Sometimes it's hard to resist something that promises an easy way to make a lot of money. I know, because I have fallen for the same kinds of "get rich quick" internet copy... and I'm an advertising agency owner!

In the end, using the right approaches, products, and online tools are the key to making money on the internet. After 20 years, and hundreds of clients, I have found the issues are almost the same, even on the internet. Like everything in life, there are no promises that do not make sense. In other words, you're not going to make millions online with a windfall of cash ending up in your PayPal account in 30 days. But you can build a successful business over time. The viral potential of the internet, and the onset of globalization increase your opportunities of success in ways that have never been available to the common person.

Step 1. Take Inventory. Decide what you can do, and what you want to do. First, what are your talents. Can you write... do you paint or draw, make clothing, sing? What are your talents and abilities? Then decide...are you into services (like providing advice, counseling, graphic art, or expertise-to name a few), or do you want an e-commerce site (sell products, like comic books, clothing, toys or...)? How do you think you can make money on the internet with what you already have at your disposal?

Step 2. Are You Socially Connected? Jump into online social technologies. There are many tools to help you create revenue online. One of the best tools are Social Networks. Who do you know? Check out all of the Social Networks such as Facebook™, MySpace™, Buzznet™... or many others. Join one and Build a page about yourself. Start posting who you are and what you're doing. This is the beginning of your viral network that will spread the word about your product or service. Start inviting your friends that are in the social network. Use the network's search tools to search them out, and ask them to become friends. Use all of the e-mail addresses you have in your computer to ask everyone you know to join the social network and ask them to have their friends join. As your friends join, ask their friends to become part of your network. This is a great way to get started. Plus, look into the future... marketing on mobile devices is becoming popular, and services like Twitter™ and others can also help you spread the word.

Step 3. Research. Before you start an online business, do a little research on what you want to do. There are websites like BusinessDetailer.com loaded with information that can help you make that decision. BusinessDetailer has an excellent library of whitepapers discussing various topics available for about $5 apiece. They also offer free startup advice, and marketing information about how to drive business to your site, how to handle taxes, incorporation and a lot more. What business should you go into? Get yourself educated about what people are likely to buy, then provide that product or service. It's one of the most often ovelooked flaws in creating a successful online business. (or any business for that matter)

Step 4. Get a url. Go out to a provider like GoDaddy.com (or any other registrar) and do a search for a name that makes sense for your business. For about $9 you can purchase a unique name, which will be the name you are doing business with on the internet.

Step 5. Get a Website. This does not need to be overly expensive. There are many templates available on the web that you can custom yourself. Some start for as little as $35! If you are looking to save money, secure a 30-day free download of Dreamweaver™ from Adobe.com for either PC or Mac, then Google tutorials on how to modify a template using Dreamweaver, adding your name to the template, and photos of the product or service you wish to offer. Again, go to BusinessDetailer.com if you need help here, they have services that can get you a fully functioning templated website with e-commerce capabilities starting around $500.

Step 6. Get a PayPal™ Account. Registering a PayPal account (or another provider) allows you to transfer credit-card payments into your bank account. PayPal works well though, because it is ubiquitous on the internet. It just makes it a whole lot easier for people to pay you online.

Well, that's it for the first installment. Check back for more steps opn how to set yourself up legitimately on the internet to create a real business that's not a scam. More information will be posted on this topic within the next few days... but there's plenty here to get you started. Future steps will include how to drive traffic to your site, advertising strategies for the internet, seo, keywords, blogging, and more. Thanks for checking this site out... I will be adding other sites to visit, internet products and services that can help you, and much more. Later!

Thanks! Susan