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Starting A Home Based Internet Business

I correspond with many people who tell me that they want to start an Internet business from home. Most of those folks have no real intention of starting a business, however.

From experience, I find that there are three basic stages when it comes to home-based-Internet businesses. These stages are a natural progression that starts with curiosity and ends with a plan.

Stage One: Investigating The Possibilities

The first stage is investigative. You do not yet really know much about making money on the Internet, but you are curious about the possibilities. Perhaps you have heard the myths about automated profit machines churning out cash while you sleep, or you like the idea of commuting to work in your slippers with your cup of coffee in hand.

The bottom line is that you are considering the possibilities of starting an online business and are now taking those steps necessary to learn more about what is involved. You are likely spending a fair amount of time visiting web sites, reading e-books, and you may even purchase a course that promises to teach you the “secrets” of a successful online business.

You are vulnerable during this stage, because the Internet is still a mystery to you and you do not yet have the ability to spot the scam artists or recognize real opportunity when it presents itself. This is the time when many online marketers are eager to get their message in front of you, because they thrive on seducing the novice would-be marketer.

Stage Two: Tinkering With The Possibilities

You have read a few e-books and subscribed to a membership site or two, and you are now ready to “jump in” and make some cash. You might try selling affiliate products on Google Adwords, writing articles for others to publish, or participating in any of the thousands of “business opportunities” marketed on the Internet.

Here is a dirty little secret. Most of the material out there teaches you how to build some body else’s business.

It is a real neat trick. You simply write an e-book about how to make thousands selling affiliate products, teaching your readers a step-by-step process to marketing that very same e-book. They spend their time and their money marketing your product and building your business.

The unfortunate reality is that most people do not progress beyond here. Most fail to turn a profit and eventually become discouraged.

Stage Three: Running Your Own Business

The third stage, the one most do not reach, finds you focused on building your own business. You may still market affiliate products or participate in a network marketing program, but your eye is focused on the goal of building your own business and not simply on delivering customers to others.

Those who succeed here tend to be disciplined, tend to have well defined plans, and typically commit those plans to writing. They have probably been scammed once or twice, but they have persisted in their efforts and have achieved profitability.

Hopefully, I will be able to offer you some guidance as this blog develops and help you avoid some of the traps that await you.

To your success!

-Chris

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