Simple First Steps to Making Money Online

Unlike my previous posts, I’m going to write about something that could very well change your life forever. At least, it has changed mine.

It’s really amazing to ask other people whether they know anything about making money online. Most people will respond that it’s not possible or they’ never heard of it. It’s quite shocking to hear this after being in the field for almost a year because the opportunities on the web are staggering.

Just to prove this point, I was able to make more than I would make working at my consulting corporate gig while working a lot less hours. In other words, PASSIVE income.

So making money online… what’s it all about. I’m going to give you a brief introduction to different ways you can make money on the internet. Keep in mind, this is not going to some step by step guide. The main purpose is just to wake you up to the possibilities.

Freelancing

You provide a service for others that can be done digitally. This is by far the most common type of way people make money online. Here’s a list of work you can get paid for (from most popular to least popular): Writing, Programming, Web Design, Virtual Assistant/Data Entry and many more.

ACTION: Want to get started? Go http://freelanceswitch.com. Get a basic idea, and just do it. Don’t read too much.

Affiliate Marketing

You create websites marketing other people’s products, and you find ways to get people to your website. This is my area of developing expertise. The internet economy is so developed now that there are literally THOUSANDS of products you can promote. All you need to know is some basic skills such as installing free ready made software, decent English writing ability, and the perseverance to try and fail a lot.

ACTION: Ready to make millions? Follow all the daily lessons at http://www.thirtydaychallenge.com, and make your first 10 dollars online. This will be a springboard for internet riches. I know first hand. The only recommendation I have is to not be distracted by all the people trying to sell you an eBook telling you’ll be a millionaire in no time.

Blogging

You create a simple website where you frequently write articles about a specific subject. It can be general, but I don’t recommend it. This is best if you have something valuable to share. This works really well for people who have years of experience in another field.

ACTION: Buy this guy’s book here: http://probloggerbook.com. If you can’t spare the change, then get John Chow’s free eBook here at http://www.johnchow.com. Just pick 1 though.

There are many other ways of making money like writing and selling eBooks, spamming the internet, and what not, but the ones above I believe are the best ways to get started as an individual.

My Personal Advice

• If you’re not sure where to start, then just pick something. I personally started blogging and that knowledge has helped me in Affiliate Marketing as well. I’m sure if I started freelancing I would have been able to use that knowledge as well.
• STICK to what I said above until you see your first dollar. Only then you can improvise and start reading what more people write. Information overload is a HUGE problem that is to be avoided at all costs.
• Manage your energy. Use the 50-10-50-30 rule. Work 50 minutes with a timer. Rest 10 minutes (clear your mind, bask in some sun, meditate, run around in circles, eat a snack, etc). Work another 50 minutes with a timer. Rest 30+ minutes (eat a meal, exercise, meditate, or anything that doesn’t use your mind)
• It’s going to be MESSY. Don’t fight it, but through. No successful person in history will admit it was as smooth as the media portrays.

Use the contact form at the top of my blog to send me any questions. I will respond to any questions that show you have put some effort and thought into it.

There is a good reason why I want to help people make a living online. The more people who make money online, the more it will be an accepted medium for business. In the other words, the pie grows and everyone wins.

P.S. I’m auditioning for the Top Affiliate Challenge, the first internet reality show about making BIG bucks online from scratch. My audition video is at http://www.topaffiliatechallenge.com/users/czett