Getting On Line
When we started this marketing journey at the beginning of the month, we were discussing action steps — the need to take steps every day, even ‘baby steps’ to reach our business goals. For many of us, the need for the “perfect something” meant that “Nothing” went out the door.
It is critical to those of us who aspire to create wealth through our business, understand that ‘good enough and out’, to be improved upon next time, is better than ‘not at all.’
I cautioned new business ventures not to hold up on marketing their products and services just because their website wasn’t ready. Unless your business model is completely internet-based — an internet marketing business that has a publishing or training product that can ONLY be sold on a website — you do not need a website to START marketing. That does not mean your website isn’t a critical aspect of your business marketing plan, every business needs a URL-home in the Wild, Wild Net.
Lets visit the need for PERFECT again…
Your first website does not have to the website of your dreams, immediately. Your site can continually evolve and improve as time and budget allow. Even if you choose not to sell your goods or services online, a business web site can be a virtual marketing brochure that you can update on demand with little or no cost. Your presence on the Internet can be a useful marketing tool by providing richer pre-sale information or post-sale support and service. This might temporarily differentiate your product or service from your competitors’. eMarketing has lessened the disadvantage that small businesses have faced for years when competing with larger businesses.
eCommerce has redefined the marketplace, altered business strategies, and allowed global competition between local businesses. The term “electronic commerce” has evolved from meaning simply electronic shopping to representing all aspects of business and market processes enabled by the Internet and other digital technologies. Today’s business emphasis is on eCommerce – rapid electronic interactions enabled by the Internet and other connected computer and telephone networks. Rapid business transactions and unparalleled access to information is changing consumer behavior and expectations.
Many small businesses assume that the Internet has little value to them because they feel that their product or service cannot be easily sold online, but inexpensive information processing and electronic media can help most small businesses provide better, faster customer service and communication.
Many of you have expressed an interest in how Internet Marketing can be used to expand passive income opportunities for your current business venture. There is a great deal of information to share about Internet Marketing so ’ll pursue it as a separate blog string. Thanks for the feed back.
As a retired SBDC counselor, I know where to find business-related information — both online and IRL. In this case some of my marketing source is a SBA publication (National Women’s Business Center, Washington, D.C., 4/97). The balance is just years of experience. For individual business support with any aspect of your business contact the nearest SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Center.
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