Just A Little Advice... Part 1
When someone decides they want to start an online business, they
might think all they have to do is slap up a site and wait for
the money to come rolling in. If only it were that easy....but
it isn't. There is a LOT of work and a LOT of learning to do
when you are building an online business. In my two years on the
internet I have learned many ways to help build a business and I
expect I will learn a lot more! With this article, I would like
to share some of the things that I have learned in building my
business.
DO NOT believe the get rich quick ads. There are many scams out
there hoping to find people who are looking for easy money and
succumb to their promises. Some good indications of these would
be.... MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS IN 6 MONTHS WITHOUT HAVING TO DO
ANYTHING...yea, right!! If it sounds like a dream, it is
probably a nightmare!! http://www.scambusters.org/
TREAT people with respect! I believe strongly that we should all
treat others with respect and help each other as often as we
can. Do not insult, embarrass or harass people if they do not
agree with your views or if they do not know everything you
think they should know.
EXPECT to work hard. Building an online business is something
just about anyone can do, but you must be prepared to work and
work hard at it. There are umpteen other businesses on the web
and you must somehow make yours rise above the others. This is
no easy task.
NETWORK with other people online who are starting or building an
online business. Join some good discussion groups, message board
communities and newsgroups. Participate in the discussions and
become known and trusted in your field.
Discussion Lists - http://www.liszt.com/ Message Boards -
http://www.forumone.com/ Newsgroups - http://www.dejanews.com
DO NOT SPAM! Do not bombard every email address you can find
with advertisements about your business. This is one of the
quickest ways to lose all credibility for yourself and your
business. Send information only to people who have signed up at
your site, subscribed to your ezine or have asked for
information. When you post to discussion lists, message boards
and newsgroups, follow all rules and guidelines.
http://www.mindworkshop.com/alchemy/nospam.html
PLAN & ORGANIZE your time. With an online business, there is a
lot of work and details to stick to and writing a schedule will
help you keep your time organized so all your work gets done. if
you do not take the time to plan out your work, you will begin
to feel overwhelmed and then you are more apt to become
discouraged and feel like giving up. http://www.organizetips.com/
BUILD YOURSELF and your reputation and then build your business.
You must establish yourself as someone who knows what they are
doing and can be trusted. Once this is done, business will begin
to grow.
BE PASSIONATE about yourself and your business. Your passion and
excitement will show through to others and will reflect on your
business. Your passion will also help you to keep going on the
days when you feel like giving up. http://www.5passions.com/
ASK FOR HELP. Do not be afraid to ask questions. There are many
others who have been in your shoes and would be glad to answer
your questions and help when they can. I have made many friends
and built many relationships just be asking questions of others.
I have also learned a lot!
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS with your customers and fellow netpreneurs.
Ask for your potential customers participation on your site or
in your ezine. Let them get to know you and to feel comfortable
with you and your business. You can build lasting personal and
business relationships without actually meeting someone.
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/counseling/relation.html
NEVER STOP LEARNING! Things are always moving and changing on
the web and you have to keep on top of things. Never think that
you know all you need to know. There is always more to learn!
SET GOALS that you can stick to. Divide your main goal into
smaller goals or steps. By attaining these smaller goals, you
will gain confidence and become more passionate about the next
goal.
In part 2 of Just A Little Advice..., I will talk about building
and maintaining a website and promoting your business. I hope
some of this advice will help you to learn more and to get your
business going.