Customer Reviews

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business: With Companion CD-ROM

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How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business by Beth Williams paints an honest picture of exactly what you need to do to start your own web-based business. There's a lot more to it than just sticking some products up on a web site and hoping they sell.
This book provides you with all the steps you need to follow, things you need to consider, advantages and disadvantages of a web-based business, resources and where to find them, and probably just important things you shouldn't do. Reading it almost makes me what to start my own web-based business. The knowledge to do so is included in this book with all the resources included. Various helpful web sites such as web sites for payment options, Better Business Bureau, and drop shippers, are listed throughout the book and compiled conveniently at the end.
This book is definitely a must-read for anyone who is considering starting a web-based business. The author details all of the many things to consider when embarking on this adventure that I would have never thought of until I read this book.

Mass amounts of goods are purchased daily online, making Web-based businesses an exciting part of today's commerce structure. In fact, a study indicates that by 2010, sales should reach $329 billion.

This book starts out addressing this potentially lucrative virtual business opportunity, its history and its role today. In the first section, readers can discover if they have what it takes to open and operate a financially successful Web-based business before they discover how to get started. The second section helps readers uncover the niche business that's best for them, and then delves into business-based tasks such as creating a business plan, naming and then legalizing a Web-based business.

Once the formalities are covered, readers learn what it takes, physically and financially, to launch a cyberspace-based business. The book touches upon federal and state taxes, pricing and return policies, and what not to do. This how-to guide walks readers through deciding whether or not to design a site independently or hire it out, deciding who handles the content, then covers various security issues pertinent when running a virtual store.

Other topics addressed that will be valuable to Web-based business endeavors include whether or not to use search engines, marketing the Web-based business and garnering repeat customers and a steady flow of traffic to the site. The obvious bonus to this book is the valuable CD-ROM that accompanies it, which contains all of the forms found in the book, as well as a pre-written, editable business plan in Microsoft Word format. With e-commerce expected to reach $40 billion and online businesses anticipated to increase by 500 percent through the year 2010, this book will help guide readers through the requirements to be successful online.

Usually when I think of a web based business I immediately think of get rich quick schemes, at home data entry scams and other frauds. However the author realizes that I'm not alone in my first reaction. Ms. Williams starts off making sure the reader knows that she isn't about to give out any secrets to getting rich instantly. Instead of get rich stories the reader is given the opposite and reminded of the dot com boom and crash not so long ago.

The reader is encouraged to treat their web based business like any other business. Once the reader is given a reality check the author takes their hand and guides them how to start their business. She helps the reader decide on their niche to narrow down business ideas and explains how to write a business plan.

The reader really gets a step by step explanation, and therefore it is a really good book for someone who knows absolutely nothing about the business process. Those who are well versed in setting up a business or who already have a small business but want to go online, would find this book less helpful. So the book isn't for everyone. As I was reading I was glad to be mothered by the author, as she held my hand explaining everything. But if I knew anything about business then I probably would not appreciate mother as much. However, if one wants someone to hold their hand through the entire process of setting up their business then this definitely the right book.

I just finished reading this book and I couldn't be more disappointed. The information presented is very basic and lacking details. Anyone with a few years experience in business will know most of the material in this book. I hate to write a negative review, but in the end I feel that I wasted my money. The book reads more like a book report and while it gives an overview of all the things you need to consider for a web-based business, very little of it goes deep enough to be useful. There are also numerous URL's referenced in the text, which are cumbersome to type. Why not have a companion website or include the links on the companion CD? Also, the companion CD is of very little added value. I expected the CD to be full of useful templates for my web-based business. No luck there! Save your money and don't buy this book unless you are very, very new to business and a light overview is what you need.

In today's active and technological society, web-based business are incredibly commonplace. Online shopping is a particularly popular and hot commodity. This being said, web-based businesses are extremely lucrative and forward moving ventures. This is, by far, easier said than done. However with How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business, readers are taken on a simple step-by-step tour on this journey, from start to finish and everywhere in-between.

Also included are invaluable resources, websites, does and don'ts of the web-based business world, and enough information to answer any possible question that may arise, while pursuing a web-based business of your very own. How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business will quickly and easily become an asset that will be referred back to repeatedly.

Written in a clear, concise and informative way, this is a book that will not bore the reader to tears, yet will fill them with unforgettable and knowledgeable information. The internet currently is and will even be more so, in the future, an irreplaceable and continuous revolution that is sure to take over the business world.

In addition to this insightful book, the companion CD-ROM contains important forms and documents that are talked about throughout the book, as well as business plans that can be easily used in Microsoft Word. As internet businesses become more prominent and widespread, many will be looking to this option more and more. How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business is the perfect guide to take you every step of the way.

Highly recommend for anyone looking to venture into online business.

How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business is a legitimately useful guide to making money as an Internet entrepreneur. Unlike many sources of `advice' for making money on the web, Web-Based Business gives the reader a complete set of tools in order to make a real business work. Author, Beth Williams, goes into extensive detail including everything from choosing a business name to promoting your site once it goes live. I found some helpful tips even for improving my own blog.

The book got off to a strong start and was engaging, especially when discussing the preliminary decision-making process necessary before starting any business. The text became a little dry in spots, which considering the topics (like the tax differences among various business structures) was forgivable. Some of the tax information could have also contained a little more in the way of explanation. For example, the section on excise taxes was vague, stating that it only applies to, "certain types of businesses," that "manufacture or sell certain products." It would have been nice to get some idea of what those businesses or products were. I found a couple of minor inconsistencies or inaccuracies. For instance, Williams says that Skype is free for Verbdate members, when in fact in can be downloaded for free by anyone. The index was a little off as well, which made it a little challenging to go back and search for information.

