But just like learning to swim, getting a brick-and-mortar or any other type of business online is best done one baby step at a time. There's no reason to rush out and get a website. There are already way too many deserted websites, sitting like abandoned cars on super information highway...gathering dust. The last thing world needs is another boring website whose only purpose is to sell something.

Here's what every business owner must realize: most people do not go online looking for something to buy. What web surfers crave most is INFORMATION. If you offer free useful information, you will draw a crowd. But if all you can offer is an order link and a payment form, don't expect a lot of visitors.

Think about how you can use technology to get to know your customers and prospects. Because just as in real life, it's all about relationships online. Putting up a website is only 10% -- other 90% is marketing, building trust, and cultivating relationships.

Once you have that straight in your mind, get your feet wet by looking at what your competition is doing. Find out where your prospects might look for information they need. Then figure out what free information or services your target market would find useful. Decide how you can give it to them at little or no cost to yourself. Then take plunge and do something. Start small, then add on.

Remember formula: Attract people to your website. Give them free stuff. Build credibility and trust through repeated contact. Then sell them something. This has worked for online businesses for years, and it will work just as well for brick-and-mortar business.

*** ================================================ ***

QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY THE BUSINESS PLAN

1. How much can I make? 2. How much can I lose? (including loan guarantees, opportunity cost, and non-financial considerations) 3. What is unique, innovative or technologically different? 4. What is perceived value of your product versus what your product actually does? 5. Why will everyone need your product or service? 6. What will happen to your customers if they don't buy your product or service? 7. Who says this is a good investment?

BUSINESS PLAN DO's AND DON'Ts

1. DO keep business plan as short as possible without compromising description of your venture and its potential. Venture investors are NOT patient readers. 2. DON'T over-diversify your venture. Focus attention on one or two key products or services. 3. DON'T have unnamed, “mysterious” people on your management team. A 'Mr. G. who is CFO of XYZ, Corp.' who will join your company later. 4. DON'T describe technical products or manufacturing processes with jargon that only an expert can understand. 5. DON'T estimate your sales on basis of what you can or would like to produce. 6. DON'T make ambiguous, vague or unsubstantiated statements. Be precise about market size, rates, etc. 7. DO involve your management team in preparation of business plan. 8. Do disclose any current or potential problems with your venture.

While a well prepared business plan is never a guarantee that your business will be funded, it can increase odds in your favor.

*** ============= PowerPoint Biz Plans ============= ***

These PowerPoint BUSINESS PLAN templates have raised MILLIONS!

o Five PowerPoint Business Plan Presentations o PowerPoint Guide for Your VC Pitch o BONUS - Sample Executive Summary

Click here and go to *order* button at bottom of page: http://www.ventureplan.com/powerpoint2.html

NOTE: This is a special offer for readers of this article.

*** ================================================ ***

Please feel free to pass this article, in its entirety, along to your associates.

Copyright 2002, Venture Planning Associates, Inc. ciates, Inc.