by Derrick Markotter

A number of Internet marketers have introduced online business intern programs. How do they work, and what’s the benefit for you?

Most people find it easier to absorb new information when it is presented in a way that they prefer. Many people learn best by reading. Others prefer to watch or listen to video or audio training materials. However, there is no substitute for real, practical experience, where the learner actually performs the task.

It’s not hard to understand the purpose of intern programs. They are a way to gain experience by performing practical, real-world tasks. If you’ve watched any of the ‘medical dramas’ on TV, you’ll have seen interns being expected to work long hours and perform menial tasks.

Online business intern programs are similar, except not as demeaning! They create a situation where interns can gain practical experience. Usually, a daily task will be assigned to an intern. Tasks usually take one to two hours to perform. The intern will receive written instructions, and perhaps video training, explaining how to do the work. They are expected to report their results by email.

Tasks are usually designed to promote or improve the Internet marketer’s business. The intern gets to learn how to do the tasks so that they can use them to build their own business.

This can be a classic ‘win-win’ situation. The marketer benefits by having other people help to promote their business. The intern gains useful practical experience, as well as the discipline of a daily commitment.

There are some disadvantages to intern programs. Marketers must be selective about the tasks they expect interns to perform. For instance, one marketer gained a reputation as a spammer when his interns started posting poorly-executed blog comments on a number of internet marketing blogs.

Additionally, it’s unfortunately a fact of life that only between 1% and 5% of interns will actually complete any given program.

It’s also important that an intern program allows interns to work at a reasonable pace. It can be frustrating for interns if they are given tasks which are too demanding, especially at the beginning of the program.

Programs can also be designed to ensure that the intern can easily see the benefit. For instance, the tasks in my intern program are aimed at ensuring that the intern ends the program with a network of blogs and a social media presence which, if maintained, will help them build their own long-term business.

If you decide to sign up for an online business intern program, remember that taking action and doing the work is the only way for it to be of any value.

About the Author:
Learn how to build your own online business by helping me build mine. Read more about Derrick Markotter’s free online business intern program at www.OnlineBusinessIntern.com Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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