If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up somewhere else. –Yogi Berra
My last working day for Marketing Merge Inc. was April 1, 2010. Since then, I’ve moved back home to Kalamazoo, Michigan and put a 90-120 day business plan together.
Watch as I go from Zero to Internet Business over the next three to four months.
This post is for the small, but truly caring individuals who follow what I do, and have either called me or emailed or wondered what was up. Keep reading…
First let me make a few things very very clear because this is important to me:
1). It was my decision to leave Marketing Merge. I was given an offer that required my absolute commitment for the next 3-5 years, and I respectfully passed. It wasn’t personal. It was business.
2). There are no hard feelings between me and Mike Klingler or any Marketing Merge staff member. To the contrary, Mike and I had adult beverages and talked like brothers. He dropped me off at the airport. We gave big hugs and smiled warmly at one another.
3). I still advocate, support and will promote Renegade Professional. I will still be an active community member. With the HUGE announcements that I know are on the horizon, I plan to gobble up the opportunities that will be afforded all of us.
Why I Decided to Part Ways With Marketing Merge Inc.
I decided to leave because I didn’t like the offer I was given. It’s that simple. Again, it’s not personal. It’s business — but not my business. It’s Mike’s business. I’m not going to discuss the offer I was given because that is closed door business talk.
When Mike invited me to work with him last June of 2009, we shared great ideas and a similar vision for a particular project. Mike invited me to create with him, and offered a percentage of ownership.
I was ecstatic. I dropped everything I was doing. Mike agreed to pay me a living salary, and with the help of Marketing Merge, I moved my family to Portland.
We agreed that my role would not only include taking the primary role in developing out this ambitious project, but to also help with all things Renegade Professional. And if I could “earn my stripes” doing these things, we’d formalize an agreement that included ownership.
So once I arrived to Portland, I gave my best content, my best ideas, my best webinars, my best value. And Mike served me as a mentor at almost every step. Even when he wasn’t the model mentor I hoped for, I learned insanely valuable lessons simply by observing him.
Our project together has come along nicely. There is still much work to be done, and Mike is now going to take it over.
When It Comes to Formal Business Agreements, Seek Counsel from Experienced Professionals
So regarding that formal business agreement… By March the time had come. I was rockin’ it with the Smart Beginner webinars, the “big project” was well underway, and Marketing Merge Inc. was slowly but surely getting all business relationships formalized.
I’ll be honest here… things weren’t as simple as I had originally thought they would be, but I think that speaks more to my inexperience with these matters than anything else. I recognized this right off. It became apparent to me that after a few discussions and draft versions of the written business agreement, that I needed counsel with lawyers, corporate professionals and entrepreneurs outside of the internet marketing space.
Thank goodness for family and close friend connections. I spent an intense four day period going over a lot of things with a lot of different people who had experience and knowledge about these things. We played the best-case and worse-case scenarios, hypothetical situations and all variables in-between.
Make no mistake, I could have been happy working for Marketing Merge Inc. And I am certain that I would have made six figures in the not-so-distant future. But I chose to pass. I made a decision that I wasn’t going to work for Marketing Merge Inc. Instead, I was going to work for myself – in earnest.
I do feel at liberty to tell you that Marketing Merge Inc. is setting stage for ambitious growth. Mike is looking to create an “inner circle” of staff employed by Marketing Merge Inc. who have no interest to pursue other goals. I make no secret about having other goals.
The Reason I Am Grateful
In the end, I come away with an amazing sense of gratitude for all that I learned. It didn’t necessary turn out the way I had envisioned, but I now see it turning out even better. I have never had so much clarity in the two years since I gave up my Masters Degree and resigned from teaching to pursue entrepreneurship. I can honestly give credit to this “internship” with Marketing Merge as the reason for this clarity.
So for all of you who care about me, and have sent me well-wishes and good vibes, I’m baaack and back in a big way. Watch me as I build my own company.
Eric,
In the short time I have been with Renegade Professional I have learned a lot from you. I wish you all the best in your new venture and look forward to learning more.
