The internet is the largest and richest marketplace the world has ever seen. It’s growing richer every minute of every day. The earning potential is staggering to imagine. Anyone who can operate a personal computer can enter the global marketplace, earn a full-time income, enjoy financial security and unmatched personal freedom.
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How to Become an Internet Entrepreneur.
How would your life change if there was more than enough money each month and you could spend your time the way you pleased?
Success online requires the mindset of an entrepreneur, plus proper training and support. It also requires that you avoid costly mistakes.
In this article, I discuss how to become an internet entrepreneur and how to avoid mistakes that destroy most people’s chances of ever succeeding online.
Be a Student of the Internet.
The proper mindset to succeed as an online entrepreneur is a combination of a perpetual student of the Internet with a tenacious commitment to creating value.
Online technology changes faster than the weather. You must be able to adapt to the ever-changing online landscape. As a student of the internet, your knowledge will evolve in step with the global marketplace, assuming you have a source for sound, unbiased information.
What it means to be an entrepreneur.
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, an entrepreneur is a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money.
That definition is a good place to start. I would add that an entrepreneur takes calculated and reasonable risks.
An entrepreneur isn’t a gambler or a speculator. They don’t foolishly spend money in hopes of hitting the jackpot.
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Grunt Work.
Another thing I would add to the above definition is an internet entrepreneur is prepared to do the grunt work it takes to succeed online. Make no mistake; it is the grunt work, day in and day out, that creates success.
The truth is, success is the result of consistent quiet effort. Parades, fireworks, and interviews in the Wall Street Journal do not create success.
Success is the cumulative effect of completing one small task after another combined with the capacity to continue working even when you don’t see the desired results.
Another thing to add to our definition is an internet entrepreneur understands that he or she must create value before they can expect to earn money.
Don’t Be an Opportunity Seeker.
The notion of value brings us to the opportunity seeker and why you don’t want to be one.
The concept of an opportunity seeker might be confusing at first. Certainly, an entrepreneur looks for genuine opportunities in the marketplace.
The difference is an “opportunity seeker” is someone who buys so-called “make-money-opportunities.”
Don’t Chase So-called “Opportunities.
The most important thing you must know about becoming an internet entrepreneur is that an entrepreneur is not an opportunity seeker. They don’t waste their time, money and energy on make-money-opportunities.
Greed and desperation drive the opportunity seeker. Instead of searching for a way to create value, an opportunity seeker searches for a magic button that will turn the Internet into their private ATM.
They can’t be bothered with the grunt work and commitment it takes to succeed. Opportunity seekers only want success if it’s fast and easy.
Because an opportunity seeker is clueless about how money is made online, they dance to the scammer’s tune and jump from one so-called “opportunity” to another, always searching for the easy way to make money fast.
They never find it, because an easy, fast way to make money online does not exist. There is no magic button.
An opportunity seeker is doomed to fail and will never make more than chump change.
Beware of Greed.
An internet entrepreneur keeps greed in check. They know emotions can completely block rational thought. They know that greed is among our strongest emotions and one of the easiest for scammers to manipulate.
Most so-called internet gurus are nothing more than masters of manipulation. They have nothing of value to offer. All they can do is make you feel greedy for the pig in a poke they are selling.
Success Takes Time.
Success takes as long as it takes. When we hear of an overnight success, we are not told about the years of learning, work, preparation, and trial and error that lead to that success.
If all you want to be is a flash in the pan, that’s all you will be.
If you want to build a sustainable business that will earn a full-time income and create wealth, you need to take the long view.
Imagine if you were an off-line entrepreneur and wanted to open a Pizza Shop. Before you sold your first pizza, you would have to research the market and find a good location, learn how to make pizza and how to manage the shop, advertise and hire a staff.
It could be months, even years before you make a profit.
As an internet entrepreneur, you will avoid many of the problems and expenses of an offline business, however, building an internet business still takes time.
