How do you measure it? Do you just count $$$$ or pounds or whatever your currency is? Obviously that's one goal and, to make enough money to be at least self-sufficient is something we all desire. But there are many other measures: all part of the long- term view, which will create a business that will sustain you and your family not only today, but also for many tomorrows.

I'll admit that I'm still not earning quite enough of whatever currency, but I certainly do think it an achievement to have paid my own hefty phone bills and have enough left over for the rent for the last three months now. Yep, this is the first time in two years of online work. I'd hate to work out the hourly rate!

I don't want to put anyone off who is new to online business: I do want to impress upon you that results will be neither magic nor instant, but results are possible.

So many people want it to happen overnight. It's partly society and it's partly that they just want to believe -- and when it does not happen, a vast majority will have given up long before I began to see results. You have to have tenacity: be like a dog with a bone. Hang on and keep trying, no matter the odds.

I live in the remotest valley on the north of the island of Tenerife, just off the African coast. Besides me and my "technological toy room" that must appear as something from outer space to the locals -- we had 900 goats and 49 cows on the last count. It's like stepping back into the 19th Century! Which all goes to prove that "working the net" really can be done from absolutely anywhere, by anyone.

The cost of living here is cheap and the scenery inspirational: that's "richness" to me in itself. For that, I'll put up with the intermittent nature of Internet connections and electrical supplies that make it harder for me that most of you in "civilised locations". But that's what we do this for isn't it? To escape the 9-5 and all the other drudgery and slavery that goes with it. It's a great feeling, but it doesn't come on a plate, unfortunately.

You are impatient, you may even be hungry, but you cannot shortcut the need to spend time learning the culture, building your business and your business relationships. The more so if your line wasn't business before the net. Mine was, with 20+ years as an accountant that has been of enormous help. The environment and tools may be different, but business is still the same thing it ever was. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You still have to be business-like and strive at it to succeed.

I still have a long way to go, but I am happy to be getting there. On the other hand, you can now take it from me (self- appointed expert!) that it certainly is possible -- my dad said it wasn't! You too might have close family and friends who discourage you. It would be easy to listen to them, to give up. Don't! Do they know the net? Tell them (respectfully) to go ...

Having got this far, you can be sure that I will not be sitting back and resting on my laurels. I have some great friends and associates on the net, some glowing testimonials, have plans for new products and better things for my business, more joint ventures ... I've only done that through learning, networking, making contacts, giving something of value and thinking, not just of money today, but of the long-term rewards and benefits.

"It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich." Sarah Bernhardt, 19th century actress