__Are customers normally cautious about buying your type of product or service, even offline?

Many people are still naturally hesitant to purchase anything online. So if you're selling something that they normally hesitate to buy in real world, then your challenges are compounded.

For instance, some people don't think services of a financial planner are necessary -- they might only make an appointment with one due to persuasion on part of family or friends. They discuss their situation with financial planner and make a decision about whether or not they feel they can work together.

Now imagine if a financial planner sets up shop online. He claims that he's wildly successful, and offers to help manage your money over phone or by email. Most would probably hesitate to take him up on offer -- without actually *meeting* him, viewing his office, etc. it's harder to gauge his honesty or credibility.

__Is there a market for your product, at price at which you intend to sell it?

This is what it all boils down to. There must be sufficient demand for your product at a price that allows you to earn a reasonable profit after all expenses are paid.

Be aware, too, that some audiences just don't tend to use internet much -- or they use it sparingly. For example, you will have a hard time if you target a bunch of retired folks who are terrified of technology, or low-income families who may not have access to a computer.

Obviously nothing can guarantee success of a business. However, careful thought and research can help you to build a thriving online business.

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Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, a practical guide to building an Internet business on a shoestring budget. If you're tired of hype and just want solid, down-to-earth information, then visit us now -- and in moments you can have access to loads of instantly useable tips, specifically chosen for beginners! http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/article.html

You'll need to know who's doing what you're doing. Check out their Web sites, bookmark their URL, and enter names and contact details into your contact management program.

(Go to Better Whois, at http://www.betterwhois.com/ to get business owner's contact details.)

See whether they offer services or products which are complementary to yours. You might be able to form a loose partnership.

If it's appropriate, you could offer them a link on your Web site in return for a link on theirs. However, be careful with this. Don't go linking here, there and everywhere online for heck of it. Ubiquitous linking makes it look as if you don't know what you're doing.

==> Step Two: In what fields do you want to expand your client base?

When looking for prospective clients, think in terms of industries or professions.

If many of your clients are doctors, perhaps you want to contact more doctors, or perhaps you want to contact dentists or lawyers.

If you're a writer, maybe you've been targeting health and fitness magazines. What other interests and knowledge do you have? Perhaps you once worked for a construction company. Trade magazines pay quite well, so investigate construction magazines. Enter magazines into your database, and send editors a letter or e-mail message introducing yourself.

==> Step Three: Budget time for networking

Networking won't pay off with instantly, and too much networking can eat up a lot of time. So make a networking schedule for yourself.

If you're working in your small business fulltime, budget half an hour or so every couple of days for networking, or put in an hour a week. If you're a part-timer, try to put in a couple of hours a month.

==> Step Four: Don't be put off by a lack of response

If you send an e-mail message, and don't get a response, don't take it badly. Like most other people, I've got a rapid-fire delete finger, and I'm sure that occasionally I delete a valuable message by mistake. Blame it on spam circus that e-mail has become.

Don't badger people, but if you're not getting a response via email, send them a fax or a letter.

Start making online contacts today, and watch your business thrive!

***Resource box: if using, please include***

Veteran multi-published author and copywriter Angela Booth crafts words for your business --- words to sell, educate or persuade. E-books and e-courses for writers on Web site. FREE ezines for writers and small biz: http://www.digital-e.biz/