Your Questions About How To Do Business Online
Betty asks…
Can a minor start an online Business?
I’m wondering if it would be possible for me, as a minor, to start a business online where I sell merchandise over the internet. ARe there restrictions to that sort of thing?
Jere answers:
Hi,
It is possible. I just read a story of a teenager who built a very successful online business. Very inspiring indeed:
http://case-studies.sitesell.com/home-made-websites.html#NORI
Good luck to you!
Maria asks…
Which Websites Are Best To Advertise on To Get Business From Other Businesses?
I am advertising my stepfathers’ tow truck business online. He has been getting more calls from individuals and got business with one business on a regualr basis from this advertising so far. Which websites should I advertise on to get more business from other businesses? I have been advertising on sites like Craigslist and also business directories. Any advice is much appreciated.
Jere answers:
There certainly are business oriented forums, etc. Some that can be specifically targeted from Adwords or direct banner space buys. Whether a businessman has time to kill on these sites may be an issue.
The higher potential return from BtoB might justify more expensive campaigns, like direct mailing physical literature or calendars that stick around as reminders.
Linda asks…
Is something like Yahoo business a good way to start up a small crafting business?
Or is it better to use a site where many people are selling their items? I would like to launch a small craft selling business online and was curious if my best bet would be something like yahoo small business to put my things out there or if I should instead go onto one of those online marketplaces? Does anyone have any input or info. on this?
Jere answers:
Personally, for someone just starting out, I would recommend going with a free blog and a marketplace like Etsy or ArtFire.
If you join a marketplace, you have the chance that someone will find your crafts just by browsing and searching the main site. You can also find support in their forums. If you need something free, ArtFire does offer a limited basic membership.
The free blog is where you will do some of your marketing for your shops at the bigger marketplaces. I do recommend getting your own domain name for use with your blog. It gives your customers something easy to remember; and, it establishes a better identity for your new business. As you grow, you already have the domain and can build on it, eventually opening your own storefront if desired.
Keep in mind that even though you are using an online marketplace, you still need to market yourself just as much. The marketplaces help to speed things up a little, since they make it easier to get listed with Google Shopping, for instance. But, they are not a miracle solution. You will still need to find ways of advertising yourself both online and off.
Carol asks…
What do you wish you knew about starting an internet business?
If you wanted to start your own business online, what do you wish you knew in order to make it successful. What I mean by this is that if there are things you already don’t know. What questions do you have to help you in building your own internet business?
Jere answers:
Would like to know what is going to sell.
Sandra asks…
How should i respond to a relative selling stuffs online for the first time?
How should i tell my relative if I do not want to make a purchase online politely and still support my relative in the sales business online? Thanks, because she wrote this to me:
“If you have time, will you go to this website and see if there’s anything you would like to purchase?May I also ask you to let your friends know about my shop? “
Jere answers:
Just say that you took a look at it, but that there is nothing you need at this point, but you will continue to keep your eye out and visit regularly. Your relative should understand. That’s the way business goes. Some people will buy from you, some will not. They should be very aware of the fact, and it shouldn’t hurt their feelings at all. (assuming that’s what you’re worried about).
Tell your friends and people you know to give it a chance and look at it though. That’s the best thing for you to do.
Good Luck
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