Starting an online business in essence is the same as just "starting a business." Your first step should be to review small business resources available locally. In the USA I attended a seminar sponsored by our state university Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Items covered included a local business start-up checklist, a Small Business Tax Education Program (STEP) packet from the Internal Revenue Service, local and state business guides and many other helpful hints on starting business, including local access to many valuable resources. In addition to the SBDC, most US cities have a SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)– a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration (both start online business assistance and a link to the SBA are available at www.Score.org). You should become familiar with the resources that are provided. Every government entity has a vested interest in promoting business growth – including providing resources for starting an online business.

Once you have determined the type of entity (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc) you may wish to be, you are ready to get some professional help. I ended up going to a prestigious local law firm and paid a lot of money for initial incorporation, setting up an S-chapter election and the review of my proposed initial business agreement (I started my business with a management training franchise). Today I would approach this differently – especially in starting an online business. For many reasons I would want my primary legal advice and support to come from professionals familiar with the nuances of online business today.

Here is one example why. The US Patent and Trademark Office is going through a complete transformation in recognition of the growth of ecommerce. My understanding is that future applications will have to be made online. I applied for online business trademark over two years ago and it still is pending. You need to have knowledgeable professionals representing your interests.

Before you make any final decision about your legal representation, check out the services offered at MyCorporation.com. You will find the professionals there familiar with the legal nuances of starting and conducting an online business as well as what you may encounter further down your pathway to cyber success. Further, I think you will be very pleased at how much you will save in start-up legal costs to complete your start online business mode.

In addition to the specifics of your business, you will also be doing any number of traditional business activities such as setting up a bank account, setting up credit lines, keeping records, paying your bills and just generally managing your business. You will need to do all these things in a professional, cost effective manner. In addition, you will need a good business plan and clear business strategy. Where can you get help in these matters?

I earlier mentioned the public resources that are available. In addition to that, there is some excellent help online. One of the best sources I have seen is at Meir Liraz's site. Here are just some of the subjects of his great archives of information:

It's all very useful reference material and sound advice. For example, click here to check out some of his recommendations for giving your online business a competitive edge. While you are there, take a look at his CD on managing a small business. It, along with all the other materials and advice he provides, would be a wise investment. Just remember to come back here -- because I have a very important recommendation that you should consider right now while you still are in your start online business mode.

Don't you agree that Meir has put together some great small business resources? Now for my recommendation. I know that your online business will either need a new website or an upgrade to the one you already have. Your website is critical to your success.

The following books are highly recommended by Jeff Levine and David Martin of Fortune Small Business: Small Business Kit for Dummies, How To Prepare and Present a Business Plan, and Where to Go When the Bank Says No.

Beyond the start online business details, you'll need a jump-start in the right direction to making sure your website will sell your products/services right from the beginning. Here is the very best way to do that: Click here and get a free trial version of Ken's acclaimed book on how to sell on the Internet -- it's the #1 rated guidebook to your success.

After reviewing his book you should follow up with one of his free courses -- either the Affiliate or Service Sellers Masters. I have taken them both and consider them the best, concise and accurate information about what you really must know -- and do -- to use your website to sell your products/services. I know. I've tried just about everything out there and Ken's words are right on the money!

I hope to see you again soon at some of our other pages.

Best of success in your new business venture,

President, Best Managers on the Net, www.BestManagers.Net, home of My Journal©

We are a business consulting, training and development company dedicated to helping good managers and their companies prosper by reaching for the top.