Online and Offline Business – Timeless Profit Concepts

Many online business owners claim there is a huge divide between online and offline small businesses.  They say there is little in common between the two.

I happen to disagree; and in fact, I believe they both have very much in common.  I would even go so far as to say they both have more in common than they have differences.

Let’s take a few moments and see how they are conceptually alike.  You might be surprised.

At least this might be a starting point of commonalities.  Let these 10 timeless business concepts sink deep into your mind and soul if you plan to do business online because they are foundational principles upon which there is little debate!

1. You have to actually sell something in order to make money online. Lurking at forums, posting and “shooting the breeze” on social media, emailing your family and friends, and playing Internet games won’t do it.

2. Take full and total responsibility for your own success or failure.  Sure, the environment and changing marketplaces certainly play a role; however, you can always adapt and modify what you are doing to keep you profits alive.

3. Every business, every market, every niche, every audience is different. What others do in their own business is no predictor or indicator of what you can or will do in your business.  Entrepreneurs bring varying skills, talents, and resources to the business table and others may succeed because of who they are and what they have where you may not.

4. Methods, markets, products, consumer preferences and times change.  Things related to selling and business always change.  Pay attention to the changes in your own business environment so they don’t overpower what you are doing.

5. Every business faces both minor hurdles and major obstacles. Successful business owners figure out how to get around each one and continue to move forward.  As the business owner, it is your job to solve the “obstacle roadblock.”  You don’t have to obliterate or smash the obstacle – sometimes the shortest road to success is a curved line between two points.

6. In many ways, YOU are the business. Especially in solo online business, your voice, your personality, your temperament, your consistency, and your persistence will be a huge factor in your success.  The faceless nature of Internet business presents some special challenges and often it pays handsomely to go out of your way to personalize the engagement between you and your audience.

7. Treat your prospects and customers the way you would want to be treated (think “the Golden Rule”).  Don’t assume you know what your audience wants … but do assume they want fair, honest, and open communication and treatment.

8. Testing, tracking, and modifying is the best way to determine how to grow and increase your business. Guesses, hunches, and spectator advice are for fools.  Online or offline, it pays to keep track of your successes and failures and always try to “optimize” what you are doing.  There is very useful software available to make this chore less daunting.

9. Let your business experience be a wonderful journey.  Never think of it as the destination.  Chasing and finally obtaining a set amount of money will never be satisfying.  As you reach a monetary goal you will most likely want more.  Take pleasure in the ride.

10. Life is a juggling act which includes family, friends, health, religion, education, employment, recreation, service to others, and similar priorities. Your business is no more important than any of the other pursuits you juggle.

I have some more business concepts that I’ll share with you another time.

To your online business success,

Steve Browne

www.SteveBrowneDirect.com