Blomped.com - Business Blog

Define Managed Dedicated Server PLEASE!

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 20:26:31 +0000

Anyone who has shopped around the managed dedicated server market and the dedicated server market must have experienced the loose use of the terms on the internet. I was quite sure early on what a managed server was. Conversely there was no question what a dedicated server was. It seemed simple enough back then. Those were the good old days.

Back then my pure simplistic vision was well defined and clear. A dedicated server was one occupied by one site. It was cared for by the company that owned that site. It was hosted by a dedicated server hosting company. A managed dedicated server was occupied by one site. It was cared for by the same company that hosted it, a managed dedicated server hosting company. Oh the simple life!

Then I had the unfortunate experience recently of delving into the actual web sites offering managed hosting services and dedicated hosting services. To be sure what I found could be called nothing short of a melting pot stirred and mixed in every swirling combination feasible.

Some called managed dedicated and some called dedicated managed and then there were the scores and scores in between with every combination you can think of. I will spare you the confusion of the many examples; suffice it to say things are not as simple as they used to be. One cannot go on assumption when analyzing a host. It takes research into each hosts site to find what is actually being offered and what you will pay extra for despite the title given to the product.

What is the point? Please let us come to the table of reason together! There needs to be a universally agree upon definition of what is a managed dedicated server and what services does it include. What is a dedicated server and what services does it include. Users sophisticated or not I am sure always appreciates clarity.

Above all let me dwell in the crystal clear world of before when a managed dedicated server was just that.

Insist On Quality Stats with Your Managed Dedicated Server

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 20:14:43 +0000

A feature that you should consider when choosing a managed dedicated server host is the stats program they offer. You will be paying several hundred dollars a month for the service and you definitely can find a host with a detailed stats program if you make it an important issue in your choice.

Stats are becoming more relevant in the internet market and should be a main asset that the managed dedicated server host offers you. The value to be gained from a thorough in depth stats program in your marketing strategy is significant. Statistical feed back from your site will help your make choices on advertising, product emphasis, page content, page size, pricing and many other areas. You should educate yourself on the many benefits available from site stats and continually monitor them.

Once you recognize the benefits you can have from comprehensive stats software, you can then evaluate the program being offered by the managed dedicated server hosts. Many may offer stats but when you look carefully at the program it may be a free software that they downloaded online and might not have the depth and flexibility you could get with another host.

The number of hosts you will have to pick from will give you many options in the managed dedicated server selection. Several factors will enter into which host you choose. One factor that you can afford to be firm on is a quality stats program. If you do the research you will find a managed dedicated server with the features you require along with a beneficial stats program complete enough to give you the vital information you need.

Costly Page Load Time vs. Managed Dedicated Server

Fri, 27 Jan 2006 14:42:19 +0000

A managed dedicated server may not cost you as much as you think. Shared servers can be slowed as web site traffic grows. Whether it is your site or another this effects load time of the web site page. A slow load time can be very detrimental to your sales.

The load time of your web site pages can play a huge part in visitor retention on your site. Load time can be effected by many things such as page size, flash or splash intros, or a lot of slow loading graphics. These are areas your web master can evaluate for you. The cause can be the server and sharing it with others or the fact that your web site has increased traffic to the point it is slowing down the shared server by its self. A managed dedicated server is an answer if this is the case. The cost of a managed dedicated server may put you in sticker shock. You are probably paying less than $40/mo for shared server hosting and now you will be looking at $400/mo and up for a managed dedicated server. Looking at that increase in overhead could make you think slow loading is not t that bad. Think again!

Slow loading pages and visitor retention are inversely proportional. That is to say it is usually accepted within online marketing circles that a page load that takes over 8-10 seconds will result in a loss of over 1/3 of your sites visitors. Does that strike a nerve? That can mean a significant decrease in sales or customer communication. If the site is relevant to the business this could be very costly. Now add in the advertising budget and the portion of it that could be squandered by not retaining customers and you start to see the negative repercussions mounting up. Maybe $400/mo for a managed dedicated server is not such a bad idea?

Another aspect to think of is that your site is slow now, if you speed it up you may see an increase in sales immediately. Over the month this could influence sales to where the additional expense of the managed dedicated server is negligible. It could even increase your profits.

The page load speed on your web site is worth monitoring. It can have a huge effect on your bottom line if your site is instrumental in your business. A managed dedicated server can make a world of difference. It may cost less than you think!

