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<bold>THIS MONTH
Using The Internet to Start and Develop a Home Base Business
</bold>by George Rodrigues
Computers and the Internet are helping home-based businesses grow and
develop at a rapid pace, which is only natural given today's rapid growth
of technology and the Internet. The Internet has opened up the world's
marketplace to any and everyone who can access the World Wide Web.
Millions of working class professionals are utilizing their skills and
professions for themselves by starting their own home-base business.
The Internet provides a global marketplace and has given small businesses
a better chance to succeed. In many ways, a web presence is like a
24-hour advertisement at a fraction of the cost it would take before the
Internet. Home-based businesses that have a web presence have benefited
from this expanded marketplace. The Internet can be used to help
establish, name brand and develop your company. Automated commerce
systems can be put in place, allowing you the time to focus on the
marketing and development of your company or products.
Before we start to discuss the many advantages of owning a good web
presence, we'll discuss other great benefits the Internet provides. First
the Internet is a great place for most of your research needed to start
your business. You can use the Internet to research the intended market
of your business, do research on suppliers and services that can help
your business grow, and research your competition, which can help you to
define your place in the market.
Most people who start a new business need a business plan. There are many
great web sites on the Internet that provide you with "How To" Business
Plans with step by step instructions accompanied with templates in word
document form. Two such sites are the American Express Small Business
Site, and the SBA (Small Business Administration). The SBA has many
offices and other affiliate organizations around the US that will help
you develop your business plan and then assist you in finding funding for
your company or services. There are also many venture capital sites that
connect new or existing companies looking for investment with Investors.
Make sure you develop a good business plan.
Some companies find investment by developing a web presence first, which
allows you to start and develop your business online. The site also
serves as a working demonstration to potential Investors.
What is a good Web presence? A good web presence is a few things:
1. Good content, good products or services are always king.
2. Easy navigation and good programming. The functionality of your site
should smooth and error free.
3. Well designed, the look of your site will create the perception of
what your company is about to your visitors. A well-designed site goes a
long way to establishing trust and credibility with your clientele.
4. Marketing. With everyone so excited over the economical opportunities
the Internet provides, many people invest in having a web site made
without realizing that for it succeed it needs a marketing budget to
promote it. For example: ads, press releases, search engine registration
on a constant basis, partnerships, affiliate programs and desktop
materials are needed. A combination of all or some of these will help the
success of your site based on your marketing budget. Companies like
amazon.com and AOL have grown so fast because of their marketing. It hard
to buy a computer magazine today and not find a free AOL CD-ROM
introducing their services. Amazon.com has a successful affiliate program
with thousands of other web site linked to them. Every business plan has
a marketing budget, so should your web presence if you are serious about
developing your company over the Internet. It still is, the cheapest way
to reach the most people.
5. Good customer support. Complete company and product information,
contacts, and as quick as possible response time. Developing good
customer support helps with repeat customers and establishing
creditability for your business.
In closing do your homework and research every aspect of owning a
successful web presence. For consultation on putting your business
online, contact George at contact@graphicvis.com or call 718-237-1427
(9a.m.-5p.m. EST)
Feel free to recommend this article or newsletter to a friend or
associate who might find it of interest. Any comments or discussions can
be directed to comments@graphicvis.com