LESSON #2: What is an online business?

By | June 12, 2008
835 Comments

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!

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

    1. Anonymous

      Sorry the name of the book is “Common Sense But No Democracy”

      Reply ↓
    2. Anonymous

      Yes, having a business frees us up to do the things we really want to do. An online business is convenient in a number of ways. A business outside the home I think is not for me. I prefer having a business where I can set my own hours …. something that gives me a little flexibility.

      Reply ↓
    3. delores

      Hello eric, I fell of the wagon and its taken me a year to pick back up. I’m starting over but i have not given up. I still want to own my own business. The Lord has been good. I’m healthy now and hope to continue what we started. thanks for all your emails and tips. they continued to come. delores porter

      Reply ↓
    5. ray teret

      Eric, I am following you and I have my website up and learning from the things you are advising thanks, Ray

      Reply ↓
    7. Jaya

      Dear Eric,

      Yes I need / want to have online business. Can you give me more lesson on each day ie 2 or more.

      Thanks for the support

      Reply ↓
    9. Sean Breslin

      Suprisingly valid question, people do buy online biz products and then do nothing to promote them and potentially earn?

      Reply ↓
    10. Murray J

      Thanks Eric. . .a GREAT start but a very necessary thought for me to get clear in my head at this stage. I suffering from “Information Overload” and this straight shooting is a refreshing punch (first blow) and WOW! it’s really set my mind on the right track. YES! I want to run my own business again! ( I was in business (Travel Agency in the ’80’s – Very successful too!) and I want to do it again! Thanks for the good start-up pill!

      Reply ↓
    12. Linda Marie

      Hello Eric! I just wanted to get started with sending you some input that I received from your lesson. I realize that you are probably pretty busy most days, but I just wanted to say Thank you for your Frank Honesty about the assignment for today. I did take a good look at my reason for statting this and the answer I came up with is….”YES! I do!!” More than anything, I will work around the amount of money that I need to use, I will come up with it or do without, but I want to be successful at having my online business! I want out from under the pressure of thinking that I have to continue to live below Poverty Level and Rise above, even just a little bit. But I am making the committment to stay and learn from you the things I need to know. Thank You for being willing to teach those of us unable to buy into the market, so to speak. Have a Blessed Day!
      P.S. Thank you for mentioning God and Tithings, I have always wanted to but never could pay God back for all the awesome things He has done for me!! Thank you for not being afraid you would offend if you mentioned!! Smiles!!!

      Reply ↓
    13. Linda Marie

      where in the world is the spam folder? I have yet to find it!!

      Reply ↓
    14. Eric Post author

      Comments are held for moderation, and I periodically approve and respond to them 🙂

      Reply ↓
    18. jeff

      Hi Eric,
      Your featured product, Automated Sales Formula…I watched the video and it sounds really great. And the fact that you seem to be endorsing it is all the assurance I need. However, I’m skeptical over the fact that Keith doesn’t seem to offer any kind of guaranty, if for some reason you’re not happy with the material? I guess I just need to know you really do endorse the program. Thanks!

      Reply ↓
    19. Eric Post author

      I was not aware that he was not offering a refund period (if that’s the case). In the past, Keith has always offered guarantees on his products. If there is no guarantee, then I would not recommend investing in it unless you can afford to lose the money even if there is no return on your investment. But I do still recommend the product for those who can afford it, and are OK with taking a risk on it.

      Reply ↓
    20. John

      Take me by the hand! Onwards & upwards!

      If I can make you some money in the processe…

      Then i’ve done my J.O.B. right Eric!

      What gose aound… well we’ll fill in the rest!

      Be Good Mate!

      John.
      http://www.glasgowplumbing.com

      Reply ↓
    22. Dan

      For all the reasons you talked about, RE: your lifestyle is why I am here. I worked hard for 26 years working the JOB to lose most material things the past 2 years!

      Reply ↓
    23. Melvena

      After being inundated with the “hurry and buy” tactics of info overload emails, this brief lesson is refreshing. It truly made me stop to remember that going into business is a process and the first steps cannot be omitted if I plan to succeed. All the buy me, easy way out, money making gimmicks won’t help me if I don’t even have a fundamental background knowledge or don’t even have a website to implement their get rich quick programs on. Thanks for helping me, the internet stupid; take the steps one at a time, from the beginning, so I can come to understand what I’m doing as I go. Melvena

      Reply ↓
    26. Glen

      Yes I would like to get an on line business off and running. I have owned a brick and morter business,(jewlery store) for 35 years. I am 77 and do under stand brick and morter buainess. But computer oriented business I have a lot to learn. Any help in that direction will be greatly appreciated. I need to do this as enexpensive as possible. A fixed income does not leave a lot of extra to play with. I do have a web site but not real satisfied with it. americanfarmclocks.com

      Reply ↓
    27. sachin

      Yes, I want to start my Online Bussiness. I just need UR best help to achieve my Dreams

      Reply ↓
    28. Trev

      I just wanted to say thank you. I have been trying to figure out what to do for the longest time. I know I want a business and I have some ideas but this is the first time I have seen anything that really helps with figuring things out step by step.

