Growing a Business Business Online
e-business and e-commerce
Electronic technologies will be deployed over the next decade to the point that e-business will become commonplace. E-business is not to be confused with e-commerce, which is the transactional aspect of e-business. Your business may grow as a result of using some of the following e-commerce technologies:
| Business to another business | (eg suppliers) |
| Business to consumer | (eg online retailing) |
| Business to government | (eg online tendering) |
| Consumer to government | (eg electronic tax returns) |
The SBDC has a service for business operators assessing technology for their business called e-Com Entry Point. For further information Tel: 1300 366 837, online: www.e-com.sbdc.com.au; or visit the E-commerce Centre located at 553 Hay Street, Perth Western Australia.
For information about three online learning programs that could assist you with the development of your business, contact the SBDC, Tel: (08) 9220 0222, or for country callers 1800 125 199, or online: www.sbdc.com.au
-e-Start - e-Marketing - e-Trade
The internet
Most young business operators today have a computer with reasonable capacity and skills to operate it, and are connected to the internet to send and receive e-mails, browse for information, do research, develop a website, buy and sell online, do the banking, and participate in community chatrooms and forums. If you need information about all of these areas they are covered in SBDC’s e-Com Entry Point.
Getting connected
If you are not connected to the internet and your computer does not already have a modem, buy one. This will enable your computer to connect to the internet. Some computers have an internal modem so no additional equipment is required. Your next step is to find an ‘ISP’- internet service provider – who will provide you with e-mail services and access to the internet. There are many ISPs and you should research a few to assess their services and prices.
Creating a website
The cost of creating a website must be justified through improving productivity, opening new markets, increasing sales, or cutting costs. But, before you make an investment of time and money in a website consider how it will assist your business.
You need to clarify why you want a website and research what services are being offered and at what cost.
There are many companies offering to set up webpages charging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Some providers offer ‘free’ webpages that you can complete and have hosted on their website. Some ISPs offer web hosting for additional fees.
To have a website you need to register a domain name. For further information contact au Domain Administration Ltd, online: www.auda.org.au. Having a website has the potential to increase sales providing the marketing mix and presentation of the information is right.
Leasing equipment
If you are unsure of your needs, or prefer not to make the capital outlay required to purchase a computer, you may consider renting or leasing one. The advantages are that rental or lease payments are usually entirely tax deductible as a business expense, and that after the minimum period you can easily upgrade to meet your current needs.
