This is a sponsored review of Retire At 21 by Michael Dunlop that is based fully on my own opinion and is not biased in any way by my relationship with Michael.
Truth is I have a love-hate feeling with Retire At 21 (dot) com. On one side, I hate myself for the fact that I’m yet to retire at 30+ while on the brighter side, reading all those success stories gives me a sense of hope.
Hope that success (read: early retirement) can be found in places I’d not have otherwise thought it’s possible years ago – the internet.
If I could turn back the clock and back to the past, I’d have gone into blogging at the age of 15 and possibly be writing this review on one of the Caribbean beaches right now.
The Young Entrepreneur
His first taste of making money online was selling everything and anything he could get hold of on eBay and make thousands of pounds whilst his peers were struggling to make 5 pounds per week from paper rounds and odd jobs around the home.
If you think entrepreneurship isn’t in his blood, you are in for a big surprise.
At age 5 Michael was asked by his mother “what do you want to do when you grow up?”, his reply … “I want to own a shop”. Shocked by this answer, his mother replied “Like a toy shop?”, and was amazed when Michael proclaimed that in fact, he wanted a large superstore like Tesco (UK) or Walmart (America).
Despite his tender age, Michael has shown an entrepreneurial spirit that is unparalleled among his peers. He set his goal and he set it high.
So it wouldn’t come as surprise to me that he plans to retire at the age of 25 with a $10 millions in his bank based on his interview with a Brazil newspaper.
My goal is to make $10 million before I am 25…You have to aim high with your goals, it helps keep you focused and motivated.
Though it isn’t enough to own a large superstore like Tesco, it’s sinfully enough to change his lifestyle forever to the envy of his peers who will still be slogging away at Starbucks.
The Blog
Retire At 21.com is the playground of a young and successful entrepreneur, Michael Dunlop whose site showcases the best “resources aimed at younger bloggers like me”.
The idea of Retire at 21 was “originally going to be an ebook for college entrepreneur’s to earn money online but turned into a full site on how young entrepreneurs make money online“.
Despite his early success of ebay marketing and other online projects, the turning point was when he attended Yanik Silver’s Underground Seminar that taught him how to crack the code of making money online and the rest is history.
Flying class first (warning: those pictures will make you jealous!) to the 4th session of Yanik Silvers Internet Marketing Seminar was the testament of the kind of success he has achieved thus far.
The Design
The aesthetic value of one’s blog is a matter of individual taste and preference. It’s always a case of ‘One man’s trash another man’s treasure’ but keep in mind that I’m not saying his site is a total garbage but I sincerely and honestly believe that Michael could do a much better job with his site design, taking into consideration of his proficiency in the area of web designing.
If this sounds to a bit too harsh, I couldn’t help but be more transparent in my review. A great content and awesome library of resources on entrepreneurship certainly deserve a better packaging if you ask me. With that being said and putting my two cents in, the only qualm I have is the fact that I couldn’t easily find the archive of his posts on the main page.
Put simply, site navigation could be optimized to create better overall user experience. Probably this is one area Michael might take into a consideration on his 5th makeover.
The Content
It took me a good 3 days to devour every piece of what he has written and if there is one word to describe it, it’s simply “inspirational”.
I admit I wish I could have compiled and written those success stories of young entrepreneurs myself but it’s one territory I’d wouldn’t think of crossing it. Simply for the obvious reason that he has done it better than anyone else I’ve came across thus far.
Here’s a snapshot of those inspiring and motivating stories for your weekend perusal
- Top Young Bloggers Under 21
- The Amazing Story Of The $10 Million Teen
- A 7-Year-Old Political Blogger who caught the attention of Barack Obama
- Donny Ouyang – 16 Year Old Teen Entrepreneur
- Thilak Raj Rao – Founder of Tech-Buzz.net
If those ain’t not enough to stir your interest, how about these interviews with the cream of the crop in the blogosphere
- Darren Rowse of Problogger
- Pete Cashmore of Mashable.com
- Aaron Wall of SEOBook.com
- Rand Fishkin, CEO of SEOmoz
- Graham Langdon of EntreCard
Last but certainly not the least, my personal favorite goes to one of the articles – Top 50 Young Entrepreneurs Under 30 that has made it Digg front page and get my two thumbs up. Indeed a well-deserved one, Michael.
Constructive Criticism
Apart from what I’ve touched earlier above, there aren’t much faults I could nitpick at the time of this writing. However if there is one thing I’m still struggling to comprehend is the fact that Michael isn’t getting as many comments on his blog that he deserves.
