5 Steps to getting started as an Internet Marketer!
When you first conceive of the idea to start an internet business there’s a lot of work to be done. Much of that work involves planning. You’ll spend hours determining what you want your business to look like and what you need to do to make it happen. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are familiar with the concept of a business plan. It’s a formal, or informal, document that outlines what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you’re going to get it done.
What many people are unfamiliar with is the ‘action plan.’ This is a document, or a spreadsheet, that outlines what needs to be done and when it’s due. Both documents are essential to help you stay on track to launch, grow your online business, and achieve your internet marketing goals and dreams.
What Is A Business Plan?
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea of a business plan, here’s a quick summary of this incredibly important step in your business. A business plan defines your business and identifies your goals. While it can be more complicated if you’re seeking financing, there are five basic steps to create your business plan. They include:
Step One – Vision, Mission, and Long Term Goals – What do you want to accomplish with your business?
Step Two – Business Model and Organizational Details (including budget and finances) – What type of business are you starting? Who will be involved in the business? How is it organized?
Step Three – Research – Who is your target audience and what problems do you solve for them? Who is your competition and how are you different/better than them?
Step Four – Marketing and Sales Plan – What is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? How will you reach your audience? How will you sell advertisement space, earn commissions, or make money?
Step Five – Executive Summary – This is where you bring it all together into one comprehensive statement.
While a business plan outlines goals and objectives, it doesn’t go into detail about how those goals are going to be accomplished. That’s what your action plan is for.
What Is An Action Plan?
An action plan is a document, spreadsheet, or chart that literally outlines what action needs to be taken and when it needs to be completed. Your action plan takes your long term business goals and breaks them down into smaller, more manageable goals.
Creating Your Action Plan
Step One – Define each of your main business goals. Make sure they’re SMART goals, meaning they’re specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Prioritize your goals in order of importance.
Step Two – Under each goal, list the specific actions that are required to accomplish that goal.
Step Three – Create a start date and deadline next to each action step on your plan. Make sure that your timeline is realistic and achievable. Don’t try to cram a week’s worth of work into one weekend.
Step Four – List the resources required for each specific action step on your plan. These might include people, money, or tools that you need to achieve success.
Taking the time to create these two documents will save you from making numerous mistakes or getting off track. Keep them in an easy to access place and refer to them daily to make sure you reach your goals and achieve your Internet Marketing dreams.
The resources I recommend for business & action planning are Mindmeister Software & The Internet Business Mastery Academy. They are both excellent tools for planning out your business.
Recommended Resources Mentioned:
- Mindmeister Software (Please add the affiliate link that you set up here and the other mention)
- The Internet Business Mastery Academy
To Your Success Online,
Tony Websmith
Internet Marketing Professional, Coach, & Consultant
Websmith Marketing, Inc.
“Teaching you how to start a profitable internet marketing business!”
http://www.websmithmarketing.com
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