Here are the things that you should have if you really want to succeed earning online because just like going to battle, one should be well-equipped to WAH .
1. Computer with fast internet connection
It is a given fact that in order for you to even get started working online you must have a computer - laptop or desktop - with fast internet connection. Yes you can get starte
d even if your internet connection is the ever soooooo slow dial up BUT income opportunities will be limited. You can go to internet cafes but I do encourage you to buy your own computer (if you don't have one). Why? Well ... you want to "work-at-home", right? So, unless you own the internet cafe and it is located where you live, then technically, leaving the house to go online cannot be considered work-at-home.2. Proficiency in the English language
Before national language advocates rise up in arms in protest, it is a given fact that English IS the language generally used in the net. Unless your goal to earn online is limited to reaching those who can understand your own language, proficiency in English is a MUST. This means that you are able to read, understand and write in English.
I'm not talking here about impeccable, scholarly type of English wherein your grammar, punctuation and syntax are error free; what is needed is your usual everyday-conversational-type.
Nothing turns off a would be client more than reaching a site with text that seem to be literally translated by some language software that confuses rather than gets the message across.
And please, please, please, do away with what is generally known as SMS spelling (Ex.: UR WBSITE LUKS GR8!). Not eveyone can decipher what you mean.
Some may wonder if it is an oversight on my part not to include being able to speak English. Well, usually if you can understand and are able to write in English, you are able to speak the language well. It is, however, not a necessity since most communication online are done through the written word. That is, unless you want to create an audio-visual product with you as the talent.
3. Proper Identification Cards
This may seem trivial, but believe it or not, you need them even when transacting online. Why? Because you need to open a bank account, if you don' t have one yet. Clients need to know that they are sending payment to a real person thru verifications made by online payment processors.
4. Bank Account
Working whether as a freelancer or putting up a business goes hand in hand with opening a bank account.
If you are really not comfortable revealing banking information even in trusted sites, then you need to scrap the idea of working online. Everything is done thru the net so you might as well get used to it.
Money earned will not be physically handed over to you in crisp bills. Even if you opt to have checks delivered to you, a bank account is still needed.
You have an option though on whether to have money deposited in a dollar account or in your currency. It also does not matter if you have a savings or current account.
5. Payment Processor
Finally, what's the point of earning online if you don't have any idea on how you can physically get hold of all that money. It's one thing knowing your virtual income and another in actually feeling and spending it.
There are many ways on how to get paid. You can opt to have a check delivered via postal service or money transfer thru Western Union. Others may send debit cards (VISA or Mastercard).
However, there are payment processors online. These are secured third party systems in charge of ensuring the exchange of payment from buyer to seller, client to service provider, etc.
There are a lot but the most popular ones are:
There are others like E-gold, xoom, ikobo, epassporte, and other VISA or Mastercard debit cards that the site recommends, but the most popular and trusted online payment transactions are usually done via paypal
Your bank account is usually linked to the payment processor so that you can easily transfer money from them to your bank.
6. Separate Email Account
When opting to earn online, it is a MUST for you to open a separate email account. It will be better too, to open several accounts for each line of online earning you want to enter into. You can get free email accounts from Yahoo, Google or Hotmail.
This is to avoid mixing personal with business correspondence to better organize things. You will get more than the usual offers - legitimate or spam - from online marketers and you would not like your primary email address flooded with offers.
These are the basic things needed when working online. Equip yourself and be ready to join the group of satisfied online earners.
