When we spoke last, you asked me to write about how I am making money online.



As you know I have been doing this for some time and although I think I know a bit, that is not to say I know everything (yeah really!).

OK. Here's some basics to start with.

Starting an internet business needs to be treated with the same discipline and respect you would give any new business venture. I am aware the best part of your working day is already spent using a computer, but you are going to spend a lot more time doing this when you are working at home.

You will have to designate what hours you intend to work and include weekends. You are unlikely to succeed if you don't spend some weekends doing this. Having allotted the hours and allowing for recreational time, you then must stick with it. Remember, it won't always be this way. There will come a time when you will be able to quit your job. And even a time when you may only have to spend 3 or 4 hours online.

Sometimes working from home may bring tension into your domestic life. Your family may find it difficult to understand what it is that you are doing. I know that you will explain it fully but even so, they may not fully comprehend. Try to involve them as much as you can. If necessary, show them this letter. Explain to them that it could take several months before you start seeing some return. Most 'normal' businesses make a loss in their first year and some still haven't made a profit after 2 years.

Do impress upon them that this is a business, your business, and you would appreciate them giving it the same respect you are. When you are at your computer or just reading the printed material, they need to understand that you are working. They have to respect your time. Interruptions should only be made for emergencies.

When you start out to make money from home, you need to set up your workspace. I know that this could be difficult, as you have limited space. Do the best you can. This is a 'do not disturb' space, which is essential.

You will be learning about many new things. Web sites, html, search engines optimization, keywords, affiliate marketing, article writing, blogging, auto responders, sales letters, lead capture pages, traffic and tracking, to name a few. I can help you with this or in some cases provide you with a link where you can gain better information.

You will need filing space and several 4-ring binders to keep your downloaded printed information. You may prefer to download to disk. I'm old fashioned and like the printed word.

You'll need to store emails in appropriate files. You'll get that many you won't be able to deal with them all straight away. That's OK - just file them to read later.

And then there is the need for a daily 'to do' list. You can keep this electronically or in hard copy. This discipline is another essential, as there will be constant competition for your time. How you shape your business so that you will eventually be making money online full time will be down to you. But I can tell you this.

Once you have settled on your path - be myopic in your focus. You will be inundated with offers and many won't be worth your time and money. I can also help you with this but you may prefer your own counsel. There are some basic things to look out for, which I will outline in another letter. Ideally, you should concentrate on getting one thing right before chasing after another. At the most, you should have 2 major projects on the go at one time.

I know that you understand the concept of residual income, also called passive income. This should be your main focus as it is the key to real wealth.

However, there are ways to trade hours for dollars using the internet to make money at home. You might need some instant cash flow so just let me know if that becomes a necessity. But your focus should be on passive income. Remember your goal is making money online. The internet operates 24/7 and you eventually need to have it working for you all the time.

Louise, I know you have great determination but please be patient. Be warned - there are no genuine get rich quick schemes. But with hard work and perseverance you can make an immense income. I will help you all I can.

Love, Dad