Introduction
At the time of writing the e-Business book in early 2011 social media use has exploded, Facebook has raced past 600 million users, Google has offered six billion dollars to buy daily offer site Groupon; and smart phones are outselling personal computers. The way we do business is rapidly evolving as these technologies change our world.
Many businesses feel challenged by these changes. At the end of 2010 some of the Australian retailing industry tried to turn back the tide with a campaign for tax changes to stop people buying online. These shop owners didn’t understand the Internet’s real effects on their businesses are a lot more subtle and powerful than saving a few GST dollars.
Driving most of the change is how our customers, suppliers and employees are becoming more informed by using the web to discover who we are and talking to each other about their experiences in dealing with us. In this environment, having an online presence becomes a business essential.
There are many reasons why businesses haven’t gone online: the cost; the jargon; and the time it takes to set up a website or social media presence. This book will show you how to set up a full web presence in just seven easy steps — it won’t take you more than a weekend to implement a basic but functional and professional look.
eBusiness will help anyone who wants to get their ideas, project or business onto the internet cheaply and effectively. Much of the advice here is for small or start-up organisations that want to get their message out to the world.
You can also visit the book’s website to find bonus resources such as links, frequently asked questions and advice on web consultants.
Towards the end of writing e-Business Google and MYOB launched their Getting Australian Businesses Online project, which also helps local merchants set up a website. The appendix includes an overview as well as the instructions to help you maximise your results through this terrific service.
I mentioned three reasons for why businesses are not online, but there’s also a fourth reason and that is that many businesses think they don’t need a website. Those days are over. In a world where our customers, staff and suppliers are online, we have to be online as well. This book will show you how to create an internet presence quickly and effectively so you can grab the opportunities on offer.
Like to learn more? eBu$iness is available at all good book sellers and online through the John Wiley website.