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Internet entrepreneurs can find a lot of business tips on the Internet...sometimes too much. The advice is often conflicting, or too general to be of any real use.

Anyone who's ever really tried to run a company knows that decisions have to be made on a case-to-case basis. What works for one person won't necessarily work for another. You have different industries, different markets, different competitors, different resources.

Sometimes you read the articles on the web and think,
'Yeah, right, will that really work for me?'

It's not a light decision to make, considering that your entire business (and this month's rent!) is riding on your shoulders. You may have invested your life savings, and let's not forget your employees'and the paychecks they depend on you to provide.

Get a Business Mentor!
Don't gamble your business on a vague tip. You need a real mentor, someone who has the experience, the skills, and the attention to look at your particular business needs and dispense the appropriate advice.

This business mentor can answer your questions, point you towards the right path, and generally help you become more successful as an Internet entrepreneur.

I've personally been working with my Marketing Coach, Terry Dean to help build successful businesses online including my most recent project, SonomaCountyAirport.com. We met at a seminar in Las Vegas and it's now a year and a half I've been in his coaching program. I call him a 'godsend.'

What are the Qualities of a Good Mentor?
Almost anyone can put up a website and call himself a business mentor. I can say I've worked with the worst (causing many headaches, lost time and money drained) AND the best. There are certain qualities to look for in a good coach before you choose the one that is right for YOU.

1. Look for Knowledge. Do they know what they're doing? How do they answer questions? What examples do they give? Has your mentor 'been there, done that'? Make sure your coach has succeeded in what they will be teaching you.

2. Look for Honesty. Some coaches are full of fluff, spinning words just so you hear what you want to hear. You don't need someone to pat you on the shoulder'you need someone who's straightforward, even brutally honest, because they are trying to help you in the long run.

3. Look for Dependability. How long does it take for them to reply to your emails? My coach, for instance follows up within 24 hours, if not a few hours to all my questions.

4. Look for Relevance. Does the information really help you, or does it sound like it was pulled out of any old textbook just so they can say they fulfilled your part of the bargain? Make sure the program is structured, up to date, and your coach really personally helps you at each step.

5. Look for Service. Do they personally attend to you, or do they send their assistant? You're paying for their know-how, not a chance to become best friends with their secretary. You'll want to find someone that not only personally helps you'answering emails, talking over the phone every month'but truly makes you feel that your coach is concerned about the progress of your business.

Investing in a Coach Makes Good Business Sense!
Internet business coaches may be one of the best investments you can make in your business.

For example, a mentor can help you stay competitive without having to drop your prices'by helping you create a unique customer focus, where you are seen as the only option in your niche.

Your coach can also help you maximize your marketing budget (without having to spend anything more on advertising!) and improve your lead generation and conversion rates.

If you're at a low point where you feel your business isn't going anywhere'or is even at the brink of closing down'Internet coaches can point out hidden opportunities and cost-effective business strategies.

And if you're burnt out, your coach can even help you in your personal life so you can do more with less time including spending time with your family, and taking care of yourself.

How can I get an Internet Coach?
Terry Dean is my Internet business coach. If you are lucky enough to work with him I'd recommend him in a heartbeat.

You can contact him at: (765) 332-2509 to find out more or visit http://www.myownwebmentor.com/ for more details.

I'm sure there are other coaches out there that meet the above qualifications (make sure to check with them), but I can only speak from personal experience about my own.

Good luck!