Your Web Presence: Points to Ponder

You’ve heard all the talk, the whole get connected mantra: Turn on your computers! Tune in to the internet! A lot of businesses are buying into it. The problem is, most businesses jumping into cyberspace don’t have the slightest clue what to do when they get there. Rushing headlong to post a web page before you even know what HTML stands for is as silly as pretending you don’t need any internet presence!
Slow down, take a deep breath, relax! A good goal should simply be to remain a viable source of business in your field as you enter the new century. –That means figuring out exactly where your business fits in this new cyber world and how you can use that world to further your business. As you ponder that, keep a few things in mind:

IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY, SAY NOTHING.

The biggest mistake most people make with reference to the internet is that everybody’s interested in what they have to say.

Actually, they aren’t.

When you can provide something really valuable to netizens, and only then, is it time for you to join the party.

ALL THAT’S GLITZY IS NOT GOLD

Consider the number of successful businesses that exist and make money without the benefit of million-dollar Superbowl commercials. Similarly, many businesses will be able to exist without a website. Its the content -- not the fancy new applet delivering it -- that matters.

INDIVIDUALS SURVIVE BUT COMMUNITIES THRIVE

Futurist Faith Popcorn, in her book CLICKING, introduced the concept of clanning: the idea that people are drawn to communities of like-minded people.

Smart businesses create their own online communities, rather than simply banner advertising on existing ones. You can have a single call us at this number web page, but eventually you’ll have to provide something more.

CONNECTING MAY MEAN DIS-CONNECTING

AOL is working so you can check your e-mail while pumping gas at the gas station. General Motors is designing an in-car internet connection. Most of us have multiple e-mail accounts, phone numbers, faxes, cel phones, etc. It’s only a matter of time before everyone is connected to everyone else all the time.

People are going to want to escape, to disconnect. Be hyper-aware of how connected your company is with your clients... stay connected but not overly so.

THE INTERNET DOESN’T SIGN CONTRACTS

Keep in mind, no matter what type of presence you establish in cyberspace, your business success will boil down to people liking what you have to offer and wanting to build relationships with you and your company.

Make building your knowledge of people as important as expanding your knowledge of the internet.

Remember, it’s people who sign contracts.

The internet just sits there and waits for them to call.

About the Author

Jim Allen, personal & business success coach. Get more ideas by visiting Jims website: CoachJim.com . Or subscribe to his bi-weekly newsletter, re:ACT!
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