I have worked with many individuals, companies or associations either starting or growing their current online business. I have myself started a few online businesses. I have found that many people don't realize or understand what it takes to do so. This individual may have a great idea, but neither the know-how or understanding of what is involved in making there idea become a reality. I am not going to get into all the needless information, I will take for granted that you are a highly motivated, ambitious, and determined person. I also would assume you are a hard worker or that you surround your self with hard working people.

Research
First you need to find a great consultant. You don't want to venture to the online world without the knowledge of what happens in it. Take notes and write down as much as you can. Use social engineering to research your industry. Example call your competition (if you have any) and learn... Learn about your market and learn about the Internet in general. Much of the stuff I will be talking about is determined by your consultant. The real backbone to your research should be your consultant. That's what consultants do. Consult you!

Budget
If your serious about your online business it will cost you money. Its the same off line as online. You would not expect to open a restaurant with 5000 dollars. It will cost you big money. Get a loan, find investors, or just raise your own money. Keep in mind that it will not be cheap. Nothing ever is. Make sure you have a budget!

The Core
Just because your business is online doesn't make anything different really. Your service or product is your recipe to success. Much how it works in any successful business. If you have a business based on service then your service must be flawless. If you service is based on speedy delivery, every time you must deliver speedy results. Selling products? The products must fully satisfy. Never forget the core of your business, it will be the deciding factor of your online success.

Web Site / Software Design
Find an established company that can build your online business. Keep in mind that your budget for developing or designing your web site or business should be nearly 1/3 of what you should spend on marketing. *Very important* So if you have a budget of 100,000 do not spend 95,000 on the web site! I am not saying go with the cheapest bid you find either. Its important to find a great company, and the best company usually isn't cheap! Also don't forget thinking about the core of your business. You don't need to have pages that fly away when you click a button (I have had clients ask for this) all you really need is fundamentals to make your online business function. You can add stuff later.

Hosting
There are thousands of host companies, but only a handful that you should be looking at when it comes to hosting your online business. Your hosting solution should be partly decided by your developers. If you choose a top tier level host company most of the standard security measures will be taken care of. There are a few things that you should know besides the fact. Make sure that you choose a hardware firewall solution to protect your server or servers. You wouldn't leave the doors to your business unlocked, would you?? If you will be managing your own platform, find someone that has the skill to manage your server(s). Also pay extra money for a good back-up system, and if possible every so often do a back-up yourself!

Online Marketing
Find a company that can market your online business. Importantly again refer to your consultant, but you should find a company that is more of a full solution Internet marketing company. Don't go looking for SEO specialists in particular. Look for an Internet marketing company that does everything. A company that can build your organic search results along with a way to supplement this. I will tell right now, that these companies are not cheap. You have to understand that you are partnering with this company, and if the company is successful with your marketing campaign you will be able to spend more money with them!!!

Management
Web sites, web based software, frameworks need daily attention. Hire individuals full-time to work in-house. Just because you have an online business does not mean that your online business is powered by magic little elves that crawl around the Internet. You will need human power. Depending on how large scale your business is will factor the amount of "man-power" you need. They will have to be trained, and familiar with your system. Content, Content, Content is saying that goes for online businesses. So hire full time copywriters, web site designers , full time programmers, etc.,.