LESSON #2: What is an online business?

By | June 12, 2008

Contrary to what some of the so-called guru’s may say, having an online business is not for everyone. But in order to judge whether it’s a good fit for you, we first must define what an online business is and what it isn’t.

Please watch the following video:

Main points:

  • My personal definition is that it’s a business which is conducted primarily on the internet.

  • A website is NOT an online business.

  • It’s not a job.

  • There may be risk involved, but it’s all about how you perceive it.

  • If you’re afraid to start a business, then you need to either…

    a) get over your fear

    or

    b) decide to be happy with your job, and forget about starting a business

    Action steps:

    1) Answer the following question honestly:

    Do I want to run my own business?

    As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.

    Have a great day!

  • 835 thoughts on “LESSON #2: What is an online business?

    1. Hex

      Thanx, Eric! Awsome, I follow your tips every morning. Thanx again

      Reply
    2. timothy atwater sr.

      lesson2 was interrest but i got the ideal what you talked about..

      Reply
    3. Narasimharao

      Thanks for your tips and useful to me and also to whom wants to start online business.
      My advice to new comers:
      Be cautious about scams(online)

      Reply
    4. Sheron

      I thought that before I watch the #2 video I would answer the Q.Do I want to run my own business?. . .my answer is, Without a doubt; ABSOLUTELY!! My journey in internet marketing began as a dream years ago but it didn’t become my passion until about 15mo ago. I began searching for ‘how to’ info, which lead to a ton of ‘so called answers’ for how to make money online. Not all of them were a waist of $, and not all were rip offs, however, a very large % were worthless. A handful did have some good and even great material and they may very well have panned out if it had a ‘complete’ A-Z system. But because they were incomplete, it’s been like trying to bake an award winning dinner without ‘all’ of the ingredients. . .so, when you sit down to eat it, it turns out to be a big disappointment, to say the least. I know you all can relate. . .w/been there, done that. However, as frustrated and even angry at times that I’d be, mostly because I don’t or can’t find the answers, I’m still in the game. . .Someone sent me an email once that said, “how do you know if you’re addicted to internet marketing?” Answer: If when you go to the restroom you bring your lap-top instead of a magazine, you just may be addicted to internet marketing! I admit that, at the time, I was feeling a bit obsessed. But sooner or later
      I knew if I kept at it the rewards would outweigh the failures. No Cost Income Stream has been an answer to my prayers. . . Organizing IM had been a nightmare until now and step by step from A-Z is the blessing I needed to stay on track. . .and I can’t say enough about the coaching! I can finally wrap my mind around what I’m doing instead of ‘guessing’ about what ‘might’ work. I got a long time ago, that I will never ‘figure it out’ and, by the same token, I knew I needed to network with others who truly love this business and are willing to share their experiences, ups or downs as we navigate our way to becoming financially independent and sovereign. . . Many Blessings to all who are here on this journey! And I especially send a Great Thank You to Eric, Paul, and Jeff for giving us a way to ‘Keep Our Dream Alive’. . .In Living Your Dreams, Sheron

      Reply
    5. Janice Bowles

      Thanks Eric I love your clarity and down-to-earth approach. I have been persuing an online business for a very long time. Way longer than many people would stick at it I’m sure, but even in my moments of confusion and frustration I never feel like throwing in the towel. What does make it tough is being on your own so having this community will be a god send. One thing I have learnt is to block out as much ‘hype’ as possible that tries to lure you into the promise of quick results. I am looking forward to this journey with you guys.

      Reply
    6. farzad

      hi.I am just on lesson#2 ,but even till now ,i can strongly say that i feel the difference !!what most on line business experts ignore ,it seems that paid attention to ,here ! to be accepted by audience !!That your audience believes you !!Not just to repeat all the frustrating empty promises we hear from othersjust in different words & phrases !
      I also would like to suggest Eric to be as brief & frank as possible !
      To make a long story short ,after receiving so many on line biz emails ,i feel that Eric is the one who has made me hopeful to finally understand what on line business is & how much you can rely on it as real way of making money !

      Reply
    7. JULIANA ANNE

      Eric, thank you so much for the thought provoking question. My answer is an emphatic yes. You are so right when you say that family members are bound to discourage you about starting an online business.

