1. Explore the relevance of the Internet to your business, particularly in the domains of communication, marketing, information gathering, buying and selling, and service and delivery.

2. Do not let the Internet dictate to your business; it's easy to get carried away. On the other hand don't get left behind under the illusion that "it'll never catch on".

3. The profile of your best prospect is the profile of your best customer. Keep an eye on customer buying habits and the level of interactivity they are likely to want.

4. Most research points to real growth in the business-to-business sector. Determine whether or not your products are suitable for electronic transactions and mail order.

5. Familiarise yourself with the law - advertising and selling, consumer protection, taxation, copyright and data protection.

6. Obtain commitment from senior management, and involvement and interest from as many people as possible. You won't get anywhere by making the Internet a sideline that only a few know about.

7. Recognise that you will need technical, design and legal expertise and this may need to be brought in if it is not readily available.

8. Getting started is more important than trying to get it perfect straightaway.

9. Keep moving forward. A month is a long time on the Internet and information can go stale if it is not renewed.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:

Keep up with Internet developments - they are usually flagged up in the press.

Familiarise yourself with the way the Internet works.

Look at the web sites of major customers, suppliers and competitors.

Don't:

Ignore the business issues or forget to assess all cost implications.

Assume that Web presence equals market penetration.

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Information supplied by Business Insight
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Tel: 0121 303 4531 Email: business.library@birmingham.gov.uk
www. birmingham.gov.uk/businessinsight
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