You CAN start with empty pockets and piles of bills and build a
steady income, even wealth, via the internet. It's a long, hard road
though, so it's best to prepare and take along a good map.
First, a
comparison to building an offline, bricks-and-mortar business, just for
perspective. If you're young, you might educate yourself in your field,
go to work for someone else, and build your experience, reputation and
equity. Then you could take out a business start-up loan, rent a
storefront, buy all the necessary equipment, tools, furniture and
merchandise, buy advertising -- and wait years to work your way out of
debt and make a profit.
If you aren't young, have a family and all
the expenses and debts that go with that,and are not making enough
money working for someone else to get ahead, you don't have the same
options. Night school, years of part-time education and training, with
your creditors hounding you every step of the way...sound familiar?
So
you turn on your computer and wonder...wish...that one of those
promises of quick riches could be true for you. I wouldn't go there if I
were you.
Here are some first steps to getting started as an internet entrepreneur:
1.
Honest self-assessment: There are certain qualities necessary to being
self-employed. If you can honestly say that you are self-disciplined,
self-motivated, determined, self-confident, patient, persevering and
maybe even a bit stubborn, you have what it takes.
2. Research:
You need to spend some time researching the company, the products, and
the people already working the business. Is the company solid and
dependable, are the company executives accessible and responsive, are
the products of high desirability and quality, and maybe most
importantly, is there experienced, successful, and friendly team
support?
3. Support: Surround yourself with cheerleaders,
mentors, knowledge, and inspiration, both on- and offline. Your family,
the company, and others who have succeeded where you are treading for
the first time, should all be available to you. You should never feel
that you're all alone.
4. Infrastructure: Decide what you need:
computer,printer, fax, phone; whatever your chosen business requires.
Create an office space that suits your lifestyle and work needs. A
corner of the living room can function well if you can work while the
kids are at school or if their noise doesn't bother you, but evening
work may require a separate room. Don't put your office in the bedroom
if you work evenings and your spouse goes to bed early. You need your
family's support, not their animosity!
5. Realism: It's tempting
to try a business that makes promises it can't keep. Many tell you that
one person or a few make thousands of dollars a week and so can you.
None of them will point out that maybe you will be one of thousands who
quit before they make a cent. "Put money in your pocket today!" Yes, but
will any go in tomorrow?
Accept the fact that any business worth
its salt can take time. Maybe you can begin making money in a couple
months, or maybe a year. You have to be able to maintain life as you
know it for however long it takes. Understand that it won't be a steady
climb to the top from where you are today; the path will go up and down.
6.
Selling someone else's product or your own: Obviously, the big money
is in selling your own product. Selling for another company is a great
way to get your feet wet in internet commerce, however. At first you may
feel like you're floundering in an unfathomable sea of information, but
at some point will come the knowledge that you're "getting it." Working
for a good company will leave you knowing that you have what it takes
to do it on your own, if you choose.
7. Business plan: This keeps
you focused, helps you develop goals, strategies and work plans; and
aids in evaluating your results. It can include contingency plans, and
is never written in stone. As you learn and your business develops, the
plan will evolve too.
Now that you've got the road map...take that first step! Your future begins today!
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