There is nothing much like learning from experience.
The only thing that comes even close to it is being taught by someone who has experienced it. Someone, who has very well “Been there, Done that”. There are just as many lessons to be learned from owning an online business, if not more.
This can be a scary thought for someone who just getting their feet wet in this industry, but fortunately for the most of us, many industry veterans are usually more than willing to share what they have learned throughout the years involved in this industry.
And maybe because they possess such generous traits; the willingness-to share, is already a lesson that we all can learn?
Either way, lessons from true online business owners whose businesses have stood the test of time, are always worth offering an ear to, when they have something to say.
Here are some of the valuable lessons, they have learned from being involved in the industry for such a long time.
Warning : Hard Work Required
Making an online business happen can be hard work all the way. From taking that first step right up until you earn that first dollar online. But the hard work doesn’t end there.If you want to see your business grow and even enjoy more profits, then you are really going to have to put your back into it.
Starting a business from scratch involves so many aspects.
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So when you consider starting an online business to call your own, you have to conduct comprehensive research and fully understand the aspects involved to ensure your business be a successful one.
What’s more important is to take action and apply what you have learned beforehand. Many online businesses fail because many people buy into the hype of “overnight riches” or “easy money”.
Plus, when you hear something that really sounds too good to be true, in most cases, it is. And if it isn’t, then it’s most probably illegal anyway.
A Better Mindset
Want people to follow, listen and even buy from you? Well, you have to first give them a reason to do so.
When conducting an online business, especially in current times, it’s not unusual anymore to first offer your visitors or future prospects something of value beforehand and for FREE. This is a great way to build relations with your customers and also your reputation which is equally important, if not more.
Plus, you have to view your business as not just a pure money-making machine anymore. This mindset will only stunt the growth of your business and customer base. You have to start viewing your business as an opportunity on how to help others.
The pure money-making mindset will not focus on networking (building relations) and is not really passionate in whatever niche they are involved in. And when the focus and dedication starts to die out, so will their online business.
Just like in real life, you get back (more), on what you give.
Do Spend…On Your BUSINESS
I’m sure you remember the feeling getting your first paycheck. All your hard work has finally paid off.
So what the next thing that comes in mind? The answer is of course to spoil yourself and splurge on all the finer things in life.
Well, it’s time to change that mindset as well.
You have to put back money into how you got it in the first place.
In other words, if you are finally earning some money from your online business, it’s a good idea to invest some money back into it as well. The money invested is a great way to expand your business. The money can be used for anything that can help boost your business, be it learning materials, advertising, hiring, outsourcing and more.
By making your business grow even bigger and better by investing, you will receive what you have invested tenfold in the future.
An ever-evolving business that heads down the right path will certainly have a bright and successful future.
Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None
As a business owner, especially when handling a new one, we usually find ourselves juggling multiple tasks or even roles in the company. When our business grows, it’s just going to be more time-demanding tasks at hand which will require your attention.
Good News: Your business grows.
Bad News: There’s just still going to be 24 hours in a day.
Eventually, things are just going to get out of hand and it will become IMPOSSIBLE for you tend to every aspect of your business personally. And when that happens, it is not only physically and mentally draining yourself it is not an effective use of time.
Imagine spending all day just to reply all of your customer e-mails. Just when are you ever going to find the time to learn web design or how to improve your website to increase conversions? This is necessary to help increase profits.
You have to concentrate on your strengths and work on it. Other tasks which you are not too familiar with can be delegated (or outsourced) or you can hire full-time employees to help you with other areas of your online business.
At the end of the day, we are only human and there is only so much we can do or be at one time. It’s perfectly alright to seek help if you really need it.
Focus
It’s easy being distracted when operating an online business. And not to mention there is going to be even more distraction if you are operating your online business from the comfort of your own home.
It’s easy to lose track of time on sites like Facebook, YouTube, friends, family distractions and more. Therefore, you are going to need mental strength to help you maintain discipline to just keep you focused on the more important tasks.
The best way to stay focused daily is to set yourself a daily goal.
That way, you can tell yourself, you can reward yourself with some personal “ME” time when you have reached your goal for the day. Only then you can treat yourself to doing what you enjoy doing.
Confidence
Confidence in yourself is what matters the most here. The world is filled with negative people who are always belittling others or bringing them down.
I am confident that during (the course) your life, surely you have crossed paths with many of these kinds of people on more than one occasion haven’t you?
What’s important is to block out their negativity from your life and do not allow what they say or do to affect your decisions and actions in life or your business. It’s always good if you can surround yourself with a more positive crowd.
And when it comes to other people’s successes, never compare yourself to someone successful.
Instead look up to the person and visualize yourself being as successful as the person in question.
Draw inspiration from the positive traits of successful people. Traits that help them be successful can very well help you too.
Customer Is Always Right (Even If It’s All In His Mind)
If you have been in business long enough, I’m sure you know that phrase couldn’t be further from the truth.
But sometimes, the importance of keeping relations with the customer far outweighs the truth even though if they indeed were wrong. This is for the sake of the long-term aspect of your business. I’m not saying you have to nod and agree with everything the customer says.
I’m just saying you have to respect as individuals, we are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs. There is no use wringing each other’s necks just to force someone to see things your way. Just because a customer might not see eye to eye on some things, doesn’t mean he/she can’t be a good and loyal customer who buys from you.
But of course, you also have to know where to draw the line. If the customer does indeed possess a less-than-reasonable attitude, then it is time to let him/her go.
Do this only after you have exhausted all other methods of approaching him/her.
Persistence
You will be met with a lot of resistance during your online endeavors. But when met with resistance, persistence is the key. Don’t let disappointments or upsets keep you down for long. Get up, brush the dirt off and then move on.
Hugely successful people are no strangers to disappointments and letdowns in their careers. Their success you see is the fruit of their persistence throughout the years in chasing their dreams and reaching their goals.
Many people make the mistake of giving up even before trying at the first sign of difficulty and hardship. So do not ever give up too easily and especially never give up without first trying. There are many lessons on life itself, which can very well be applied into seeing the success of your online business.
Keep this in mind, and apply what you have learned in anything and everything you do, not only your business. Because learning what to do and doing what you learn are 2 very different things.
And sometimes you can only learn something new from actually doing first.
With enough hard work and effort, you will eventually be met with success not just in information marketing, but internet marketing as well.
