Guys,
Last week I sent out an email to a bunch of friends around the world, telling them where my life was going. Robert suggested I post it here on DR1. I normally would not do this, as I like to keep my private life just that - private.
However I have decided to post this here. I want people know that you don't have to do things the way that other people do. And for those who are wondering about moving here and whether it can work - well, I am finally an example that you can find success in the DR.
Adrian
---------------
Hey Robert,
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how I've been doing. This is a good time of year to think about how things are going, which I've been doing lately.
Two years ago, I "jumped out of a plane without a parachute", by moving to the Dominican Republic from Silicon Valley to start out on my own. I vowed back then that I would become completely independent and figure out how to make a living on the internet. A lot of people thought I was insane. Some still do.
The past two years have been much harder than I expected. I've had to deal with cultural issues, local corruption and major infrastructure problems. We had a major earthquake with 100 aftershocks. We still experience 10 blackouts/week, and at its worst, we only got 2-6 hours of electricity per day. To top it off, my kitchen became infested with rats. I've killed them all now (7 total), but there's nothing like getting up in the morning to find a dead rat in your kitchen.
The good news is that I've hit my goal. I'm financially stable and my income is solid. I'm about to move to one of the nicer apartments in the city. I'll have a fulltime live in maid who will cook, clean, do laundry and run errands. I have a half time assistant.
And, I get to live in a fun country (despite what you see above!). World class beaches are an hour away. Merengue dancing is fun. This country is a never-ending party. People are more relaxed and happy here than I've seen anywhere else in the world. Its amazing.
Right now I'm doing consulting for US based businesses. It turns out that a good technical background combined with an understanding of traditional direct marketing is very rare. I have a couple of clients, and don't want any more. I can do this from anywhere in the world.
In a couple of months I'll drop the consulting and just be independently selling information on the internet. This has the potential to be a big year.
My "New Years Thought" for you is this:
If you have a dream, something that you really want to do in your life - GO AND DO IT! It doesn't matter what other people say. Make sure you think it through - and then just go for it. Look forward and don't look back.
Some things that got me through this:
- being determined to go ahead no matter what
- participating in a mastermind (myself and a group of friends do a conference call every week to discuss how we're all doing and
brainstorm ideas)
- working extremely hard
- networking and going to conferences
- figuring out what MY strengths are, and applying those in everything I do
- constant learning
So whats next? We'll see. I'm aiming high.
Anyways, I hope you're doing well, and that you have a fantastic 2004!
Drop me a line when you get a chance, and let me know how you're doing.
Cheers,
Adrian
Last week I sent out an email to a bunch of friends around the world, telling them where my life was going. Robert suggested I post it here on DR1. I normally would not do this, as I like to keep my private life just that - private.
However I have decided to post this here. I want people know that you don't have to do things the way that other people do. And for those who are wondering about moving here and whether it can work - well, I am finally an example that you can find success in the DR.
Adrian
---------------
Hey Robert,
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how I've been doing. This is a good time of year to think about how things are going, which I've been doing lately.
Two years ago, I "jumped out of a plane without a parachute", by moving to the Dominican Republic from Silicon Valley to start out on my own. I vowed back then that I would become completely independent and figure out how to make a living on the internet. A lot of people thought I was insane. Some still do.
The past two years have been much harder than I expected. I've had to deal with cultural issues, local corruption and major infrastructure problems. We had a major earthquake with 100 aftershocks. We still experience 10 blackouts/week, and at its worst, we only got 2-6 hours of electricity per day. To top it off, my kitchen became infested with rats. I've killed them all now (7 total), but there's nothing like getting up in the morning to find a dead rat in your kitchen.
The good news is that I've hit my goal. I'm financially stable and my income is solid. I'm about to move to one of the nicer apartments in the city. I'll have a fulltime live in maid who will cook, clean, do laundry and run errands. I have a half time assistant.
And, I get to live in a fun country (despite what you see above!). World class beaches are an hour away. Merengue dancing is fun. This country is a never-ending party. People are more relaxed and happy here than I've seen anywhere else in the world. Its amazing.
Right now I'm doing consulting for US based businesses. It turns out that a good technical background combined with an understanding of traditional direct marketing is very rare. I have a couple of clients, and don't want any more. I can do this from anywhere in the world.
In a couple of months I'll drop the consulting and just be independently selling information on the internet. This has the potential to be a big year.
My "New Years Thought" for you is this:
If you have a dream, something that you really want to do in your life - GO AND DO IT! It doesn't matter what other people say. Make sure you think it through - and then just go for it. Look forward and don't look back.
Some things that got me through this:
- being determined to go ahead no matter what
- participating in a mastermind (myself and a group of friends do a conference call every week to discuss how we're all doing and
brainstorm ideas)
- working extremely hard
- networking and going to conferences
- figuring out what MY strengths are, and applying those in everything I do
- constant learning
So whats next? We'll see. I'm aiming high.
Anyways, I hope you're doing well, and that you have a fantastic 2004!
Drop me a line when you get a chance, and let me know how you're doing.
Cheers,
Adrian