Starting an Internet Business:
8 Myths To AvoidAll too often I hear reasons to why someone thinks that they can’t build their own business. I hear reasons to why they feel that their dreams are not attainable. These “reasons” are really “excuses”. In business and in life you can’t have both success and make excuses at the same time. You must choose one or the other.
Most of the time excuses are based on myths. When you discover that these excuses are myths and not reality, then it makes it easier to move forward with confidence.
Here are some of the most common myths about building a home-based internet business:
Myth # 1: Web design is too hard and I don’t know how to build a website.
Reality: Building a website has never been easier. Most hosting companies have templates that allow anybody who can type to build a website. In addition, there is software that makes building a website as easy as using a word processor. I recommend that you learn basic web design skills so that you have an understanding of how it works. However, you can also outsource this to a professional or hire a high school or college student to do it for you. Depending on the complexity of your website, a professional shouldn’t charge you more than $500. I’ve had complete sites built for as little as $200. This may be even cheaper if you find a local student willing to make a few extra bucks.
Myth #2: I’d like to sell an information product, but I’m not qualified to write a book or make a product. Only experts are qualified for this.
Reality: Firstly, you may be an expert in something already and not realize it. You may know more about raising children, training dogs, stamp collecting, coaching, teaching, knitting, carpentry, or [fill in any subject] than most people. Secondly, it isn’t difficult to become an expert if you are not one already. If you know just a fraction more than the next person, then you can be perceived as an expert. In addition, you don’t need the “expert fairy” to come along and waive a magic wand declaring you as an expert. You do not need anyone’s permission to become an authority in a subject matter. Go to the library and read 10 books on any subject and you will become an authority compared to everyone else. If you don’t want to become an expert, then borrow the expertise of someone else. Build a partnership with an expert. Interview experts and consolidate all the information into a book.
Myth #3: I don’t have time.
Reality: You don’t have time NOT to find time. You have the same 24 hours per day as the rest of the population. This life is not a trial run. This life is the real thing. If you want to own your own business, then you can’t afford not to schedule the time. I understand that you are busy. Everyone is busy. Make the time to do something each day or each week—even if you schedule only 20 minutes per day or one hour per week. A lack of time is an excuse. Put time in today in order to have more free time in the future... make it happen.
Myth #4: I don’t know/understand software, shopping carts, credit cards, accounting, legalities, or [any other excuse] of starting a business.
Reality: C’mon... are you really going to let a weak excuse like this stop you from pursuing your dream? Go to the library and get an understanding. Find a friend who is an attorney and ask them. Find a friend that has their own business and ask them. Get the information you need so that you feel comfortable.
Myth #5: It’s too late in the game, or there is too much competition.
Reality: The internet is still in its infancy. More people are getting online ever single day. Consumers are spending more and more money online every year. The marketplace can handle competitors. Do you think Burger King refuses to put up a restaurant because McDonalds was on the corner first? Did Bill Gates refuse to start Microsoft because IBM and Apple computers existed? Yes, you may see competitors in the marketplace, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed. It doesn’t mean that you can’t become bigger and better than companies that already exist. There is usually more than one dry cleaner in a neighborhood. There is usually more than one restaurant in any given area. There is often more than one car dealership on the same street. There will always be competition... get over it.
Myth #6: I need to find the one magic bullet, or that one piece of information that will give me all the answers to success.
Reality: We discussed this earlier. There is NO magic bullet. Gain some knowledge and then try. Gain more knowledge and then try some more. Don’t be afraid to fail your way forward. Just take some action and get started! You will have to go through a learning curve to achieve your desired success. It will take work, dedication, and commitment. You must commit to gaining the knowledge and put that knowledge into action. You have all the power to make your dreams reality—there is no magic bullet.
Myth #7: I need a new or original idea.
Reality: While it would be great if you found a brand new idea that has never been done before, it isn’t how most people achieve success. My experience tells me that most success is found by modeling an existing idea. Much success is reached by becoming a direct competitor of an existing idea or product that is already successful. Don’t waste your time trying to reinvent the wheel. Look for something that works and make it better or add to it. It is much easier to see what is already working and follow the path of least resistance.
Myth #8: I need the perfect product and it will sell itself.
Reality: Nothing sells itself. Good marketing and advertising sells things. If you spend all your time trying to think of the perfect product, then you might never get started. Everything has its flaws. Find out what people want to buy and sell it to them.
The sooner you believe that these “excuses” are only myths and not realities, the sooner you can get out of the way of yourself and begin building a successful business.
Remember... you cannot make excuses and have success at the same time. You need to choose one or the other. What do you choose?
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