Our first article in today's newsletter states that soon, every person in the world will be part of a global small business. As we have recently seen, the world has become much more flat and small. That is, it is now much easier to connect with someone who is further than a short car ride away from you. Additionally, all around the world, more people than ever before have access to the Internet and other technological tools. So, while it has become easier to compete, there is more competition than ever before.
If there is more competition than ever before, what can you do to differentiate your business? One step your business could take is building a blog and strengthening your company's internet strategy. Through building a blog, you can prove to prospective customers that you are an expert in your industry or niche, while promoting your company on the Internet.
We have written about the many ways a blog can help your company connect with industry leaders and customers, and how they can build your company's brand. But how can you quickly, yet effectively, take advantage of that technology to integrate it into your businesses' operations?
Some of our recommendations in our webinar included setting goals for your company's blog, surveying the Internet to see the different kinds of blogs available, and using other social media sites to promote your own blog. You can learn more about all of these strategies by reading the newsletter, which can be found here.
When reading the newsletter, try to record your thoughts on the various topics. Record strategies and ideas that could help your business, and write down anything that comes to your mind. Develop strategies and a plan, and start writing.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Does Your Company Have a Blog?
As we mentioned in our webinar earlier this week, blogs are now an important marketing strategy. Blogs are inexpensive, they help companies to connect with other leaders in their industry and current and prospective clients, make them a trusted leader, build your company's brand, and help with search engine optimization.
Yet, many companies, especially small businesses, do not have blogs, and they do not know of their Return on Investment. They are missing out on tremendous opportunity. In fact, a recent study concretely shows how blogs can improve a business' operations. In the study, businesses that had blogs experienced:
Yet, many companies, especially small businesses, do not have blogs, and they do not know of their Return on Investment. They are missing out on tremendous opportunity. In fact, a recent study concretely shows how blogs can improve a business' operations. In the study, businesses that had blogs experienced:
- 55% more visitors to their website
- 97% more links to their website
- 434% more indexed pages
Continue reading our blog and newsletter for more tips on how your company can build or improve its blog.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Analyzing Your Company's Supply Chain
If you attended our webinar, one of the things you probably took from it was the importance of continually analyzing your company's supply chain. You cannot change what you cannot see, so you cannot make any improvements on your company's supply chain unless you really know what you are dealing with. So how do you figure out what you are dealing with?
Here are some tips on what to look for when analyzing your company's supply chain:
1. Look for problems
Obviously, if something is a big enough problem, you may not necessarily have to look for it. However, smaller problems that may fall through the cracks may be costing your company money. Go through your company's departments and ask if there are any production problems, and ask if things could be done more efficiently.
2. Look at your company's processes
Could any processes be done more efficiently with a bit of tweaking? See what it would take to achieve more efficient production. Short gains can lead to big rewards.
3. Look at your company's relationship with distributors and suppliers
Do you have a good relationship with your company's distributors and suppliers? Are your orders on time and of the highest possible quality? If not, you may want to reevaluate your company's suppliers.
4. Develop contingency plans
Does your company have contingency plans for natural disasters, international issues, logistical accidents, and changes in supply and demand? If not, think about developing plans.
5. What is your company's supply chain doing well?
You can learn from what your company is doing well in its supply chain. Analyze your company to determine what its competitive advantages are, and then see if you can use that to improve the remainder of the supply chain.
Here are some tips on what to look for when analyzing your company's supply chain:
1. Look for problems
Obviously, if something is a big enough problem, you may not necessarily have to look for it. However, smaller problems that may fall through the cracks may be costing your company money. Go through your company's departments and ask if there are any production problems, and ask if things could be done more efficiently.
2. Look at your company's processes
Could any processes be done more efficiently with a bit of tweaking? See what it would take to achieve more efficient production. Short gains can lead to big rewards.
3. Look at your company's relationship with distributors and suppliers
Do you have a good relationship with your company's distributors and suppliers? Are your orders on time and of the highest possible quality? If not, you may want to reevaluate your company's suppliers.
4. Develop contingency plans
Does your company have contingency plans for natural disasters, international issues, logistical accidents, and changes in supply and demand? If not, think about developing plans.
5. What is your company's supply chain doing well?
You can learn from what your company is doing well in its supply chain. Analyze your company to determine what its competitive advantages are, and then see if you can use that to improve the remainder of the supply chain.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Webinar: Top 10 Tips to Build and Improve Your Company's Blog
Top 10 Tips Webinar Series
Top 10 Tips to Build and Improve Your Company's Blog
Tuesday, October 27th 2:00PM – 2:45PM ET
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
You probably know what a blog is. You may even have one for your business. But you may not be aware that blogs can enhance your company's marketing capabilities by attracting a larger audience to your company and its website. Attend this webinar to learn how to set up your company's blog, and how to start using it to effectively reach new customers and engage current customers.
This webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 2:00 ET. Click here to register (http://actevarsvp.com/event/
The top ten tips you will learn about in the webinar are:
- Set goals for your company's blog
- Survey the Internet and other blogs
- Decide on a blogging platform
- Customize your company's blog
- Add web analytics to the blog
- Start writing
- Market your company's blog
- Build your blog's personality
- Increase the traffic to your company's blog
- Build participation on your company's blog
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Productivity Loop
As we discussed in our webinar earlier this week, supply chain management is quickly becoming an important business discipline. Many companies are finding that they can study their supply chains, make improvements, and reduce costs tremendously.
The supply chain covers everything involved in moving a product or service from suppliers to customers. This process of converting raw materials into finished goods involves people, information, and resources. The goal of supply chain management is to fulfill customer demands as efficiently as possible.
However, there needs to be a shift in the way companies fundamentally view their competition. Companies no longer compete against other companies. Instead, networks compete against networks, supply chains compete against supply chains.
Take Wal-Mart as an example. It sells similar products as its competitors, yet it is more successful than its competitors. The Wal-Mart and Kmart in the same shopping complex do not compete against the each other. Instead, the supply chains of each company compete against each other. How? Wal-Mart has always focused on improving sales, cutting costs, achieving greater efficiency in distribution, and using innovative IT tools. All of these strategies allow Wal-Mart to lower prices. Additionally, the company has a bigger supply chain, with more suppliers, and then has more opportunities to bring customers into their stores. Therefore, Wal-Mart is more competitive. This example illustrates the productivity loop - lower costs, then lower prices, sell more, and then increase profits.
What is your business doing to make the supply chain more efficient? Is your company in the productivity loop?
You can see more about supply chain management in our newsletter, Intelligent World, that will be released on Monday.
The supply chain covers everything involved in moving a product or service from suppliers to customers. This process of converting raw materials into finished goods involves people, information, and resources. The goal of supply chain management is to fulfill customer demands as efficiently as possible.
However, there needs to be a shift in the way companies fundamentally view their competition. Companies no longer compete against other companies. Instead, networks compete against networks, supply chains compete against supply chains.
Take Wal-Mart as an example. It sells similar products as its competitors, yet it is more successful than its competitors. The Wal-Mart and Kmart in the same shopping complex do not compete against the each other. Instead, the supply chains of each company compete against each other. How? Wal-Mart has always focused on improving sales, cutting costs, achieving greater efficiency in distribution, and using innovative IT tools. All of these strategies allow Wal-Mart to lower prices. Additionally, the company has a bigger supply chain, with more suppliers, and then has more opportunities to bring customers into their stores. Therefore, Wal-Mart is more competitive. This example illustrates the productivity loop - lower costs, then lower prices, sell more, and then increase profits.
What is your business doing to make the supply chain more efficient? Is your company in the productivity loop?
You can see more about supply chain management in our newsletter, Intelligent World, that will be released on Monday.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Company's Supply Chain Management
Top 10 Tips Webinar Series
Tuesday, October 6th 2:00PM – 2:30PM ET
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
Companies are always focused on cutting costs, especially now in this economy. The supply chain is one of the best places for businesses to cut costs. When taking a closer look at the supply chain, companies often find that they can improve their efficiency as well. It is not always who can reduce costs the most, but it is about who has the most flexibility when it comes to their supply chain. Attend this webinar to learn how your company can analyze its supply chain to cut costs and become more efficient.
The next Top Ten Tips webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 2:00 PM EST. The topic will be Top 10 Tips to Improve Your Company's Supply Chain Management. Click here to register. Please enter BLOG in the Invitation Code text box.
The top ten tips you will learn about in the webinar are:
- Analyze your website's current traffic
- Research your target audience, and develop relevant keywords
- Review your website design if needed and focus on delivering relevant information to the identified audiences
- Establish an online strategy
- Keep the design of your website simple
- Search Engine Optimize your website
- Ask other relevant sites in your network to link to yours.
- Try to create buzz around your products and company by using social media daily
- Advertise
- Add your website address to your packaged products and business cards
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What Will Be the Focus of the G20 Summit?
The City of Pittsburgh is making its final preparations before over 20 of the world's leaders converge on the city on Thursday and Friday. Many of the people who live and work in the city are thinking more about the travel restrictions and protests than the actual summit, or what will be discussed during the meeting. So, what will the G20 members be meeting about later this week?