Warm regards,
Maria Rote
@Maria Rote,
Thank you for the kind words. I will be sharing everything I do. Here at this blog (there are three more in production serving other niches), I’ll be very transparent about going from zero to internet business over the next 30,60,90,120 days.
Eric Walker
@Candace,
Thank you so very much. It means a lot to me that you stopped by to give me encouragement.
Eric
Eric,
I’m very proud of you and the decision you made. Although it wasn’t an easy one, you stayed true and followed your heart. That speaks volumes and reflects the integrity and your work ethics that I have come to admire about you since meeting you so many months ago!
Thank you for being refreshingly honest in your post and I look forward to following you along your path of success.
Wishing you all the best!
Lee Ann
@Lee Ann McVey,
Thanks Lee Ann. The decision seems to be getting easier and easier. I feel really good about it.
I’ll be very candid and transparent here at this blog, as I discuss the more personal side of business. This includes Family, Health and Money.
Eric
Hi Eric,
You have been a great inspiration to me. From the time I met you personally at the Live Event, you encouraged me to just do it… When I hear how you took the steps to do it, even when a person is new, I did it and knew that, even though I wasn’t good, I was trying and you supported that.
I wish you the very best and want you to know that I will be a great fan of yours in your future business and look forward to following you every step of the way.
Good luck and congratulations,
Cindy
Eric I am glad that you followed your heart. YOU will accomplish what you said you would do. I look forward to your journey. Give the family a hug for me. Keep me posted.
@Morris Fisher,
Thank you. Full steam ahead.
The family is doing great. Kaitlin is going strong with Bring Birth Home and many good things ahead for that.
Ella is the happiest baby I’ve ever seen, and I am a proud daddy.
Eric
Eric,
Best of luck to you and your family. I look forward to seeing what you do, it will no doubt be great! And make sure to keep posting pictures of sweet Ella Rose on facebook:)
Peace-Kelly
@Kelly,
Thanks. I will be using this ‘zero to internet’ business as part of my own product creation — for everyone to see.
I will definitely continue posting Ella Rose pics. She’s the light of my life.
Thank you,
Eric
Eric,
Haven’t touched base in a long while but saw your post on facebook. Good for you. You’ll do great. I wish you and your family nothing but the best. I’m not so much of an active member in Pro any longer but I do follow some posts. Follow your heart. The reason many of us started this journey several years ago was so we wouldn’t have a “boss”. Stay true to who you are and you will do great. I’ll be seeing you down the road to success.. Best of luck.
@Anita Kulik,
So glad you came by. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yeah, no bosses! I knew when I had to start reporting to the office at 8 a.m. that my days were going to be numbered (lol).
Cheers to the road of success that lies ahead.
Eric
Hi Eric!
What a treat to hear from you! THANK YOU for your kindness and generosity in giving us a glimpse – a sliver of what has transpired… I guess bottom line, I for one just want to really know that you’re okay. We all are faced with life changing decisions and the choices we make continue to shape us to who and what we’re supposed to be… it allows us to step into the unknown and continue evolving… conquering and remaining victorious!
I love the Renegade Community and the leaders who tireless put their heart and soul in it to give everyone a shot at success. You Sir have given so much in such a short time you were there and if I haven’t said it enough and for whatever it’s worth, “YOU HAVE INSPIRED AND ENCOURAGED ME IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!” I will never forget your presence and support at my very first webinar and the comments you left me afterwards… those are priceless memories to me!
As you move forward to your next journey, I pray heaps of blessings for you, Kaitlin and Ella Rose… Prayers for wisdom, for strength of heart mind and body, for enlightenment, peace, a clearer direction and for the right people and resources to come along…
I look forward to seeing you around again and see the tremendous growth that’s about to happen to you… I’ll be watching with great expectancy!
Great Big Hugs!!!
Your Friend,
Emma
@Emma Tiebens,
Oh Emma you are the sweetest person on the Internet. It’s true and I mean that. Thank you bunches for your kind comment.
I am happy, and we are doing great! Really we are… Kaitlin’s Bring Birth Home is growing exponentially, and Ella Rose’s personality continues to bloom every day. I have so many things to be fortunate for.
