I like your "formula": 1 I learnt things 2. I kept doing things 3. Here I am I think that is the key of success!
Content, content, content. Put some meaningful content out there and show your uniqueness, personality, and authority. Stand out from the crowd. Sometimes some humor brings traffic back for more.
Your avatar and your message don't really agree unless your friend got you lost ... but somehow I don't think so. So what is your real message then? How did you gain success?
I learned alot from Pot Pie Girl She rocks and is amazingly honest, If she pinky promises you, you can bank on it and of course, learning all you can learn. Doing some form of internet advertising everyday and having a marketing plan and goals
Do some innovation. Today, there is a lot of competition and only the innovative products can survive. Do hardwork and try more.