If you are creating a new online business or you are expanding your existing business onto the information highway, it’s a good idea to create a business plan as part of your planning and preparations. Just like a traditional business, your online business plan needs to provide details of the venture you are proposing along with what your needs are and what you expect your results to be.

The Reason for a Business Plan
Your business plan is the proposal for your new undertaking. It is created to convince the reader to stand behind your proposed project. That includes potential investors. If you are an entrepreneur, the purpose of the plan is to grow capital from potential investors. But it does more than that. It forces you the entrepreneur to thoroughly analyze just how effective your business idea really is and makes you accountable to carry out the plan for developing your new business.

Internet Business Issues
E-commerce is fairly new and has its own challenges that aren’t seen in more traditional business models. First, many people still are not aware of what the internet is or what it an offer a business. This is a relevant hurdle that needs to be overcome in the business plan for an online business.

In addition, there are resources that are taken for granted in traditional business may not be available online. For example, payment systems, demographic tracking and ad pricing are all at various stages online.

Lastly, the internet is unique in that it is constantly changing. These changes in trends are rapid and competition is tight online. You have to be on the ball if you want to be able stay in the game online.

How Much Work Will it Be?
Like any endeavor you partake in, you aren’t going to invest unless you have carefully done your research and know what you are doing. There are a few online sites that offer dot com business plans – some free and some charge. You can use this, as a guideline to putting your business plan together if you feel taking it on yourself might be just a little overwhelming.

You need to know or at least have a pretty good idea of what’s needed to develop an internet business plan that’s a winner. The most important points include:
* Addressing the unique environment of the internet.
* Explaining the businesses advantage online.
* Pointing out the potential online.
* Keeping focused on your audience.

It’s time to get busy developing your online business plan.