About six or seven years ago I got this urge to learn to play a musical instrument. I don’t know what quite came over me as I’m perfectly content to listening to professionals play and I appreciate the years of work they have put in to perfect their craft. But I thought I would make “a go” at learning to play something.
And, of all things, I landed on… the banjo! Why the banjo? I have no idea. 😊 Maybe I saw a performance with a banjo, maybe I thought about the genius of Earl Scruggs or Steve Martin (yep, the comedian and actor) or Roy Clark or even Grandpa Jones from Hee Haw (my parents watched that program every Saturday evening) or maybe I just thought it was cool and interesting, who knows?
When I announced this to my family my second son very loudly, and critically I might add, asked the question “you’re going to learn to play what?” I told him and the others in my family “I know it sounds crazy, and no, I’m not going through some type of midlife crisis, I just want to learn to play the banjo!”
I was committed and so I started to do research. After much deliberation, I went to the music store and purchased a banjo along with an electronic tuning device, finger picks, a music book and a nice looking case. I had everything I needed except the ability to play. Simply having the tools, however, does not make me a banjo player. In Texas, we often refer to posers as “all hat …no cattle.” I did not want to be a poser!
My next step was to take some lessons. Again, I did a lot of research picked a place to go take lessons. I decided on a one-on-one class versus group training. On my first day I could see that the instructor and I were not on the same page. He was under the impression that I would be a much younger student and made a few comments about learning to take up this instrument at this stage of my life. I brushed it off as I am a very competitive person and was even more determined to learn to play.
During my first lesson he was trying to show me how to properly hold the instrument and where to place my hands for proper position. While showing me a chord, he became frustrated with how my hands were wrapped around the Neck of the instrument.
I informed him that several years earlier I had broken my left ring finger playing adult flag football. On a side note, if anyone ever tells you that adult flag football is a non-contact sport, don’t believe them! My assessment is that it is in fact the most contact non-contact sport anywhere! Anyway, I digress, so let me get back to the story.
My hand is not mangled my any means and I can almost make a complete fist. My finger is operational but it is just not as flexible as my other fingers. After several attempts of him trying to get me to hold the banjo correctly, he became more frustrated and stated, “this just isn’t going to work but I guess we’ll do the best we can with your limitations.”
Needless to say, but I’ll still say it anyway, I didn’t go back or schedule any additional lessons with this person. I later talked to someone who played guitar and banjo and he said that I was perfectly capable of playing the instrument but that I just needed to work at it a little bit harder due to my finger’s inflexibility. I was still a little bit dejected so I decided that I would take lessons in the future from a different person.
I put my banjo away in the attic and, truth be told, I completely forgot about it. Fast forward several years I was hunting in my attic for a suitcase and came across my banjo. It was brand new in its case and very lonely. I felt terrible that I had not followed through on my desire to learn to play the instrument just because one bad instructor discouraged me. Now, I can’t put all the blame on this instructor as after all, I am the one that chose to put the banjo away and not play it. Ultimately, it all falls on me.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked! When I decided to start this online business, I did my research and found a product and a niche that I felt that I could master and be successful. I came across many, many programs out there and very few of them had a mentor or a coach. Most of them came with limited training but that was all.
Luckily, I came across a program that not only had top notch products, excellent training, a thriving community, but excellent mentors and teachers as well. I was not skeptical about this particular organization, but I felt due diligent was prudent. Therefore, I did a lot of research and found that everything I heard about this company was true.
Thankfully, I decided to join this organization and learn how to be successful in this business of affiliate marketing. The training is great, the products are great, and there is a fantastic community. I recently blogged about this community and you can review it here. I acquired all the tools I needed but just as I said above about owning a banjo, I needed to learn how to use those tools to make me a player in this online world. I do not want to be an affiliate marketing poser, I am all in!
This blog is primarily about the coaching and mentorship that I received and am currently receiving from this organization. The company’s name is Internet Profits and it is led and operated by a very successful online business owner named Dean Holland. He has several people on staff that help him mentor others like me. I have access to my mentors every single day and this has been such a valuable resource and blessing.
Their guidance has decreased the learning curve. They generously offer their wisdom and experience because they truly care about me and my success. Similar to the example of my banjo experience, I knew nothing about
affiliate marketing or running an online business and I did not have the proper skills that I needed at the start. I was not versed in some of the technical and system issues that were necessary to run a business online.
Just like the limitations my finger brought when trying to play the banjo, I had limitations initially as I started this venture. But the difference was the coaching and mentorship. I was welcomed with open arms. Any and all limitations that I may have had were quickly addressed and now I am on the path to success.
When it comes right down to it, we all have limitations when we are new at something. Being new is difficult! If you have the support from others and your teachers, overcoming these limitations is a bit easier. As I reflect on all that I have learned and all that I have accomplished I can’t believe how far I have progressed in this short amount of time. My mentors and teachers have provided me with the tools and the teaching necessary to progress in this business and have given me the confidence to know that I will be successful.
In case you are interested in this organization, please sign up for my newsletter here and receive additional information about how you too can succeed in an online business and learn from these fantastic individuals.
