There is no set a rules when it comes to blogging. Good thing too since I would probably break them all. However, there are some issues that need addressing at some point by most bloggers. One of those is whether or not to monetize their site. At some stage they may even wonder if they could make a living from it.

If this is you – and you have plans to make a living from your blog, or blogs or online – then is there one golden rule that you HAVE to remember if you are going to be successful. What is it?

To all intents and purposes – you are running a business! Why is this so important? If you continue to treat your activities as a hobby, you will never take that extra step to making a serious income from your activities.

Once you accept the fact that you are running a business, it opens a whole new world of requirements. Most new businesses fail within the first 12 months. Can you survive the first 12 months making little money, or at best breaking even? If you’re running a business, chances are you will need to spend money to make money. Are you prepared both financially and mentally to invest your own money?

If you treat your online activities as a business, it becomes easier to justify the time required. If you are still treating it as a hobby, chances are you will let distractions take you away from what you need to achieve each day.

Do you really want to make a living from the various streams available online? If the answer is yes then start to think and act like a small business owner because that is what you are – and that is what you need to be to succeed.

photo credit: Mexicanwave