Net benefits

The time when the Internet was the preserve of desktop computers is now over as it can be accessed via mobile phones, TV sets, even passport photo booths. As the dividing line between cyberspace and the real world becomes blurred, the Internet is increasingly seen as significant for business that have traditional remained offline.

Although the Internet has the potential to make your business environment more competitive, it should not be seen as a threat. It is, instead, an opportunity to consolidate and build on your business achievements.

The benefits of the Internet for real world business are clear. It can help in all following areas:

Saving money: The Internet can help your business save in the administration costs of taking orders by automating the process. Email can help you save on stationery costs, and online marketing often proves a lot more cost effective than marketing offline.

Improving customer service: By increasing the possibilities for communication between your business and its customers, you can offer an improved level of service to your existing customers.

Keeping records of your activities: Because the Internet enables you to store information, you can keep track of all business correspondence very easily.

Attractive new staff: The World Wide Web id now one of the most important resources for job seekers. According to a survey conducted by the UK organization Jobtrack, 79 per cent of college and university students say that the quality of a potential employer’s web site id an important factor when deciding whether or not to apply for a job there.

Preserving your market share: The Internet is not only a means of expanding your business, it is also a way to protect and hold on the market you have already established. Real world business risk losing out to slick start ups if they don’t embrace the Internet with open arms.

Making money: The Internet offers business new ways of making additional revenue. As well as providing a new platform which to sell your products, you can also make money from affiliate programs, selling advertising space, securing sponsorship and various other methods.

Going worldwide: Your web site can help you reach a worldwide market as geographical limitations are all but eliminated.

Being in constant contact: The Internet transform your 9 to 5 business into a 24hrs operation. Your web site works while you are asleep.

Knowing your market: as the Internet is interactive you can receive constant feedback from your audience.

The Internet can therefore help you take market research to a whole new level.