Maybe, just maybe, I’ll pull out that banjo and find the time to learn how to play. I know I’m not going to be very good at first. But I do know that with practice and encouragement from the right people, I will be able to pick out a few tunes that somebody will recognize. And, I’m not going to let a crooked finger get in the way of making great music.
“A great teacher is a great artist, and you know how few great artists there are in the world.” – John Steinbeck
“A business coach provides the guidance, support, and accountability needed to achieve your highest aspirations.” – Unknown
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
Why did the banjo player get locked out of their house? Because they couldn’t find the right “key”!
What’s the difference between a banjo and an onion? No one cries when you chop up a banjo!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more. And please continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.
Hey Ernie! I love that you want to play the banjo. It’s such a happy instrument!
Our success is greatly guided by our mentors and teachers. Thinking about school, I learned algebra and chemistry at the time, but my English lit. and history teachers sparked my imagination, and I’ve gone on to be interested in and explore those topics as an adult. Those mentors that spark our imaginations and truly engage and inspire us are invaluable! They certainly have a way of doing that at Internet Profits. What they teach us is simple enough, but they inspire me to dig deeper and delve further and not give up and, above all, to be so excited I’m glad to share with others. It’s a great community!
Nakina
Hi Nakina – Thank you for your visit to my blog post and for your comment! I hope we have all had one or two people that have influenced us and encourage us to be better, to learn, to achieve and to dream. We call them teachers, motivators, leaders, mentors, coaches, and a whole host of other titles. Regardless of what they are called they are incredible for what they do for us. I like the word that you used – “Spark.” I think that pretty much sums it up in that these individuals help to ignite what we have inside of us. Again, thank you for your visit and I hope you have a fantastic week!
Hi Ernie,
I love your story about playing the banjo and how you related it to working the affiliate marketing business! so many things you described correlate, from family being shocked about your decision to the range of bad teachers to good teachers. Even the part where your understood you yourself were responsible for the outcome when all was said and done. this was so enlightening and sends a powerful message! I had a similar experience learning guitar… even with good teachers I got frustrated and gave up because everyone learned faster than me. Poor attitude… lived and learned 🙂 Great post, really enjoyed it! 👍
Denny
Hi Denny- I appreciate your visit to my post! Having great teachers and great support is key for success in anything you do. Maybe both of us can take up the instruments we wanted to play and report back later of our success. What do you think? Have a great week!
Your banjo instructor was ageist with false beliefs about the “aging brain.” Having said that, I have a violin that calls out to me everyday. I do know how to play it. And all instruments yearn to be played.
It wouldn’t take long to get up to snuff, especially if I could jam with a group of blue grass players. That’s what I used to do and had a blast doing it!!
Hi Kate – I learned more and more about you every time we converse or every time I read one of your posts or comments. You truly aren’t amazing and accomplished individual and I am so happy that I’ve gotten to know you. I love your comment when you say all instruments yearn to be played! Wow, that’s powerful! Have a wonderful week, my friend!
As per usual Ernie, you go above and beyond shouting out your praises about the coaching and mentorship that intsills confidence in knowing you will be successful at affiliate marketing. And what a great anology from learning to play the banjo to running a successful business online!
I do offer you a tip to improve the readability of your blog posts.
And this is in regards to your hyperlinks. When I became the reporting specialist at one of my last places of employ, I was asked to come up with some reporting standards. One of those were discussed with our small team and it was determined that all links should be bolded, blue and underlined. You are welcome to use any, all or none of these to your liking.
You should be able to handle the bolding and blueing from the tools above your post in your wp-admin area and underlining can be accomplished by highlighting the text of your hyperlink; then use the keyboard combination of Ctrl U. You are welcome to reach out if you need any assistance with that.
Hello my friend! Thank you for your visit to my blog post and I appreciate your comments. Is a fantastic tip and I truly appreciate you sharing it with me to make my post better and more readable. Teachers don’t always have to be the ones with the official title but sometimes those you collaborate or chat with on a somewhat regular basis Just like you teaching me about something that could make my posts better. Truly appreciated! Have a great week ahead!
Hi Ernie,
What an inspiring story! I’m impressed by your determination to learn the banjo and how you’ve channeled that same drive into your online business. It’s amazing to see how the right support and guidance have helped you overcome challenges and achieve success. Thanks for sharing your journey and insights. I’m excited to continue following your progress in both affiliate marketing and banjo playing. Keep up the great work!
Meredith
Hi Meredith- It’s great to see you back on my blog post and I truly appreciate your comments, as always! Thank you for your nice thoughts and willingness to not only visit my blog post but to share your thoughts. Have a great week and here’s too much progress for the both of us!
Ernie,
Absolutely, the banjo is such a joyful instrument! I love its sound too. My parents and I used to watch Hee Haw together, and those memories are so special to me. Having great teachers and mentors is essential when learning anything new, whether it’s a musical instrument or affiliate marketing. We’re really lucky to have Dean, Glen, and Sophie guiding us. Cheers to our success!
