Around the world, countless hopeful ask the question -- or at least ponder it silently in their head. Can you make money online?

They dream of living a life of freedom. Free from the nine to five ball and chain. Free from the mind-numbing commute. Free from financial worries.

They dream of working from the comfort of their home -- or sitting on a beach in a tropical paradise. But the question remains. Can you make money online? Is it more than just a dream?

Is the dream here to stay? Or is it just a wishful dream?

Every few months, another doom-sayer comes out of the woodwork and forecasts the end of small business on the Internet. The big businesses will take over. Small businesses don't stand a chance.

What should you make of these prophets of gloom and doom?

It was just a few years ago that others were predicting the end of the Internet itself. And, it should be quite clear by now that the Internet is here to stay. Business on the Internet is also here to stay.

Every month, more and more consumers are coming onto the Internet ... and they are shopping. They are buying! The convenience of online shopping increases every year. New payment processors make it safe and simple to use credit cards online. Broadband connections over fast fiber-optic cables make it easy to download large files containing e-books, audio, video, or software.

As more and more services become available, shopping on the Internet is becoming a natural part of many people's lives. It is a convenience that is rapidly becoming a habit.

But, can you make money online?

Can a small business make money online?

As in the offline world, there will always be business for those who can fill a need. Find a niche. Find people who are buying the things they need or want online. Find out how you can serve them better.

Give people what they want and you can make money online.

There will always be a place for small businesses on the Internet. There will always be a place for those who can offer a different twist -- can create a better product -- can fill a unique need. By creating a product that is a little different, a little better, the small business can grab a solid toe-hold in a niche market.

It doesn't have to be just a dream

The Internet gives a fantastic opportunity to small businesses. If you grasp this chance and build a real online business, you will reap the benefits. You will create a money-making online business that will give you that freedom you dream of.

All it takes is a goal, a plan to reach that goal, and the perseverance to stick to your plan until you reach that goal. Put these three factors in place and before you know it, you could be working from that beach in an island paradise.