People like the idea of making money with an online business but they're skeptical, and they should be. But the real skeptics are those that have tried and weren't successful.
From my experience as an online businesses owner I see failure because people often perceive making money online as being easy and without having to spend much money. For the most part, that's true, but most people who jump online to start an internet business don't totally understand what it really takes to be successful online.
Maybe it's better to answer this question with another question:
Can you make money with an offline business?
Of course, obviously there are thousands of offline businesses that are successful.
But just as research, hard work, confidence, persistence and being goal oriented are important for an offline business owner those things are just as important for making money with an online business, but you're not likely to find an online business that will replace your current income in a few weeks time, that costs you only a few dollars and requires little to no effort.
You couldn't find that offline, why would it be possible online?
Because the internet has such easy access people often get the wrong idea about making money online. Sure there are benefits to starting an online business, for example it is cheaper to get started and it's not hard to learn but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be successful.
One of the things I notice about people starting a business online is that they don't have much experience in business, now that's not really a problem, I didn't have business experience either, but I did do my homework and learned about what I needed to do to be profitable. For example, I learned how to find profitable niche ideas and then researched how I could make money with those ideas.
A lot of what I've learned was through trial and error and I've made my share of mistakes but the key is to stay focused and not be persuaded by the get rich quick schemes. Anyone who has been desperate to make money has probably been scammed at one time or another.
So getting back to the original question 'Can you really make money with an online business?' In a word, yes, but after being online for nearly ten years and being a self-taught business owner, these are the things I've learned and the ideals I practice for achieving success online:
1. Don't depend on anyone else to tell you what internet business you should do or what business is the best. Make that decision yourself by researching the types of online businesses, how they work and what you need to do to make money with them. Never grab at straws looking for fast money, there is no such thing.
2. Never stop learning. I don't mean load up on a bunch of 'how to' books and guides that don't really tell you anything. Instead learn from others by watching what they do and how they do it. This is how you get ideas, but you'll also learn to distinguish those who know what they're talking about from those that don't.
There are certainly some awesome guides available but first get your feet wet by testing the waters, join forums, ask questions and listen to those that have successful businesses. You'll get clues about what information is worth paying for and what is not.
3. Reach out by getting to know and help others. Social marketing platforms like Twitter and Facebook will help others get to know you and you'll get to know them. Give people a reason to like and trust you which is so important in any business.
4. Have a plan and create goals. Not everyone has the luxury of quitting their day job to start an online business, so your off hours are going to be devoted to your online business. That means you need to stay focused and plan your time wisely.
Create realistic goals then create a plan to help you reach those goals, next break your plan into smaller tasks then map out how you're going to get those tasks completed. Remember the question, "How do you eat an elephant? The answer is one bite at a time. That's how you'll create your business, one bite at a time.
5. Finally, never give up. Persistence is important. Follow that with confidence in yourself, maintain a positive attitude at all times and always have gratitude in your heart 
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I am not able to make online money, so some suggestions from you would be great.
Twitter: prfuller
July 22, 2010 at 11:17 am
Hey Liz
Yes you can make money online!
and thanks for telling everyone what it takes.
Jesse, If you sign up at the top of the page I’ll send you my free internet business ideas guide. I’ll also give you plenty of support and help if you need it
Well, I think that I am one of the living examples of a successful internet business. There is a lot of opportunities on the internet, all you have to do is believe and grab it.
Yes, it really takes a lot. So many steps have to be taken correctly before you see a dime. Keyword research, link building, content, and SOOOOO many other things. It really takes a lot of dedication to succeed in an online business.
I think #2 has been the most important for me, never stop learning.
Jared, Yes and dedication is what really counts for any business, not just online
Twitter: moneyfromnet
August 2, 2010 at 2:04 am
I can make money online but it depends on the quality content you give to your visitors and it’s that helpful information that gets them to return to your site (content is the king).
For me personally I would also suggest branding yourself. I feel branding is very important for marketers, you want people to know your name, face and what you do because it builds trust with your audience. With so many scams and scam artists these days everyone wants to make money but they are looking for someone honest and knowledgeable that they can trust.
Robert
I have been trying to make money online for some time now – Things are starting to role now
Nice Post,
Yes, I am sure that you can make money in an online business. Online you can connect with many people and share useful information with each other, this will help you in your online business. Thanks!