Chances are pretty good that your Internet experience is like nothing else you have ever known before. You used to sleep quite well, didn't you? You used to eat meals at reasonably regular intervals, didn't you? Your kids used to know that when they spoke to you, you actually heard them, didn't they? What the heck has happened to the consistency in your life?

The world of e-commerce is sure to have you on an emotional roller coaster. Just when you think you have a handle on it, you realize that there is just one more thing you have to figure out!

We all share the same stress and confusion, I assure you. What I want to accomplish here is to encourage you to "hang in there." There is a quote I want to give you. I didn't write it, but I wish I had because it is the truth that I live by. "Never give up, for that is just the time and place the tide will turn."

As a single parent of two boys, aged sixteen and twenty, and a little girl of one year, I know what it is to be totally overwhelmed. I spend every spare minute (as if there really is such a thing) working on my Internet business. I don't usually have time to eat until my sweet baby girl goes to bed at night and I have the shakes from exhaustion. Then I allow myself a few minutes to grab a bite and recharge myself before I head downstairs to my office.

I'm telling you a bit of my story, not because I feel sorry for myself, but because I feel strong and capable and grateful for this tremendous opportunity to become an independent entrepreneur. We all have a story, but I truly believe that if I can do this, so can you! You need only to find your passion and develop your strategy.

There are some incredibly generous professionals on the Internet who would love to see you succeed. All you need to do is ask for their help. Their time is valuable so don't waste it. If you have a genuine hunger to succeed, these wonderful people will go out of their way to help you.

To reduce the overwhelm:

• Don't take on too may tasks at once.
   
• Set realistic goals
   
• "Eat the crust first" (get the arduous jobs done first so you can enjoy the rest of the journey)
   
• If you become discouraged, call someone who you know will be a cheerleader for you. We all need a little encouragement now and then!

If you are willing to be diligent in the pursuit of your dream and keep moving forward even when you feel like you are going backwards, you will find your Internet experience one of the most rewarding you have ever known.

I am so grateful for the gracious Internet family I have become a part of. Treat them with respect and they will welcome you with open arms

Susan K. Pellan is the President of TJR Communications Company; "The "Leaders In Successful Business Building."
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