The Jump From Shared to Managed Dedicated Server

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 09:40:35 +0000

The cost of moving from a shared server to a managed dedicated server is a big jump. You are probably feeling some pressure if you are considering it. You may be noticing that your web site speed is slowing down. If your web site has gained a lot of traffic recently and you are waiting for pages to load longer than previously, it is a sign your site is busier than it was originally geared for. The next thing you may notice is that your web host is saying you are going over your limit of bandwidth usage.

Now do not panic. This is what you wanted when you set up your web site and spent all that time and money doing it. You wanted a busy web site hopefully you have built in a good profit margin, if so you are making money and the busier your site gets the more you make! So if you were to need to pay 100x what you do now because your site is swamped you should drop to your knees and give thanks. Remember Accounting 101 and variable expenses?

Ok, so now what do you do? You have two practical choices. Get a dedicated server or get a managed dedicated server. Everything else being equal the managed dedicated server will cost you about twice as much as a dedicated server monthly, probably $350-$800/mo. for the managed dedicated server.

What is the difference in the two? A managed dedicated server will come with the similar services to the shared server you have been using. The host will do the admin. requirements on the server and maintenance on the hardware. You will have the whole server to yourself and the host will take of the rest. You only worry about the content and your software just like you did on the shared server. That is fairly simple.

The dedicated server on the other hand is not simple. Why? Because when you lease a dedicated server you are now responsible for everything to do with the server except the hardware. The host will set up the server connect it to the internet and figuratively speaking hand you the keys and wish you good luck. It is your responsibility to handle everything but the hardware! Unless you are a dyed in the wool geek now is the time to panic!! One other option is to hire a dyed in the wool geek and even then the info needed to keep the server running is awfully specific and a geek that can handle this will run your$2500 - $3000 a month.

My advice is to take some of your profit and pay the managed dedicated server host. In the long run it is cheaper and you can enjoy a full night of sleep while the host keeps the server humming along and your web site keeps making you money.

Managed Dedicated Server Host - Is Local Better?

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:43:51 +0000

You need a managed dedicated server. The search is on for a host. You have undoubtedly been all over the search engines looking for just the right host. The choices are many and the options within those choices are many. One question that you may have considered is would there be an advantage to finding a local company to host the managed dedicated server?

The question is logical. You will be spending a lot of money each month to have a managed dedicated server. No doubt somewhere in your past there has been a negative experience with a distant company. There is some reassurance that if you deal with a local host you could have access to eye to eye if you needed it. The dependability of the managed dedicated server is no doubt important to your enterprise or you would not be getting one in the first place and dealing in person with a human does have advantages when it comes to response time in customer service.

These concerns are justified however they will limit your choices. There will probably be few hosts that offer managed dedicated servers in your immediate area. The other issue that may surprise you is that even though the company is local many do not offer access to a public reception area. Most managed dedicated server hosts do not generate business from walk in traffic but rather from internet or other media advertising. There is also a great concern for security and many hosts prefer their location not be too obvious.

Price is important when choosing a managed dedicated server host. If you are willing to look out of the local area you will find scores of hosts eager for you patronage. You will likely get a better price for equal service. With so many hosts to choose from you may also get some services that are not available with local hosts.

The key to selecting a good host is not where they are located but in researching all you can about them before you decide. Ask a lot of questions when assessing their service. Get all the details you can about the support you will receive and what it consists of. Is there an additional charge for some areas of support or is there a time limit? Ask them about being a distance customer and can you expect service like you were next door. If you can avoid it do not sign a time commitment contract that way if you are not happy you can move on.

The internet environment is thriving on distance relationships business to business. It does pay to be careful but you can definitely benefit and have a lot more options if you will do business with distance companies. Do your homework do not commit long term and you will likely end up with a managed dedicated host that does a great job and has integrity.

A Mark of Business Preparedness

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 09:53:02 +0000

A company website is a mark of preparedness, a manifestation of regard for the present and respect for the future. The customer is a king whose demands must be met. If a company slights the king a heavy price will be paid. A website can project your company as one filling current needs and preparing for tomorrow. The internet will continue to alter how business is conducted. Businesses must keep current in supplying the needs that customers request. A website can assist in the process of fulfilling customer demands.

The original article in this series explained that it is estimated almost two in three small businesses do not engage the services of a web hosting company.* They put forth no web presence. These articles are written to those in charge of such businesses with no web hosting provider. The goal is to encourage them to introspectively evaluate how web presence could benefit their particular business, now and in the future.

