Starting an Internet business can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, if you jump right in without doing a little research first, you could find yourself becoming overwhelmed very quickly.
Some people make it look easy. The truth of the matter is that the people who make it look easy are people who did a lot of research beforehand. They understood what they were assuming to such a significant degree, they were able to avoid some of the common pitfalls of starting an Internet business. To be sure, you can avoid those pitfalls, as well. Before You Start An Internet Business The great thing about the concept of an Internet business is the fact that you are referring to a very, very wide spectrum of possibility. The business can be as large or as small as you want/need it to be. Here are a few things that any Internet business entrepreneur should keep in mind, before they do something like run out and buy a domain: •Have a plan:
While you don’t need to have a detailed, formal business plan, you still need to come up with some mode of attack. This can include researching potential competitors, developing a sense of what you want to market to which group of people.
•Establish a budget, and keep something else in mind:
Your business is going to need a budget, regardless of its size. When budgeting an Internet business, there are two things to keep in mind. First, remember that your budget needs to be realistic. Secondly, you want to appreciate the fact that in all likelihood, you’re going to lose money before you make money.
•Customers will want to meet you: Standing out from the pack with an Internet business can be really challenging. Sometimes, it gets awfully close to impossible. With that in mind, remember that one good way of establishing a unique brand is to filter your own personality into everything that defines your Internet business. People are going to want to know who they are buying goods and services from. Don’t reveal more than you are comfortable with, but understand that you will have to create a public identity for customer service purposes and more.
•Do something you’re actually going to enjoy:
Large or small, an Internet business can be a lot of work. Make sure you are doing something you will be able to enjoy, which comes in handy when things take a turn for the challenging.
How I Can Help You
I started my graphic design business in 2006 while I was working full time for a security firm in Johannesburg, South Africa. No, I wasn't working as a graphic designer or anything related to that.
I was working in the accounts department. I studied accounting at college. However, I have always been a creative individual at heart therefore that part of me inside of me never stopped calling out.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, after I decided that I wanted to start a graphic design business, I began preparing myself by buying books related to computer graphic design, animation and studying these.
Added to that, I did extensive research (which I still do till today to stay up-to-date) on how to do business online, how to keep abreast of design trends, marketing, plus more.
I have learned quite a lot and being a person who enjoys learning, I love the fact that I am always learning new stuff.
Okay, about how I can help you...
I have been online since 2011, the year I quit my job. So with my own personal experience, coupled with my graphic design business, I can help you to set up your own online business too.
Although I am now based in Zambia, I have had clients in Australia, others still in South Africa, others here, helped to build websites and designed their branding, offering advise (as a graphic designer, I have learned to be an advisor, a shepherd, a teacher, plus more).
Apart from offering design services, I also run my own online store where I sell my own digital products, ebooks, comics and music.
I have had to evolve and obviously, that requires time. So sometimes you don't right away start with a stellar idea that will instantly make you lots of money but if you start with something that you love and truly feel that you would continue to enjoy doing it even if there weren't any immediate monetary gain, then you would not give up on your first few months, or years of disappointments in your attempts to start and maintain an online business.
You would instead be inspired to evolve until you find what works with your personality in your chosen field of interest.
So if you are thinking of trying to set up an online business, don't know where to start from and would like someone to give you some advice, don't hesitate to contact me.