Doing business on-line

With today's technology messages, documents, video shots, whole project folders can be delivered to the other side of the world in seconds and can even be worked on simultaneously by multi-locational collaborative teams.

On-line business using a combination of interactive web sites, blogs, applicationss and email can help grow new market sectors and keep your existing customers happy with high service levels.

However, to be successful it is important that your in-house systems are set up to cope. Often managers fear that if they advertise with a web site they would not be able to cope with the increased enquiries and that could jeopardise existing business.

This isn't an web site problem – it is symptomatic of out-of date or poorly implemented systems. When considering setting up a web site businesses should also consider their in-house systems and networks. The main issues are:

• Avoiding keying in information more than once
• Making the system do work wherever possible
• Keeping secure back-ups of valuable client details and transactions
• Doing things from the desk (faxing, emailing, conferencing, internet)
• Having fast access to accurate company information and customer
  details
• Keeping in touch with your business and customers whether you are in the office, at home or on the road.

To achieve this you need a reliable solid network with integrated communications and business applications in addition to an on-line web site.

Email sandra for more information or to discuss your on-line business or collaboration project.