While the need to create a continuous stream of income is paramount if you want to be successful in the online industry, there will come a point when some of your indirect or direct competitors may look to advertise on your website. But would you take them on? Would you dare open up your readers to the competition?

In a normal world you would not even consider taking an advert from a competitor, but the internet is different. You may be able to use a competitors interest to strike some kind of bargain, whether it be cross marketing, a joint venture or some kind of network to ensure that customers to both sites get what they are looking for. You would be surprised how many takeovers and mergers have been agreed as a result of a very innocuous initial contact.

The problem with the internet is that size is everything, if you are not well know your site will curl up and die, although if you are well know you are there for your competitors to shoot at. A joint venture, merger or partnership with a major competitor may be just the ticket to secure the future for both of you. Critical mass means more advertising, more income and hopefully a larger brand name, which should in turn allow you to bring in more business.

One of the main elements to success online is the skill at taking all opportunities when thy come your way. There is no point in sitting back and waiting for things to happen, it is up to you to get out there, ask questions and MAKE things happen for your business. It is not easy, but there are few successful businesses which have not had set backs and problems along the way. It is all a learning curve!