Are You Ready for an Online Business?


By Mike Fletcher

One thing you have to say about the Internet: It's where creativity and ambition can truly turn anyone into a millionaire.

You’ve no doubt heard the stories and maybe even seen some of the advertising e-mail and Web sites offering so-called wealth building systems. Certainly, a lot of the hard sell is just hype. But a surprisingly high percentage of those claims are true. For Online Internet marketers are continuing to rake in fortunes and there's always room for one more.

Maybe that could be you.

That said, if you are considering a change in careers and looking for information on how to start an Internet business, you need to know that despite what the hyper-excited online sales pitches say, there is no get-rich-quick system.

Let me phrase that differently: If you want to make it in Internet marketing, you are going to have to work as hard or harder at it than anything you've ever done before. And you are going to have to be patient. It takes months to even start a trickle of income, a year or more before you see your efforts really start to pay off.

Let me be really blunt here. You are going to have to work hard at this. There truly is no such thing as a free lunch.

No matter how good the system and how automatic the programming and software help, if you donpt put in the time and effort, you’re going to be disappointed.

Still want to get into Internet sales and marketing?

Good.

Here are three tips on how to start a successful Internet business:

1) Research, research, research. Learn all you can. Read all the sales pitches and look at all the tutorial videos that you will find through sites like YourInfoConnection.com and other Internet marketing resource sites. And read the forums, too, on those sites, where real users will give you an unvarnished dose of reality. You need a solid education on how Internet business is done, both from the technology end and the business and marketing ends.

2) Don't buy every offer that comes your way. And believe me, once your name is on the lists of those interested in Internet marketing, you'll be deluged with come-ons and touts almost daily. All are breathlessly written and filled with glorious testimonials. You'll soon see the pattern and recognize the key phrases. Most are seldom what they claim to be. Don't buy any software or any plan until you know exactly what's required of you, how many other people are using the same system and whether it fits your time and schedule.

3) Understand that this will require time. For moderate success, it's going to take two to three hours a day, five days a week, to start building traction. Besides the work of setting up sites, you will need to market them. people don't automatically flock to your site once it goes live.

Still interested? Good! Now, knowing a little bit of what's required, you have even a better chance of success.

See you online!

The author publishes the Website Your Info Connection for Internet Success (http://yourinfoconnection.com), a resource site for Internet marketers, online entrepreneurs and Web-based businesses


