Reading many internet marketing sites, and there are a lot of them out there, they often give the impression that running a profitable online business is the easiest thing in the world. There are, according to them, lots of ways to sell, lots of products and services to sell and a fortune to be made doing it. They will suggest that you only need to work a few hours three days a week to have the money flowing in by the bucket-load. In many cases this will be because they are trying to encourage you to sign up to their particular course or method.
The true state of the case is that internet marketing may be a simple process but it is, most definitely, not an easy one. For most people coming into the business for the first time there is a great deal to learn; it will be a steep learning curve. A successful online business has a real mixture of ingredients all of which will need to be learnt and mastered before the money will begin to arrive at more than just a trickle.
I am a musician by trade. To reach a professional standard takes years of hard work, self-sacrifice and understanding. It is not just about learning to read music and wiggle your fingers on an instrument. Indeed, that’s probably the easy part. In order to perform or compose professionally a high level of understanding is required. Knowledge of in-depth musical theory, idiom, musical style; – playing the music of Mozart is different from playing the works of Tchaikovsky. Performing solo works, chamber music or orchestral pieces all require a different approach. It is only when the practice, study and experience come together can you expect to earn a decent living. All these components need to be learnt and that takes time and effort. There is no such thing as an overnight success.
Internet marketing is not unlike that. There are many different skills involved and they all need to be learnt and applied if you are to build a successful business. Much of a marketer’s time is taken up by research. This is especially true at the outset as you set about acquiring the knowledge and skills you need. If you are able to find yourself a mentor to guide you through the minefield of your new business I would thoroughly recommend that. Following the advice of someone who has already been down that tricky pathway and succeeded is obviously going to be of great value. You will be guided by a genuine entrepreneur who both talks the talk and walks the walk. (This is certainly not true of many of the online pseudo-gurus who are just after your money) If you do decide to subscribe to an online course, do research it before you part with a penny. A quick Google will show you in double quick time if the course is worth the cost or not.
Even when your business has begun to develop and bring in some income it will still be necessary to spend time doing research of one kind or another. Treat the internet as your playground. It’s amazing what pops up from time to time when surfing the internet; things that can really help your business or develop your particular niche. It will also help to keep you up-to-date on new technical developments which can help your business. Something new seems to arrive on the scene almost every day.
Outsourcing is a great help with issues about which you feel unqualified to produce work of the necessary quality. Not only is this valuable in the short term, but, by studying what your expert has provided, you may find that next time you feel able to do the work for yourself. Never be afraid (or ashamed) to bring in professional help with things you are not comfortable with; e.g. website design, copywriting, artwork, etc.
My final piece of advice – and a very important piece at that – is to enjoy your work. If you don’t enjoy it there is no point in doing it. Setting up an online business is not a short term project and certainly not a get-rich-quick scheme. Neither is it a long term learning curve. If you apply yourself to studying what you need to learn and treating it as a real business and not just a hobby, there is no reason why you should not (in the not too far distant future) achieve the income and the lifestyle you dream of. Good luck with your business!
If you wish to learn more about the many different aspects of running an online business please CLICK HERE.