I did give my heart to Marketing Merge. Thank you for recognizing my contributions. I will continue to swim in the same waters that I’ve always swam in… it’s just that now I will be waving the “Eric Walker” banner. But I will still contribute to the Renegade Professional community.
I am ready and excited to grow my own business.
Emma, thank you again for your concern and thoughtfulness. We will most certainly continue to keep in touch.
Eric Walker
Hi Eric,
Wow, it didn’t take you long to hit the ground running!
Thanks for sharing your story and your plans for the future. Not many people are so clear with the direction they want to take so this in itself is a gift.
Decisions can’t always be about money and you have such an abundant life already with your family and friends.
The clarity you had when deciding to move forward already means you are a success and I’ll be happy to watch you as you achieve your goals.
Your contribution at Marketing Merge and Renegade Professional will always be remembered but there is much more to come from Eric Walker!
Stay tuned.
Hugs to you and the family…
Deb
@Deb Marsden,
You know my journey as good and better than anyone. I have always appreciated your support and wisdom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Well Eric, with your energy, good character and talents almost any company would be thrilled to have you and sorry to see you go. On the flip side you could never truly get paid what YOU are really worth working for someone else…IMO owning your own business/company is the way to go for the creative, spirited, and hard working…qualities which you possess in spades!!
Well done mate and best of luck.
@Steve Anderson,
Today’s your birthday! Happy Birthday, mate. Thank you for your comment. Nice words! I’ll be in touch. Looking forward to some things we can partner on.
Eric,
What can I say? Marketing Merge will not be the same without you, but then again it sounds like you plan on staying active as a participant. You know how I feel about you and your beautiful family. I see us doing big things together no matter what.
Love,
Rana
Thanks Rana.
Eric:
You accomplished a great deal with Renegade Professional and I know that you will scale even greater mountains in the future. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you Robert.
Eric,
You’re a true entrepreneur at heart. Entrepreneurs can’t be pulled and captive to one goal and course. I’ve loved learning from you and watching the fun and ideas and energy you have.
Your journey is yours and is unique to you. Full speed ahead my friend. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader.
I too, so appreciate RPro and love what they do and stand for. But I totally, 100% understand the freedom to pursue any goal, at any time, and not have to seek permission or feel like you’re ‘stuck’.
I think ya’ll are awesome and I will forever be grateful to and look forward to more training from all the partners and owners of MM. And, I’m looking forward to seeing where your path takes you.
Hugs and High Fives my friend….
Debbie
Eric,
As you know, I’ll miss ya’!
But I hope not too much…. because I hope you’ll find your niche right in the community (or at least one of your niches)!
I look forward to seeing you prosper & am eager to collaborate ‘out there’ perhaps in bigger ways than we could have ever done ‘in here.’
More power to ya!
Mike
Eric,
Thanks for sharing this post. Your honesty, integrity and personal insight shine through.
You were one of the very first people I met when I was just getting started online. I remember calling you and asking if I could pick your brain. You were so generous with your time and I’ll never forget that about you.
Just reading all the comments here shows that I’m not alone in this — you’ve given so much to so many people. And I know without a doubt that it’s because of your ambition, skill and spirit that your new business venture will be a huge success.
Warm wishes,
Cindy
Hi Eric
Thanks for sharing your story with us, you got to do what is right for you.
You are a person I always look up to Eric. Wish you and family all the very best (btw. today 14th April, Sri Lankan’s celebrate Sinhalese and Hindu New Year… So new year & new beginning for you too)
Damayanthi
First I want to say thank you for all that you have taught me through your tutorials, webinars, and articles. You have had a huge impact on what I have and am going to accomplish in my future. It is going to seem strange not having you there at the Renegade Pro News giving us the latest and greatest news as in a way only Eric Walker can!
What is that saying, action speaks volumes about a person. Well your actions have shown me just what kind of leader you are. Deep in your heart you knew what you wanted for your future and you made the move no matter how hard it was for you, a lesson we all can learn. We must follow our heart and do what is best for us…I envy you and can’t wait to see what you will have going on. I will definitely be there to cheer you on and abviously learn all that I can from you!
