As hinted in my last post, Iām a sports guy. This week was freezing in my area, so I thought what better time to go watch some live hockey with my wife. It was so cold that even many die-hard hockey fans stayed away. We got there early enough to get snacks and settle in our seats for the game. Warm-ups were over so they were reconditioning the ice. To clean the ice, they use this huge vehicle called a Zamboni (that’s a really fun word to say).Ā Watching the Zamboni drive around is almost soothing.Ā Then, I realized that this was a great analogy for my current situation and my blog: Fresh Starts.Ā Fresh starts is kind of my mantra lately as I am reinventing myself and starting over and starting fresh.Ā Anyway, for anyone that has seen the ice after hockey players have skated on it, it is a mess.Ā Then, between periods, the Zamboni comes out and smooths the ice over to make it look like a game never even happened.Ā Itās pretty amazing.Ā Thatās like me and so many others taking a shot at new opportunities.Ā We get a refresh.Ā Yeah, underneath is a little rough and scuffed (i.e. life experiences) but now on top, itās like new and smooth as glass.
So, Iām taking my 30 plus working years with a few scuffs, bruises, bumps mixed with knowledge and experience and trying something new in addition to doing a little HR consulting – Affiliate Marketing.Ā I did a lot of research on companies hoping to find that one diamond, that one reputable brand, that one spark that was different.Ā I kept coming back to this one guy who was mentoring people to be successful.Ā More on him in future posts.Ā Yeah, everyone says that they have the solution and make huge promises…I mean everyone.Ā He did not promise me riches, he promised me opportunities.Ā Heās been in the gig a long time and has all the technical and not so technical tools ready for me to use and implement to make my business work over time.Ā I just need to learn how to use them.Ā So, I gave him a chance and got lucky.Ā So many others have been scammed by offers that were “too good to be true” and they were.Ā Not this guy and his company.Ā In order for me to even begin to use the system and tools, I had to complete an initial 8 course training program that, in a nutshell, helped me get in the right frame of mind for this business.Ā It is called Internet Profits Certification and I earned the designation.Ā It was like going back to school and I am so glad I did not skip this step or ditch these classes (not that I ever did that when I was in school š ).Ā It was an 8-course program with 24, yes 24, modules in total.Ā This was only the start as I had not even begun to get in the technical side of being involved in an online business.Ā I will cover that in future blog posts as it is very interesting and challenging.Ā I had no idea that this was so intense and thorough training.Ā That is how I knew it was real.Ā The company cared enough about me to prepare me before launching into the grind of building the business.
Ā
What started out as Affiliate Marketing as a possible side gig with HR Consulting being the main focus has now reversed.Ā Oh, I am still doing some consulting, but Iām enjoying this new venture too much to make it my secondary.Ā It shows great promise.Ā Please continue to come along with me on this journey.Ā In the meantime:
āThe more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.āāĀ
And, as usual, a dad joke (or two):
Why didnāt the new hockey player perform well?
He had cold feet.
What did the Zamboni driver say when he came to a stop?
Ice to meet you!
STAY FRESH!
Haha, thanks for the dad jokes! Having a laugh always makes life a bit better!
For sure, affiliate markting will not get you rich quick, but it can make you rich forever with the right training and mentorship. AND, if you put in the work to learn and implement. No matter how good the training, nothing will happen if you don’t do the work.
Here’s to fresh starts!
YES, YES, and YES! A little levity goes a long way. Thank you for your visit and encouragement as I start fresh every day!!!
Ernie, I enjoyed your post and it made me smile… I agree that Zamboni is fun to say as well…š¤£ I love the comparison to the “New Ice” as I have a few battle scars as well… Life Happens! Deans program is indeed a step above the rest… His honesty for one, is something you rarely find. May we continue with our new journey on “Fresh” Ice!
I so agree! This program (really more than a program) offers a fresh and honest perspective to the business! Thank you so very much for the visit!
Hi Ernie, great post!
The analogy of the Zamboni cleaning the ice is inspiring. Yes, clean slate although some srapes below. I was one of those who fell for some get rich quick nonsense, total bull crap! Thank God for mentors like Dean! All the best and look forward to your next posts and your success!
Denny
Hi there, I stumbled upon your blog because Iām a new affiliate marketer tooā¦ and I gotta say, I loved the zamboni reference! I love hockey tooā¦ and I never would have put two-and-two together. Iām super interested in reading more about your journey so Iām looking forward to future posts!
