| What's your plan to leverage the Internet in 2001?
There's no question that the Internet is fundamentally changing
the way business is conducted. From basic email to sophisticated
end-to-end supply chain management, the Internet enables
new ways of delivering products and services.
Prepare or Perish
How are you preparing? History shows us that many companies
that don't make technology transitions perish.
The Internet, like transistors and silicon, is transforming
the technology infrastructure. The dot.com stumblings of
2000 show us that use of the Internet needs to be grounded
in sound business fundamentals.
The winners in the new era will be the companies that systematically
integrate the new technologies into their business model.
'Outsourcing' is a key trend; that is, focus on 'core competencies'
and 'outsource' (hire others) to perform other functions.
What are the opportunities to leverage the Internet in
your business?
Start with an assessment. What's your current situation?
How did your business leverage the Internet in 2000?
During 2000, I extended my use of email to include this
newsletter, invoicing, and project management:
- 'eNewsletters' are a faster and cheaper way of communicating
compared with traditional hardcopy newsletters or mailings.
- 'eInvoicing' is faster and cheaper than printing traditional
invoices, addressing, stuffing and stamping envelopes.
- email also greatly enhances the process of collaboration
on projects and review of documents.
What's your competition doing? How is your competition
leveraging the Internet?
The Internet is being used throughout the supply chain, from
order entry through order fulfillment, including financials
and reporting.
What's your core competency? What functions can your company
outsource?
With this kind of perspective, you can put together a plan
for how you'll leverage the Internet in 2001. Keep in mind
that great plans require implementation. Don't neglect training,
support and planned follow up in your plan. Security and
privacy are also key issues in using the Internet.
In closing, we all face the challenge of adapting to the
changing environment. Internet-enabled communication & collaboration
are powerful tools. At a fundamental level, all businesses
need to address electronic procurement and distribution.
What's your plan?
Best wishes for the New Year!
Jean D. Sifleet
Attorney & CPA
P.S. I find Marcia Yudkin's book, INTERNET MARKETING FOR
LESS THAN $500/YEAR, extremely helpful. The book may be purchased
through www.amazon.com. You can also find out more at www.yudkin.com
or email her at marcia@yudkin.com.
|