The main topic that the G20 members will discuss is the worldwide economic situation, and how they can bring balance to the global economy. In a document that outlines the U.S. position on this topic, the US believes that exporters (like China, Germany, and Japan) should consume more, while countries with a lot of debt (like the US) should boost their savings. The document claims that "The world will face anemic growth if adjustments in one part of the global economy are not matched by offsetting adjustments in other parts." The US also imagines that the International Monetary Fund will have a greater hand in policy recommendations and assessments.
This kind of approach makes sense to us at IntellaCore. The world is no longer run by only a handful of large countries. Instead, as countries develop, they are gaining even footing with the once dominant countries. Many countries should be included in the solution to the problem.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to push for a larger role for developing countries in the global economy. He is also expected to restate India's position against all forms of protectionism, including trade, goods and services, and investment.
There will also be some focus on tightening financial regulations. There will be proposals to restrain bank executive pay and tightening the standards in the banking system to prevent another economic meltdown. Recently French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called to limit banker bonuses, and has actually promised to walk out of the summit if there is no agreement to cap executive pay and compensation.
But with all of this hype that we are experiencing in Pittsburgh, will anything actually come of the summit? The G20 has no real lawmaking power, so any changes that come from this summit will be the result of the lawmaking authorities for each of the countries. Some experts who have covered meetings like this in the past state that there will be a lot of self-congratulation, and the participants will say it was a great success. If any changes do come about because of this summit, don't expect anything to really start until November.
The main topic that the G20 members will discuss is the worldwide economic situation, and how they can bring balance to the global economy. In a document that outlines the U.S. position on this topic, the US believes that exporters (like China, Germany, and Japan) should consume more, while countries with a lot of debt (like the US) should boost their savings. The document claims that "The world will face anemic growth if adjustments in one part of the global economy are not matched by offsetting adjustments in other parts." The US also imagines that the International Monetary Fund will have a greater hand in policy recommendations and assessments.
This kind of approach makes sense to us at IntellaCore. The world is no longer run by only a handful of large countries. Instead, as countries develop, they are gaining even footing with the once dominant countries. Many countries should be included in the solution to the problem.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to push for a larger role for developing countries in the global economy. He is also expected to restate India's position against all forms of protectionism, including trade, goods and services, and investment.
There will also be some focus on tightening financial regulations. There will be proposals to restrain bank executive pay and tightening the standards in the banking system to prevent another economic meltdown. Recently French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called to limit banker bonuses, and has actually promised to walk out of the summit if there is no agreement to cap executive pay and compensation.
But with all of this hype that we are experiencing in Pittsburgh, will anything actually come of the summit? The G20 has no real lawmaking power, so any changes that come from this summit will be the result of the lawmaking authorities for each of the countries. Some experts who have covered meetings like this in the past state that there will be a lot of self-congratulation, and the participants will say it was a great success. If any changes do come about because of this summit, don't expect anything to really start until November.
Friday, September 18, 2009
5 Easy Steps to Build a Blog for Your Business
By now you have probably heard about blogs and somewhat of what they entail. What you may not know is how it can help your business. Many businesses have found that blogs are a great way to express your company's opinions, keep your company in your customers' minds, and create discussion among your readers. Blogs are a social media that can enhance your company's marketing capabilities.
Blogs can attract a larger audience to your business. When used in combination with other social media strategies, like Twitter and LinkedIn, visitors who are attracted to your products or services may be able to find your website more easily. Most blogs are constructed to offer a high degree of search engine access, creating even more chances for consumers to come across your business.
We have compiled five easy steps to start building your own blog. Read them below and start writing!
1. Set Goals for your Blog
First, you need to pick out what you are blogging about. If you do not determine what you are blogging about, your blog will soon die. Find your blog's niche and then go from there. Choose a topic you have a lot to talk about, pick something that interests you, and pick something that will further your career.
Then, you need to set goals for yourself and determine what you are trying to accomplish with your blog. Ask yourself questions like: Do I want to start a blog to complement my business, products, and services? For notoriety? To open doors to other opportunities? To help others? After you have answered these questions, develop a mission statement outlining what the blog is meant to achieve and how it will benefit your company as well as your readers.
Next, you need to create an interesting title, one that will spark curiosity in its viewers and intrigue them to click the link and read on. Humor is always the best way to catch a viewer's eye, but your title does not have to be funny as long as it remains alluring to readers. Consider the title an extension of your company's branding.
2. Decide on the Platform You Will Host Your Blog on
You will have to choose if you want your blog to be on a hosted or non-hosted platform. There are pros and cons to each. More serious bloggers use non-hosted blogs, while some less experienced bloggers use hosted blogs. With a hosted platform like Blogger or Type Pad, your blog will be housed on the platform’s server. Choose this option if you do not have a website, or if you are unsure of how to host the blog on your own website. Also, if you are a beginner, hosted blogs are definitely easier to use. On the other hand, these types of blogs usually look less professional.
A non-hosted blog, like Wordpress, is housed on your server. Use this option if you or someone in your company can easily determine how to host a blog on your website. Non-hosted blogs do give you more control over the way your blog works, but you should be comfortable with HTML, CSS, and PHP.
3. Customize Your Blog
Once you have your blog set up, you will want to begin customizing it. You definitely want your blog to be unique and stand out from other blogs in both voice and style. If you are experienced with HTML and CSS, you can probably build your own template, or build off other available templates. However, if you are a beginner, you will want to first start with a template that appeals to you.
Once you have a template, start changing it to your own specifications. You can add a new banner at the top of the page. This could be your company's logo. Change the color scheme if you would like to. And add some widgets, but not too many because you don't want to drag a reader's attention away from your content. Add your company's Twitter feed or a custom RSS newsfeed to a sidebar. And definitely add photos. Whether the pictures are of you, your business, or pictures that pertain to the content of your blog, they will catch a reader's eye and draw them in. If you are using Wordpress, install some plugins for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social networking, and plugins that enhance the performance of the blog.
4. Add Web Analytics to Your Blog
Who is reading your blog? What are the most popular posts? How are visitors finding your blog? Web analytics can show you this. When web analytics are installed on your blog, you can see which posts are your most popular, and then write more like them to keep people coming back to your website.
You can also analyze referring links - the links on other websites that people click on to get to yours. Figure out which sites are linking to yours, and then build a relationship with those sites so they will continue to link to your site. You can also see what visitors are typing into search engines to get to your site. If there are some keyword searches that show up many times, focus on those. If there are some keywords that don't see in the results, focus on them and write more posts about them.
5. Start Writing
To start off, make an interesting first post about you and your blog. You want to catch the reader's attention, so tell a little bit about what makes your company and your blog unique and why this blog will interest them.
Once you have the first post done, start to focus on writing actual content for your blog. This may be the biggest challenge. Make sure you are writing about something that intrigues you, that way you will have more to say and will avoid the common blogger dread of getting "burned out." In order to stay true to your audience, research and be sure about your facts to maintain your blog's credibility. However, your content does not have to remain heavy and packed with pure information. Write in your own voice and provide interesting thoughts and opinions. Your readers should enjoy reading your blog, find value in it, and want to stay tuned to see what is to come.
Finally, socialize with other bloggers. Begin by fraternizing with bloggers like you. Be yourself but be warned not to give out any personal data, passwords, or even your analytics report.
Blogs can attract a larger audience to your business. When used in combination with other social media strategies, like Twitter and LinkedIn, visitors who are attracted to your products or services may be able to find your website more easily. Most blogs are constructed to offer a high degree of search engine access, creating even more chances for consumers to come across your business.
We have compiled five easy steps to start building your own blog. Read them below and start writing!
1. Set Goals for your Blog
First, you need to pick out what you are blogging about. If you do not determine what you are blogging about, your blog will soon die. Find your blog's niche and then go from there. Choose a topic you have a lot to talk about, pick something that interests you, and pick something that will further your career.
Then, you need to set goals for yourself and determine what you are trying to accomplish with your blog. Ask yourself questions like: Do I want to start a blog to complement my business, products, and services? For notoriety? To open doors to other opportunities? To help others? After you have answered these questions, develop a mission statement outlining what the blog is meant to achieve and how it will benefit your company as well as your readers.
Next, you need to create an interesting title, one that will spark curiosity in its viewers and intrigue them to click the link and read on. Humor is always the best way to catch a viewer's eye, but your title does not have to be funny as long as it remains alluring to readers. Consider the title an extension of your company's branding.
2. Decide on the Platform You Will Host Your Blog on
You will have to choose if you want your blog to be on a hosted or non-hosted platform. There are pros and cons to each. More serious bloggers use non-hosted blogs, while some less experienced bloggers use hosted blogs. With a hosted platform like Blogger or Type Pad, your blog will be housed on the platform’s server. Choose this option if you do not have a website, or if you are unsure of how to host the blog on your own website. Also, if you are a beginner, hosted blogs are definitely easier to use. On the other hand, these types of blogs usually look less professional.
