....Dollar sign eyed and plaid suit clad infomercial guru's talking about FREE FREE FREE government money, real estate, and gold, might come to mind when you think of "business opportunities" online. A couple years ago, I would have been giggling too.
Are Online Business Opportunities For Real?
Yes and No. The term "business opportunities" has at best, been a long sufferer of a chronic identity crisis. In the time I've been interested in the Internet as a viable opportunity to earn a significant income without investing a ton of money or more importantly a ton of time, I've been baffled some of the perceptions people have about business opportunities. I thought I'd write an article about what I've learned, what you can expect, and how best to approach the world wide web in terms of entrepreneurial pursuits.
The business opportunities you see advertised online via google AdSense, banner ads, and text links are mostly turnkey business opportunities for making money from home. So in essence, at the end of the day, what is the "opportunity"?
- Do you have a way to earn a significant income from home now?
- Do you have an Internet connection, telephone, and a desire to work from home?
- Would you like to earn extra income besides a job?
- Do you currently have a plan to create passive income?
A online based business opportunity is a chance to realise these things mentioned. It is not a guarantee. Its not a sign and drive affair and in a sign and drive world, its important to take a minute and realise what that means.
First off, if your thinking about starting an online business opportunity, almost without exception you will play the role of marketer. You will be using the Internet as a tool to attract clients,customers, or associates to your business. Online marketing is multi-faceted ordeal that I find fascinating and challenging at the same time. Using the Internet to make money creates opportunities that otherwise would be an arrogant dream. I've talked with people in four different countries in the same one hour period while following up with potential customers, something totally new to me and impossible without an online presence.
How do Online Business Opportunities Work?
Online business opportunities are usually quite simple. They are systematic by nature and this is appealing to traditional entrepreneurs who may struggle with the traditional business models. Most profitable online business opportunities are affiliate marketing business models in one form or the other. Whether you get involved with referring visitors to someone else products or services, network marketing, or direct sales, your basically an affiliate. Whats the upside to affiliate relationships?
- You have low overhead.
- The company handles inventory and shipping.
- The company handle customer service.
- The company handle product development.
- The company provides marketing tools, advice and materials.
- Affiliate cash flow models are extremely efficient.
- You don't have employees.
- Your time is yours. Affiliate relationships are the epitome of flexible income.
- Many programs provide passive or residual income streams.
So to recap, online business opportunities allow you, the affiliate or associate or partner, to earn money from your home office, while marketing products or services of a company who also benefits by not having to have an in house sales force.
That's pretty simple. You just use your good old fashion common sense. Whats that mean?
Well if someone tells you you'll make x amount of money or if you join this or that you'll get rich. Or you have to hurry....this sound goofy 'cause it is.
How Profitable are Online Business Opportunities?
With that being said, some opportunities offer greater Potential profits than others. Some online business opportunities with residual income will earn you nothing until you amass a following or customer base. Some direct sales opportunities have a minimum profit margin of over $1,000, while other pay pennies but build residuals overtime. Not that it needs mentioning, because we all have common sense, but different opportunities operate in different industries and those industries affect the viability of the opportunity as a profitable online business opportunity.
Where to Start Making Money Online?
Look for what fits. That's pretty simple and its good advice. In my opinion, starting out marketing affiliate products online without even having a website is not a good route to take. Now that doesn't make affiliate marketing a bad business model, it just makes it bad if your new to the Internet marketing world and don't have a platform to market from.
Businesses in general have a way of transforming, or taking on a life of their own and its no different with online business opportunities. It is unlikely that your business will look like you thought it would at the outset. Other opportunities will present themselves that compliment of even out perform the intended income source.
What is the Best Online Business Opportunity to Start?
You are really the best clue in choosing the right online business opportunity to start. Do you like people? How much time do you care to invest on a daily basis to the new business enterprise? How much money are you comfortable investing upfront? What monthly fixed expenses are you able to afford? Are you and introvert? Do you have previous experience? How important is a good mentor or working together with a team. How many rules are you comfortable with? Choosing the best business opportunities is a simple process you'll want to be willing to follow through with.
Answering these questions is a good start to help you narrow down your search for a successful online business to start. Remember simple doesn't meant easy. If success were easy, you wouldn't be looking for an opportunity, would you? Success is simple regardless of the endeavor your embarking upon. Any business enterprise you engage in will require certain characteristics that will always precede any measurable success. Some of the more crucial ones include:
- The ability to persist or willingness to acquire the ability.
- The willingness to communicate and learn.
- Consistency. You must be consistent.
- You will need to set attainable goals.
- Only focus on what you can control i.e; Attitude.
- Successful people continue when others quit.
Know why it is important for you to succeed. What impact does success in this one are have on the rest of your life. Why are you starting a business? What is it that you want? Is it important enough to do what is necessary to succeed? Its important to keep you goals and the meaning behind the activity present in your daily thoughts.
If you have questions about an online business or make money online opportunity you can contact me via email or the comments on this website.
J. Crawford.