Most of my clients know that I was in the construction industry for 20 years before starting my online businesses. What you probably don't know is how close I came to folding my construction company and working for someone else after 5 years of struggling.

You see, when you start a construction company, the most important thing on your mind is finding work. I started off with small repair jobs that would last about 2-3 days, but stringing enough jobs back-to-back, without any down time, was kind of tough at first. Pretty soon I had all of the small jobs I could handle, but I really wanted the larger jobs that were more profitable and where you could stay in one place longer (it was much more efficient than setting up for a new job every morning).

Finally, I started landing larger jobs and pretty soon, I had all the work that I and a helper could handle. Large jobs, small jobs and everything in between. Then, it began to dawn on me that I had maxed out. I could not physically do anymore work in a week than I was doing at the time. I could not take on any more work because there was only one of me (and a helper) to do the work.

And another thing hit me...

I had also reached my limit, money wise. My earnings had plateaued. Since we could not physically produce more, we could not earn more. I was frustrated. I enjoyed owning my own business, but I also knew I could work less and earn more by working as a building superintendent in Houston. Imagine - free medical insurance, free dental insurance, a retirement plan, and more.

Being self-employed, I had none of these benefits. It was time to make a decision - keep working 70 hours a week, with no benefits, or make a change. I decided it was time to change.

I found a course offered by the Home Builders Association in San Antonia. This three-day seminar was full of fascinating information and interesting people. A fellow participant, Don Boozer, offered some great advice. He suggested I move into general contracting. Of course, I'd need to delegate, to share the responsibilities.

"But Don," I asked, "if I don't do the work, who will? I'll just be phoning other people to do my work. Nobody's going to pay me to make phone calls."

Don replied, "Oh, they'll pay you and they'll pay you well!" And so they did.

Well, I followed Don's advice. My income doubled in the next year, and the superintendent job in Houston looked less and less attractive. The next year, my income doubled again. Since then, my income has been at least six figures a year, every year.

Why do I tell you that story?

Because, the only way to increase your income fast is to increase your business awareness fast. And the fastest way to do that is to start an ez web business or attend a conference that is specific to your industry. If you want to make money online, then go to a conference that is SPECIFIC to making money online and there you can map out a business plan for an online business!

About the Author, Steve Beck:

Stephen Beck teaches 7 easy repeatable steps to beginning a Christian Home Based Business. For a free CD explaining those steps, visit Start Home Business right now. Unbiased products reviews.