and SEO tips and I’ve tried to implement your tips (thank you)! However, I done a lot of research online and no one seems to have a firm idea of what it takes to move your sites Google PR ranking.
Thanks for your help, and keep up the good work!
Regards,
Bret
It’s very complicated…but you gotta build more back links.
Hi Neil
Seems like I am in the same position as most. I have been working for companies up till now (Im 28yrs old).
I would like to start up a company (Im a developer / data architect) so would liek some tips to set up a web presence and to learn how to find out market gaps. Do you have any information?
Also I would like to startup blogging. Please could you send through some tips to generating actual income from blogging?
Also which blog companies would be best to use to setup a blog? (eg Blogetery)
Thanks
Sean
PS: You are an inspiration
Sign up for a hosting company like hostgator.com or mediatemple.net and have them guide you through the process of installing a blog. (wordpress is what I use)
Neil,
It was wonderful reading about you. What inspires me is your ability to stand test of time, which most of us don’t do. And the way you share stuffs in your blog is really appreciable. ‘Learn from my mistakes’ – Not everyone in the industry does this. Thanks a ton for this.
Well, I am keenly looking forward to be around Quick Sprout and participate in the community by throwing my thoughts where ever relevant.
Cheers!
Samuel Darwin
Well we look forward to your participation in the community.
Hi Neil! I’m impressed by the way you reply back to comments.
I’m a college student doing engineering in an excellent engineering college in India. But I have absolutely NO background in all of this. I come from an environment that’s very different from this. I don’t know about investments, soft skills, gov’t polices…all sorts of things needed to be an entrepreneur. I have ideas, but I have no clue how to go about them.
After 4 years of engineering, I don’t want to let it go to waste by doing something else. Won’t it be a massive waste of knowledge and hard work? But I do wanna work on my own…
I’m confused what I should do. I fear that if I do an MBA, (which I feel is req’d if I need to start something of my own, cuz I dont know anything) I’ll end up working in an MNC for a high paying secure job, rather than struggling for years hoping for a break. Or should I leave all these dreams, cuz I never had the right environment?
It isn’t always a waste. You can take the principles you learned through engineering and apply it to your entrepreneurial career. Such as how engineers have processes to make them more efficient.
Sadly, I can’t tell you what to do. That is something you have to figure out on your own. I recommend going with whatever your heart tells you.
It is amazing that I have been following this blog as long as I have and I have never read this page. You have stayed true to what you wrote so long ago. it is refreshing to see such honesty and that is one of the reasons I follow your blog.
Well glad you finally jumped on board and read it
There are so many great things on the web… I just found your site today, and have spent too much time on it already! Thanks.
That’s never a bad thing
Hi,
Very interesting reading, and quite inspiring for us newbies. I have recently launched a site, and thought it would automatically attract visitors! So that was my first mistake. Having now started to delve into the world of SEO, and internet marketing i am seeing some improvements in the number of hits, but nowhere near what i want it to be.
Can you provide some pointers / guidance that would help my site attract further visitors?
Many Thanks, and All the Best.
I recommend that you read http://bit.ly/c3SZJ6 and http://bit.ly/1Oi03o
Both of those guides should help increase your traffic.
Hay Neil,
What a great rollercoaster, inspirational and motivational story.
Congratulations on your successes, commitment and dedication to your goals. I loved reading each and every turn of your story, it’s really a learning lesson for lot of folks (struggling entrepreneurs) who is trying to hit the target or who wants (starters) to hit the target but things are not moving in right direction.
Here following are key points from this story and from my own experiences…
• Never give up, keep trying, you never know when you will click and once you click make sure you are helping others in clicking. Sharing right things on right time to right folks is really a real caring.
• Try different things with good planning, strategy and passion, but here is the catch, don’t be fully victimized of being a jack of all trade and master of none. People love working with specialists.
• Do what you love to do, and make sure you are solving problems of people who are around you, people love and pay attention to problem solvers, and don’t forget to have a fun whatever you are doing.
• Take calculated and intelligent risks.
• Do personal, professional, financial and emotional emulation of your personality before starting anything in your life more specifically starting any business venture.
• Make sure you know, that either you are business minded or not, if not don’t be fooled and deceived by your wrong or misled gut feelings. It’s always good to go through a learning curve to become someone rather pretending of being someone which you are not. Finding a short cut or easy money could be expensive on the long run.
• In this capital society you need to be open, flexible and always will to learn new things, being old school, lazy and slacker not going to take you anywhere.
• Innovation is the key of success in this fast passed society. Copy caters can make fortune to some extent until they hit the blind valley.
• Get to know your blind spots in your personality, business strategies, approaches toward customer s and future goals.
• Live your own life, don’t live people’s life just because of pushing factor, blind following or peer pressure
• Follow your instinct, gut feelings, passion and dreams by being realistic and rational animal.
• Connect, convince and then convey to your customers/audience.
• It was so funny and interesting when Neil mentioned that “Indians are cheap”, funny, because no of folks are still in denial in cranky and stubborn way ,actually most of folks misunderstood the whole context and objective, rather thinking through rational, they took it more personal and emotional. It’s not like Indian being cheap ,frugal or stingy, it’s a matter of understating, both end were right in their own way , people who are saying , “we are not cheap” means they are saving for themselves and future generation, they are sacrificing lot of things ,working hard, and struggling just to give good lives to their children. On the other side, being cheap or frugal it’s a good thing. Look at the balance sheets of each individual in this worst economy , they have completely busted, just because of their foolish spending behavior , but only one group of people are still recession free and not completely affected by financial meltdown who have actually saved for their rainy days.
I believe having a balanced and blended life without compromising on the identity and values is the right way to go.
Good luck!
Wow, you definitely did read that post thoroughly!
Now it’s time for you to take what you learned and put it into action.
Hi Neil,
Great bio dude! Really found it very informational, I just recently have gone into a online business venture with a friend of mine and we could do with some help from someone that has the experience.
I am still fairly young and i have that same motivation that I DONT WANT TO WORK FOR SOMEONE ELSE! Im glad that there are people out there who I can relate to such as yourself! Appreciate it!
Thanks a mill!
There are a lot of people who don’t want to “work for someone”, but just remember, you need to still figure out a way to hold yourself accountable.
There were many things going on top of comment list, Neil..well the story of yours really encourage me to push even farther for better life.hats off to you for your examplary struggle and progress.
You are an icon!!
Thanks Praasan, I appreciate that a lot.
Hi i’m 18 years old i live in Romania i tried a lot of things on the internet but didnt had any success do you think i could find a mentor ?
I suggest looking for some events that happen around your area and look for people there as that usually works for a lot of people.
A mentor like you. I’m really at the point in my life where i see no future and i look for a mentor to teach me.
I’m sure that’s not true. Hit up some local events and prospect for some successful people you try and follow.
hye there,
great bio you have and i really encourage me to get going, i am from malaysia and already 4 years in internet marketing, i just 19 years old and based on the comment above i see you are very friendly to anyone who leave comment. That make return visitor to your blog.
Thanks! Always a pleasure too see a comment from a long time visitor.
I found your website looking for entrepreneurial type blogs – and I’ve just spend the last 3 hours reading your entries! It’s great content/advice you’re putting out here. At 25, ‘time is not on my side’ as you say in one of your articles – it’s time for me to get started indeed!
Wow, you probably read a good portion of the blog. Yep, no better time than now!
last night i just downloaded and install wordpress to start my first blog. I found a primary link ‘About’ , just flashed your blog. I have been reading your blogs since 2 months but never clicked ‘About’ link. Never thought of your life so inspirational. By daily visiting this site, I got a clear view of blogging now. I learned allot from your bio, just wanna to say Thanks.
lol, it’s always been there, but glad you found it.
Hi Neil,
Inspirational, motivational and fascinating story. Many Congrats on your successes. I loved reading your story and read it out aloud to both my teenage daughters.
Wish I could have a bit of entrepreneurial mindset like yours as I am very fond of doing something of my own.
To get the inspiration, I would be reading your blog regularly.
Warm regards,
Thanks Kavita, I appreciate it. You can have that mindset, like anything else though, it takes time.
Outsourcing a bussiness is one of the most dificult tasks I’ve ever faced
Yeah, outsourcing is a bit tricky, you’ll go through a lot of failures before you find the right one. You get what you pay for you know.
Hi Neil,
Your life story is inspirational. After my past business venture failures, I needed that motivational spark to remain focused on this new lighting niche I’ve so diligently tried to establish. Thank you.
No problem. I am glad my story helped. Best of luck!
Great Story. I did my first deal at age 21…built a hotel at an airport 1 month before 9/11…UGH! Learned the hard way. good days/ bad days as an entreprenuer, but you keep trying and you never know what roads you come to. Good luck.
Wow, that’s quite intense, sorry to hear that. At least your still pushing strong.
Dear Mr. Patel,
This is my second time of reading this article, I can see your sincerety and I found the information it contains is very helpful, especially for starters like me whole might invest loads of time and money down the wrong track. Thank you very much, please feel free to let me know where I can found more of your article.
Cheers!
Harry from China.
Thanks Harry from China. You can click the buttons on the very bottom to see some of the older posts.
Thanks very much for sharing your story. It’s inspiring to learn about such entrepreneurial people as yourself. Much appreciated.
Neil,
Reading your story reminds me of my past. I did almost everything you did in high school to make it including selling Lucas, CDs, raver beads, website design company, etc – all except a successful company. I even remember sneaking into networking mixers saying I’m a partner of X company so I looked bigger so medium sized businesses would buy from me.
My mother and father both tried their best to give me middle class and my father dropped a higher paying job to work for $12 at a university so I could get a college degree.
For some reason I have a entrepreneurial spirit, or at least that’s what I’ve been told. I’ve had so many ideas for internet start-ups that I didn’t follow through on because of lack of expertise (I was a proficient coder but there are plenty of database-driven programming I was never too fond of) and capital.
I got a degree so my mom would be happy, but I know that all I want to do was build internet companies. People in college or who work for big companies don’t see the big picture.
I work as a Marketing Manager and make a decent salary for a 25 year old in San Antonio, TX. All my money goes to pay developers, all of which would at any time would work for sweat equity – I still pay them because I know when I was in their position I would liked to be paid too.
I compared myself so much to similar aged people like Mark Zuckerberg and the like, but realized they came from a different background and had more connections to contacts and capital. I’ve failed at nearly 8 business in my short life, and every time I learn more and crave more. After reading your story, it soothes the heart to hear other people who started from nothing and made it out. The first thing I will do with my first successful company is buy a house for my parents to get out of their bad neighborhood.
I’m currently working on two internet startups – one is a Groupon-like concept with modified marketing and distribution, and the other is a industry-specific review aggregator site. I learned that not one of my companies can be based on eyeballs, it has to be revenue generating.
This comment wasn’t meant to turn into a lengthy post, or boast myself in anyway. I also didn’t want to use this avenue as a pitching soapbox. It’s just good to know there’s others like me. If you have a free moment, please contact me I’d appreciate if you could meet.
Wow Richard, I resonate a lot with what you said and done. At 21, I can say I seem to be walking the same path as you did when you were 21.
My dream is to also create Internet Companies, or rather techno-businesses. I’m luckier though, as I managed to get a scholarship to a good local college for a decent degree. I keep thinking studying is a waste of time (and yeah, most people around don’t understand why I think that way. Everyone just wants to become a robot for society).
I personally would love to have a chance to perhaps talk and maybe just share experiences and stories.
Cheers
Jeff
Glad to have you on board Jeff… the road is tough and long, but if you stick with it, you can make it.
Hey Neil,
I’m so glad I listened to Aaron Darko’s interview with you. You cam off as an awesome-incredibly-together-man with the way you articulated your responses. Pure awesomeness to hear so much about you so seriously, thank you for doing the interview.
