You know, the Internet gold rush has just started. Like so many gold rushes before it, there are people who rake in the big profits and people who only dream about achieving financial independence with the help of the Internet. Now it is indeed possible for the average Joe to do it, but statistics and the laws of probability will tell you that few people will actually make it. So what is financial independence?

For some people this means as low as $1000/month. For other people, it means a lot more. The lack of clear distinctions is a big problem in the Internet Marketing world in my opinion, because gurus will suck people in with phantasmagoric dreams. They don’t want you to know specifics, they simply want you to remain oblivious and wait for their next email which sells you the next crappy product. Now let’s talk about those 5 ways in which you will never make money online.

1. Lack of Specifics
As I mentioned earlier, this is really a big problem. People have no clue about what to expect from their  online businesses. As a matter of fact, they don’t even treat it like a real business. At best, the average person will throw something out there, very little, hoping that it will yield a fortune.

Solution to this problem: Set yourself a general goal and a time frame for achieving it, and small goals along the way. How much money do you want to make? Is it $10,000/year? Is it $100,000/year? Don’t start with a goal that is simply out of this world, because as you progress and see that you are not getting there, you will only get depressed and quit.

2. Lack of Professionalism
Most people don’t have even the most basic knowledge about different Internet Marketing techniques… and yet, they want to make money online. They think that just by buying the next course from one of the famous gurus, they will make a killing. Nothing could be further from the truth. And a newsflash for you: most of the gurus have no idea how to make money online other than by profiting from your obliviousness.

Solution to this problem: Start learning. There are a few good courses available on different matters, but you can also start learning online for free. Places like Aaron Wall’s SEO blog are great resources of information. Start by knowing basic stuff about how to build a website, start learning some SEO, and later on when you have made some money, start learning PPC. Get specific, get you some reference points.

3. Lack of Discipline
Strong discipline and iron will is required in order to succeed online. There are so many ways to get sidetracked, you wouldn’t believe it. You need to come up with a plan, stick with it day by day or you will get nowhere.

Solution to this problem: Make up a schedule of day by day activities that you need to do and get them done.

4. Listening to the Hype
In my opinion, there is no bigger danger for the aspiring online business owner than these alleged and self proclaimed Internet Marketing gurus. By buying their stuff you will only achieve two things: waste your money and, even worse, waste your time. Time is an incredible asset and it’s imperative that you manage it properly. Do not follow the gurus because you will not make one red cent. Period.

Solution to the problem: There are few (if any) Internet Marketing gurus that provide real value. For the time being, until you know what’s good and what’s not, just stay the hell away from them.

5. Lack of Action
Oh yes, this one is one of my favorites. People seem to think that their mere presence online will make them money. Well, I’ve good news for you. If you are not working constantly, refining your techniques and learning more and more each day, you are not going anywhere.

Solution to this problem: Start IMPLEMENTING. Build a website, start working on it, build another one and so on. Get involved in the community of the niches you are activating in. You need references and you need relationships. In the end, online success is a game of connecting and networking with other people.