The 5 Questions To Ask About Your Online Business

Guest Post by Beth Jones

When I majored in journalism at Valdosta State University in Georgia, I learned in journalism classes that there were 5 basic questions a good reporter asked for every story to write the most accurate, best story possible: what, who, where, how, and when? You can apply these same 5 questions to your online business to achieve your goals of success.

Who? Who is your tribe? Who do you want to reach? We’ve often heard that we need a “targeted, narrow niche.” Go deeper and define your ideal client or customer. Get to know him or her, the way you would your fictional character in the new book you’re writing. What does he or she look like? What are her interests and passions, what books or magazines does she read, what websites does she visit the most, what is her biggest pain or need? Study her. Learn about her. Establish a close relationship with your client or customer who defines your tribe.

What? What is your important message, the “good news”, that God has given you to share with the world? What is your story? What gifts do you have inside of you that God wants you to use for Him? You have a treasure inside of you that will bless others. Stop holding back in fear and intimidation; stop hiding. Let the world see your brilliance. There is no one else like you; you have something unique to offer others. Allow that greatness to come forth!

Where? Where does your tribe like to hang out – Starbucks, women’s networking lunches, women’s conferences, Facebook, Twitter, Chamber of Commerce, the hair salon, marketing events, online forums, running on the street? Where will you find the ones that God has for you to work with and help? Get out of your comfort zone. Get out of your house! Meet and greet. Be like Peter, getting out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. Have faith and begin to walk in your great purpose and destiny. Where can you meet your next ideal client and befriend her?

How? How will you reach that ideal client or customer? How will you package your line of products to appeal best to her? Do you need to do something different this year, take a brave new step? Will you write ebooks, record videos, have monthly telecalls or webinars, create information products or a membership site, offer an annual women’s conference or different coaching packages? How will you create irresistable content with great value that your ideal client or customer needs and wants?

When? When does your client or customer need this content? When does she shop, when is she online, when does she read your ezine or blog? Does she shop on weekends? Does she shop the most around holidays or just after holidays? Does she sign up for your info products when you have a free teleclass or a webinar? We’re all creatures of habit. Get to know your ideal client’s or customer’s habits. Study her. Learn about her. See what links she shares on Facebook or Twitter, what interests and passions she has, when she has time to spend online. Come to really know her so you can anticipate her needs and be able to offer that timely help.

When a reporter is writing a news story, he or she wants to make sure there are no gaping “holes.” They fill these holes by asking these important 5 questions. As an entrepreneur, ask yourself these 5 questions. They will provide the answers you need for your business’ great success.

Beth Jones is a Christian speaker, writer, wife and mom of 3 beautiful daughters. Beth loves encouraging women to fulfill their great purpose through daily intimacy with Jesus and through pursuing their passion. If you are feeling stuck in life and in business and want to move forward into your great God-given purpose, go to www.bethjones.net/articles/groupcoaching.