Milana currently lives in Central Pennsylvania, quite close to Harrisburg, but originally came from Ukraine. She recently changed her name to Lechinsky at her U.S. citizenship ceremony. Although eligible for citizenship in 1997, a combination of factors, including lost paperwork delayed ceremony until June 2001.

"By time I had my ceremony (June 2001) I felt completely "American" already. Watching Friday night sitcoms over a box of pizza is not exactly a Russian thing!" She says.

BizE-zine: How did you first get involved with Internet?

MN: In my "past life", in Ukraine, I was teaching music to children and never thought I would do anything else. But after a year of trying to choose my new path in America, I decided to major in Computer Systems. What a huge change from music, I thought! Computers leave no room for imagination whatsoever... That is, until I discovered web design and was absolutely blown away by creative possibilities it offers.

Now, I am a professional web developer, a web coach, a workshop leader, and an author of web design manuals for beginners.

BizE-zine: Tell us about your first experience of Internet?

MN: In 1997 I took my first "Internet Development" class in college and fell in love with it ever since. I remember my first web page was a collection of bright yellow buttons linking to other sites, but I was proud of it anyway :-)

BizE-zine: You are certainly building a good reputation for yourself online at moment - how did your current online venture come to be?

MN: I came across so popular "Make Your Site Sell!" by Ken Evoy and spent next 6 weeks reading it. By time I was done with it, I was filled with excitement and anticipation to start my own online business. Not sure what to sell yet, I decided to offer web site critiques on my HelpingFoot.com.

I remembered that Ken Evoy promised to send a free book to anyone who sent him a useful comment, and I wrote a 1-page feedback about "MYSS!", asking if he could send me his "Make Your Price Sell!" but instead he sent another book.

It was a little disappointing at time, so I filed it somewhere on my hard drive and forgot about it. A few months later, after not making too much progress with my site critiques, I read somewhere that you can make money with writing and selling e-books. A book was recommended to learn how to do it. I was thrilled to recognize title of book - one that Ken Evoy sent me a while ago and I never bothered to read it! It was called "Make Your Knowledge Sell!" and it inspired me to create my "First Business Web Site in 10 days!"

BizE-zine: Do you still critique people's sites?

MN: Yes I do, but only now as a bonus to my "First Business Web Site in 10 days!" customers. When they complete their web site after following my manual, I look it over and give them my feedback.

BizE-zine: I couldn't agree more about Ken Evoy's products. I have both books you mentioned and think they are both in my 'top 5'. As an aside, if anyone would like a free trial copy of 'Make Your Site Sell!2002', it can be downloaded at: http://www.BizE- zine.com/files/Sitesell ryMYSS!2002.zip

BizE-zine: I know you are a very open person, but can you share with us what % of your income now comes from Internet?

MN: Oh, I never hide my income - perhaps it's because I was raised in Ukraine, where people are free to ask how much you make, how much your house cost and how much you paid for your car :-)

When I started writing my first e-book, I was hoping for at least some extra cash - $500 would be nice. But what happened next has blown me away. Between February, 2001 and January 2002 I have made a little over $26,000, working only 4 hours a day.

BizE-zine: That is pretty impressive. How long did it take you to start making a profit?

MN: I completed my "First Business Web Site in 10 days!" on January 26, and received my first order on February 2nd, a week later. I remember customer's name, how much I received, and how high I was jumping around house with excitement. That was an absolutely unforgettable moment.

BizE-zine: Have sales been steady over year, or is your business accelerating? Also, did September 11th have a significant impact on you business?

MN: I became a little worried after September tragedy happened - I was absolutely positive that this is end of my business. But October ended up to be my best month ever!

Since this was my first holiday season since I started business, I was surprised (and scared!) to see just how slow sales were in December. But now that I know this, I will be more prepared and able to plan ahead next holiday season

BizE-zine: Your book "65 Instant Web Design Answers!" is getting a lot of attention. How did it come to be? What sparked idea off?

MN: Well, I had to create a 2nd product - one just wasn't enough, I still had a lot of web design skills and ideas that I haven't shared in 1st book. The idea of easy-to-follow tutorials on how to do specific things on your web site (like password-protect it, or create a simple feedback form) immediately felt like a winner.

After years of looking at Internet from outside, Ben decided to take advice of gurus and turn his own specialized knowledge into an information product. His e-book, 'Software Secrets - Exposed', tells real inside story of how anybody can develop software products.

It sure hit a nerve, because Ben tells me that in first eight weeks after launch, he sold over $75,000 worth of his book. And his sales, and good reviews, continue.

Here is a great example of what you can achieve once you get up and have a go.

BizE-zine: Your book reflects your work, so what exactly do you do for a living?

BP: I'm an software development consultant. Previously, I was Chief Technical Officer of a web-based company - so I've been seriously involved in programming side of things for some time now.

BizE-zine: And Internet-awareness must go with job.

BP: Oh yes! It wasn't long after Internet became popular and accessible in my home town that I got online. In fact, early on, I was paying per-minute fees to be online. I've been excited with Net since beginning.

Although I haven't been doing it for myself, my whole career has been involved in web and web-related businesses. Even when web wasn't commonplace, I was using my background in programming and graphic design to build some of first commercial web sites that people were using. The Internet was amazing - anyone in world could see my work within seconds of me posting it online. This blew me away. I was hooked!

BizE-zine: What made you take giant step to become an online entrepreneur?

BP: Microsoft is to blame! I'd been thinking about creating a product for some time, but it was only after a visit to Microsoft that I finally decided to get on with it.

'Software Secrets - Exposed!' came from my direct experience with my own clients. Making their dreams a reality meant putting a plan together that they and I could use. Over time, I began creating a step-by-step system we could follow and it worked like a charm!

Once my mind was made up, it was a simple process of packaging my system into an ebook and offering it online.

BizE-zine: So you were really making money online even before book came out.

BP: All my income is effectively derived online. Originally from my consulting business - but now, rather more directly through my online publishing company.

BizE-zine: When did you first realize that you had a success on your hands?

BP: With my new book? Overnight! Within first month, book had pulled in over $30,000 in profits. And sales have been steady ever since.

I just wish I had started much, much sooner!

This is still a part-time hobby for me. I still have a regular day-job as a programming consultant. Imagine what I could accomplish if I could dedicate eight-hours a day to doing this!

BizE-zine: You are making money from a self-published book, but do you buy any ebooks or courses on online marketing?

BP: There are tons of great books and courses that some very brilliant marketers have put together - and if it sounds like they can add something to you business, grab it and call it an investment.

The reason most people don't find success is that they don't create a plan and hesitate to take any action. I waited far too long, but at least I made a start eventually.

Absorb as much info as you can get your hands on, build your confidence level, and do something.

BizE-zine: Getting noticed is probably hardest part of running an online business. How did you set about getting traffic?

BP: Many moons ago, in my first foray into marketing online with my web design business I focused on attracting attention by search engines. As time has passed, I've focused less on search engines are more on more active ways of attracting attention.