Timeliness is an attribute of the website. We have discussed in past articles how the website can provide information at the request of the customer. This advantage can equate into sales efficiency.

There is a high probability of a sale being made as a company provides what the customer wants when they want it. The well laid out website characteristically falls right into place in this requirement. The customer�s immediate gratification is a click away on a good website. It may start with curiosity for general information about the industry, a click away. Then the need for product information may arise, a click away. The product information sounds good but why buy this product before the competition�s, a click away. What will it cost, a click away. How do I order, a click away. Spontaneously the customer travels from one step to the next unhindered in the sales process. Access to the desired information as the prospect progresses through these steps is crucial and in the website environment it is easily available.

Timeliness can be invaluable. The above example is of course a case in point. Additionally the customer has the option of viewing the site at any hour of the day, providing a reliable business web hosting company is monitoring and keeping the site up and running during the course of the day. This unlimited access to the site gives the customer choices as to when where and how long the site is seen. Any need for accommodation is fulfilled when the customer is ready. Any information can be retrieved at any hour. Should some information not be displayed on the site, the contact information is readily at hand and the customer can easily call for further help. Timeliness without a hassle is what a regular website user enjoys. They can proceed at their desired pace. Help is available but without unwanted interruption. Informed decisions can be made without undue pressure. The buyer can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while accomplishing a lot in a short time if desired.

Current up to the minute information can be posted on the website with little cost for changes. Timeliness in information updates is extremely valuable. A variety of subjects may be addressed. It may be schedule changes. It could be pricing updates. The latest sales specials can be immediately posted. Product information updates are accessible as soon as they are entered. Business is always in a state of flux and keeping current is essential. The instantaneous response to changes is possible on the website. This places the company in a great light with the customer through the timeliness of an online presence.

Business procedures are steadily being enveloped by the -e- phenomenon. Timeliness is just one of the aspects that are being transformed. Some people are totally involved and aware. Others are progressing into this evolution and starting to evolve with it. Some are yet unchanged to any degree. These people will hopefully recognize the importance that the internet is destined to play and start to adapt. Business is a high stakes game where change is always a necessary ingredient. The writing is on the wall for small business, acknowledge the inevitable or pay the consequences. The hope here is that business owners will respond and take advantage of the opportunities that always accompany change.

Author:
Henry Vowels
Management Coordinator
E-Insites.com
http://e-insites.com
Henry Vowels has a B.S. in Business and has been a small business owner for over 25 years and more recently became involved in the web hosting industry.

Enhanced Communication

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 09:45:22 +0000

Communication between the customer and the company can be dramatically improved with a website. The website as a whole conveys information conveniently to the customer. The use of e-mail can revolutionize the business client interaction. Information can flow both directions instantly to further facilitate the input that each party wants to express. Up to date information can be related immediately on the website. The sales presentation can be far clearer and informative for a customer without access to literature or an onsite salesperson. The better the communication linking the customer to the company the better the relationship will be and the more advantageous for each.

E-mail is changing the way business and customers interact. It is not necessary to have a website to use e-mail. It is a by- product of the internet and related, therefore it is a subject here. Please keep in mind these articles are written for those who are not already taking advantage of what the internet has to offer in their business. Please also note that it is advisable to get permission from the customer to send e-mails so as not to be associated with spam. The benefits of e-mail are many. One is speed of interaction compared with regular mail. Many exchanges can be made in a few minutes by e-mail that formally would have required several days by regular mail (which is now nicknamed �snail mail� by many e-mail users).

E-mail can greatly reduce postage expenses. There is no postage to pay for e-mail. Once permission has been granted from the customer e-mails can take the place of mailed letters, fliers and even monthly billing in some cases. While this practice should not be abused, it is a very cost efficient method. E-mail can reduce postage expense at every level of written communication with the customer.

Customer support is very easily conducted through e-mail. Questions and challenges that arise for the customer may be addressed by e-mailing customer support. This eliminates phone interaction to a large extent. It also provides answers for the customer that can be saved and referenced later if the occasion occurs again. The support staff can answer routine questions with stock written scripts that can simply be pasted to the answer. This saves effort and time.

Some business executives only communicate through e-mail because there is a written record of every conversation. One very prominent CEO recently said he no longer takes phone calls for business communication. E-mail gives him accurate history of any business transaction and what was said. He still has e-mails from back to 1988. Past e-mails are easily accessible and can even be searched as to subject and name.

An accurate record of past transactions and conversations can be invaluable as time goes by. Most business web hosting companies offer e-mail services as the provider for the company website.

