Part 2: Creating Value, and the adventure online

You created three extremely vibrant sites, despite the ultimate "branding" issues. What are your thoughts on site design? It is important to keep it simple, in your opinion?
I talk about adding value. Simplicity isn't necessarily the best thing. But being clear and building a useful site is important. Sometimes, to achieve simplicity you actually have to be pretty complex with the technology.

So I say create value, be clear about your goals and let the content and interactivity lead the design (or make sure the design compliments the content and interactivity.)

What is the most important thing to know when beginning the adventure of an online business?
There is always a new good idea out there, for business or websites. But implementing that idea takes more money now than it used to, particularly when it comes to marketing.

If you are embarking on an online business, have a long term plan. Make sure you have an alternate source of funding or revenue, because it will take a while before your site brings in enough money to sustain itself or your business.

What are some technological considerations that small business owners need to know before taking their leap on the Web?
If you are not a techie, read everything you can, but hire someone you can trust to guide the technology of your company, even if only a part-time consultant. If they don't explain things to you so you can understand it, hire someone else.

Don't try to take technology into your own hands if your role is running a business. Technology will suck up your time and distract you from your business.

Use the Web as your tool and build your website in phases. Don't do everything at once. Evaluate every step of the way.

Why does one need both a good business plan and a technological plan?
The business plan is your map to growing your business. Your technology plan is your map to implementing technology into your business. Technology requires a lot of resources. Understanding how to distribute those resources is the key to making sure technology doesn't cripple your business but enhances it.

Specifically, what is the challenge for the small business person in regard to technology on the Web?
Too many small businesses bite off more than they can chew when it comes to technology. They buy into the hype and get the cutting-edge instead of the practical. They listen to too many voices recommending too many things rather than coming up with a clear plan with a consultant they trust. There is a fine line between saving money and buying too cheap. There is a fine line between buying current technology and exploding beyond the cutting edge.

And that goes along with "letting technology be your tool, not your master?"
Technology should be your tool in both your life and business. You should take charge of it, gain an understanding of it so you aren't intimidated by it, and surround yourselves with talented technologists as consultants, webmasters, designers.

Use the Internet, the Web and technology to your advantage. Don't get blinded by the hype. Be realistic about what technology can do for your business.

What are your favorite websites on design instruction and what's your favorite book on HTML?
I don't really do much HTML anymore other than my RVGirl.com diary. I have always liked Laura LeMay's Teach Yourself Web Publishing in 14 Days with HTML. I still have her book that did it in 7 days. I hear that WebMonkey is very helpful.

What is the technological advance you are most looking forward to?
I can't wait until wireless technology is much more robust and reliable. And I like how technology gadgets are getting smaller and lighter and combine more than one function. Like the Kyocera SmartPhone which is half Palm Pilot, half cell phone.

Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice/inspiration for those web entrepreneurs just starting out, what would it be?
Common Sense Rules. Don't get caught up by hype, have a sensible business plan, use the Web as an element of the overall business, not the whole business. Have fun and be creative.

Thanks Aliza, we wish you happy RV trails!