I even took a page out of your book and wrote on a piece of paper, the words ‘HAVE LASER SHARP FOCUS’, right next to a couple other checks-and-measures messages I felt motivated to pin up.
In the last two days, I’ve noticed a change from my decision to emulate your example. I’m looking forward to the journey so thanks a lot dude.
My pleasure Josh, glad you found it useful.
Neil, Keep growing..
You are really a asuccessful entrepreneur. But the great thing is that you’ve got a great heart to share the whole thing to the world. It will relly help others.
Thanks Babu, It’s a pleasure to hear that you’re benefiting from this information.
What do you mean by Indians are cheap. You yourself having indian roots shouldnt be saying derogatory things about indians.
Indians are cheap because they just dont splurge money on anything and they have a “saving” word in their dictionary rather than spending all their income and going broke like …….
I sold a vacuum to an Indian couple (I was surprised because generally Indians are cheap).
Don’t be offended by it… Indians just happen to be stingy with their money. If I wasn’t Indian, then it might come across as derogatory.
hey neil,
very inspiring story. i came across this blog from a friend of mine, and basically dived right into the content. I’m a tech entrepreneur as well, with over 7 startups. Lost a ton of money on some of them too. I resonated with so much you were sharing in your story. Thank you for posting, look forward to reading more from now on.
Also would love to connect further, what channels are best to communicate? i’m on facebook and twitter and most social platforms. I think as like minds it would be great to bounce ideas, get advice, and basically share information and experiences.
Com Mirza
Thanks for sharing, sounds intense. You can fan me on facebook or email me neil @neilpatel.com.
I have been greatly inspired by your story and am building my company n l no l will succeed
I’m glad to hear! Let me know how it goes!
Great blog about the ups and downs of starting a business. When I was in high school, I sold rubber doctor gloves to the girls in biology right before we were going to dissect something. I’d buy a box of 100 gloves for around $2, and sell each pair for $2!
lol.. no way, I’m kinda surprised that the school didn’t already provide them.
Hi Neil,
Looks like no one have started online business with instant success. I regretted spending my hard earned money on some kind of SEO software whihc did not help at all.
With no limited funds, i just started to blog and hope me too can get a small piece of pie in future.
Hello Neil Patel,
Something,what ever it may be,made me read your article.
I was pleased & touched by your life experience !
You Are A True Patel . Your heart & soul are intact.
Keep it up, There is an answer to every question, as you know !
Kind regards:
Janak Patel
lol, thank you, always good to be a true patel
.
Hey Neil
i love u man……
U r just a case-study for me…
all crazyegg, kissmetrics, kissinsights.com r grate..
I don’t know if retargeter.com is yours or not…
but i love u man
lol… Thanks Pratik!
Hey Neil,
I feel truly inspired to have read your bio.
At the age of 21 myself, a lot of things you went through seems to be what I’m going through now (well, before the “Good Life” part which I’m working hard at).
I’ve struggled, and been struggling. Sometimes I compare my ‘entrepreneurship or startup ventures’ as gambling as I seem to throw money at it but with little to no returns. Sometimes I put in crazy amount of effort and nothing changes. It’s not only frustrating, it’s downright demoralizing.
I got into this whole entrepreneurship thing to of course, escape the 9-5 job life and to hopefully have a shot at being rich. A lot like you, I’m in a middle income family and ‘living the rich life’ is the goal I’m hoping I would one day achieve.
There’s many more I can share but this is definitely not the place of course. All I can say right now is I’m rather happy that I found your blog.
You’ve got yourself another avid reader!
To being successful!
Jeff Lam
PS: Your last line attracted me…you have a gift for attracting traffic to websites? Please tell me if there is any way I can request your services for getting traffic!
What type of services are you looking for exactly?
I’ve actually emailed you and you mention your background is mostly SEO..
Well, I was hoping for some advice on driving traffic and sales..but since your business is in SEO I highly doubt I can afford your SEO services! :p
I guess I’ll go check out your free advice on SEO and see what I can do about it
Jeff
What I have available on the site is powerful enough to get you results
Dear Neil,
Read your struggle story from start to end of the post realized that there is no substitute to hard work.
I’m glad you realized this
Neil,
I would love your opinion on this.
It seems like most of the startups these days are scalable and dont necessarily involve a physical prototype. My back ground is mechanical engineering and im a cofounder in a startup that is going through the prototype phase. From my limited experience, it seems like when it comes to physical prototypes, it not only takes time(like everything else), but it also takes a lot of upfront capital. Is it better at some point that I invest my time into learning design/coding etc that will reduce the overhead costs involved with creating a physical prototype or do what I know how?
P.S: I did read “Focus on what you’re good at, and nothing else! by Neil Patel on December 9, 2010″…so I might have just answered my own question.
Thanks,
Rustom.
You did.
Focus on what you know. Don’t try to learn things that you don’t know just to save costs. Instead try and find a designer and developer and get them to help you out for shares in your company.
Thanks for the response. Point taken.
Engineer by background, I know about modeling products/physical prototypes. That is exactly what I am working currently but I feel like creating physical prototypes as opposed to something scale-able is becoming outdated so to speak, and definitely requires more upfront capital, hence looking to switch my “skillset” into something more frequently required.
Russ.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be about just that or in that industry… you can probably go from there into a direction that makes more sense.
I feel luck also matters with hard work …Many people work hard . As you become big you get polished and firm and your confidence grows . So stop asking others how to get big in life and go to office and work as if you have to save your life drowning in a sea . You will definitely hit somewhere in life . Also it is not necessary you make money in what you love . If a person loves sweeping he is not going to make million dollars in it . Earning depends on what you do , where when how and with what . There are people who are a million times more educated and qualified then you Neil but they do not have a single penny to even dare to think of their ideas . No offense wish you great success . But every persons track is different . Also no one helps no one . You have to do everything in life by your own unless someone’s motive is attached no one will really help you . the J factor will jump in the pool
Certain niches can definitely yield you more money than others.
Hi Neil
Really surprising that an Indian has risen after a struggle
For me i just really dont give up easily and am into IM/AM for almost more than 2 years and not yet successful but yes trickle has started flowing and want to scale it up
You just got to stay persistent atul!
Hi Neal! I remember writing to you apx. 4 years ago or so regarding a specific financial venture and being pleasantly surprised to find that you were kind enough to reply to a nobody. Just checked back in with Quicksprout and am thrilled to see how well you’ve done. You’ll likely not remember me, but if you’ve a moment do drop me an email. I’m not going to leave any teasers like “you’ll be glad you did” but I just had a strong feeling about writing to you again. At very least, thanks for reading my comment, my respect to your parents and may you continue to be blessed.
I can’t say I remember, but maybe you can refresh my memory. Send me an email neil@neilpatel.com
Hi Neil,
First, I am impressed.
whats your take on that ?
Second, I am inspired.
Third, Wish You all the Success, All the way from Indonesia.
Last but not least, I think Indians are not cheap it is the sindhi’s that are mostly cheap
Cheers
I would say gujratis are more cheap lol
The thing which I loved the most is reading beautifully written articles I’ve not in my life read the full about page of any website or web log the about page seems to short it needs to be never ending because I loved to read about pages like these. Sun of inspirations.
Thing are hard to get in life and people are so desperate about money I don’t know why but when ever I ask a question to some one how much money you need in your life ? The answer always is Mmmm…………..!! I think the answer is Toooo muchhhh.
lol.. I think that’s the case for too many people know a days. It’s unfortunate.
Neil, First of all congrats for your success and the best thing i like is i hve read all 890 comments and you have replied or had commented on them. Its hard to find i would say impossible.
I work as an online marketing manager and want to start my own company I am in my mid 20′s I have been working for the past 2 years but always want to start my own business. That said the problem with me is I will think about something, I will read like how successful you are and go crazy over the entrepreneur feeling. I will think a lot (day n night) and I would be ok I wanna start the company which does online marketing. I will be enthu for a week or so and then everything goes down.
Problem: “I am like a water who boils for a minute but when the power is switched off” I am flat.
I have not figured out myself should I apply for new job or start my own firm. When I read something like this I wanna start my own company. Dont know how to solve this problem
Thanks for replying
You have to find something you are passionate about. If you do that and you truly are passionate (not just temporary passion), the water will keep on boiling.
Take a weekend, sit back, relax, and think about what you want to do in the long run. After you do that, then figure out if what you want to do is actually realistic.
Hi Neil Patel,
Good. Your intelligence, courage, perseverance and patience curiosity congratulations. I remember when I was your age, but it is so many dreams and the same properties. Life is like a big circle.I regret spending money some serious SEO software that does not help at all earned.
Yeah it happens… I’ve spent countless dollars and random stuff that was useless. I’ve been in your boat buddy
This was a touching story. After being redirected to Quicksprout from Onstartups, I find this blog very addictive. I have about 50 tabs open in my Chrome browser and reading through all of your posts.
Wow, that’s a lot of reading
Let me know if there’s any questions you have.
Your story is really inspiring man. You’ve managed to do so much in a such a young age, and the great part is, that your’e taking time to share it with others.
Might drop you a mail for advice sometime in the future.
I’m glad you’re inspired! Yes, feel welcomed to send me an email when ever you’d like.
Wow! I am really impress and your story has given me hope as I have been trying for such a long time to anchor a successful way in generating income from home sign up for so many website and to date have made nothing, but do I quit…oh no I press on and reading your story has inspired me. Thank you for sharing same!
Glad you found it to be inspiring
Neil,
I must say, it is by random circumstance I ran upon your site. I opened an account on crazy egg and not sure what it can do for my business. One thing is so sure……..everything you said. The SEO world is mind blowing. Local media outlets are coming to my office soliciting me for up to $500 a month to help boost my presents on Google. You have to do it your self or you loose. I was recently featured on Groupon and man did that create some buzz. I am just looking for the next big thing….. like maybe an app for my business. FYI, I play on FULLTILT.
How much exposure did you get from groupon?
Inspiring story! It’s terrific you want to use your gift to assist non-profits. Keep doing what you’re doing!
If you could describe yourself, what would you say you are? Entrepreneur? SEO guru? Future non-profit champion? Your own words?
All of the above
Hi Neil..
Yes you truly are an inspiring writer. I truly enjoyed reading your article.
Now more than ever, we are looking not only to survive but to flourish in this new business world. A lot has changed over the past years on how we do business. I work for a National Retail Organization as a District Manager and in many ways, I have evolved into an entrepreneur not by choice but because of the change in economic operating practices. I once thought that it would take a tremendous amount of risk in NYC to be anything like an entrepreneur but that’s not the case. It’s challenging yet rewarding to get outside of your comfort zone.
Thanks for helping to lead the way!
Patricia
It’s hard to get out of your “comfort zone” but that’s the only way you’ll grow both in your business and as an individual.
Hi Neil,
I enjoy reading your posts a lot – chiefly because I learn! It seems you’ve adopted a pretty cut-throat attitude toward what works and what doesn’t. No room for sentiment in the world of business I guess!
Thanks!
Pete
Yeah, there really isn’t. I just speak from experience.
I appreciate Neil for saying “Indians are cheap” because in reality, they are. I run a business in Houston and quite honestly, I don’t like to deal much with Indians. When an Indians want services done for them, they want to pay half the price if not for free. In my ten years in business dealing with all sort of people, Indians are the one people I do not like to work for. If some of you get offended, take a deep look at how you deal with other people when you request their help. When Indians are in charge, they want it all just for themselves.
lol, yeah I know I’m the same way
Hey Neil,
Thanks for following us @up_out. We’re a dorm room startup out of Boston about to launch in NYC. Our startup lets people find the awesome things to do in their city (a bit of a mashup between hypem, stumble and yelp). Anyway, I’m looking for some feedback from the pros and I’d be honored if you could give us some feedback on the site’s UI and functions.
