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From My
Blog ....
a collection of articles and inspirations from my blog .... enjoy and
prosper!!!
Starting an Online Business ... You'll Need
to Answer these Questions
If you're looking to start, revamp, or improve an online business, here's a
checklist of things and questions you must answer, investigate and research (as well as some places to
start looking). These include marketing, operational, as well as business planning issues.
Marketing Issues
Are you going to market a product or service?
What's the supply & demand for that product? Who will be your primary competition?
Is this a niche or are you going to be competing with the larger companies?
Are you going to use PPC (pay per click), adsense, email, article marketing, blogging, and/or SEO (search engine
optimization) to advertise your product / services?
If you're selling products, do you have the product in stock or are you solely using drop shipping? Are they
digital products?
How will you incorporate all of the Social Media (Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, etc ...) into your business?
Have you priced your products or service?
Are you using this to support or work in conjunction with an offline business? If so, how and can your
customers connect the dots? Will you do any local advertising to
help them?
Operational Needs
Targeted Keyword List
A Domain and/or Website (may / may not be necessary depending on your marketing strategy)
Email / AutoResponder
Products / Service to offer
An ability to track / manage: Sales, Expenses, Traffic, Visitors, Response Rates, etc …
Business / Legal NeedsAre you doing this by yourself (most common) or does it make sense to
incorporate?
How are you managing your business?
Have you considered any tax issues (sales tax, local requirements, etc ..)?Do you have any liability or are you
operating mainly as a broker/affiliate and just earning a commission on each sale?
Finding Answers
There are many good programs and consultants that can help you with many of the
above questions and issues. Do a google search for products and services that you need, read the client
reviews, and ask a lot of questions. Sadly, many of the products over-promise and under-deliver.
Be careful.
Here are some terms (among others) that you’ll definitely want to Google:
Finding an Online
Niche
Targeting Keywords
Keyword Software
Auto Responders and Email Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Dropshipper (you can search by a particular product to find a supplier)
Incorporating Your Business
Internet Marketing
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Affiliate Marketing
Digital Products
For Marketing Ideas and General Business Planning, you’ll want to visit these groups and their
websites. These non-profit organizations exist to serve you.
SCORE -- www.score.org -- offers business advice at no cost from
former executives (even online)
SBA (Small Business Administration)-- www.sba.gov -- great place
for business plan outlines and practical advice
Also, visit a bookstore or your public library. You can get great advice without plunking down a lot
of cash.
Remember: People don't plan to fail … many times they fail because they don’t plan
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Resource List for the Online Entrepreneur
Don't Believe all of the Hype!
Recently, I tested a new online marketing strategyand program promoted by a couple of guys who have done
quite well for themselves. The idea, at least intially, seemed like a unique idea. However, I was
severely disappointed as I discoverd that they regurgitated simple things that I already knew. As such,
I opted to utilize their money-back guarantee.
The moral of this is to tell you that not everything is as advertised on the internet. I've tested quite a
few programs and software only to find that most overhype and underdeliver. In most cases, I highly recommend
making sure that any program / software that you purchase has a money back guarantee. Sadly, you'll use this
more than you think.
However, there are a few programs and services that I utilize myself and recommend for someone looking
to develop a part time income (or full time for that matter) online:
To Create a Website: XSitePro
To Find an Online Niche: Keyword Elite
To Host My Websites: HostGator
Of course, they're many other programs out there as well. But, these are great building blocks to
developing online systems that tarket specific niches and can help you make money online.
Here's to Your Success!
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Boost Your Image - Get Branded, Make Money Online
You are what your customers think you are. To make money online you'll want to follow these simple tips to
boost your online image and create or enhance your brand:
1. Establish an Identity:
Be consistent in all of your marketing endeavors and customer / prospect contact. Online consumers have too
many choices and not enough time to figure out what you do and who you are. Tell them.
2. Be Highly Visible
Your customers and prospects need to be able to find you. Get listed in directories, become an expert in your
field (and tweet about it), make sure you website ranks well in the search engines for your specific niche
keyword(s). Remember: No Customers = No Sales.
3. Find It / Snag It / Make it Your Own
Model your website / emails / sales pitches after your competition (assuming their making money and doing
well). Don't steal it. Customize the idea and framework to your specific online niche and
website.
4. Keep Your Eyes Open (or better yet -- keep your customers' eyes open)
Help your customers move to a state of "action." If your website is confusing and jumbled your see a quick
exodus by your most valued visitors. Help your customers help themselves and you'll make money.
5. Use Different Marketing Channels
Social Media is the new (and permanent) fad. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc .... Leverage these tools to
get the word out about your product or service.
6. Smile
Always remember one of the Golden Rules: People like to do business with people they like.
Implement these strategies and you'll be well on your way to making money online!
Here's to your success.
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Sometimes in our excitement to make some extra part time income we get taken. It happens to everyone. We
get excited about all of the promises, the big money, the cars, the lifestyle, etc. but forget about all of
the work (and luck in some cases) it takes to get to that stage.
My advice: Research these “opportunities” / Go with your gut instinct (it’s usually right) / Ask
Questions (if it’s too good to be true – it probably is) / Don’t break the Bank (what’s the required
investment and expected return) / Take a Breath (before doing something impulsive – take some time to
think) / Think of Market Trends (for example — we’re trying to live healthier lives & nutritional supplements are a huge part of this)
There are some legitimate business opportunities out there but
not all are right for everyone. Find one that works for you and turn that part time income into a money
machine
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