The Birth of a Successful Internet Business, Part One: Soul Searching
November 18, 2002
Contributing Writer: Shelley Lowery
Developing a successful Internet business is the ultimate goal of the Internet entrepreneur. However, statistics show that most Internet businesses never make any real money.
Making money on the Internet isn't easy -- it takes a great deal of time and effort and requires a total commitment. You must be completely passionate about your business and have a sincere desire to succeed. Anything less will be a complete waste of your time and will most likely result in failure.
You must also realize that success isn't going to happen overnight. There will be many obstacles along the way and a great deal to be learned. However, anything worth having is worth working towards and won't come easy. There will be many long days and sleepless nights. However, if everything falls into place, and you plan each step very carefully, the end will justify the means.
The largest obstacle you will ever encounter is fear -- fear of the unknown -- fear of change -- fear of failing. Fear is the root of failure and prevents dreamers from living their true passion. They fail to try.
Above all else, you must take the first step to overcome your fears. With each step you take, you will become a little closer to achieving your dreams. As long as you keep trying, you'll never fail.
There are many common characteristics shared by successful Internet entrepreneurs. Below are some of the most important:
Set Your Goals
Set your goals and write them down on a piece of paper. Set short-term reachable goals and long-term higher goals. However, don't set them too high, as this will cause you to become discouraged if you don't achieve them.Work consistently towards accomplishing your goals each day, each week and each month until you reach your short-term goals. When you have attained your short-term goals, set them a little higher each time. Ultimately you will achieve your long-term goals.
Self-Disciplined
Get up early each day just as if you were working outside your home. You have to take your business very seriously and be completely self-disciplined.
Self-Motivated
Set up a daily schedule and stick to it. Your own personal drive will have a great impact on your success. You must have the ability to work independently and stay on task.
Positive Attitude
Your attitude is one of the most important factors that will determine your success. Your attitude will either guarantee your success or guarantee your failure. If you have a positive attitude and believe in yourself above all else, you will succeed.
Organizational Skills
Create a list of all the things you want to accomplish during the day. This will give you an organized approach to each day.
Attention to Detail
Whatever you're doing, do it to the best of your ability. Pay close attention to detail. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, as you're only human. However, if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right.
Developing your own Internet business is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding experiences of a lifetime. It is a continuous learning experience and will be filled with many valuable lessons you will carry with you for the rest of your life -- some good, some bad, but lessons still the same.
Although there aren't any shortcuts to achieving your dreams, there is something you can do to speed up the process -- Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Follow in the footsteps of successful Internet entrepreneurs who are already successful. Not only will you save yourself a lot of time and money, but you'll also have a road map to success.
Copyright © Shelley Lowery 2002.
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About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the highly acclaimed ebook series, Web Design Mastery -- an in-depth guide to professional web design that is rapidly becoming known as the "Bible" for professional web design. http://www.webdesignmastery.com
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The Birth of a Successful Internet Business, the complete series:
- Part One: Soul Searching
- Part Two: Tools of the Trade
- Part Three: Essential Software
- Part Four: Developing Your Business Plan
- Part Five: Planning Your Web site Strategy
- Part Six: Designing Your Web site
- Part Seven: Accepting Payment through Processing Companies
- Part Eight: Automating Your Business
- Part Nine: Developing Your Credibility
- Part Ten: Your Marketing Strategy
Related Articles:
- Starting a Web site - A 12 Step Guide: Part 1, Part 2 - giving you a blueprint on starting a website.
- Work at Home Opportunities On the Internet: Part 1, Part 2
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