Sherri
Hi Sherri – What would Saturday night’s be without Hee Haw? Until later in life I thought everybody watched that program and was shocked when I found out that it was unique to only certain people and families. It didn’t matter, I still loved it. And, I agree, the banjo is a joyful instrument. Often overlooked and maybe that’s why I chose to give it a whirl. Thank you for your thoughts and I wish you a fantastic week ahead!
I love that you want to play the banjo and I am sorry that your experience with your first lesson went the way it did. Thankfully your affiliate marketing experience has been a complete 180! Determination alone can not always get us to success, a proven plan and support are also critical components of the recipe!
Hi Alison – I totally agree that support is key. I probably could get things done on my own with my own research or my own initiative, but if I have support around me and great teachers, great collaborators, and great friends it makes it so much easier and enjoyable. Very lucky that I have that and very lucky to call you a great colleague and friend! Have a great week ahead!
What a shame you were put off by that narrowminded instructor. I do hope you take it up again one day. It is so satisfying when you finally master even one tune. I can attest to that; it’s taken me 3 years to finally get through Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” on the piano without too many mistakes and I’m soooo chuffed!
I love the way you always get the line of, “So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!” into your blog posts. In fact, if it’s ever not there, there will be complaints!! Keep the puns coming too; that last one had me falling off my chair.
Hi Andy- I always try to tell a story and then bring it back to how it relates to my business. Thank you for picking up on that and for encouraging me to continue. Each week I try to think of something that has happened in my life that can correlate with what I’m trying to accomplish now in my online business and fortunately, it’s not that hard to find great content. It’s just a matter of telling the story. I am happy to hear that you had some success with the piano and I look forward to having a little success with the banjo some time in the future. Have a great day
Wow, what a journey! It’s so cool that you decided to learn the banjo, I love that you did this! It’s inspiring how you didn’t let one setback stop you, your determination shines through. Maybe it’s time to dust off that banjo and give it another go, maybe ask Tony if you can star in his next music video? With your determination, I’m sure you’ll be picking out tunes in no time. Keep rocking it!
Hi Sarah – I totally agree that it is time to dust off that banjo, tune it up, put a smile on my face and see what I can pick out as a tune. Even if it’s just for me it might be fun. Check that, it will be fun! I think collaborating with Tony on some type of song might be just an interesting idea. However, he would have to put up with a lot of dad jokes. 🙂 Have a great week!
Ernie, what a great analogy… Indeed, with anything new to learn in life, a great mentor and teacher who has gone before you and who can teach should. Not every successful person in their field should be a teacher or mentor. Exceptionally, few greats can provide the level of mentoring step-by-step required to teach others for success. It simply is not an easy task. And yes, I agree with everyone else…get that banjo out and find a qualified instructor. Don’t let anyone blow out your candle.
Hi Vanessa – It is so great to see you back on the blogs! You have been missed and I am so honored that you have chosen to visit mine and comment. I agree that a good teacher is key and that not everyone is geared to be a teacher or a mentor. Enough people have encouraged me to try the banjo again so I just might have to do it :). Have a great week ahead!
Ernie, Great Post and you have come a long way through IP. It’s amazing to me that over such a short period of time we can make such progress with the help of our instructors, mentors and teachers. My parents used to also tune in to Hee-Haw on Saturday nights. So with that SI-LOU!
Hi Ken- Thank you for your comments and your visit to my post. I am making progress not as quickly as I wish but at my own pace which is perfectly fine with me. It sounds like you and I had a similar experience watching that program with our parents and enjoying the show. I missed the simplicity of life back when I was younger and did not realize it would end so quickly. Now I get to try to replicate that with my family. Have a great week!
Ernie, Learning the banjo must have been quite the journey! It’s amazing how the right support and mentorship can make such a difference, whether it’s in music or business. Your experience highlights the importance of perseverance and finding the right teacher. Now that you’ve found success in your online business, maybe it’s time to give the banjo another shot. After all, with the right guidance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to! Take care my Friend, Atif
Hi Atif – I could not agree more! While I’m not quite where I want to be in my online business, I can feel that I’m getting closer and closer. Unlike my experience with the banjo, I have a great teacher and great friends like you ready and willing to help and watch me succeed. I’m there for you as well, my friend! I have had enough people tell me that I better pick up that banjo and learn a few tunes and I agree. Thanks for your visit and have a fantastic day!
yep learning takes time. Like you some years ago I wanted to learn the guitar. I took lessons at the start and played each day. This was the first time I learn that, by sticking to something for long enough, you can make it works. For example I remember a chord or finger pattern I was learning was difficult. I practiced it days after days and one day in the morning, I was able to do it without thinking. I guess it should be similar with our online business.
Get that banjo in your hand and let’s play!
Martin
Hi Martin – You make a fantastic point with practice. If I don’t practice something, how can I get better? Enough people have told me I’d better pick up that banjo so I think I will and I need to remember that I need to play it a lot in order to get better. That’s just like our online business ventures. To learn the process and then practice the process. You make great points and I appreciate you visiting my post! Have a great day, my friend!