We’ve all gotten the emails of businesses promising overnight millions, but these online business schemes leave a lot to be desired in terms of actual method and strategy. To make real money online, it is essential to have realistic goals and to work towards them tirelessly. The following goals are samples you can use to guide you in your own goal setting, and in your pursuit of online success.

First, look at the investment you are willing to make. While article writing requires only the hardware to write on and the internet connection to send in assignments, some businesses require upwards of hundreds of dollars to really realize true potential. As you ponder which business arena is right for you, realistically look at what you can afford to give to make your business a success. A quick thirty dollar investment is seldom enough to make lasting money, but there are many legitimate businesses that can help you utilize whatever investment money you have to maximize your earnings.

Second, look at the time you are willing to dedicate. Overnight millionaires are rare, so think in the long term. Can you sacrifice an hour or two a day, a day or two a week? Are you able to dedicate yourself to your business full time, or will you have to work around another job or a demanding family schedule. Whatever your life affords you in terms of time, mark those hours as spent on your business and doggedly keep to your schedule.

Finally, think about the money you realistically need to earn. How many articles do you need to write to pay the electricity bill? What kind of profit is necessary to cover the expense of babysitting so you can work in peace? Figuring what you need to make in advance gives you a tangible goal to work towards, and can offer more satisfaction when you actually hit and excel past your goal.

Realistic goal setting takes time to accomplish. Human nature makes overnight millions the prime goal, but a realistic strategy for earning money can make your online business much more successful and viable over time.