Spy Routinely

Tracking your competition on Web is so much easier than it is offline, it's a wonder everyone isn't doing it. Doing so will give you a distinct advantage over all who do not.

Use Alexa which is free. Among other things, it reports visits to a site by other Alexa users. While likely not representative of all visitors, counts reported can be compared over time and changes noted. Clearly a surge in counts suggests an aggressive company is doing something right, and you need to discover what it is.

Track Link Popularity

Visit MarketLeap.Com Enter your URL and that of your competitors. You will see at a glance how many inbound links there are to each one. As above, an abrupt jump in links suggests company is doing something you ought to know about.

Take a giant step forward by checking sites linked to your competitors and arrange a link swap with them as possible. If need be, create a directory of links as a *service* to your visitors. Note emphasis here on benefiting your visitors, rather than your profits. (For further info about how to get this done, send any email to mailto:buildlinks@sitetipsandtricks.com )

Put A Magnifying Glass On Their Sites

A casual look at a competitors site is of little value. The better plan is to visit weekly and examine it closely, seeking to detect all changes. Even something minor can give you an important clue of benefit.

Be Imaginative

The whole of this topic was not covered above. For example, subscribe to your competitor's newsletters. Visit their forums regularly. There are a vast number of things you can check on.

Buy a product now and again. Or ask a friend to do so, if you've worn out your welcome. And somewhere in all this, get a handle on how they are handling complaints and returns. And their general level of customer support.

Continue to explore in every way possible. In increasingly hyper-competitive web world, big fish swallow up little fish at an ever increasing rate. You must be "biggest" to survive. Not biggest company, just best at what you do. Size matters hardly at all.

2. Table Of Contents: Just like a book, Business Plan has a Table of Contents for quick perusal.

3. The Company: This is a more in depth outline of company, what it does, how it’s organized, it’s goals, direction, history, tasks, profits, etc.

4. Products and Services: An in depth description of product or service. Basically, exactly what your business will be offering for sale.

5. Production: What is necessary to produce your product or deliver your service. This includes raw materials.

6. Marketing: A detailed marketing agenda including what and how you will advertise. You can take this straight from your marketing plan outlined in Marketing Section.

7. Competition: A complete evaluation of your competition and how your business will meet need in a different or better manner.

8. Obstacles: What hurdles will your business be met with? How will these hurdles be overcome? 9. Finances: Cost of set up of your business as well as day to day financial needs for overhead and marketing.

10. Milestones: This is future time line of your business.

These are basic elements of building your business plan. Begin by making a rough outline for each section and then build to a finished product. There are many books that offer guidance for these important planning steps. When you take time to plan your business your business will reward you with a long future of financial stability. So jump in and make your future happen today.