Blessings to you and your lovely family,
Sherry Prince (worldgazers)
Hi Eric,
sorry to see you go… However, I understand what you’re looking for, what “drives” you. I’ve learned lots from you by following your footsteps. Hopefully to hear from you while building up your new business. Go for it!
All the best to you and your lovely family,
Margareta
Eric,
I’ve only talked to you once on the phone and have been on a couple of your webinars and just wanted to tell you thanks for the enthusiasm, contribution and genuine support and caring that you portray every time I hear you! I appreciate the heart that comes through in the email and am confident that you will do well in whatever you attempt.
I look forward to watching your progress and following your work. Thank you again for the wonderful example of the entrepreneurial spirit in action! Wishing you and yours the absolute best out of life!
Karen
Eric – I know that whatever you undertake will be a huge success. Please continue to leave your blueprint/internetprint as you go from ZERO to Internet Business. Amazing things happen when you follow amazing people! Lots shall be following…
My best,
Rose
@Rose Clark,
Thank you. This is fun! And I know what I’m doing. It just a matter of time and implementation. I want people to see how I am doing this.
@Karen Phelps,
Thank you. I have a lot of passion for this work, for teaching people and for success. Learning to become an entrepreneur has been an amazing growth process. Learning from Mike and Marketing Merge Inc. was a tremendous lesson (sort of like earning a Masters Degree in “real” Business).
@Margareta,
Thank you. You’ll see more of me than ever if you’re looking here and even in the usual spots as well. My work and contributions to Renegade Professional community are far from being over. More to come. Just in a slightly different form.
@Sherry Prince,
Thank you. For you to say that I have had a huge impact is the highest compliment I could receive and EXACTLY why I do this – really it is. I will still contribute to the Renegade Professional News when inspired. I appreciate that you are reminding me about the decisions I have made and how it resonates with your view of leadership and the true spirit of an entrepreneur.
@Damayanthi,
Thank you. I always have you in my thoughts whenever I log into Facebook. I have missed connecting with you, but know that you’re out there doing a good job of things. You are a great connector and exude peace and tranquility – super qualities. Thank you for offering me your best wishes.
@Cindy Schulson,
Thank you. What a good feeling it is to know that you’ve had an impact. In the power that is right now, I am content with this feeling. You have had a positive influence on me, and there for me at a time when I needed you. My gratitude will last forever.
@Mike Klingler,
Thanks for coming over! I had a feeling you would. I was telling Katie that the biggest thing I was going to miss was the way we connected on a creative level. We really fed one another with good ideas and actionable steps. That kind of creative connection is often hard to come by. This will definitely be a missing tooth in my mouth. I think you’re right tho, our time to collaborate is still to come. You know just as well as I do, I’m not going anywhere. You’ve always modeled and taught me to be a collaborator, an alliance maker. The best is yet to come (for us both).
@Debbie Turner,
Thank you. You are the warmest person I know. I can feel your warmth just in your comments. They make me feel good. I appreciate that you clicked, read and left a comment.
Eric Walker
Well, it’s about time!! Wooohoooo!! Welcome back Eric!!!
LOL @ “When I had to start showing up to the office at 8am, I knew my days were numbered.”
That would have definitely been a deal breaker for me too. I am SO very proud of you and Kaitlin for all that you have growth through with RPro over the last 10 months. You are so brave to have up and moved to a whole new world basically! I know is must have been an amazing ride being behind the scene.
I know that you now know for certain that you’ve got the chops buddy. Congratulations!!! I look forward to working with you.
Malika
Hey Eric!
YOU know what’s cool?
To watch ALL of us grow into ourselves
throughout the past few years…:)
YOU are a very SMART man!
Say Hi to Kaitlin and Ella Rose for ME!
Shelly
Dear Eric, I was a bit alarmed there for a minute as I was reading about you having left Marketing Merge, but as I continued, I now understand that you are simply on your way to become person you’re meant to be.
