With the continued growth of the internet, many have found a second source of income -- some kind of online business. An internet business is an ideal place to earn some extra money each month because it allows for a flexible schedule. With a lot of work, it can sometimes grow into a full time venture, allowing the home worker to work only for themselves.

One of the main hurdles to starting an online business is deciding what kind of work to do online. There are multiple opportunities for the entrepreneur. Would it be best to build some content websites and try to earn an income from selling related products and AdSense? Is it best to be an affiliate for other companies and try to sell their products? Should one get involved in web 2.0 marketing? How about selling on eBay? These possibilities are just the tip of the iceberg as far as potential online possibilities.

I believe there are 4 keys to becoming successful in an online business.

1) Make A Budget

Whatever opportunity you decide to pursue, you will need a little money. You will have to spend a little money for training to learn the business. After that there will be marketing expenses. You will also have to spend some money to maintain what you build.

2) A Written Plan

When you write something out it forces you to think more clearly on your plan of action. It also helps to write out your goals which you can periodically check yourself on. Having a written plan will help you focus on the many tasks that will demand your time as you begin your online business.

3) A Mentor/Coach

Someone to guide you in how to properly execute your online business is invaluable. It should be considered an investment, not an expense. Every successful athlete has a coach. Every successful person running on online business had a mentor to show him the ropes.

4) Take Action

Many would-be online entrepreneurs experience analysis paralysis. They want everything perfectly in place before they try anything. But, if you do nothing, you will accomplish nothing. One has to be willing to take a chance and start doing something eventually. Once you learn the basics on any particular online business, get out there and put it into practice!

So the next time you think, "Are there jobs where I can work from home?", consider these four keys to successful online business.