It takes lots of energy: the energy that comes from constant creative thinking.

The greatest resource in *ANY* endeavor is creative imagination and the drive to put that creativity into action. The steps are presented as an action plan to channel your creativity.

(1) You need a game plan. Taking into account your initial budget, strengths and weaknesses, desires and goals, you should adopt both a short-range (3 to 6 months) plan and a long-range (6 months to 2 years) plan for your e-business. While it’s quite likely that there will be changes made in your plans as you get deeply involved in your new business, nevertheless, advance planning is important. And your objectives should be on paper, black and white, not just stored in your memory. Written objectives and goals help keep you focused and on target. Constantly refer to them.

(2) You need your business tools. Your business tools include all of the office supplies and equipment that you will require. Space to conduct business. If you will be home based, seek some privacy in the house or apartment. A spare bedroom is ideal. Some have converted a corner of the garage into office space. It money is tight look for bargains.

(3) Gather research and resource materials. The information e-business is a research business. In both preparing your products and sales strategy, you’ll be doing research. Buy books, subscribe to newsletters and magazines. Search the internet and subscribe to e-zines and newsletters. Also think about what you already know. Personal knowledge is a great source for material.

(4) Get intimately aquatinted with the Internet. Since the business is operated across the internet it makes since that you would want to know your turf.

(5) Imitate the experts. Do your homework. Get to know who the superstars are and observe what they do then do exactly what they do.

(6) Set up your record keeping apparatus. Good records tell you where you are and where you’re going. Success is in the numbers. Success also depends on how well you get to know your audience (customer).

(7) Choose your company name wisely. The name you hang on your fledgling new business can be a help or a hindrance. Think about it. Pick a business name that makes a positive statement about you.

(8) Choose your “title” carefully. The title you give (if you are publishing your own materials) your book or report is extremely important. A good eye-catching title will help increase your sales.

(9) Sell related items. Whether you publish your own material, but items for resale, or do some of both, make everything relate. This will encourage your customers to keep reordering, and that’s the backbone of a successful e-business.

(10) Advertising must appeal to emotions and not intellect. Intelligence and knowledge are primarily responsible for advancement of the human race. However when it comes to most individual “buy or no buy” decisions feelings and emotions usually are the prime motivators. Fact-filled copy alone won’t get the job done. Emotional appeals, and the promise of personalized benefits, will up your response rate far more than purely logical advertising.

(11) Use the K.I.S. S. approach. Web shoppers are definitely not stupid. They are well educated and well informed, and know exactly what he or she wants. While this is true, the simple approach still works best. Keep everything is easy to understand. Especially make it easy to place an order. (12) Communicate one-to-one. It is vital that the tone of communication is personal, and that the customer or prospect can relate to and believe what is being communicated. And that the need is being met, or the question is being answered.

(13) All new customers should quickly receive a follow-up email. Follow up an order with a request for another order.

(14) Over-deliver. Demonstrate the value of the customer by promising them more and delivering much more than they might expect. Leave no doubt in their mind of the value of your offer.

(15) Treat your customer information as though it was gold. It is! Don’t abuse it, and don’t allow it to be abused. Treat it with respect. Cultivate it so that it will reap an even bigger harvest.

(16) Use SBI.