Please help! I need some good advice on how to set up a new online business.?

I have what I think is a very good online business idea. Without giving too much away it is a socially interactive site which needs a certain program / software to make it work. I have been advised that the software doesnt yet exist and to try rentacoder.com for a programmer. So far people I have spoken to have given me very positive feedback saying it would be a great idea. But having no knowledge of programs and software I am afraid my idea will get copied and claimed by someone else. Who can I contact or approach for some trustworthy and impartial advice, someone who will advise me in laymans terms without the jargon to see if it is worth pursuing? Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks!!

I would strongly recommend that you talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. I'd call the local office of SCORE (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.

The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a new online business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.

You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.

Try this link :
http://www.ychange.com/small-business-co... and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.

Good Luck

In my site www.MultiProfitsOnline.com there's an information product about the "Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business on the Internet." Many individuals have been helped by this best selling internet marketing course from Internet Marketing Center. IMC is well-known in helping people in starting their business.

They also have membership subscription where you get unlimited coaching, feedback and advice. You also have access to monthly "Internet Business Building Workshop" (teleseminar).

IMC has created some top-softwares for internet marketing and I believe they can help you start your online business idea.

I hope this helps.