Thanks in advanced,
Martin Shen
Send me an email neil@ neilpatel.com and I’ll try to take a look when I have some free time.
Hi Neil, thanks for inspiring us (me and the million people who followed your blog)! I agree that there’s no instant formula for success, but to take action and play your card right… and more importantly, hardwork.
Wish you success on all of your future endeavors.
cheers,
jualo
Thanks! Yes, success comes naturally and effortlessly through hard work and commitment.
Hi Neil,
The text above about you is pretty inspiring. It’s like standing up again and again after been put down.
I noticed one thing while reading the above text. Don’t you think that you are not stable?
I mean you are running after having a rich lifestyle and not the way(Path) to achieve it. You ran everywhere where you saw money.
Don’t you think that you could be as successful as today even if you were not a Marketing consultant. Like if you were a rock band guy or a lawyer or a doctor or someone else.
Because it’s not the way, it’s the rich lifestyle you need.
I don’t know what i said above, but it just came to my mind
Thanks for your nice posts. I am a regular follower of your blog.
Thanks Pradeep, always a pleasure to have my regular readers comment. I’m not sure where I’d be if I didn’t do what I did.
I’d rather focus on where I want to go from here though
Hey Neil,
So far so good! You seem to have a fire in your belly. I guess thats what makes entrepreneurs. I am about as the same age as you are and I have started my own clothing label about 5 months back. I worked in the corporate jungle for a year but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I too want to help people change lives and do myu bit for NGO’s and non profit organisations later in life. As of now my focus is my business which I want to grow in leaps and bounds. I dont have a website yet and I’m looking forward to having one soon. I am going to be going through your valuable inputs.
Cheers!
Well now’s the best time to start
Looking forward to what you come up with.
Neil,
Great story! Thanks for sharing this with the world. Do you think you were born an entrepreneur. In other words are entrepreneurs born or made?
Senith
No… I think I learned it from years and years of experience.
Neil, great story …I can relate to it as I am an immigrant myself and an Entrepreneur …just not as successful, yet!
Rand F (SEOMoz) mentioned about your Option Form which had a RSS Subscription combined …can you give me some pointers on that?
Keep up the good work, hope we can work together on some projects …for Mutually Profitable or Non-Profits…
Cheers, Rav
Here’s the best thing I ever learned.. don’t shoot to be successful in the future, be successful right now. Act as if it’s true.
Neil,
Highly inspiring story!!
I quit my job 4 months back in the entrepreneurial pursuit. Recent days saw myself thinking about a job… but your inspiring story has strengthened my resolve to move ahead with my venture!!
Thanks a ton!!
Glad to hear it Babu, I hope you find the success you’re looking for.
Some people just dream but some people just work hard to achieve their dreams. As I can see you are from those people who work hard to achieve their dreams. Keep the hard work buddy that’s the best investment you can make in your life.
Thanks Gon. I look forward to more of comments in the future.
I am so impressed that you had $5,000 to invest into your business before you were 18. We don’t hear stuff like that nowadays. As a 21 year old myself, I have never been able to save up that much money. Now that I have started my own website, I wish I knew how to be prepared like you. You are a great role model! What’s your saving strategy? Do you have any advice for new bloggers?
Well it’s never too late. My advice to you would be to stays consistent and persistent. You’ll go through a lot of shit while you’re taking off in your business, just push through it. Also, make sure you network like crazy.
Deeply appreciate your story man. Definitely an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs. Your fearlessness of risk sets an example for others looking to reach success.
Thanks Ankit, I hope you take action yourself and make it happen.
Hello Neil,
Am Joshu Thomas, from Cochin (A small town in Kerala, India). I feel that this blog made my day, i am taking home some new learning home from here (Not SEO, this time). Ive been here to QuickSprout many times, but never read the “About me” part.
Your writing shows a great character, Strong will. Iam wishing you all the success from my heart.
Way to go! Cheers!
Josh
I’m glad you were able to explore around
Great story. I plan for my site http://www.RedArme.com to reach the same level of success as yours. Thanks for sharing.
Cool, I hope you are able to do so!
Hi Neil
I am in accounts at the moment but am really looking to create a online home based business. Are there any businesses you recommend joining where i can become a master marketer..
Congrats on your succcess, i would really like to contribute to your non profit vision.
To your success
Aman
I don’t know of any particular field…
Hey Neil, it was really nice to hear bout ya and also to read all that comments buzzing on your page….. well I’m a 17 year old boy I just passed my 12th grade from haridwar and working as a web designer and graphic designer, I too wanna be like you an Entrepreneur with a multi million enterprise but here in India it sucks cause when I used to get freelance work I got $800-2000 per web site design but since I am in the local market I usually get $250-450 that’s not even half of my previous earnings but yeah there’s one thing which keep me going my goal of designing a 1000 web sites, I know that sounds crazy but will do anything for that have loads of time for that
Also one thing can ya tell me that is there a good way to get this work from the US? since no matter how much you love your work but there needs to be fulfillment of your financial needs too
…….
Well this is Aditya signing off and waiting to hear something from your side!!
You can always try websites like 99 designs as they allow you to bid on some relatively high income work. That or freelancing websites. Also, go to networking events as you definitely meet entrepreneurs who need your help
Hey Neil,
I know exactly how that entrepreneurial fire burns. I remember a definite moment when I knew that I want to (and believe I can if I commit myself) move mountains.
Keep up the blogging- I’ve been a reader for about a year now and it remains excellent- and I’d be really grateful if you’d check mine out too.
http://www.manatworkblog.com
Yeah, that’s definitely the feeling you get. Thanks, I definitely will.
Neil, very nice to meet you my name is Johnny and I operate http://www.johnzseoguide.com. I am new from a formal SEO standpoint (I operate 11 other websites). I am trying to maintain my courage and not talk myself out of it. Any advice for someone just starting out?
I am looking for ways to attract clients, one thought I had was to send prospects a copy of an SEO evaluation of their respective sites. I would love to know your thoughts.
Much Appreciated!
Johnny
That is a great idea. Offering an evaluation that is free, or costs very little, allows you to get your foot in the door and show the client your long term value. Good luck!
In one of yours quotation “I sold a vacuum to an Indian couple (I was surprised because generally Indians are cheap). But after a week reality kicked in and they returned the vacuum.”
Why do u thing that Indians are cheap? may be you had got that opinion by looking at few people. It’s up to you whether to change or not yours paradigm about this issue.
We Indians are always ready to contribute if you really provide qualitative products and sure in giving life to the needy.
When I say cheap, I say it in a positive context. Cheap meaning we understand the value of a product. I completely agree! When it comes to charity, and giving Indians are tops
Very inspiring..tx mate..GBU..
Thanks, glad you found it useful. Good luck!
good achievement ! but not final achievement , keep your hard work !
Thanks, the work never ends!
yeah it should never ends ! in-fact, me itself started from $100 to 5 figure/month in US$ within a year. But its only starting, and working continue !
Congrats, keep up the good work!
Wow! Your story is very inspiring
Just curious, how’s your love life?
Would you say you are happy and content right now at your stage in life or Would you say “could be better”
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!
Haha, thats quite a question. I like to keep those things private, I hope you understand
My favorite part of your story: The way you and your sis helped each other accomplish a goal or two. Praying my kids do the same for each other!
Yep, we happen to work well together. My sister is great!
Hi Neil,
Very inspiring life story! Neil, I have a lot of fear lately and wonder what you would do in my situation. I recently became disabled with a spinal disorder and went on SSDI. I can’t walk. The SSDI is not enough to live on, either. I want to build and run my own websites on Personal Development, but fear losing my SSDI before I’ve been able to make enough to live on and then some. They give you 9 months to prove yourself at about $800 month, then take away the SSDI. On the other hand, if you make NO money but can work at least 20 hours week, they will also take the money away. It’s called Substantial Gainful Activity. I’m afraid of being in the latter situation w/ my plans and then not being able to pay bills or buy food. Is there any way I guarantee success for myself under these rules? Thanks!
I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Honestly, I would seek consultation from an attorney or someone who is knowledgeable on the subject of Substantial Gainful Activity. I wish you all the best. I am sure things will work out just fine
Thank you so much for taking time out to address my concern. I think you’re a great person, and very intelligent and motivational..thanks again!
I appreciate the kind words. Happy to have been able to help.
Hi Neal
I am a brand new entrepreneur, I am giving it a shot. I worked as a pharmacist and was super super bored ! and my employers could see that. Then I interned at two charities -one for street children and one for women with breast cancer. Then I worked briefly at PR which I enjoyed more than anything but they let me go as I seemed restless doing the grunt work.
So now I have no choice but to work doggedly at my businesses. Like you I want to return back to the NGO environment.
Really inspiring to hear your story ! pls check out my tiny project http://www.nomoresadsingle.com, I think I will change the name !
Will keep reading your posts and keep me inspired
That’s awesome. This must be a very exciting time for you. Being an entrepreneur is very challenging, but like you said it is often more rewarding than seating inside a cubicle. Giving back is always the name of the game, I will definitely check out your project. Best of luck!
Hi,Neil
I am yoko from China.Maybe i am a first chinese to comment it.today i scan some web pages and i find your blog.this is so long article .but approximately i understand.
You have a rich experience in your life,that is so great.and recently i have an idea and wanna run business with my friend.but now it seems difficult for us ,cuz we have no enough money,we wanna look for invester.so do you have any advices about this.
Best wishes
Yoko,
I have people from far and wide seeking advice. I am glad you came upon my blog. I would say you should meet with investors that cater to the breadth, size, and needs of your business. I am not sure how investment opportunities work in China so I would say consult someone who has succeeded, and see how they met with investors. The success of others is always a good blueprint.
hi,neil
Have a nice day,thanks for replying my message and giving my advices,today my friend told me she will choose to work for company about one year,she thinks now she has no enough experience and well-connected .yes,i agree with her .so i am confused ,maybe now i need to accumulate experience and money.when everything is ready.you can start.but now i am uncertain
best regards
yoko
No problem, anytime. You definitely want to gather as much experience as you can as well as save.
Best of luck.
What should i say Mr. Neil – i worked for an MNC in India and resigned to start a New Company and from then on my journey started as an entrepreneur. I never thought in my life that i will be blogger. Since 6 months i working on a Newsportal and within no time readers number touched 3k. I m very much excited after going visiting this page. Hope you will continue to do the best in everything.
That’s great. You took the leap and became an entrepreneur. I am sure your following will exceed 5000 in the coming months. Just keep pumping out quality content!
You’re right. Money can’t bring you anything. But love or heart is the main factor in our life.
Good luck
That’s definitely true. Love is what drives us. Love for success, love for recognition, and love for our family.
Thanks
Hello Neil,
How are you doing? As you may have noticed from my name I am from Pakistan. Usually that means we would be great bif enemies- LOL- but in our case it could mean something that’ll let us be friends instead. I am currently in high school ans am soon going to be going to medical school, after becoming a doctor and getting some money(the less you loan the less you’ll pay) I wanted to start up some businesses in the medical field. I was hoping you could give me some advice for my future. THANKS!
Definitely! Haha, yes we are friends not enemies. I would love to help. neil@neilpatel.com
Hi Neil,
I’m quite intrigued with your story here. I can reflect some of the same struggles I’ve been through trying to build a couple of businesses in the past. This bio of yours is also encouraging me to not be lazy and write out my story instead of the bullet points I have up there (shame).
All the best,
Jackson
Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to you, keep up the good work.
Inspiring Niel. Congrats on your success thus far and your humility.
I recently started an SEO/Webmaster firm and funny enough, before reading your bio, am going to use it to fund some of my future ‘leveraged’ projects.
Any advice with the new start up you have would be appreciated.
Thanks, appreciate the kind words. Good luck with your new firm. The only advice I can give you is to work hard, pitch to great people, and network.
