Distance learning for both the education and industry is steadily growing, creating a demand for eager entrepreneurs. Teaching methods and tools now in popular use for virtual training are covered: videos; eBooks; interactive software types; college sponsored staff training for college instructors; hardware, camera, video, sound equipment; online group forums; online events; choosing the right presentation style and linking to appropriate social media sites; and networking presentations. A range of industry examples will be given for accreditation, certifications, and credit; adding training onto an existing business as side income; how to sell media/training tools; how much to charge clients; start up costs; software types used; the legal obligations around taxes, business registration, working from home, and content confidentiality; and growth planning and writing a business plan. Relevant and fun call-outs, tip boxes, industry stats, an index, and a rich appendix and glossary is provided. An appendix offers resources in continued learning and rounded training for trainers; industry organizations and trade groups; books and eBooks; videos; software; websites; successful online trainers and online education institutions; consultants; and certification organizations.

Online education is experiencing a huge growth spurt. The number of students taking online classes increased 24 percent in the past year—and this growth is only expected to continue. Don’t let this lucrative opportunity pass you by. Take your teaching global by offering courses online. Learn everything you need to know to set up a successful online education business: • Find financing, write a business plan, choose a business structure and learn other business basics • Develop exciting courses in the four most popular areas—IT, health care, education and business—as well as niche markets • Promote your business and attract students through online newsletters, search engine optimization and other innovative techniques • Design a user-friendly website and provide high-quality tech support • Train instructors in this new education medium, or teach courses yourself • And more! Real-life stories from successful entrepreneurs show you exactly what you need to do to set up and run a profitable business. Now’s the perfect time to get started with an online education business—and with this book, you’re well on your way to success.

Most startups fail. But many of those failures are preventable. The Lean Startup is a new approach being adopted across the globe, changing the way companies are built and new products are launched. Eric Ries defines a startup as an organization dedicated to creating something new under conditions of extreme uncertainty. This is just as true for one person in a garage or a group of seasoned professionals in a Fortune 500 boardroom. What they have in common is a mission to penetrate that fog of uncertainty to discover a successful path to a sustainable business. The Lean Startup approach fosters companies that are both more capital efficient and that leverage human creativity more effectively. Inspired by lessons from lean manufacturing, it relies on “validated learning,” rapid scientific experimentation, as well as a number of counter-intuitive practices that shorten product development cycles, measure actual progress without resorting to vanity metrics, and learn what customers really want. It enables a company to shift directions with agility, altering plans inch by inch, minute by minute. Rather than wasting time creating elaborate business plans, The Lean Startup offers entrepreneurs—in companies of all sizes—a way to test their vision continuously, to adapt and adjust before it’s too late. Ries provides a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in a age when companies need to innovate more than ever.

The nuts-and-bolts for building your own online business and making it succeed Is there a fortune in your future? Start your own online business and see what happens. Whether you're adding an online component to your current bricks-and-mortar or hoping to strike it rich with your own online startup, the sixth edition of this popular and practical guide can help. Find out how to identify a market need, handle promotion, choose Web hosting services, set up strong security, pop up prominently in search engine rankings, and more. The book explores the hottest business phenomenon today—social media marketing—with full coverage of Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and other technologies that are now firmly part of the online business landscape. Dives into all aspects of starting and establishing an online business, including the very latest big trends Highlights business issues that are of particular concern to online businesses Reveals how to identify a market need, handle promotion, choose Web hosting services, set up strong security, pop up prominently in search engine rankings, and more Covers the hottest social media marketing opportunities, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and blogs Shows you specific types and examples of successful online businesses Provides the latest on B2B Web site suppliers, such as AliBaba.com Build a better online business from the ground up, starting with Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 6th Edition!

The senior population is multiplying by the millions! In fact, during the next 25 years, the senior population in America is expected to double — growing faster than the total population in every state. This means one thing: a tremendous opportunity for aspiring and compassionate entrepreneurs. From providing adult daycare or homecare to transportation or concierge needs, this guide covers today’s most requested services within the 65-and-older market. Readers learn, step by step, how to choose the right opportunity for them, legally and financially establish their business, acquire licenses and certifications, set policies and procedures, and much more! Priceless insight, advice, and tips from practicing senior care professionals help aspiring entrepreneurs to discover their specialty from within one of six growing areas of interest — adult daycare, relocation services, homecare, transportation services, concierge, and travel service; design a business to suit customers’ demographics and special needs; set rates; create a support staff who will facilitate success; use effective marketing and advertising to get the word out; build valuable business partnerships that lead to referrals; and plan for future growth. A record number of seniors are seeking help, and this guide is the key to starting a senior care service today!

Say, I Do, to Success From wedding bells to wedding bills, gain an inside look at the billion dollar wedding industry and learn how to earn a pay check coordinating the big day of today’s brides and grooms. Dive into and become an expert on wedding trends, such as destination weddings, tapas-style catering, disposable video cameras, wedding logos and more. Plus, learn everything else you need to know to start and run a successful, home-based wedding consultant business, including: How to market your services and find customers beyond family and friends Using social media to attract and communicate with clients Tips from the pros for handling the unexpected What licenses and permits you need How to avoid common mistakes How to negotiate with vendors and suppliers to get the best prices The most important contacts to make You don’t need an office or a lot of startup money. With your creativity and help from our experts, you’ll be well on your way to success!