| E-commerce also known as on-line selling is the | | | | communication intimidate you. Listen and listen again to |
| simplest and least expensive way to start a business. | | | | what you are being told and if you don't understand, |
| Consumers today are looking for time saving and | | | | ask questions and then more questions. If this doesn't |
| convenient ways to shop. These two facts make | | | | work, ask the coach to send you written instructions |
| e-commerce an ideal business choice, but starting an | | | | by email or to show you an example of what he is |
| on-line store can present a real challenge to the novice. | | | | saying. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. |
| I have wanted to have a retail shop of my own for | | | | Remember you are learning. Do not be embarrassed |
| some time. Because my husband's work often calls | | | | or frustrated with yourself and do not get upset with |
| for us to move to new locations, owning a shop was | | | | your coach. |
| not practical, and since I did not want my shop in a | | | | Carefully chose what you will sell in your store and as |
| travel trailer, I began to consider E-commerce. We | | | | well as the name for your store. The product should |
| began by researching how to start an on-line business | | | | be something with which you have an emotional tie. |
| and found there are plenty of companies who are | | | | Maybe you like radio controlled planes, or hot sauce, or |
| eager to help you get started. My advice is research, | | | | you deer hunt. Because coffee shops and all the |
| research, research before deciding on one. | | | | types of coffees fascinate me, I chose to sell coffee. |
| After selecting an on-line company designed to help | | | | Whatever product you select to sell, the name of your |
| newcomers into e-commerce, the work began | | | | site should be descriptive of your product and not just |
| immediately. First, we put our reasons for wanting to | | | | some cute or sentimental name you like. You wouldn't |
| start an online business in writing. Writing down your | | | | expect to buy hot sauce from a site named |
| goal or mission statement is a must. To make your | | | | Strawberry Fields! Now register your domain and you |
| store a success you will need determination, hard | | | | are official. |
| work, good instruction and more determination. Read | | | | Your store is the heart of your site. Finding a |
| this statement every day before starting to work on | | | | drop-shipper who will work with you is most important |
| your website. Seeing your goal in writing will help in | | | | because the drop-shipper will be supplying the |
| moments of frustration. | | | | merchandise directly to your customers. Try to find a |
| As a beginner in e-commerce, I know it is imperative to | | | | drop-shipper who is interested in helping new |
| have good coaches. This means coaches who are | | | | merchants become established. Some even offer |
| available to help you when you need help. A truly good | | | | training. Here again research is vital. |
| coach is one who is interested in helping you not only | | | | Next, take your time writing the ad copy for your |
| because it is his job, but also because he cares about | | | | products. This is where descriptive writing is important |
| you, his customer. I have found that a caring coach will | | | | (Remember those descriptive essays in high school |
| make all the difference in how you succeed in the task | | | | English class.) Since your customer cannot see or |
| of building your site. Your coaches will be invaluable to | | | | touch what you are selling your words are what will |
| you. No amount of videos can take the place of good | | | | sell the product. Good images are vital also. They will |
| coaches. | | | | help build an emotional link between the customer and |
| Learning the jargon of any new job is a challenge. I find | | | | the product. Emotion plays a huge part in selling. Your |
| when working with people who are very | | | | customer must want the item to buy it. |
| knowledgeable in their field that often times they have | | | | Making a decision to start a business may be a major |
| difficulty communicating with someone just learning. | | | | decision for most of us. Choosing E-commerce as the |
| This is often because the novice doesn't understand | | | | stage for your business will be one decision you will |
| the language being used. Computer terms are often | | | | not regret. |
| confusing to the newcomer. Don't let a problem with | | | | |