Start by asking yourself: "Why do I need a web site? What will it accomplish for my business?"

The biggest mistake you can make is to build a Web site that doesn't do anything for you. This may seem obvious, but too many companies build Web sites simply because they believe it would be neat, or because their competitors have one. Without a real purpose, a Web site is just a complete waste of time.

By way, there is always a good purpose for starting a web site - you just have to discover it. Just look at all great things that will happen to you when you start your own web site:

- Your business will be open 24 hours a day. This means you won't have to stay open on Thanksgiving or Christmas day. If you live on East Coast, people from California will still be able to shop in your store after you close. Any time someone wants to know your hours, location, directions, or any other details about your company, they can get it without disturbing you.

- Low staffing costs. When you have a web site, you can offer your products and services without hiring any extra employees. You won't have to spend any resources on compensating or insuring your new staff members and still be able to maintain same level of sales and customer service.

- Gain thousands new customers. Because anyone in world can see your web site, you will gain customers from other states and countries while you are putting in same amount of effort and money.

- Create an image of a well established company. The Internet is a great medium through which you can create any image of yourself you want. It is all in your hands: design a professional web site, add helpful content, and your company will immediately take a step up in image it represents. No matter how small your business is, with right tools and a great desire you can make it look like a corporation on Web!

- Save on postage and printing costs. Think of how many cards you mail out to let customers know about your sale. All of that can be eliminated by putting sale information on your web site and inviting your customers to visit it. You can collect your customers' E-Mail addresses and keep in touch with them about special events in your store via E-Mail.

- Unlimited advertisement. If you ever advertised in a local newspaper, you know costs. You are being charged per line, per inch, and per color. On Web, there is no limit to how much you can put. You can add pictures, articles, newsletters, rates, product images and so much more! With just one web site, you can have almost unlimited advertisement for same low monthly cost (under $25 a month!)

- Improve communications. If you have employees or suppliers, your web site is best way to communicate between you and them. Changes take effect as soon as you post them on Web, and everyone can see updated information without having to wait for a new database of products, and without contacting you directly.

Check your Personal Foundation. Make sure you are ready mentally, emotionally and financially to begin your new venture. -- Make time. -- Budget your income. -- Create balance in your life. -- Know your strengths, weaknesses, top 5 values and needs. -- Order a copy of your credit report. -- Choose your ideal business.

Get organized. Any new business venture will go more smoothly if you know right from start what you have to offer, who you want to offer it to, and how you want your business to be organized. -- Read a few books on business start-ups and marketing http://www.coachmaria.com/businessbooks.html. -- Check need for your services. -- Prepare a business plan and ideal client profile. -- Price your service or product. -- Develop a customer service policy. -- Create an Operations Manual. -- Plan for your office - location, supplies, utilities, and set-up fees.