Starting an online business has fast become a reality for a lot of people these days and is something that anyone can do with very little or even zero start up costs.
This makes starting an online business an even more attractive proposition than some of the other home based business opportunities out there for a lot of people who need an extra income source but don't have a lot of spare cash to invest in the initial starting up, buying in stock and setting up of other types of home based businesses.
Starting an online business to earn extra money at home isn't that difficult and can become quite lucrative if worked properly.
OK I know I mentioned that you can get started with minimal start up costs but it goes without saying that to run a successful home based internet business you do need a computer with internet access in your home.
I heard of a few people starting an online business using internet cafes for an hour a day but they eventually invested in a cheap laptop or desktop computer later on when they found that internet cafes aren't always open, or are sometimes full just when you are getting an inspirational moment and need to write an article or post something on your blog! You don't need to build an entire office in your house unless you are lucky enough to have a spare room that you're not using for anything else, a small quite corner of a room will do or if you use a laptop you can literally work anywhere in the house that you don't get disturbed too much.
I actually still use the corner of my twin daughters' playroom as my office.
I can work as much as I like while they are at school and when they are home it's quite nice to share it with them while they play and I just want to check on the odd e-mail or sales report.
Remember this could eventually become a full time business so treat it as your full time business right from the start.
Even if you start as I did setting it up part time in the evenings after your "day job" make sure you do set aside sometime, even if it's just half an hour a day, at least five days a week.
Set yourself realistic goals right from the beginning and be serious about achieving those goals and always stick to your game plan.
The first mistake I made when starting my own online business was to work hard every night for a few weeks and then when I wasn't seeing immediate results to put it all on the back burner for a month thinking it wasn't working.
Then all of a sudden I would see some money coming in and I would go flat out again for another few weeks just to get disillusioned again.
Had I stuck religiously to my original business plan right from the start, I would have achieved far greater success much sooner.
Be patient.
If you are really serious about starting an online business and want to be making an extra income or even eventually a full time income online, then start with the attitude that you're in it for the long run and don't expect to become a millionaire overnight it just doesn't happen! Don't give up your day job just yet and certainly don't go into work tomorrow and sack your boss! Be prepared to study and learn the business.
Just like any profession, starting an online business takes time, certain skills and a knowledge of how it all works so don't be afraid to invest a little money in the beginning into study courses and eBooks that will assist you in your new business venture.