The foundation of Internet Marketing is the technology of the internet and the underlying mechanisms that support it. Most of us want to be insulated from the daunting and tedious technical details of the world wide web. Applications provide that insulating layer so we don't have to know the nitty-gritty technical details underneath.

The technologies that must be mastered by any aspiring online entrepreneur are the various applications that provide the interface to our computers and to the internet. Some example technologies and applications are operating systems, file handling tools, email tools, spreadsheets, blogging interfaces, and many more.

Fundamental internet marketing skills include being able to efficiently navigate a computer and the internet, and proficiently communicating with email, chat, VOIP, and texting. The biggest time-killer in your home based business will be ineffective communications, so you need to be proficient with processing email, utilizing VOIP like Skype, connecting quickly using tools like instant messaging and texting. Used correctly, these applications save time and money; used incorrectly, they will impede productivity.

The other element of mastering technology is becoming proficient with business applications like spreadsheets, documents, and media editing tools. These tools are critical to growing a online marketing business and they can be creatively used to streamline business processes. As an example, spreadsheets are used for everything from planning a daily schedule, documenting keyword research, and working on ad copy, to building a budget and tracking business expenses.

Starting a home based business built around internet marketing is not as easy as many aspiring entrepreneurs believe it to be. But by mastering the three fundamental secrets of internet marketing success-including the first element, the technologies of internet marketing-virtually anyone can launch and succeed at an online home based business. The next step is get started now.