There is an estimated 87 million sites on the World Wide Web. Approximately 50 million Americans access the Internet on a regular basis and that number is expected to grow in the next year. Over 165 countries are connected to the Internet. How does an online business stand out in this crowded field? What will drive a prospective customer to you site?

In April 2001, the Internet Networking Club was formed to help answer these and other questions. Vivian Vassar of www.HeyViv.com approached the West Brighton LDC/BOC Women’s Business Center with an idea. Why not form a group of online businesses who want to meet monthly and share ideas and expertise? Ms. Vassar lacked personal interaction with her customers and thought that others might feel the same. The West Brighton Local Development Corporation/BOC Women’s Business Center agreed to host the monthly meetings and the first meeting was held on April 19, 2001. It started out as a small but diverse group of entrepreneurs. Of the twelve people who attended the first meeting only seven had actual web experience. The Club has grown over the years; currently there are over 30 members.

Topics have included search engine optimization, web analytics, tax tips for a home based business, marketing for the Internet business, linking sites, choosing the right web developer, software and hardware and the Club is currently in the process of building their own site, www.siwebgroup.org. The group now includes a civil celebrant, bed and breakfast placement service, embroidery teacher, title closer, gold leaf wholesaler/retailer, personal trainer and other unique businesses. In 2002 Verizon signed on as a sponsor of the Club.

Has this group helped the online entrepreneur’s? A resounding yes! Ms. Vassar, a vintage clothing and poodle skirts retailer, credits much of her success to the Club. She has gone from an EBay seller to having one of the most prominent web sites in her field. Her site is always in the top 10 of a Google search. This ranking translates into business in the international marketplace.

The meetings are open to anyone who is conducting business online or who is contemplating opening an online business. Contact the West Brighton LDC/Women’s Business Center at info@wbcldc.org or 718-816-4775 for additional information.