It seems to me that Internet marketing can be like a big, old scary swamp at times.

You know full-well there are big, man money-eating gators, and God-only-knows what else, lying just below the quiet surface, dying to take you down into the depths of despair.

There is also the knowledge that there is precious treasure buried out there somewhere.

Trudging through the muck and mire of Internet marketing is sure to include many new and shiny things that will ultimately distract us and bog us down.

Add to that all of the innumerable obstacles that will take us off the tried-and-true proven path.

Thousands of dollars are spent each day to produce compelling sales copy. All of that is designed to convince us that if we should dare be so foolish as to pass this offer up, we are doomed to failure; or at least will be destined to slave and struggle before we find the next secret success formula.

Simply ask yourself this, if there was a “secret push-button-system” for success, why isn’t everyone rich?

Maybe we should be prepared to invest as much in our online business as we would expect to if opening a brick-and-mortar operation.

Would you be discouraged to know that as many as 95% of those that dream of making money online fail? Is that enough to convince you not to try?

I have have come to believe that one of the keys to ongoing success online begins with the commitment to treat it as business from the start.

Otherwise, it is a hobby or another simple distraction. Which is fine if you are happy with a sale here and there off of one of your recommendations. Maybe a little dribble of advertising revenue will be enough to make you content. I was.

There is a learning curve that will require some major investments in your time and money. There are proven systems.

Simply put, there is no ‘magic’ formula, bullet, or system.

I have spent much more time than I would ever care to admit reading and learning and experimenting with many plans and programs. I have made a little money, but would never present myself as some marketing success story.

If there is a ‘secret’ it would have to be to learn to make the most of the time you have to invest. An Internet business can be built on a part-time basis. Many that are truly successful have started that way.

This is my time for becoming serious.

I earnestly pray I continue to learn the finer points, and along the way, maybe help someone else stay clear of the muck and mire, save some money – and earn a lot more.

Maybe we can share some fun and experience with each other as we trudge the Internet marketing swamp.