Amid the cluster of gurus proclaiming that you should “follow the money”, I’m in the minority who suggest first finding your PASSION.

There’s a reason for this. It works. And it makes ‘work’ more fun.

But the real power of being passionate comes from the magic that it weaves upon anyone who comes into contact with you.

I’ll explain this better with a real case study - from my online experience yesterday.

It took me from being a stranger, to a student, and then a client, an affiliate and an evangelist - all within ONE HOUR!

Meet Mari Smith

Yesterday afternoon, she was a stranger who had contacted me via Facebook.

Her note of introduction mentioned the name of a mutual friend whom I trust a lot. So I explored what Mari was doing.

Interestingly enough, it was related to what I was researching - How To Use Facebook.

As I clicked on links leading me to more and more material created by Mari Smith, one thing stood out clearly like a beacon.

Mari was PASSIONATE about Facebook. Using it. Teaching others how to use it.

Why Facebook?

See her blog and you’ll feel it too…

The first post I read was “I Heart my Facebook and Twitter Communities!” and it had this bit that grabbed my attention and created a bond with Mari.

“…just by being out there and being yourself, bringing joy, adding value, uplifting people’s spirits with no “agenda” - people will remember you and want to connect with you.

Even if you’re not a natural-born Connector, there are certain steps you can take to maintain terrific visibility and exposure. And, authentically commenting, congratulating, and acknowledging others is certainly one of those steps.

We must keep in mind–regards online social networks, in particular - it’s relationships first, business second. This is my mantra!”

Facebook Fortunes

It’s obvious Mari really ‘gets’ Facebook and social media marketing/networking. Her Facebook profile reveals she has close to 2,000 ‘Friends’ and is very active on it. Her Twitter profile is just as interesting.

So I chose to study her Facebook approach - and discovered the free course, Facebook Fortunes - How To Grow Your Network And Your Net Worth on Facebook!”

The content is worth paying for - but Mari’s giving it away for free.

“Facebook for Professionals”

And there’s a method to her ‘madness’ because that free content, combined with her passionate style of teaching students how to use Facebook, make it an absolutely simple decision to get her ‘advanced’ course, “Facebook for Professionals”.

So, within 30 minutes of first hearing about Mari Smith, I was sending her money to learn from her.

Is she the only Facebook ‘expert’ around? Absolutely not. But she is a PASSIONATE expert - and that makes a huge difference when it comes to learning!

PodClass

The course is delivered through a service called PodClass - and that’s worth a blog post in and of itself. Check it out - there’s a ton of features for anyone looking to teach a course online.

Anyway… I’m in the members’ area, viewing the first 3 videos - and learning a LOT about Facebook and using it effectively to further my goals, and using it strategically to avoid the typical wasteful (even if temporarily entertaining) visits down rabbit-holes, when it suddenly struck me that this information was GOLDEN for my clients who themselves use Facebook.

From Customer To Affiliate - And More!

So quickly I drafted out an email to invite them to check out “Facebook for Professionals”.

Within an hour, I had gone from being a complete stranger, to a student, then a customer, and now an affiliate for Mari Smith’s Facebook program - and even more.

I was an admiring evangelist of this passionate teacher of Facebook ’secrets’ - and telling my list of over 3,000 people about her, telling my Twitter following of over 500 people about her, sending private messages on forums to people I knew would find this material helpful, and now blogging about it here!

Why?

Was it for the money I’d get as an affiliate for spreading the word? Here’s the thing. The course is priced very modestly at $197.00 when it launches on April 7th.

But when I joined, it was at the pre-launch introductory offer of $47.

By waiting 24 hours, I could have QUADRUPLED my affiliate referral fee. But I told my list right away - because I was caught up in the passion and the talent of this Facebook coach (to be fair, Mari is more than just a ‘Facebook coach’, she’s a social media marketing coach!)

Passion + Talent = Success

That’s how raw passion and talent work. You get even curious strangers caught up in the magic. Turn them into passionate supporters of your work. Get word of mouth buzz going and growing that you CANNOT buy at any price.

I have tapped into such a tidal wave of energy in the work I am really passionate about - helping sick little children with heart birth defects, and helping struggling home business owners find success online.

Yes, the money is nice.

Mari posted on Twitter that 85 orders have come in already while she puts the finishing touches on her 100+ page manual for the “Facebook for Professionals” course.

But that, in a sense, matters little when your work is fired by PASSION.

And also, the passion that you bring to the table sets you apart from any competition.

Mari says on her blog: “I do not believe in competition. Especially for the solopreneur. There’s only one YOU. No one can “compete” to be you.”

I agree. Your passion and dedication to the niche you are involved in can itself serve as your differentiator, your unique selling point, your brand identity.

I’ve made it a cornerstone of mine.

Finally, passion fuels the fire. Keeps you going. For as long as it takes.

In a report I shared some years ago, and which has been downloaded and read by over FIVE THOUSAND people, I share the story of how it took me 8 long years before any meaningful success was achieved.

How Long Does Success Take? - Read it, click here to download

Without passion, those 8 years might have been torture.

Because of passion, they were inspiring, educational and entertaining years.

Find your passion.

Reach your success.