      Reply ↓
    30. dan

      thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with my wife and i, we’ve already jumped into the online business without checking into everything so i really hope it wasn’t a mistake but it’s something that we really want to do, so we’re looking forward to hearing the rest of your lessons

      Reply ↓
    32. Sharon

      Two things;
      1. How do I change my email address so I will receive your emails?
      2. For those who don’t want to wait for the next emailed lesson, go to the address bar and change the number to watch the next video.

      Reply ↓
    35. Eric Post author

      In any email you received from me, you can click the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom. But then instead of unsubscribing you can edit your email address to your new one.

      Reply ↓
    36. Jack Chan

      Dear Eric,
      Have a nice day.
      Thank you for your information but if you take a look at my email you will know what I mean.
      We are serious Chinese marketer and positively can sell more your products in China.
      Can we work together?
      Sincerely yours,
      Jack

      Reply ↓
    37. Oberis

      I do want to start my own business, that is why Im here to learn and start with my journey of having my own business.

      Reply ↓
    38. Stanman

      YES I would LOVE to run my own business.
      I would love to help others start one too.

      Reply ↓
    39. Kent Stryker

      eRIC introduced us to an options expert who had found a way to make 30% on options per month. i need to know the url, name anf lesson number where eric introduced this geniuss to us?

      Reply ↓
    41. TOM THOMPSON

      Yes Eric I really do want an online business.
      I am currently preparing a review type website. As I don`t know anything about the techie side, I have secured the assistance of Roberto at Datassistants.com – It was he who sent me the link to yourself.

      I have made some money using the net before but not as much as I wanted. This time I know I will be successful and eventually escape the 9 to 5 rodent race.

      I suppose I`m saying (especially to newbies), DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK SOMEONE FOR HELP – There is a load of help out there if you know where to look. The problem is that there is also a lot of scamming or incomplete systems being offered by vendors in order to increase their sales.

      YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHO TO TRUST AND WHO TO AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE.

      Once you have found just one mentor, you will probably be introduced to other trustworthy persons who will also furnish you with excellent advice and tutorage.

      After that it is up to the individual.

      Reply ↓
    42. TOM THOMPSON

      Thanks for your honesty and integrity.
      My friend and one of my mentors, Roberto from Datassistants.com sent me to your page. Thank goodness.I feel like I have had my eyes opened even further through you lessons. Can`t wait for the next one.

      Reply ↓
    45. Tawanda

      I want to on my home businesses because i want to be home with my kids so i don’t have time to be with kids. I can’t see my kids school games and I will love to go see my kids games I can’t go see them I be work at my dead in job 9-10.

      Reply ↓
    46. STEVE

      What about computer skills.Oh thanks for info. but it was short.STILL GOOD THOUGH

      Reply ↓
    47. Eric Post author

      I address this question in lesson #9. Many of the lessons get longer as the series progresses.

      Reply ↓
    48. Cindy

      Yes, I Cindy Makonin want to run an online business. I cannot wait until I get to the level you are at. I too want to make a difference in the world and the lives of people. I want to help other people grow rich in all areas of their lives.

      Reply ↓
    50. Robert Weber

      YES, I DO WANT TO START A BUSINESS ONLINE. I OWNED WEBER’S MAINTENANCE&REMODELING IN FT.COLLINS CO. FROM 2000TO2007 I DID HAVE THE STEVE HAWES ACCOUNT IF YOU CHECK AROUND HE RENT TO A LOT OF THE CSU STUDENTS HE’S FAMILY IS WILL OFF TO SAY THE LEAST. BEFORE I LEFT, HE DID OFFER ME THE ACCOUNT BACK, BUT I HAD ALREADY MADE MY MIND UP TO CHECK OUT PHX,AZ. SO ALL I HAVE BEEN TRYING IS TO GET AN ONLINE BUSINESS GOING BUT JUST GETTING RIPPED OFF. I DON’T HAVE A WEBSITE OF MY OWN. I DO HAVE ONE THAT WAS BUILD FOR ME. I TRIED SENDING TRAFFIC TO IT BUT I COULD NOT ADD ON THE TRACKING IN ORDER TO SEE WHAT MY TRAFFIC WAS DOING. SO AFTER SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY SENDING TRAFFIC WITH YAHOO MARKETING TO THIS SITE I GAVE UP ON THE SITE WHICH STEAL HAS $160.00 IN IT BUT CAN’T GET IT OUT UNLESS THAT IS UP TO $250.00 SO IT’S JUST SETTING THERE HELP… THANK’S FOR THE OPT. TO CHANGE MY LUCK IN THE ONLINE BUSINESS

      Reply ↓

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