A non-hosted blog, like Wordpress, is housed on your server. Use this option if you or someone in your company can easily determine how to host a blog on your website. Non-hosted blogs do give you more control over the way your blog works, but you should be comfortable with HTML, CSS, and PHP.
3. Customize Your Blog
Once you have your blog set up, you will want to begin customizing it. You definitely want your blog to be unique and stand out from other blogs in both voice and style. If you are experienced with HTML and CSS, you can probably build your own template, or build off other available templates. However, if you are a beginner, you will want to first start with a template that appeals to you.
Once you have a template, start changing it to your own specifications. You can add a new banner at the top of the page. This could be your company's logo. Change the color scheme if you would like to. And add some widgets, but not too many because you don't want to drag a reader's attention away from your content. Add your company's Twitter feed or a custom RSS newsfeed to a sidebar. And definitely add photos. Whether the pictures are of you, your business, or pictures that pertain to the content of your blog, they will catch a reader's eye and draw them in. If you are using Wordpress, install some plugins for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social networking, and plugins that enhance the performance of the blog.
4. Add Web Analytics to Your Blog
Who is reading your blog? What are the most popular posts? How are visitors finding your blog? Web analytics can show you this. When web analytics are installed on your blog, you can see which posts are your most popular, and then write more like them to keep people coming back to your website.
You can also analyze referring links - the links on other websites that people click on to get to yours. Figure out which sites are linking to yours, and then build a relationship with those sites so they will continue to link to your site. You can also see what visitors are typing into search engines to get to your site. If there are some keyword searches that show up many times, focus on those. If there are some keywords that don't see in the results, focus on them and write more posts about them.
5. Start Writing
To start off, make an interesting first post about you and your blog. You want to catch the reader's attention, so tell a little bit about what makes your company and your blog unique and why this blog will interest them.
Once you have the first post done, start to focus on writing actual content for your blog. This may be the biggest challenge. Make sure you are writing about something that intrigues you, that way you will have more to say and will avoid the common blogger dread of getting "burned out." In order to stay true to your audience, research and be sure about your facts to maintain your blog's credibility. However, your content does not have to remain heavy and packed with pure information. Write in your own voice and provide interesting thoughts and opinions. Your readers should enjoy reading your blog, find value in it, and want to stay tuned to see what is to come.
Finally, socialize with other bloggers. Begin by fraternizing with bloggers like you. Be yourself but be warned not to give out any personal data, passwords, or even your analytics report.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Importance of a Website
Wouldn't it be great if your business were open to the world 24/7, 365 days a year? Customers could access information about your products and services, you could promote your services, you could make sales, and gather leads. You could do many of the things you do Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, without doing anything. But how could you do this?
You can easily do all of this with a website.
Websites are essential to becoming a 21st century company. Michael Dell, of Dell Computers was once quoted as saying, "Show me a business that's not on the Internet, and I'll show you a business that's out of touch with the future." Websites, along with the Internet, are the future of business. It is how businesses are reaching customers, and how customers are reaching out to businesses.
Think your business is too small to have a website? Small businesses can benefit tremendously from websites. A professional website can help a company to grow in ways that traditional marketing cannot.
Yes, customers can access a website from wherever they are - domestically, and internationally - but customers can also reach local businesses through the Internet. Many people have found businesses by going to Google and typing "city, product/service". What do prospective customers find when they type in your town and your product or service? You no longer have to rely on traditional forms of advertising to market your products and services locally.
Your company does not even have to sell products on a website. If you provide basic information about your company and your products or services, and have contact information or inquiry forms on a visible part of the website, customers will come to you.
Websites can even help your company refine its operations. You can include a Frequently Asked Questions section on your company's website that has answers to common issues with your products and services. Instead of calling your company's customer service line, customers may seek out the FAQ page first, leaving your customer service representative free to answer other calls. Additionally, you can use forms and surveys on your website for lead generation and information gathering. This would save you time from manually entering the information and actively finding leads.
Finally, and perhaps more importantly, a well-designed website can give your business a strong, professional image. A professional web presence and a unified marketing message is important, especially if your competitors already have a website. If your competitors do have a website, analyze it, and then figure out how you can make your website better.
If you have any questions about building a website, or if you have a website and would like it to make it easier for your customers and prospective customers to find, join our webinar on Tuesday, September 15th at 2:00 PM ET titled Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Website's Visibility. You can learn more by viewing the blog post below.
You can sign up for the webinar by clicking here.
You can easily do all of this with a website.
Websites are essential to becoming a 21st century company. Michael Dell, of Dell Computers was once quoted as saying, "Show me a business that's not on the Internet, and I'll show you a business that's out of touch with the future." Websites, along with the Internet, are the future of business. It is how businesses are reaching customers, and how customers are reaching out to businesses.
Think your business is too small to have a website? Small businesses can benefit tremendously from websites. A professional website can help a company to grow in ways that traditional marketing cannot.
Yes, customers can access a website from wherever they are - domestically, and internationally - but customers can also reach local businesses through the Internet. Many people have found businesses by going to Google and typing "city, product/service". What do prospective customers find when they type in your town and your product or service? You no longer have to rely on traditional forms of advertising to market your products and services locally.
Your company does not even have to sell products on a website. If you provide basic information about your company and your products or services, and have contact information or inquiry forms on a visible part of the website, customers will come to you.
Websites can even help your company refine its operations. You can include a Frequently Asked Questions section on your company's website that has answers to common issues with your products and services. Instead of calling your company's customer service line, customers may seek out the FAQ page first, leaving your customer service representative free to answer other calls. Additionally, you can use forms and surveys on your website for lead generation and information gathering. This would save you time from manually entering the information and actively finding leads.
Finally, and perhaps more importantly, a well-designed website can give your business a strong, professional image. A professional web presence and a unified marketing message is important, especially if your competitors already have a website. If your competitors do have a website, analyze it, and then figure out how you can make your website better.
If you have any questions about building a website, or if you have a website and would like it to make it easier for your customers and prospective customers to find, join our webinar on Tuesday, September 15th at 2:00 PM ET titled Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Website's Visibility. You can learn more by viewing the blog post below.
You can sign up for the webinar by clicking here.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Website's Visibility
Top 10 Tips Webinar Series
Tuesday, September 15th 2:00PM – 2:30PM EDT
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
The next Top Ten Tips webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 15th at 2:00 PM EST. The topic will be Top 10 Tips for Increasing Your Website's Visibility. Click here to register. Please enter NEWSLETTER in the Invitation Code text box.
Are you using your website as a sales and marketing tool? Are your strategies effective? Join this webinar to learn tips and tricks you can use to make more customers and prospects aware of your products and services through your website.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
- Establish an online strategy
- Analyze your website's current traffic
- Research your target audience, and develop relevant keywords
- Review your website design if needed and focus on delivering relevant information to the identified audiences
- Keep the design of your website simple
- Search Engine Optimize your website
- Ask other relevant sites in your network to link to yours.
- Try to create buzz around your products and company by using social media daily
- Advertise
- Add your website address to your packaged products and business cards
Click here to join the webinar.
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Join IntellaCore: Surviving and Thriving in a Flat World Economy Event
The "ENTREPRENEURIAL THURSDAYS" Happy Hour Show
Live Music by City's Great Jazz/R&B Artists!
Interviews @ Musical Break with City's Leading Entrepreneurs/Innovators!
Great Business & Professional Networking!
Where: Little E's Jazz & Blues
949 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant
412.392.2217
Cover Charge: Only $5.00!
September 10, 2009
"Surviving & Thriving in a Flat World Economy "
Featuring Interviews with:
Friday, August 28, 2009
Surviving the Recession to Become Globally Competitive
In this week's newsletter, we highlight some of the things businesses are doing to survive the recession. The highlighted companies in the stories are real businesses that are implementing various strategies in order to survive these turbulent times.
The good news is that businesses have many options to improve their business. The hard part is determining which option is best for your business. Choosing the correct route will be different for every business. However, if you choose the right strategy for your business, you may be able to not only survive the recession, but also become competitive in a global economy.
Below are some of the many ways businesses can improve their business to become globally competitive:
Use the Internet
The Internet is the easiest and fastest way to reach a worldwide audience online. Because of the ubiquity of technology in the marketplace, every business should have a website and an online sales strategy.
Pay Attention to International Market Conditions and Learn to Adapt to Them
If you know what current market conditions are, and can forecast future market conditions, you can formulate better strategies for your business.
Diversify Your Business' Supply Chain
Have any of your suppliers simply not been able to supply your business with raw materials before? What did that do to your production? It is always good to have a relationship with other suppliers if a situation like this ever arises.
Enter New Markets
Whether you enter new markets domestically or internationally, you are diversifying your sources of sales. That means if one market experiences a decline in growth, your business' overall sales will not suffer. You are not "putting all of your eggs into one basket."
Focus on Customer Service
Your customers may be the most important part of your business. Focus on them, and make sure they know that you genuinely value their business.
Pay Attention to Emerging Markets
Many experts claim that emerging markets like India, China, and Brazil are going to grow faster than developed markets once the recession is over. Could your product be in demand in one of those markets?