The website can be used as a center for communication between the customer and the company. A complete package of product information can be presented on the site which can further the customers understanding of the entire scope of the product. This presentation can be very detailed and thorough because there is low cost involved in the website presentation. Recent announcements by the company can be posted on the site and communicated to the customer online immediately. These may be specials, promotions, or product updates for example. Pricing can also be updated efficiently giving the customer the most accurate figures. The contact us page will give the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for various people in the company that the customer may need to get in touch with. This can all be done at the website location saving both the customer and the company time and effort.

The amount of time labor and effort that a well constructed website can save is probably never known exactly. One can get a fairly accurate idea by tracking the statistics of the site and following the paths of the users. This record shows where the user goes on the site and how much time they spend. The customer can roam through the site at their leisure acquiring the information they are interested in. They can get answers to their questions on their own, place an order and provide all the information for the sale, without employee assistance. What a tremendous accomplishment! Small business owners without a business website should read this paragraph again. A website can work as a silent slave furnishing these services and all for as little as pennies a day. Think of the possibilities and the small amount of outgo that is expended.

Communication is one of the most vital parts of customer relations. A company website is a source of improving and expanding communications with the customer. The company can use e-mail to speed up response time and improve support for the customer. The website can increase the quality and quantity of product information and provide updated information instantly to those visiting the site. Contacting a business web hosting company to be a web hosting provider for your company is a good business move toward the future.

*Web address for Original Article

Author:

Henry Vowels

Management Coordinator

E-Insites.com

http://e-insites.com

Henry Vowels has a B.S. in Business and has been a small business owner for over 25 years and more recently became involved in the web hosting industry.

READ WHAT A BUSINESS WEB HOSTING SERVICE CAN DO FOR YOU - INCREASE PROFITS

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 11:11:44 +0000

There are many ways that a company website can increase profits. Some are obvious and some are indirect, those included here are proven applications that can have positive affects on profitability. Small business operators are encouraged to give special attention to the following information. There are many advantages to be gained from applying even some of the ideas that will be given. Those who have questioned the need for a website will find reassurance that it can play a very beneficial part in the profitable operation of a business. Two main areas are increased income and lowered expenses both add up to more profits.

Increased sales for the most part translate to increased income. That premise will be the basis for this discussion and while it does not always hold it is generally the rule. A web site can help to increase sales.

The most talked about aspect is increasing the number of people exposed to the company and its product or service. The discussion in an earlier article covered the ways exposure is heightened through promoting the website online or offline.** The assumption here is that caution will be taken in adding promotional expenditures and that the lowest risk actions be focused on first thereby almost assuring increased profitability.

One great place to begin to increase company exposure is by promoting the website to existing customers. These methods have been discussed in a previous article in this series called -Exposure-,** and are easily implemented and are very cost effective, in increasing the exposure of the company and increasing sales.

A company segment that is directly affected by having a website hosted by a business web hosting company, also known as a web hosting provider, is the sales department. The sales department can immediately have an additional place for orders to be taken. When set up to do so the website can have an order form, credit card or PayPal processing and shipping charges included. All this can be done without requiring the time of a salesperson or clerk. This gives the sales department more capabilities with the existing staff. The additional capacity created however can substantially raise the number of customers who can order at one time. If usage of the website is encouraged by the company staff, many customers will come to prefer ordering online. They can benefit by never waiting on the phone to order and placing the order at their convenience any hour of the day.

A thorough description should accompany the products on the website. This gives the customer product information without being interrupted. The presentation is absorbed at the customers own pace and can be reexamined whenever desired.

The website can be an extremely effective sales tool when used in combination with the phone. Phone customers can be directed to the site, while remaining on the phone and access information, diagrams pictures and etc. The site becomes very helpful in explaining and describing products. The phone customer is able to view the product material with the salesperson, ask questions and get to the decision making phase sooner. The reverse situation can also be improved. An online customer may need help from a salesperson. They can call and get the same combination of phone and online information simultaneously. These scenarios both increase sales percentages by providing more accurate information faster. Closing a sale can be easier if the prospect and the salesperson can navigate the important parts of the website together. An interaction can take place that can greatly facilitate communication. Closing percentages will rise.

The web address can be used as a reference point in any newspaper or print advertising. When this is done the reader has access to complete information about the company by going to the site. This can increase the effectiveness of the ads being run and decrease the cost since less printed space is required when total information is at the customer finger tips online.

