A Day in the life of a Small Business Owner

So, you don’t want to work for the Man. In fact, you want to be the Man – or possibly the Woman. Then owning your own internet business is the career for you. The small internet business owner is a major component of the American economy. As for small business in general, about ninety-nine percent of all employers are small business owners. They provide 75% of the new jobs created every year, and they are responsible for 96% of all exported goods. Small business owners on the internet work out of garages, small stores on Main Streets, huge corporate campuses, and most popular of all - their homes.

Before you begin selling t-shirts online or offering oranges through the UPS bulk-package online store, you need a business plan. A business plan is your roadmap to success. It includes a description of your product or services, how you are going to finance your business (loans, investors, grandma), deadlines for your business and the ultimate goal. As a small business owner, you need to be aware of the five Ms: MISSION – you have to know exactly what your online services will do for client. MARKET – you have to know who your client is and how you can find them with the right action or service. MESSAGE – your mission has to be clear enough that your market understands who you are and what you have to offer. METHOD – You know what to do, with whom, with what, when and how to do it. You’re in control of your business. MANAGEMENT – this is you, operating your business in such a way that your clients are completely satisfied.

An ideal small business owner knows how to make plans, solve problems, hire, train, motivate, and lead employees. Being a small business owner on the internet is risky; it is probably the most risky legal career you can choose. But, with a lot of hard work – a lot of hard work – a dash of determination, and a dollop of luck, the rewards of starting your own online business are excellent (think the boys an girls at Google).

A few interesting facts...

# of people in profession (United States): 576000

Female: 48%

Male: 52%

Average hours per week: 80

Average starting salary: $20,000.00

Average salary after 5 years: $85,000.00

Average salary after 10 to 15 years: $115,500.00

Professionals Read:

• The Small Business Advocate
• Entrepreneur Magazine
• Business Week Frontier

Books, Films, and TV Shows Featuring the Profession:

• Bringing Home the Business: The 30
• Diary of a Small Business Owner : A Personal Account
• You’ve Got Mail
• Chocolat

Major Employers

You!