Williams handled some of the more technical aspects of setting up a web-based business well. I particularly liked the web-design chapters and found the information helpful without being over my head.

Overall, the book was well done, pretty well researched, and engaging to read. There were a couple of flaws, so I'd give it 4 stars out of 5 and would recommend it, although, be prepared to do a little more digging on your own.

A celebration of business life itself! Beth Williams gives a bright picture of what you can achieve starting up your own business in the Net. The Web has become an integral part of our life. No wonder so many people began their exciting and often hazardous undertakings dealing with hundreds or even thousands of customers! With the books like this, it seems simply unreasonable to be in some other business.
For those who think of buying this book and rely on the opinions `voiced' in the reviews like mine, I'd like to say that the whole deal is not a piece of cake. Although the author states the beginning of your own web-based business will be smooth, the Mittelspiel and Endspiel of the preparations could really exhaust you. As usual, you will face lots of paper work, legal issues, funding, security, and marketing problems. So, that's up to you to decide if you will cope with all the difficulties that are on the way. But if you are still hesitating, grab the book and start reading! You will soon jump up from your cozy armchair and, with your tongue dry, set off to realize your new goal.
I like this kind of books. They are highly inspirational and give food for thought. Last time I read something like this, I thought of becoming a realtor -- now I think of launching a web-based business with my brother. Frankly, I've never heard of a man saying, "This and that book showed me how to become prosperous". However, I AM SURE this book will help me! I know there are other books, but this one was the first I read, so I have chosen it to be my guide. If I succeed, I will let all of you know.
A web-based life and work is not VIRTUAL, it's REAL!

Haven't we all had dreams of working from home in our pajamas, being our own boss, with no one to answer to but ourselves? Dreams like these can become reality, according to Beth Williams. She is the author of How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business; a guide that can get you on the fast track to launching a website for your already-established company or guide you through the processes of parlaying your business idea into a marketable force on the internet.
With a significant rise in internet-based sales each year, businesses have recognized the importance of having a website for their merchandise. Williams details the brief history of web-based businesses, and explains how the upcoming "dot com boom" will learn from the past mistakes made during the first boom in the early nineties. She asks readers insightful questions about their web-based business intentions, which requires anyone reading the guide to be honest about their intentions. Are you serious about establishing a successful business, or are you having fanciful thoughts of never having to wear your business attire, or tolerate the daily grind of commuter traffic? After making it through Beth Williams's question and answer session, readers will know where their true intent lies.
In no way does Williams lead us to believe that this guide is a magical link to web-based business success; she continuously reminds us that this endeavor will require much forethought and perseverance. Just because you may have the desire to own and operate an internet based business, certainly doesn't mean you have the tools you need for it to be successful. This 290 page guide illustrates that there are MANY steps and concrete planning that must take place before establishing yourself in the web-based business world. Williams discusses how to find your "niche", and gives practical advice on how to determine if there is a legitimate market for your idea.
This guide is a stellar handbook for anyone looking to initiate a web-based business, because Williams covers every aspect of launching and running a site. If you are not computer savvy, Williams offers suggestions and explains how to find a professional web designer, and how to use templates to create web pages. With the right idea, anyone can have a profitable website...even those who have basic computer skills. Exceptional and creative ideas are also offered by the author to enhance your webpage once it has been established; ideas that are insightful and easy to implement.
This book achieves a rating of four out of five stars, and should be considered a vital guide for any entrepreneur wanting to expand their business or ideas onto the internet.

Beth Williams `How to Open and Operate a Financially Successful Web-based Business' is an insightful compilation of ideas and plans of action for anyone who wants to put their business online. This book is chocked full of useful information such as creating a winning business plan to doing your own advertising. All this and more is located in this one comprehensive book. This book is detailed, well thought out and easy to read. Williams's poses hard reality based questions asking the reader why they are starting their business and how to take an existing business online. Everything is right here from start to finish in this systematic book.

Williams will guide you through creating your own website, using search engine strategies, how to find products and so much more. By displaying the advantages and disadvantages to having a web-based business, the author gives the reader lots of food for thought. There are no get rich quick schemes here. It is all reality based and laden with facts and evidence of success. Williams gives numerous examples throughout the book on how to ensure profits and stability, finding your niche and how to flaunt it. She continuously points out that with hard work, a bit of money, time and perseverance and you too can succeed in your own web-based business.

For anyone who is starting a web-based business or just thinking of it this book is one you need to add to your business library.

Today's business environment has created a "self-employed" workforce - no matter if you work for yourself or for someone else. With corporate layoffs (and the global downsizing of the workforce in general), it is important for all of us to understand the individual repercussions the consequences of this change have on our work and career.

So what are the options? One option is presented in the timely book, How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Web-Based Business. This book provides the ABC's of how to market, develop, and design your website to assist in realizing a rewarding and lucrative business. It also comes with a companion CD-ROM.

Williams provides timely, real-world examples of the successes and failures of web-based businesses. Though there is a universe of opportunity, there is also a wide margin for failure. Williams walks though the warning signs of potential issues with web-based businesses and provides preventative measures to avoid these pitfalls. Williams also provides a skeletal foundation that will assist in developing a successful online product or service. An added bonus: the publisher is donating a portion of their profits to the Humane Society, on behalf of the passing of their beloved office canine, Bear.