If you've tried your hand at building an Internet-based business but haven't yet reached the success you want, find out about these 11 deadly mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not Treating What You Do as a Business.
The difference between a hobby and a business is that a hobby doesn't make you money - it costs you money.
If you're earnest about starting a profitable online business, approach seriously and focus on generating revenue.
Treat your online business as you would any regular business.
Being Distracted by Too Many Good Ideas.
You can light up a room with a light bulb, but you can cut through steel with a laser beam. The same is true with your effort and ideas.
Too many Internet-Entrepreneur-Wanna-Be's lack the will power to stay focused. Chasing too many ideas at the same time often leaves them exhausted, frustrated, and with little result to show for their hard work.
The key to success is to select one business idea and to develop it completely before moving on to another project.
Not Selecting a Specific Niche.
Perhaps the biggest mistake of all is trying to be everything to everyone. You can't - so stop!
It's very counter-intuitive to focus on a smaller slice of the market and most people are afraid to do it. But when you do, your business will grow faster, and you'll be more financially successful in less time.
Falling in Love With the Wrong Product Idea.
Even the most experienced entrepreneurs fall into this trap from time-to-time and develop products without doing any research. Before you devote any serious amount of time and effort to developing your new ideas make sure there is a demand for the type of product, information, or service you want to launch.
If you need help with selecting an ideal niche market for your business and finding out which products you should develop first, take a look at this fast track training program.
Falling for the "Get Rich Quick" Scheme!
Remember the old adage "if something is too good to be true..."? It's alive and well on the Internet.
Countless people buy into the idea of making millions online overnight. Sadly, they buy into programs hyped up with empty promises only to find themselves "out of cash and out of luck" a short while later.
Be aware of spammers, illegal money-winning scams, and buying "ready to go businesses" that are "hot but will sell for cheap"!
Before you fork over your money investigate if those hot businesses have ever made a dime for their current owner.
Doing your homework will save you valuable time, money and many sleepless nights!
Going Into It, Instead of Growing Into It.
While the Internet makes it easier to reach your potential clients, you're still building a business - and that takes time. Don't tell your boss you're quitting today because you started this hot new online business last night and you'll be "rolling in dough in no time flat!"
First make sure your business idea works and is profitable.
That's one of the advantages of Internet Business - you can start small and step-it-up as your business starts getting sales and generating profits.
Just be sure you can consistently replace your current income before jumping ship and telling your boss to "beat it"!
Mistake #7 - Being a Copy-Cat!
Quickly - what is the most popular business on the Internet? You guessed it - it's how to make money on the online!
It seems that everyone who has bought a course on making money online is credible enough to teach this subject a week or two later!
Don't fall for the allure of easy money - because it's only a perception. In reality your chances of having a successful online business are much greater when you are different from the pack.
Wasting Time and Money on Developing Pretty but Useless Websites.
A bad idea is a bad idea - no matter how pretty you dress it up. Many people waste precious startup dollars on expensive but needless graphic design work, pretty logos, and complex web design.
In reality, many businesses can be simple and inexpensive to get off the ground. In fact, a simple site with little or no graphics will often make more money than one with all the latest bells and whistles flashing all over the page.
Think - what is the core concept of your business. Outline it on a single sheet of paper, then implement it fast in it's simplest form. You can always give it a makeover and make it prettier if it's successful and profitable.
Not Building Relationship with Clients.
"Even though you don't know me from Adam, I want you to take out your wallet and give me $20 - in exchange I'll make you the King of the Universe!" What!? You don't want to give me your $20? What a surprise!
Most people think about starting a business online in terms of getting a quick sale - with no prior relationship with their potential clients at all.
In reality, you'll be more successful when you make your first goal to collect contact information from potential clients and follow up with them on regular basis.
It's much easier to "sell something for Free" than trying to convince people to give you money at first.
Make it your goal to prove your credibility online and make your business all about relationships with prospects and clients, and you'll build a thriving online empire.
Calling It "QUITS" Too Soon!
If your new online venture isn't making money at first, don't walk away from it too soon. Many entrepreneurs have multiple "failures" in their background - which in reality are lessons in what didn't work.
Evaluate your ideas and get help with gaining a new perspective on what you're doing. With some new ideas you might find a new way to position your business differently and make it profitable.
Or maybe you simply need to give it more time to gain the traction and momentum you want.
Being too cheap!
While it's a good habit to be thrifty with your dollars, don't confuse saving money with being cheap. Remember the price you're paying for things isn't always expressed in money. It's also the time, effort, and lost opportunities you can't take advantage of because you lack the know-how or are busy doing low-level tasks.
Smart online entrepreneurs continually invest in their Education. They buy marketing training programs, time-saving software tools, and systems that allow them to grow businesses faster with less effort.
The best news is that getting good basic training in how to start your information marketing business doesn't have to be expensive.
About The Author
The author, Adam Urbanski, Founder and President of Marketing Mentors, teaches professionals and business owners proven strategies to leverage their know-how into low-cost, high-profit information products and programs. For a four-hour fast track training program, go to his website at InfoProfitFastTrack.com.
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