I congratulate you for your courage and determination and wish you nothing short of the attainment of your highest goals.
You are a true entrepreneur and a worthy role model to us all, who’ve followed you on MM.
I’ll certainly keep following what you’re up to and any future projects.
Best Regards to your beautiful family and great success to you!
Your friend in Puerto Vallarta,
Mauricio Lemus
Congratulations Eric,
I appreciate your honesty and integrity; letting us know what was happening and to include us in what was happening in your life.
Renegade is a family and we are all part of it no matter where our adventures take us.
I appreciate your contribution to helping us learn and grow.
Renegade teaches us to be Renegades and if we didn’t follow that coarse, then we’re not following the teachings.
Like all family’s, our children are with us for a time where they learn and develop and become adults. Then it is time to head out on their own.
I wish you every success you so deserve.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your new Great Adventure.
Don’t forget to come home to Renegade often.
Pam
Hey Eric!
I really respect your decision.
Your experience w/ Mike reminds me of what Robert Kiyosaki says:
“Don’t take a job for the money, but take it for the experience” (paraphrased)
I’ve thought many times about joining you & Mike to further surround myself by great teachers & internet network marketers. (It just never quite worked out in that direction)
I’m glad that you see everything as positive and left on a good note. I believe that the experience you received from working so closely with Mike will benefit you greatly in the coming years.
I’m looking forward to connecting and seeing what your next project is Eric!
Just back from some travels.
Eric, I continue to be inspired by your transparency, integrity and loyalty.
You followed your heart.
I heard James Hill, the world champion Ukulele player (amazing artist from Nova Scotia) in Thunder Bay last week, he sang a song with a line: “Do what you love and love what you do…”. I see that this move puts you and Kaitlin in a place to accomplish that with no holds barred.
I will be following your work with keen interest. I know you will make it happen. I know that we will witness the evidence of all things taught in R. Pro implemented with mastery, bring results in your businesses.
Congratulations on making a decision carefully and making the move that best serves your family’s aspirations and needs.
Eric,
I am so proud of you. That had to be one of the most difficult decisions you have made. Just as it took courage and strength to leave teaching behind, it may have taken even more to leave marketing merge.
I look forward to your journey.
Tracey
Eric!
After reading your post and all the comments made by people who feel very much like I do about your new business choice, all I can do is to thank you personally for your contribution to what I have learned, and to wish you all the very best in your independent ventures!
I will certainly follow your progress every step of the way and make sure to remain connected with you and with Kaitlin.
Wishing you all the best, and sincere regards from Jack,
Osnat
Eric,
Extremely well written! I have followed your progress with keen interest, and it is a joy to behold! Your parting from Marketing Merge, and how you have handled it, speaks volumes to your courage and class. So go ahead and seize the day!
Best Wishes,
Mike
Wow! Or as Perry White would say, Great Caesar’s Ghost!
Thanks for keeping me on your list. I enjoyed the first of your “new” newsletters. I did wonder why I wasn’t hearing from you: what happened to your picture on the ProNews masthead, and what happened to the Smart Beginner webinar series.
I look forward to more of your courageous stories. I encourage anyone who has not gotten your Newsletter to clink the link above and sign up. Courage and openness with style! (Love those walking to work videos and even the old motorcycle video!!) Openness and transparency has always been kind of a trademark. Maybe it’s your USP (?)
I want to thank you again for all that you have offered to me personally starting way back (was it only about 15 months ago?) before your period in Portland and throughout your time there. What is so amazing to me is the way you repeat this support and engagement with hundreds (?) of others. Your ability to connect *personally* with so many people through email, phone, comments etc is kind of a calling card – or is *that* your USP (?).
I am grateful for the tone of the separation with MM as you report it. It just confirms again all that I respect about you and also about Mike. Mike’s comment here is yet another example of his graciousness — something I greatly value.
You don’t mess around do you? Gosh April 1st! And you are back in Michigan and have a new blog going? Have you even had time to set up the kitchen table? Oh yeah, passion. Now that is part of that USP for sure (?).
With the others, I wish you all the best.