Increase Marketing
Many companies are cutting their marketing budgets now, and consumers may notice your products because of this.
Plan for After the Recession
If you have the resources, focus on building your business to gain competitive control in your industry, or in the markets your business competes in.
Click the picture bellow to read more about these examples in the latest edition of Intelligent World.
The good news is that businesses have many options to improve their business. The hard part is determining which option is best for your business. Choosing the correct route will be different for every business. However, if you choose the right strategy for your business, you may be able to not only survive the recession, but also become competitive in a global economy.
Below are some of the many ways businesses can improve their business to become globally competitive:
Use the Internet
The Internet is the easiest and fastest way to reach a worldwide audience online. Because of the ubiquity of technology in the marketplace, every business should have a website and an online sales strategy.
Pay Attention to International Market Conditions and Learn to Adapt to Them
If you know what current market conditions are, and can forecast future market conditions, you can formulate better strategies for your business.
Diversify Your Business' Supply Chain
Have any of your suppliers simply not been able to supply your business with raw materials before? What did that do to your production? It is always good to have a relationship with other suppliers if a situation like this ever arises.
Enter New Markets
Whether you enter new markets domestically or internationally, you are diversifying your sources of sales. That means if one market experiences a decline in growth, your business' overall sales will not suffer. You are not "putting all of your eggs into one basket."
Focus on Customer Service
Your customers may be the most important part of your business. Focus on them, and make sure they know that you genuinely value their business.
Pay Attention to Emerging Markets
Many experts claim that emerging markets like India, China, and Brazil are going to grow faster than developed markets once the recession is over. Could your product be in demand in one of those markets?
Increase Marketing
Many companies are cutting their marketing budgets now, and consumers may notice your products because of this.
Plan for After the Recession
If you have the resources, focus on building your business to gain competitive control in your industry, or in the markets your business competes in.
Click the picture bellow to read more about these examples in the latest edition of Intelligent World.
Monday, August 24, 2009
5 Tips to Meet the Right People for Your Business
Meeting the right people in your industry is a key to any business' success, especially if your business is focused on expanding. The right relationship can open new networks and channels that may be great opportunities for your business. But how do you meet the right people? Below are 5 tips to help you to get started meeting the right people for your business.
How to find the right people:
1. Networking Events - Networking events are still a great way to meet people in your region and in your industry. If you are going to a trade show, try to review the people who will be attending the trade show before you go. If you know who will be in attendance, you have a better chance of meeting the people you want to meet and of making the most of the trip. Additionally, remember to network intelligently. Distribute your business cards, and if you think the person may be able to help your business, make a genuine connection with that person.
2. Personal Recommendations - If you know that someone in your network knows someone that you are interested in talking with, ask your contact to introduce you, and possibly help to set up a meeting. Again, focus on making a genuine connection with each party you talk with.
3. Industry Associations - Look into associations within your industry to connect with people. The people you are looking for may work with or are very involved with the association, or they may simply belong to the association. If you are not already a part of an industry association, you may want to join one. Not only will they help you to network, but they will also keep you up to date on your industry, including what your competitors are doing.
4. Social Networking - You have probably heard much about social networking sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. One of the surprising things is that sites like these can help you to build a virtual network of people in your industry. Join LinkedIn and start connecting to people you already know. You may connect with other people through these connections. Join Twitter and start Tweeting about things that you think are interesting to the people you want to connect with. Start a blog and do the same thing. Try to sort through the people who are just looking to boost their follower count, and instead are actually looking to connect. Additionally, if you are going to pursue a social networking strategy, you will want to make sure that your website is easy to use - that is where contacts and consumers will go after they make the initial contact with you to learn more about you and your company.
5. Use Your Website - What results pop up when you type the name of your most popular product into a search engine like Google or Yahoo? If it is not your website, but a competitor's website, or simply a review of your product, you might want to put some attention to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This will help to bring your website to the top of the searches. If necessary, redesign your website to make it easier for contacts and customers to understand your company and its products. If people can find your website, and can learn about your company on the website, you may not have to search for the "right people." The right people may come to you.
One important thing to remember: once you have the relationship, keep building the relationship by staying in contact. Additionally, if you do decide to develop a social networking strategy, remember that it will take a firm commitment to continue to update the Twitter stream and blogs. This content generation does not require much of your time, but it will need to be present in your mind.
How to find the right people:
1. Networking Events - Networking events are still a great way to meet people in your region and in your industry. If you are going to a trade show, try to review the people who will be attending the trade show before you go. If you know who will be in attendance, you have a better chance of meeting the people you want to meet and of making the most of the trip. Additionally, remember to network intelligently. Distribute your business cards, and if you think the person may be able to help your business, make a genuine connection with that person.
2. Personal Recommendations - If you know that someone in your network knows someone that you are interested in talking with, ask your contact to introduce you, and possibly help to set up a meeting. Again, focus on making a genuine connection with each party you talk with.
3. Industry Associations - Look into associations within your industry to connect with people. The people you are looking for may work with or are very involved with the association, or they may simply belong to the association. If you are not already a part of an industry association, you may want to join one. Not only will they help you to network, but they will also keep you up to date on your industry, including what your competitors are doing.
4. Social Networking - You have probably heard much about social networking sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. One of the surprising things is that sites like these can help you to build a virtual network of people in your industry. Join LinkedIn and start connecting to people you already know. You may connect with other people through these connections. Join Twitter and start Tweeting about things that you think are interesting to the people you want to connect with. Start a blog and do the same thing. Try to sort through the people who are just looking to boost their follower count, and instead are actually looking to connect. Additionally, if you are going to pursue a social networking strategy, you will want to make sure that your website is easy to use - that is where contacts and consumers will go after they make the initial contact with you to learn more about you and your company.
5. Use Your Website - What results pop up when you type the name of your most popular product into a search engine like Google or Yahoo? If it is not your website, but a competitor's website, or simply a review of your product, you might want to put some attention to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This will help to bring your website to the top of the searches. If necessary, redesign your website to make it easier for contacts and customers to understand your company and its products. If people can find your website, and can learn about your company on the website, you may not have to search for the "right people." The right people may come to you.
One important thing to remember: once you have the relationship, keep building the relationship by staying in contact. Additionally, if you do decide to develop a social networking strategy, remember that it will take a firm commitment to continue to update the Twitter stream and blogs. This content generation does not require much of your time, but it will need to be present in your mind.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The IntellaCore Experience
We enjoy working with interns at IntellaCore. The interns work with us to gain experience, and we benefit from their unique perspectives. We had a few great interns with us this summer, and we thought that it might be interesting for you to read one of the interns' perspectives.
Dear readers,
I’m Lucile, a French student who is completing a summer internship at IntellaCore. To do my internship abroad, in an international company, was the best opportunity I ever had in my young life. In 3 months, I was able to use my English in a global working environment thanks to IntellaCore.
In US, internships are really considered as a job, executives trust young students who have just graduated from college. They give you the chance to have some responsibilities inside the company and they train you to become efficient with many tasks and independent.
I was so surprised the first time when an employee or my supervisor asked me: What’s your opinion? Which value could you bring to the enterprise? My first French reaction: I’m just an intern, why they need my point of view?
This way to manage people, especially for interns in France, that doesn’t exist. Who cares about the point of view of a 22-years-old girl? In France, you have to follow the boss, he’s the only one who has an opinion and you have to be agreed with him at anytime. The hierarchy is really important in my country of origin.
I learned from that: your thoughts have the power to create (both good and bad things) but sometimes when you let others know your mind that is the problem. Let’s think about it, you have grand dreams and things you want to accomplish. This is the number one killer of dreams, sometimes it is good to work on your aims silently. That means to stay positive and motivated. I need to be more confident with myself and to act as a specialist in my own field. How to sell myself? That’s the question.
A good point in US job environment is COLLABORATION; you have to work with your team and your manager to achieve a common goal. In an American company everyone is an important part, managers adapt the tasks to the employees’ strengths and capabilities, and people are more efficient with this method. They know what are your skills and your personality, so they give you a task in ad equation with that. In my opinion, I learn more like that, and when you’re ready, you have more responsibilities and you can feel free to take some initiatives. I think it’s a cultural difference; American people don’t like uncertainty so they explain to you everything and your role is so much explicit in a corporation.
More about my job at IntellaCore:
During the last past 3 months, I learn so many things on how to do business in US, to analyze different kind of markets, to work in a global environment, to improve my computing skills by using social media and software. I was able to work with the marketing team and the sales department on several projects.
Regarding my job in marketing and communications, we set up the marketing plan for the company with a calendar, we try to find the best tools to have an efficient Internet presence, we write the newsletter, the Global Guru blog. We organized several webinars (online seminars) with the CEO, Michael Malloy, it was the first time I use this tool to share some knowledge. The world changed, and businessmen don’t need to travel anymore in this global Internet economy! I translate informative documents in French for IntellaCore. An important part of my work is to find good articles in economics news focused on the businessmen’s interests. It’s a daily task, useful for me because I have to read professional articles in English and be able to do a selection, in order to post them on Twitter.
