Web-based companies, or those providing digital opportunities, are the ones that can most easily “scale” and provide value to a wider community of clients and customers.
If you are a service provider, what ways can you offer a technical component to your work. For example, if you only do written reports, is there a way to offer a digital option, a web-based form, or a “lite” version that can be generated online?
If you are a solutions provider, can you create a menu of options for your customers that have a heavier emphasis on technology? That is, perhaps your solution can be purchased/generated online or as a digital download?
If you offer physical products, can you offer a digital add-on, say an online community access-card, or some other type of website outreach that can assist or help with your physical product?
If you are a new business owner and are considering what to launch, I encourage you to come up with a potential idea for e-commerce, e-networking, e-delivery, or some sort of online version of your products/services.
For example, these are some projects I’ve launched recently:
1) A combination “deals” site, business directory, and charity fundraiser site that allows businesses to create campaigns and community members to share the campaigns. All activity on the website counts towards “points” that are then donated to charities. Everyone wins in this scenario, and it is exponentially able to increase with more vendors, more charities, and more individuals participating.
2) An online eco-friendly marketplace where artisan, organic, and sustainable producers may upload unlimited products and sell through their own e-store. A commission is taken off any sale. Vendors have the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits of an online store, as well as the “networking effect” of being affiliated with other green businesses.
3) A directory focusing on green business women that allows members to update their business listing. Because of the direct highlight on those who demonstrate interest in green business, members receive additional targeted website traffic and “legitimacy” in their chosen industry.
4) A community-driven site focusing on local green initiatives and businesses, which allows members to self-organize into groups and post articles, links, images, products for sale, and events related to their specific group. By the “multiplier” effect, each person who participates can act as both a moderator and a content provider, and those looking for increased referrals can benefit from the targeted attention.
5) An advertising network connecting green publishers with advertisers wishing to reach out to the LOHAS market, with the ability for advertisers to purchase reviews or sponsored links directly from publishers.
What kinds of technical solutions can you offer your clients or customers? Consider all the times you use a piece of paper with a form on it. Replace as much repetitive paper as you can with a web-based version, such as a web form, a survey, an online course, an online submission process, a digital download, a web-based process, or an e-store.
Monica S Flores
Monica S. Flores leads large-scale web development projects in refactoring, redesign/redevelopment, digital platform buildout, & new product launches. She works with US-based & international associations, non-profits, public agencies, & startups on how to reach their communities online. Her focus is to build community, foster connectedness, & use her technology & management skills to make a better world. She believes each of us has an ability/obligation to use our knowledge, ideas, & talents to advance fairness, justice, safety, health, sustainability, & wellbeing. Find her books at Amazon or connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Yes- going high-tech is the way to go for all kinds of businesses today, even if you are a so-called offline business. Marketing your business through the internet and building your brand presence is critical. Technical things are becoming more user-friendly and more simplified, making it easier for even small businesses to take advantage of technology.