Q. Please tell us a little about your background.

A. I started off with a degree in languages (German and Chinese) and went on to train as an acupuncturist and reflexologist. A chronic health problem resulted in my being out of action for a few years and still comes back to haunt me!

Later I trained as a careers advisor and spent a few years working with homeless people, running life skills training courses, giving advice on careers and training and also setting up a mentoring scheme. I trained volunteers to mentor homeless people and although it was a fairly small project, it was quite successful and something I really enjoyed doing.

Last year, I qualified as a teacher for Further Education, which in the UK involves working with 16-19 year olds who have just left school and also adults who wish to retrain, prepare for university or brush up on basic skills. This year I've been lucky enough to do some work in Higher Education, teaching academic writing techniques.  

My aim is to develop several streams of income online - writing more e-books on topics related to careers, education and health. And selling other people's products, either as an affiliate or using resale rights.  I'm studying for some French exams at the moment and one of my dreams is to own a house in the French Alps. I would like to spend more time traveling and learning languages.

Q. What made you decide to start a website in the field?

A. Working as a careers advisor made me aware of just how many people are unhappy in their jobs and how little importance is placed on career choice. I also question the usual ways in which we work, such as 9am - 5pm five days a week. Who decides that's how it should be and what happens if we disagree? I'm fascinated by alternative options, such as portfolio working.

Q. What kind of research went into this niche area before building your website?

A. I knew there was an interest from my work as a careers advisor and I researched keywords online. I also found that people were approaching me for help with CVs and job applications. Although there is a lot of information out there on CVs, there is very little on job application forms, which is interesting as many graduate employers in the UK won't accept CVs, but insist on every applicant filling in the same form. Very few people have any idea how these should be filled in.  People tend to search for information on CVs and so that's why I covered both in the book.

Q. How did you design and build your website?

A. I used Dreamweaver. I'm not artistic at all and so chose a fairly simple design with photos from FreeStockPhotos.com.


Q. What software do you use to run your business?

A. Dreamweaver 4



Q. How does your website generate income?

A. My e-book, some affiliate products related to self-employment and I offer careers advice via email and phone.

Q. How do you collect payments for your products or services?

A. Paypal

Q. What promotion methods do you use?

A. My blog, http://www.idealcareer.blogspot.com , free CV writing tips, free viral report, submission to Search Engines, linking with directories, am currently working on classified ads and a press release, and plan to write articles to submit to various online services. I'm working with a mentor who helps to keep me on track!

Q. Which method has proven to give you the best sales results?

A. Too early to say.

Q. Which method of traffic generation has proven to be the best for you?

A. Also too early to say.

Q. What is your biggest challenge each month?

A. Creating a balance between other forms of work, the business, studying and relaxing. I tend to push myself too hard!

Q. What's the biggest mistake you've made since starting your business?

A. Wasting too much time and money on the latest "indispensible" marketing e-book!

Q. How has your lifestyle changed since you started your online business?

A. I work much harder, but it's more fulfilling as I'm working for myself. I enjoy learning about working online and getting to know some interesting people. I also feel more positive about my financial future. Ask me again in a year and I hope I'll be able to tell you I'm making lots of money!

Q. How has your SureFireWealth.com membership helped you with your online business?

A. I'm planning to set up sites in other niches to generate additional income streams. Having a supply of products with resale rights will make that much easier. I've used the ebook cover generator for my viral report and intend to use some more of the resources.

Q. What would you say to someone looking to start a website in the same niche as you?

A. The careers "niche" is a big area - try to concentrate on a specific aspect which interests you.

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Thanks Waller!