Thak you for your visit and I am glad you stumbled on my post! As a fellow affiliate marketer, I plan to visit your work and see if we can learn from each other! Have a great week!
Hey Ernie, love the analogy to the Zamboni…perfect!
Another perfect…Dean didn’t promise you riches he promised you opportunities… and there lies the difference between Dean and many other so-called mentors.
And another…The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places youāll go.āā Dr. Seuss
Love love love that one!
This post is so on point!
and those dad jokes š¤£
Look forward to your next post Ernie..have a great week, stay warm!
https://karenelissabeth.com/making-good-progress/
Thank you, Karen! Your visit and encouragement mean so much to me as I start fresh. I must admit, it is a little scary, but a little Dr. Seuss and a few jokes help make it easier!
I could actually ‘see’ the Zamboni cleaning the ice and so true of life experiences. I so enjoyed this and will be back for more!
Hi Kae! I truly appreciate your visit and comments! Thank you for the encouragement!
Great post Ernie, I too am a zamboni lover. I’ve been to many a hockey game and my company even sponsored two different teams! Your analogy is great as well, but I do like the Dr Seuss quote! Enjoy the journey.
Thanks, Ken! I love all sports and hockey is great. It’s magical what those players can do with a puck at the speed they skate! Cheers to you and thanks for the visit!
Refreshing the ice with the Zamboni is a good analogy for taking time to stop and learn what needs to be learned before even starting. You have to stop the game, take a break, and lay the foundation – otherwise, you’ll probably catch an edge and fall on your face.
You are 100% right! Thanks for our visit and support!
“Fresh Starts” is a great mantra to have!!! I love it, and I totally relate. I feel like as the rules of the game are constantly changing, we have to be able to reinvent ourselves, let the Zamboni come in, and start the next half of the game, giving it out all!!!!!
You are so right – the rules change all the time, and we need to be ready to adapt. Easier said than done, huh! Best wishes to you on your journey!
I love the concept of “fresh start”. I am starting afresh myself, which is why I call my blog “Beginner Again”.
Internet Profits is certainly one of the best, if not the best when it comes to teaching the fundamentals of affiliate marketing. So you have definitely chosen the right company to start your affiliate marketing journey.
I agree – Internet Profits is great and I feel so included and welcome in the community! Congratulations on your Fresh Start and I look forward to seeing both of us exceed beyond expectations!
Great post, and a good reminder that it is never too late to start anew, and to re-invent yourself. OK, so it might take some effort, and it might mean we get another scrape or two to add to the old ones, but it can also be invigorating and immensely satisfying.
Keep up the good work and the bad jokes ;0)
Hi Tony – Thanks for your visit and thoughts! I have started to follow your journey and hope to learn from you as you build (quite literally) your wonderful life. Cheers!
LOL! I love the Dad jokes š I’m excited for you. I love fresh starts. As a teacher, I loved having the start and end of a year. We had fresh starts and finish lines built into our lives. After teaching, I realized I was missing it, and I had to find a way to build that excitement back into my life. I just set up some monthly/yearly goals and try to keep the excitement up as I proceed. If I lose it, I remind myself of the finish line and that I’ll get a fresh start again soon. Then I can perk up again. All this to say, I’m excited for you. If you ever feel yourself lagging, it’s possible to find a way to manufacture that fresh start feeling in your life. After all, a Zamboni comes out more than once (I think – I actually know nothing about hockey!) during a game. Cheers to you!
I love your thoughts on having goals! Reasonable and attainable goals are essential, but I am branching out for what some may be unreachable to some! And yes, the Zamboni comes out multiple times as the ice gets so messy – just like life. Thank you so much for your visit!
Ernie, I love the Dad jokes, I have many of them myself. Will have to have a joke exchange at some point. Great analogy with the ice as many times where I looked at my online business and saw lots of deep cuts, scratches and circular marks like you do on the ice. It wasnāt until I met Dean and read his iceberg effect book that I started to clean the ice and things become clearer. I like how you mention that just to get your head in the right place and understand the business you have to do this 8 module program. It really is key and you donāt just go from nothing to being an affiliate marketer. You have to build it up in layers with different courses, different programs until you get to a point where you can actually set things up. Iām really interested in what you said about HR Consulting, because my initial business idea was to do Consulting, in my main career which is lean sigma process improvement. What Iāve learnt is even though I am not doing that now. By the time we have finished with setting up our own businesses and built it up, the second stage of our journey will then be to develop our own products. It will be at this point that I can do my lean stuff and you can do your HR stuff under this model. Itās very exciting times and I wish you all the best my friend until next time. Thanks, Atif
Hi Atif – Thank you for visiting me again! Yes, let’s do a Dad Joke exchange! š I’m a Six Sigma guy as well! Efficiency is everything in this hectic and cluttered world we live in, eh? I am following you as well and I hope to learn from you, sir! I appreciate your encouragement.