Your friend,
Richard
@Richard,
You leave the best comments. I recall the one you wrote at Marketing Merge Network about Winston Churchill. You’re definitely a writer.
Thanks for the kind words and great ideas about my USP. Yeah, I am all those things.
Eric
Hi Eric,
I admire your commitment to stay true to your own vision and to make the shifts necessary to stay on your path. There will always be wonderful opportunities to collaborate with and be mentored by people who we want to learn from, and those can be ‘rocket boosters’ that put us in a different orbit. Your contributions at Marketing Merge were a huge blessing to many, including me. Thank you!
Bottom line, entrepreneurs make unhappy employees. You can only make your best contribution when you’re free in the way that feeds your own spirit. I look forward to following your exciting new journey, which is a completely different journey than it would have been two yeas ago, right?
Best always,
Becki
You will soar high and shine like a beacon to other young, motivated entrepreneurs.
As a dear friend and a member of my “tribe” of business/friends that began online and developed into so much more, I wish you and Katie and Ella Rose all the joy and success in the world!
Deborah
Eric…I wish you and your family all the very best. It takes alot to up and move your family but to make a descision for your family and move on it huge.
It has been wondering meeting the people attached to Renegade.
Stay in touch.
Angela
Hi Eric,
I just want to wish you the very best of luck with you goals and I will subscribe to your newsletter so I can follow along.
Take care,
Michelle
Eric,
I have been following all the good stuff you’ve been doing and I know I’ll continue to do so. Stay true to your heart brother, and the rest will follow!
Cheers,
Patrick
@Patrick – thank you. I always like reading your comments.
@Michelle – Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate and have always appreciated our friendship.
@Angela – Thank you Angela.
Hi Eric,
I fully understand your decision to leave Marketing Merge and I commend you for it
Like you, I have great respect for Mike Klingler and Marketing Merge. But your heart, your skills, and your talents are in the area of internet marketing and building “your own business.”
I’m sure you would have done very well if you had continued working for Marketing Merge. You could have worked with business agreements, attorneys, and corporate professionals. I know. I have done a lot of that in my career.
But that type of work is considerably different from working with and helping people as you build your own business. I feel that is where your heart is and where you can best be of service.
I wish you the very best. I know you will do well.
@Scott,
Thank you. I am following my heart.
Eric
You may not remember me but I met you at Live Event this January and you impressed me as the kind of person who knows it takes 100% of giving yourself to succeed to the highest level. When teaching is in your heart it never leaves and becoming a true entrepreneur will enable you to help more people. I remember you said how you “owned” being a part of MM by studying it over and over until it became a part of you. All good wishes to you and yours on this new chapter of your life. I join the others in following your journey and thank you for what your have shared so far.
sincerely,
Bonnie Silvia
@Bonnie,
I remember you, for sure. You’re right about the teaching being in your heart and how it never leaves. Marketing Merge is definitely a part of me, and you will see it shine through as I go about this next chapter. Thank you for your kind words.
Eric
Eric, A few months back I became discouraged and backed off RPro. I remember you telling me that you restarted a few times before you got traction. You encouraged me to get back in the game and run after my dream. Now, I see you walking the talk. That is powerful. Thank you. Here I go! Blessings to you and family. Keep me on your list.
Rich
Hi Eric
Thank your for sharing your story and following your heart, part of it touched my heart and it was like hope yes I can do this. I am heading in the right direction.
I have enjoyed your webinars and have been encouraged and learnt much from you.
I wish you and your family all the best for the future.
thank you
Rosemary
[...] you want to get caught up with my story up to this point, read my post about why I left Marketing Merge Inc. as a full time independent contractor to pursue full-fledged [...]
Eric-
Just follow your heart. That will always be your best compass.
I wish you and your family the best as you move into this new phase of your life.
–Daryl
Hello, Eric.
Thanks so much for the leadership and support you provided via Marketing Merge. I’m so glad I got to meet you, Kaitlin and Ella Rose in person in Portland before you made your move! Best wishes and I look forward to learning even more from you in the future. You are a great role model.
I “Heart” Your Biz!