The main goal for this part of my internship was to understand exactly: Which are my company’s needs, which capabilities I can bring to them, how I can help them to succeed and give them a new point of view on their company.
Regarding my job with the sales department, I was able to work on a project for a client. How they can go into new markets: Canada and UK. For this part, my first language, French, is really useful to call resellers and distributors in Quebec. I noticed that these prospects really appreciate to talk first with someone in French. Don’t be worried, most of them speak really well English so our client and IntellaCore will be able to continue to build these relationships. It’s one of the main advantages to work with IntellaCore, they give to companies really good advices in international business and Internet technologies.
I learn a lot on how to analyze a market, how to find appropriate people in these companies, how to stay in touch with them, how to adapt my communication to their culture.
I’m sure you will be interested to know, what are the differences between working in France and in US:
Dear readers,
I’m Lucile, a French student who is completing a summer internship at IntellaCore. To do my internship abroad, in an international company, was the best opportunity I ever had in my young life. In 3 months, I was able to use my English in a global working environment thanks to IntellaCore.
In US, internships are really considered as a job, executives trust young students who have just graduated from college. They give you the chance to have some responsibilities inside the company and they train you to become efficient with many tasks and independent.
I was so surprised the first time when an employee or my supervisor asked me: What’s your opinion? Which value could you bring to the enterprise? My first French reaction: I’m just an intern, why they need my point of view?
This way to manage people, especially for interns in France, that doesn’t exist. Who cares about the point of view of a 22-years-old girl? In France, you have to follow the boss, he’s the only one who has an opinion and you have to be agreed with him at anytime. The hierarchy is really important in my country of origin.
I learned from that: your thoughts have the power to create (both good and bad things) but sometimes when you let others know your mind that is the problem. Let’s think about it, you have grand dreams and things you want to accomplish. This is the number one killer of dreams, sometimes it is good to work on your aims silently. That means to stay positive and motivated. I need to be more confident with myself and to act as a specialist in my own field. How to sell myself? That’s the question.
A good point in US job environment is COLLABORATION; you have to work with your team and your manager to achieve a common goal. In an American company everyone is an important part, managers adapt the tasks to the employees’ strengths and capabilities, and people are more efficient with this method. They know what are your skills and your personality, so they give you a task in ad equation with that. In my opinion, I learn more like that, and when you’re ready, you have more responsibilities and you can feel free to take some initiatives. I think it’s a cultural difference; American people don’t like uncertainty so they explain to you everything and your role is so much explicit in a corporation.
More about my job at IntellaCore:
During the last past 3 months, I learn so many things on how to do business in US, to analyze different kind of markets, to work in a global environment, to improve my computing skills by using social media and software. I was able to work with the marketing team and the sales department on several projects.
Regarding my job in marketing and communications, we set up the marketing plan for the company with a calendar, we try to find the best tools to have an efficient Internet presence, we write the newsletter, the Global Guru blog. We organized several webinars (online seminars) with the CEO, Michael Malloy, it was the first time I use this tool to share some knowledge. The world changed, and businessmen don’t need to travel anymore in this global Internet economy! I translate informative documents in French for IntellaCore. An important part of my work is to find good articles in economics news focused on the businessmen’s interests. It’s a daily task, useful for me because I have to read professional articles in English and be able to do a selection, in order to post them on Twitter.
The main goal for this part of my internship was to understand exactly: Which are my company’s needs, which capabilities I can bring to them, how I can help them to succeed and give them a new point of view on their company.
Regarding my job with the sales department, I was able to work on a project for a client. How they can go into new markets: Canada and UK. For this part, my first language, French, is really useful to call resellers and distributors in Quebec. I noticed that these prospects really appreciate to talk first with someone in French. Don’t be worried, most of them speak really well English so our client and IntellaCore will be able to continue to build these relationships. It’s one of the main advantages to work with IntellaCore, they give to companies really good advices in international business and Internet technologies.
I learn a lot on how to analyze a market, how to find appropriate people in these companies, how to stay in touch with them, how to adapt my communication to their culture.
I’m sure you will be interested to know, what are the differences between working in France and in US:
- Hierarchy is more important in France than in the US.
- In France you never include religion, stories concerning your private life, or a sense of humor when you call a partner in a work environment, it is common in the US.
- In the US it’s harder to organize an event outside the office to gather all the co-workers; they don’t like to share their private life and professional life. In France, it’s common to go out with your co-workers, to offer them some gifts for occasions and become friends with them.
- In France, interns are not well treated like in US, we do the same job as a employee for free and without recognition by your boss. In US, they believe in young people like interns, and you can easily give your point of view.
- American businessmen and young graduated people don’t hesitate to travel in US or abroad to find the job of their dreams, whereas French people don’t like to leave their country.
- French students speak more foreign languages than American students, even if we have the reputation to not speak English with a good accent (I agree on this point…). Everybody has to learn 2 foreign languages until the High School Exam.
- In France, we have more laws to protect workers from bad working conditions like a maximum working hours of 35 hours per week, which doesn’t exist in US. Americans work more than French.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Is There A Perfect Time to Expand Your Business?
There may never be a perfect time to expand your business - especially if you are thing of national and international expansion - but there are always good times to expand.
You may not realize it, but now is a very good time to expand your business regionally, nationally, and internationally. For a recent example, look at Volkswagen. They previously moved into China and Latin America. Their involvement in the American economy is minimal when compared to their competitors (Ford, GM, Toyota, etc.). Because of this, VW is suffering least. They have diversified their markets, and are gaining market share.
As another example, McDonalds realized that its products are very competitive in many markets. The company knew that if the products were competitive, they should be able to expand within the markets, and become a greater competitive force. At the beginning of the year, McDonalds decided to open 1000 new stores. Once the recession hit, McDonalds focused on its efforts on their dollar menu. Because of this, McDonalds has seen its sales rise because of the low prices. The company took a look at its market, focused on the trends, and improved its products to compete effictively.
You should also consider expanding your business because chances are your competitors are thinking the same thing. In their January 2009 State of the Market: Mid Year Insights Report, the Aberdeen Group found that 43% plan to create or expand sales channels, 39% want to develop strategic partnerships, 36% are focused on developing new products and services, and 30% will try to improve brand visibility. This study shows that the recession is creating opportunities to innovate, expand, and steal marketshare. A more recent Ernst & Young survey found that 93% of small business owners are maintaining or increasing their focus on expanding into new markets. Additionally, companies that can expand during a recession while other companies are shrinking will outpace the competition and build a strong competitive advantage.
Some economists are claiming that we have reached the bottom of the economic decline and the economy is slowly on its way up again. If you have the resources, you may want to invest in your business and make your move now.
So, if you really want to expand now, what should you be doing?
- Stay focused on your company’s goals, but reexamine them if you feel it is necessary - Consumer attitudes are changing. Make sure your business reexamines the marketplace for any threats or opportunities.
- Invest in effective, money-saving technology
- Pay attention to the people who pay you – your employees and customers
- Always watch for new opportunities.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Is Your Business Ready to Expand?
Last week, our webinar was focused on deciding if your business was prepared to export. During the webinar, and in the follow-up, we learned that some businesses were not exactly ready to export. Some businesses were actually afraid of exporting.
One thing companies should know is that they do not necessarily need to export to grow their business. Instead, companies can expand their business to different regions within their own country. It could be to a different state or province, or to a different area of a state or province.
And if a company does believe that they are ready to export, but they do not want to go into many different markets, or want to start out slow, try exporting to a country that is close to yours or borders yours. There may be similar languages and customs, and the transport costs would not be very high. Additionally, there may be free trade agreements in place between the countries. A good example of this would be the US and Canada, and even the US and Mexico.
If you want to expand your business, but you don't want to work on breaking into new markets, work on making the customers come to you. 21st century businesses compete regionally, nationally, and internationally, but also virtually. The Internet is a new market that many businesses are not focusing on as much as they should be. With the Internet, and with proper marketing and positioning of your company and its products, you can access many more markets than you previously would have been able to. Plus, because the technology tools are so inexpensive, you can possibly save money while reaching more people.
So, what are you doing to expand your business?
If you are interested in expanding into the virtual market, contact IntellaCore, or keep watching this blog for more information and details on future webinars.
One thing companies should know is that they do not necessarily need to export to grow their business. Instead, companies can expand their business to different regions within their own country. It could be to a different state or province, or to a different area of a state or province.
And if a company does believe that they are ready to export, but they do not want to go into many different markets, or want to start out slow, try exporting to a country that is close to yours or borders yours. There may be similar languages and customs, and the transport costs would not be very high. Additionally, there may be free trade agreements in place between the countries. A good example of this would be the US and Canada, and even the US and Mexico.
If you want to expand your business, but you don't want to work on breaking into new markets, work on making the customers come to you. 21st century businesses compete regionally, nationally, and internationally, but also virtually. The Internet is a new market that many businesses are not focusing on as much as they should be. With the Internet, and with proper marketing and positioning of your company and its products, you can access many more markets than you previously would have been able to. Plus, because the technology tools are so inexpensive, you can possibly save money while reaching more people.
