HOT TIPS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH THE INTERNET

There can be little doubt that internet-based developments will have a huge impact on business over the next few years. To take advantage, businesses will need to ensure that they have the appropriate foundations in place – such as trouble free networks, ability to share information and resources, and effective speedy electronic communication.

In this document we have brought together some ideas and tips to help you plan and manage your use of the Internet. Further ideas and tips can be found on our web site or by giving us a call.

Hot Tips for Successful Web Design

• Keep your Internet address as close to your company name as possible
• Keep graphics simple and check that they load quickly
• Make it easy for users to find information
• Keep links simple – use icons or self-explanatory buttons
• Put your Internet address on everything you can – integrate all your marketing efforts
• Register with search engines – this is quick providing you follow their "rules"
• Track what people do when they visit your site – you can learn more about your customers, who they are and what they are interested in
• Always give your visitors a way to respond – e.g. e-mail address
• Don’t give the job of webmaster to someone you were going to let go
• ALWAYS ALWAYS keep information up-to-date!

A web site can be much more than a way to sell your products. By providing services and information online you can save yourself and your customers time and money. Your web site provides the ideal tool for customers to check inventory and prices, and find out about the latest offers and products. E-mail is effective both as a means of answering customer questions and getting out the latest product information.

What do you need to connect to the Internet?

Step 1 Single point access to the Internet

Shopping List: 1 PC, 1 Modem, 1 Service Provider Connection, software such as Internet Wizard from Windows 95/98 and Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Step 2 You want to be seen on the Internet

Shopping List: Register your Domain Name with your Internet Service Provider, arrange e-mail re-direction, and arrange web hosting.

Step 3 You want more than 1 to use the Internet at once

Shopping List: Use routing software, or router devices in conjunction with a modem.

Step 4 "Its not fast enough!"

Shopping List: Use an ISDN line, and a router, e.g. Cisco 800 series.

Step 5 "Its still not fast enough and I want to reduce costs!"

Shopping List: Use Caching software (such as Novell BorderManager, or Microsoft Proxy Server), to connect your network to the Internet. These store frequently used pages on your site, thus reducing traffic to the Internet.

Step 6 "The Sky's the Limit!"

Shopping List: Leased line access and more powerful routers such as Cisco 2600 series.

Hot Tips for Reducing Costs/Increasing Profit from your Internet Operations

Watch out for the following – any of which can severely reduce your profits:

• Manual re-keying of Internet orders into traditional ordering systems
• Multiple shipments sent to fulfil a single order
• Increased call centre traffic due to higher fulfilment expectations – internet customers expect more than many traditional customers, e.g. product availability, delivery dates, order status, history of orders, and the flexibility to change their order up to the time of shipment!
• Size of orders – typical orders over the Internet are smaller than traditional orders. Where picking, packing & dispatch are optimised for full pallets in truckloads, you will need to modify warehouse operations to include a small parcel picking, packing & dispatch system
• Supplier relationships – while you can improve the efficiency of these through use of the Internet, there are further benefits to developing a relationship which is co-operative and more partner-like with manufacturers. This will not only help with fulfilment and stock control but will also discourage them from direct selling