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Believer's Breakfast's avatar

Jerry, I believe the most helpful document I've seen from you so far is "Simplifying Digital Success After 50: The Guide to Digital Business Without the Overwhelm." I'm starting to follow it. Since this is Oct 1, I'm going to follow it through Oct 30. It's clear. Since I fight overwelm big time, I'm putting on the "blinders." Pun partly intended, and taking it at its word.

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

I appreciate your feedback. We all experience moments of overwhelm at times, and some drawbacks are inevitable parts of the journey. Most people fail because they quit. And the ones who keep going through tedious and challenging times succeed.

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Believer's Breakfast's avatar

Not happening with the new me.

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Love that!

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D.D. Wallace's avatar

Hi there! THANK YOU!!! Such an inspirational post! And very timely...for me. I am a proud member of the 50+ club. I've just started taking this Substacking thing seriously about a month ago. I've gained--and lost--one subscriber during that time😂. (I laugh to not cry. lol.) Subscriber Grand Total (cue drum roll)...nine. Yep. 9. Again, thanks for the great advice and motivation. I will certainly employ your advice and continue my journey. Nowhere but up from here.

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Hey D.D. Wallace! I appreciate your honesty and feedback. Notes are the most significant growth factor. Post at least one a day (but no more than 3), and follow the 10-5-1 rule, where 10 means liking 10 Notes, five means leaving five comments, and sending one direct message per day. Do it every day for 30 days and see how it goes.

P.S. We are doing a weekly Notes boost in our Plus 50 Forward. So please join in.

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D.D. Wallace's avatar

Woohoo! More advice!!! You're too kind. I'll definitely apply it and report back with my results.

With immense gratitude, D.

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Tom Selby Edge's avatar

... You have one more subscriber now - so you are now in the 10 subscriber club!

I read somewhere the other day from another subscriber, how it's better to have 10 really engaged subscribers, who become incredibly loyal and love reading your work, than to have 1000 meh subscribers... I love this outlook so much, because when you have a small following, you can really engage with the people who have chosen to follow your work.

Loved your post about your nan being your one true fan, lovely read.

Look forward to reading more of your work

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

That is so true! Of course, having a larger community is great and opens new opportunities (like sponsorships), but anyone will benefit more with having 100 truly devoted fans than having 10,000 random people getting your message into their inbox.

I appreciate your comment.

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Believer's Breakfast's avatar

I'm out to prove that a totally blind, 66, almost 67-year-old can succeed at this game. All advice on how to play craved.

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

I am rooting for you, Jim. You can message me if you get stuck.

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6244jeff's avatar

This is fantastic! Thank you!!

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

I appreciate your comment.

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Sarah Lambley CMktr's avatar

Reading this is great timing for me as I’m just starting my Substack journey. I’m definitely taking stock of these tips - thank you

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Happy you find it helpful. If you get stuck, feel free to message me.

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Gunnar Habitz's avatar

Really enjoyed reading this after having made the website mistake years ago. Substack really offers so much and gives us chances and opportunities to learn. Never too late to get started (the gold mine is now).

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

I made the same mistake years ago with my first website. Yes, Susbtcak offers so much more. It's about finding what works best for you.

You are right, Gunnar, it's never too late. We are only starting.

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Radha's avatar

I loved reading this and am considering you being my first paid subscription. I have the web site the insta but it’s all been flat. I’m also going through cancer and have been derailed from my life of teaching yoga and practicing reiki. All of this is leading me to try to find my message and to somehow create an online business that helps people heal. I need to find my message and my audience and maybe you can help me set that up to actually make money while I sleep/- how amazing would that BE?... https://radhahealing.substack.com/p/blog-5-chemo-yogi-strawberry-shortcake

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Thank you for sharing something so personal - I'm sorry you're going through this challenging time with cancer. Your background in yoga and Reiki, combined with your healing journey, could actually become a powerful part of your authentic message. Many people connect deeply with teachers who've walked difficult paths.

Finding your message and audience takes some experimentation, but it's absolutely doable. Building a sustainable income online requires upfront work, but once you find what resonates, it can grow into something more passive.

I'd love to help you explore this further. Start by checking out my free posts on finding your message and building an authentic audience - they might give you some clarity on next steps. Wishing you strength on your healing journey! 💙

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Radha's avatar

Thanks Jerry, I’ll check out your free content. For someone artistically oriented and more knowledgeable about energy and yoga this world of creating an online business is quite a challenge. I do think that I am capable of finding success here so that’s exciting. I just need the right people who are very savvy and can help me build quickly and smart.

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

No problem, Radha! Nothing is easy at the beginning. If you can do yoga, you can certainly do business. It requires similar principles - discipline and focus. And every good business is about helping people to solve their problems and get paid in exchange. What's not to like about it?

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Social Wellness by Jessica's avatar

Great post!! 46 and launching a new business. I’m using this platform a bit differently- but I’m loving it here! Thanks for the insight!

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Congratulations, Jessica, on launching a new business! That is the beauty of Substack. You can use it in many different ways. Good luck on your journey, and I would love to hear about your experience.

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Richard Walter's avatar

Hey Jerry great information. I always find something of value in your posts. I love how you started at 55. This morning I looked at the clock and it read. 5:55 am. So maybe we are in sync here.

I found Substack perhaps a little later in life. Read add 10.

Hope to see you with us at @IAMday. You are speaking to us. ✌️❤️

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Jerry Keszka's avatar

Hey, Richard! We are definitely in sync because we share similar values and goals.

You are doing great, and I look forward to sharing my insights with @IAMday.

I appreciate your comment. 🙏

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FutureProof50's avatar

Awesome post! Very insightful. The 10-5-1 rule is super cool, thanks for sharing

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