3. Do you think that operating a virtual storefront will be harder or easier than doing business in your local community? Explain your answer Goal To encourage students to define opportunities and problems for small companies doing business on the internet.

Situation Suppose you and two partners own a gift basket store, specializing in special-occasion baskets for individual and corporate clients. Your business is doing well in your I 08 Part I: Introducing the Contemporary Business World community, but you believe there may be opportunity for growth through a virtual storefront on the internet.

Method Step 1 Join with two other students and assume the role of business partners. Start by researching internet businesses. Look at books and articles at the library and search the following websites for help:

• Canada Business Service Centres:

www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/