eCommerce Security: What You Need to Know
January 29, 2010
The Internet has opened up a new chapter in business commerce. It has also opened up a new way for criminals to steal your information and your life. Customers are more aware of the sites they visit and where they input their information.
eCommerce series: Part 4: Security
To build a client base, you will want to build a list of some sort. List building is a marketing strategy to connect with more potential customers so that you can create email and direct marketing campaigns. Creating your own list will yield a more focused group of potential customers than buying one. (Buying lists is often frowned upon.)
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Procuring Clients vs Dating (there are similarities!)
January 26, 2010
Now before I start, I want to make it clear, I am not talking about dating your clients. Rather, this is my view on how finding and retaining clients as an online professional has similarities to finding and maintaining a relationship (like dating).
We’re on the same page? Great!
Don’t change yourself to suit your client
It does not matter whether you are a brand new business and still looking for clients, or you have been in business for awhile, you need to know who you are and what you want. Be aware of the image that your business projects!
We all know that person that changes their likes/dislikes, personality, etc to please a potential partner. The high maintenance girl that suddenly has a thirst for hiking, or the small town boy that develops a fascination with urban cafes. You get the idea. No one is saying that being open to new experiences and people is a terrible thing, but, more often than not, if you are changing your core beliefs or even interests completely to please someone other than yourself, then chances are you are setting yourself up for trouble down the road.
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Creating an eCommerce Website
January 22, 2010
This post is part 3 in a series posted each Friday. While most have a familiarity with eCommerce, there are business owners that are still feeling it out. The following is an introduction to creating an eCommerce site and some basic things that you will need to consider.
eCommerce Series: Part 3 Creating an eCommerce Website
Once you decide that doing business online is right for you then the job of creating your online presence begins. Creating an eCommerce website has much in common with creating a website in general (I recommend a professionally designed website). So let’s get back to basics. Read more
Vacation Office Coverage for Entrepreneurs
January 19, 2010
Here is my latest press release, announcing a new service specially designed for entrepreneurs – the Vacation Saver!
You can find the press release on the web:
Canadian Virtual Assistant Provides Vacation Office Coverage for Entrepreneurs
January 20, 2010 – Edgerton, Alberta – January and February are prime months for mid-winter vacations to warmer climes. Leaving the business for even four or five days can be a difficult task for the entrepreneur; clients and prospects may still need attention and no one wants to lose a potential client! Finally, there is a solution; Edge VA is now offering a “Vacation Saver” package for entrepreneurs and small businesses that may not have adequate in-house staff to cover the office while the “boss” is away.
Different Types of eCommerce Sites You Can Create
January 15, 2010
Are you interested in eCommerce? It is the wave of the now and the future. Technology allows businesses to conduct their transactions online as another way of doing business.
eCommerce Series, Part 2: Types of eCommerce Sites
What can you do on an eCommerce site you ask? It is not just for sales. Depending on the base of operations for your business, the site can be used for a variety of purposes which you will find out about below.
Customer Service Matters
January 12, 2010
Serve the Person in Online Interactions
It’s easy to think of customer service in terms of the “real” world; in brick and mortar business. Anyone who has eaten at a restaurant, bought something from a clerk at a store, had assistance while shopping, etc, has had some level of customer service. But how does on measure customer service for online business?
In my opinion, client or customer care should be a top priority in eCommerce. The physical element (smiling, handshakes etc) has been removed, thus creating there is a reliance on less concrete factors to shape the customer or client perception of your business.
- How accessible are you to your customers or clients?
- Do you have a 1-800 number?
- When customers call, are they able to speak to a live person, and if not, what is the average wait for a return call?
- Do you respond to emails on a personal basis, or are generic template responses used to handle the mass?
- Do you have a written Customer Service policy that includes all of the above (as a starting point).
- What is your turn around time on general inquiry emails?
What is eCommerce?
January 8, 2010
What is it all about?
Starting this Friday, and every 2nd Friday for the next few weeks, there will be a new post in a new series on eCommerce – otherwise known as online business.
eCommerce
eCommerce
eCommerce Series, Part 1: What is eCommerce?
Business is doing a pretty good job of catching up to the technology created for it. One popular term you’ll find within that arena is eCommerce. What is it all about and why should you care?
eCommerce is simply conducting business online. There are many ways to transact such business. Think of how you conduct business in the physical world. You go to the bank to make deposits; you visit the grocery store or retail shops to make purchases; you go to the gas station to fill up your car’s tank. Each of these activities represents a commercial transaction.
Starting a New Year with a New Look
January 2, 2010
Website and Domain Name Changes
Some great changes have been underway here at Edge VA over the holiday season.
- a new url: www.canadavirtualassistant.ca now replaces the old url (www.edgeva.ca)
- a new website design!
The new design has just been unveiled, and there will continue to be updates and tweaks over the coming weeks. What do you think? I’d love to hear your feedback, and especially if there’s something that just doesn’t look right – let me know! Comment on this post, or send me an email via my contact form.
Now, to get back to filing my year end!
Keep in Touch!
