If you are a novice in an enterprise like Internet marketing, it is a good idea to have someone show you the ropes – perhaps one of those successful entrepreneurs who knows what he or she is talking about. But finding someone who is probably more successful in selling just the idea of success to you, as opposed to any actual, useful, and practical knowledge doesn’t really qualify as teaching.

That is why teaching is – and should always be – a respected career.

Teacher, Teacher

They say that “those who can’t do, teach.” Although this adage may be true, some people would argue that it undermines the very noble and infinitely complex skill that is teaching.

On the other side of the fence, there is also the idea that those who CAN do are incapable of teaching effectively. That is because they know and do something so well that it’s almost second nature to them that it’s unfair to expect others, especially their own students, to do just as well.

Be Cautious

Like hawkers selling their wares, you have probably been bombarded with e-mails and ads about how to become a top earner. But before you take their word as gold (or alternatively click on the “delete all” button), here are a few tips to help you decide when to sit up and pay attention and when not to:

1. Look at your history with the so-called guru, and gauge your success with him. If you have no history, ask around and look for someone who does.

2. Research on your guru’s background and find out what you need to know. This will help you determine if this person is a credible source of knowledge.

3. If the advertiser is more keen on selling you something, rather than concerned about the final outcome and how it could possibly affect you, that is a red flag. Of course, no guru can give you a 100 percent guarantee of success, but he should, at least, be able to tell you what the odds of you becoming one of them successful entrepreneurs are.

4. When you have found a teacher who is a good fit to what you need and what you can afford (that is to say, one who can explain things in ways that are useful to you), then he has earned your trust enough to build a relationship with him. There are, indeed, successful entrepreneurs out there who are definite keepers, so hold on to them when you do find them. Sooner or later, you will have earned yourself a passage to the exclusive successful entrepreneurs club.