Get All Access for $5/mo

My e-business tanked--how can I cut my losses?

By Lena West

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

A website business I started tanked due to lack of business capital and profit. I thought of looking for angels but the customer base is not there to provide their return. I think the idea and site could be used by others interested nationally but I don't know where to start. Others with more advertising funding could probably make a go of this site. I'm tapped on advertising dollars. Should I see an attorney or copyright the site myself first, sell the sight outright, or sell the source code and programming over to interested buyers much like a franchise? I'd like to try and get back some if not all of my investment. I had professionals build the front and back-end for me and anyone with a programming team could tailor the back-end to meet their specifications.

A website business I started tanked due to lack of business capital and profit. I thought of looking for angels but the customer base is not there to provide their return. I think the idea and site could be used by others interested nationally but I don't know where to start. Others with more advertising funding could probably make a go of this site. I'm tapped on advertising dollars. Should I see an attorney or copyright the site myself first, sell the sight outright, or sell the source code and programming over to interested buyers much like a franchise? I'd like to try and get back some if not all of my investment. I had professionals build the front and back-end for me and anyone with a programming team could tailor the back-end to meet their specifications.

Lena West is the CEO and Chief Strategist of xynoMedia Technology, a New York-based firm that helps high-growth companies leverage the power of social media, blogs, podcasts and online communities.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Paramount Leadership Alludes to Layoffs If Merger Does Not Go Through

Paramount is awaiting approval on its merger with Skydance Media from majority shareholder Shari Redstone.

Business News

Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Over 1,500 Employees in Cloud Sector as Partnership with OpenAI Strengthens

Alphabet also reportedly laid off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit last week.