So You Want to Start Up Your Own Internet Business

So You Want to Start Up Your Own Internet Business . . .
by,
Kaliuna

Part 1:

You too can own your own business - working at home --- nice ad and many have seen these ads on TV, heard them on radio, read them in newspapers or on the internet. They make it sound easy. The reality is that you will spend weeks if not months before you are actually ready to start your dot-com business.

There are two key elements in having your own dot-com business: Research & Resource. They go hand in and and are often intertwined.

Before getting started, there are some questions you will have to answer on a very personal basis. The first is resources - are you financially stable enough or can you get financial backing to start up a business? Will you be running the business on your own or with a spouse, family or others? If it will be a family business can you get along with family members in a business situation? What product or product line will you sell? Is this product something that is already oversaturated in the market, or something new? If it is on the web how well is it presented on other web sites? And a very IMPORTANT question to ask yourself is do you believe in the product? Last, but not least is what do you know about the product or product line?

Research will give you information on such things as state requirements, small business accounting needs, and how many other dotcoms are out there with similar or same products. You can obtain some excellent how tos such as how to set up a small business from the small business association. You might even find references on the product or product line you have chosen. The hardest part is researching the manufacturing field - ie where can you purchase wholesale. How much do you have to buy and how long does it take from buying to receiving? This falls under resources as well. Which company or companies manufacture the best quality at the best prices? Are they well established as a manufacturer? Some times you can get in on a ground floor level with a newly established manufacturer.

What about YOUR resources? Do you possess the skills and knowledge, or if you are working with a family member or friend - can that person fill in the gaps that you lack? Are you prepared to do all the work required before you can actually begin?

What do you need?

State license (et al legal stuff)

Business name

Accounting packages (including banking)

Good computer, printer and backup

Phone line (and an 800 line though that is not always necessary)

Product (including storage area if working from your home)

Web site

Credit card acceptance program

Packaging and mailing ability

Advertising

Patience!

to be continued.....