 Current Topics: Beginner's Internet Internet Rules Newsgroups No Mass Mailing! Websites Right? |
Beginner's Internet for Business
What is the Internet *really*? Quite simply, the Internet is a tool that allows users to find out information, enjoy entertainment, research needed facts, and conduct business. When you hear Internet, think: typical highway Usually, every person who accesses the Internet has an "email address" by which other individuals can reach them via electronic communications. Should your email address transmit over the Internet (which happens when you view certain web pages, post to newsgroups, register in on-line services, etc.), you'll soon receive unsolicited emails concerning everything from "Read this once!" to "Irish Cottages for sale!" to "Ground floor opportunities in Golf!" etc. Check out "Unsolicited Email" for more information. As a business person, your first reaction might be, Fantastic! A whole group of potential new customers! Let me buy thousands of email addresses or send all the C++ or Volvo mailing list subscribers information about my business! And this is the key reason why so many people fail on the Internet. Be certain to read "Internet Rules" for more information. [ Return to Top ] Can I make zillions of dollars easily from the Internet? Quick answer - possibly. Realistic answer - after much, much effort, precise marketing, adhering to Netequitte, and many, many months. Like everything else, the Internet is a tool which can help or harm you. Here is a quick look at what not to do - check out "No Mass Mailing!" for more information. Many of your customers do drive by on the Internet. Attracting *and retaining* their attention in a positive fashion will only increase your business as a whole. Annoying them via mass mailing or innappropriate postings will ensure they avoid your business like the plague. Obtaining thousands of website hits from people who won't buy anyway just wastes time. How is the money actually made? Answer - through very hard work. A website or Internet Service should be an attractive feature of your business which enhances your image as a whole, and provides easy access to your key business points and products. This requires as much careful planning as creating your current written brochures, designing a 30 second TV commercial, or instructing your employees on telephone manners. It is not a get rich quick medium! (for the most part, anyway). Money is made on the Internet by ensuring you create a positive relationship with your customers. If they don't want to buy now, wish them luck for the future and not to hesitate to stop by perhaps next month. If your targeted recruiting candidate chose another firm over you, send them email thanking them for the time they spent, and wishing them well for the future. With so many out-for-blood businesses on the Internet, a little courtesy goes a long, long way. Several of my candidates have been referrals because of the pleasant, professional way in which I deal with them. [ Return to Top ] How do I connect to the Internet? Connecting to the Internet is done through a computer, a modem attached to that computer, and an Internet Service Provider (otherwise known as an ISP). If you plan on spending hours on the Internet, consider investing in a new phone line (it's a business expense, after all). The costs nowadays seems to hover around $20/month for a personal account, with business accounts (including increased webspace and perhaps a domain name) going anywhere from $35 and up. If you have your own business and are thinking about a website, you should definitely consider buying a domain name (ie, www.virtual-coach.com or www.your-business.com). This has the added benefit of providing a specific name for your site, targeted specifically for your business purposes. Domain costs usually break down as follows:
Why do I receive unsolicited email? Because you are a very special person. At least, that's what the senders of the email would like you to think. The fact is, lists of hundreds of thousands of email addresses are available for cold cash, and many inexperienced advertisers will buy those addresses and start sending out electronic tons of the stuff. It can become rather annoying (I receive at least 15 such beasties a day). Some websites can grab your email address from your browser, store it, which allows the site owner to then send you email. If you post to the Internet newsgroups, it's a sure bet that your address will be gathered and forwarded to the owners of such lists. Yes, there are ways to lessen this. The key to remember is that mass mailings are very, very annoying. Don't make the mistake of doing this yourself. [ Return to Top ] Why do some pages look weird with Netscape 2.0 or IE 2.0? Browsers, like your business, grow and change every year. In the Internet technologies, it's more like every three to six months. Earlier versions of Netscape 2.0 or IE are not capable of seeing advanced browser techniques like javascript and other goodies (you can see your browser type by clicking here). You can always upgrade your browser to the latest and greatest at www.netscape.com or www.microsoft.com. [ Return to Top ] |
