Unfortunately, as web has grown so have undesirable elements too. The web is a microcosm of real world. There are honest merchants and trainers. But there are also those looking to prey on inexperienced people. Before you get sucked into a bad situation and spend hundreds of dollars, read this article. As you read this article, do not accept what I say blindly. Test it against your own experience.

Every day, I’m certain you receive many emails promising you everything from cheap Canadian drugs to making big money fast at eBay. The first way to identify an online scam artist is by his SPAM. The spam emails you receive should trigger same signals in your brain as spore left by predators around chicken coop. A reputable online business will not send SPAM (unsolicited email). A reputable company or individual will work hard to earn your business by publishing articles online, working on their website’s search engine results, and providing you with a content rich website. So, first sign of online scam artist is his SPAM email. Just delete any you receive. But, how do you find right company or individual to support you?

Start with a search engine, like google.com or teoma.com. Search for terms like “small business forum”, “small business advice”, “small business newsletters”, and “home based business resources”. Looking at resulting search results, avoid those search results that start with phrases like “business opportunity” or “work from home and make $50,000”. Come on! You know that just doesn’t sound right. If they knew how to make a fortune with very little effort, do you think they’d be teaching others how to do it? So what do you look for? Sites that offer articles from true professionals in field of online business.

Read articles that interest you. Listen carefully to what writer is saying. If they are painting a reasonable expectation and answering your unasked questions, check out their website. Reputable people will work very hard placing articles on reputable sites where you can find them. They will work for your business.

Now that you’re on their site, what do you look for to determine if this company or individual is right for you? First, read contents of their site. Is it focused on you, potential customer? Does it give you relevant information, or just a sales pitch? Is it trying to get you to a free seminar without any other option of contacting company? Does it give you a clear roadmap of how it intends to deliver on promises it’s making? If they aren’t attempting to inform you so you can make a decision that’s best for you, RUN! (In other words, skip their site and go to next).

If a prospective entrepreneur says something like...

"I'm broke and need to make some money...fast!"

or,

"I want to start a home business, but I don't want to spend anything on it until after I start earning some money."

...it is certain that they have not "gotten real" and should not attempt to start a home business under either of those conditions. I refer to them as "death sentences" for starting a home based business.