I dont think that all indian are cheap. Some of the indian that i know like Lakshmi Mittal spent a fortune for his daughter wedding and property in london. I do not think that i like cheap things. Anyway, it is a good things that you managed to be in the list of top 40 most successful young entrepreneur.
Cheap is a term I use to compliment others. I would say Mittal and others whom I consider “cheap” are wise with their money. He has enough money to spend a fortune on weddings, and property and still maintain his frugality.
I see. Mukesh and Lakshmi are like my hero to success. I want to meet them someday.I got to meet A.R rahman. Maybe next time, i got to MEET you. I like the fact that their are more indian become successful in abroad and domestic.For example,neil patel.LoL.Anyway,if you got time, visit my websites at http://www.theplanesite.net/. If you got time to spare for me,i hope that you could comment about my websites.I would not mind if you are hesitate to do it.I understand perfectly. Thanks.
Best of luck to you…
If you would like to send me your blog in an email to neil@neilpatel.com, I will take a look and give you my opinion on it.
Wow it sounds like you are doing great and have the same end goal in mind as me. Last year I started my own application development company and started making passive income a few months in. Now were looking for bigger ideas and working on our current projects. I realize the only way to gain experience is to just do it, but I was curious, what are your thoughts on the best way of learning SEO?
There are many ways to learn SEO. I say just go out there and read blogs. They provide up to date information on all of the happenings. My blog constantly has SEO tips and strategies.
Hi Neil,
What a pure joy to read your story of your upbringing, trials, wins and losses. I think the real reason you succeed and successfully court investment is because you are the “real deal” that people love to invest in. Whether it be clients or investors – you come across as a person with heart and conviction with no pretense. So refreshing.
Thank you for the kind words. I try to be honest and straight forward which is a huge factor in making something successful in the long run.
Hey Neil,
what advice could you give young people like me that would like to travel giving speeches too? I’m into business and have been for a while. As of a matter of a fact a lot of older people are surprised at my knowledge and vision, so if I was to travel I’d like to stick with business.
I would say to just expand your network, and keep understanding the community you are interested in speaking with. Also, if you have a startup or a small business I suggest marketing it to a larger audience via the web.
Hi Neil,
I found your blog through an interview you recently had done with under30ceo.com. And I must say, that your blog is filled with so much information that it’s like a gold mine for an entrepreneur like me. It’s only been two days and I’ve read more than half of your posts from present to past. I can relate with your childhood very much. I too have parents born from another country and my parents have shown me great work ethic. They’ve honestly came from nothing and now have a successful business that makes enough to support my sister and I. I’m currently a Junior in college and will be the first to graduate in my family. Your story is very inspiring and I can’t wait to read the rest of your blog posts. I also live in Seattle, WA and have been here all my life. I know you’re pretty busy, but it would be great for you to speak at my college which is also here in WA, so I’m sure it would be an easier trip than out of state. Keep up the GREAT writing and I hope my start-ups will be as successful as yours.
-Michael
Awesome, glad we could relate on a personal level. Best of luck to you and your startup. As for the speaking gigs email me at neil@neilpatel.com let’s see if we can figure something out.
I’m greatly inspired by your story.I must say you’ve officially become my business mentor.I know know how to go about developing my entrepreneur skills. More grease to your elbow & more success story to come.
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck!
Very inspirational about me page Neil. I’m glad you followed me on twitter, so I can learn more about you. You’ve had an amazing journey, and I’m happy to have found you. Thanks to you, I’m inspired to tell my story on my about me page. Thanks again
Reza
Awesome! Glad we connected. Looking forward to reading and learning about your story, good luck.
Thank you for your story. It really encouraged me. I was born in Guatemala and lived there for 8 years, during war and immense poverty. My brother and I would wander the streets hoping to find food, we would beg, steal find whatever we could to eat. Sometimes we ate dirt. We lived in shacks and in the dumps. I was in and out of orphanages. My mother did the best she could. Against her will we were taken a final time and adopted to the U.S. I do not not believe in adoption in the way it is happening now! Adoption is a 3 billion dollar corrupt industry and needs to be reformed. This year I was a sponser for a bill to legaslature and although it did not go to far, we will try again in 2013. There are amazing people in the world who are helping in trying to make adoptions more ethical. I was adopted twice not connecting to anyone or anything. I had my son Gabriel at 25 and b/c I had no where to go, I lived in a brainwashing religious mothers home, I was told it woud be better that I place my son for adoption, so they could make a sale. These agancies get paid millions off adoptions so they can persuade women like me who are vulnerable and scared. The public does not know that this happens at a horrific rate. It is not what I wanted, I could have raised my son but the emmense pressure, guilt and brainwashing proved to much. I wanted other options but at the point of birth the distruction and brainwashing from them was already done. I came to life when my son was born and died when I left the hospital without him. It was a few hours after the drugs from hospital had worn off that I realized what actually happened. I was hysterical. I called the agancey demanding my baby back. They laughed at me and told me to get over it and move on. It was to be an open adoption but just a few short weeks the family turned on me and lied and did not follow through with promises made. I started the legal process to get my son back. I called the lawyers from A-Z. Only one would help me, the rest laughed at me, told me I was stupid for trying and that I was fighting a losing battle. They make too much money off adoptions, why would they want to help. Even my first attorney told me to give up. I finally got an amazing wonderful appelant attorney and we went all the way to the Oregon Supreme court. I was denied once again. This was about a 5 year process. I am now in the process of tryng to see my son and am going to retain another attorney to re-open my case. What happened was wrong and a mother should not have to battle so much to be a mother and to see her son. I am writing this because your story of using your abilitities to make something of yourself amazed me. I feel I have that same spirit within, to never give up not just for my son but for myself as well. Although part of me feels dead inside another part wants to move forward to make my son proud and to make a great life for myself. I am out of debt and now just working and saving. I know that within me I have gifts and abilities to be amazing and create my own biz. and maybe more. My goal is to stop working for someone else by age 40. Although I am not sure exactaly how I will do that. Many people laugh at me when I tell them but oh well. I am 31 and hope that I can learn from people like you and others that are making their own paths and following their dreams. Thank you for sharing your story and your knowledge to help others. Janette Barcenas
Janette this is an amazing story. You are a very courageous woman. I hope people read your story and are as amazed as I am about the power of the human spirit. My story is nothing compared to yours. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, it really means a lot to me. Stay strong and know that you have people rooting for you
Its Amazing to Read your story, I’m of 16 from India and I’m currently Working on my blog (Part time) and A full time Student, I really got Inspired by your Story,
Best Regards Brother,
Shrey Tiwari
Shrey,
Good luck, keep working hard and the sky is the limit. I started around that age as well, and look at me now
Neil,
Nice name by the way. I’m 24 and looking to start a tech marketing service. I am by no means the developer type or the technical expert but I need to hire one. I’ve reached out to referrals that I’ve been given but they are all the billable ones that want premium dollar for the hour. Since I’m in bootstrap mode without the start up capital myself, I would like to attract a technical equity partner to my potential venture. Any ideas or suggestions on what may work to attract this resource? I’d appreciate any advice.
Neel Patel
Hey Neel,
By the way your name is spelled wrong. Jk
There are many resources out there. You may want to consider networking. On the top of my head I would say try Techstars. Aside from that just go out and hustle your product to anyone and everyone who will listen and seems legitimate.
Hi Neil,
I’ve just spent the last hour on this blog and am grateful for all the gems I’ve come across. Thanks for it all.
Incidentally, I agree whole-heartedly with the notion of love/joy being the key motivator of any successful product… once you’ve found it, you’re pretty much set!
Again, great blog. I’ll be visiting often, and promoting, of course.
Cheers,
KV
Thanks. Glad you find the blog useful. It’s definitely important to be enmeshed in your product. Love/Joy is essential!
Am inspired so much about your story and i really want to interact with you in any way possible, you’ve really challenged me.
Keep it up
Thanks for the kind words. I try to share my story in hopes that people can relate. Good luck!
Hi Mr. Neil,
Money was never created for giving happiness. Money can only create comfort, and comfort is not by any stretch of imagination equivalent to happiness. I believe that Happiness is a state of mind, but certainly without money or from lack of it, in a discomfort atmosphere one can be satisfied by not happy.
Anyhow, you concept of non-profit activities are well and good, but still the more profit one earns, the more non-profit things he can do in life. As I am an optimist, I am head strong that the future of every tech entrepreneur is as bright as SUN and so does yours and mine..
Thanks for sharing your story ….
All the best……
Regards,
K.Singh
Definitely, great points. I agree that those with more income, or means, should participate in giving back and working towards non-profit initiatives.
Neil,
I recently discovered that I want to be an entrepreneur. And like you, I eventually want to be able to help people in need (I’m a psychology major).
I currently have no idea where to even begin. I will start taking a few business classes next semester but I feel as though I just need to jump in, eat lunch with a few successful people and drill their intelligence, and fail my way forward.
Do you have any advice for figuring out exactly what I would like to do as far as starting up a business?
Before Mr. Neil could give his verdict on this, let me conclude what I believe true about entrepreneurship.
Well, doing a business is just like planting a tree. You have to sow the seed, water it, nurture it and then it will, return you the fruits of wealth and wisdom.
But, at this juncture of entrepreneurship, I don’t believe that doing a business is just like PLANTING A TREE. What I strongly belief is that doing a business means “PLANTING THE ENTIRE FOREST. And that too by other”
Although, I made a satisfactory amount of money, here in India but in no way my acts reflected the acts of an entrepreneur, unless and until, I realized the above stated concept.
Now, I can see myself playing with millions by 2015, and this is because I can see my future with absolute clarity.
And if you really want to understand the profound law of entrepreneurship, let me suggest you that no one, not even the GOD, can teach you anything.
I am afraid, as you said “I currently have no idea where to even begin”, so by this limitation of your ideology, I will suggest you to “GET IDEA”. And then work on your idea…
Lastly, sorry to say, that none of us can give you any idea about developing potential ideas…
But the good news is that once you get the IDEA, we can help you to move further, on your idea at the speed of light…
Thank you
K.Singh
Thanks for the help K.Singh,
TJ, Singh is right while I can share my experiences with you and show you what I have done to succeed it is by no means a blueprint for your success. All you can really do is work hard, connect with the right people, and utilize all the tools I have mentioned. Also, you need to figure out what you want to do in business. I can suggest some ideas but ultimately you have to do something you have a passion for. Don’t do it for the money, prestige, or perks…do it because you truly believe in your product. It seems like you are on the right path though
Hey Neil, that is indeed a great achievement buddy. You are just one year older than me and I’m ashamed…..Cheers!
Don’t be ashamed! That only means you are 27 years young, most people don’t hit their peak until they are 50. You have quite a ways to go, I am rooting for you. Good luck!
Thanks Neil! You born in 1985 and I in 1986, how come I became 27 yrs old! haha…When you have plans of visiting India?
Neil I’m an SEO for 4 years, things are getting tougher every day as Google goes into a lot of changes in their search results in a daily basis LOL. I should really appreciate the hard part you put in creating both CrazyEgg and KissMetrics. They are very simple and precise. By going through your “about me” page, what I really got was a quote from Bill Gates “I wanted both money and fame around me”
You must have been born before 1985 then haha. SEO is definitely getting a little tougher, but by keeping yourself ahead of the game you can achieve great success. Good Luck. As for India, no plans in the works…yet
Thanks Neil. Let me know when you visit
Anytime, will do.
Really Inspirer, you are really very multi-tasking. You have really proved that nothing is impossible, if you have passion and willing to work, you can archive any goal. I hope i can also clear some milestone that you have clear at the age of just playing.
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck on your future endeavors
Hi Neil,
I am web designer, I have regular job. and working on Liferay (Java Based CMS/ECM) front end.
Need to earn more other than job. and I think I have two options go for regular web design freelance or stick to liferay ui, so I have advantage once liferay will be so mature.
