What's the fastest way to start an online business?

This question was sent in by Aaron. It contains some unasked questions. Like:

• How can I create a profitable online business?
• How can I make an online business work?
• What's the shortest path to profit?

Also it is kind of like asking how to write Yesterday by Paul McCartney. You need to have all your ducks in a row and be ready to jump on it when the break presents itself. As is, I would say the fastest way to start an online business is to:

• Assess your total skill set (a la What Color Is Your Parachute)
• Do your keyword research in several areas of interest at Wordtracker
• Purchase a related domain name made of the most favorable available keyphrase at Yahoo so you automatically rank on Yahoo
• Create a Google account and use it for blogging and Adsense so you rank on Google
  
• Refer to your blog on your site and to your site on your blog
  
• Create an Amazon associate account just in case you wind up recommending a book or a movie
• Add your blog feed to your My Yahoo page near the top and make it your home page so you are reminded to post to your blog twice a week
• Start researching and contacting your keyword competitors to turn them into online affiliates
  

This can be done in a single day, but the follow-up will make the difference. There is also a ready-made pattern for pay-per-click. It is a quick start. Visit Whip The Net Internet Marketing by Mead Rose to learn about:

• Keyword Research: Words people use to find sites like yours
• Market Analysis: Who else is out there. Can they hurt/help you?
• Feasability Studies: What's it going to take? Is it worth it?
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Setting up your pages to rank
• List Management: Keeping your prospects and customers in the loop
• Campaign Design: Taking the necessary steps to get web traffic

Of course, many Multi-Level Marketing companies can set you up in an equivalent amount of time if you find a product you believe in.

Write cabbie@youworktoohard.com for advice from a cabbie.