Can You Handle the Stress of an Online Business?
by: Mike Parker
Are you looking to the Internet as a possible avenue of creating income and relieving you of your present burdens? You are not alone; many individuals see the potential for building their own business from wherever they are on this globe by means of the Internet. The Internet provides a level playing field and appeals to men and women of all ages as a prospective means of conducting business from the comfort of home.
However, despite the fact that running a business through the Internet can often be less expensive than a traditional business AND allows you access to a worldwide market at any time of the day, the truth behind starting a business online is that it can be as stressful as any other business. How can you prepare yourself for this obstacle?
PUT ON YOUR 'GAME FACE'
Yes, it IS a tough game to start a business. You are guaranteed to experience times when your self-confidence is shaken, you feel the task is beyond your abilities and you beat yourself up for making mistakes.
Know this - and move on. It is part of creating business and you will have to face these issues whether it's your first attempt or if you've been in business for years. Changes happen fast on the Internet and that includes changes to businesses. One day you will be amazing yourself and the next day you'll think you've been beat.
The best solution to this is to EXPECT it and plan to move on despite those feelings.
DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE
Are you bringing a small business to the Internet in order to expand your market? Good for you. Nearly every business can benefit from online exposure. Or are you inspired by the many programs that claim "instant wealth - easy to learn!"? Don't believe it. Regardless of if you've been in business for a long time or this is your first attempt - business done through the Internet has it's own methods and you'd better be ready to learn them if you want to make money.
The Internet is fast - people expect instant gratification when doing business online and can be incredibly fickle when all they need to do is click a button to check out the competition. If you are basing your Internet business on a traditional model that depends on walk-in traffic and personal referrals you will have to adapt your methods to an online business. If this is your first online business you will need to learn the nuances of obtaining customers and keeping them.
The learning curve can be steep and some individuals find it daunting. The good thing to remember is that it is possible for nearly anyone to operate a business online no matter what their previous experience - just be prepared to learn and have patience with your attempts.
DON'T BLOW ALL YOUR MONEY
It is easy to forget the need for a budget when you can spend money so easily online. Don't buy into every business opportunity or training program. Visit online forums to acquire a feel for the best systems available. Make friends on these forums that will support you when you are overwhelmed or needing advice.
The only thing worse than finding out you made a mistake is finding out that it cost you money. Remember that every experience is a learning experience. Try to stick to a budget but don't permit yourself to dwell on mistakes when they happen - learn and move on.
Taking steps to prepare yourself for the stress and rejection that all new business owners face will enable you to build on that knowledge and create a successful business. Thankfully for you there are many who won't make it that far which leaves the field wide open!
About The Author
Mike Parker has been a successful Internet retailer since 1998. He started from scratch selling inkjet cartridges online. Mike now works in the digital info market, his latest web site is
http://www.gingeparker.com/This article may be reproduced in paper and electronic format providing it is used as is, no changes made and the above author information remaining intact.
