We all know that paying thousands of dollars for a domain name could be one of the smartest decisions that any business owner can make, but Main Street (and many mainstream business publications) still don't understand the importance of having the right online identity in

a world where it seems just about all forms of commerce are shifting to the web. That being the case, it was refreshing to read an article by columnist Martin Zwilling at Business Insider this week that told readers, "...if you want to be found and remembered on the Web, the perfect domain name can easily be worth several thousand dollars."

The article, titled "When To Pay A Premium For Your Company Domain Name," did use the pejorative "squatters" term in talking about domain investors who hold much on the web's prime real estate, but overall I thought it was a fair and balanced article. 

Zwilling, who is a veteran startup mentor, executive, 

author, tech professional, and angel investor, talked about domain industry superstars Frank Schilling and Dr. Kevin Ham in the piece. Of Schilling he wrote, "he had the guts and foresight to sweep up names shed during the dotcom bust, and is now the landlord of some of the most valuable real estate on the Web, estimated to be in the $500 million range." 

Zwilling correctly observed, "...But that’s all history, and you have to live with it" then proceeded to outline the steps he suggested entrepreneurs follow in order to get the name they need for their business. Check out the story for his advice and views on this timely topic.

Michael Mann

While we are on the subject of business, and entrepreneurialism in particular, here is another useful link to a 30-minute audio interview featuring BuyDomains.com Founder Michael Mann's advice on When to Quit Your Day Job. Michael, who has been featured in not just one, but two separate DN Journal Cover Stories (August 2003 and September 2007), has founded, run and sold a number of successful businesses and has always been an invaluable source of information.

The new interview was originally posted as a special webinar on his Make Millions and Make Change! website. That is also the title of the book he authored to share his tips for business and personal success, and - even more importantly - how to "get out there and make the world a better place" - something Mann has done for many years now through the Grassroots.org charitable foundation that he founded.