Kate
@Kate,
Thank you.
@EVERYONE-
Again, the keyword is gratitude. Here’s why…
When I moved out to Portland, my daughter Ella Rose wasn’t even crawling yet! And to be honest, me and Katie weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders. We were having some challenges. Pettiness can play so rough.
I was thinking about this just yesterday, and Katie and I talked about this shortly after our return dinner with family.
We may not have returned from Portland having achieved what I thought was going to be a six figure income, but we’re still rich.
Here’s why… in the time we were gone, Ella Rose not only began crawling, she started walking too. And she also started taking a keen interest in books and drums. Yay Ella! The girl is totally thriving.
Me and Katie have never been closer. We really reached a new level of closeness that will make us so much stronger for the next big challenge that comes our way.
And Katie! During the time we were in Portland, she started Bring Birth Home (http://BringBirthHome.com & http://Facebook.com/BringBirthHome) and TOMORROW we’re heading to our lawyer’s office to set up an LLC for Bring Birth Home.
And me, well you read the post, you know all that I learned. It’s been magnificent.
It’s amazing how much I’ve earned during my time away from home. I honestly couldn’t be happier.
Eric Walker
Eric,
As someone who was there with you every step of the way, I’ve got to get my two cents in here!
The past two years have been a long and tough road, but the cliche’ saying has never rung so true – “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”
I’ve watched you learn and grow. I’ve listened to you transform from a teacher to a coach and now a consultant! Oh there were the times when I’ve tired of the long days and late nights you spent in front of that darn laptop…
But I’ve been reflecting upon your progress through the stumbles, each time watching you make everything look easy. I’ve got to say, I’m not just proud of you, I admire you.
Thank you for working so hard. For putting in those long hours when it wasn’t easy, (& putting up with my interruptions). All of this makes the reward so much greater.
Glad we’ve learned to appreciate the journey together. I’m rooting you on,
Kaitlin
Hi Eric,
This comment thread feels a little like “This is Your Life…Renegade Pro Edition.” It’s a real Who’s Who of many of the people we interacted with over the past couple of years.
You and I have had more than our fair share of philosophical discussions on the nature of this industry, and what principles can be applied on a large scale. I have to say I am surprised at the timing of your departure…because I was expecting it much sooner.
Anyway, I will be following your progress with keen interest, as I myself move forward, trying to find my own ethical path to the promised land of full-time income from home. At the end of the day, as you know, that path can only be found when you follow your heart.
God Speed to you, brother. See you on the other side.
Lane
Hi Eric, good decision you made I salute you for that! It takes faith to start something specially on your “own”. I have started following you and I like the way you discuss something on webinar, very clear. You have planted good seeds to many of us specially the beginners and that seed will grow and will look for the farmer. SUCCESS is a journey and not a destination, you are who you are and who you are people would love seeing more of you. Keep it up, and SUCCESS to your new endeavor, we are all here for you. God has a wonderful plans for you, and I know it is happening already, just watch and you’ll see where He is leading you. Regards to your family as well.
Eric
I’m sure you’re going to miss Clem’s(?) Crab Shack back in Kalamazoo — but, then, the heart is where the home is, and I’m sure you were missing the home environment while in Portland.
This is great news for you — but not so good for those of us who were really looking forward to your “Smart Beginner” lessons. You have set a very fine example. Thank you for that. But maybe your continuing story will serve that purpose.
So, congratulations and best wishes for what will be an amazingly successful adventure. Keep us posted.
John Rollow
Eric,
Wow! So many familiar faces here. It’s like a class reunion or something!
You’re really a great guy and a master teacher that’s easy to listen to and follow. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will do well in whatever direction your headed. And it sure is something how directions can change and lead to that which was not in the plans!
I’ll be subbing to your newsletter so I can peek in and spy on you and what you’re up to LOL!
Congrats and all the best to you and yours Eric,
Charles
@Charles,
I always get a smile on my face when you come around. Thanks so much. Take a peek/spy on all my marketing stuff. It’s yours. Take care Charles, don’t be a stranger. Eric
Dear Eric,
I met you only a short while ago, but from the time we first spoke to each other in Portland, I was very impressed with your strong spirit. I could feel your authenticity, and it was marvelous to behold – especially in such a young person.
