Message From jl

Hi Everyone!

WELCOME to all of our new subscribers, this week! We truly appreciate you! "Trade Journal Subscribers are THE BEST!"

Whew! I don't know where to start, today. If I just start typing, I guess my brain will decide which of the stuff whirling around in it needs to be spit out.

I've added quite a lot of stuff to iCop's Extreme “Freebie” Directory. Don't forget to check it out regularly:

www.i-cop.org/freebies.htm

New Credit Card Laws

I ran across an article that explains the new credit card laws in the USA - and what the banks are likely to do to get around them.

That struck me as SO typical of business in this country. Try to control it, or regulate it, and that's just a signal for them to see how they can get around the rules and continue screwing over their customers.

It seems to simply be part of the game. So, it's no wonder this country has economically run amuck.

In any event, this is probably good information to have:

tinyurl.com/lzzyzn

It would certainly be nice if rules and regulations were unnecessary. But, humanity has a LONG way to go before that will ever be possible. Unfortunately, the ones who need the most control are the ones making the rules.

Ah, I see my brain is starting to spit out stuff we probably don't need to get into, today. So, let's go back to our ongoing articles regarding online business in today's climate.

How Do I Start an Online Business? Pt 3

Part 1 - www.OnlineBusinessTradeJournal.com/08-10-09.htm
Part 2 - www.OnlineBusinessTradeJournal.com/08-17-09.htm

Beginning an online business - or, even, updating one takes time, thought and planning. Today, we'll assume you would like to sell directly from the Web.

The following suggestions are truly mandatory if you wish to be successful ...

------------
Good evening jl,

You asked these questions:

If YOU were going to start working online for the first time TODAY,

1) What steps would you take?
2) What actions would your plan include?
3) How would you market?
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

If I were going to start an online business today I'd ask for help - only because I now know how very important it is to have a mentor.

As an absolute beginner, I may not recognize this.

I have mentored a few people who thought they wanted to start an online business. The first question I asked of them was "Why?"

Without a good answer to that, it's nearly impossible to take the next step in determining ...

What kind of business?

- a hobby business?
- a sideline/extra income?
- full time income endeavor?
- to sell tangible goods?
- to offer services?
- to sell intangible/info/ideas/software?
- other?

The answers would help determine how the online business would be presented - the platform:

- full elaborate website
- expert opinion newsletter for a fee
- blog
- membership site
- affiliate
- other

Next step?

Study, research, check every available existing similar business idea, look at other people's business models -

- determine if a real market exists with profit potential for the ideas in mind.

At that point in the process, a "GO or No GO" decision should start to become evident.

If "GO", and if I were still serious, I would hire someone with enough experience to complete the mechanics of creating the web presentation so that it looked professional, met SEO standards, had a secure merchant account or money collection system, etc.

While at the same time, I would seek legal advice to create a sound business structure that would minimize my personal liabilities, meet Federal and State requirements, minimize tax liabilities, register a business name (suitable for the image of the proposed business - the brand), and...

... these are just the highlights that come to mind.

There's a lot of detail missing here, stuff that would take a beginner untold hours to ferret out, study and learn, and put into practice.

There's no substitute for experience, no matter how it's acquired - using someone else's or doing it the hard way with all of the related pitfalls, failures and accomplishments along the way.

In summary, I would encourage a beginner to consider getting experienced help to assist in setting up their online business.

Regards,

Richard Rossbauer
www.richardpresents.com
------------

Richard hit on some of the things folks either don't consider, or assume are unnecessary for an online business. The problem is - they ARE necessary if you're going to successful.

The mental steps he takes you through MUST be taken unless you want to roll around from one thing to the next without direction or focus. You need BOTH to be successful!

He also mentions taking the steps to set up a legitimate business. I'm not going to argue this point, so sit down if you just jumped up to tell me that isn't necessary.

Let's put it this way ... MOST online businesses need to be set up like any business down on Main Street.

Beginning in 2011, in the USA all payment processors will be required to report your income to the IRS. If you're not set up as a business now, you may regret it later.

I'm not even clear on whether that means they report in 2011 FOR 2010, or if they START the reporting process FOR 2011.

The other reason is the way our minds work. When we have a real, registered business, we're MUCH more apt to work at it like a true business. Thus, we're more likely to be successful.

The good news is you can always go back and set up a business.

In fact, everything you need to know about deciding your niche and setting up a business is in my reports offered in the "Top Sponsor" spot today. AND, it's on sale - 33% OFF!

www.i-cop.org/products/business-sale.htm

We've covered questions 1 and 2 today and last week. Next week, we'll get more into the marketing aspects. Until then - if you haven't yet taken advantage of our free download, “The WOW Effect” you'll find a lot of marketing help in the ebook.

www.OnlineBusinessTradeJournal.com/dl/WOW.pdf

To be continued next week ...

Before I go ... Richard has an entire eCourse Directory you'll find interesting.

He offers FREE eCourses on a variety of interesting and informative fun, healthy and safe living, even some business and marketing topics - delivered to your eMail inbox at 2 or 3 day intervals. Don't be bashful - make your choices and sign up for as many as you wish.

www.richardpresents.com/eCourse-directory.html

Have a fabulous week and ... keep on keepin' on!

  jl

P.S. Do YOU have the iCop seal on ALL your web sites? Scammers abound in a depressed economy. You will need the credibility of your iCop membership NOW, more than ever!

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Thank You For Reading!  Have a Terrific Week!

Online Business Trade Journal™ is published solely by dr. jl scott, Director of the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop) and may not reflect the opinion of all iCop members.

Material in the "Leaving You With a Smile" column may be copyrighted by unknown persons.

We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in the Online Business Trade Journal™ is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this newsletter are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher.

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