1. We've "gone global"

The notion, floating around today - We've "gone global" so consistent marketing of a website which is your business, or connected to a bricks and mortar business, isn't necessary since there's enough customers to go around - isn't just crazy. But following it likely to start your business on a downhill slide into oblivion. Yet as crazy as it sounds more business start-ups, than you can imagine, believe this to be true.

While there's millions of people surfing the net daily, don't even think they'll be beating a path to your site. Ask any online guru worth her salt, if they market their sites and products, and they'll gladly spout off how many hundreds of thousands they're spending annually.

Generally, these highly successful individuals have experimented and tried a variety of methods before discovering what worked and what didn't. In fact, one of the most important things they do - beyond marketing -is called

"marketing analytics". This means they have a software, or hired a company, to determine what works and what doesn't. Plus how many times people click on their ads or sites, what they spend, how often they return, for example. This makes it easier to market their products or services, since they can provide customers with what they want and need. Because they know customers are buying. And their buying habits.

Not sure what type of marketing will work for you in this global economy? Begin with simple things like - starting a Blog, an Ezine, a Newsletter; writing and distributing information-packed articles to free article sites. Or, develop sites which provide free info, have others distribute a free ebook you've written, sell your ebooks (with active links to your site in them) on sites like Clickbank and others. With a little research, you can quickly discover many more free, or nearly free, methods for promoting your site. If

these multi-millionaires are regularly promoting their sites, why wouldn't you promote yours?

2. Ignoring your business to develop your product or service

Technically a business owner must wear several hats. And often wears many, when first starting out. She must be a buyer, display and cleaning person, accountant, human resources person, banker, sales person and more.

Unfortunately, many new business owners, even some with established businesses, refuse to spend time on the essentials of running their business. Either ignoring or leaving them to others, or dealing with them only in times of emergency.

When you decide to start up a business, first think about your background. Where does your experience lie? What skills or abilities do you possess which will help you successfully run your business. What do you enjoy doing or prefer not to.

If you're not qualified or able to perform certain necessary tasks like - keeping the books, waiting on customers, purchasing and displaying products or merchandise, or other necessary tasks to keep your business up and successfully running, think seriously about hiring someone from the local high school, college or trade school. Trading or bartering services. Having a friend or family member handle several. Hire an assistant (or virtual assistant for your online business) Take classes to learn how to master these tasks.

To be sure, noone likes or can proficiently handle every task required of them. And most would rather concentrate on what they do best, and not repetitive or boring tasks.

Some suggestions:

Decide, from the start, what you can and will do. And what must be assigned or farmed out to others capable and willing to perform the tasks. Or, schedule your time so all must-do tasks are completed by a specific time, say by Noon. Freeing up time for more enjoyable projects. Set aside certain days when a part-timer comes in and frees you to work on more enjoyable projects. Or, make a list of tasks to be completed. Once done, work on a creative projects.

3. I'm an owner, not a sales person

I love being on the sales floor, meeting people, serving them and making sales. However, most people don't. Some of the main reasons: insecurity; never been trained; don't really like people, know how to approach them, or know what to say. But the major reason: many people simply don't like having to serve others. Which is truly a shame.

Once you get beyond your insecurities, and discover how you can best casually approach customers, you'll find they can be some of the friendliest, most helpful, people you'll ever meet. OK, so now and then they aren't. But while you needn't treat everyone like a long-lost friend, when you think of customers as friends who've come to visit - or whom you're visiting - it's easier to chat with them. And much easier to make sales since you're taking it from the standpoint of "helping a friend" find what they need.

With a little experience and openness, you'll get beyond "they're interrupting my day", and eagerly anticipate their visits. Aside from buying from you, customers can help you in a variety of ways. You can ask for their input on new products, services, pricing, and more. Info they provide could go a long way toward helping you make future business decisions which positively affect the good health and financial success of your business. And remember - noone knows your products and services better than you. And noone's more capable of

representing them.

A great side affect of working directly with your customers: you begin to develop positive relationships. Which stimulate greater customer loyalty.

Jean L. Serio Copyright 2007. Are you one of the 1.2 million women tired of working the 9-5 grind, sick of worrying about making ends meet? Starting your own business still remains one of the best strategies for providing you financial freedom. Discover how to start your business today, with your own simple, step-by-step Action Plan. To ensure you receive all the details FREE, and learn how you can harness the power of other successful women plus get hundreds of must-have resources you need to start, first sign up for your Free Newsletter "Start Up A Business Today". Go to www.womensmarketingandbusinessnetwork.com. "We help you make it happen."

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