So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur

After all that's what you are, if you are just getting started on your Internet business, an entrepreneur.

First of all let's get one thing straight - no one is born perfect in this world, similarly not many are born with the skills of an entrepreneur. However, anyone can learn these skills and become successful, all you need is the knowledge and an awareness that it does take hard work. Oh and a few other things which we will discuss here and now.

These attributes (or skills if you like), will give you the tools you need to be successful, no matter what it is you decide to do with your life. Because, you see, these are not just entrepreneurial skills they are life skills as well. You should also be fully aware that not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. It takes hard work, discipline, organization and dedication. Make no mistake, this is not for the faint of heart. The rewards however, both monetary and personal, are well worth it if you have the guts and the skills to take on the challenge.

We have listed some of the essential entrepreneurial skills which will serve you well if you decide to enter into this exciting and rewarding field.


Independence

This is a skill ( a trait actually) that is an absolute must, it is in fact that which defines the entrepreneurial spirit. One of the reasons you are on this path is, and probably should be, because you want your independence from the regular 9 to 5 grind. You want to have the ability to control your own future. Independence doesn't mean doing it all by yourself however, you will always need others. What it does mean though is that you alone are directing and controlling how your life and business will operate, develop and blossom. You make all the decisions which means that when you are successful you know you did it your way, very satisfying. The common denominator within the make-up or personality of most entrepreneurs is a burning need for independence. Good or bad you are the one in control and if you learn the skills and are not afraid to work hard this dream can and will be realized.


Persistence and Determination

Persistence means not giving up, sticking to it through the tough times. Determination goes hand in hand with persistence and the two cannot be separated. There will always be times when you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur. Friends and family, although well meaning, can always be counted on to tell you that there are just too many websites, too much competition, too many pitfalls and too many unknowns for you to be successful. Persistence and determination will carry you through all of these times of doubt and fear. Stick to it, work your plan, see it through and prove to yourself and all the doubters that you truly are a leader, a doer, an entrepreneur.


Self Confidence

Self confidence is must for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur. You must believe in your abilities and trust your judgement. Self confidence doesn't automatically guarantee that you will be successful either but without it you really are going to have an uphill climb. You must feel within yourself that what you are doing is the right thing, with the right product, the right promotion and the right time. If you can do that and really believe it, believe in yourself then you will have a definite leg up on the competition. As you move forward with even small successes your confidence will build and so will your business. Self confidence alone won't take you to the top but without it yo won't even get close, that's how important this is.


Creativity

In the competitive world of the Internet today you can not allow yourself to become complacent and contented with an average, run of the mill business. One that may have some success but really doesn't flourish. If you want to be successful, especially as an entrepreneur, you must be creative. Creative with your finances, your sales pitch, your graphics, your website, all aspects of your business. Make your product or service unique from all the others. Don't forget, as we stated earlier, there are hundreds if not thousands of  others selling the same or similar product as yours. What sets you apart and makes you different will be the defining factor in your success. This can not be stressed too strongly, you must be different and better than the rest. Creativity is just as important (or more so) than the product or service you are offering. Creativity is an extremely important component in your success.

Creativity carries with it curiosity, flexibility, exploration, observation and opportunity. If you can roll these all up in one complete package, along with independence, persistence , determination and self confidence you will be unstoppable

Using Social Networking To Attract More Visitors

This one should be obvious but I think it is worth repeating especially for those just starting out on the adventure of internet marketing (selling stuff on the internet).

Online technology has developed so quickly, starting in the 1980’s, it has influenced the lives of millions of people and created a complete transformation within our society and become a vital part of everyone’s life on the planet. The inception of the internet is clearly the most phenomenal development in the modern age. Almost every aspect of our lives has been impacted in one way or another.

Today, on the internet you will find countless (millions) of websites catering to an endless array of venues. E-commerce, information sites, blogging, and many others… In fact, you name it, you’ll find it!

And what about the way people are communicating with each other? We are all aware of those online communication tools to make it easier for us to send and receive messages. These messages can be personal or they can be for the promotion of a business, product or service.

With the proliferation of the internet came another element that affected many people’s lives - online social networking.

What is online social networking? Basically, this is a website that attracts people with the option of becoming a member along with others who join effectively creating a network of friends. This all started in 1995 with the very first social networking website called Classmates.com. After which many others have followed and likewise created their own loyal group of members.

A couple of the most well known online social networking websites are: Twitter and Facebook.The idea is that: you sign up; look for friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and even people that you haven’t had any interaction with and invite them to be a "friend" (Facebook) or to "Follow" you on Twitter. When they join you, you are now creating your own network. Some of the other popular social networking websites are "Linkedin", MySpace, "Pinterest", "LiveJournal" and the list goes on.

This also creates a string of connections by which you can locate and trace long-lost friends you have had little or no contact with for many years. Hence, a social networking site is not just for creating a network of friends but a way for all people, living near or abroad, to communicate even when they are continents apart.

Such websites have many benefits that can be reaped without having to pay a penny for this service. If you think social networking websites are for creating a network of friends and colleagues alone, think again! As luck would have it (actually I'm sure it was designed this way) social networking websites can also be a very smart and inexpensive way to promote your e-business.

Promoting your e-business through Social Networking sites

If you spend any amount of time on the internet, you probably are already  a member of a social networking site. If you aren't then you should be. Social Networking Sites are an essential part of your business success. Join as many social networking sites as you can find (Google can help you) and join the sites and post a link to your Blog. Make sure you read and follow the rules for the site first. Make regular visits and post something interesting about what's going on in your life and on your Blog. Create interest and make your posts fresh and make them often. Create an identity that people learn to trust, this has always been and will continue to be your key to success

Blogs are used not only to express thoughts and ideas but are also a great way to help promote your business. Your Blog usually contains a series of posts and articles expressing daily thoughts, opinions, tutorials or reviews. For the business-minded blogs are used for creating interest by a posting followed by the placement of links usually to a product or service either directly or indirectly marketed by "YOU" the owner of the Blog. This should all start to make sense as to why you need that social networking piece of the puzzle.

If your social network page has many members, your blog can be "linked" to many potential readers and very importantly customers. The more people that become a part of your social networking world the more chance that people will click to visit your blog and if you can get their attention there and keep them coming back for more the better chance you have that they will click on a link on your blog and you will make sales.

So if you maintain a Blog and you intend to use it as an outlet for sales then it's easy to see that Social Networking can be a great tool to help you get there. Not only are they free but hey you meet some great people and some great customers and you will be driving your e-Business forward to success.