Hi Ernie,
I really enjoyed reading your post about creating fresh starts. Over the years we do get continual nicks and rough surfaces from what comes our way, but knowing that each day offers us a fresh start, like the Zamboni, gives us the motivation to glide into another day with hopes and dreams!
All the best!
Milissa Neirotti
Milissa – Thank you for your visit and heartfelt note. Yes, we have the opportunity to start over each day and that is an encouragement in itself!
Ernie, I’ve been catching on to your Fresh Starts mantra. I’m right there with ya – taking a shot at new opportunities.
I hear ya – on that promise of opportunities – not riches – coming from that one guy who was mentoring people to be successful.
It’s good to see the turn-around in you with making Affiliate Marketing your primary focus.
And I cannot be restrained with my sentiment, “Go Ernie Go!”.
Thank you, Robert! I truly appreciate your encouragement. I have started to follow you closely and I am learning from you and others. It is nice to know we are not alone! Cheers!
Ernie,
You make me wonder where Zamboni’s name came from, and its inventor’s surname. So I learned something here.
A great analogy for an affiliate marketer, I also have some scars from past experiences, but that’s a sign of lessons learned.
Speaking about learning, you’ve done a tremendous amount of work. That’s how you become a professional marketer. Learn and apply under the mentor’s supervision.
Great to know that affiliate marketing has become your number one profession, despite 30 years in HR.
Was ice to reed you š
Tom
Thank you for your kind thoughts and encouragement. The main thing I have learned *besides the obvious of the technical side) is that I have a lot to learn! And, what an excellent dad joke! Nice job!
Hi Ernie! Great read! As much as I am Canadian and do watch the odd hockey game, I am ashamed to say I have never become a big fan….my brother on the other hand never misses a game! Yes…I very much do relate to the odd but pleasant feeling watching a zamboni cleaning the ice gives lol. Kind of mesmerizing like watching a fire only the zamboni comparison is much better for new starts. It sounds like you’ve really done your research and I completely agree to the reassuring feeling of beginning the course and finding it’s much more thorough and intensive than expected! It sounds like you’ve really embraced the process and are committed to the work required so you are sure to see some well earned results!
Thank you! I have embraced this process. My own worst enemy is me and my lack of patience, but I am willing to see this through! Best wishes!
Hi Ernie
That was hysterical, I mean it was perfect. Great post.
I dated a Zamboni driver way back when! Ha ha
Looking forward to your next posts. Keep the jokes coming.
Sandy
Thanks for the visit to my blog! I just gotta know, did you ever get to ride the Zamboni? I would love to do that one day! š
Ernie,
I absolutely loved the ice and Zamboni analogy you shared. It’s so true that we all carry our bumps, scars, and scuffs underneath, and the magic happens when we smooth out those outer layers, creating a fresh start through learning and growth. It’s inspiring to see you embracing this journey and finding a great program, direction, and mentor. Best of luck, and I’m genuinely excited to keep up with your blog! Oh, and thanks for the dad jokeāalways a fan of a good laugh!
Sherri
Ahhhhh, thank you for this great reply and encouragement. It really does mean a lot. As far as the jokes, they keep coming (much to the often eye rolls from my family). š
Ernie,
Isn’t life GREATE! Everyday we wakeup, we get to start a new with a clean slate. The past is behind and the future is ahead. It is up to each individual on how they are going to spend the new day.
I know you have to be excited about making the transition to a full time marketer. For me each day I cannot wait to work on my marketing business. Some days it tough but when you love what you do it’s not work.
To your new future
CJ
I completely agree that we get to start new each day – Thank goodness, huh? I truly am excited and a little scared al at the same time. I wish you the best in your quest and let’s stay in touch!
I like what you said about Dean: āHe did not promise me riches, he promised me opportunities.ā Opportunity is far more valuable. I agree, this opportunity is something that came to me in the form of a synchronicity. I felt it was a āseize the momentā NOW! Many blessings!
I so agree with you! Thank you for your visit and encouragement!