What are the key issues which can ensure success (or failure) in the field of internet marketing?

All successful people in any walk of life have a plan. I read once that all business plans should have goals which are “SMART” – that is: “Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed”. Different people have different approaches to setting their goals; some will concentrate on the longer term targets whilst others set themselves a series of short term goals. I tend to fall into the latter category. Some people incorporate both into their master plan. However, you conceive your business plan, remember the old business adage: “Fail to plan and you plan to fail”.

A second important piece of advice is to always remember that you are working at a business not dabbling with a hobby. Running an online internet marketing business should certainly be enjoyable, or there is not much point in doing it; – money isn’t everything! Apply yourself to the task and stick with it. Getting an internet business up and running is a tough assignment so you must believe in your ability to succeed in the end. Many who fail do so because they just don’t have the self-belief to see it through.

Having a great passion for both life and business will keep you focussed and committed to the job in hand. If you go at things in a half-hearted way the possibilities in both life and work will be greatly reduced. Believe in your work, believe in your ultimate success and, most of all, believe in yourself. One aspect of an online business which helps the building of confidence and belief is that you can earn as you learn. For many newcomers to the business there are a lot of new skills to take on board. To be able to do this whilst beginning to bring in, at least, some income brings with it the reassurance that the business works and success is within reach. If you want success you must always work to be the very best that you can be. A failure to do this will lead to failure in your business.

One other issue to bear in mind is: “How do you define success?” If you were to ask ten people that question you would probably get quite a number of different responses. Some people see success purely in terms of how much money they have in the bank. Others would express a similar idea but in terms of specific possessions; – two classy cars in the drive; a large house; a holiday home in the country. On the other hand, some may see success in a much more ‘spiritual’ light relating to family and friends, etc. Never make the mistake of mixing “standard of living” with “quality of life”. Standard of living is about material things, whereas quality of life comes from the more spiritual side of our nature. As the proverb says, “Money can’t buy happiness”. Money only has value in terms of the freedom and the quality of life it can provide. Sorry if this sounds a bit like a sermon, but see beyond the money and look for the satisfaction, the sense of achievement and the happiness which genuine success can bring. Don’t dote on the money which is a means to an end and not an end in itself.

Success is a process rather than a destination. Be enthusiastic about your business and enjoy the journey. It will be fulfilling in every sense.