Once in a while I find myself looking for an excuse not to do something: not to write an article, not to work on next issue of my newsletter, not to send out partnership proposals...

When this happens, I try to analyze reason.

As a rule, it happens because task is either too time-consuming (which means I have to find a way to automate it) or I simply don't know step-by-step procedure of doing it and find excuse not to sit down and learn.

For example, I never got to learn how to use WebPosition Gold, Search Engine optimization software. When I pin-pointed reason (steep learning curve) I immediately chose another, a more fast and convenient way of optimizing and submitting my web pages.

So if you don't feel like doing something in your business, find out reason. Is it because:

- it's too hard? - it's too time-consuming? - you don't know how to do it? - you don't enjoy subject? - you truly lack time?

When you narrow down true reason for your lack of action, try to find an alternative. For example, hire someone else to do it for you or drop less profitable parts of your business and use that time to complete this important task.

Think "action" - because if you don't act, you will never know if your idea was, indeed, a profitable one.

That's because very few people who started their web businesses actually make money. Many of them don't even stay in business long enough to see its fruit. "Hey, they told me I could make a million overnight, I guess they lied!", a new webmaster might think and gives up 2-3 months later.

If you decided to go into online business, have realistic expectations. Nothing happens overnight. You WILL have to put some efforts and time into your success. You WILL have find for yourself what works and what doesn't. There is a lot of ways to become successful on Internet, but only a few will work for your type of web site, your personality and your amount of resources.

So who should you believe when you are seeking advice on online business success? Spend at least 1 month on Internet forums such as Entrepreneurial Success Forum (ablake.net/forum) and Friends in Business (friendsinbusiness.com/board1) and you will know exactly who deserves your trust.

You will also be able to identify experts in their fields, such as graphic design, web development, training, traffic generation, e-zine publishing and publicity. Before that don't even think of purchasing any info-products that promise you a fortune, or you might easily take a get-rich-quick scheme for a true goldmine.

I didn't get "burned" with my initial choice of Ken Evoy's "MYSS!" mentioned earlier, but I easily could have. Get to know people first - order from them later.