Time. That's what's needed to know for sure. Storm watching can be an interesting pastime. So you watch as the thunderheads develop and you watch as the boiling sky removes the blue and you marvel at the shafts of lightening that begin dashing from the heart of the storm. Raindrops fall. First slowly and then the steady cadence of moisture.



Eventually the storm passes leaving behind clear air, blue skies and other sensory clues as to the presence of a magnificent event.

This is the visual I'd like you to think of in terms of an online business. Your presence will be little noticed and your potential may be minimized in the initial stages of business development. As you begin to develop marketing potential your business will begin to show up on the radar for some consumers. When you push determinedly forward you may begin to see that your business 'storm' is developing a life of its own.

Your online business will not likely be an immediate success. Most traditional businesses require at least a year before they gain significant trust among consumers. This is important in the development of your ecommerce idea.

When all the pieces fall together at the appropriate time your business will make an impact. There will be a tipping point that will move you from a marginalized business to something more.

How do you begin a storm? Here are seven steps to consider.

Concept. In the case of online business you need to start with a great idea. With anything less your business may be viewed as simply one of many who provide the same thing.

Construction. Your website needs to be crafted of the highest quality content, graphics and fully developed vision. Know what you are aiming for – then aim. Don't forget to shoot.

Consistency. Don't make a mad dash at one concept and then change course when it doesn't result in immediate sales. Pick a quality strategy and incorporate that strategy across the board.

Commitment. You will need to demonstrate your own fervor for the products or services you provide. If you're lukewarm about what you offer you shouldn't be surprised by a tepid response from consumers.

Clarity. If you have a great idea but haven't boiled it down to a highly concentrated package you may need to head back into the idea kitchen to figure it out. You need to be able to clearly articulate what you are doing and how you plan to do it. Your concepts should be clear and concise.

Community. You should participate and develop points of community involvement. This can be guest blogs, participation in other forums as well as the development of blogs and forums of your own. Show yourself an expert and welcome guests who may be interested in your ideas.

Customer Service. You may become best known for how you treat those who actually spend money with you. Devise a solid plan before business construction on how you will respond to consumer complaints.

You can develop an incredible storm in the online world, but it will only happen when you are intentional about it. A half-hearted approach will garner a half-hearted response.

Hold on. I feel a storm coming on.