So what do you need to start your online ventures? The demand for things you need will increase as your knowledge grows and your business expands. Here are ten ways to get you off to a great start:
1. The one basic thing you do need is a way to get paid for your work so search for the most convenient way for you to receive payment. Most common is PayPal and Moneybookers. See what will work best for where you live.
2. A reliable Internet connection, preferably ADSL or broadband. You can start out with a dial up connection, but it will be well worth investing in a fast internet connection.
3. Decide what you are going to do online. What are your previous experience and how can you use it to make money? Do you like to inform people and teach them, do you like to write, do you have a blog that you can turn make profitable?
4. Search for like minded people who have succeeded and learn from them. Visit forums like Self Starters Weekly and read blogs about Internet marketing. If you are a mom, hang out with moms who already have an online business and who can help you get your started.
5. Be prepared to spend some money. This is probably one of the hardest parts for many as they are trying to make money, not spend it. It is also one of the most valuable advices you can get and it will help you a long way. Do yourself a favor; do not spend hours trying to find information that might be correct, get the right information from the start from the right person. There are several good books and eBooks available online that will only cost you a few dollars but the information you get from them is invaluable. Consider joining mastermind groups and paid forums as well (I so wish someone had told me about Mom Masterminds when I started online, would have saved me so much valuable time and frustration). Investing wisely in your future will help you make money faster.
6. Understand that free is not always the best. This actually goes hand in hand with the above advice, but is worth mentioning again. Please understand that a free blog, a free site, a free this and a free that will not make a good impression and will reflect on how professional you are. Would you buy home insurance from someone with an office falling apart and without walls to support the building? Probably not, the same goes for those wanting to make business with you online. It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner who sell offline or a freelance writer who sell words; you need a home to show people around. If you do not invest in building a proper home for your business how will your future clients know you are professional? It’s the same thing as with offline connections: first impression lasts. If you are not prepared they will go to someone else. Invest in hosting for your site and a good domain name. I personally recommend BlueHost which is a reliable and affordable company.
7. A comfortable workspace will make you work so much better. You will be spending a good amount of time in front of the computer, it would be horrible if you got a bad back ache wouldn’t it? Use a good chair, make sure there is enough light and that you have a corner for yourself that is pleasant to be at.
8. Network. Connecting with other people who might be interested of your services or whom you can learn from is a perfect example of networking. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, forums etc are examples of how to put your name out there. Take some time to learn how to use them the best and make sure you do not get caught up in them too much. They are important , but by networking all day you aren’t working ON your business which is really what you should be doing.
9. Make communication with you easy. Get Skype and talk to clients from all over the world. Use Trillian or MSN instant messaging to talk to potential business clients or keep up with employers. One tip is to have separate accounts for work and private life.
10. Don’t let the “how’s” stop you. There will be many questions along the way, be prepared and seek out people who can help you. This goes with number 4, f you already have connections it will be easier to find help when needed.
There is so much more to internet marketing, but these are some of the absolute essentials that can help you get off to a good start.
If you are an experienced Internet Marketer what basic advice would you have wanted when you started? Can you recommend a special book or course that helped you to take those first steps?
I agree! This is great advice, Linda. If people would learn to treat a WAH business like a BUSINESS, it would make a tremendous difference in their lives, and their work.
Thank you Darlene. Very true, there is a difference between hobby and business. Learning how to balance life and business is the tricky part. And then of course we have fear and other things that come in our way. But WAH or not – it’s a business and should be treated as such.