I have created two themes for liferay and got good response, in download.
Which option will be better , and how can I earn in this specific themeing?
I can’t help you out here Wazim, I honestly cannot predict the future. I think you should do a cost benefit analysis and go from there. Good luck!
Thanks for responce.
Yep, I hope what I suggested helped.
An impressive Bio, you really inspired me Neil– wish you a more Good Luck and Hopefully future will bring some more Good things for you.
Thanks! Likewise!
Thanks for sharing your story, I feel inspired!
My readers inspire me everyday with their feedback and shared experiences.
Really Inspiring article.. I’m on the same track seeking ideas to do something with the new cloud computing . I don’t wish to work under anybody. Thanks for sharing dude!
Hope it all works out for you, best of luck
Thanks Neil!!!!!!!!! For sharing your past, experience, achievements & GOAL. Its really impressive & inspiring. I love reading biographies and if it like yours then i can truly compare your story with Mr. Warren Buffett. Today i spend about 2 hrs on your about me page because generally i dont spend more than half an hour. You would really be a successful entreprenuer (like Bill Gates, Warren Bechtel, Warren Buffet) in your future from whom many of us take lesson and inpiration for our goal. You have had almost all types of work in your tender age to earn money that makes you a multitasker. And i believe that a multitasker can be a successful.
Congratulations for till today!!!!!!!!!!!!!
& Best Wishes for future !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the kind words. I really believe with hard work and a perseverance anything is possible. I am sure you are on the same path, keep up the good work and good luck!
Thanks for your reply Neil.
Your welcome.
Hello,
Your story is such an inspiration! I also started working at the tender age of 15, I’m sure it has something to do with the entrepreneurial blood, my family also had multiple businesses.
I have been looking into philanthropy and love it! You can bring so much needed knowledge, that the non-profit sector has been missing to facilitate growth!
All the best of luck to you!
Thanks, working with non-profits is great. I find that philanthropic organizations need entrepreneurial minded individuals to grow their business. There is a bright future for philanthropy because of the growth of entrepreneurs.
Great post, very motivating. BUT i dont agree with that “Indians are cheap” the last time i heard, only PATEL gujaratis were.
I love your work
That’s true us gujus love saving money for that rainy day. Thanks for reading
Neil That’s inspiring Story. I have read something about naukari.com founder have something like this, he also chased his dream about 10 years.
Really, I’ll have to read about it. Sounds interesting.
Thumbs UP Neil, I am still 21 and I want to be a very successful entrepreneur in the future. I just started a whole sale and a stationery shop and management is not going to well because I just realized I am not passionate about both businesses. I need some motivation to help me focus on the future. Good luck….
I would suggest not spreading yourself too thin with multiple businesses. Focus on one you want to grow and go from there. As that one succeeds you can then focus on others.
Good going! I used to drive a limo until I picked up this CEO of a company in midtown Manhattan who hired me while I drove him to his house. 2 years and 4 months down I am at the highest level I can be in his company. Where do I send you my resume?
Hey, that’s a great success story! Doesn’t seem like you need to send your resume anymore, looks you made it
Inspiring story! My wife and I are trying to put together our own online start-up that we expect, once launched will make at least $2m year within 5 years. We are both from Africa – Uganda. Our passion is social entrepreneurship and non-profit and I am glad to hear you will be taking that route. We are starting a social venture whose target is to benefit at least 5 million farmers in Sub Saharan Africa by 2020 – and increase farmers revenue threefold within 2 years and tenfold within 5 t0 7 years. We will be looking for social entrepreneurs who will invest in this.
Awesome. Much of my family once lived in Uganda prior to the rule of Idi Amin. Nam Nagani ndugu
Good luck with your venture.
the more you give, the more you earn! and Neil you are a good role model for this.
Greatings from istanbul
Thanks! appreciate the read..
No doubt you will achieve your goals in life! Quite an inspiration for anyone wanting to accomplish something meaningful with their lives.
I think everyone can do anything they put their mind to, as long as they work hard and network with great people. Thanks for the kind words!
Hi, That was really impressive to read such cool experiments you did with your life. Actually I was looking for some one who can teach me SEO and Internet Marketing tips. But now I Want to learn it by myself, would you please guide me or let me know some important stuff and resources regarding SEO ??Thanks!
Will do! Email me and I will refer you to the right people. Thanks for reading
Neil your story has been one of the most inspiring stories i have ever heard…thnx for sharing it with the world..
hope you don’t mind,but only thing that i didn’t liked is you used the sentence “Indians are cheap”.
Regards..
I meant cheap in the most flattering way
I am so much amazed in web marketing when someone said that he didn’t know you
Haha, thanks!
Hey Neil,
WOW, your bio not only was an amazing read but it absolutly inspired and motivated me!. I am sure you get this all the time.
Neil I am currently in the startup phases of my Internet Marketing Agency (Focusing more on SEO Content Promotion/Linkbuilding services to businesses and Agencies), and I plan on taking that agency income and investing it in a software idea.
So I feel like I am in the same boat as you were when you were just starting you agency, my question is what would you suggest to someone like myself who is trying to grow his SEO agency from ground up? How did you generate clients, and what books, or sources would you recommend I should be reading up on to grow my agency?
Thanks
I think you should definitely check out all of the major seo blogs, and search engine journals then implement what you read.
hello Mr Neil, i’m so impressed with your whole journey… wish u loads of success in the coming years. Am 22 and wish to start a business of my own, where you don’t have to invest a lot… can u help please??? thanks in advance… keep rocking!!!
I would suggest finding something you love and running with it, good luck!
Dear neil
you are really amazing.i am relly impressed.what you have done in you your short career.I am very inspired you quick ability to switch one job to other. at the end your urge to become enterprenuer.
I am inspired because i want to be sucessful enterprenuer.
REALLY FANTASTIC.
Thanks for the kind words. Good luck to you!
Hi Neil,
Really Inspiring. I am 22, Engineering Student and have formed two Internet Companies till now. Started working at 17 as a SEO, and then switched to Web Development & Apps.
I have always built Sites for Clients(Read as:Other people), But never thought of making money online through my portal. I am working on Interesting startup ideas. Hope to become the Next Dot Com Mogul.
Wanted to ask you, How important is Education, and how difficult is to make Indian Parents Understand that you are not wasting Time online – But actually doing something productive like chaning the world
Education is important up to a certain point. It’s tough making any parent happy until you show them ROI. It’s vital to show them you are working hard at what you love.
I totally agree with you but I still think India is not the place for breeding student entrepreneurs. The Silicon Culture does not work here. Everyone is running behind Campus Placements. India is producing IT Slaves to get the outsourced work done. We need more hackathons, boot camps which fosters more interaction between the Big Fishes & students.
You make some good points. Hopefully things will turn around in the future. Thanks for string your thoughts.
Your story is very inspiring and I do believe in hard work and passion.
Great, that is all you really need to succeed. As well as dedication!
neil you realy inspires young minds,im one of them bbut currently have million dreams guide me through.im texting from kenya
Nice to hear from you ndugu. My dad was actually brought up in Uganda. Keep working hard, you will succeed.
Beautiful. Well done.
I like how you kept going post-making it. Something I am trying to overcome.
Keep at it, Good luck!
Hey Neil,
In 2009 you wrote an article on how to get venture capital. You mentioned that a business plan was “bullshit”. What do you think today, do you think that mobile app companies should make a business plan for thier app that they want to get funding for so that they can fund more features of the project?
Or does a simple powerpoint presentation with a few key points pretty much do it for investors?
PS. Love your blog, been reading since 2009!
Thanks, great question Lisa. I think a business plan is always essential, anyone can throw together a PPT. It’s very important to let investors know you mean business. Of course you can always supplement your business plan with a PPT presentation
What an inspiring story! Just out of curiosity, do you pretty much work all the time, round the clock? I’m an entrepreneur myself, and it seems like I never have any free time, not on weekends, either. But then…. who needs free time.
I work 7 days a week, so yes and no. I ensure I spend time with friends, so it’ not that bad. But yes, who needs free time when you are attempting to scale.
im a also a student in thrd year enginrng , wat i can do to find out my talent
Find your passion and go with it!
hey congrats buddy….
you a high roller now.but temme how it feels when people force you to tell/talk/behave like indian but in genuine you a person who”s just only by blood ancestrally are indian you never been in india you born in UK and livig in US.
my question is how it feel to answer someone whos expecting you to answer in some common way.i think you dont even know hindi??
i am not blaming something on you its just an open question…
we all know you are most successful here person whos visiting this page…you making big…
do you pretend what others demand or you just say it all.???
i am also confused while asking this question,i hope you got what i am asking
I don’t quite get what you are saying. I am no less Indian than any other Indian person on this planet. I speak Gujurati, and I understand Hindi if that answers your question.
Neil – this is REALLY old, but no less inspiring to read. I LOVE KISSMetrics, and all the work your team puts in (Kristi Hines’ posts probably some of the best reading in my recent history, she’s plugging KM time and again and I can’t get enough of the data…).
Great story you have here – and I can’t relate to the $100M company, but sure can resonate with the entrepreneur’s drive. Well done!
Thanks, really appreciate the kind words. We will keep working to provide quality service. Good luck !
Hello Neil. I found your blog and it seems to have valuable content and it’s a great resource for someone who is trying to start living The Dot Com Lifestyle. I’m 28 and I’m from Portugal. I’m an hairstylist and Image Consultant and now I want to share my knowledge and my experience creating a web blog that really help people. I think the beauty world and the personal image it’s a great content and people are starting to perceive this is such an important aspect of their lives. First impressions really count. Blogging and Internet Marketing it’s not easy for me but I’m doing my research and I’m doing my journey. I really want to monetize my blog because I don’t want to live the life I’m living now. I don’t have quality of life. I work so many hours and earn nothing compared with the ours I work.
Sorry if there’s any mistake (my english it’s not perfect)
Can you give me any personal advice Neil?
Hope I ear from you.
Thanks for your great content.
Andreia, I can definitely provide some help and assistance. I will get in contact with you and we can see what we can do.
Thanks
Neil, thank you for sharing your quest – truly inspiring. Always be learning, implementing and testing
Oh & I prefer KISSMetrcis > 4Q
Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words
Very interesting and inspiring, thank you Neil
I have been trying to run my own business in tech area since I was a teenager, and am still trying
Keep up the hard work then!
Best of luck.
HI SIR i am so much inspired abt ur work .i had started a reseller web hosing site give me tips .that ur money losted in that domain bussiness initially .tell me what i dont do .tthnk u for ur feed back of quicksprout iam from india prakasam dt ap ongole CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST OF LUCK
Thanks, best of luck to you too
Wow !!! where was I ?
i came across your site while i was researching for some SEO related stuff and was reading on Social Media and SEO.
As i was taking up the trial offer for kissmetrics i was wondering maybe i can read up a bit about u and Wow dude ,, am impressed.
well . so i do a little bit of IM for the website i listed so that it takes its message of hope and peace to as many as possible. thats the only aim. you know , like ; it can stop a lot of heartache and stuff like that for teens and youngsters.
hopefully your posts will help me understand how to go about it and the site will grab a lot of eyeballs around the world.
and if you have anything for non profits do keep us posted i wud be glad to be a part of it and learn from you.
Cheers Neil
Very interesting “about me” page. I am definitely inspired to go and achieve more.
Glad I could encourage you in a positive way. Good luck!
“I was surprised because generally Indians are cheap”, what you want to prove by giving such statement?
I wasn’t trying to prove anything. I am India and I am “cheap,” I find it to be a positive thing. I am careful with my money and I know many Indians that are similar.
Hello Neil,
Someone tweeted one of your latest business blogs and that is how i stumbled on your website.
