I have a strong website business idea. Who is the best person to be involved with to get if off the ground?

I have a detailed business plan and a mock up website with a consumer base in mind.

If you are looking for investors, you have to first conceptualize your business idea and put it into writing. Prepare a business plan as this can help set the direction for your business. It can help you confirm the strength of your business idea as you ask the questions:

- is this something that people would need
- is this something that people would use
- can my website be referred virally, with people freely recommending it to other people
- who are my competitors and what are their strategies
- how can I get traffic to my website
- do I have enough resources to keep the website afloat
- do I have the technological resources (programmer) to make the website scaleable

As for the best person: that really depends on your overall goals. Some would say you, the entrepreneur, as you will have total control of the business. If you have the technological know how to configure your website to handle the type of traffic you envision, then go for it. Otherwise, do what you do best and get other people to help you (e.g. if you're good in strategic planning and business development, then get a programmer to work with you)

Others may want to involve investors, because they know their business is big and will only grow in the way they envision it to grow with the help of other people.

If the idea is strong, and unique, consider filing for a patent at the WIPO. They will do a global search, and if the find nothing similar, you can apply for a patent in 128 different countries.

Secondly, if funding is needed, look for Angel investors. They are much easier to deal with than venture capitalists.

Best of luck on your new venture.

How much do you need?