Is he not building enough connection or simply too busy with other priorities that have taken too much of his time? I figure which successful person has enough time for himself anyway?
Final Thought
Michael isn’t one of those average kids you see on the neighborhood using their creativity to draw the art of graffiti on the walls. Despite being young, dyslexic and dropped out of college, he’s cleverly turned those disadvantages into creating a blog that inspires other youngsters to make good use of their precious time to make money online and “conquer the world“.
The fact that he dreams a big dream and goes to great lengths to teach aspiring young entrepreneurs the “possibility of retiring at 21″ certainly deserves my greatest respect and possibly yours as well.
In the world of retirement, 21 is the new 60 – Michael Dunlop
Well I can’t say much about you but being a grown-up myself, Retire At 21.com is one of those sites I’ll look forward to reading when my personal motivation is at it lowest.
Don’t take my words for it. Click over to Michael’s site and come back and tell me what ya think about it.
It doesn’t matter if you are already past the golden age of 21, every success first begins in mind and then in reality – regardless of your age.
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Damn, I turned 22 this year, how very unlucky for me :P lol! I agree with you on the website layout, it could be done a lot better than it is – then again I’m not the biggest fan of the three columned blogs!
Looks to be some great stuff on there, and from your review Yan I think I’m going to check it out! Thanks!!
Dan
Dan´s lastest post..How CommentLuv Can Help Find Hackers
Don’t worry, Dan. I’m going to start Retire At 31.com so you have another 9 years to prepare for that retirement of yours….;)
Yan
where were these guys or where was this system when i was 21.
I’m wondering about it myself, buddy. We are too old to join the club anyway….;)
Funnily enough I tried to by this domain retireat21.com. Great domain and sounds like a really cool blog, really inspirational. I am only 21 so I still have a chance
Ryan McLean´s lastest post..Know What You Want To Do
You certainly have a chance, Ryan and a very good one. I never have any doubt with your ability since you know very well “what you want to do”….
Yan
I remember coming across that site when I first started…man I loved it. Very inspiring man and I’m glad to see him on this blog getting some love.
He is doing some major things over there…though…I’m a little past 21, let’s shoot for a decade later Yan…what ya say? You said it on twitter! Let’s do it! Retire at 31 yeaaaaah boyeeeeeeeeeee.
Normal Joe´s lastest post..Transform Your Thinking-If You Had THIS You’d Be Successful
Yeah, he has some great stuffs going on at Retire At 21.com and so do we at Retire At 31.com.
A little past 21? You are half-way there, my man. I’m afraid to inform you that I’m a little past 31…
Yan
Great review. I love retireat21. It has many pages about entrepreneurs that are successful under 21 and it’s really inspiring.
There are so many things we can all learn from the success of those young entrepreneurs. Inspiring indeed, no doubt about it.
Anyway, Good to see you around. and thanks for the compliment.
Yan
Hey Yan, How have you been? Love your post on Michael Dunlop! It was many moons ago before I bought MomsCashBlog.com and I was on the internet trying to think of a way to make money, I even paid some scammy co. out of the west to try to have me put up a website with them and use google and all that while I was paying $30 something a month. Then when the 4th week went by and they finally tell you that you just put up SEM what is SEM- “someone elses money” cute ah? Your credit card that’s the SEM and that’s about a couple thousand to put up a website. I cancelled real quick like and then started surfing the web, and came across Retire at 21 and I just kept reading all of Michaels work and finally I started to email Michael with different questions he would email me back and sent me many free ebooks some that he has published and he convinced me that a blog was the way to go. He was and still is always there when I want to ask his opinion or whatever he’s a really cool guy and no doubt a very savvy entrepreneur…he’s got what it takes. I think whatever he does or will do in the future will turn to gold ! Even though he has this well known blog and is known all over the internet for his expertise but he’s a down to earth guy that doesn’t give ya any BS like some of your big bloggers out there. Now I’ve got to go over and see Michael because it’s been awhile , so thanks for the great post and thanks for reminding me that even though he may not get a lot of comments he’s got it in the bag he’s all set. BTW I’m over the 30 something club also and maybe even a little more than you Yan so when you all get that club going come and get me I’m in.
jj-momscashblog´s lastest post..Make More Money With Multiple Blogs
Hey JJ
What a story and thank you for sharing it with us. The virtual world we are in is full of craps and scams. If we happen to be too gullible, we could easily fall into the trap.
I now have a better understanding of what SEM is, that’s really a good one. I love it and now back to Michael, I never had a personal dealing with him but he appears to me as very approachable. A young and savvy entrepreneur indeed, though a bit shy if you ask me…;)
Anyway, good to see you here, JJ. Stick around as the best is yet to come.
