It is not uncommon to hear fabulous success stories from internet-based companies. We all know about the Amazon.coms, Googles, Ebays, Yahoo!s, and all of these other popular websites that sell goods or services. The dotcom boom took place in the early 1990s and many internet companies went bust due to a poor reception from the public. Today’s consumers are a great deal savvier than they were in the last decade, and internet-based businesses are back in full force.
One mistake common to the dotcoms that bombed shortly after forming was lack of leadership and poor business plans. Everyone saw the potential in this new and intriguing forum, but no one quite knew what to do with it. Since no one had ever run an internet business, CEO's attempted to run them like traditional stores. Although you may sell the same products or services as a traditional brick and mortar store, there is a great difference in the approach to running an internet business. However, in the field strewn with failed businesses of the past shine many small e-business success stories.
The “mom and pop†businesses have taken the internet in stride. The family run e-business is finding a great deal of success on the internet whereas it may have struggled in a traditional store. Furthermore, e-businesses can be run out of the comfort of your own home, allowing individuals to keep their commitments and responsibilities while working towards developing a fantastic e-business. Just because your e-business may be small, thinking small will be the most detrimental to your enterprise. Surely the founders of Amazon.com did not think small when they founded the online store, and neither should you. It may be difficult to keep that professional attitude when you can go to work in your robe and slippers, but strive to keep that level of professionalism that goes along with traditional businesses. Starting your own small e-business is a huge undertaking and should not be taken lightly.
One such example of a entrepreneur who worked hard to develop a successful and profitable e-business is Sandy Stevens of Sandy’s Home-style Baking Company. Being able to channel her love of baking and sweets into a viable career, Stevens has experienced a great deal of success over the short time her e-business has been running. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Stevens has found herself shipping her sweet treats all over the continent to a wide array of incredibly pleased clients. Stevens had worked out of her home in the past, but the jump into the unfamiliar realm of cyberspace was new. Working with web designer, Stevens was able to have a professional develop her thoughts and ideas into a professional website that promotes her baked goods to a world-wide audience. Additionally, Stevens chose to advertise with popular websites such as Yahoo! and Google to further promote her website. Stevens likened internet advertising to traditional forms of advertisement such as newspaper or yellow pages ads. Whereas these print types of advertisements can be quite costly, especially for a developing business with little money to spare, internet advertising is a great deal less expensive for more coverage. Instead of a pricey $2,000 a month for a full-page yellow pages ad, Stevens was able to promote her business all over the internet for a mere $500.
Stevens’ story is an inspiration for anyone wishing to start their own business. Using something as simple as a passion for baking, Stevens was able to create a home e-business that is both successful and enjoyable. Regardless of her business savvy, technical know-how, or marketing experience, Stevens was able to channel her passion and seek help from outside sources to create her dream job. When it comes time for you to develop your small e-business, try to incorporate things you love and your business will surely be a success.
