It is said that internet is great equalizer, and I know that it is true - at least when it comes to running a profitable online business. I'm a perfect example; who would dream that a technophobic middle-aged female could even compete? Amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.

It doesn't take a brilliant mind or a truckload of cash. What it does require, however, is a willingness to educate yourself on what works and what doesn't - and there's a whole lot of both.

There is no one correct way to succeed online, but many. Many of so-called "gurus" tell you that there's only one way - THEIR way - but don't buy into it.

We are not all alike - so why should our businesses be?

Choosing a business only because you think it can make you lots of money is a recipe for disaster. Find your passion, and build your business around it. You must do this in order to maintain enthusiasm needed to guide you over rough patches.

It is then that others will be racing to keep up with you!

Another business I operated from home was as a tutor for young children whose parents wanted them to learn how to use a computer. I invested in a computer and software and marketed my business to day cares and preschools as an optional service to those parents willing to pay for it. Once again, I took a chance...and it paid off. But it didn't happen by accident, and it didn't happen overnight.

You can spend your time analyzing daylights out of each and every venture, but I can assure you that if you do, at some point you'll convince yourself that it just won't work! And you know what? It WON'T work unless you are confident in your ability to succeed.

Here's another news flash...when you do start your own business, you're going to make some mistakes. If you're not willing to learn from those mistakes and use that knowledge to improve yourself and your business, then maybe you'd just better stay in that 9-to-5 job.

Operating your own business involves risk-taking and decision-making; no one can tell you exactly how to run your business. If you're looking for someone to answer every question for you, make every decision, and show you EXACTLY what to do every step of way, you don't need to be in business for yourself.

Getting started is hardest part, but once you do, don't look back. You'll get discouraged and want to give up, but you have to hang in there. The rewards are many.

Like...not having any more bruised toes!