Sales also can be increased by customers repeatedly returning to the website. That can be accomplished by offering valuable information to the customer on the site. This method was discussed in the previous article -Inform Customers-***. The concept is to provide the customer information beyond that of company products or services. A news feed could be added to the site for current information, research articles on relevant subjects, even weather and movie times. Any information that will bring the customer to the site more often is beneficial to the sales environment

Expenses will almost certainly be diminished if a company website is implemented to its potential. There are numerous ways. The following are a few examples. The website is a very inexpensive avenue to display the companys products and services to anyone in the

world wanting information. When the business is closed the website is still open providing that information 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week.

Any function the website can perform saves the company staff time and decrease expenses. Phone related expenses can go down. The website can furnish information, take orders and answer questions that would other wise require a staff member. This saves employee labor and phone bill expenses. Many phone conversations can evolve into lengthy unrelated small talk sessions that would never exist online. Frequently Asked Questions which are offered on most websites are another labor saving tool since the customer can get answers to routine questions on their own without the assistance of an employee.

Printed material is a large expense in most small businesses. Website usage can greatly reduce printing expenses. The website can become an excellent brochure for customers online. It will not eliminate brochures. It can decrease the need for them.

The website is updatable without any wasted material as in print. Making changes to the website is far less expensive, than changing printed material. When pricing is updated or product lines are altered it is only a matter of entering the new information and adjusting the site. Printed material at this point is either issued with incorrect information or discarded and replaced. Both can be costly.

The surface area used in printed material is always a concern. The more area needed the higher the cost of the printed material. Color printing adds significantly to printing costs. These are not a costly concern with a website. Once the initial setup is paid for the number of web pages or colored graphics or pictures are normally not a significant expense. Many companies make their entire catalog available on the website. Customers steered towards the website and away from printed material will cost less to accommodate and in most cases have more current and complete information. Imagine the savings that would occur for many companies if even 10% of the customers preferred to use the website and did not require a catalog.

Payment is usually made at the time of the order on a website. When this is the case before the product is shipped the funds can be verified. This naturally reduces accounts receivable and bad debt while increasing available operating capital, thereby increasing profit.

Promotions and sales can be posted as soon as initiated on the website. Any customers visiting the site have access to the information. The lag in response time of print ads or literature is eliminated. The website can be a quick indicator of how the customers are reacting to a sales campaign. Should campaign adjustments be required input is available sooner saving time and money.

Potential areas of increased profits from a website are evident when the benefits are seriously considered. Improved transfer of information between the company and the customer is accomplished. The virtual world enables this exchange and speeds up interactions. Sales can go up and expenses can go down. Profits will increase with the proper incorporation of a website. A small business should earnestly consider being hosted by a business web hosting company. The advantages may be more than initially meet the eye.

*Web address for Original Article

**Web address for -Exposure -Article

***Web address for -Inform Customer -Article

Author:

Henry Vowels

Management Coordinator

E-Insites.com

http://e-insites.com

Henry Vowels has a B.S. in Business and has been a small business owner for over 25 years and more recently became involved in the web hosting industry.

Inform Customers- A Website From a Business Web Hosting Company Can Do It

Mon, 09 Jan 2006 09:54:10 +0000

A website can be an information source for the customer. Options are unlimited in the area of sharing knowledge with the customer concerning the company and its products and services. The site can also offer related information from outside sources that will benefit the customer. The more the site is used by the customer the more familiarity is developed with the company and what it markets.

Company background, characterists and philosophy can be presented to help the customer understand the value in trading with the company. The �About Us� page can stress strong points that stand out above competitors in regards to longevity, stability or service for example. Reassurance of company integrity can also be accomplished. All these can be reaffirmed throughout the website.

Product knowledge can be readily available. Customers can easily get detailed information about the products or services offered. The website is not limited in space therefore in depth descriptions, diagrams or product specifications can be presented without concern of additional expense as in print material. Some businesses even provide their complete catalog on their website, with order form, credit card payment and shipping information.

Pricing can be displayed and updated regularly. The customer can find the latest pricing for products with out flipping through catalogs or price sheets. A website properly maintained will present accurate prices at any time to the customer.
Specials and promotions can immediately be posted on the website so visitors are informed as soon as they are effective.

Testimonials can be presented on the website as a tool to lend credibility and trust in the company. Input from existing customers that honestly praise the company, can be very informative and reassuring for the visitor. Testimonials about specific products or services can prove to be very influential input for a prospect that is on the fence.

