Advice for those considering making their living online:

I gave some quick tips recently on making a living online, which included: Make a plan, but don’t plan too long. At some point, you just have to jump in and get started. The sooner that is, the better. After you check out the rest of the tips there, it’s useful to see what other experienced folks from ’round the web have to say about getting started. Here are a few:

Ruud Questions: Steve Rubel

Figure out what you want to be known for and how it differs from everyone else out there. Then use online tools to be that man or woman – and don’t veer from your individual strengths and talent. Fuse this into the services you provide and the way you engage online to build your business. There’s no room for generalists anymore. We all need to specialize.

>> Follow Steve Rubel

Gathering Grist For Your Mill

Doing the necessary homework before you start out gives you focus, direction and confidence. Yet many people have no notion about how to begin gathering information. At the beginning stage of the process, you aren’t making permanent decisions, you’re just collecting all the information you can to help you make an informed decision later on.

>> Follow Barbara Winter

How to Start Each Day Motivated

Here’s an unusual piece of business advice: Set yourself on fire every day. The life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs. One day things are exciting; the next we have to face a new hassle. On a movie set, the actors would say “It let the air out of our day.” In other words, the fire is out and the passion is gone. But as entrepreneurs, our passion is our responsibility.

>> Follow Sid Kemp

Takeaways: Plan, but not too long; Research; Be passionate.