Online expectations & get rich quick dreams

Real or not?

Most experienced Web marketers will tell you that the Web is just like real life. In real life, it takes time and effort and a lot of right choices to build a business. And, although the Internet has spawned its share of millionaires, they didn't do it by waving a wand. Some did it faster and some did it slower. But I'm sure most would tell you that it takes hard work and persistence and, again, a lot of right moves. So, shelve the idea that you can simply toss up a few web pages and -presto!- you will be flattened like a pancake by the influx of overnight riches.

And then there are the dot-com bombs. Why did these happen? Because they were started with an excess of outside funding — venture capital — without a requisite workable business plan. This was back in the days when people were beginning to realize the power of the Internet, and were enthralled by the idea of putting their message before "millions of eyeballs" (people).

That might have been okay, but a workable business plan would have been great ... a way to make a return from all the time, expense and enthusiasm put forth, not to mention high office rents and payrolls.

Lastly, the Web is not a place devoid of advertising filled with millions of people who will immediately buy at the first sign of an ad.

Can you still "make it big" on the Web?

This is not to say that no one has made (a lot) of money from the Web, or that you should not be excited about your prospects. Just that there's a difference between counting on luck and taking solid, effective steps towards a goal.

I say all this because a good dose of realism will help most people do what it takes to establish themselves on the Web, to ensure that their websites are the best that they can be, and that they address consumer needs sufficiently. In that way, they can accomplish their goals without giving up at the first signs of a setback, or the first signs of customer non-responsiveness.

Truthfully, I know of many, many profitable businesses on the Web — and have helped owners establish quite a few myself. Some of the websites we've built are highly profitable for their owners.

Some even take off like crazy -- the idea catches on, the promotion takes effect, and, yes -- presto! -- the hard work and persistence pay off.

So, along with your excitement, entertain a workable business plan that includes promotion, good customer service, a good dose of persistence, and a realistic view of how to build a business. Because these are what will get you where you want to go.


Diane Vigil founded DianeV Web Design Studio, has served as a consultant to numerous companies, as a moderator and administrator of the JimWorld SearchEngineForums and Cre8asiteforums, on the Site-Report Experts Panel — and has designed and built numerous websites since 1997.

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