Chapter 1
Starting from Scratch
IN THIS CHAPTER
Recognizing when the time is right
Understanding the different types of online businesses
Gathering your thoughts and getting started
It’s sometimes difficult to remember a time when we didn’t have instant online access to almost anything desired, from finding a phone number for a new business (no phone book necessary!) to buying a hard-to-find bottle of your favorite wine (even if it’s located in a vineyard across the country!). The Internet has replaced or supplemented trips to the library, grocery store, travel agency, bank, auto dealership … the list is almost endless. You name it; there’s little you cannot find, access, or buy online. Behind each of these unique and convenient online retailers are entrepreneurs that started out just like you — with a good idea for an online business and the motivation to turn it into a reality.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that everyone from consumers to investors now recognizes the legitimacy of online businesses. It was once considered risky to shop online. But an Internet-based business model has proven to be a worthwhile investment time and time again, with the same potential risks and rewards ...
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