At 10:03 today, nearby shop owners were seen drooling as they watched the flocks of shoppers bundled with purchases leaving the area. When questioned by our ace reporter, one Martian indicated that they have been monitoring the Information Superhighway from space for many years and when they saw the cool Web pages, they couldn’t wait any longer to get some of the hot products featured there. At 10:21, a business owner rushed by on the way to the bank pushing a shopping cart loaded with gold nuggets and diamonds.
Make no mistake about it: those who take advantage of an e-commerce-based business now can reap significant rewards in the future as the world continues to go online. Research indicates that the majority of consumer products and services will be purchased this way in the future.
In most careers and in virtually all jobs, income is limited by hours invested; typically, time and expertise are traded for money. Well-paid professionals earn salaries for their personal production. Owners of conventional businesses leverage resources through employees and contracted services while attempting to keep costs low. The ideal business is one that can create recurring revenues without creating recurring expense.
Real or not, all this sounds exciting and we start to see dollar signs all over the place, but what is the real scoop? Where is the money and what does it take to make it? What are the real advantages of doing business on the Internet?
Success on a Shoestring
If you know what you are doing and you are willing to do what it takes, you can start your own successful business on a shoestring budget. You can even run your business from your home. There are many ways that a Web site can be used to support your customers. However, if you want to keep customers on a long-term basis, you have a challenge to provide a personal touch and adequate support. Many people may only buy a product or service from you if they can’t find it locally. In addition, it may be difficult to gain the public’s trust. It can be done, but you need to know what you are doing.
Ok, so you want to do business with Martians. How much effort are you willing to put into your business? Where do you start?
1. Meet a need that isn't being met.
2. Create a demand.
3. Provide entertainment.
4. Start with a hobby you love.
Now the Martians are knocking at your door and Venusians are starting to take an interest also. How can you realize your fortune and establish an ongoing stream of income? The potential is huge, but you need to be patient and work hard and smart to realize the rewards.
It's time to educate yourself. Whether or not you are a business owner, come visit our Ecommerce SIG and learn what the future will bring.
Ecommerce SIG Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and are usually held at the Arden-Dimick Library at Watt and Northrop in Sacramento.
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David Larson
