An Online Work At Home Business Is A Real Business – Really?
Author: Craig Ritsema
I suspect that far too many people fall into the trap of thinking that an
online business is easier to start and run than an offline business. It is
possible that an online business could require less money up front to start but
I’m not convinced less work is an option – unless you have that so-called
“magic selling” product.
Most people starting out with an online business probably do not fully
understand what they are getting involved with. They understand the internet,
and that they can pretty much access the world from their PC. So then maybe it
is true that if one starts an online business by setting up a website then the
whole world will see it and buy from it - Right?
Unfortunately this kind of thinking leads many people into a trap, and they
fall victim to many online opportunities which are promoted as “Easy Money”.
Trust me, if it was easy money they would be making it without you.
Maybe it is easier to understand by comparing an online business startup with
an offline business startup.
You don’t want to spend much money with startup costs, so you begin a business
from your basement or garage. This would be similar to getting your own domain
name or website in the online environment. Initially all you have is an online
name with very little content.
Next, your offline business needs a product or service to sell. People are not
real likely to just stop by and drop off money without getting something in
return. An online business needs a product or service to sell also.
“Opportunity” itself is not a product. Direct marketing (an offline business)
used this same business model – they sold products as well as offering an
opportunity for one to make an income generating business.
Ok, so now we’re legal and have our business started with a good product or
service offered. Does the money flow begin now? Not really, since very few
people will know that your business exists. You’ll need to do some advertising
to make people aware of your business. An online business is very similar.
You’re going to need to promote your website so that others will know you are
out there.
As your offline business begins to grow, you’ll find the need to bring on other
resources to assist with the additional business. You may also outgrow your
space or need space with better accessibility for more people. An online
business will also require more resources as it grows. More often the needs of
an online business are “digital” or “electronic” versus the “physical” needs of
an offline business. However, most of these “electronic” products or services
have associated costs.
The point of this comparison is simply that an online business does not simply
succeed overnight. Sure, there are always exceptions, but most new businesses
take time and effort to succeed. If anyone tells you differently, then be
careful! Don’t be too quick to pull out the credit card.
An online business can be very rewarding just as an offline business is for
many people. Just be realistic as you approach it.
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