For newbie, skepticism will hopefully lead to research and clear thoughtful evaluation before doing anything online, especially when evaluating and product or service.

Here are 9 steps for newcomer to take when evaluating anything, i.e., being skeptical:

* Read sales copy and identify features and benefits that fulfill immediate and long term needs

* Go to Google and find other sites with similar products and repeat step 1

* Compare features and benefits of all products that are being evaluated

* Compare prices

* Email site owner and inquire about their guarantee is or ask about any features that are unclear. (Their response time will also give you an idea of their credibility.)

* Consider who referred product site and/or visit sites of people who have written testimonials and see if they look credible

* After choosing product that will be purchased, go to any well traveled forum and post a message asking if anyone could give you feedback about product you are evaluating

* Check out sites of people that respond to forum post...don't listen to just anyone!

* Go back, re-read sales copy and ensure that product fills every need that is present ...newbie should ask him/herself, "Does this product fix my immediate problem and will it be something I can benefit from for long term based on my business plan?"

Newcomers to Internet marketing should always be skeptical about everything and evaluate with an elevated sense of logic rather than emotion. For newbie, this skeptical yet sensible approach will save time and money, something a rookie desperately needs in order to survive online.

Author, "9 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid When Starting An Online Business" Publisher, "Starting Smart!" e-zine

Starting an online business

3.Do not place your advertising directly beside any major competition. Doing this will only give you a 50% chance of success; lower if they are already long since established. Satisfied customers rarely use new competitor’s service.

4.Try to market your prices at a better bargain than your competitors with added extra values. Sometimes it is all about appearance of things.

5.Assess your competitor’s success rate. Learn what they are doing that is so great and offer something better or at a more reasonable price. These are just some of things that you can do to present yourself in best light possible when dealing with your competition. Of course nothing beats putting yourself in your consumers’ position. You must think of what you would like in a retail outlet so that you can best compete in market. You should also keep your eye on their marketing and promotional techniques because it will help you to keep up with them better. All of this stuff should be placed directly in your business plan if you want to show that you are prepared for tasks and potential problems that can arise. You will want to know how competition is faring in market also. You do not want to get into a market that is already unsuccessful. You must assume that if your competition is doing badly, that market isn’t as good as you may have hoped. Naturally you should double check your information because it is possible that your competition may just not be meeting current demand properly. If this is case, then you should look for best way to meet need in a better manner.