Can You Handle the Stress of an Online Business?
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/