I’ve spent some time on the internet today searching work from home opportunities. Even though I already have my own successful home business, sometimes it’s good to see what others are up to…see if you have any competition. What I found absolutely disgusted me. I was amazed and appalled at the amount of articles and blogs and websites designed solely to trash other businesses. I can’t believe the amount of trash talking and libelous statements that are made against so many businesses and people that are trying to make a legitimate income online. Now, I know there really are a lot of scams out there, but there are also legitimate independent review websites who aren’t trying to degrade someone else’s business only to promote their own; not to mention the Federal Trade Commission and their new crackdowns on internet business “scams”.

If you’re looking for a legitimate home business opportunity, I warn you…be wary of ANYONE who trashes another online company and then tries to get you to go to their website as an alternative. If the strengths of your business can not stand alone and you have to disparage other businesses you’re probably the one running a scam.

As far as I’m concerned, integrity is the most important aspect of any business or any business person. If you can’t promote your business on its own merits without having to dump on someone else you shouldn’t be in business. Someone who builds a business by stepping on the backs of others is unprofessional and not worth your time. Don’t be taken in by their false tactics of “helping you avoid a scam”.

There are many legitimate opportunities to make real money on the internet; but how do you avoid the scams? There’s no fool-proof method, and many have fallen prey to online predators (myself included) but here are a few things to look out for to help you avoid the pitfalls:

1. Take a “gut-check” of the content of the website you’re reviewing. Each one of as human beings is endued with a certain level of discernment. Use your best judgment. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

2. If the content of the site is overly-flashy and has pictures of extravagant homes and Ferraris and makes huge income promises, but lacks content, take heed. Beware of the Armani/Rolex parade.

3. Most work from home sites will offer you a “teaser” page -a sneak preview, if you will- to get you interested, then require your email address for you to get more information. This is common practice and, as it happens, a necessary step. BUT, be careful to give the site a good “gut check” before giving your information. Many sites will sell your email address to a list service which can result in hundreds of unsolicited emails to your inbox. Look for a privacy disclaimer before entering your information. If you don’t find one or if it does not explicitly say that they will not sell your information, be wary.

4. Look for a site that promotes a purpose higher than itself. Getting rich for the sake of getting rich isn’t enough. A legitimate online business should have your success at its heart. Your success should mean their success.

5. Look for credibility in the people that are promoting the opportunity. Do your research. Look for items in the news about the person or opportunity. Google their name and check them out. You may find that you’re taking advice from someone who’s never achieved the results that they are promising that you can produce.

6. Beware of negativity in advertising. In researching online opportunities I’ve found that for every opportunity you come across, there’s a website or article saying negative things about that opportunity only to offer you another. Search that one and you’ll find a negative article about it only to promote another. It’s a vicious cycle and you’ll find yourself discouraged at the thought of trying any online business. Look for a business with integrity. If someone has to disparage another business to promote their own, stay away.

7. Don’t fall for any offer that tells you that you can earn millions with little or no effort. There is NO GET RICH QUICK. There are many legitimate online business opportunities, but the legitimate ones are what they claim to be…business. Any business owner will tell you that it takes hard work to succeed and online business is no different.

Be diligent. Do your homework. Leverage the experience of those who have gone before you and been burned by the scammers.

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