A Needle in the Haystack (an introduction)

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Finding "a needle in the haystack" is an image that illustrates a difficult or nearly impossible task. One could search for hours in a haystack without ever finding the needle. Distinguishing the needle from the hay is a simple process when comparing them side by side. However, losing that one needle in innumerable pieces of hay…well, success is daunting at best.

Today's world of high-speed communications and rapid transactions has fueled the massive growth of the Internet. To illustrate this growth, compare the early years of the Internet with other technological advances. Radio, considered amazing by most at its inception, took 38 years to reach 50 million users. Television was available for a mere 13 years before it achieved the same number of users. Cable TV took 10 years. The Internet, however, was available for only 4 years when it reached its first 50 million users, and its growth has still not slowed! Current estimates place the online population at more than 158 million.

From personal home pages to corporate web sites and everywhere in between, the Internet is fast becoming the marketing medium of choice. Consumers take it for granted that a business has a web site where they can find company details and even purchase products on-line. They use the Internet as a resource for comparison shopping. Internet search engines allow consumers to "surf" until they land upon something of Interest.

Many proclaim the opportunities of the Internet as "vast" or "endless." This is true. However, a web site on the Internet is like that proverbial needle in the haystack. There are countless others who have similar ideas, products, services, and goals on the Internet. While one company may have better prices, better quality, and better services, it does the company no good if it remains undiscovered. When used together with other forms of marketing, the Internet is a valuable means of distinguishing one company from another. This concept holds true not just for large corporations, but also for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The key to a successful venture on the Internet depends on knowledge and taking advantage of the unique nature of the Internet.

This series, A Needle in the Haystack, focuses on the skills and knowledge that are necessary for the "needle" to succeed in the haystack that is the Internet. It covers topics including search engines, site promotion, Internet marketing, the proper uses of e-mail, newsletters and mailing lists, effective web site design, and other topics relevant to success on the Internet.

"A Needle in the Haystack" is the best way to start your successful business on the Internet!