Can Your Small Business Grow?

First off, let's define small business (vs. a home business).

Small business managers and owners today are at large operating out of the home. This makes distinction between the two quite difficult. So let's assume that a small business has one employee or more, even if those employees are nothing more than virtual assistants or freelancers.

Let's also assume that true small businesses are the result of a home business that grew into something larger than the entrepreneur who launched it.

According to the Center for Women's Business Research (2004):

• 1,600 new businesses are launched in America by women,
• Female business ownership growth (17%);

And according to the U.S. Census Bureau (year end 2004)

• Home business made up over 70% of America's total registered business.

Is This the Right Time for You and an Online Small Business

Since we're assuming that small business (at least online) is more productive, financially rewarding, has one or more employees, and has likely reached its peak as a home business - let's talk precisely how to get your business online - offering your products and services to a global marketplace.

You will need to strategize, or hire a consultant to assist you in this strategy, as not all home business converts easily to a small business online. And, since most entrepreneurs don't have the capital available to hire a consultant let me offer a few options.

Teach Yourself How to Strategically Get Your Small Business Online

• A variety of reasonably-priced training exists online regarding profitable business models. You may have to sift through hours of information and multiple websites to find a model that works for your business but it will save you a business strategy consultant fee.
• Universities and Colleges are now offering a wide range of entrepreneur classes. Many offer online business strategy courses through their night course curriculum. Research indicates that graduating students from these courses are far more likely to succeed at their small business than those who learned by doing.

If neither of the options appeal to you or fit your lifestyle and available time, you can always test the waters by hiring and training a college student (educated in small business) to expand your reach online.

Taking these 'baby steps' are as easy as advertising your services online as a freelancer but having the student perform the extra work. If your business is product related, you could start selling those products online (through your own website or auction sites) while your college student makes the products for you.

Home Business Turns Small Business through Online Reach

Small business means employees which have its own challenges but the rewards could be well worth it. Begin by hiring and training an employee to do the work for you while you focus on growing your brand, income, customer list, and reach through your own website, heavy traffic free websites such as Squidoo.com, or by participating in social networking.

From http://www.smartzville.com