Starting an Online Business For Dummies®, 6th Edition

Chapter 3. Choosing and Equipping Your New E-Business

In This Chapter

• Drawing up a plan for your own successful online business

• Understanding your options: Sales, services, auctions, hike!

• Making your cybershop stand out from the crowd

• Obtaining or upgrading your computer and other hardware

• Assembling a business software suite

Starting your own online business is like rehabbing an old house — something I'm constantly doing. Both projects involve a series of recognizable phases:

• The idea phase: You tell people about your great idea. They hear the enthusiasm in your voice, nod their heads, and say something like, "Good luck." They've seen you in this condition before and know how it usually turns out.

• The decision phase: Undaunted, you begin honing your plan. You read books (like this one), ask questions, and shop around until you find just the right tools and materials. Of course, when the project is staring you down in your own workshop, you may start to panic, asking yourself whether you're really up for the task. Don't worry: you are!

• The assembly phase: Still determined to proceed, you forge ahead. You plug in your tools and go to work. Drills spin, sparks fly, and metal moves.

• The test-drive phase: One fine day, out of the dust and fumes, your masterpiece emerges. You invite everyone over to enjoy the fruits of your labor. All of those who were skeptical before are now full of admiration. You get enjoyment from your project for years to come.

If rehabbing a house doesn't work for you, ...