Frequently asked questions or FAQ�s are a learning source for customers visiting the site. The customer can quickly get answers to common inquiries. This can save the customer time and the company time and money. Such information at the finger tips can be very timely for the customer in a decision making process.

Outside resources can be used on the site to further educate the customer on relevant subjects. General to specific research papers, articles or other sources of valuable information can be linked or posted on the site. Again this can evolve into return trips to the site by the customer. It can produce customer appreciation and increase loyalty to the site and the company.

News feeds are available that can be posted on the site to give customers current news of relevant subjects. These feeds pull from a pool of news items. The subject matter can be customized to parallel the focus of the site. When a news item is released it will be screened and if it qualifies it will be posted. The business web hosting company that hosts the site can assist in securing such a service and adding it. This can become an inducement for customers to return to the site often to get a current update in the subject area. By providing a News Feed service the company is giving the customer valued information, a time savings, and another reason to frequent the site.

Prospective employees can find the company website very informative. Before contacting the company they can go to the site, learn about the company and get a clear feel for the environment they would be involved in by becoming an employee. Interested people can then approach the company if they see potential and get excited about the position. This process can prevent both parties from spending time and money in wasted interviews if the position isn�t a fit.

A company website is an efficient avenue to provide up-to-date information to customers. When a business web hosting company with high uptime percentages hosts the site, it becomes a reliable source of information that the customer can use and return to for input. The web site can be used as a provider of information for sales, product knowledge, news, research and much more. It can raise customer awareness of the company and effectively relay information that the customer desires in a format that brings the customer back.

*Web Address for Original Article

Business Web Hosting - Don�t Be Left Behind

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 11:43:20 +0000

Business web hosting is an idea whose time has come; as a matter of fact it arrived many years ago and is here to stay as an intragal part of future business operations. Somewhere over half of US companies now have business web sites. Very significant percentages still do not have anyone hosting a site for them.

The sad thing is that a company that is successful now is going to be left in the dust without a web site. I am in the web hosting business and frequently I am eye to eye with business owners in the sales environment. I find many who are quite resistant to even discussing the possibility of a web site for their operation. Here are a few of the most frequent excuses that I hear:

1. "I don't have time to keep track of and maintain a web site."
2. "ABC web hosting company was hosting a site for us once but it didn't bring us any sales. It just doesn't work in our type of business."
3. "We are going to get a web site. My brother-in- law's uncle does that web stuff on the side. He is supposed to be working on it. I haven't heard how he's coming on it lately."
4. "I have so much business I don't need a web site"
5. "We don't even have a computer. We don't really go in for that high tech stuff around here"
6. "We don't want a web site cause then customers could reach us."

The last one speaks for itself. I just want to "run away" when I hear it. The others however make me believe that these people are uninformed, na�ve or don't care about the long term future of their business. All these excuses work but they ignore the facts.

The facts are that business web hosting is in a continuous growth cycle for a reason. 89-90% of Americans teenagers and older use the internet for e-mail and 43 to 67% buy online. The frequency of teen online usage is up 51% since 2004. (Sean Michael Kerner "Teen Use of Web Online Technology Growing" July 27, 2005 on Clikz.com)

Business owners with a concern for the future need to adjust to the age that we are in NOW! If approximately 90% of the people use e-mail and a business doesn't offer it as a means of communication there should be a red flag going up. If roughly over 50% of teens and adults are buying online and the trend is increasing then there is a place for any business firm to implement business web hosting. The diversity of company web sites on the internet leaves no doubt that any entrepreneur can benefit to some degree from a web site.

I am in the web hosting business so I will concede that I could be biased concerning the need for a business to have a web site but I don't think so. I'm also an entrepreneur. Logic seems very prevalent in this line of thinking. The figures on teen usage of

the web alone is a strong indicator of where a company is going to have to position themselves to be a player in the future market place.

There usually are only two reasons people make decisions, the one they tell you and the real one. Business people with the above excuses are really just unsure. They don't know if they should spend the money for developing a web site and hosting it. Many are like a lot of us were as we approached cyberspace for the first time. They are scared they can't function in it. Some don't care if they fall behind. They would rather do that than face the fears of uncertainty.

I would like to encourage those that are willing to be adventurous, to take their first step and get their business involved online. Find a reliable web hosting company with the ability to help develop and host a web site, get an e-mail address and get started marketing online. Sure there is a lot to learn but that is true in any new phase of business.

There is a vast amount of business potential on the internet and this is not your father's world of 50 years ago. "The times they are a �changin." Don't be left behind.