So, what are you doing to expand your business?
If you are interested in expanding into the virtual market, contact IntellaCore, or keep watching this blog for more information and details on future webinars.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Webinar: Top 10 Tips for Expanding Your Business into New Markets
Top 10 Tips Webinar Series
Tuesday, August 18th 2:00PM – 2:30PM EDT
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
The challenges that come with expanding your business domestically and internationally are not as great as they once were. You no longer have to do business only within your regional box. You can easily find markets nationally and internationally that have a need for your products. Attend this webinar to learn how you can conduct market research, develop market entry strategies, evaluate prospects, and learn to communicate over distances. This webinar teaches IntellaCore's perspective that it is global, Internet economy, and as such Internet tools and activities make it easier, cheaper, and less complicated to expand your business.
The next Top Ten Tips webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 18th at 2:00 PM EST. The topic will be Top 10 Tips for Expanding Your Business into New Markets. Click here to register. Please enter BLOG in the Invitation Code text box.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
1. Research specific markets
2. Research regulations and fees
3. Finalize potential markets to enter
4. Develop a pricing strategy
5. Develop a localization strategy
6. Use virtual marketing to establish a presence in the new markets
7. Finalize market entry strategy
8. Find buyers and distributors, and build the relationship
9. Develop factors to consider when choosing a foreign representative or distributor
10. Strategize how to communicate with foreign companies who submit inquiries, and handle requests for information and price quotes
Click here to join the webinar.
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Monday, August 10, 2009
What Should You Look for When Gathering Initial Market Intelligence?
You are going to need Market Intelligence if you plan to expand your business in any way, especially if you plan to export. But how should you start? And what should you look for when gathering the Market Intelligence?
Start the process by selecting a few markets you are interested in. The markets can be domestic or international -- wherever you think your company and your products and services can do best. First, think of 8-12 markets that you think would be easy for your company to enter. Look for markets where you or someone from your organization have contacts or know the language, and markets where there is a demand for products like yours, where there are no significant barriers to entry, and where foreign competition is limited. As you gather Market Intelligence you will be able to cut those markets down to a more manageable 5-7 target markets. You can continue to cut the markets until you have the number you think you can enter.
Once you have a list of markets you are considering entering, you can start your research based on some of the below factors:
That is a lot of specific information to start out with. But what should you do if you do not have the resources to find that information, or if your company is not ready to start a marketing research campaign?
You can start by paying attention to the news. Watch CNN, read a newspaper, or read RSS feeds. Use whatever method would keep you best informed. Keep an eye on world events that influence your business, your current markets, and any future markets. You may find that a certain market has a problem that your products can fix, or you could learn that a new political agreement opened a new market for your company's products.
You can also consult with experts. The "experts" can be a speaker at a seminar you attend, someone at the U.S. Department of Commerce, someone in an industry association you belong to, an importer in one of your target markets, or someone who has exported a similar product. Ask to have lunch or coffee with any of these people. The worst case scenario is that they will say they are busy. In the best case scenario, they may help you enter a new market.
This blog post contained a lot of information. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to learn more about any particular topic described above, feel free to contact IntellaCore or leave a comment.
Start the process by selecting a few markets you are interested in. The markets can be domestic or international -- wherever you think your company and your products and services can do best. First, think of 8-12 markets that you think would be easy for your company to enter. Look for markets where you or someone from your organization have contacts or know the language, and markets where there is a demand for products like yours, where there are no significant barriers to entry, and where foreign competition is limited. As you gather Market Intelligence you will be able to cut those markets down to a more manageable 5-7 target markets. You can continue to cut the markets until you have the number you think you can enter.
Once you have a list of markets you are considering entering, you can start your research based on some of the below factors:
- Information on customers in the market - Research things like demographics, buying habits, etc.
- Culture - How does the culture vary? Will you have to change your product because of it?
- Market trends - What is the outlook for the markets?
- Market conditions and practices
- Key differences between current markets and new markets
- Competition - Are your competitors in any of the markets?
- Economic Initiatives - Are there any funds that may help you in your efforts?
- Industry associations in the markets - Do you belong to any industry associations that have contacts in the markets you are interested in?
- Trade statistics for a market or product - Search for markets with largest and fastest growing imports of products like your company's. Also, look for the largest and fastest growing export destinations for your product - this means that there is a market for your product.
- Fastest growing markets - Look for markets that are growing the fastest - there may be a demand for your products in them.
- Market barriers - Research tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and import restrictions.
That is a lot of specific information to start out with. But what should you do if you do not have the resources to find that information, or if your company is not ready to start a marketing research campaign?
You can start by paying attention to the news. Watch CNN, read a newspaper, or read RSS feeds. Use whatever method would keep you best informed. Keep an eye on world events that influence your business, your current markets, and any future markets. You may find that a certain market has a problem that your products can fix, or you could learn that a new political agreement opened a new market for your company's products.
You can also consult with experts. The "experts" can be a speaker at a seminar you attend, someone at the U.S. Department of Commerce, someone in an industry association you belong to, an importer in one of your target markets, or someone who has exported a similar product. Ask to have lunch or coffee with any of these people. The worst case scenario is that they will say they are busy. In the best case scenario, they may help you enter a new market.
This blog post contained a lot of information. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to learn more about any particular topic described above, feel free to contact IntellaCore or leave a comment.
Friday, August 7, 2009
G-20 Preparations
The G-20 summit is about a month and a half away, and the City of Pittsburgh is certainly preparing for the meeting. Two of the major things in the news about the summit is the focus on preparing the police force to handle situations that come with events like these, and the beautification of the city.
Although it is not being reported, we at IntellaCore hope that the business owners in Pittsburgh and other areas like Pittsburgh can realize that there is more to their business environment than their geographic region. We hope that when people see the various world leaders from the 20+ countries on the news or in the papers, they will think about expanding their business into one of those countries, or simply think about becoming globally competitive. We are now living in a flat world. The term "flat world" simply means that a company can no longer 'hide"in the hills and the valleys of its regional market. Every company operates in the global, Internet marketplace whether they operate domestically, internationally, or virtually on the Internet.
Many businesses in this region understand these ideas. In fact, within the Pittsburgh region it is estimated that international business accounts for an estimated 130,000 jobs, and almost 80 percent of the public companies in the region operate or conduct business internationally. Equally as impressive, the delegates from the G-20 nations represent 90% of global GNP, 80% of world trade (including EU intra-trade), and 2/3 of the world's population.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the webinar. We hope that you learned that International business is not as intimidating as you might have thought before. Be sure to join our next webinar if you want to learn more about international business, or if you just want to become globally competitive within your own region - the details are below.
Top 10 Tips for Expanding Your Business into New Markets
Tuesday, August 18th 2:00PM – 2:30PM EDT
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
The challenges that come with expanding your business domestically and internationally are not as great as they once were. You no longer have to do business only within your regional box. You can easily find markets nationally and internationally that have a need for your products. Attend this webinar to learn how you can conduct market research, develop market entry strategies, evaluate prospects, and learn to communicate over distances. This webinar teaches IntellaCore's perspective that it is global, Internet economy, and as such Internet tools and activities make it easier, cheaper, and less complicated to expand your business.
Click here to join.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
1. Research specific markets
2. Research regulations and fees
3. Finalize potential markets to enter
4. Develop a pricing strategy
5. Develop a localization strategy
6. Use virtual marketing to establish a presence in the new markets
7. Finalize market entry strategy
8. Find buyers and distributors, and build the relationship
9. Develop factors to consider when choosing a foreign representative or distributor
10. Strategize how to communicate with foreign companies who submit inquiries, and handle requests for information and price quotes
Click here to join.
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Although it is not being reported, we at IntellaCore hope that the business owners in Pittsburgh and other areas like Pittsburgh can realize that there is more to their business environment than their geographic region. We hope that when people see the various world leaders from the 20+ countries on the news or in the papers, they will think about expanding their business into one of those countries, or simply think about becoming globally competitive. We are now living in a flat world. The term "flat world" simply means that a company can no longer 'hide"in the hills and the valleys of its regional market. Every company operates in the global, Internet marketplace whether they operate domestically, internationally, or virtually on the Internet.
Many businesses in this region understand these ideas. In fact, within the Pittsburgh region it is estimated that international business accounts for an estimated 130,000 jobs, and almost 80 percent of the public companies in the region operate or conduct business internationally. Equally as impressive, the delegates from the G-20 nations represent 90% of global GNP, 80% of world trade (including EU intra-trade), and 2/3 of the world's population.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the webinar. We hope that you learned that International business is not as intimidating as you might have thought before. Be sure to join our next webinar if you want to learn more about international business, or if you just want to become globally competitive within your own region - the details are below.
Top 10 Tips for Expanding Your Business into New Markets
Tuesday, August 18th 2:00PM – 2:30PM EDT
Top Ten Tips is a series of practical, fact-based webinars using the Path To Success methodology developed at IntellaCore. The webinars are short, hard-hitting, and are always combined with a whitepaper. Each webinar breaks down an important way that a company can increase revenue, reduce costs, and become a sustainable, competitive business.
