Last Updated on March 6, 2024
Congratulations! If you are reading this then you have taken the first step in becoming a self-taught Internet entrepreneur…even if it’s just having an interest in it. It’s never too early, or too late to learn as much as you can about the industry.
It doesn’t matter what your business will be, whether it’s selling retail through the Internet, blogging, virtual assistant, website developer, or server administrator. The list of opportunities is long, but the tips I’m about to share will apply to most any avenue you decide to take as a self-taught Internet entrepreneur.
So, read on to learn how you can give yourself the best chance possible to become a success.
#1 – Choose Your Niche Wisely
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Whatever you decide your ‘topic’ is …make sure you have some knowledge and interest in it, as well as the desire to learn even more about it. If you go into it with the attitude that you know everything about the niche, you have less chance of staying current with the market as it changes.
For example, you may choose to blog about photography because you have an abundance of knowledge on the topic. That’s a great start. But, if you don’t also have interest in keeping current with research and advanced learning, you just may miss out on new techniques, as well as what your readers are interested in. And, if your site doesn’t have what your readers are looking for, it will become stagnate, at best.
#2 – Set Goals
It’s probably more important than ever to set goals when you are venturing into the world of entrepreneurship. There won’t be another manager, or company to push you along with meeting deadlines and keep you motivated.
You are ‘it’ now, which can be appealing in so many ways. However, it can be a lot of pressure to meet your family’s needs and expectations. It is important to set goals in the beginning, re-evaluate midway through, and adjust them accordingly. And, that cycle will…or, should never stop.
#3 – Home Office or Traditional Setting
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There are a lot of perks to having a home office, from saving money in both gas and overhead, to having more flexibility. Even if you are your own boss in a traditional setting, you might not work at midnight to make up for taking the afternoon off for your child’s school event. It’s much easier to pull up to the desk for an hour or two, when that desk is just feet away.
On the flip side, a traditional setting might be best for those who are easily distracted or tempted by activities going on in the home.
It comes down to personal preference, as well as knowing your limits. However, make the decision early on so you know what you need to include in your goal setting.
#4 – Have the Proper Tools
The tools will vary slightly, depending on what path you choose for your business. But, for an Internet business, you will probably need the basics such as a computer, phone, printer, appropriate software, or web-conferencing equipment.
Make sure to shop around and budget for everything you will need. If you are retailing, that opens up a whole new area of items you will need for the product, invoicing, and shipping. Of course, that will all depend on what you are selling.
#5 – Stay on Top of the Industry
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Probably the most important advice I can give is to stay in tune with changes within your industry, or niche. Searching other sites often will show you what other people are saying or doing. It is vital to keep you up to speed with the industry, as well as stay current with what your customers are looking for.
#6 – Keep Current in Technology
If you are hoping to be successful in an Internet business, then it’s important keep up with the ever-changing world of technology. You can do this easily with eLearning, or online courses, in the comfort of your own home. For example, if you offer the services of Server Administrator, or simply want to do your own, keep current with tools and training at www.ecourseclassroom.com.
Even if you aren’t in the Server Administration field, learning as much as you can about the field will not only help you maintain your site, but stay abreast of all the latest available technology as well.
Depending on what area you are going into, other technology is available to take your business to a professional level, such as web-conferencing, podcasts, and more.
#7 – Get and Stay Organized
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An organized office, leads to an organized mind. That combination is important to achieve true success. Of course everyone has to define their own idea of true success. But, for me, true success means a well-balanced life.
Here is a short list of ideas to keep yourself and your business organized:
- Organize the office so the desk stays relatively clear and items off the floor
- Set milestones to stay on track with your deadlines
- Keep a detailed inventory list if you sell retail
- Plan your day out before you start it
- Place your hardest task as the first one to tackle for the day to get it over with
- Plan breaks throughout the day to stay energized
As I said, this is just an abbreviated list, but enough to give you an idea. I have applied most of them to my business, and it’s helped me to stay focused. As a result, I enjoy a successful career, with a well-balanced life for both career and personal.
#8 – Create a Quality Website
Of course if you are going to have an Internet business, you will want to have a website. My best advice for this is to choose the domain name wisely. It will be used often, so it needs to be easy, memorable, and relatable to your business.
In addition to the name, make sure it’s high quality and easy for visitors to navigate to find what they are looking for. I suggest putting your most eye-catching photos and material on the front page to reel them in. However, that doesn’t me you should go second-rate for the other pages.
Your written content needs to be informative and interesting as well. Adding some personality always helps, as long as it doesn’t get too personal. It will also depend on your niche. For example, I am a freelance writer, and have written on many topics. I like to keep it light and personable …and even throw a little humor in when appropriate.
#9 – Written Content
It’s important to keep your written content fresh and updated. This applies to your website, correspondence, and advertising. If you want visitors to come back, you need to give them something to come back for…new material. However, not everyone enjoys writing, or has the time. If you are not comfortable in writing the material yourself, you can always outsource it.
Elance is a company that allows you to post projects for contractors to bid on. If you like what you see in the bid, hire them as an independent contractor. The best part about this, is that you are not hiring an employee, which will save you money, as well as not be tied to anyone long-term, unless you choose to be.
In Summary
Hopefully some of the information I just shared will help you get started in this new and exciting venture of yours. I will leave you with a quote that is as accurate as it is short…“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” – John Barrymore
Good luck and enjoy!
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