What 11 Years in Online Marketing Has Taught Me – From Narcissists to Crypto Rug Pulls

By Jersey – Knoxville, Tennessee

Let me just say it straight: online marketing ain't for the faint of heart.

I’m Jersey, 45 years old, and I live in good ol’ Knoxville, Tennessee. I got into this wild world of online marketing back in 2013. Bright-eyed, hopeful, and hungry to change my life. I wasn’t looking to get rich quick—I just wanted freedom and a way to provide without clocking in to make someone else rich.

Well, let me tell y’all something: I learned real quick that this industry can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not careful.

The Rough Start Nobody Warns You About

I started with affiliate marketing and bounced between a few MLMs. Back then, I was naive. I believed every “guru” who showed me a rented Lamborghini and said I could have the same in 90 days. I trusted folks I shouldn’t have—charismatic “leaders” who turned out to be narcissistic manipulators.

I poured my time, money, and heart into their systems, only to be used for my skills and left in the dust. One even had the nerve to steal my entire downline—people I brought in and nurtured—while smiling in my face like nothing was wrong. That betrayal stung.

Chasing Opportunities and Dodging Landmines

I’ve followed people into multiple “opportunities.” Some looked promising… until the money dried up or the owners vanished. I’ve survived shutdowns due to “lack of sustainability” and lost thousands in crypto rug pulls where the devs disappeared overnight, leaving us holding worthless tokens.
It was chaos. It was messy. And I questioned more than once if I was cut out for this.
But I didn’t quit.

The Turning Point: Doing Things My Way

After hitting rock bottom emotionally (and financially), I stopped chasing people and started chasing clarity. I stopped following so-called mentors and started following my gut. I invested in real training, surrounded myself with people who had integrity, and started building with intention—not desperation.

Now, I run my own digital brand, coach people on ethical marketing, and I don’t sugarcoat a thing. I believe in straight talk and real results, not hype.

My Advice to Anyone Starting Out

If you’re just getting started or feel like you’re stuck in the trenches, hear me:

• Do your due diligence. Flash doesn’t equal sustainability.
• Don’t worship mentors—follow those who walk the walk with humility and transparency.
• Watch how people treat others when there’s no spotlight on them.
• Own your brand. Never rely on someone else’s system to define your success.
• And don’t be afraid to pivot. Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback.
• 
  

Why I Still Believe in This Industry

Despite all the crap I’ve been through, I still believe in online marketing. Why? Because when done right, it changes lives. It changed mine. I work from home, spend time with my family, and I’m in control of my income for the first time in my life.

So yeah, I’m a little battle-scarred—but I’m stronger for it. And I share my story not for sympathy, but to spare someone else the madness I went through.

If you’re tired of the smoke and mirrors and want to learn from someone who’s been through it all—I’m here. No fluff, no hype. Just truth.

Let’s build something real. Together.

Stay solid,

– Jersey

Knoxville, TN
🖤