Conducting Business on the Internet

In today's business world it is almost a necessityHaving all of the information on the site that your
to have a website to do business and if not acustomer could possibly want is the first step in
necessity, it is probably a good idea. In terms ofcreating the most useful site. For instance, in the
why do you need a web site; think about yourconcrete business, is it necessary to have the
competitors and what they offer. Do they have adetails of your Tucson precast concrete products
web site? If so, what do they show on their webversus your San Jose precast concrete products
site and how do they use their web site foror should you clump them together under all of
business? Is the web sites used for justyour products? One way to determine what to
information or is it used for ecommerce also? Ifput on the web site is to figure out what the
you are in the concrete construction business fordifferences are and what the particular sites offer
instance, what do others in your business have onversus the other sites? Also, do the customers
the internet? Here's a key question, even if theyprefer to have a site for their particular market
aren't on the internet, should you be first and leador is it okay to order from Tucson or San Jose
the way?without regard to where the product is made and
By leading the way, are you ready to take ordersshipped?
over the internet or is the site going to be usedOther things to consider putting on a business
for information purposes only? Taking ordersweb site are the contracts and specifications. This
leads to some conditions that you need toway the customer can view the specs, the
consider. For one, are the custom products youbusiness doesn't have to worry about sending out
sell possible to sell on the internet without havingthe specs as hard copy, but the specs are now
a face to face meeting? If so, what sellingopen to everyone. Is this good or indifferent? Is it
avenues and contracts need to be on the site sonecessary to do business in the world today or
your sales force can travel down that road withcan you sit back and work without the use of the
the customer either on the phone or in a chatinternet technology?
room?