Most internet marketing beginners sign up simply because it’s an easy way to make money. True, but like any business, you can’t just join and expect the profits to roll into your bank account. If it were that easy, we’d have millionaires out there, and educational programs on how to succeed in this trade wouldn’t exist.

There are some important skills that must be learned, and the tricks of the trade must be developed to ensure continued profitability. By the time you read this article, you will probably have attended a few seminars, either in person or as online videos, maybe you have read a few books or articles. Yet despite all this effort, cash seems elusive.

The big mistake people make when trying to start their online business (or any other business) is that they lack the right mindset. Reread this award!

A business being a hobby will not be profitable. The two activities have different characteristics: a business is for making money, while you wouldn’t mind spending money on a hobby. There is a clash in the direction of the flow of money if your business is treated as a hobby.

Perhaps that is why people find it necessary to remain as employers; they need constant supervision to make sure the job gets done. Business owners must remain independent and must be able to function alone as well as with team members. The initiative and going the extra mile is also helpful, as any extra gain from the effort will be yours.

Once you understand this vital background information, which is the difference between success and failure in internet marketing, you will recognize the logic and simplicity of these 3 critical tasks for beginning internet marketers to perform.

The 3 critical tasks are as follows:

1. Define your job description. You must be clear about your purpose for participating in this activity and what goals you want to achieve. What do you need to obtain before you can complete your task effectively? If you can work as an employee but lack the motivation to do things outside of those settings, you will definitely benefit from having a clear picture of your job description.

2. Education and self-improvement. Investing in ourselves is money well spent. As a marketer, as you increase in value with improved skills, your business will also increase in value. Attend seminars, read magazines, attend training programs, and most importantly, network with people with experience in the field. Pick up tips along the way, and this persistence will pay off. The more beginner a person is, the more crucial this step is.

3. Deadlines and rewards. If you work for someone else, they will have these defaults for you. As a business owner, you get more choice and choice in these. But the choice allows procrastination, which means nothing is done. Not surprisingly, no input equals no output. It is important to have a fixed deadline with a sense of urgency if you fall behind in your business activities. You may have to pretend that you are working for someone else. Realize this is true, you are working for a better tomorrow, so why not undertake essential tasks? Once you’re successful, reward yourself and the excitement of having a great business will grow. Then it becomes a self-fulfilling business prophecy.

To reiterate, unfortunately it’s not all online software and tricks to replace your responsibilities. This incorrect way of thinking will result in failure. Getting in the right mindset is vital, and completing the 3 critical tasks above will lay the foundation for building a great business.