The Internet has leveled the business playing field.
Thomas Friedman, in his best-selling book The World Is Flat, details how several historical developments over the last century have ushered humanity into an age where people have more capacity, more opportunity and more resources to do what they want to do.
Gone are the days where to execute a business idea you would need to have a wealthy patron and a significant amount of luck.
Just take a look at today's pantheon of successful businessmen.
High-school dropouts, twenty-year-old computer nerds and average Joe's fill their ranks.
Most of these men trace their success back to the advent of the Internet.
But has the industry reached a saturation point? Are late-bloomers like us capable of getting a piece of the action or is just too late? One of the first principles of online businesses that you must realize is that it is never too late.
People thought that Hotmail was it.
The Internet had achieved the incredible feet of making sending letters a matter of a few clicks and there was nothing left for it to achieve.
Today, we look back at Hotmail as the vestige of an era gone by.
Facebook, Twitter, Skype and Gmail dominate the Internet communications market.
If you are keen on starting an online business, therefore, get rid of the notion that it is too late.
Never underestimate the potential of the Internet.
In the same breath, developing and running an online business must not be taken lightly.
While it is important to believe that the Internet still has room for new ideas, you must also realize that given the intense international competition out there, your idea must fly and your delivery must be impeccable.
Ask yourself a few questions.
Does your idea fill a vacuum in the industry? Your idea might be great.
But is it sellable? Can you build a business model around the idea? Are you simply taking someone else's idea and twisting it? If so, is this idea different enough to warrant an entirely new venture or will your competitor just beat you to it by adding a new feature? Before you even begin to think of investing in your idea, make sure it adequately answers these questions.
Once you have zeroed in on an idea that you are certain of, it is time to focus on its delivery.
Do some research on the intricacies of website design.
What colors are you going to be using and how will they enhance your brand? Get someone to write copy for your website.
A website is only as good as its content so make sure you focus on that.
It is also important to make your website functional.
A pretty looking website with great content is still ultimately pointless unless it provides ways for users to take action i.
e.
buy something, sign up, use your services and so on.
Finally, launch it.
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth.
Tell everyone you know about your new online business.
Challenge them to tell their friends and family.
Get the word out and watch your online business flourish.