Yan
It’s too late for me… I’m 23! ;)
Good review mate, I checked the blog quickly and it really looks like a nice blog!
Ben Tremblay´s lastest post..Jumping on the Blog Comment Blueprint!
It’s too late for me… I’m 23! ;)
No worry, dude. I’m going to start Retire At 31.com so you are still in…;)
Great review, Yan!
I checked out the Top 50 young entrepreneurs link and was surprised at how many familiar sites were run by folks under 30.
I wonder what I’d be worth now if I’d started my internet empire as a teen. Of course, I was awfully busy playing MajorMUD on the dial-up BBS> :)
Lindsay´s lastest post..What It Takes to Make $100,000 a Year from Adsense
Thanks, Lindsay. That article actually made it into Digg’s front page. It’s a neat compilation indeed….I wish I was the one who did it just like I wish I started my online business at the age of 17.
And to think My goal was 40, well I guess in my younger days the technology was not like it is today. If they had blogs 20 years ago, who knows where I would be today. Good review Yan
Larry´s lastest post..Reasons to Use Polls and Surveys on Your Blog
It is always nice to see those under 25 rocking it and taking no prisoners. Michael is an enterprising dude, and from the looks of it always has been and always will be.
I would so rather read about a young dude who is killing himself (not that Michael is) trying to make a name for himself and becoming independent, than some young punk who has no idea what privilege he has by being young and able.
I love reading about success from young guys. I’m not crazy about 7 years old making $10 million, though. Now that is downright depressing. LoL.
As far as not receiving loads of comments, it isn’t the biggest measure of blog success.
Good review.
Missy (from G34 Media)´s lastest post..11 Blogs You Should Be Reading If You’re A Blogger
I’m not crazy about 7 years old making $10 million, though.
Yeah, I feel the same way too. Look at what happen to Macaulay Culkin of Home Alone or Lindsay Lohan.
As far as not receiving loads of comments, it isn’t the biggest measure of blog success.
Couldn’t agree more with you. It isn’t certainly. I was just wondering why his popularity wasn’t attracting enough readers’ participation.
Best of luck to Michael, may all his plans go right for him. Fascinating article (not that I was this young anymore but that wasn’t too long time ago.) I haven’t seen the Retire At 21 (dot) com site before so i’ll give it a browse now. I also grew through some “What do you want to be when you grow up” etc. questions from my parents or teachers and, later the entrepreneurship came to my way somewhat as well, so I always am thirsty for hearing this sort of interesting stories about someone out there. Yan, I am ready with my new site for the review, you will hear from me in the next couple of days (just a reminder that the idea is still here so I hope that you’ll have the time or find some for the work, ta.)
Convert´s lastest post..Basmati rice amounts converter
Hey Rado
Thanks, pal. I’ll make the time to look at your site over the weekends. When you are ready, hit me up.
Yan
PS: whose picture is that on your avatar?
Hi Yan,
Yes I will, within 24 or so i’ll send you an email regarding the review. The site is meant to be simple, not only to navigate, cause the particular converters’ results are the main object.
On the avatar it is my Girl, photo taken by the ocean roughly one month ago. You used to have a similar image too, who was it?
I have to agree with you, Yan, the design of the site needs work. I personally find it too cluttered. And you’re right, I had a hard time finding the archives too!
But I’ve always believed that writing comes before design. If you write well, and persuasively, then your design will fade into the background of your reader’s mind.
As for the content, I find that it’s great Michael write about success stories. But for some reason or another, I find the posts… sorry about this, shallow. Nothing of substance, or lessons that I can take away from it.
Here’s what I like about the site. I like that you have a very clear “about me” page. Now, I’m a very private person and I write using pen names, so I wouldn’t do it myself, but being open and transparent is key to loyal readership.
I like that you use images to accompany your posts. And like your “featured interview” section, although I think you have a typo on that widget. It’s “feature interview” instead of “featured interview”.
Hope that helps.
P.S. I see that you’re promoting Blogging to the bank. Does that course really help you? I find it over-hyped and overly basic and brief. I’d recommend Yaro Starak’s blog mastermind instead. But that’s just my 2 cents.
Andre Thomas´s lastest post..How To Be Inspired At Will
Hey Andre
Thanks for the mini review, looks like we are on the same platform but I’m not too sure if Michael is going to answer your last question. Let’s see….
Oh, I do recommend Blog Mastermind over Blogging to the Bank too.