There were many days that I thought of just picking up the phone and chatting with you, but unfortunately, I didn’t act upon my promptings.
As I read about your separation from Marketing Merge, I was compelled to watch the interview which you so graciously agreed to film with me at the Renegade Professional Live Event. You offered this suggestion when I asked you what was the number one piece of advice you would give to someone who was just getting started on the internet, and this is how you replied:
“The number one thing is ‘Know Yourself.’ Know your internal value. Know what you can bring to the table. Know what you’re about and then be able to communicate [value] that to the world.”
Congratulations and best wishes because you are absolutely following your own teachings, and I salute you for it. Best of luck to you and your family in the future, and if I can do anything at all to help you out, just let me know.
Take care, and as Zig Ziglar would say, “I’ll see you at the top!”
Angela
@Angela,
I do know myself, and I have confidence that I made the right decision for me. Thank you for your kind words Angela.
Eric
[...] As you may or may not know, I’m starting an internet business from scratch after leaving Marketing Merge Inc. [...]
Eric,
I’ve appreciate you honesty, integrity and straight-talk. I have no doubt you will be a smashing success and I will follow your efforts with great interest.
From our talks I know you have great vision, and are clear in your mind about industry direction.
Keep on keeping on – I know you will!
Arne
@Arne,
I’m a straight shooter. You know that, and at the same time, I really felt this to be the best way to express my decisions. It reflects the journey of an entrepreneur. This next chapter will be exciting. Thank you for the kind words.
Eric
Eric,
As a newbie with Marketing Merge, I am sorry to see you leave. However,
I understand and am very proud of you! I look forward to following you from here. Good Luck in all that you do.
Carol
@Carol,
Thank you for your words of support. From my shoes, it has always felt like the natural thing to do.
Eric
Hi Eric
I could definitely relate to you wanting to pursue your own business, making it your own. I had worked as an Exercise Physiologist at a hospital for many years, and then had an opportunity to work for a well established huge Personal Fitness Training co. I was considered self-employed, however, they were calling all the shots. I learned a tremendous amount from my experience with the co. However, I knew in my heart that I wanted to, and could build my own In-Home Personal Training Business. That was 13 years ago. I still have my business, though be it very part-time as I now begin my journey of moving into a different business chapter in my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision for you, and probably pretty scary and exciting at the same time, but I congratulate you and wish you all the best!!
Sincerely
Megan Antlfinger
Eric.
I have to admit I feel as though I have been living under a rock. I decided to take 3 1/2 weeks off from the online world to seek some clarity and this is what I return to.
Eric you have been awesome dude. I appreciate what you have done for MM and for connecting with me. I feel as though we have a lot in common with our business style. I can understand you “breaking away” and becoming your own boss. That’s Awesome. I have worked for a few entrepreneurs and have learned tons (good and bad) and that has served me huge as being my own boss.
Good Luck and we will be watching.
Ed Hyslip
[...] in their business as a result of my contributions. This is exactly what was supposed to occur with Marketing Merge, but things happen and that didn’t work [...]
[...] Zero to Internet Business project came as the result of spending long hours and nine months with Mike Klingler at Marketing Merge Inc. who taught me how to put together a million dollar business [...]
[...] led to me to Portland where I worked with Mike Klingler and Marketing Merge for a season. It was a good season, but the season has come and [...]
[...] This is where I have a unique seat. I have been observing both for a long while now due to what I was creating when I was with Marketing Merge. [...]
[...] That led to my position at Marketing Merge. [...]
[...] I want. When I first got started with Facebook, I used to systematically friend up all of Mike Klingler’s friends. That’s the way he taught it back in the early days of Renegade Professional. I doubt [...]
[...] is one reason why, despite an undesirable ending with Marketing Merge, I maintained [...]
[...] when I was contracted by Marketing Merge Inc and was paid a consistent salary, I had to move across the country with a six month old; had to [...]