There are those who would have you believe that absolutely ANYONE can become a successful Internet Entrepreneur simply by having the right product and then following a few directions. The truth is, only about three out of one hundred people–just 3%!!–will actually be successful.

I limit my business to working with individuals who are in, or very near, that three-percent range. Being there myself, I understand what it takes and can coach for optimal results.

Here’s what you need to know if you are considering investing in an online business opportunity that promises to be “easy” and make you “lots of money”–”fast!”

Q: Is it really EASY money?

A: Certainly not.

Long-term financial reward involves hard work; an investment of time AND money; sound business practices; ethics and integrity; a genuine attitude of caring and service (i.e., mission-driven leadership); and a solid, proven business system–including expert training and continuing education–upon which to launch and build a profitable home-based business enterprise. Without those things, failure is predictable.

With those things, success is just as predictable.

Q: Is it FAST?

A: Again, no.

At least, not for most people. Think of this as a marathon rather than a sprint. It takes training, conditioning, relentless practice, and more perseverance than most people will muster and sustain. For those who are “built” that way, the pay-offs can be enormous. For those who learn and commit themselves to doing those things, even though they don’t come easily, the payoffs can also be enormous. Most people do not have what it takes to even begin a marathon, never-mind complete one.

Among those who do have what it takes, the first successes are often achieved around the 90-day mark. For some it happens sooner; for some, later. It can take a full year for many people to get consistent enough results to replace their previous income. The kind of people who stick with it for a full-year–through thick and through thin–very often go on to far exceed their previous incomes.

Q: So…is this even REAL?

A: Yes…and no.

No, for anyone who does not have what it takes. Individual success depends on having these things:

1. The good sense to research and join forces with a reputable company in the first place; one that provides full value in training, business support, technical assistance, resources, and integrity;
2. The patience and “realism” to expect, commit to, and carry through with hard work;
3. The motivation and desire to practice and develop new skills (almost no one comes into Internet Marketing with any real understanding of how the Internet works and/or how to market online);
4. The perseverance and perspective to overcome obstacles and keep on going, no matter what.

Yes, for anyone who possesses those things and has survived enough hardship to know (first hand) that it is what is inside you that makes the critical difference when the going gets tough.

I work with those who already know they are not “typical” and who are motivated to achieve a-typical results. If this describes you, I’d love to hear from you! I may be able to show you how you can make 2010 your most prosperous year yet!

Be amazed and amazing,

Still scaling the Internet-marketing learning curve, or struggling to get a new online business off the ground? Take Thia’s online Tools For Success survey and qualify for a complimentary 30-minute phone “workout and fitness evaluation” with this Personal Trainer for Internet Marketing Newbies. Learn more about Thia too.