I once came across his blog long ago when I did not have a blog. Now that I have a blog, I want to get into his top 30 young bloggers list. :)
Ganesh´s lastest post..New Blog – Online Bull
I just took a quick look, and I’ll be delving deeper into it later on. Very nice looking site, I must say.
Course Yan, when we were kids, there were no such things as blogs. Heck, when I was a kid, there was no such thing as the internet; ouch! Here in America people decry the educational system and the falling standards and grades of the students, and yet, because of the internet, more and more of these kids are finding ways to make money online, in effect becoming entrepreneurs because they haven’t been told they can’t. I like that; I wish I could go back and do it all over again, this time with an internet to play with.
Mitch´s lastest post..Stuff You Probably Missed
I wish I could go back and do it all over again, this time with an internet to play with.
Oh yeah, but please don’t remind me of this. It makes feel out of place competing with those kids. I got my first experience with internet when I was 21 and blogging magically appeared 10 years later. How late it is!
Nice post! I want to be pissed that it’s not me, but I can only smile, wish him congrats, and move forward.
Gotta love those inspirational stories, you really need that with any business endeavors and especially with those online.
JR @ Internet Marketing Strategies´s lastest post..Blog Traffic – 100 RSS/Blog Submission Sites
Yup, I love success stories like these as it’s motivating and inspiring. I have a bunch of biography books on my library…and currently I’m reading Richard Branson’s and his crazy ideas. Oh I love this guy…
Great blog post, it’s always interesting to see how many young people are making great things of themselves. I would love to retire at 21, then I could spend the rest of my days on my computer, although I will most likely do that anyway :P
I think one of the cool things about the internet is that if you work hard enough, it is possible for virtually anyone to become successful. It was neat to read through some of the success stories on his blog.
Tiger´s lastest post..Avoiding Peanuts Products Might Not Be Best Choice for Parents
An interesting review Yan. It get me all motivated after reading the successes of these young online entrepreneurs. But sad to say, I have just pass the age of 21. Waiting for you to start the retireat31.com site so that we can all celebrate in there one day.
Wei Liang
Wei Liang | ABloggerBlog´s lastest post..Project4Hire – A Freelance Marketplace
Waiting for you to start the retireat31.com site so that we can all celebrate in there one day.
The day will come but sad to say, I have just passed the age of 31 myself. Don’t worry, I’m still 18 at heart…;)
Yan
It’s good stuff. I remember looking months ago when he made the rounds of paid reviews.
I agree though, aside from inspirational stories of others…not much to pick from.
Dennis Edell´s lastest post..2 NEW BLOGS Unveiled! FINALLY!!
Oh yes, he did order quite a no. of reviews from those in the MMO niche but hey, take a look at what he has to say about this review.
Yan,
Thanks for writing such a good review. Hmmm…why didn’t I think of blogging when I was 21. I just came from his blog and it looks like a superb blog. Just looking at his advertisement page shows that he means what he says and on his way to retire early. Now if only my mum asked me that famous catalyst question ” What do you want to be when you grow up?” If she did maybe I could have been somebody now…
Peter Lee
Work At Home Ideas´s lastest post..Discover 10 Wordpress Plugins That Make Readers Repeat Visitors
LOL…..does this review make you feel older, Peter? I can understand how you feel about it but don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that you are ready to join the senior citizen club…;)
We just happened to be born at the wrong time when internet wasn’t even in the dictionary yet. However, it’s better late than never. What matters most is that we enjoy what we are doing right now, aren’t we?
To our success
Yan
I have never visited this site but it the subject really interests me. As I am a young blogger, at only 17 years old whenever I find someone similar to my age group I like to network with them.
The cool thing about blogging is that anyone can do it, do you think someone like me would be marketing alongside with 30 year olds and whatnot? If you would have asked me that question about a year ago I never would have beleived it was possible. Good review Yan.
That also reminds me, I’m working on yours too so don’t worry. :)
IronBlogger – Blogging Tips and Tricks´s lastest post..Create A Pop Up Form With Aweber
You know what? I never realized that you were only 17 till I read one of your recent article. It’s good to start early and I wish I did that years ago. You have all the time in the world to make the best out of your teen years. I’m sure you will be there one day, it really doesn’t matter in what age group you are in.
Keep the good work and oh ya, just don’t forget your review of my blog. I’m looking forward to it.
Cheers
Yan
This is an awesome story. I think you can do anything you set your mind to. The trick is just to do it well and to enjoy it while you’re doing it.
BMWmotorcycle´s lastest post..How Will You Ring in 2010?