What an inspiration you are, enjoyed reading every bit of this post and would def browse through your site some more. This page kept me glued in, yet I should be sleeping already ahead of my first 1/2 marathon run in a few hours, but this post was addictive to finish reading.
I am a fresh budding Entrepreneur in Online Network Marketing and looking for more online business opportunities, and definitely love your business blogs and the fact that you became business savvy at such a young age. You inspire both the young and old and kudos for the good work.
You could call me dada (feminine) and not ndugu (masculine) as I hail from Kenya
Good luck Neil and great connecting with you!
Hello Dada,
Glad you were able to find my blog and to hear you enjoyed it.
I am happy to be of inspiration to you. Wow, a half marathon is a lot of work. I hope you staying up didn’t affect it.
Hope it was helpful to you are your work. I appreciate the kind words.
And Have you ever been to India?
or you have any plans in future?
Definitely on my to do list,
Unfortunately I haven’t been there yet. However I plan on going once I find time in my schedule for it.
Hi Neil, very interesting. I just moved down from NY to Mumbai, India, after a small stint there, first as student and then as a person working for someone else. With the same reason of doing something of my own and not to work for someone else, I moved back to India to pursue it after long 5 years. Your story is inspiring and keeps me motivated. Thanks!
Best wishes to you and please keep posting.
Kunal
That is interesting.
Glad to hear you are making the most out of your life and pursuing your goals along the way.
I’m glad to have helped.
Best of luck.
Hello Neil,
I read all your bio and its more than just inspiring! I get all your business tips through my email often and i always read them! I wish there were more men like you in this world. You come across as so honest,humble, determined and focused. I run a day spa and boutique and running any sort of business is very challenging yet alone the sector that you are very successful.
I wish you the very best of luck, wealth and happiness with your life
Regards
Nadia
Glad you do. I try my hardest to do what makes me happy and what is best for me and the people I care about. Thank you, I really appreciate it.
All the best.
“I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.”
I do too. Thanks, glad you like it.
Good site! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
Yep that should do it. Let me know if it doesn’t.
Hi Niel
Nice to know about you. I am living in Sunnyvale, CA. I would like to share some business ideas with you. Send me mail to nakrishnan@att.net or nakrishnan@strategiYes.com
Regards
Anantha
Okay, I’ll send you one shortly.
Very inspirational story. The best part is, you shared each and every part of of your Entrepreneurial venture-Ups and Downs.
I have a question.
For your current internet business do you get help from Virtual Assistants OR have employees?
Thanks, I do get help from my wonderful employees!
Thanks so much putting together this weblog. It’s packed with fantastic information and facts. This 1 is going into my bookmarks.
No problem, thanks. I hope to hear from you again then.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for sharing your story. Your name sounds familiar. Have you run any affiliate marketing websites in the past? I think we may have crossed paths at one time.
Take care – continued success.
Certainly,
Hum that’s interesting. It is possible, maybe we have. Thanks, same to you.
Hi Neil, I’m 21 and live in New Zealand, I’m envious on how much you have achieved at such a young age but i’m also happy for you! You remind me, of me! but without the succsess
I’m always trying to find new ideas and start ups that hopefully could be the golden egg. Just as I was losing focus I stumbled onto your page and the inspiration was like a drug that got injected into my soul! If I ever do make it one day I’ll be writting my own blog citeing & thanking you!
Good on ya mate.
That would be great, I hope you do make it.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
You are more then welcome to come and go whenever you like. Glad to hear you are back more frequently though. I try and update my site with at least two post a week.
Your life story is so inspiring bro for me……….
Thank you, I hope you can learn a thing or two that I have over the years.
Great i really liked the way you were bought up. My story was almost similar but my parents were into a different field and my dad being the same like yours being satisfied with an average income and my mom being aggressive about having a better life style we share the same month and year and week of birth day.
It was tough at times but it made me a better person today. Interesting, I am guessing you two are very similar then.
What an inspirational journey you have had so far and i am sure world can expect great things coming from you in future as well. I like your way of writing.
Best!
I’m glad you think so. I do hope I can make the most of my life. Thank you.
Same to you.
Hi Neil,
That was really impressive to read such cool experiments you did with your life. You have totally inspired me. You are really a role model.
Actually I am willing to learn Internet Marketing and SEO stuff. Would you please guide me or let me know some important stuff and resources regarding SEO ??Thanks!
Would really appreciate your valuable guidance.
Thanks, nice of you to say. Check out this beginners guide to SEO http://www.seomoz.org/beginners-guide-to-seo.
Hi
Its fascinating to see how many times you actually failed and had to re-think what you were offering
Please do share how you managed to keep an open mind and not loose faith?
I have this saying, “It is what it is.” If it has happened and there is nothing you can do to change it then the only thing to do is move forward and try you luck with the next endeavor.
I simply want to mention I am just very new to weblog and seriously loved this website. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You certainly have superb well written articles. Appreciate it for sharing your website.
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on it.
I will definitely recommend this to my friends
Great, I hope they enjoy it.
I am really inspired by your words and life style. Will surely make some important changes in my life too as per your experience.
Thanks, happy to hear it. I hope those changes are ones you want to make. It never works out to try and change who you are for others, if it is not what you want.
Totally off-topic but ever thought about marriage or family life?
Not really…
I was a Techie by profession and has passion to contribute something useful on the internet. so, started a technology portal like Comparisons, Tool Evaluation, Reviews recently.
Can you please give your suggestions for the site to make it more useful
If you send me an email to neil@neilpatel.com with any specific questions I will do my best to answer them for you.
how does one contact you for further info Neil?
Thanks Nandita
If you have something you wish to discuss with me, the best way to reach me is through email, neil@neilpatel.com.
Neil, your blog is no doubt in my “Favorite Blogs I Love” bookmarks. The content is original, inspiring, and fresh each week. I hate seeing blogs that are “echos” and do not have a “voice” as yours. It’s truly awesome! Keep hustling!
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it. I will, as for you keep reading!
Neil, really awesome work so far and i wish you all the good luck for your future endeavors. You did inspire me to stick to what i am doing and make it a success!
Thanks for sharing your experience…and keep posting in your blog, you got 1 more frequent visitor in me today! – Take Care…Gaurav
Thanks Gaurav, I really appreciate the kind words. I am glad to hear I was able to inspire you and am happy to have you for a reader.
To start earning money with your blog, initially use Google Adsense but gradually as your traffic increases, keep adding more and more money making programs to your site.
Interesting, thanks for your advice.
Great job Neil !!!!!!
Can you give me some idea how do you manage time because I see you have given your thoughtful opinion to almost every comment even when you are busy with your ventures. Great work brother. BEST OF LUCK………………………….
Thank you, I try and get to all my readers comments but sometimes it can take a while because of all my other work. Time management can be tricky, I get up early every morning and work until I head to bed. If there is too much for you to handle try hiring some help, like an assistant.
first thing :
it took minutes to scroll down to just write a comment !!
second thing : its really surprising to see u r reply’s for each comment — makes me belive that really want to inspire people.
third : …. i got solution to my problem while i was about to ask for a suggestion !! anyway thanks !!
farewell !!
Hahaha yep, quite a bit of comments. I try to get to most of them because I want to encourage as many of my readers to share and asks questions because it is all about networking and helping. I am glad you were able to have your question answered and if you have any more fell free to come back and ask.
At this time it looks like Drupal is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
No, I used Wordpress.
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and about your life.It will help me lot on my daily work. Good work
No problem, I hope it does. Thank you, let me know if it helps.
I think buddy you are not an Indian may be Pakistani (that too a Muslim). You are really ashamed of your both Pakistani and especially Muslim Identity, so you are calling yourself an Indian.
An Indian or of Indian heritage (even who is born and brought up in USA or Europe) will never say Indians are cheap.
Please let me know if I am right or wrong. Email me
I actually am Indian. I am sorry if you feel I was being offensive that was not my intention. I know my family was extremely and many other Indian families I knew. That is what I meant by “cheap,” perhaps I should have worded it differently.
I am astonished by your passion,enery and perseverance. Your story has made my day
Thank you, happy to hear you enjoyed it.
Hi Neil,
I’m contacting from MOO and wanted to make a quick inquiry about the site. Any chance you drop me an email?
Love the blog, look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks, Dan.
Sure, shoot me an email over to neil@neilpatel.com.
Your story is very inspiration-love how you incorporated your family/parents. Similar to mine. I look forward to reading on about your experiences & learning from them. Cheers!
Thank you, I hope you can learn a thing or two from my experiences.
Hi.. you really inspire me! Wow! I am currently 24, have just completed my diploma in mass communication. Did lots of sales jobs previously. And trying my best to make it. Your story have made believe!
So glad to hear it. Anything is possible with hard work and some creativity.
Best of luck!
Neil, I just got to read your bio. I should say I liked your bio. You were in search of something very big right at a very young age.
P.S: I am a person who enjoys reading comments to see how people look at things, but your comments section makes no sense as people are more focused on the “cheap” thing than other crucial aspects of the bio. That one sentence is killing the spirit of the entire reading and comments. You should consider deleting/modifying it.
Good Luck my friend!
Yes, it has seem to draw a lot of attention away from the rest of the article. Thanks for your suggestion.
Your story is inspiring. I really enjoyed reading it. We share a common goal.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. I hope you reach your goal because I am going for mine.
Well, Neil, my name is Keith Yoder and I am a young teen like yourself who lives in Buena Park California. I go to a school right down the street from yours, Oxford Academy, and with a business oriented mind, I stumbled upon your blog researching careers I might love when I get older. When I was younger, I used to have so many great ideas…. but with high school and extra-curriculars I feel like my ability to be an entreprenuer is a short-lived dream I may never get to experience again…. All I know, like you said, is that I want to live comfortably and not have to struggle like my parents do to raise me in a middle-class lifestyle…I know I can do better than that but dont feel like I have the resources to start my dream now…. maybe you can help? Thanks, Keith.
If you need advice on something specifically I will be more then happy to try and help. First though, you have to figure out what it is you want to do. What is your passion and what direction to you want to take. Once you decide what you want start taking the steps towards it by reading up and studying as much as you can about it. I can help give you advice along the way but it is up to you to figure out what you want to do.
Neil, your sincerity and character shine through in this brief auto-bio. Your advice, “You don’t have to be rich to be happy”, is as simple as it gets yet is as profound as it can be.
You’re a wonderful human being, and I wish you all the best as you journey further through life.
Btw, I’m sorry, but I have a couple of suggestions:
1. “…I was surround by entrepreneurs” can be better written as “…I was surrounded by entrepreneurs” (2nd paragraph)
2. “Reoccurring Income” is fine, but “Recurring Income” may be better
~Oscar
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you as well for your suggestions. I will see about fixing them.
What an amazing Bio Mr Neil. For sure, you gave me inspiration. I read many times your bio on this site & the 1st time was some yeas ago. I have own my SEO, Social Media etc company from 2010 and i hope to succeed it !!
Thanks again.
Happy to hear you found it inspirational. I hope you succeed as well!
Good luck.
I came across your quicksprout site looking for inexpensive ways to market my new skin care studio. Lots of great suggestions! Your story is inspirational -thank you for sharing!
Great, happy I could be of help. I hope that they work out for you. Thanks, glad you think so.
Hi Neil, That’s a very inspiring story. Thanks for sharing. I have created an SEO-startup myself and hope to make it work. Looking forward to more great content from you.
Thanks, no problem. Good to know it was inspirational for you. Cool, I will do my best to provide you with more of it.:)
Best of luck.
Used crazy egg and tried my hand at kissmetrics to a certain extent. Both are amazing!! they work wonders when it comes to usability of a website..Thanks a lot.
That is great, thanks. Glad you found them useful. I appreciate your supportive words.
Love that hustle Neil!
Your achievements and wisdom are inspiring, and at the same time, a bit intimidating. Thanks for setting the benchmark!
