I've been studying the online world for nearly a year now and I've discovered the way a lot of people want to get started online is something akin to a dream.

These are the five basic ideas (or any combination of these) that newbies online are hoping for when looking for an online business by which to strike it rich.

*Everything is set up and operational in x number of hours.

*Provides a guarantee to earn quickly.

*All the marketing is done for you so you don't need to lift a finger.

*Teaches you all the marketing secrets that only a special few know.

*And maybe the system or program even gives you a couple of mentors that are at your beck and call.

Most people seeking an online business don't have the time, energy or desire to learn all that is required to know and do to build a successful online business. But rather, most just want to start a business online from scratch as soon as possible.

Does This Dream Exist? Yes and No

I've read and viewed countless hours of training and have attempted a number of different approaches to marketing online. The reality is that these wants that many folks have for starting online is more a dream than truth, unless you've decided you are willing to commit the time and some money. It is then that you will discover the secrets of online success.

The fact is though, that most people want their cake and they want to eat it - expecting to pay $39.95 or $69.95 or $99 or maybe even several hundred dollars and then believing this is all they need to spend to build the business as outlined above.

The headlines for these offers suck folks in and the copy writing captures the mind, dulls the senses and 'zap - another sale - another online business "pseudo owner" has been made.

The Truth is it is Both Time and Money

When attempting to start a business online from scratch you will either need to pay your dues in time or in money. It really is that simple. Don't expect to get around this law of business just because the emotional content written in the capture page is so compelling.

In most cases an entrepreneur spends months building his / her website with great content, begins to brand on You Tube, writes articles and begins building a list of potential customers before even promoting a product or service.

Most people, however, do not want to do all this, but rather just want to get started fast and easy and to start a business online from scratch.

Many online entrepreneurs don't even generate enough income to live on for quite a number of months. In my case I suppose I inherently understood that business building is not an overnight process but rather a timely, building process.

Now, of course, I've discovered the earn as you learn methods of progressing but at the time I was personally focused just on the learning and laying the foundation.

You see, the key to any online business is marketing and advertising, or in my old line of business - using good salespeople to do one-on-one sales.

No matter what business one is building, it is essential to develop a consistent way of bringing new prospects and clients through the door. Online, of course, "the door" is much broader and the market is the entire world.

But learning the techniques for marketing and advertising is as much art as it is science and bringing these together will only be done by investing time or spending money. And realistically, it is a balanced combination of each of these that wins the day.

So What is One to Do?

The reality for those desiring to start a business online is this: You do not necessarily need to go through the same laborious effort as many of us have because there are mentoring programs designed to cut your learning curve. But you need to resolve to this idea and pay your dues one way or the other.

So, if your desire is to start a business online from scratch using your sweat equity or to build using your capital resources you have a choice but ultimately it will be a combination of these that will build your business quickly and successfully.

Find a great business concept, team up with a leader in the industry for training and mentoring and do whatever it takes because it really is all worth it in the end.