Online Business

Most of us love to do business. Whether it is small or big, as long as it generates profit, we love it! Each of us have our own way to do it... and I love to do it online.

This morning, I received an email from my buddy inviting me to join a social network. Well, almost every internet user joins at least an online social network. The famous networks available are like Facebook, Friendster, Multiply, MySpace, Stickam, Windows Live Spaces (formerly MSN Spaces), Yahoo! 360, and many more. Check out the whole lot of social networks here. However, I haven't reply the invitation yet because I have this doubt in mind... CAN I MAKE A BUSINESS FROM IT?

Let's take a look on what these social networks can offer us. Everyone agrees that we can communicate with lots of people from everywhere in this world, through social network. But, what do we really talk about? I'm wondering has anybody ever talk about how beautiful your country and your foreign friends should visit your country at least once in their lifetime? I hope there were... if you did that and your foreign friends really came and visit your country, don't you feel proud that you have promoted your own country (in your own way) because tourism industry really profits your country.

Err... wait a minute. I said profits your country, eh? Hmm... back to the point, how can we make profitable business from this? To be precise: from joining the social networks? We actually can do lots of business from that, to be frank. Even the famous Malaysian Internet Millionaire, Dr. Irfan Khairi made some businesses with foreigners who visit Malaysia... well, he actually made business before those foreigners reached Malaysia, frankly. He sold Malaysian maps to them! Don't you think your foreign friends will appreciate you on how much you have saved their time by planning their vacation from their home (and not after reached your country), with all the maps and tourist guides made available by you? They will now have more time to spend visiting the all the interesting places, as planned.

So, you got the idea? That was one of the profitable business that we can make through those online social networks. Thanks to Dr. Irfan for his idea, at least he did opened our eyes... You can think of other business that you can profit from your foreign visitor(s) but if you can't, it is not a crime to follow what he had done. I don't see that as copycat, I rather called it an inspiration.

How to sell maps to your foreign friends? That's easy, just buy from the bookstores or even from the petrol stations. Courier to them and collect your pay. Put your own price (make sure it is a profitable price!). You set your own payment method. Or maybe you can buy online from sites that selling physical maps. I have tried this and found this website. Actually, this website were targeting the foreigners out there as their customers, but you can still buy from them. No harm done! And when you receive your maps, sell it to your foreign social network friends to make your own profit!

Till then, cheers!