You have decided to set up an internet store to earn money online. You know all the reasons why an internet store can be successful. But how do you choose the right product or service?

These 7 simple steps will help you search out the product or service that is right for you to sell.

1. Think Think about all the things that you like to do. Think about the things that you need to do. Think about the things that interest you. Think about the things that you believe in. Apply this same process to the people around you. Be aware. Do these ‘things’ require special products? Do they require a service?

2. Keep Eyes and Ears Open for Ideas Talk to your friends, family, colleagues and associates. Notice their likes, dislikes. Notice changes they have made – exchange ideas – brainstorm – where do they buy – what do they buy – what works for them – what doesn’t work.

3. Be Passionate Whatever product or service you choose – be passionate about it. Believe in it. Get excited about it? Use it. Know about it? Be enthusiastic? Enthusiasm is infectious– it shows in your writing, it shows in your speaking and it gets people excited about your product – it compels them to want it too.

4. Refine and Research your Product Idea Once you have ideas – refine them. Narrow your idea to as much of a niche market as you can. Do your research. Check out the competition on the internet. While there is a lot of competition on the Internet, remember the market is huge. Be as specific about your product as possible. Your research should also show market readiness for your product.

5. Market Readiness Is the market ready for your product? Are you ahead of the curve? Is the market saturated with like products? Does the market need to be educated on your product offering? A product that is emerging in popularity and gaining customer acceptance and usage is ideal.

6. Approach Supplier You have now decided upon a product based upon the above 5 criteria and now you must select a supplier. Do your homework. Choose a reputable company that will supply quality products in a reliable and timely fashion. If you are building the product yourself, then you will be that company!

7. Build your site Use your researched product knowledge, display your passion about the product, and provide your customers with value for their money. Be focused, disciplined and motivated and you will receive the benefits that on-line marketing provides.

Our Story

In the spring of 2006, three of us formed a partnership to build a business in internet sales and marketing. This is a new type of business for us and we started at the very beginning.

We knew we wanted to use the internet to sell quality products and services but what would we sell? A product? A service?

We started thinking (Step 1) and talking amongst ourselves. We brainstormed ideas. We discussed our likes and dislikes. We talked about things that we had in common; beliefs; areas of interests; and the ideas started to flow. Everything was open to discussion. An area of mutual interest was health and wellness. But no specific product came to the forefront.

Rayanne McGee is a founding partner of TheFarInfraredStore.com. She can be reached at www.TheFarInfraredStore.com