      Reply
    8. Ben Upaka

      Starting a business is a must.Everyone must learn how to start and run a business.The Job you are doing is not yours.One day you will get caught up with any of the 3Rs–Retrenchment,Resignation or Retirement.The earlier you start your own business the better.No Job can ever make you rich or fulfilled

      Reply
    9. Donald Thomas

      Thanks Eric, Just listened to # 2 and the answer is a resounding yes!!!!

      Reply
    10. lucy here

      hi eric im going to stick with you for however long it takes-i found your page, im interested in what you teach-i want to learn from scratch
      thank you, bring it on, im not going anywhere

      Reply
    11. renu

      Hi, I truly wann to join the business but want to know the exact procedure for that.

      Reply
    12. Micah

      Hello Shady,

      If you signed up to join for free, you should receive another lesson every day or so.

      Reply
    13. Micah

      Hello Shady,

      Eric will be covering many ways to start your online business in the coming lessons.

      Reply
    14. Cindy

      Hi Eric:

      I want to run my own business. Could you please show us step by step? BTW, could we have your lessons everday instead of evry other day?

      Thanks,

      Reply
    15. Cindy

      Hi Eric:

      I just opened the above link, but couldn’t find below #80’s lessons. Could you please tell me where I can find lesson 4 to lesson 100?

      Thanks,

      Cindy

      Reply
    16. Elizabeth Maifeld

      is there a way I can pay for these lessons to speed up delivery of the lessons. I’m fired up and ready to go.????

      Reply
    17. Micah

      Hello Cindy,

      Eric will still be completing 100 lessons. The next lesson will be sent to you soon. You can also visit the following link to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
      http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

      Here is the direct link to lesson 4:

      LESSON #4: 18 Ways to Make Money Online

      You may also simply change the number at the end of the link, to go to a different lesson number (example: /lesson1, /lesson2, /lesson3, etc…).

      Reply
    18. Micah

      Hello Cindy,

      Unfortunately, the emails are sent to you automatically, but don’t arrive every day.

      If you would like to skip ahead, you may visit the following link to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
      http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

      Here is the direct link to the latest lesson:

      LESSON #85: Affiliate Traffic

      You may also simply change the number at the end of the link, to go to a different lesson number (example: /lesson1, /lesson2, /lesson3, etc…).

      Reply
    19. Micah

      Hello Elizabeth,

      Unfortunately, the emails are sent to you automatically, but don’t arrive every day.

      If you would like to skip ahead, you may visit the following link to see the latest lesson updates and revisit earlier lessons:
      http://www.ericstips.com/tips/category/lessons/

      Here is the direct link to lesson 3:

      LESSON #3: Is an online business right for me?

      You may also simply change the number at the end of the link, to go to a different lesson number (example: /lesson1, /lesson2, /lesson3, etc…).

      Reply
    20. Paulo

      Hi Eric

      I am a professional chess coach and my business partner and I train teachers in schools to train children etc. We are also the authors of two chess books. We sell chess equipment as well. I would also like to market our products via the internet. I really also want our business to grow by establishing an online business. I

      Reply
    21. Paulo

      Hi Eric

      I submitted my previous message before finishing. Can I start up this business http://www.goforchessnow.com online from South Africa by using your methods like info products etc? It seems like only people from America are students of yours. I am at lesson 2 now and I enjoy your lessons very very much. You are a light shining forward for many people. I am so glad that I found your site and I know it is for a reason that I came across your site. Keep up the good work and remember God will greatly bless you for what you are doing.

      Reply
    22. Paulo

      Hi Eric

      Thank you for this insightful venture. You are really great. God Bless

      Reply
    23. Micah

      Hello Paulo,

      Yes, there are many successful marketers based in South Africa. You may just be the next one!

      Eric actually has many subscribers from all around the world!

      Reply
    24. Tom Reilly

      Good advice! I used to make $200 a month with google adsense before the furry animals panda and Penguin came along. Now I am back to square one. A new version of the original course I took just came out offering for different models to make money online. Right now I am utilizing the free method, using free websites and article directories to drive traffic. I will keep people posted on how it goes.

      Reply
    25. Serena

      I’ve been running my online business for a number of years now, and although my family is very supportive, I know they were also very uncertain about my success for a long time. I do make a living from online business with some offline components but I am really looking for ways to address scalability. There’s so much to do to run a business by yourself.