It takes time to learn new skills, to create content for your website, for the search engines to find and trust your website, to understand what your customers want and how to give it to them.
In the beginning, focus on learning the skills you’ll need to succeed online and trust that the money will come.
Real Support.
You’ll need training and support, and not just technical support.
You’ll need emotional support too. Every business has setbacks and frustrations.
Supportive, level-headed friends will keep you on track and help you through the inevitable challenges you will face.
Creating Value.
Creating value is what determines if you are an entrepreneur or just another opportunity seeker.
Let’s revisit our pizza shop analogy. If you want to open a pizza shop, your chances of success are much greater if you open your shop in a neighborhood where people want pizza but where there isn’t a pizza shop.
In other words, the people have a pizza problem. When the pizza shop solves their pizza problem value is created.
Maybe you think you have nothing of value to offer; neither did the pizza guy when he started. He learned to create value and you can too.
Beware of Gurus.
The ninth-century Buddhist teacher, Lin Chi, taught that “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.”
I’d like to paraphrase Lin Chi to make a point. “If you meet a guru on the internet, ignore him.”
When someone presents himself or herself as an authority, they are trying to influence you for their purpose. Usually, it’s pure manipulation as they try to separate you from your money.
I think Lin Chi was trying to warn us about making anyone our master.
As you begin your journey to becoming an internet entrepreneur, it might be tempting to find a guru. Be careful.
No doubt, it would be helpful to learn from someone who has already been where you want to go, but this can also be a trap.
When you put someone on a pedestal as a master or guru, it’s easy for them to exploit you. And it’s easy for you to stop thinking for yourself.
When you stop thinking for yourself, you stop learning.
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Learning How to Become an Internet Entrepreneur.
The hardest part about trying to learn how to be an Internet Entrepreneur is finding a reliable source of information. Contrary to what scammers want you to believe, it doesn’t cost much to learn how to build an online business. You can do it on a shoestring.
With the right information, anyone who can surf the web and write an email can build a profitable online business, but it takes commitment, patience, and effort.
I want you to have the information you need to build a profitable online business and I want you to decide for yourself if you’re ready to do what it takes to be a successful Internet Entrepreneur, all without risking a dime.
I recommend the FREE Starter Level of the Online Entrepreneur Certification Course. It’s FREE to start.
In this course, you’ll learn how to think like an entrepreneur, plus the basics of affiliate marketing. In addition to the FREE training, you’ll also get free support, websites, hosting and mentoring.
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If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below. Thank you.
Wow, just wow. Thanks for this article! I spend a lot of time reading online and most people lead with “Make a Gazillion Dollars in Three Months Online While Sleeping!”
This is not that at all. I enjoyed your candidness about the hard work it takes to build an online business. The biggest thing that struck me was your note that it requires you to add value to your potential customers and while it’s your business it’s not all about you. After all, if you’re not in business to help others and solve their problems, why try?
Thanks for your thoughtful article. I look forward to reading more.
Hi, Momma Bear!
Thanks for visiting. I’m pleased you found my article “How to Become an Internet Entrepreneur” helpful.
Succeeding online does require time and sustained effort. Some might call it work, but it is a heck of a lot easier than most jobs. I wish more people could see the enormous potential of an internet business.
Imagine earning a comfortable living from a subject you enjoy. It would feel like a hobby, but the income would rival or exceed that of most professionals.
All the best,
Gary
Good post Gary.
I am sure we all have chased those too good to be true moneymaking opportunities only to find it was just that.
I believe being an entrepreneur means doing what you like and following your instinct. By doing this it is not so much about greed, but what matters to you.
Thanks for the reminder about gurus as well! I just purchased a program the other day out of curiosity only to be disappointed I wasted $36.
Hi, Chris!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I like your point about doing what you like and following your instinct. That’s so important. Ultimately, we are the only authority of our life. Being an online entrepreneur is not only a terrific way to create the life we desire, it also challenges us to grow.
