I overcame this when I was introduced to what has become my favorite chat room. If you have ever been to a Yahoo business chatroom, you would appreciate beauty of Money Chatter. This is a place where friendly internet marketers go to talk shop. The value of being able to bounce ideas off of colleagues, or get help with problems is enormous. For me, it has been a great blessing.

[Lawrence] What specific types of online marketing tools are you using successfully?

[Cathy] I use all of methods and recommendations at ONE STOP, but right now, my favorite marketing tool is free publicity. The power of this is absolutely phenominal. I write articles or contribute to discussion groups and forums and I gain a steady stream of members from these sources. The beauty of using these types of mediums is that I can speak directly to people who are interested in and even really need my services.

[Lawrence] Have you always envisioned yourself doing what you are doing now? What did you "want to be when you grew up"?

[Cathy] As a kid, I always assumed I would be a business person or entrepeneur. Definitely one in office with my own secretary. :)

As an adult I have had a wide range of jobs including movie theatre projectionist, bartender, massage therapist and I used to sell 19th century stamps and envelopes to collectors. I have always like to talk to and help people wherever I can.

[Lawrence] What is your least favorite part of running your own business? Your favorite part?

[Cathy] Site work is my least favorite aspect. I am not quite hopeless at it, but it intimidates me and I am often afraid of making mistakes. I could never have designed my site myself, I am very thankful to DMC for great job she did with it; all I have to do is updates or create similar pages for new articles and services, but I just don't like it. I don't let that stop me though, I update site just about every week. :)

My favorite part is promotion. I love to blast my ad or article across internet! And when people click...YES!

Of course, I also love to talk with members and other internet business people. It is my idea of fun!

[Lawrence] What important advice or tips would you give to a new online business owner?

[Cathy] Do and learn as much as you can for free! Don't let anyone tell you that you have to spend a lot of money if you are "serious."

The first thing you need to do is, figure out what you are supposed to do. :) If you begin by spending money before you have done some homework, you will lose your money and become frustrated.

Luckily, there is a wealth of free information about all aspects of having an internet business available today and you can use free advertising to perfect your ad writing skills before you buy ad space. Use all free resources you can, and do not pay for advertising until you are confident that your ad will bring results through testing it first.