Finding and Qualifying Potential Business Partners
As the internet business environment continues to grow there will be more and more opportunities for business ownership. Many of these online businesses are legitimate and can be excellent opportunities for someone wishing to have their own business. However, there are also many opportunities for business ownership online that are scams.
How do I know if this opportunity is "the one"
Chances are you received some advice when you were younger that will help you analyze if this opportunity is "the one" not. Remember when your mom or dad told you if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is? Well, that advice holds true for business opportunities. There is no free lunch, money doesn’t grow on trees or spontaneously happen with a few clicks of a mouse.
That said there are some tremendous online business opportunities that can allow you to get into business for yourself. There will be work involved, probably a lot of work, but if the type of work is something you enjoy the chances are it won’t seem like that much work.
Potential Internet Businesses or Low Cost Start Ups
Freelance Web Designer, Contract Accountant, eBay Business, Discount Sales Outlet, Graphic Design, Contract Paralegal Service, Personal Chef, Financial Planner, Life Coach, and many, many more.
I know this guy who says……
We all have a friend who knows what the next great thing is going to be and just needs some money or talent and time from you to make it big time. It can be difficult to know if the opportunity that is presenting itself is "the one" or is just another failed get rich quick scheme. If Bill Hewlett or Dave Packard would have asked you to invest some money or come work for them for little salary but lots of stock would you have done it? What about the friend you have who asked you to open a coffee stand on the corner 15 years ago and buy some stock in a company that was going to sell coffee? Starbucks, what kind of company is that?
Is the business legitimate?
What kind of product or service is the business providing? Is it something that people can use that will add value to them in some way? What are the prospects that this business will be around in 10 years? Can I see myself doing this in 10 years? Why does this interest me other than the chance to make some money? Is anyone else proving this product or service yet? Is there room in the market for another player?
Is the person who is recruiting you or your money reputable?
Who do they know that are currently doing what they are proposing? Do they have any references to support their claims and validate their experience? How much up front money is required? What will the upfront investment be used for? Are you at a place in your life where you can afford the risk financially? Personally? Professionally?
Trust Your Gut
Although there isn’t a lot of scientific data to back up that feeling you have about something, learn to trust yourself. If the opportunity seems to be feasible, study it and the data you uncover will answer the ultimate question as to whether this is "the one" for you or not. Ask the above questions and make a list of positives and negatives and see how the list stacks up. Remember to be optimistic, planning for the worst case, and hoping for the best case.
Posted on December 11th, 2007 in E-Commerce and E-Business, Starting a Business |