The challenges that come with expanding your business domestically and internationally are not as great as they once were. You no longer have to do business only within your regional box. You can easily find markets nationally and internationally that have a need for your products. Attend this webinar to learn how you can conduct market research, develop market entry strategies, evaluate prospects, and learn to communicate over distances. This webinar teaches IntellaCore's perspective that it is global, Internet economy, and as such Internet tools and activities make it easier, cheaper, and less complicated to expand your business.
Click here to join.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
1. Research specific markets
2. Research regulations and fees
3. Finalize potential markets to enter
4. Develop a pricing strategy
5. Develop a localization strategy
6. Use virtual marketing to establish a presence in the new markets
7. Finalize market entry strategy
8. Find buyers and distributors, and build the relationship
9. Develop factors to consider when choosing a foreign representative or distributor
10. Strategize how to communicate with foreign companies who submit inquiries, and handle requests for information and price quotes
Click here to join.
While there are many international experts or technology experts, we are both. IntellaCore has a unique point of view because we are positioned at the critical crossroad where very few are -- that place where the global economy meets the Internet. Based on decades of experience in both International business and Internet-based activity, Path to Success aligns technology to the business plan, internally transforms the operations of the business, and expands their market presence into new domestic, international, and virtual markets.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How Do You Know Your Business is Ready to Export?
There are many reasons why businesses decide to begin doing business internationally. Some include increasing your company's sales and profit, making your company more competitive, reducing reliance on domestic market. It can also include reasons like expanding the business, gaining credibility for the business, or just because you desire a change for your business.
Every business is going to select at least one of these motivations. But before you make any commitments, you want to make sure that exporting fits into your business. Once you have made the decision that exporting does indeed fit into your business' mission and vision, there are several other areas of your business that you should consider. These areas include:
Management Commitment - Motivating your company's management is one of the keys to success. If your management is receptive to the idea, the whole process will be much easier for everyone involved.
Export Resources - There will be a greater demand when you are exporting. Can your company keep up with the demand and be able to produce, distribute, and sell? The benefits of exporting are substantial, but the costs and investment into exporting can be significant. Are you prepared to wait up to a year before you see any profits from your exporting activities?
Product Aspects - Could your products be competitive or be in demand internationally? If so, will you have to modify them in any way to make them more competitive?
International Market Intelligence - You will need some amount of market intelligence before you enter a market. Research health, electrical, and technical standards and cultural preferences for ideas on how you may have to adapt your products. Do any of your employees have international experience? Talk with them to see if there might be a demand in their market of expertise.
These topics above are just a brief summary of the topics we will cover in tomorrow's Top 10 Tips webinar. Click here to learn more about the webinar and to sign up for it.
Every business is going to select at least one of these motivations. But before you make any commitments, you want to make sure that exporting fits into your business. Once you have made the decision that exporting does indeed fit into your business' mission and vision, there are several other areas of your business that you should consider. These areas include:
Management Commitment - Motivating your company's management is one of the keys to success. If your management is receptive to the idea, the whole process will be much easier for everyone involved.
Export Resources - There will be a greater demand when you are exporting. Can your company keep up with the demand and be able to produce, distribute, and sell? The benefits of exporting are substantial, but the costs and investment into exporting can be significant. Are you prepared to wait up to a year before you see any profits from your exporting activities?
Product Aspects - Could your products be competitive or be in demand internationally? If so, will you have to modify them in any way to make them more competitive?
International Market Intelligence - You will need some amount of market intelligence before you enter a market. Research health, electrical, and technical standards and cultural preferences for ideas on how you may have to adapt your products. Do any of your employees have international experience? Talk with them to see if there might be a demand in their market of expertise.
These topics above are just a brief summary of the topics we will cover in tomorrow's Top 10 Tips webinar. Click here to learn more about the webinar and to sign up for it.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Bringing Technology into Your Marketing Plan
Integrating technology into your marketing plan can have positive and significant effects on your business. With the right tool and the right message, you can easily become globally competitive.
We are at a very dynamic moment in business. The economy is weak, consumer confidence is low, and a record amount of people are unemployed. Budgets are being cut and businesses are being forced to do more with less. But how? One way is to find new ways to reach out to customers. As technology continues to evolve, business and marketing change along with it. Using social media is just one way you can use a different perspective to become globally competitive.
Whether it is because of competition, or because of a need in the international markets, many companies are finding it necessary to start expanding their businesses internationally. By using the Internet, and specifically, social media, companies can break out of their regional box and find success internationally.
Even if you have no plans for your business to "go international," building technology into your marketing plan is still a good idea. People are finding ways to avoid traditional forms of advertisement. At the same time, people are using the Internet more and more. A good website, a Twitter account, and a regularly updated blog are a good start. Read Intelligent World for more examples. The point is, Bringing technology into your marketing plan can reach far more people than a radio or newspaper advertisement. If you do this correctly, you can even get more local traffic to your website.
These technology tools do not cost much money, and in some cases, they may be less expensive than traditional forms of advertisement. The biggest expenditure you will have is that of your time spent learning about social media, and starting to use it. The time and creative energy will pay off.
Below are some tips you can use to integrate social media into your business:
1. Define your target audience
2. Refine your website based on your target audience. Build one if you do not have one.
3. Make sure your message is clear.
4. Build your brand on social networking sites if it makes sense for your business.
5. Manage your online reputation.
6. Stay in contact with your customers
7. Follow up with news and trends, and take advantage of it if possible.
Read Intelligent World for more examples.
We are at a very dynamic moment in business. The economy is weak, consumer confidence is low, and a record amount of people are unemployed. Budgets are being cut and businesses are being forced to do more with less. But how? One way is to find new ways to reach out to customers. As technology continues to evolve, business and marketing change along with it. Using social media is just one way you can use a different perspective to become globally competitive.
Whether it is because of competition, or because of a need in the international markets, many companies are finding it necessary to start expanding their businesses internationally. By using the Internet, and specifically, social media, companies can break out of their regional box and find success internationally.
Even if you have no plans for your business to "go international," building technology into your marketing plan is still a good idea. People are finding ways to avoid traditional forms of advertisement. At the same time, people are using the Internet more and more. A good website, a Twitter account, and a regularly updated blog are a good start. Read Intelligent World for more examples. The point is, Bringing technology into your marketing plan can reach far more people than a radio or newspaper advertisement. If you do this correctly, you can even get more local traffic to your website.
These technology tools do not cost much money, and in some cases, they may be less expensive than traditional forms of advertisement. The biggest expenditure you will have is that of your time spent learning about social media, and starting to use it. The time and creative energy will pay off.
Below are some tips you can use to integrate social media into your business:
1. Define your target audience
2. Refine your website based on your target audience. Build one if you do not have one.
3. Make sure your message is clear.
4. Build your brand on social networking sites if it makes sense for your business.
5. Manage your online reputation.
6. Stay in contact with your customers
7. Follow up with news and trends, and take advantage of it if possible.
Read Intelligent World for more examples.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Webinar: Top 10 Tips to Decide if Your Business is Ready to Export
IntellaCore has launched a webinar series to help small and mid-sized businesses. Top 10 Tips will be a twice a month series of 30 minute webinars with specific tips on how to compete and to win in today’s marketplace. Participants can download a whitepaper after the webinar dedicated to the topic of the day.
For each webinar IntellaCore will provide 10 Top Tips relating to a wide range of specific topics ranging from international business to Internet Communications Technology (ICT) that will fall into the following categories: Increasing sales and distribution, strengthening the supply chain and reducing costs, aligning technology and Internet activity to the business plan, and to creating a sustainable business in today’s market environment.
For each webinar IntellaCore will provide 10 Top Tips relating to a wide range of specific topics that will fall into the following categories: increasing sales and distribution, strengthening the supply chain and reducing costs, aligning technology and Internet activity to the business plan, and creating a sustainable business in today’s market environment.
Top Ten Tips series is a short, high-impact webinar series that offers specific recommendations and Q&A in 30 minutes.
The first Top Ten Tips webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 PM EDT. The topic will be Top 10 Tips for Deciding if Your Business is Ready to Export. Click here to register.
We all hear a lot about exporting. Today it is just not that hard, and the use of the Internet makes it easier than ever. Even thought the US economy is in shambles, other economies are growing and have a need for a variety of products and services. With 95% of world economic growth occurring outside of the USA every business most determine if it can diversify its distribution and sales efforts. Can your business benefit from exporting? Attend this webinar and you will gain valuable insight into your business, and how you can make your company sustainable, no matter what industry you are in.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
1. Determine why your company should export
2. Review your company's finances
3. Determine your company's scope for expansion
4. Make sure you have the staff, premises, and equipment to handle the increase in demand
5. Assemble a team to develop the exporting process
6. Set goals for the export project
7. Select the product that would sell best in an international marketplace
8. Make sure your management has expressed long-term commitment to the new business plan
9. Use your website to explore international opportunities
10. Gather initial market intelligence
For each webinar IntellaCore will provide 10 Top Tips relating to a wide range of specific topics ranging from international business to Internet Communications Technology (ICT) that will fall into the following categories: Increasing sales and distribution, strengthening the supply chain and reducing costs, aligning technology and Internet activity to the business plan, and to creating a sustainable business in today’s market environment.
