I've had lots of people ask how they can help America Josh and ways to say thank you, so here's the answer! Here's a way for you, the readers, the community members, and the fans, to give-back directly, and become even more engaged with what I'm up to at America Josh.
Creating all the content on America Josh including the visa tools, COVID appointment information, buddy systems, webinars, dinners, and events, takes me a lot of time, but I absolutely love doing it. I love meeting you, I love coming up with ideas, and I absolutely love hearing back from you when I've helped you out or connected you with some great people.
With these tools and this time though comes costs associated with keeping the lights on, sending emails, sorting data, and programming time (lots of programming)!
I've received lots of emails in the past few years asking how people can contribute, so I thought, why not give this a shot!
I started a Patreon for America Josh
For those of you who have never heard of Patreon:
What's Patreon?
On Patreon, you can let your fans become active participants in the work they love by offering them a monthly membership. You give them access to exclusive content, community, and insight into your creative process. In exchange, you get the freedom to do your best work, and the stability you need to build an independent creative career.
Basically, the idea is that I keep creating content, and you voluntarily chip in some money to become a patron of America Josh as either a Hero, Superhero, or MVP, each with their own perks.
Do I have to pay to see everything on America Josh?
I want to say right here, very importantly: No. I'm not going to limit the content I publish to the public or change anything about America Josh if you don't become a patron.
This is completely optional and is an opt-in way of really helping me behind the scenes so that I can keep coming up with crazy new ideas to connect, engage, and assist you all.
I am looking into polite and non-intrusive ways to advertise on the website as well but thought I'd start here first.
What do patrons get?
Well first, you get my love. I'd give you a hug, but let's wait a few months.
As part of being a patron, I'm also going to make sure I shout your name from the rooftops as often as possible to say thank you (as well as messaging you privately, of course, to say thank you).
So, the first cab off the ranks: Ann M. What a bloody legend.
I had only just launched my Patreon and she jumped straight in:
Hi Josh, Happy to support! You do a great job of bringing our community together and working to answer all our crazy questions! Cheers Ann
Patrons also right now include: Ross M., Marina S., Justin J., Adrian G., Bev J.. All these wonderful people are delivering the goods to your front door!
How do you become a patron?
If this all sounds lovely to you, and you'd like to chip in, you have three options:
If none of those work for you, no problem, then send me an email and we can work something out!
Become a Patron!Other ways to say thank you
If you're reading this, and would love to say thank you but can't do Patreon right now, that's absolutely no problem, I completely understand!
Honestly, the best thing ever is just to leave a comment below, or send me a private email, or write something on a Facebook review or Google review.
To receive an email from someone that just says “Thanks, you helped me a lot!” means the UNIVERSE to me.
I'm lucky enough in this life to not have too many concerns or worries, so it's the least I can do to give back to such a supportive community.
You're all wonderful.
How does America Josh make money?
America Josh was never started to make money. It was started because I liked finding the answers and thought it would be helpful to share what I'd discovered with everyone.
This is still is and always will be the mission of America Josh.
I do make some money through referrals of products and services and affiliate agreements, but I hold myself to a few very important rules:
- I try to be very clear about that whenever I do receive a kick-back;
- I never recommend a product or service that I haven't used myself; and
- If I offer a referral link it will only be the same or better than signing up without my referral link for you.
As the site continues to grow, you'll see some sponsors appear throughout events, and with my regular newsletters, but these simple rules will always be followed.
Thanks Josh.Very helpful Information !!
Hi Josh, site looks awesome. I just read your summary of latest updates to E-3 and although they don’t really affect me, I really appreciated the concise format. All this visa stuff is a mess but your way of explaining things is really clear. Hope this takes off in the way you’re aiming for!
Thanks Vanja, I appreciate it!