After many months of shopping for a reliable way to make money online, I have come to realize that my focus should have been exactly the same as it would have, were I looking for a pair of shoes.
Comfort, quality, versatility, and appearance, (not necessarily in that order), is what it's all about.
* Comfort: Being an old person, I'm a big fan of comfort.
I don't want to spend my money on a shoe that's going to pinch or rub my dainty size nines the wrong way and make me cranky.
The first system I bought was supposedly written "for newbies.
" Despite the fact that my rather over sized ego felt pinched by that particular designation I swallowed my pride and bought the program.
I am, after all, she for whom "Computers for Idiots" was written.
Profits were promised in a few hours, once we had mastered the steps, so I worked diligently, step by step, until I finally got to the part where we were to write fifty or so ads to be posted twice a day saying how much money we were making with this program.
I was like a woman possessed, typing away at the break neck speed of 100 words per hour.
It didn't take long for me to realize that I was way out of my comfort zone.
For me, lying to people for the sake of a few dollars was just not acceptable, even though, at the time, I desperately needed the money.
You have to be comfortable with the ethics of the system you choose.
* Quality: Once I've found a pair of shoes that are comfortable, I want them to be of good quality.
I really hate shopping, so I don't want to have to run out and go through the whole thing all over again in a few months.
How much money have you wasted on programs that just don't deliver? Any system you choose should not only teach you what to do, but why you are doing it.
Considering that the internet is changing every day, the income program you choose should teach you to recognize and evaluate new opportunities.
In other words, it should teach you what you need to know to function on your own.
It's rather like the difference between teaching a child to spell by memory, versus teaching him the phonics which would enable him to figure out the spelling by himself.
* Versatility: Would you buy a pair of shoes which you could only wear with one outfit? Probably not.
Because all of us have different abilities, any program you choose should offer multiple roads to the same destination.
While you may be comfortable and adept at social networking, someone else might find the whole process difficult and a little frightening, preferring to write articles, or post ads.
A well executed program will recognize and provide for the diversity of talent and abilities that make us who we are.
* Appearance: Whether looking for shoes, or an online money making system, the first thing to attract us is appearance.
We have all seen hundreds of websites picturing stately mansions, imported cars, and luxury cabin cruisers, assuring us that all of these could be ours by spending only 30 minutes per day, and, while I suppose there's nothing wrong with dangling the proverbial carrot now and again, is that all there is? Do any of us really believe that we'll get rich working 30 minutes a day? The appearance of a website gives an excellent indication of the type of people with whom you are dealing.
Is the site professionally laid out, and the text intelligently written and respectful? Do they explain that making money online is work requiring time and effort, or are they simply appealing to your emotions? Do they give any indication of the type of work you will be required to do, or do they simply tell you that any third grader could do it? Is there any refund policy in place should you be unhappy with the program, or just the marketers all too familiar "I guarantee it!" Lastly, is there any support offered? Will you get a responses within 24 hours if you click on the contact button and ask a question? I have a pair of old, worn out shoes that I just can't wait to change into after a long day at work.
They're probably 11 years old by now, but they're comfortable, match what I have, and still get me where I need to go!