      Reply
    26. Fitzgerald Brudey

      I really want an online business and want to run it myself. It’s just that everyone says it can be done in a few clicks or in a few minutes, yet it’s proving to be so time consuming and expensive, and frustrating.

      Reply
    27. marcel

      thank u eric for the lesson #2.
      my question is..when can i tell my family (esp. my wife) about the online bussiness that i working on it now?..

      Reply
    28. Abdulla Afeef

      Thank you very much Mr.Eric.
      The answer to your question: “Do I want My own business”? Will be yes I want my own business. But by the internet online business.
      I am tired been trying to start a business on line but couldn’t start any yet because of my less experience on that field. But now hope full as I have found you and with your helpful advices.

      Thanks and best regards.

      Reply
    29. ROY

      Right now I am utilizing the free method, using free websites and article directories to drive traffic. I will keep people posted on how it goes. What free address’s thanks

      Reply
    30. Cheryl

      This website is waiting for me to hook it up as it is only registered and my Hosting company Hostzilla are on standby the reason as to why I have not hooked into this website is that I was told I would have help in constructing it but after I paid for it there was no help available so I have delayed it .Answer to video 2 Do I want to try to make money over the Internet with an Online business Answer IS YES Cheryl.

      Reply
    31. rob brooks

      Im quite relieved, looks like there is actually a decent mentor on the net who can direct a newbie like myself down the right path for succession online. I look forward to the next lessons!
      rob

      Reply
    32. Neil Johnsen

      Hi Eric, Thanks for the lessons 1 and 2. I’ll be looking forward to the rest. I’ve been self employed since 1976, Sign business, Professional musician and the arts in general. Have sold stuff on ebay over the last five years but would really like to know so much more.

      Best

      Reply
    33. Ashok Kumar

      Its great to be following your lessons! I have already taken a plunge in Internet Marketing w.e.f December 25’12 without knowing A B C of it. I tried with some Internet Learning Course and cancelled mid way as it was doing nothing to train me and interacting with the customer support was of no help despite blaw blaw. Now I have enrolled myself with DSIM in New Delhi and learning the basics. Its only from Vaibhav Vats, a Trainer, I learn about you and want to follow you until I am successful. In the last 2 days I have concluded that I need to redo my website. It would be great if I am get some important tips to improve my website.

      Reply
    34. Micah

      Hello Marcel,

      You may tell them right away if you wish. They might want to follow along with the lessons too!

      Reply
    35. joyce lim pin geok

      Everbody offers their sofware but nobody tells me how to set up a website. Where to click next?

      Reply
    36. Allen

      For me it is not a question of do I want to have a business.
      I am one of the millions of senior citizens who can not live on my pension. If I can’t make money online, then I am just another greeter at Walmart.

      Reply
    37. Clarence

      Hey Eric!! Great lesson!! I have been asking my self this same question for the past 2 years and have come to the conclusion that I really want to have an online business. I have tried and failed at just about everything. Can barely wait to see lesson #3.

      Reply
    38. Danny

      yes i want to have a online business.
      i have a store now and i am open 9-5 and i have too much sit down time and it is getting old looking for something to kill my time with.

      Reply
    39. Toney

      Yes, I want to run my own business. However I want to eventually employ others that I may have more time to expand or develop other things.

      Reply
    40. Michael Blaes

      Hi Eric and All,

      I already have an online business. I do consulting for off-line businesses. My problem is managing and keeping up with everything we have to do for our clients, in addition to our own marketing. I have a pretty good team fortunately 🙂

      Reply
    41. Daniel

      Yes Eric,
      I do want a online business, but I seem to have a problem setting things up to make a website work for me, seems I waste a lot of time, then try to move on to something easier, lose track and move on again. Coaching is risky and soon it’s who do you trust? expense is a large factor.

      Reply
    42. Gary Hogan

      I have yet to make a buck but it will come I know. I do like your smooth approach.
      Thanks Gary

      Yes I want this business and will stick with it.

      Reply
    43. Harry Critzer

      Sir, Yes I have trying to create a online business

      for about 8 months. I do OK my first goal is to

      cover the cost so I can keep going that’s why iam here.

      Thank You Harry

      Reply

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