For each webinar IntellaCore will provide 10 Top Tips relating to a wide range of specific topics that will fall into the following categories: increasing sales and distribution, strengthening the supply chain and reducing costs, aligning technology and Internet activity to the business plan, and creating a sustainable business in today’s market environment.
Top Ten Tips series is a short, high-impact webinar series that offers specific recommendations and Q&A in 30 minutes.
The first Top Ten Tips webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 PM EDT. The topic will be Top 10 Tips for Deciding if Your Business is Ready to Export. Click here to register.
We all hear a lot about exporting. Today it is just not that hard, and the use of the Internet makes it easier than ever. Even thought the US economy is in shambles, other economies are growing and have a need for a variety of products and services. With 95% of world economic growth occurring outside of the USA every business most determine if it can diversify its distribution and sales efforts. Can your business benefit from exporting? Attend this webinar and you will gain valuable insight into your business, and how you can make your company sustainable, no matter what industry you are in.
The Top 10 Tips you will learn more about in the webinar are:
1. Determine why your company should export
2. Review your company's finances
3. Determine your company's scope for expansion
4. Make sure you have the staff, premises, and equipment to handle the increase in demand
5. Assemble a team to develop the exporting process
6. Set goals for the export project
7. Select the product that would sell best in an international marketplace
8. Make sure your management has expressed long-term commitment to the new business plan
9. Use your website to explore international opportunities
10. Gather initial market intelligence
Monday, July 27, 2009
What We Are Reading
Everyone has an opinion about something on the Internet. People have opinions on topics from what ice cream topping they prefer to which politician they will be voting for in the next election. But many people have blogs and Twitter accounts, and there are many interesting articles published daily. There is too much content published each day to keep up with. All of the opinions can be overwhelming. Who should you pay attention to?
We decided to sort through some and find the best sources that we use that relate to business and technology. IntellaCore has put together a list of some writers we like and some magazines and newspapers that offer blogs from their writers that we find value in. We hope you can take a minute and review their blogs. Many of them offer advice and excellent tips for business and technology issues.
Chris Brogan
In this blog, Chris Brogan takes a closer look at social media and the effect is it having on popular culture and the business world.
Copyblogger
This blog helps you become a better blogger and gives tips to help you write more effectively.
Problogger
This is a blog to review if you are interested in starting your own blog. There are tips for
Global EDGE
The blog, created by International Business Center at Michigan State University, provides readers with information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities.
Harvard Business Review
The Harvard Business Review Blog is one of the top sources for business information and resources.
CNN International Business
CNN International Business' anchors and correspondents blog with the issues affecting world of business.
Freakonomics
This is one of the more interesting blogs. If you read the book "Freakonomics" and you enjoyed it, read the author's blog on the New York Times website. They claim there is a hidden side to every story, and they try to explain what that hidden side is.
Business Week
There is a lot of blogs on this page to pick from. The topics cover almost anything business related from the auto industry to management to stocks. Business week is one of the premier magazines devoted to business and management.
Global Business Perspectives
This blog's authors are series of people who write on different international topics ranging from business to cultural understanding. The blogs focus on globalization and how it affects businesses and individuals. Their writers are professional business leaders and senior managers at U.S. and international companies.
The Counterintuitive CEO
As founder and CEO of Forrester Research, George F. Colony is one of the most influential thought leaders in the world of business and technology. This blog focuses on CEOs and contains ideas, research, observations, and analysis pointed at increasing the success of CEOs.
EveryDay CIO
This blog, written by IntellaCore's CIO Ian Rudy, discusses how to take this ever changing world of technology and apply it practically to your everyday life to truly improve it and empower yourself and others to accomplish great things.
Wired - Epicenter
This blog is Wired's take on technology business news and the Silicon Valley scene. Explore Wired's other blogs for Wired's thoughts on other topics.
Information Week
This magazine is one of the best when it come to technology and information. The blogs cover many different topics such as but not limited too: cell phones, Google, cloud computing, IT issues, security, analytics, and tech stocks.
This list covers what we look to daily for interesting opinions and breaking news, but this list does not cover all of the sources we read. We will list more in the near future.
If there is a blog that you read or write, let us know and post the link in the comments.
We decided to sort through some and find the best sources that we use that relate to business and technology. IntellaCore has put together a list of some writers we like and some magazines and newspapers that offer blogs from their writers that we find value in. We hope you can take a minute and review their blogs. Many of them offer advice and excellent tips for business and technology issues.
Chris Brogan
In this blog, Chris Brogan takes a closer look at social media and the effect is it having on popular culture and the business world.
Copyblogger
This blog helps you become a better blogger and gives tips to help you write more effectively.
Problogger
This is a blog to review if you are interested in starting your own blog. There are tips for
Global EDGE
The blog, created by International Business Center at Michigan State University, provides readers with information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities.
Harvard Business Review
The Harvard Business Review Blog is one of the top sources for business information and resources.
CNN International Business
CNN International Business' anchors and correspondents blog with the issues affecting world of business.
Freakonomics
This is one of the more interesting blogs. If you read the book "Freakonomics" and you enjoyed it, read the author's blog on the New York Times website. They claim there is a hidden side to every story, and they try to explain what that hidden side is.
Business Week
There is a lot of blogs on this page to pick from. The topics cover almost anything business related from the auto industry to management to stocks. Business week is one of the premier magazines devoted to business and management.
Global Business Perspectives
This blog's authors are series of people who write on different international topics ranging from business to cultural understanding. The blogs focus on globalization and how it affects businesses and individuals. Their writers are professional business leaders and senior managers at U.S. and international companies.
The Counterintuitive CEO
As founder and CEO of Forrester Research, George F. Colony is one of the most influential thought leaders in the world of business and technology. This blog focuses on CEOs and contains ideas, research, observations, and analysis pointed at increasing the success of CEOs.
EveryDay CIO
This blog, written by IntellaCore's CIO Ian Rudy, discusses how to take this ever changing world of technology and apply it practically to your everyday life to truly improve it and empower yourself and others to accomplish great things.
Wired - Epicenter
This blog is Wired's take on technology business news and the Silicon Valley scene. Explore Wired's other blogs for Wired's thoughts on other topics.
Information Week
This magazine is one of the best when it come to technology and information. The blogs cover many different topics such as but not limited too: cell phones, Google, cloud computing, IT issues, security, analytics, and tech stocks.
This list covers what we look to daily for interesting opinions and breaking news, but this list does not cover all of the sources we read. We will list more in the near future.
If there is a blog that you read or write, let us know and post the link in the comments.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Changing Landscape of Business
Businesses are competitive even in strong economic times, and they are especially competitive in challenging economic times. Over the past week we found many articles about how the competitive landscape is changing in several industries. As you are reading this blog, consider how your industry is changing. Are your competitors embracing new technologies or processes? What will you do to regain your company's competitive edge?
What happens when your company's suppliers begin to make their own products very similar to yours? And what can companies do when competition introduces a new product that quickly accounts for 20% of the market? Companies like Dell, IBM, Apple, and HP are about to find out.
Some companies are actually teaming up with their rivals in order to increase business. In this article, business owners - some of whom were competitors - realized a problem or a section of the market that needed to be served, they came together, and they were able to profit.
On a more global scale, and to continue the question we asked last week, the US, along with other major countries, must make the effort to stay globally competitive. Instead of promoting cutthroat competition, countries from around the world should come together to collaborate, and to make it easier for companies to collaborate across national borders. This article suggests that the US work on its public diplomacy with India by importing ideas and talent to promote innovation, especially with regards to energy and healthcare.
So, what can your business do to become more competitive today? You can focus on cutting costs. This article gives some guidance on how you can cut IT costs effectively. But what if you have already cut all of the costs you can?
You can try to increase your visibility on the web by getting involved in social media. Maybe look into a Twitter account for your business - this shows how businesses are using it to connect with their customers in a new way. Think about making a LinkedIn profile for yourself - you might be able to build your network. Use these tips for luring local traffic to your website.
When there is a new technology, take a minute to understand it, and then think about how you can use it in your business. Look at this article to learn how some companies are using trends to succeed. But remember: don't try to work every trend into your business. There are far too many to keep track of, and many may not fit with the goals of your business.
As the business landscape continues to change, it is important to take a moment out of your busy day and try better understand what is happening in the world around you. This can be physical and virtual. The world is changing at a rapid pace and you could be left behind. Some of these global trends may apply to you while others may not. It is important to understand that some of the new technology trends can make your life easier. You can try to ignore these trends, but then you will fall further behind. It is not enough to follow the trends, but you must also engage them. Even though you may not be twittering today, tomorrow you may be closing the business deal in china on Twitter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
