I need a successful online business mentor

[Lynn 007]

That's it.

I have finally decided on my first theme for a website which really excites me. Since I consider my theme fairly new and emerging I need to bounce some ideas off those with more experience instead of relying solely on my instincts and positive feedback from family and friends.

My site will provide value to help consumers make informed decisions on products they use on a daily basis. I will have an online shopping cart through my site or links to manufacturers and eventually I see the need for an app I would need to find out how to make (or hire a developer).

Please PM me to discuss in confidence.

Thanks
Lynn

[danthony]

It sounds like you are on right track. Have you done research that you will be in a buyer's market without too much competition. I recommend you check out Google's external keyword tool to get started. That's the foundation of a workable and profitable brand i'd say.

[Lynn 007]

Thanks danthony

I was overwhelmed when I posted this and I know it won't be the first or last time I have that feeling.

I had been mulling online business ideas in my head for the past few months and eureka something came to me in my sleep that solves a problem, creates value and is something I feel strongly about. The timing for my niche market just "feels right" and there is a huge demand for general information but zero competition for my niche so I'm on the right track. Additionally, I'm part of the demographics that would visit my site so I know what would really help me as a consumer.

I have stepped backed, took a deep breath, looked at the big picture, made an appointment with a government small business consultant regarding registering a business, permits and licenses needed, tax forms etc. I have found a solution.

As the saying goes Rome wasn't built in a day.

Lynn

[danthony]

Good for you Lynne in taking action. I can help answer any questions if you keep posting on this thread. My other advice to you would be to not try to get all your ducks in order. I know people that have said they will start a business when they get their ducks in order - 10 years later they have still done absolutely nothing and work under people and take crap all day long.

Concentrate more on driving revenues, building a systemized business and grat customer value, the rest will fall in place as you go along.

[Lynn 007]

Thanks danthony

I'm determined to make this a success as I've had other ideas in the past and didn't follow through with them only to see a few years later someone else come along and make a nice profit off them. The difference is they followed through and took action and I didn't.

I've just returned from my meeting with the small business government rep who provided me with the proper documentation I need to register my business; provide me with details how to get my business permit number which allows manufacturers to offer me wholesale pricing and how I submit taxes on any items purchased in my store. She also invited me to a free seminar on starting an online store.

As luck would have it there is a huge trade show/conference in my market in the middle of April so there will be a lot of contacts to be made there especially ones who fit my niche.

Once my business is registered and I have all my paperwork in order I can confidentaly contact manufacturers to discuss doing business. My goal is to have all of that in order before the trade show.

Then it's on to building the website. I do have SBI but the in house templates they have are not the greatest and I am not experienced in creating my own pages so will elance the work out for someone build it for me so my site aligns with the look and feel I want.

Thanks for your feedback.

Lynn
ps - really enjoy your blog some pretty solid financial advice there.

[danthony]

Thanks Lynn, you really sound to be on the right track. Keep up the good work and look forward to hearing more about your business.

[simonementor]

Hi Lynn 007

You sound like you have a pretty good idea of where you want to be with things. Have you tried some of the places that do things for five dollars to help with your more technical issues, I have used some of these in the past and they are quite good

[Lynn 007]

Thanks Simonmentor. I have looked at both fiver and elance but I think my route is going to be shopify. It looks very simple to set up, manage and I think it is exactly what I need to start out.

Although I have paid for two SBI accounts and the information is valuable, it isn't the best for e-commerce (IMHO).

Things are rolling along smoothly for me and my new venture. I've been in touch with a number of manufacturer's who are willing to work directly with me and I have a second appointment on Friday at 10:00am with the Director of Sales of a large manufacturer who carries quite a few products for my niche market. We are trying to figure out how to hook up my website order page to theirs on the back end without hiring a programmer.

I've proposed a solution which I think would be win/win so I'll hear on Friday if they agree to it. If they don't agree, no big deal, I will find another way - it will just be a bit more work for me.

I'm still in the process of collecting marketing material, product photos, descriptons along with brainstorming ideas for the blog portion of it.

Although my site will not have anything to do with PD (except my own). I will be sure to share my site here as I've always gained such valuable and constructive feedback from forum members.

Thanks for taking the time to offer suggestions, I really appreciate it.

Lynn

[danthony]

Look forward to seeing the site with your theme and personal touch.