Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

A 3 Part Presentation Series

Entrepreneur's Guide to Doing Business Online

Overview

• Benefits of Going online• What it takes to go online• The Planning Process – March 23, 2009• Developing a Marketing Strategy - TBA• Understanding Technology needs - TBA

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

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>>>Only half of the nation’s small

businesses were estimated to have their own websites

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• The cost of maintaining and online operation

• Fear of technology and inexperience with online medium.

• Perceptions of complicated set-up processes.

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• Of small business that sell online, 64 percent said the internet has increased their revenues or sales.

• 48 percent felt the internet helped to expand their geographic reach.

• And 73 percent saved money by decreasing administrative costs.

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

The Internet is increasing the number of potential customers, and it is also driving

profitability.

>>>Setting up shop online takes passion and

demands a high level of optimism.

• Planning• Developing a Marketing Strategy• Understanding Technology

Needs.

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GO ONLINE?Moving a business online doesn’t have to be an arduous process. To set up an online business, entrepreneurs should apply their passion and positive thinking to three key areas.

>>>First and foremost, every small business owner needs a well-thought

plan.

1. Does the web make sense for this business?

2. What will the business sell?3. What are other companies doing?4. What resources will you need?5. Who is the target audience?6. How far will you cast your net?7. What about Shipping?8. What are your customer service policies?

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

TOP 8 PLANNING QUESTIONS

>>>Does the web make sense for this business?

• Images and videos• Offer discounts• Customer service

tools

For example a utility or service company’s product is largely intangible – You CAN…

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>>>What will the business sell?

• Identify ideal markets and products to sell.

• Tap a countertrend• Eat off a big guys plate• Switch to a niche• Borrow a business model.

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>>>What are other companies doing?

• Understand your competition• Use them to shape your

store• Promotional offers and target

audiences can help you stand out from the competitors

• Differentiate, tailor to niche markets.

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

>>>The doors of an online business never close.

• Hire someone dedicated to web management if the nature and size support it.

• Hire temporary employees to help and bring them in periodically to make changes.

• Outsource the development and design.• Use all-in-one service providers.• Secure strong technical support.

What resources will you need?

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

>>>Younger generations shop differently…

be aware of who your buyer is.

Every audience is unique, so merchants should tailor their marketing and communications in a way that connect consumers to their businesses.

Who is the target audience?

Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

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Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

It may turn out that the overseas market is

the company’s very best sales opportunity.

• Are you shipping only to North America?

• Only Accept CAD funds?• Use services like paypal to

make serving other countries easier.

• Do not be afraid to build a bridge to overseas markets.

How far will you cast your net?

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Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

Shipping efficiency and pricing can be a major competitive advantage.

• Will you absorb shipping fees?

• Include it in your price?• Allow shipping calculators?• Do not try to profit from

shipping charges.

What about Shipping?

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Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

Customer service is a great way to build loyalty, and it’s also a valuable feedback

mechanism.

• What your customer service policies?

• Customers are a great feedback mechanism.

• How quickly will you respond?• Response time should be

realistic and consistent.• Keep customers in the loop and

they will return.

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Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

It’s amazing how a business can thrive when its customers only need to lift a finger.

1. Competitors Review2. Register a Domain Name3. Technology Tools4. Web Development5. Product Listing6. Payment Options7. Protection8. Marketing9. Alliances10. Maintenance

TEN STEPS TO MOVE A BUSINESS ONLINE

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Presented by: Sherry DaRosa

The Internet, in fact, can work for any entrepreneurial personality.

CONCLUSION

Never have entrepreneurs had such a clear, easy and relatively inexpensive opportunity to real a global marketplace for so many products and services.

THANK YOU!