The Internet is definitely the wave of the future.
Dot-com fever is every where, and it seems that there
is no cure.

Fortunes are being made online and you want to stake
your claim.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you
develop and build your business -

1. Focus on the knowledge that you already have.
Every web site, newsletter and online venture needs to
have a Unique Selling Proposition or USP. This is
something that sets you apart from the rest. Everyone
has knowledge between their ears that is different and
unique. Use it. Be willing to go the extra mile to
make your product stand out. To further develop this,
find other web sites and newsletters that are similar
to yours. Study these and brainstorm about what appeals
to you, and what you can do that is different.

2. Make sure your site is not another copy-cat web site.
Nothing is worse than seeing the same information over
and over again on many web sites. If you are offering
Affiliate Programs, that's great. But, develop your
own sales letter and testimonials. Don't just slap up
a banner and hope it will make you millions. For more
information on doing this effectively, go to
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com/sitesell.htm

3. Avoid constantly comparing yourself to others.
Everyone comes to the table with different experiences,
education, ideas, etc. If you are just getting started,
you must realize that it will take time and many
fine-tunings before you get your site, newsletter and
product line just the way you want it. This is just
part of the process.

4. View everything you do through the eyes of your
potential customer. Make it about THEM, and not about
you. Use the word you at least three times more than
you use the word I. Believe it or not, people don't
really care about you and what you have done. Turn your
knowledge and experience into information that relates
to them.

5. Tell people who you are, provide them with contact
information and don't be anonymous. Your picture should
be on your web site, as well as where you are located, a
phone number and valid email address. You don't need to
list your home address, but give them an idea of where
you live. There is nothing worse than a web site
promising you overnight riches with no contact
information. I don't know about you, but to me, this
screams "SCAM" very loudly.

6. Automate your business as much as possible from the
very beginning. Use autoresponders to provide highly
requested information about your product or service.
Autoresponders are also a great way to follow up and
stay current with people that have expressed an interest
in your offer. Most people do not buy on the first visit.
Studies show that it takes 7 to 9 exposures before most
people buy. If you give up too early, you'll miss the
pot of gold at the end of the web! For more information
on autoresponders, send an email to
automate@quicktell.net

7. Use common business etiquette and manners. Avoid the
use of slang. Remember, the World Wide Web is just
that - world wide. You will never alienate an audience
by using a professional tone, but you might if you get
too casual. Other than blatant Spam, answer emails,
even if it is a brief acknowledgment. You never know
when you will interact with someone again, so treat each
person as your most valued customer. They might be!

8. Ask questions of others! Successful people love to
offer help and advice. There are bulletin boards all
over the Internet where you can post messages looking
for help on a particular topic whether it's how to
design something into your site, where to get a merchant
account or something else. If you don't ask, you'll
never know. I learned through my first business
project that people are successful for a reason. One
reason is that they didn't try to re-invent the wheel.
If I can't find the answer on my own, I'm the first one
to post a message or send an email to someone that I
think might have the answer. Try it! The responses
and offers of help I have received from Internet
millionaires are amazing.

9. Online marketing is great, but don't forget to
market your business offline as well. Every time you
give someone cash, write a check or give your credit
card, include a business card with it. Tell people
about your online business and ask them to spread the
word. Word of mouth advertising is better than any
other form. Press releases, offline classifieds and
traditional methods of advertising are important to
your online business.

10. Build relationships and use networking skills
online. Visit bulletin boards and newsgroups and
offer real help and assistance. Don't Spam these
places, but use a signature line promoting your
business, if it is acceptable. If you are
legitimate, people will remember you and it could
be worth gold to you in the future.

I hope these tips will help you. The most important
thing is to just get started. Don't wait until you
feel everything is perfect. It won't be. It
never is. You will probably make thousands of
changes. Everyone does! When you are changing,
you are growing and your business will, too!



About the Author
Jackie Ulmer is a veteran Home Business Owner.
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mailto:streetsmartwealth@quicktell.net
Contact Jackie through her web site at
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com