More Resources


Solo Mojo for Solo Entrepreneurs --- Where's Your Juice?
I recently read a magazine article about Andrew, a 42-year old businessman. He gave up a demanding law practice in the Northeast, moved South to launch a new furniture and interior-design store, and wrote his first fiction novel in the midst of that transition.
Interview with Best-selling Entrepreneurial Authors Barbara Winters and Nick Williams
Ray Bradbury's quote, "You've got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down" may sound extreme but, as anyone building a business knows, it has a lot of truth in it.As a newly self-employed journalist / writer and life coach, I found Barbara Winter's book, "Making a Living Without a Job" invaluable so when I got a chance to interview her and Nick Williams in London, I was delighted.
Dream It, Create It, Become It! Design a Dream Board
Have you ever heard of "Dream Boards" or "Treasure Maps"? A Dream Board is a visual picture of the dreams you have for your life. Some of my clients also use this concept to visualize their businesses! It's their first business plan.
What Makes An Entrepreneur Tick?
It is only natural that when you start a business, you are doing something different than most people. They not only will look at you because you stick out like a sore thumb _ but human nature will cause people to naturally ridicule what you are doing.
Documenting Partnerships in Your Business Plan
Forging partnerships to improve market penetration has become commonplace, particularly for "new economy" businesses. And, most companies proudly mention their many partnerships in their business plans.
Hurricane Katrina, Death, and a Different Type of Entrepreneurship
I've seen terrible images today on the television and internet-bodies of the elderly and infants floating in attics, buildings collapsing, seals washing up in the middle of highways. All I can say is that our thoughts go out to those in New Orleans, Gulfport and surrounding areas in this sad time.
Self-Esteem and the Entrepreneur
Isn't it funny how people think that being self-employed is so cool? They think that you get to take lots of vacation time and spend all of the profits. What they don't realize is that you put in outrageous amounts of blood, sweat, and tears to get there.
10 Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs
Running a one-person business is a creative, flexible and challenging way to become your own boss and chart your own future. It is about creating a life, as it is about making a living.
Questions For The Entrepreneur To Be
Entrepreneurial e-gnorancePart 1: Questions for the entrepreneur to beIf you are an entrepreneur starting out, or have been around the block for some time but are yet to hit on the jackpot, you might be missing out some of the cornerstones of doing busingg through the new age media, the internet. Ask yourself the following questions and in seeking out answers to the, you may find the magic touch that could propel you to the success that drives you everyday.
Ten Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs
Successful entrepreneurs have many traits in common. Here are ten of those traits that I consider to be very important.
The Danger Of Hate
As you have shown an interest in starting a business of your own it would be safe to assume that you want to changeyour life. You want more money - more control over yourlife - more respect.
Are You Sure You Want To Start Your Own Business? Part Two of a Series
Why, exactly, do you want to go into business for yourself? Is it because you cannot stand the thought of working for an uptight, demanding, and perfectly dreadful boss?Is it because you cannot bear the thought of going through another downsizing or restructuring, knowing that your job could be on the line?Is it because you want to be your own boss, call your own shots, or see more up side in your earning potential, with the possibility of financial self-sufficiency? These are all good reasons for wanting to go into business. In fact, studies have shown that many entrepreneurs get their start due to some life-altering experience such as losing a job or finally walking away from a dead-end job or a demoralizing work environment.
Starting Your Business: It All Boils Down To Making Money and Saving Money
Bootstrapping in the context of business start-ups refers to the use of creative financing approaches such as leveraging personal savings, credit-card debt, loans from friends and family, bartering, and other means to launch a business. Some business founders use bootstrapping because they have no other choice.
My Nemisis
Living in the twilight zone has its advantages. In the early days of starting my business, I found the limitations of living in a rural area to be restrictive.
How to Be an Entrepreneur and Keep Your Sanity
Define for yourself what an Entrepreneur is:What makes you think you can start and grow a business?Do you make something that people just have to have?Are you talented in a way that make you stand out from the crowd?What makes you different from Joe Schmoe?Conduct a quick skills assessment and ask yourself what makes you stand out from the rest?What are your ultimate goals? Why are you striking out on your own?
Independent Auto Detail Shop VS Biz Op or Franchise
Owning a detail shop can be an exciting and rewarding business indeed. Many times an owner of an independent Detailing Shop will wish to add those items he/she believes their customers want.
Secrets of My Favorite Government Auction
I love bargains. And there's no better place to find bargains than an auction.
Innovation incubator: Build it and keep it running
If your company is like the one I work for, your people are talking about the need for innovation. Mine has just announced a new program "that will bring a standardized approach to gathering and evaluating your ideas for generating new revenue and improving our business.
Why Every Student Should Start a Business
With the economic downturn, students in all the major business schools have been dropping out of their entrepreneurship classes and transferring back to classes where they think they have a secure future. Students and professionals who were once planning to start businesses now have decided to go back to their cushy jobs.
Should You Write Your Own Business Plan?
If you are just starting a company and looking for funding, or looking for additional funding for growth, you will need to develop a traditional business plan. Creating a business plan is a business hurdle that entrepreneurs seem to dread.

