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An interesting thing about the Internet is that it sits there as an untapped resource for many would-be entrepreneurs. When you are caught up in the hustle and bustle of working a day job, you may not permit yourself to imagine owning a small business.

If you are tired of thinking that consulting jobs, freelance jobs, and online entrepreneur jobs are held by nameless people (the spooks of the Internet), perhaps you should think again. What if you could work at home and make money even when you aren抰 actually working? The Internet is powerful because it is open twenty-four hours a day like a truck stop diner.

When you taste a bit of success in selling online goods or services, you have to fight the enchantment of sitting back and watching your profits build. It takes everything you can to keep going to your day job. Believe it or not, some people do take frequent vacations and check in with their customers once a day.

Hold on a minute! The intent here is not to sell you on another Internet scam. This is your wakeup call to the Internet as your next great business venture. There might be a hidden entrepreneur waiting to jump out of your body.

Although the benefits of becoming a webpreneur (web entrepreneur) are many, this blog entry highlights three ways that the online market draws out your hidden entrepreneurial talents and contributes to success in other areas of your life.

1. Experiencing online business success is great for your confidence. When you discover you are a quick study of online business, you will find that this newfound talent leads to other improvements in your life. For example, you might even use online entrepreneurial experience to find a great job in your local community.

2. Supply and demand. Just like any other business, the Internet marketplace tests your ability to grasp the laws of supply and demand. This is not Economics 101. This is a virtual business environment in which you make decisions about pricing, inventory, sales techniques, customer service, and other aspects of running a real business. Whether you are running a clothing store online or selling goods on eBay, the Internet business is your small business.

3. Creativity. Although creative self-direction constitutes a big reason why many people go into business for themselves, the Internet tests your ability to be creative on a much wider scale.

Managing a department or a company in a recession requires many personal insights and considerable business knowledge. However, if you have all the business talent in the world, you may not be able to control the demise of your company. Here are three ways to give yourself an attitude makeover in this recession so that you can lead your company through these difficult times.

1. Set new short-term and long-term goals for yourself given the constraints of a recession. These new goals don抰 signify forgetting the goals you already have, but they do suggest being realistic with your goal-setting. Your pragmatism will help you to maintain the proper perspective in a recession.

2. Model cost-saving strategies to your staff. It is up to you to set the tone for bringing the company through the recession. If you can create expectations for saving money and consistently model them, your example will encourage your staff to save money.

3. Reinvigorate your open door policy. If your company is in danger of failing, you need to rely upon your employees to get the latest information about how business is going, including problems and successes in customer relations. If you can give new life to your open door policy, you will increase the potential for employees to share innovations and problems with you.

Being the manager of a stumbling business is tough. Managing in a recession will test all of your entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Let the recession be the test for whether you have what it takes to run your own business. Small business owners have to stick with their businesses through thick and thin including bad financial times. Good luck with managing your staff during the recession.

You can use any of the following suggestions as a starting point for making over your business. Through reinforcing your business, you will give the recession a good fight!

1. Improve your web site. There are many possibilities, including redesigning the home page, adding a blog, developing a new logo, and uploading videos that give customers updates about your products and services.

2. Brighten up your business location. You might be surprised what small changes can do for customers and employees. Examples include repainting the lobby or showroom, decorating with new plants, and adding artwork to dull spaces. If you do the makeover, a little bit of money can stretch a long way. If you have employees, they can assist you with cleaning and decorating tasks when business is slow.

3. Create a fresh newsletter. If you already have a newsletter, you can redesign this publication with a fresh look. If you do not have one, you can start with a one-page color newsletter. Microsoft Word 2007 offers a great template for a four-page newsletter, and Microsoft Office Online offers templates for newsletters of many styles and page counts.

4. Update your inventory and supplies. If you sell products stored in-house, you can mark items down for a special sale. Enjoy using the extra space for an option that you’ve been planning such as an additional computer workspace or a spot for an extra file cabinet.

5. Plan an employee retreat. Business owners should also focus on reassuring their employees during tough economic times because employees are worried about losing their jobs if the business fails. Getting employees out of the office while on the clock is good for employee morale. You send the message that the recession does not make you afraid to invest in your staff. If you spend time carefully planning your retreat, your cost can be as simple as providing a picnic lunch at a local park.

6. Send your employees to professional development events. You can find low-cost courses and conferences in the commuting area. Even if the venue is not exactly related to what your employees do every day, investing in professional development shows you care about individual workers.

Another option is to buy a product or service that delivers comprehensive advice for transforming your business. For example, Kim Beasley, owner of BusinessMakeoverSystem.com, offers a bundle of expert advice in a package called “Business Makeover Solutions – 21 Days to Sustaining Good Habits.” You can purchase this option with PayPal. Before buying this package or a similar product, look for online reviews. Also, look for a money-back guarantee.