LoL, it is all about the hustle.
Thank you, I am happy to hear that I can be of inspiration to you.
Very inspiring. I wish you well in all that you do I am more than twice your age yet have achieved half as much as you. Your parents must be very proud. I would be if you were my son.
Thank you neil.
Lee gold
Thank you very much, I appreciate the kind words.
Hi Neil,
Inspiring story Neil. I’m reading a lot of posts and it helps me looking different at problems.
Thank you!
Thanks for reading Quick Sprout Thomas. It’s people like you who help make a great community.
Wow Neil, this really inspires and motivate me. Thank you very much for sharing. I am hoping that I could also have your mindset. hehhee…
- Felix
You can. It just takes time and years of hard work.
Hi Neil,
I’m a long time reader of your blog and always come away having learned something valuable, so thank you for that.
I didn’t know all of the details on how you really got started until reading this page and I’m learning a lot just by your responses ot the folks who have left comments. Would like to read more, but with so many I’d be here all night!
I came across one of your responses that mentioned something to the effect of ‘if you’re not making money at your business then what’s the point in having it’. That’s something that always hits me- I never want my business to be just a hobby- I’m passionate about what I do, but need to steadily grow it to a point where it creates a financially supportive lifestyle for myself and my family. At what point do you stop if this doesn’t happen? Growth is the biggest challenge (i.e. developing new products, finding great help, getting investors and actually implementing new ideas).
Any thoughts?
thanks in advance…
I usually only give a business a year or two before I quit if I can’t figure out how to make it grow financially. For you it could be shorter or longer… it just varies for each business.
Hey Neil,
Went through what you have written on how your life has been till now. It is amazing that at such a young age you’ve managed to accomplish some huge goals…and yes as you say “you have many more start-ups in you”, you would be able to fulfill the dream before you hang your shoes…All the best for your future endeavors.
Thanks! I feel like I have been doing this for a long time now. :/
You remind me quote of shawshank redemption – Some birds aren’t meant to be caged, their feathers are just too bright…
You helped me in many concepts and gave me examples of highly magnetic & motivational articles about marketing and online business. Thank you very much for that.
I hope one day, I also can share my success like you, I also can achieve my burning desire and have peace of mind and never ending happiness like you…
You can do well. Just keep at it and never give up. Sooner or later you’ll have a venture that takes off.
Thanks Neil, Your support to each and everyone is really appreciated…. This thing is lagging in many experts but that’s not with you..!!
Regards,
Nirav Dave
Thank you Nirav, I appreciate your kind words.
Best of luck.
Hi Neil,
Great story! I have recently discovered a true passion for entrepreneurship and I found your site having begun my research into this fascinating world! Please could you help me with a dilemma? I will outline the key points …
I am currently studying for a degree at university.
Having lead one of our student societies (as president) and created a RIDICULOUSLY massive success out of it, I have discovered that I have a true talent for entrepreneurship; – Leadership, – Innovative thinking, – Ability to sell ideas extremely well, – general sales and marketing, – Vision, and so on. (Given your background I think you are beginning to see certain patterns you can relate to!)
(Note: There are examples other than the society – I am not resting my dreams on one experience!)
Not only this, but I have also become extremely driven, motivated and hard working – like yourself. So it seems that I have the three things critical to success as an entrepreneur: Desire, Talent, and Drive.
However, I am faced with a torturous question!!! Do I leave university and get into the world of business, or do I carry out the next three years spending huge quantities of time and effort on a degree that may not ever be useful to me? OR, do I physically stay at university but switch my focus and attention towards a number of entrepreneurial activities – which is clearly possible in this fertile environment!? ??
Thanks for having a read through Neil! A final note is that I don’t want you to feel pressurised by my question, so any advice you provide will be taken lightly, but very warmly!!
Also, where are you now? I hope your dreams are edging their way ever closer…
All the best,
Ridley
I wish I could answer your question but it is different for each person. You will have to figure out what is right for you.
Another option is that you do both…
I currently am living in Seattle.
Hi. I once upon a time stumbled on your name on http://www.inc.com what amazed me was your age and determination. You are a handful. Lol. I see myself as a non-successful Enterprenuer. But I do believe, where there is a ‘will and a hunger’, there is also a way.
I was encouraged to see that even through your successes. You had a number of challenges that held u back for a moment, but you bounced back up with a zeal and a better idea than the initial.
I see much encouragement in the challenges people face but bounce out of them! Those challenges are what strengthen ones business mind and nerve.
Someday, perhaps you shall read about me too like the Great Neil Patel who influenced .. A Change .. To his time.
Hopefully I will read about you some day.
Thanks for telling me how you first heard about me. I totally forgot about my press in Inc.
This is my first ever day to open this site, all I feel is charming. Moreover after read all of your life story line by line, I just can’t stop, you’re really inspiring me to be more positive about the future. You really ensure me that to be successful we need more sacrifice to do.
I respect you more after knowing that you will not keep all your knowledge from your crazy life time yourself.
Thanks for all Niel, the story, the e-books the spirits reside in my mind
Thank you for taking the time to read Quick Sprout. Hopefully you’ll learn as much from it as I have learned from you and other readers/commentors.
Thats a very inspiring bio for lot of young entrepreneurs.
Out of curiosity, which one do you like more – programming or managing stuff ?
Neither. I prefer sales and marketing more than anything else.
Hiee. Neil
I’m 16 year old boy, I’m Highly inspired about making money. I want to be an ENTREPRENEUR like you. But Many times I was confusing about what I do with my life, I want to be RICH. I will wait for your guidance for me.
Best Regards
Vaibhav Mule
Don’t aim to be rich. Instead focus on what you love and solve problems. If you do this the money will come…
Neil, during this whole process did you at any point have any fears? I feel that many of us have fears of failure, loss of financial security etc, that prevents us from moving ahead. Thoughts?
I did. I just swallowed my fears and kept on pushing forward. There wasn’t much more I could do.
Sometimes you just have to confront your fears.
Hello Mr. Neil,
I am very inspired from your story and your achievements which you had in very little age. I am running my web development company since 8 years but I didn’t make good money. My main problem is that I always avoid to take the projects or hire the employees or contact to clients or purchase the equipments, if there is any risk or need to pay/invest lot of money, because I don’t want to loose my money which I earned from my hard work.
So please give me some tips.
I also added you on facebook and hope you will keep me in touch.
Thanks & Regards
CHANDRA
Jaipur-India
You have to get over your fear of losing money. Without risk comes no rewards. So you have to first figure out how you can get over that and then go from there.
First of all I thank you very much and best regards to you. Involuntarily, I have found your site, and after I read from the site and from an article I received via email, it turns out I’ve found a lot of honest information from you, this is very exciting and add insight to the information and ideas from you.
If you publish a book with several languages, I think, will be one of the best-selling book in the world.
Prayoda, Indonesia
I have followed @ neilpatel on Twitter. I respect you.
Thanks for following me on Twitter.
I am actually thinking about writing a book… maybe in the next year or two.
Have you checked out your web site with various internet browsers? I’m using IE 7 and the design and style is a bit off.
Thanks for the heads up. I will have my webmaster check out the design with IE 7.
Man, you have such an inspiring story. Being an entrepreneur myself, reading your story now, gives me that instant urge to get off my feet and try and do something new right now!
Anyway, thank’s for sharing you’re story. I wish all the best and continued success with your endeavors.
Ruben
Thank you Ruben,
Cool, that is great to hear. I am constantly trying new things myself.
Best of luck to you!
You did lot of things that very early age !! man i couldn’t even thought of these things . Your story is really really inspiring . Thank you for sharing your story with us .
Hard work and dedication can get you anywhere! Thank you for reading.
Neil, even two years ago I would have died of mortification from even the smallest of your failures experiences, had they happened to me. And forget about writing about it.
As it stands right now, I’ve managed to – publicly – achieve, how shall we say, something less than success. Substantially less than success.
Feeling motivated here. Downshift. Accelerate.
You have to be able to learn and grow from your mistakes. You can’t let the past hinder you, rather let it improve you. Confidence is key, don’t let the fear of failure control you.
Really inspired me. It seems that we are nothing in front of your hard work. You did a good job man.
Thanks for sharing your inspiring events with us.
Best of luck for your bright future.
Thank you Sanjan,
I am glad that my story helped inspire you.
Good luck to you too!
I’m following the way you had successfully done. I hope that in my life as I do this I could be able to help other people just like you and me. This will enable them to reach also their dreams by using this technology properly and wisely.
Thanks
That is great Rosendo, Thanks for your support. I hope you are able to reach your goal. It is always great to succeed and even better to be able to help others succeed.
Best of luck!
Great story from a motivated individual. I’m inspired by your ultimate goal
“Hopefully I can take that gift and help non-profits get enough eyeballs to their website so that people like you can help change more lives.”
Would like to ultimately do that also however it seems I’ve reached an earnings plateaux for the last few years and am looking for way to at least break through the 100K barrier.
Thank you Herman,
Glad you find my goal inspiring. I truly enjoy helping people out, it is my passion in life. It is good to hear you feel the same and want to help as well.
Breaking though to higher earnings is difficult for everyone. You just have to find way to make what you have to offer special or unique. If you can find a way to do that then you will be able to reach your goal.
your blog was nice but i want to tell youthat INDIANS ARE NOT CHEAP …
By no means am I saying they are all cheap, but they are frugal and I see it as a good quality.
Hi Neil,
I read your whole story and as i am also trying to become good internet businessmen but getting unsuccessful everytime. But I am trying, after reading your whole lifeline, it helps me in getting inspired. hope i become like you.
Thanks
Yogesh Verma
Cool, glad my story could inspire you. The internet business is definitely a tricky one and can take a while to get the hang of.
Best of luck.
Very, very inspiring story. It gave me a whole flashback on my lifeline. I started out at the age of 12, learned the basic of Photoshop and HTML coding from several blogs. I created my first gaming website and had a bit of success on it, tons of visitors. At that time Ads was what keeping my website alive. (I used a free web hosting service because I dont have any money at that time.) So I started selling MP3 players in school to paid for an ads free hosting plan. 2 months later, I learned to use ads to generate incomes. Those times were great and I really enjoyed what I did. But my dream and goal has been on and off due to environment, heavy stress and family issues. I had a really tough time as a teenager, faced countless amount of challenges. I’m now 19 years old, still holding the same dream, wanted to support my family and give them the perfect life style that they have never experienced before. But for some reason, I am a bit afraid to try again, I am somewhat lost track on where and how should I start again…..
But anyway, thank you for the great story Neil, I really enjoyed reading it.
Keven
Thank you for sharing your story Kevin. I am glad you found inspiration in mine. I hope you are able to find your way back to your passions.
Best of luck.
Hey Neil! I’m glad to see that you have achieved a lot in your life at a very young age. You are not much elder than me, but I have learned so many things from you. I must say that from today onwards you are my role model. Thanks for sharing your experiences and very inspiring story.
I appreciate the kind words. Thank you for reading and taking the time to let me know what you thought.
Niel,
In a world where there are countless ‘runner’ blogs I will seriously take your expertise to heart in making my site more successful. There is so much I don’t know at this point. How to get more distance runners to my site. I will be hiring a designer to change the look but do need help in getting more links and building a successful business around it.
Thanks for your expertise and time.
Nate
Thank you Nate,
Definitely there is always a lot of learning and work to be done. I hope my post are able to help you work harder and smarter.
Hello Neil,
It was the best About me I have read, you inspired me a lot and the main thing you did is boost up my motivation level to start up with Entrepreneurship. I am an Internet marketer and these kind of business plans are always running in my mind! thanks for showing me a path and motivating my skills
Thanks Shazan,
It is great to hear that you have found inspiration here.
Best of luck.
Hi Neil
this is so awesome, you told us about how you got here, usually you just read about people going up, not telling how much they have lost in between.
congratulations for everything and thanks for your blog, it is very helpful.
