Sometimes, while working in the web industry, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. I realized this recently while helping my fiancée with the opening of a new spa here in Montreal.

Actual customers walk in the door. They receive a service for which they pay money. They leave happy, and often bring their friends and family with them the next time they come back.

In order to make it work, you need to think about how you will attract your clientele, offer them a great, memorable experience and make money doing so.

It’s old-school business 101, but many web 2.0 entrepreneurs forget (or, worse still, consciously choose to ignore) these fundamental building blocks. So, my advice to tech entrepreneurs is: step out of your comfort zone. Turn your computer off for a week and try your hand at running or working in a clothing store, a coffee shop.. heck, even a lemonade stand.

You might be surprised at what you learn, and at how it impacts the business decisions you’ll make with your tech venture.