Hi Linda, I am one of the newbies referred here and have decided I need to learn about the internet the right way. I have just been jumpimng into things to see how they work and realized the only way to learn and achieve anything is to listen to the people like you. I appreciate your information and who knows I might be the "Next" internet Guru. Thank you. Ted Gilbert Your Internet Business Journey Begins Here Advertising - Community - Training - Income http://www.route66-tmc.ws/index.html?110

Hi Linda, There are a lot of good answers to your question here. That's what I like about your forums - they help you THINK - something that is sadly lacking in the media and in schools these days. :) If I was setting up a business on the internet today, the very first thing I would do is develop and affiliate program. While the big guys were sitting in their towers spending fortunes on TV advertising and huge corporate salaries, I could charge less for the same products while paying affiliates a good commission for every product sold. This would give me the time to spend on public relations and also the freedom to raise or lower prices on individual products, create specials whenever I wanted, discontinue products that weren't selling, add new products that I want and when I want... Really, the list is endless, and that's what gives the little guy such an advantage over the big guys. We have personal, complete control over our own businesses. God bless, Dave

Hi: There's some great thoughts here... the draw to handmade items, instead of mass production (Peter, p1) the personal service (Winston, p1) more direct interaction with prospects (Rudy, p1) the projection of their own personality (Cheri, p1) little guy would have more leeway in pricing and sales (Deb, p1) offering something free - like a free ecourse or newsletter or report or even a sample. And most importantly, let people get to know YOU (Linda M, p1) I think Mom/Pop shops, Small Home/Family Business, etc have a better record of showing compassion and understanding for the clients/customers. They tend to be more willing to solve or address the concern. Big business are notorious in saying I'm sorry but there is nothing we can do. (Jack, p2) In addition to what it was said in here I believe that small businesses will win over big guys because of the closer relationship. (Bogdan, p2) this past Christmas I offered a one-on-one contact contract which offered a Christmas elf who did all their christmas shopping (Janise, p2) you will speak to the person that actually made the product and knows what they are talking about (John, p2) another point which is constant contact with your customers. This keeps your name or brand in their eyes (Frank, p2) The lack of red tape is a big advantage (Larry, p2) Dave said it very well when he said "We have personal, complete control over our own businesses. THAT is a fact. With big business, it's not the business owner talking to customers. It's a salaried employee that, all too often, is operating under "company policy" (ever heard the words "sorry, but that's the policy") With the environment created by working in a big corporation, the employee often (and quickly) gets to the point where they care more about the twice monthly paycheck than much of anything else. It's "just a job" and that shows. In one of my other threads, I mentioned that during the holiday shopping season, 45% of the billions of dollars in sales went to small businesses. The number one reason consumers cite for shopping at small businesses is more unique products the attitude of a small business owner. I think it was Erma Bombeck that once said we humans all walk around with a sign hanging around our neck. The sign says "make me feel important." I think small businesses do a better job of that than salaried employees of big businesses. Ted also added a good point... I am one of the newbies referred here and have decided I need to learn about the internet the right way (Ted, p2) Small business owners can look at their results and figure out if they're "doing it right" or "doing it wrong" and seek to learn what works. Just try telling a big business that they're doing something wrong. Any problem has to get to mammoth proportions before it's noticed, and then it will take forever to try make any changes. Big wheels move slow. : ) Linda

--------------------------------------------- Proof of Why it's So Darn Easy to Succeed Online. --------------------------------------------- But here is the main cause of why people don't. "Copying has become a national disease." - Donald G. Adams And most people copy the wrong people!

Hi all. I am completely new to this site and newby is an understatement. But the problem with copying from the wrong people is kind of like russian ruelette. You don't know who the wrong people are. From what I have seen, most of the "Guru" advice seems to completely contradict itself. I have decided to just take a leap of faith and work with just one marketing business. Once again, not sure if it is the right one. But you have to start somewhere. Feedback would definately be appreciated. Thanx.