My Very First Post for VaNessaDuplessie.com was written December 14, 2009 about 4 months after I came online to start marketing. (My what a dreadful post it was but it got me started). I had put it off for months. Mainly because I was nervous and scared. Could I really keep up a blog? Would I have time in my busy life and schedule? And the dreaded, I know nothing about blogging and this beast called the WordPress Platform. Eek!
Now 2 years later I sit here writing this birthday post. While this is a celebration it is also a look back at how the last year has gone. I do this with my human children and I think it makes sense to do this with my online children.
Last year I wrote this birthday post Happy Birthday Baby! and in reading it I continue to see the growth pattern.
We’ve continued to grow in rankings and followers and I’ve continued to find my voice as a blogger, mentor and leader.
Sometimes I write fun and light hearted posts and sometimes I get down and dirty with my tell it like it is style. Thank you for letting me be me and for allowing me the honor of coming into your life.
It was announced last night that out of the 137 entrants I was voted #11 of 50 in the Top 50 MLM Blogs Contest sponsored by MyLeadSystemPro and ThatMLMBeat.com. What a birthday present! Thanks to all who voted. I promise to keep doing good work in the next year. I’ll write more about that experience later.
Back to my story. I came online in 2009 to find a better way to market my business and to help my family’s finances after suffering some huge blows during the early recession months. What I found instead of some fast method to riches was a new world full of wonderful people who were looking for a better way and making a better way for themselves in the world. And I found work and not always easy work. That first year I beat my head against the wall more times than I could count and I wanted to give up. But I didn’t.
I dove in to my learning. I studied hard, invested money, time and energy into my future. That first year was hard and money was slow to come. Then the beginning of year two hit and all the learning and time seemed to come together, then the money and wins followed. I got better, continued learning, continued sharing and am proud to say I have been able to help others succeed and improve themselves and make money too.
Everyday I get to do what I love. And it all started with this silly little idea of “What if I could learn to market online?”
Whouda thunk I would have 1000’s of online connections? Not me? Would I have guessed I’d have some of the best business partners in the world and some of the best students in the world? I wouldn’t have guessed at the time because my mindset wasn’t there. Now two years later, I get it. I truly 100% get it. It takes a village.
You know what? My wins and success come because I am driven and motivated, it comes from within and it helped that I wasn’t afraid to ask for help. I had and still have great mentors. Mentors who helped me get where I wanted to be faster than I could get there by myself. Jonathan Budd and the Empowered Entrepreneurs Team – I heart you big time and owe you so much, I love being part of the team. Kevin Pritchett, as I’ve said before, you’re the best and yes, you’re a hard a*s coach. Justin Glover, you always test me. And Daegan Smith – a mentor of all mentors, I am a huge raving fan – you changed my life. I heart you all.
And to my readers, new and old. One last thank you for being with me on this journey and allowing me the opportunity to learn and grow with you. I’m not going anywhere and I plan on doing my best to make you proud as often as possible.
Here’s to year 3!
VaNessa,
Isn’t it amazing when we can look back and see the growth? People don’t always give themselves enough time to get to their next level let alone take a minute to see how far they have come from. Our perceptions of success often clouds the greater reality.
This is one of the things I actually like to see more people write about. Success isn’t the destination but the journey. Self discovery isn’t that we 5 pounds heavier this year, but how we see ourselves transforming through our journey.
I’m grateful to not only know that you have a heart for others but that you have the passion and desire to see people win. Share the journey and bring others along for the ride.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Great Comment Ken. The lesson really is in he journey and who we become through it. Great insight. Let’s rock 2012. V-
Congrats on the incredible rankings with MLSP and that MLm Beat.. incredible!
Looking forward to working together.
Cheers!
Thanks. I’m looking forward to what comes in 2012 for us too. V-
Congratulations VaNessa! I love your just doing it and sticking with it and also your authenticity. And thank you for sharing the “all in due time” post. That has become my mantra of late. It is endlessly fascinating to me the synchronicity of life, how paths cross, separate, re-cross, energy, things, thoughts and oxygen gets exchanged and rearranged and we are playing off one another without even realizing it some times! Is that what “relating” to another person’s perspective is all about? Anyway, thanks — hope you keep going, and I hope I join it. NOW seems like a good time to start and to start giving credit and appreciation to all in my life. Thanks!! 🙂
Thanks Jeannine, it is always a pleasure to connect with you. Hope to see you soon. Happy Holidays! V-
What a great and powerful story Vanessa! It is so cool that we can see the progress and growth from sheer determination with the right mindset. Congratulations on your accomplishment! We wish you much continued success!
Thanks for stopping by. Perseverance is the key and never giving up. And mindset is critical, I agree wholeheartedly.
V-,
Great Post and I am so proud to be one of your students. Thank you so much for what you have taught me thius far and I am looking forward to a wonderful 2012 working with you again!
Rock On!
Tom
Here’s to 2012 Tom. I look forward to being with you along your journey so that you and the Mrs. can continue to live the life of you dreams. It was meant to be that we crossed paths. Rock on my friend!
Vanessa,
Great post here.
You have an inspiring story. Just think what your story will be like in another couple years. Time goes by so fast. Keep at it. And may your wildest dreams come true.
Chuck
Thanks Charles. You’re correct when you write keep at it. Two years is a short span of time in our industry. So many people give up before really putting the time in. Some of that is because they were misled that things will happen faster than what is real. Some of it is that they want it to be easier than it is. I hope to inspire people to keep going, just as you wrote that this post is inspiring. Never give up reaching for your dreams. You just may need to adapt a little bit along the way. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. V-
Self discovery isn’t that we 5 pounds heavier this year, but how we see ourselves transforming through our journey. The lesson really is in he journey and who we become through it. Great insight.
Hello Vanessa,
I’m just dropping by to congratulate on your blog’s 2 year anniversary.
It does take a lot of determined action to make in this industry.
Thanks for the inspiration
Akos
Thanks for stopping by Akos. Happy to see you here. Baby steps. it all starts with baby steps and the determination to keep going. We may pause but never give up going for your dreams. All the best! VaNessa
congrats on your success Vanessa
and happy new year for your blog 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a great year ahead. VaNessa