It had been a great evening.
A few of us internet marketer types had got together and the drinks were flowing.
We were sat around a table at a restaurant in Newcastle’s China Town when it happened.
Something that would change my life forever.
I was talking to a great guy called Tony Shepherd.
We were swapping stories about our kids and what it’s like working from home.
Tony’s kids were already at school whereas mine were still toddling around at home.
I was talking to him about the new house I was about to move into and how I was thinking of putting a log cabin in the garden as an office.
Then Tony told me a story that will stick with me until my dying days;
“You know what Michael? I have my office inside the home. And my kids come in all the time and interrupt me.
I remember one Autumn a few years’ back when they would come running in almost every hour excitedly shouting;
‘Daddy! Daddy! Come and see the red squirrel in the garden!’
And every time I’d go outside and watch the red squirrel with them.
Because this time you have is precious.
It won’t last forever.
You don’t want to miss out on these moments before they’re gone.
Don’t let them pass you by.
Did I get less work done?
Sure I did! But I don’t care because when you look back you’re not going to wish you did more work.
So Michael, don’t put your office in the garden. Work inside your home so you don’t miss anything.
And leave your door open.”
Tony’s story struck me right in the heart.
Wow.
Even writing this I’m feeling a lump in the back of my throat.
You see – being there for my family and being able to watch them grow up and not miss anything is the whole reason I got into internet marketing in the first place.
Because I knew it would make it possible for me to work from home and let my missus choose to be a full time mum too if she wanted.
And she does.
So now I’m in my new house, in my little office room inside the home – with the door open.
My little girl, Holly, regular comes in to do “Drawing and Daddy’s keyboard” and I welcome the distraction and precious moments.
Especially when I think of other poor Dads who maybe get a glimpse of their angels before rushing off to work in the morning.
And then maybe a kiss at night.
I spend several hours with my kids every day and it’s amazing.
I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Am I making a bajillion dollars like some marketers out there?
No.
But I’m making tens of thousands of dollars a month while working for, and close to, the people I love.
And because I know how important this is I want to show you how to do it too.
All you need is a couple of hours a week, a drive to succeed and $1 to get started;