I’m sorry you recently purchased a program that was not what it promised. Can you still turn your disappointment into a positive by writing a review of the product? There is a lot to be learned from studying the marketing of such products too. What in the sales copy made you want to buy it? What was your emotional state as you read the copy and made the purchase?
Thanks for stopping by,
Gary
Hi Gary,
Great article on becoming an internet entrepreneur. So many time in the past, I would chase after one opportunity after another.
Learning how to be an entrepreneur takes focus, time and energy. Thank you for all the great points.
It was not until I joined WA that I truly understood what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
Keep up the great work and thanks for greeting the word out about be successful on the internet.
Regards,
Tim
Hi, Tim!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Like you, I chased after so-called opportunities. It was practically an addiction. Each time I found another “opportunity” I was filled with hope that I had finally found the ticket to success. But, as you pointed out too, it doesn’t work that way.
There is an entire industry churning out these “opportunities.” The guy who was selling the keys to internet money making kingdom will be selling the new improved keys to the internet money making kingdom next week. And after that, he’ll be selling some cosmic money maker and after that, yet another thing. It never ends and the only person making money is the person selling the “opportunities.”
The internet IS the opportunity, a REAL opportunity, the greatest opportunity in history and anyone can take advantage of it. There is no secret or magic button to succeeding online, but it does require most people to learn new skills. Fortunately, as you mentioned, Wealthy Affiliate teaches the skills needed to truly succeed online.
Thanks for stopping by,
Gary
Hi Gary, thanks for the encouragement and the reality, your encouragement to seek refuge in Wealthy Affiliate,
‘SCAMAVENGER’ to the rescue, You encourages me to stay with WA and build a great business and show others that they can do it too.
And the reality is if I don’t work, I don’t get pay, If I don’t put in the time, I will not receive the dime.
The reality that you have shown me Gary is that this business is not a “get rich quick scheme,” but hard work, unselfishness, loving and helping people.
Thanks again Gary, this is truly an eye opener!
One small suggestion though, you might want to change your light-blue writings to red or deep black so that it will not be so dazzling to the eyes.
Stay Blessed.
Hi, Wendy!
Thanks for much for commenting and for you suggestion to change the color of my blue type. I’ll do that.
I’m so glad you found my article encouraging. Yes, absolutely, Wealthy Affiliate is the way to go. It works, but it takes time. The rewards are more than worth it.
All the best,
Gary
Hello Gary, I love your information about Wealthy Affiliate. You made your article very interesting. I am already a part of Wealthy Affiliate and that is why I wanted to check out how accurate your information on Wealthy Affiliate was, I am impressed! Wealthy Affiliate is very valuable to anybody that is serious about making money online and hope everybody that reads your review can see that this is the real thing!
Hi, Nicole!
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
There is a ton of misinformation online about what it really takes to succeed with as an Internet entrepreneur. Most of this misinformation is from so-called gurus selling junk. Unfortunately, this leads too many people to believe that making money online is fast and easy.
Building an online business is faster and easier than building an offline business, but it still takes time and skill. By far, the best place to learn how is Wealthy Affiliate, as you mentioned.
The truth is most people work harder at dead-end jobs than they will ever have to work at an online business.
I appreciate your comment.
All the best,
Gary
Nice post man. This definitely gives a good insight on what it takes to become a full time internet entrepreneur, and that’s definitely something that you rely on. I agree, anyone that can access the internet has a possibility of creating their own wealth through this global media we have available for us. I’m quite young, but I’ve always had a passion for these kinds of things. Thank you for good post, and keep it up!
Hi, Victor!
We live in an amazing time. Your age is definitely an advantage. With your understanding of what it means to be an internet entrepreneur, I have no doubt you will do very well.
In my experience, the most difficult hurtle to making money online is to think like an entrepreneur and accept that success takes time and effort. And most people will need to learn new skills. This is a small price to pay for a lifetime of personal and financial freedom.
Thanks for stopping by.
