MarketScapes Top-10 Tips for e-Business....

for Business....

1. Take a long hard look at your business

Consider the issues that inhibit growth, your internal costs and where you want to see the business develop.

2. Find out about your customers

Investigate how hi tech they are and whether they are used to doing business over the Internet. Identify the main reason they buy from you rather than a competitor. Assess how much it costs to acquire new customers and how much it costs to hold on to your existing market.

3. Carry out an audit of your IT infrastructure

Identify how many of your staff have access to the Internet, how many databases you operate and whether they are integrated. Decide whether your current IT support can scale up smoothly.

4. Take time to identify the right technology partner

If you choose to outsource then make sure the decision you make is right. Don’t get pressured by vendors to make a quick decision and get any agreement looked over by your legal advisers, it will save you time in the long term.

5. Check out how your competitors are currently using the Internet

How can you improve on their offerings? Can you identify a niche they have completely ignored? Can you establish yourself rapidly and act as a barrier to entry?

6. Make sure your internal processes are in place

Using the Internet means changes to how you work as a company. Make sure that you don’t fall prey to the Internet domino effect without having put in place the necessary customer service, corporate services, etc.

7. Become a legal eagle

Understand the legal implications of your e-business. Will you be storing data, emailing your customers or selling over the Internet? Seek legal advice to ensure you understand your position and limit your own liability.

8. Take a step-by-step approach

Don’t try to convert an existing business into an all singing, all dancing Internet company in one day. Any change is important to manage carefully. Set yourself key milestones to achieve and put in place easy wins to establish enthusiasm for change with your staff.

9. Take your steps quickly!

Deploy rapidly at each stage. If you make mistakes make them fast, learn and move on.

10. Finally – Think business not technology

Recognise the knowledge you have as a company and view technology as the means to achieve your vision.