Online Baby Steps

If you are new to computers, the learning curve involved in starting an online business can seem impossible. On top of trying to figure out all the business and marketing stuff, you're also faced with technical challenges around every corner.

Here is a step-by-step action plan that will give you the technical knowledge you need to get your business up and running as quickly as possible:

Step #1: Assess and build your general computer skills!

If you are reading this blog, it's probably safe to assume you have basic computer skills and know how to use common programs (such as Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer), send email, 

and navigate to different files on your computer. If you are not comfortable with these basic tasks, 

then you need to brush up on these skills -- and the easiest way to do that is pick up the following books:

PCs For Dummies (Or Mac for Dummies)

Windows for Dummies (Or Mac OS X for Dummies)

These are great books that will teach you the fundamentals,

Alternatively, you can also take an "Introduction to Computers" course at your local community college.

Either way, you need to acquire these basic computer skills.

The good news is you can acquire a solid foundation of skills in just a couple of weeks.

Step #2: Assess and build your general Internet skills!

 You need to know your way around the Web if you want to build a successful online business!

This doesn't mean you need to know the technical details of how the Internet works. 

But you should understand the basic principles of how websites work and how they fit into the big picture of the Internet.

The best way to figure this out is to buy the book "Internet for Dummies." 

Step #3: Build a Basic Website!

You don't need to know anything about building websites in order to have a successful

business on the Internet. All you have to do is hire web designers to do it for you.

I believe it's important for you to have at least some basic understanding of how to design and set up your own website. These skills will give you a significant advantage when communicating with the 

designers you hire to build your site or make small changes for yourself in the future.

You could learn basic web design skills from a book like "Web Design for Dummies.

However, since the skills you need for building a good website are more technical, 

I suggest you look into taking a web design course at a local college. 

It'll help you fast-track the learning curve and bring you up to speed much faster than simply reading a book.

Step #4: Get your business started!

Now you're ready to start building your business on the Internet!

Starting a business on the Internet without any technical skills is a daunting task. But like most 

challenges in life, if you break it down into bite-size goals and conquer them one at a time with a 

combination of patience and perseverance, you will be surprised at how quickly you progress.

I wish You Great Success.