I have learned many lessons from starting and building my online business,
ArtJive.com. I first started designing web sites using Windows Notepad on an IBM Thinkpad after previously having obtained extensive training in graphic design and illustration. Once I had learned some basic HTML, I figured I could certainly make a go at web development. I quickly realized this was not enough, I needed to design the sites better and more efficiently but, at the time, I did not have the money to do so.
Thankfully, a little switch turned on and my gears started cranking out some ideas. I devoted my time to designing a pretty good ArtJive.com site, one that I could be satisfied with for a bit. When that was done, I focused on getting the resources that I knew that I would need. Well, let's skip through some time here to save bandwidth.
Even though I had created a fairly successful site, I still needed a real web development tool, certainly need a better computer, and definitely need some quality software to design with. Soon after I set out on my mission, I found Elemental Software's Drumbeat 2.0. It was staring back at me on the web page. This was it I thought. I wrote a letter to Elemental and asked if I could I have a copy of their product in exchange for advertising their site and product. To help convince them of my plan, I sent to them examples of some of my work. I figured the worst they would do would be to laugh at me and possible hang my email by the water cooler for the weekly giggle. It was big leap, but somebody had to take it.
Well, a couple days, later I get a reply from Elemental. They liked my work. We talked business. A week later I had Drumbeat installed. "Wow!", I thought, "My plan works." Not only do I have the best web authoring tool since sliced bread, but I have made some really great friends.
Okay, now I need a computer that can handle what I need to do. Here we go with round two. I contacted computer manufacturer CyberMax PC and within a few weeks I had a real system. "This is working great! I am on my way!"
I rebuilt my site, but this time I had the computer and the software that would enable me to do what I wanted to do. I was now in the position to take on more clients and feel confident about my work.
As time progressed, my name got out more. I took on more sponsors, all of whom gave me things that enabled me to grow even more.
To make a long story short, my goal was reached. I now have a very successful web development business, three computers, scanners, printers, tons of software and more stuff than I could possibly try and list here. I didn't have to go broke getting it.
This small article should stand as proof that you too can have a business on the Internet. With hard work (believe me it is, I work 20 hours days), determination, and some goals you can soon be running with the top sites. You can start your business and not wind up in the hole right from the start.
I'm 25 years old and work for myself. This is something that I have always wanted since I was about 12 years old.
To sum up, if you are thinking about starting a business on the web, do it! Don't sit around thinking and worrying if you should or shouldn't.
Shawn Augustson is the owner and designer of ArtJive.com at
http://www.artjive.com. He has had extensive training in the graphic design and illustration fields and is living proof that Generation X'ers are not lazy after all.
