I have been online since 2009 and although I have been blessed with what I have accomplished (and earned) offering services - time for money - if I was starting again, I wouldn’t take so long to get my first sale.
It took me around 2 years of learning before I started making money with my online business (by which time I had spent a lot of money on courses and lifetime subscriptions!). If I had to start again today, I wouldn’t focus on learning everything first.
I’d focus on getting to one sale as quickly as possible, because when you do, that changes everything.
The confidence from that first email saying “Notification of Payment Received” I can’t even describe it, and I can still feel it.
Once you make your first sale, not only does your confidence increase, but decisions become easier (no more wondering if it works or moving from one thing to another), and momentum builds.
Here’s exactly how I’d approach it.
1. I’d stop trying to “figure it all out”
This is where I got stuck the longest.
“I need to understand this properly first” or “I need more time to learn”
The self-talk keeping me safe - and stuck - was real back then. I stayed in learning mode for years.
I wouldn’t do that. I’d accept that I will learn by doing.
2. I’d create one simple thing to sell
Not a full business. Not a perfect website.
Just one simple offer like a short guide. Or I would stick with being an affiliate and pick one product to focus on. I’d make sure I chose something useful. Nothing complicated.
3. I’d use AI to move faster - not to delay
AI makes it very easy to stay stuck. When I first started using it back in 2024, I generated a huge (HUGE!) amount of content.
You can keep asking for ideas, plans, and improvements and not only will it provide them, it will also offer more of its own. You end up with a lot of useful but overwhelming information and never actually do anything with it.
I’d use it differently by asking:
“Help me create a simple product”
“Help me write a post I can publish today”
Then I’d use it and publish immediately.
4. I’d focus on visibility rather than perfection
I wouldn’t wait until everything looks right. Another area my self-talk was great at keeping me safe - and stuck. Instead, I’d start posting straight away and share what I’m building, learning, and testing.
Not to impress people, but to get seen.
5. I’d aim for one result only
There is so much to consider and focus on when you are online. The one thing I would aim for is my first sale. Not building an audience or a brand. Just the first sale and every action would support that.
I appreciate that many of us over 50 are cautious with our decisions, which means we can think more, and that can lead to doing less.
The shift I’d make
Instead of: “I need to get this right”
I’d move to: “I need to take one clear step today”
Then I’d take it.
If I had to start again, that’s all I’d focus on.
One simple offer and visible action each day until I achieved on sale. Everything else comes after that.
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