How Do I Evaluate An Internet Business Opportunity?

“What are some of the questions that someone should use to evaluate an online business opportunity? Or should one start with the idea of marketing one’s own expertise, and develop additional services based on what people who want and need one’s expertise, also want and need in addtion?” – Chuck Hartman, Iowa

If you are looking for a way to make money online, and who isn’t, the best place to start is with what you know. Yes, there are too many online businesses that you can sign up for that will are billed as instant profit centers. These run the gamut from selling vitamins, to gifts, to selling phone services. Can you make money by tagging along with someone elses online business?

I’ve been marketing online and helping small business owners with their online marketing strategy for almost a decade and I have yet to hear of a single person who has actually made a profit by signing up for one of these online businesses. Questions to ask in evaluating an online business might include:

– How will I market the business?
– How wil l differentiate my online business from all the other people doing the same thing?
– Do I know enough about marketing this business to make my e-store more frequently visited than all the others combined?
– Given my responses to these questions, what is the true profit or loss potential associated with this business venture?

As a rule, I suggest most people who are looking for an online business idea avoid joining the typical dubious business ventures commonly marketed online. Instead, learn how to market your knowledge or passion and turn it into a profitable small business. I show you how to do this in The 5 Principles of Highly Effective Marketing manual. Order your copy to get your small business marketing plan in gear. – Charlie Cook