In olden times (pre-Internet), beginning a career in any particular field meant that you would benefit from the collective years of proven experience that preceded you and industry wisdom would trickle down the ranks from captains to underlings. But the short history of e-business has created a diverse workforce devoid of decades of experience. Consequently, the rise of e-commerce has been the result of collaborative individual efforts from various backgrounds and areas of expertise. For instance, the established brick-and-mortar businessperson may not necessarily have the skills to conquer e-commerce...the technology expert may be unable to mastermind an e-biz empire...the advertising genius may be unused to online marketing.
Wherever your areas of expertise lie, it is unlikely that you possess the complete skill set needed to become an online profit center. To flourish, e-business requires cooperation between the people with the money, the people who can create, the people who can promote, and the people who can build. It is only when all the teams are working cohesively can there be positive results.
It is unrealistic to believe that all start-ups begin as collaborations of like-minded individuals from diverse industries. Often, a start-up is born when a single individual with an idea begins the learning process of bringing that idea to fruition. If you are a lone Netrepreneur, here are some methods for tapping the brainpower of those who have the skills you lack:
- U.S. Small Business Administration - this agency provides comprehensive information about financing, starting and operating a business. Local offices offer counseling and training services, as well as relevant events.
- Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - this organization works as a resource for the U.S. SBA by providing counseling and assistance from volunteering professionals.
- Local Chambers of Commerce - your neighborhood Chamber can provide networking opportunities with other area business owners.
- An Internet Chamber of Commerce - online committees and meetings promote member interactions that can result in the exchange of information.
- Newsgroups, discussion lists, community forums, newsletters and e-mail groups - these online informational arenas can often provide solutions to common e-business problems and relationships forged on discussion lists and e-mail groups can lead to e-commerce opportunities. Be wary to take some messages with a grain of salt - you never know the intent behind the posting.
Additionally, read everything you can about dot com failures and what led to their demise - then take measures to do the opposite.
Related Article: It Takes a Village discusses the value on online mentoring.
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