The thing about being an online entrepreneur is that no one knows what you do.

And seemingly no amount of explaining to your day-to-day friends and family properly explains it.

The Blank Stares

You know the look.

When you tell someone you’re an online entrepreneur and they give you that blank, slightly confused stare. It’s almost comical.

To them, “work” often equates to a 9-5 job, a physical office, and a clear job title.

So, when I say I run Filmmaking Lifestyle or mention anything about “online revenue streams,” I’m often met with a bemused expression.

The Common Misconceptions

  1. “So you’re unemployed?” This one’s my personal favorite. Just because I don’t commute to an office doesn’t mean I’m lounging around all day.
  2. “You’re on social media all day, right?” While social media is a part of what I do, it’s just a small slice of the pie.

    Building, maintaining, and growing an online business involves so much more.
  3. “It’s a hobby, not a job.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Managing websites, content, marketing, finances—it’s a full-blown operation.

Bridging the Gap

I’ve tried different approaches:

  1. The Elevator Pitch: Simplifying what I do into a quick 30-second spiel.

    “I teach people about filmmaking and how to succeed in the video production world through my website.”
  2. Relatable Analogies: Comparing my work to more traditional roles or businesses can sometimes help.

    “Imagine I opened a school or wrote books, but it’s all online.”
  3. Show, Don’t Tell: Occasionally, I’ll walk them through my website, show them articles, revenue stats, or even messages from those who benefit from the platform.

But still, there’s always that slight disconnect.

The Silver Lining

Despite the misunderstandings, there’s an upside. It reminds me of the unique path I’ve chosen.

Every puzzled look or misinformed comment strengthens my conviction in my chosen journey.

It’s a path less traveled, filled with its own challenges and rewards.

To my fellow online entrepreneurs, remember that it’s okay if not everyone gets it.

What matters is that you understand your journey, your goals, and the value you bring to the digital world.

Keep forging ahead, and perhaps, one day, our world will become the new norm.