Sometimes, I used to think what exactly is inspiration? I looked in the dictionary and thesaurus and found out that inspiration is similar with vision (which most people have), genius (hmm…maybe only a chosen few of us are), and also it’s synonymous to influence (now, this really depends on the person and circumstances). But how do you define inspiration– is it something you do, see, hear, taste or smell? Is it anything which any of your five senses can perceive? It depends on the person really, the reasons behind why we look for it and the various situations surrounding it. And real inspiration can be compared to a fingerprint, different for every person. My close friend Jessah is a musician and gets her motivation from the different sounds that we have around us. We were out walking in a rainforest one time and I brought along my camera as usual. Then, we came to a nearby clearing and we decided to sit awhile and bask in the relaxing atmosphere that surrounds us. Nature really has some of the greatest and the most original and best pieces of art for those of us that truly take time to notice. As for me, I started to take note all the things I can utilize in my work…the rough edges of the rocks, the shape and majesty of the trees, the grandeur and contour of the heavenly clouds. However, my friend Jessah just sat down still while listening to the gay birds chirping, the subtle rustle of the leaves, and feeling the cool breeze over the mountains. She actually wanted to work out how to represent everything she absorbs in her music so that other people too would feel as what we did that day. Therefore, same feeling, different people, same atmosphere or setting, different focus—the common denominator is we were both inspired. For an artist like me, I am asked oftentimes where I get the needed inspiration for my work. So instead of my head, I can look into my heart for the answer to that. Then, the best that I can come up with is anything that moves me as a person, fosters and animates me to do and prod me to do something that I enjoy and love doing. As to where inspiration could be found, well, that’s actually an easy one. If you want inspiration or need it that bad, look around you! It could be found wherever you go and just open your eyes to perceive it. Inspiration can be found everywhere. The universe can always provide something for you. But if you’re waiting for it to strike you like a flash of lightning, well, I suggest that you rely on yourself to get you off your cute little tush and go and look around to find the things to inspire you to lead you into the pathway to your destiny. Inspiration is after all that very thing which makes you chase your dreams. It’s that blissful and exciting feeling that you get when your heart glides and your soul is moved.
Archive for July, 2009
What is Inspiration
Thursday, July 16th, 2009Mutual Business relationship
Thursday, July 16th, 2009Business has been popular with competition and rivalry. Consumers want more options on what they can buy in order to choose what they perceive is best. Real or online, this is a fact; but there is an area where entrepreneurs harmonize in a symbiotic business relationship. This is in the affiliate marketing industry.
As an affiliate marketer, you sell the products of other people that we call the merchants. The good thing is that most affiliate marketing programs do not have exclusivity, which means you cannot sell or endorse products from their rivals if you want to sell their products.
In affiliate marketing, you are free to join whatever affiliate program you wish to be involved with. You choose which product to sell, and how you want to promote them. You don’t usually have sales quotas but you will surely earn more if you sell more.
In addition, you do not need to create your own product in order to have room in affiliate marketing or in an online business. You earn with simply promoting the product created by the merchant you choose, or the product you choose created by the merchant. You can decide to develop your own product at some time but not at the onset of starting your online business venture.
If other people create the product, you have fewer worries. They will handle customer service, shipping and handling, storage and inventories. You also have the chance to endorse more than one product if you think you are already capable of doing it. In connection, you must not only promote the products but also yourself. Think about branding. You must have yourself known so you get the change to have loyal customers who trust you and would surely make a purchase with your future offers.
As you earn through other people’s products with fewer worries, you help the merchant with marketing or exposure, and of course he or she will also earn per product you sell. However, affiliate marketing is not a get rich quick or get rich overnight business. It requires time and effort, perseverance and determination, and most of all, positive thinking. So, you must be cautious with advertisements that say they teach you how to earn huge income in a few hours.
It takes a few months before you start getting a substantial income in affiliate marketing, just like in any other good business. You must be persistent and available for this online venture. All business requires this. To add, affiliate marketing is a way to reach your financial freedom. It is a very lucrative venture that would even surprise you when you are already reaping your harvest of revenue.
It is good to have a product available to sell so you can start engaging in the business without needing to produce a new one. It is good to focus on marketing strategies and let go of product inventories, shipping and the like. It is also good for the merchant to have his or her freelance sales people. It is also healthy for his or her business. Affiliate marketing is such a rewarding system. It encourages business aspirants to help each other earn and achieve financial freedom.