Ah summer! You're either getting ready to enjoy the carefree possibilities at home, at the shore, in the mountains... or like millions of home-based business people, you'll be working hard on your online endeavors ... right? Business as usual.

One mistake many online marketers make, especially if you're new to marketing, is to think there's always tomorrow.

"I'll submit to the search engines... tomorrow."

"I'll submit my ad to my favorite ezine... tomorrow."

"I'll look for ways to generate traffic... tomorrow."

The saying, "The early bird catches the worm!" wasn't just a catchy phrase someone thought up years ago. It's a fact.

Especially online.

Though the sunshine and swimming pool may beckon you outside (and do get out you definitely need Vitamin D), taking care of business first will help you stay ahead of those that think they can do it later.

But... where to go and what to do?

Though budget must play a paramount part in how often and what sort of advertising you do, even those with cashflow need not spend tons of money to promote.

My article, "2005 Reality Check," lists 14 different methods for advertising online. How many do you implement on a consistent (there's the key word) basis?

Yes, the summer months are tempting to take it easy, but I'm willing to bet with a tiny bit of effort, you'll be able to track down numerous cost-effective summer advertising specials - most likely starting right here in this ezine!

Don't rest on your laurels, things move way too fast on the net for the over-confident. Find your niche, spend an hour each morning before going off to the ballgame, and you'll find come September you are lightyears ahead of the crowd.