Yes, You Can: Why No Goal is Too

Yes, You Can: Why No Goal is Too Lofty

Though it may seem contrite and clich d, setting low expectations for your business can help to guarantee you meet them. It is okay, and in fact preferable, to start out slow and take small steps, but in planning your goals for your virtual corporation you should aim as high as you want to go. Whatever your dream is for your career, whether you just want to work for yourself and earn a comfortable living or buy a mansion on an ocean shore, make that dream your ultimate goal and work toward it. No goal is too big-or too small.

Your business, your way: determining your virtual potential

Just about any type of business can form a virtual corporation. Some types are easier than others to run in a virtual setting, but with planning and creativity, any business can be implemented online. In order to determine your virtual potential, you should examine several aspects of your company and figure out the best way to present your business online.

Product-driven companies: Companies that offer physical products are the easiest to translate to a virtual format-unless, of course, you're selling cars or elephants; both of which present shipping difficulties. In setting up a virtual product-based corporation, your main considerations will be how to reach customers interested in your product and how to deliver orders.

One important, often overlooked aspect of product-driven online companies is price setting. Be sure to factor in the cost of shipping when determining how much you will charge for your products. Online consumers are used to paying extra for shipping, but if your delivery cost exceeds the cost of the product it may be difficult to generate sales. In the United States, the USPS (United States Postal Service) generally offers the lowest price for individual shipments, while FedEx and UPS offer discounts for multiple packages and frequent customers. You should determine the shipping method that best accompanies the product you offer and plan accordingly.

Selling information is both a product and a service - plan accordingly!

Service-driven companies: Depending on the type of service your company will offer, running a service-based virtual corporation can be simpler (and less expensive regarding overhead costs) than product sales; or it can be difficult and may require a bit of creative planning. For example, there are thousands of companies that provide web design and hosting services-obviously quite conducive to a virtual environment. On the other hand, if you are a personal image consultant, working face-to-face with clients is an essential aspect of your business.

However, even personal image consultants can benefit from the flexibility of a virtual corporation. Constructing a dynamic web site is a vital step for any company and will help you reach prospective clients in your area that otherwise would not come into contact with you through conventional advertising. If your company is well known in cyberspace, your web site will enable those visiting your area to find you and bring in more business. Additionally, you can offer less extensive versions of your services tailored to internet-friendly delivery. In the example of the personal image consultant, you might offer to review digital photographs and provide a custom analysis of recommended wardrobe, hairstyle and makeup suggestions. These mini-services can also provide an incentive for local clients to enroll for the full version.