Gary
Very good article a lot of information here. I went to school and to classes to be an entrepreneur. Out of all those years of studying and restless nights. I’ve learned a lot more in shorter time just from reading your post. I love this and will be sharing it throughout my social networks and to a few mutual friends. Thank you for opening my eyes up to the Internet business.
Hi, Heathyguy!
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing my article with your social network.
Fortunately, the internet is destroying dishonest marketing methods. Because of how easy it is to research a business or a product, integrity is now rewarded more than ever. Zig Ziglar like to remind us that our greatest power of persuasion is our integrity.
Another blessing of the internet is that anyone can now build a business and earn a full-time income from home.
All the best,
Gary
Excellent article that addresses some of the most important aspects of creating and operating an online presence.
You need to have the right mindset as you clearly pointed out and you need to learn and impliment what is going to be required to make it all happen.
Everything you mentioned hit home with what I had to do with my offline business, and I can see how these are also considerations for an online business.
Your Wealthy Affiliate recommendation is a road worth traveling.
Hi, Travis!
Thanks taking the time to comment.
I wish more people understood what it takes to succeed in business. Perhaps it’s our nature to find the easy way. Unfortunately, that’s a lousy strategy for success. The good news is the Internet is very forgiving and an online business is cheap and easy to start. Keeping it going and making it profitable requires sustained effort, however.
I’m convinced anyone with the desire can earn $10K a month with an online business. It won’t happen over night, but it will happen if they follow a proven strategy based on integrity, a strategy taught by the good people at Wealthy Affiliate.
It may take two or more years to reach a monthly income of $10K, but just think how your life would change for the better!
All the best,
Gary
Wonderful article Gary. You provide accurate, correct information on many topics related to start digging in the world of internet working. I like how you are honest in some sections like greed, indeed, we can be very greedy and if we don’t control it we are doomed. But I think it’s possible to change that greed into a positive, logic thinking force and take command on your success.
And I also recommend WA, it’s the best place out there in my opinion to begin. Thanks for the reading, greetings!
Hi, Mike!
Thanks for stopping by. You make a good point about greed. Although, I’m not sure where to draw the line between greed and a strong desire to achieve.
It seems to me that greed is blind, irrational, selfish and ultimately self-destructive, while a strong desire is logical, motivating and constructive.
It’s important that as we work towards our goals that we do not compromise our values or make ourselves miserable. I’ve known men who have achieved a great deal, but were hollow inside. I’d rather live in a cardboard box than suffer their fate.
It’s been said that money makes us more of who we are. If we’re a jerk when we’re poor, we’ll be a bigger jerk when we’re rich. If we’re a cool dude when we’re broke, hopefully, we’ll be even cooler when succeed.
I agree about Wealthy Affiliate. I was reading the success story of a member today who spent eighteen months building his business that now earns a full-time income.
I appreciate your comment.
All the best,
Gary
Gary, First things first, this was a great article! I liked the fact that you were saying that being an entrepreneur requires a lot of hard work, and dedication. You weren’t sugar coating it. Its sad that so many people out there are looking for the quick and easy way. That is a myth, there is no such thing. Everything thats worth it in life, takes time and work. And Wealthy Affiliate passes the test immensely!:)
Hi, Omar!
Thanks for stopping by. As I wrote this article, I felt I was walking a thin line. I didn’t want to discourage anyone, but I also didn’t want a reader to think that there was some magic button or secret formula to making money online.
I agree, Wealthy Affiliate is the only place I would recommend someone learn how to succeed online.
I’ve owned several businesses in my life, including a residential remodeling business and a copywriting business. By far, making money with my websites is much easier. The truth is, most people work harder at dead-end jobs than they will ever work at an online business.
I wish more people realized that if they stick with building their online business they will succeed. The internet is the most amazing opportunity most of us will ever have and the earning potential is truly unlimited.
The secret to online success is to learn to do it right. Wealthy Affiliate is the place to learn. After that, it’s just a matter of continually taking the next step and never quitting.
I appreciate your comment,
Gary