No matter what new skill you try to learn there is a learning curve. There is a common 4 stage process everyone goes through on the journey from beginner to master. Understanding the 4 step progression and knowing where you are can greatly help you master your goal faster.

But before we start...

I just want to clear one thing up. When I talk about "Internet Marketer" I'm talking about ANYONE who promotes, recommends or sells something online. I'm not just talking about only those marketers who are promoting "make money on the Internet" products and services. If you are using ANY method to make money online... you are an Internet Marketer.

Ok, now that you know this article is for you, let's get into the 4 different stages.

Stage 1 : You Are A Complete Beginner And Know It

At some point, you were surfing the web and asked yourself, "I wonder how people make money online"? You've heard the stories of people taking control of their lives, quitting their day jobs and making more money than they ever thought possible. But you just don't know HOW they do it.

In Stage 1, you have the desire to make money online, but you just don't know how. Everything is foreign to you and everything you need to learn in order to become a successful Internet Marketer is new. While the desire is strong, you have no choice but to think of yourself as ignorant.

Stage 2: You Make Your First Attempt To Make Money Online, But Lack The Mastery To Succeed

First of all, congratulations on taking the first step. Most people don't even dare to try!

Unfortunately, the first attempts usually always end in failure and disappointment. While you are no longer a "beginner", you still lack some vital knowledge and skills to successfully make money.

This is a very delicate time. You have learned enough to know it is possible to succeed, but have not quite mastered everything. This can be very frustrating, and most people just end up giving up or falling for one of those "get rich quick on the Internet" scams. Keep learning and applying what you learn, and you WILL get through this stage.

Stage 3: You've Had Some Success, But It Is Still A Struggle

In this stage, you probably have made some money online, but the amount and frequency is nothing you can depend on. You have certain knowledge and skills to successfully market online, but you must make an effort to stay the course.

You are doing some of the things you need to do correctly in this stage. Unfortunately, you are still susceptible to falling for the "quick and easy" scams and wasting time on unproductive activities. It is like putting a puzzle together. You have some of the pieces in place correctly, but still can't make out the entire picture.

Stage 4: You Understand How To Be Successful Online And Do So Naturally

In this stage, all the pieces of the puzzle are in place. Your Internet Business infrastructure is in place that is necessary for success. You know how to use all the tools to grow your business. And you use all the tools seamlessly and without thought.

Finally, everything makes sense. All the technical components, skills and methods to be a successful Internet Marketer are in place. You are no longer distracted or tempted to try other methods... because you are already successful and can spot a scam a mile off.

At this stage you have probably exceeded your expectations, or at least know how to exceed your goals. You now approach your Internet Business from a position of power, not weakness and worry.

Congratulations, you've arrived!

It is sad but true...

Not everyone who tries to make money online will reach the 4th stage. Many people give up long before they get out of stage 2. But those that DO make are some of the most confident, happy and proud individuals on the planet. They've done what it takes to get through all 4 stages, which is quite an accomplishment!

I hope that understanding the 4 Stages Of Internet Marketing Success allows you to understand where you are, and what's coming next. I hope that taking some of the mystery out of the process allows you to continue learning and applying what you learn. There is no mystery to making money online... just using the tools, learning the skills and moving from one stage to the next.

How many stages to go before you are an Internet Marketing success?