Thank you Roberto,
I appreciate the support. Thanks for reading Quick Sprout, glad you find it helpful!
Hi Neil..
I’ve just got one word….WOW!!!Such an inspirational story….Already shared your blog link with couple friends…gonna share with all my friends……..
Best part i loved was
“Over the next few years my number 1 goal is to share what I have learned with you so that you can have a better life than me.”
Thanks for sharing!!
Congratulations on your success and Thanks once again!!!
Thank you Sarath,
I appreciate you sharing this with others. I do hope I am able to help those who read Quick Sprout. If they can learn from my success and failures over the years they will have a higher chance to do better then I did.
Very interesting story!
You have a good attitude and entrepreneurship spirit for success. It’s nice to meet you and read your blog posts.
Nhon Pham
Vietnam
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.
Wait, are you from Cypress?
I was reading all the ups and downs of your career and thinking, “Great. this sounds exactly like my life except I have, like, 10 more years left of this roller coaster sh**.”
And then I saw Orange County…and then Knott’s Berry Farm (I worked at Knott’s Soak City USA!)…and then Cypress Community College (I’m from Cypress!).
Who knew the KISSmetrics guy from around Cypress?
I am actually from La Palma.
Hi Neil,
Your story gives me a lot of inspiration and iam sure you will turn your company into a billion dollar one that you wished for..
Well for me Iam learning Digital Marketing and planning to get into it. i have spent some 6 years in Traditional Advertising and i hope it wud help me… Do you have any inputs for Starters like me or maybe some Suggestions ? Iam Amit karia from India(Hyderabad) over here people are realising the importance of Online Advertising now….
Please do suggest iam sure you wud be getting 1000s of emails from Internet starter wannabes like me .. But whenever u get time do reply …
Cheers !
Amit Karia
Thank you Amit for your words of support. As for tips or input most of what I suggest to beginners can be found in my blog post. If you have any specific questions that you cannot find answers to after going through my post you can always shoot me an email to neil@neilpatel.com and I will do my best to help answer them.
Unsuccessful people should learn from you dear, I am sure all the readers of this blog will be inspired from this story.
All the very best Niel, Keep up the work going
Regards
MTM Team
Thank you Mumbai,
I appreciate the kind words. I will definitely keep working hard. Best of luck to you too.
Hey Neil, I am an enthusiastic reader of Qucksprout, it’s unbelievably informative. None of your posts are meaningless or with some normal information. They are unique and that’s why you are there Neil. Really inspiring.
Awesome, glad to hear it Jay. I appreciate you sharing how you like Quick Sprout.
And Neil, I am a social media blogger and Social Media Marketing Specialist. I manage social media marketing of several companies in India. Can I write a post about “Immediate Success in Social Media Marketing” for Quicksprout ?
If you are interested, let me know. My blog is TechTheBest.com – a social media news network, 7 months old but getting good no. of visitors.
Hey Jay,
If you shoot me an email requesting to write a post, we can discuss it further. My email is neil@neilpatel.com.
Very impressive testimony. It is amazing how technology made it easy for your generation to be able to talk and actually make it big in the world while most people of your dad’s generation, which I think is the same as mine, find it much harder to do. I am also impressed by your passion to help non-profit organizations, I would like to ask you what is the source of that passion? God bless you.
Thank you, most of my passion for helping others comes from how I was raised. I didn’t have much growing up. So now that I do have enough I feel the need to help out others out who were like me when I was young.
Well, Ive been reading your blog on and off since 2008!, must of sent nearly all my friends links to your site at one point or another.
Its great to see over time your site moved from just a blog, to the sponge QA addition and now the one-stop-shop for SEO.
Looking forward to tapping quick sprout in my bookmarks for years to come
Will Smith, London, UK
Thank you Will,
I appreciate your support and dedication to Quick Sprout. I am lucky to have an active reader such as yourself.
Very inspirational. I love how you plan to transition into the non-profit world in later years. That is exactly my plan too, now I just need to get my for-profit ventures ramped up.
Awesome, I wish you the best in your future plans.
Neil,
To be honest, I didn’t pay much attention to your blogs and newsletters say an year back, just drop by when I find time and get out.. For the past few weeks Im following your blog and newsletters so closely and they a immense value. Hats off to you on your achievement in the industry. You are certainly an inspiration for me and many others. Hope a day comes to have a chat with you
And I must say the comments you’ve got here speaks your reach and I’m happy that I’m one of them and was happy to scroll the long page to add a word on you.
Jai ho !
Thank you for you honesty. I am so happy to hear that you know find my post beneficial. Thank you for taking the time to leave your thoughts.
Best to you!
All I can say about YOU is WOW! What an enigma you are. I just wonder how much more you will BECOME in the coming years as you acquire more knowledge. One thing I hope is that you will continue to share your insights with us right here on QuickSprout,
Thanks, I appreciate the immense support. I will certainly keep at it. Thanks for reading Quick Sprout!
Hi Neil .. You are from Indian Origin (My Country ) .Neil i am Jealous of you . You are me are approximately same age but you are Neil , i am suneil (Lolz) . I wish great success to you . I love this line ,said by you .(Instead of finding a job on Monster.com I learned about Monster.com’s business model and how they were making hundreds of millions of dollars. )That’s what make you Neil . A Different perception of seeing living life. Good luck I would like to be in you touch for life time .
Thank you for your support Sunil, I wish you success as well.
Best of luck!
Hi Neil, very inspiring story! Ive recently moved into the web marketing and learning the ropes of running my own business instead of working the normal 9-5. Very daunting trying to make it work. Thanks for the inspiration! If you have any advice – info@nadiaread.com. Cheers
Thanks Nadia,
That is great, I hope the tips you find here on Quick Sprout are helpful to you. All the advice I would give you I have already put into my post and will continue to do so.
Neil,
I came across your blog entry re the AMEX Centurion Card. You mention that you can use your amex to pay for corporate payroll. I have researched this and I have not been able to find a payroll company that actually allows this. Do you know of one?
thank you for your help!
Jared
hi !
It was alas nice reading your autobiography……..
but don’t u got ever CONFUSED or BIT NERVOUS,even though you were facing two many problems ? i mean loosing confidence level ????
how had u maintain stability with your mind ????
There were definitely times where I became nervous or confused, but I didn’t let those feelings stop me. Instead I decide to figure out what confused me. I learned from mistakes and started again.
Hello Neil,
I just discovered your blog and in quite impressed. I always admire people who rise from nothing to something and then eventually everything. I just started with my own personal blog after many others like yourself said how it is very important.
I know you are a busy guy but could you drop by for some constructive criticism about my blog ? I know there is not enough content yet since I just started and still in the developing phase. Any ebooks or guides ? I am currently reading probloggers guide to 6 figure income and his 31days to build a better blog.
Thanks for the time and consideration.
Hello Gaurav,
Quick Sprout Traffic System is my e-book.
http://www.quicksprout.com/pro/
Hello Neil
Really i am impressed by your profile so much. Even i don’t have words. As you are Indian i think you know Hindi, pl visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyGR0UGmWU0
Always remember to say Thanx to your God for all achievements.
I don’t know why i am writing all these to you.
Pl don’t mind.
Perhaps Baba is telling me to do this.
Om Sai Ram
@Nidhi: Don’t get me wrong. Thanking God is essential, but God stands beside people who work hard and think straight. Sometimes we get too much carried away with the Godly talks and forget what we are supposed to do !
Hi Neil, I was reading about you and your tips about to how access Venture Capital, this are very helpfully for me, but beyond that, you seems like a person who like share your experience, Actually I’m a owner since 5 years ago of a IT company, during this time I taked again a project that I visualized and wrote the firts documents in 1998 in South America, in the last 4 years I was investing myself to develop my project and I think we get good progress but not in the properly time, several people around the countries that I have presence and relationships all the time they tell me that my project is very neccesary, big and good and recently I get sign a very good alliance with a big company, but the thing is I need to access Venture Capital to get the next level in the project, is there is some way to contact you or stablish comunication please let me know, I’ll be very thankful, and Thanks to share all this information about your experiences…….ASQ
Hey Anthonny,
You can contact mw through any of my social media sites and even through Quick Sprout by leaving a comment.
Hello,
I am following your Blog and your progress. It’s always feel good when someone doing good work for Digital marketing industry. Sometimes i think – it will be great help for new Entrepreneurs, Consultants if we all get your Videos and some idea sharing to optimize our activities to build a clean and permission marketing platform like Rand starts doing through Seomoz blog. Hope shortly we will see your video tutorials or guidelines. Keep good work ongoing.
Bidyut Bikash Dhar
Business Marketing Consultant
Definitely, I enjoy helping out when I can. I hope to have video and tutorials available soon.
You are a role model to others. Your story really inspiration for those who didn’t do much for their life.
really wonderful. thnks for sharing with the world…..
Thank you,
I appreciate the kind words.
This is the most honest and inspiring “about me” i’ve read in a while… or ever. An i thought i was a multitasker…
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, hopefully we’ll meet at a 100 million dollar company owners diner one day.
Thanks Nicolas,
That would be nice.
Hi Neil,
I am a designer and co-founder @chetaru since last few days I have been thinking to start blogging too and then suddenly came across your blog.
I am so impressed by your profile I wish someday I can write like you but about designs. You are an inspiration for many.
If you get time visit my website someday : http://www.chetaru.com/ I will be glad if you can provide some feedback
Thanks,
- Chetena
P.S. : Are you on twitter? I cannot find you? What I saw was a profile last updated in 2009 I think..
Hey I think I gotta ya on twitter.
Ignore that!
Great!
Hello Chetena,
If you would like feedback, email me your site to neil@neilpatel.com.
Thanks Niel, by reading you blogs and courses e-books I have learned a lot of things about internet marketing.
Awesome, glad to hear it.
Thanks for the great post Neil! Two questions:
In your post you mentioned software companies being a lucrative business. Did you have any technical skills/know how to code when you got started? Did you ever do any of that?
Your post reminds me of a situation I’m in. Learning Internet Marketing/Social Media is a priority for me right now, but I am sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of resources out there. I started by reading your blog, but am wondering where to go from here. Could you recommend some resources? How did you know if a resources was worth it or useless? How did you know where to get started?
No, I am not technical actually.
I mostly learned from experience and mentors. Try attending conferences. They way you figure out what will work and what will not is by getting started and testing it for yourself. What may work for others may not work for you.
Just stopped by to say thanks for your tips and suggestions. A few months back you had reviewed my blog and suggested some improvements. My blog is now getting much better traffic and I have started getting private advertising offers as well. I have not forgotten you
. Thanks for all the help.
BTW, I am now struggling with pricing my advertisers and searching web about how to price/plans for showing a perm link on my blog. I had never thought that I would be able to do business like this.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Sachin
Awesome, glad to hear I was able to help.
This is an inspiring story for the young.
Wish you all the best Neil.
Thank you Sudheesh,
All the best to you too.
i am really happy for you Neil. Your life’s struggle and your way of handling all of them is really appreciable.
May God Bless You
Thank you Deepika, I appreciate the blessing.
hi neil,
..
how are you…you are my inspiration..
i have started my blog http://www.omg-gadgets.com ..
if you have time you can you please review it and give me some suggestions..traffic is null
btw do you know hindi languange?
Hello Vinoj,
I wish I could help, but unfortunately I get a lot of request to review people’s sites and don’t have time to review them all. If you would like, check out my Quick Sprout Traffic System. Included in the program you receive a 30min call with me to discuss whatever you would like and get my feedback.
http://www.quicksprout.com/pro/
You’re blog is clean, simple to understand, and extremely helpful. I hope you don’t mind but I’m using a similar color-scheme on my blog.
It’s in a completely different niche market (health and fitness).
Thanks for all your help,
Austin