Can anyone here help me with information on starting a small online business? What steps do I need to take?

I want to start selling exotic knives, daggers, swords, and collectors blades. I'd like to start an online store which will supply a shopping cart, PayPal check out, etc. with a Yahoo's small business account. I'm completely new at this.

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research 鈥?this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 4th Edition by Greg Holden
* How to Start and Maintain A Successful Online Business by Kelly Thornton
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Go to wininbiz.com, the 20 step biz program, then step 16 has info about starting an online biz. Also, take a look at their book "Winning in Biz" - the book and companion website www.wininbiz.com give you the step-by-step hand-holding of the things to do and how to do them right-the first time-to make your business successful and profitable. If you are looking for strategies that work, if you want an expert on your side get the book and take ten minutes to check out the website.