I like to think I\’ve come a long way since I first started turning The Dallas/Fort Worth Software Review into WorldVillage.com.
I now have a string of profitable websites. I speak regularly at conferences across the country. I\’ve produced a top-selling iPhone app. And I\’ve written a bunch of books, including a New York Times bestseller.
But I know I didn\’t do any of this alone. Not only did I always have the support of my family – and I couldn\’t have done anything without that! – but I also have a fantastic team at Infomedia who buzz with great ideas and have the talent and the skills to put those visions into action.
Even before setting up Infomedia though, I still relied on other people for help. The articles that went up at WorldVillage were initially written by volunteers who were paid in computer games and a byline. When those pages started bringing in advertising revenue, I shared that revenue with the writers.
As I began meeting people who were already enjoying success as Internet marketers, I began learning valuable lessons about list building, affiliate relationships, search engine optimization and a million other things that have brought me and my company millions in return.
Whenever I could, I\’ve thanked those people publicly and recommended that others make the most of their knowledge too. I\’m grateful to them, and they deserve it.
You could try creating an Internet business by yourself. You could learn all the techniques and strategies alone, through experimentation and trial-and-error. But it will take you a very long time and cost you a great deal of money.
Part of being a successful Internet entrepreneur means knowing where to find help and how to use that help when you find it.
It also means giving credit for that help whenever you receive it.
That could be something as small as ensuring that the Creative Commons images that use on your blog are properly attributed or including a small bio for your writers. It might also means something as big as forming an affiliate relationship with someone whose advice and strategies have already boosted your own earnings.
However you give credit, always remember that success should be a team effort, even for entrepreneurs. There is help available, so don\’t be afraid to make the most of it… and remember who supplied it.