Entrepreneurs and Co : Internet, European and International Business Development Consultant for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses - http://www.entrepreneurs-and-co.com
Internet Entrepreneurship : Kezako ?
http://www.entrepreneurs-and-co.com/articles/99/1/Internet-Entrepreneurship--Kezako-/Page1.html
Didier Delmer

"Who are we ?"

Company Profile :


Entrepreneurs and CO Ltd

145-157 St John Street - London EC1V 4PY

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, at Entrepreneurs & Co (ENC), we appreciate the value of working together as a team.

Because the flow of ideas is encouraged at ENC and everyone feels free to express their opinion with regard to work related matters it has by the very nature of being, created a dynamic work environment. As a team we all recognise our responsibility in making Entrepreneurs and Co what it is.

The reputation of the whole firm is in the hands of each individual and we are proud of being part of such a strong team. Together we encourage and motivate each other in a dynamic environment so that as a team we can provide innovative and profitable solutions for individuals and businesses.


Services

Every client is unique and deserves a unique service. Our philosophy is to put our clients first - to understand their situation and provide a first class service tailored to their specific needs.

Because we establish a one-to-one relationship with each client we are able to offer timely, individual advice on how to improve your business or personal finances.

As leading edge accountants we have developed the traditional bookkeeping, auditing, and accounting services into innovative client-focused services that provide not only all the reliable background support you would expect from a professional firm but also forward-thinking advice on how to improve your situation.

We have also developed a new range of accounting services to meet the needs of modern businesses, including a comprehensive business advisory service. Whether you need help with growing your business or advice on optimising your personal or family finances, we are here to help you get the best results.

 
By Didier Delmer
Published on 31/10/2007
 

Internet entrepreneurship is a generic term used to describe an entrepreneur who carries out his business activities online.

Often at the first mention of internet entrepreneurship, the first image that conjures up in many minds is online stores like eBay.com or Amazon.

As such, this article will discuss the aspects of being an internet entrepreneur with illustrations from a brief case study of Eric Smith, CEO of UnWired Buyer Services.


Net-preneur : Entrepreneur on the Internet - Web Business @ a Glance !
There has been tremendous proliferation of ‘get-rich quick’ internet schemes, and more often than not, these packages are designed to lure opportunists with the ‘get-rich’ mentality into forking out their pockets in hope of becoming the next ‘big thing’ on the Net. Contrary to this, being a successful internet entrepreneur doesn’t just happen overnight. Yaro Starak, a successful Australian entrepreneur, has this to say about ‘get- rich’ schemes:

Here’s what you need to do. Stop buying products, look at what you have already, what you have learnt and where you think you could best leverage your skills.”

As is the same with brick-and –mortar entrepreneurship, internet entrepreneurship requires one to transform an idea into action. More often than not, it is a long process of perseverance and preparation, and the common reason for failed entrepreneurship ventures is more often due to laziness. Also, the lessons learnt in brick-and-mortar entrepreneurship must be applied to internet entrepreneurship, as elements like a strong idea for a product or service, solid understanding of the product or service, the customer, marketing principles and elements of financing ( CELCEE, 2003) must be factored in carefully. Furthermore, net-prenuers have to understand the dynamics of web technology in bringing their stores to the homes of their customers. These are considerations that a net-prenuer has to account for.

Above all factors, the defining characteristic of a true net-prenuer is one who has faced rejection, and has managed to overcome its hurdle. This was the case with Eric Smith, creator of eBay’s UnWired Buyer service, which alerts eBay buyers when their auction is ending and allows them to make last-minute bids by phone, using a phone firewall technology. The rationale behind UnWired is this: Buyers bid more often and bid higher when they use UnWired Buyer's services, and the higher an auction goes, the bigger the payoff for eBay.

eBay then pays UnWired an undisclosed percentage of revenue it gets when an Unwired Buyer user wins their auction. What most don’t know is that before the success of UnWired, Eric suffered a failed business opportunity in an earlier net venture utilizing phone firewall technology for online daters and users of social networking sites, who wanted to connect with potential matches without revealing their real numbers. Within a month of introduction, users found the service too expensive, as Eric had no way to lower the cost of that technology.

However, against all odds, Eric saw another opportunity, when his wife was telling him how she had been outbid again on eBay one day, as eBay did not have such a free phone bidding service back then. As the story goes, Eric proceeded to sell eBay his technological idea, and the rest of UnWired is history.

In summary, the story goes to show that internet entrepreneurship transcends more than a great idea, but solid character and action also plays a pivotal role in success. The ability to overcome a setback and not to be overcomed, is a net-prenuer’s greatest asset. To borrow a quote from Janelle Elms, “ make sure you're using the "triangle of success".

That triangle comprises of 3 factors: Character, Conscientiousness, and Consistency. This is the heart of a successful net-preneur.

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