Online Business Success - How To Start an Online Business

For all of you who prefer to take a class in person I have some great news for you. Starting October 2nd this class will be offered in the Lansing, Michigan area. So if you are in the area, consider signing up.

You can find more details here.

I have no problem with shameless self promotion (as long as it's not annoying) so I've decided to promote this class everywhere I go.

So now, whenever I go to the store, or to the library, or to a meeting; I am showing the world what I do.

How does this affordable car advertising look to you?

How'd you like to have a business that's also a game?

Confused....well that's just what one couple in Colorado did.

You can read about it here.

Since this class is a new project for me now is the perfect time for me to order new business cards. I happen to be a business card fanatic. I am not sure why, but I just love them. I have a small collection of cards...probably about 100... and everytime I say that people look at me in a strange way. But it's not strange at all as business card collecting is a popular hobby.

Here are some tips I have for creating business cards:

• If you are a small (or one person) business don't worry about coming up with a title. A CEO of handmade gift baskets looks pretty silly. Instead, use the space to focus on what you offer.

• Make use of the back of the card. Some people suggest you include a discount or a coupon. If that doesn't work you can use the back to tell more about your products or services.

• Only list one URL on a card. Cards with multiple things going on look cluttered and unprofessional. If you start a new business, get cards for that business. It's very inexpensive and well worth it. Especially if your businesses target different audiences. Personally I have 3 different business cards because each thing that I do targets a different audience. Do I carry all 3 around at the same time? No but if I know I am going to an event that targets (x) then that's the card I carry.

• Get your cards professionally printed. Believe it or not, there is a difference in terms of quality. And also it's cheaper to do so both in terms of actual cost and opportunity cost.
  

I put a lot of work into this course and now it's finally available. I am excited to being phase 2 of my marketing strategy.

Here are some of the topics covered in the class:

• Online Marketing
• Offline Marketing
• Publicity
• Goal Setting
• Customer Service
• Online Business Basics
• Advanced Marketing Techniques

To ensure quality, the course has been reviewed by a committee.

From UniversalClass:

"This class has been officially reviewed by our Course Review Committee that scrutinizes course content and instructor participation. This course has received our Committee's highest rating: 4 stars"

I didn't always keep my business organized. I had papers here and there. I had receipts everywhere. I had emails all over the place. By the time I was at the end of my first year in business I was a wreck! I had to go through all these papers, files, and reports in order to be able to properly prepare myself for taxes. I vowed to never be that way again.

Here's an article that discusses how to keep your online business organized. Read it, you'll be glad you did.

So you are thinking about taking an online business course?

Here are some reasons that should help you decide whether or not it's something for you-

• An online business course allows you to learn at your own pace.

• You will save time & gas because you won't have to travel

• An online business course is available whenever you are

• No more waiting for office hours or setting appointments, with an online business course you can reach the instructor via email anytime of the day.
  

• An online business course allows you to learn in the format that is easiest for you.

Here's an article that cites more benefits of online learning