Setting Up An Internet Home Business

Basic tools and habits when setting up your internet home business. 

Lesson #1

Basic Operating Needs

You'll need a reliable computer with good internet access. I also recommend a good security software with a firewall.  I've made the mistake of not using security software only once and I've never done it again.  It's simply not worth the headaches.

A printer isn't a must but it's handy for printing out important documents and things you simply don't want to read at your computer.

I suggest also having access to either Microsoft Excel and MS Word. If you do not have Excel and Word an excellent alternative is the free application suite of office products OpenOffice.org. 

I especially like Openoffice because it's free software and it has a free PDF maker ;-)

Use Time tracking software

Track your time.  It's important to know what tasks you need to perform each day and how much time you are spending on them so you know what actually results in a profit for your business and what things are eating up your time. 

For example, getting on twitter and tweeting can eat up several hours or reviewing and answering email can take up a massive amount of time and generates no real profit.

Use a time tracking device to help you know what tasks to eliminate or even outsource and what things you should focus on.  There are plenty of free time tracking devices online to choose from.

Simply enter 'free time tracking software' into Google.

Email Management

Many business owners have several email accounts.  You can use free email services like Google's GMail or Yahoo Mail. 

If you create a website all quality web hosting services come with unlimited email accounts. 

As you move forward with your business you may consider developing a subscriber email opt in list for things like newsletter promotion or other email marketing correspondence.  Email autoresponders are used specifically for managing your email opt-in lists.

Accounting software

An accountant or bookkeeper may not be necessary when starting out, but using some sort of accounting software allows you accurately keep track of your profits and losses.

Have a Plan & Stay Organized

Start by Setting goals for your business. Write down where you want to be five years in terms of your business and financial goals. 

Plan out the immediate year, month by month. Determine what tasks you want to get done each month. Then as each month draws near plan out your tasks, then at the beginning of each week schedule out how and when you are going to get those tasks done, scheduling realistic time frames for getting each one completed.

Tools like Outlook or Google calendar are free tools that will help you make an effective plan.

Tips for Staying Focused

Information overload is common in this industry.  It's easy to get on tons of email lists that confuse and overwhelm you. 

Build your business one step at a time and don't let  advertising and marketing distractions take you away from your plan for the day.

Keep email lists that you subscribe to separate from important emails that you need to read every day and don't read subscriber emails until the end of the day.  If you read them first thing they can distract you from getting important daily work completed. 

Also, don't let people who think that just because you are working at home, you're not working. 

A 'Do Not Disturb' sign on my door works great ;-)

Never Doubt Yourself

Be positive about your accomplishments and never doubt that you can have a successful online business.

How you think has a huge impact on what happens to you in your life. If you've ever read The Science of Getting Rich you'll understand what I mean.

Continue To Lesson #2: Finding Internet Home Business Ideas

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