Things You'll Need:
- Pen & Paper or a computer
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Step 1
How exciting! You made the decision to start an Online Business. Friends and business associates have told you that online is the way to go these days. Plus, you have probably heard the hype; “Make six figures with an online business. Get started tonight!” If only it was that simple.
WAIT. Yes, it’s that simple to put up a website or a blog but there is a huge difference between a website and an online business. An online business is like starting any other business. You need a plan. Start with a few of these questions and move toward setting goals for yourself. In a short period of time, you will have a plan in place. -
Step 2
Why do you want an online business?
What type of business will it be?
Is this a hobby, a spare time business, or a do you have a current business and want to enhance it with online tools?
What type of business will you have?
Will it be product or service based or both?
How much do you know about business?
What is the goal for your business?
What types of software or programs will you need for your business?
Will you design your own website or will you hire someone to do it?
How will you market your business?
How much money do you have to invest in starting your business? -
Step 3
Now, that those questions have been answered, it is time to make a plan and start taking action. It is not as time consuming and overwhelming as it may seem. If you break it into small, manageable steps, you can have a basic plan in place in an evening. Using the SMART goal plan, (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) is critical for setting up an online business. It is an essential piece of laying a foundation for the online experience. Taking the time to establish your goals and a plan will pay off in the long run.
The nature of an online business is fast paced. It is based on instant decisions, someone looking for the best deal, and those that know what they want and they are just gathering information before they make their purchase. If you do not have a plan in place, you may miss your opportunity. -
Step 4
Using the answers from the questions above, let’s start to make your plan using the SMART way.
Here is an example:
1. Specific - I have an established business that needs an online presence to sell my products. I will need help with the website and I do not need any additional software at this time.
2. Measurable – My goal is to add an additional $5000 a month in sales revenue.
3. Attainable – With the amount of business knowledge I have, this seems like a reasonable goal. I will need to research online business strategies to further this knowledge.
4. Realistic – I will re-evaluate this goal in six months. I will compare sales numbers to previous quarters and last year at this time to establish a new goal.
5. Timely – I will get started today looking for someone to develop my site. That will include online marketing and a website.
I have $1000 budgeted to start my online presence and I will interview for a website contractor that will include marketing strategies. I will spend two hours a week reading articles on how to build an online business. -
Step 5
Now you have a plan in place. The thing to remember is that goal setting and business planning are just that: goals and a plan. They are not strict rules that determine success or failure. They are road signs and mile markers to start you on your way.
Comments
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