Needs a financial outlay
Needs a financial outlay
No sane person would anticipate success in business with zero capital outlay. The main difference is that you can now reach more people with your online business. You may avoid the hassles of running a brick-and-mortar store, such as stocking a physical site with products, hiring staff to assist consumers, keeping it clean, etc.
There are still expenses to be made, and it's not for everyone, but the internet has enabled businesses to have a true 24/7 operation for a fraction of the cost. You can "do it yourself" with a small initial outlay, or you can invest more and do less, but either way, you'll have to put in effort. The problem most people face is that they spend too much money in the beginning before they begin to get returns.
To obtain the best return on your money, you'll need to have a firm grasp on just what it is you'll be spending it on.
Both money and time are required investments on your part.
Make the most of what you already have and invest only where necessary in the rest. Take into account the fact that the 'other stuff' will cost cash.
You're the only one who can decide how much to put in, but you shouldn't expect the same return on a $15 investment as you would on a $100 investment. Don't discount one for being smaller than the other in terms of worth. The rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. Do not confuse this with a "free trial," which is a different thing altogether and will not get the desired results.
People "surf" the web from the convenience of their own computers, just like you do, in search of goods and services; yet, unlike you, they do not see the process behind the final product (your website), only the end result. The time and money required for this to occur are routinely underestimated by far too many individuals today. All they know is that a lot of people claim to make thousands of dollars per month after only a few months in the company. How likely is that? You bet, but it probably won't. You shouldn't risk more money than you can afford to lose in the event that it doesn't. Allow your online presence to develop and gain traction before getting discouraged.
Knowledge acquisition and knowledge application are two distinct processes.
This is why people have been skeptical of the 'home business' concept in the past. Most people let their ambition get the better of their common judgment and fail because they focus too much on creating an associate site to direct others to visit. When things don't go as planned, they place the responsibility on the affiliate site rather than on themselves.
After the initial setup, you simply need to devote a few hours per day to promoting via computer. If you don't already have your own website, you should wait to start submitting it to search engines and engaging in other forms of online promotion. You should instead restrict this to local internet classifieds, the yellow pages, and the business listings on your town's site. First, people will look in their immediate vicinity.
You should be following up with those who have expressed interest but have not made a purchase yet with the rest of your time. Do not even entertain the idea of starting a business if you cannot or are unwilling to do this. The most important thing is to have faith in your offering. A common "home business" is providing a service. However, not everyone has access to VOIP or has the time to devote to making long-distance or toll-free calls.
Post your phone number on your website and take calls from potential clients. Set up an answering machine or voice mail in case no one is home to take the call. After obtaining the necessary consent, you should follow up via email as well. Don't get too "pushy," though. Ask them to take the next step and get in touch with you for more details in two separate emails, one a week apart, in case you don't hear back. That settles it; customers are free to abandon their purchase if they decide they no longer want your product or service. If they revert back to the
There is more work for you to do. If you have a small marketing budget, it's best to begin your outreach efforts in your immediate area and work your way outward and upward through your personal connections. You can arrange to meet them elsewhere if they are "wary" of your visit. In most major cities, I have located businesses that provide local meeting venues that may be used for training as well as prospect meetings. A "coffee house" or restaurant is a good place to meet them. Whatever the event calls for, look your best by dressing neatly and professionally. I've come across sites where the person soliciting investments is pictured in shorts and a lawn chair. Is it realistic for them to expect anyone to take them seriously? Avoid repeating my blunder.
Only buy one or two electronic books or "how-to" books from the store. They are excellent in theory and methodology but lack practical guidance for use. This is because they have successfully sold you their product the book. Let's be honest: how many of these internet "millionaires" have you actually heard of? If you do happen to meet one of these, how many of them have you actually met? (On the web, this can take place in a 'chat room'). You should give it some more thought if the only way you can acquire training or meet someone is by calling a conference call number and inputting a pin. Why isn't it a toll-free 800 number if business is booming?
If you decide it's worth it, though, keep in mind that it's yet another expense you'll need to account for when drawing out your business plan.
Real people who have been where their followers are are often looked up to and respected.
Do not be ashamed to acknowledge where you are right now. Tell them you're just getting started and that you'll be happy to share what you know and what you're learning with them. Consult with them; perhaps they will suggest a strategy or approach that you have missed. What's ideal for you might not be ideal for everyone else. Keep an open mind and be receptive to criticism and advice.