Searching for the introvert's entrepreneurial heaven hasn't been easy. First, I decided that the agent would use and abuse the introvert. Then, it seemed that the salesperson and the business partner wouldn't work, either, as they both would prefer to work with a person who at least attempts to portray an outgoing personality. But, as I delved deeper and deeper into the research for this series I realized that the answer for the introverted entrepreneur was hidden beneath my fingertips.

The Internet provides one business solution for those individuals who want to work but who shiver with fear at the thought of face-to-face sales. The Internet could also offer business opportunities for those people who don't mind crowds, but who would rather work at home. And, you can still touch base with some agents, salespeople, and business partners from the comfort of your cave. Here's how:

1. First, know what you want to offer through your business. If you're in doubt about what you might do, you can gather some ideas from Entrepreneur.com. This online magazine offers low-cost start-up business ideas as well as inspirational stories about home-working individuals. TIP: Many "how-to" startup business guides that are offered online are written by freelance writers who possibly never stepped foot in the field that they've written about. If you're an expert in any given field, don't waste your money on "how-to" guides for that field. Instead, read more about what you don't know, like legal matters (another tip: write a "how to" guide in your field of expertise and sell it online).
   
   
2. Research your business choice on the Internet. Discover your competition, your allies, and your customers in the process. TIP: A business plan works for bricks-and-morter businesses as well as for online businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free online business plan basics. You can plug "business plan template" into a search engine for a variety of other ideas about how to build your online business.
   
   
3. Once you decide upon your new business and you're on a roll, you can register your business at the Better Business Bureau online so that customers can find you. TIP: You can find free business advice from organizations like SCORE (once known as "Service Core of Retired Executives," this organization is now known as "Counselors to America's Small Business").
   
   
4. Make sure all legal papers are in order. Many areas carry certain ordinances (like zoning) that they want home business owners to follow. TIP: Let your local government know how much traffic you invision for your business. If you don't expect visitors on a regular basis, your local government may not care that your home is located outside a business zone and in your attic. Other problem trigger points would be a sign in your front yard or a staff of employees who report to your home daily. Call your zoning board or town planning departement for details.
   
   
5. If a business offer appears too good to be true, it probably is. I have one guideline to determine a possible business idea's credibility: the Website. If a business cannot produce an effective and professional Web page, then that business either doesn't care about its image or it can't afford an affordable marketing tool. TIP: When you begin to build a Website for your home business, you can save a ton of money with research. Know what colors you want to use (and they should match your print materials like business cards, letterhead, etc.), know what style site you want (look around and have two or three favorites on hand), and know what you want to offer on your site (again, look around and build an outline to show your Web designer). More about Web image next week?
   
   
6. Do you need an agent? Search online and open dialogues with agents who seem to fit your criteria. Let them know that your travel is limited, that you have leprosy, or whatever it takes to remain at home rather than be put on the road like a show pony. TIP: Be strong. Don't give in.
   
   
7. Do you need a salesperson? Advertise online. If you have a site and you are successful with online sales, then a salesperson will be interested. TIP: Don't accept photographs through email. While age isn't a detriment for most sales situations, especially when that person has a great sales track record and his or her age is appropriate to your product or service, the person who responded to your ad might send a photo that represents a younger or more well-groomed person (and the photograph may contain a virus as well). You might interview salespeople face-to-face so that you have a sense of how a person will represent your products and/or services.
   
   
8. Do you still want a business partner? You're really in luck for this venture. Just type "find business partner" into your favorite search engine. You'll discover that databases filled with potential partners exist online. TIP: As I mentioned in last week's article, a business partnership is much like a marriage. If you think you can carry off a long-distance relationship (and many people do), then go for it.

One last word of advice: Remember that "truth in advertising" laws have not created a huge impact on the Internet as of yet. With that said, some online "work at home" programs seem to work well for some individuals. But, before you fill out any forms online, check the business in question against the Better Business Bureau databases or with any other business watchdog service. Otherwise, you might receive more spam email than you do now?

I'll give you a leg up on the Website ladder of entrepreneurship next week with tips about how to create a successful online presence (it's all about image, but you don't need a photograph?).

Until Next Week,
Linda Goin