For a small business (about 12 physical products), how much should I charge for implementing an online selling platform?

First you have to understand what STYLE of selling you're looking for. A book for one style may be great for me, but you'll think it's weak and ineffective. Two main distinctions are the "hardcore closer" (traditional) approach versus the "consultative" (more modern) approach. One appeals to an individual while the other does not. Many people are unaware of anything under than the fast-talking, bombastic style of selling made popular by movies and television, however; it took me 10 years in the professional world to even figure out the right question to ask ("IS there another style of selling?"). Once you understand which style of selling you want to learn or expand on, then you can choose appropriate books or courses. There is little point in giving SPIN Selling to a Hopkins devotee. And The Challenger Sale will fall on deaf ears to those who are desperate to not be seen as "pushy."

I've set up a number of online courses, and also supported other business owners in their online course creation and hosting. This is a huge topic with a number of variables. You may decide to host your course on your own Wordpress platform, in which case you'll need: - a website (if you don't already have one) - a member plugin - e-commerce plugin or means to accept payment There are lots of options within each of these, so a lot of decision-making to do! What's often considered simpler and easier is to use an online training platform. Again, there is a huge range of options and the choice will partly depend on your budget and the features you're after. There are a number of online articles that compare and contrast the features, but I've found the reviewer usually recommends the product they're affiliated with - or the one that suits them best. That doesn't mean their preference is best for you, it depends on your needs and resources. One product that seems very popular at the moment is Teachable. Prices range from a free plan to $39-$299 a month depending on the volume and features. Teachable has a stunning builder, a huge range of features and powerful marketing and analytics. It also integrates with MailChimp, Ontraport and a range of others. You'll need either a Stripe or a Paypal account to accept payments. If you want to give me a call I'd be happy to discuss your specific requirements further so you can have a clearer idea of the best course of action for you. I hope that helps. :-)

There are many free or low costs things you can do: Marketing on Facebook or Linkedin (depends on what you offer) Contests Influencers Killing testimonials Pick up the freaking and make phone calls (you have to learn sales. Any business is 90% sales). Sales is scary but there are lots of easy ways to do it, that gives you confidence. Give me a buzz to set up a killing strategy that pays.

How did you come to the $10K number? Based on revenue? Each of your contributions? Tough to answer this without understanding if the app is on the upswing or on decline etc. So... Does he want 5% equity of the app or 5% residual royalties? My guess is that he wants to participate in the revenue. If that is the case, I would structure an X-year sliding deal that eventually worked him out of the app. It could be something like Year 1: 5% of PROFIT share. Year 2 3% of PROFIT share. Year 3 1% of PROFIT. Year 4? Nothing. It has to be based on PROFIT not REVENUE. Structuring a company and then issuing "shares" in an app is insane to me given the likely lifespan of an app. Too much hassle.

First of all, what you have is a provisional patent **application**. For now, the provisional patent application is not publicly available. This can be a big advantage to you. You can use this time to improve your invention and file additional provisional applications. If you don't plan on making/practicing the invention yourself, you should make sure to try to think of everything possible regarding how that invention can be improved. This would (hopefully) come naturally to a practicing inventor. When you file your non-provisional application, your disclosure will be made public ("published") 18 months from the filing of the non-provisional. While your applications are not publicly available, I suggest waiting until you file your non-provisional application(s) to talk to others. Quite often, provisional applications do not have the detail or the scope that the non-provisional will have -- due to the time spent on getting drawings accurate and making sure everything is included in your non-provisional applications. It is best to have a complete application before talking to practicing companies. Sophisticated companies will take advantage of information not disclosed in your provisional application to file their own patent applications. If your applications are not publicly available (or even they are published), you should sign confidentiality agreements (non-disclosure agreements) with anyone you talk to about licensing or buying your invention. Keeping track of who you talked to with confidentiality agreements can be the basis for "notice" of the invention by an infringer -- when they eventually steal your invention. You can sell your idea anytime, but a provisional application is worth a lot less than a non-provisional application which is worth less than an allowed application or issued patent. Provisional applications are generally not as complete as they could be -- and require additional time and finesse to complete the non-provisional application. In terms of appearances, if you are not willing to put in the money to file the non-provisional application, the invention is likely not worth that much money. Companies as well as non-practicing entities may look at provisional applications, but not for long, and will not give you the kind of money that you may get from selling a fully examined patent. Of course, it depends on how good your invention is.