More Entrepreneurialism Information:

Related Articles


Traits and Skills of Successful Internet Entrepreneurs
There are certain traits and skills that many successful online entrepreneurs have in common. Some mentioned in this article may seem simple, but don't overlook their importance.
An Entrepreneur and a Life To Be Remembered
I was reminded of my own mortality today. I guess you can say I had a near death experience, though the death I experienced was not my own.
Developing A Contract
As a service provider, the most important type of "boundary" you can set as a business owner involves those policies and procedures that govern how you interact with your clients. The more precise you can be about the services you provide, your fee structure, and what you expect from your clients, the smoother your work relationships will be.
Will Your Business Survive Without You?
I had a health scare in December.As it turns out, everything's perfectly okay.
Corporate Espionage in Franchising
Franchising Trade Journals do not do well, because today with all the industry regulations only about 1800 active franchise actually exist in the US. Down sharply over the past five years.
The 9 Key Distinctions of Successful Solo-Entrepreneurs!
SUCCESSFUL Solo-Entrepreneurs approach life and business from a perspective that is new, fresh, and rather unorthodox. The differences are subtle, yet significant.
Entrepreneurial Hate, its out there
Today, I got an email from a lady who hates all business people and entrepreneurs, because they are Greedy, Arrogant and a Host of other atrocities. She was replying to an article I wrote about entrepreneurs and how they bring to the civilization; everything you see, everywhere you go and without us, you would have nothing.
3 Essential Elements of Operating a Successful Business
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live your dream? A good place to start would be to recognize that there are three elements, and only three elements, that separate success from failure. If you exercise one of the elements, you might just be successful.
Franchises - A Proven Business System
Franchises offer the first time business owner a proven and successful business opportunity. If you are looking to start your own business for the first time, franchises provide you with the greatest opportunity for success.
Are You Ready To Be Your Own Boss?
You have this burning desire you want to be on your own. The temptation is so great that you want to quit your job.
Creativity & Entrepreneurship - Key Questions From My Students
Hello Creative Entrepreneurs!Thought for the day:"It is not easy being an entrepreneur, but it is always rewarding. It takes great discipline, self-motivation, hard work and perseverance to achieve your dream.
What Online Millionaires Tell Me They Are Worried About
I just arrived back from the best seminar I have ever attended in the last 10-years.There were more "Underground" millionaires at Yanik Silver's"Underground" seminar than I've ever had access to at one time ever!Upon arrival, we had to sign Non Disclosure Agreements, andfor very good reason.
Ancient Warrior Secrets For The Modern Entrepreneur
The words you see onscreen trigger subconscious responses. Dark images penetrate your mind.
10 Ways Entrepreneurs Shoot Themselves In The Foot
Entrepreneurs and their businesses have a tendency to ambushthemselves when they aren't looking. This affects how muchrevenue they can generate, how fast their business rises,and even if they survive after the first few years.
Questions For The Entrepreneur To Be
Entrepreneurial e-gnorancePart 1: Questions for the entrepreneur to beIf you are an entrepreneur starting out, or have been around the block for some time but are yet to hit on the jackpot, you might be missing out some of the cornerstones of doing busingg through the new age media, the internet. Ask yourself the following questions and in seeking out answers to the, you may find the magic touch that could propel you to the success that drives you everyday.
The Term Sheet's Role in Raising Venture Capital
Entrepreneurs and companies who are seeking venture capital often negotiate with one or more venture capital firms on a number of important issues. These issues include the amount of capital to be raised, the investment terms, etc.
Walt Disneys Failures Could Inspire Entrepreneurs
You are a struggling entrepreneur and sometimes it feels like you are pushing a 3 ton boulder up a steep hill. Costs keep mounting and you are considering giving up.
Drive Website Traffic Unconventionally, Force Your Children To Do It
If you believe that every little bit helps then keepreading..
Realism vs. Optimism in the Business Plan
The most important function of a business plan is to create interest among investors so that they write a check. In achieving this goal, business plan writers are often challenged by determining the proper level of optimism in their plan.
The Magic of Thinking Small
Hey!Many of you might disagree and I'm prepared for that.Many 'guru's' might say "Mike, you're wrong.