I vividly remember the day I got my first website. I hadn't a clue what I was doing. I had no idea what an autoresponder was, what was required of an affiliate, how to build a website, how to write articles, or the slightest thing about search engine optimization. The term "HTML" was just that - a term, I did not know what it meant. I am not claiming I was a computer idiot but I was a total greenhorn to Affiliate Marketing or for that matter to Internet Marketing.

It has not been an easy road. I have spent countless hours in front of my computer screen and even more hours educating myself since I started my home-based business.

In my first few weeks I realised to my horror that I was required to write ads and articles as well as teach other affiliates what I was doing. This was the richest part! How could I mentor others when was clueless about what I was doing myself?

I remember thinking to myself, "What on earth am I doing"? When I considered the alternatives, I knew I had to give it my all.

My husband, family and friends kept warning me about the numerous scams online but I was and still am determined. I clearly remember signing up for one of the free SEO Optimization services in my early days of Internet marketing. Their reply was that I should think seriously about what I was doing as I would never make it on the Internet. Instead of making me want to quit, their answer made me even more determined to succeed! Now I had something to prove, not just to myself and my family, but to that so called SEO Optimization company.

I had been given the chance to change my life and I was not about to let my dream slip away just because someone who did not know me thought I would not or should not succeed. I have always enjoyed a challenge and when I received my first check of just $20, I knew I was on my way. It was not a big check, but it proved to me and to my family that there was money to be made online.

The checks are now a lot bigger and although I know I still have some way to go, I am confident I will succeed and fulfill my dream of making the kind of money I could never make working for someone else or working offline.

Don't let anyone steal your dreams, ever! If you want to start your home business, the Internet levels the playing field. It is still the best vehicle for making a massive amount of money with minimum outlay. If you're prepared to spend the time educating yourself (like you would if you were starting any other business) and working a few extra hours, you will eventually fulfill your dreams. Don't let anyone discourage you. There is still a lot of money to be made on the Internet but it is not "get rich quick' money.

If you have little or no experience, affiliate programs are still the best way to get started. They will provide residual profits for you and your family for a long time to come.

If like me you are thinking "What on earth am I doing?" Remember, the answer is twofold NEVER QUIT and NEVER Give Up On Your Dream!

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