Archive for November, 2009

Does your Website need a Facelift?

Friday, November 27th, 2009

   How often do you research a new product or service online before making a purchase? When you are networking and someone hands you a business card with a gmail or other like account; how likely are you to pursue a business relationship?

  The business world is always evolving and if your business isn’t transforming to keep up with Industry trends, chances are you will find yourself beat by your competition or worse; locked out of the market.

  The amount of Internet users has grown 380.3 percent worldwide since 2000 and 134 percent in the United States. According the Consumer Behavior report published by PriceGrabber.com; 91 percent of consumers said researching products online made them feel more confident about their purchases.

   In today’s market it is imperative to the growth and success of your business to have a professional web presence. Your website is part of your Identity; it makes a strong impact on your image. Therefore,  whether you are a small business owner, an entrepreneur, an author, an artist, a band, or any other entity determined to succeed you need to take a look at the face you show the world; your website.

There are many things to consider when performing a website audit:

*Is the design consistent with your Identity; are you branding your company?

*Is your website user friendly; can existing and potential clients easily navigate your site?

*Do you provide convenient methods of contact you; both email and phone?

*Do you have a lead capture system in place?

*Do you have an online campaign in place so people find you when searching for your product or service?

   Websites have no boundaries; once you are online you are International. By establishing a web presence you significantly expand your market presence and at a fraction of the cost. It is my belief that the Advertising industry is quickly transitioning its focus to the World Wide Web and as technology advances we will see a major increase in online businesses and virtual offices.

   At StoneHill Tech www.stonehilltech.com  we are very aware of how important it is to maintain and update our website. Our development team in made up of system architects, programmers, and developers who take the needs of our clients and translate them into elegant, automated and functional tools. We also host provide website hosting for the majority of our clients as well.

 Heath Griffin hits on some very strong points to consider when considering building your own website in his blog posting:  What Makes a Great Website

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Give the Gift of Thanks without Breaking the Bank

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

The economy is forcing companies to cut back on holiday gift giving. According to a recent survey conducted by American Express only 47% of Small Businesses plan on giving gifts this holiday season.Gift

If your company is struggling with the decision of gift giving there are a few things you should consider:

* Is your company based heavily in customer service?

If your company prides and markets itself on your outstanding customer service it may be important to show you are customer friendly by giving a gift.

* Have you given gifts in the past?

If your company has given gifts in the past and this year stops it may put up a red flag; giving the impression to your customers that your business is not doing well.

*Are your client relationships crucial to your success?

If your business is built upon the foundation of strong client relationships then it is probably important   to acknowledge those relationships. 

Gifts are a way of conveying appreciation to your clients and that you value their business. If you look at holiday gifts as an investment in your company rather than a cut into your budget you will surely see the rewards as business improves.

Holiday gifts don’t have to break the bank; the IRS will only allow up to a $25 deduction per person (“donee”) during the tax year. Therefore, you can get creative in your gift giving, still provide meaningful tokens of appreciation to your clients and reap the tax benefits.

The traditional pen, mug, or calendar has fallen down the popularity pole; many small business owners try to capitalize on gifts that reflect the customer’s personality. Others are discounting services to their clients; a creative an affordable way to say thank you.

Below are links to sites that provide great gift Ideas for under $25 and under:

Eco Friendly Company Logo Gifts

Holiday Gifts Under 25 Dollars

Gift Baskets Under 25 dollars

By: Amber Bowker

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The New Face of American Business

Monday, November 16th, 2009

The Net Generation, commonly referred to as the Net Gen, is a generation of young people who have never known life without the internet. Information Technology is a way of life for this generation. Exposure to IT begins very young; children age six or younger spend an average of two hours each day using screen media (TV, videos, computers, video games), which nearly equals the amount of time they spend playing outside. Over two million American children six to seventeen have their own Web site.

With Technology at their fingertips allowing them to access people, information, products and ideas from across the globe; the Net Generation is the new face of American business. Entrepreneurialism is on the rise and has become a trend amongst this generation and the many to follow. In a survey conducted by the Kauffman Foundation of 2,400 young people, 4 out of ten said they wanted to start their own business. In another survey of 2,000 Americans, nearly 80 percent of respondents said that entrepreneurs are critically important to job creation. The Net Gen is predicted to integrate technology innovation and entrepreneurialism that will enable solutions to create new jobs and markets, pulling businesses out of the current economic crisis.

Technology is imbedded in our society and evolves more and more everyday producing endless amounts of opportunity to build an enterprise. The Net Generation is at the forefront of this revolution, but the generations to follow will assist in the transformation of commerce. Disney has joined the movement by partnering with the Kauffman Foundation in the development of the award winning Internet simulation game that gives millions of children the chance to run a business in Opportunity City at Disney.com. Our economy may be caught in the storm, but as the world embraces technology and encourages the entrepreneur; our youth will capitalize on their ideas and widespread access to technology, there is sure to be a rainbow in sight.

By: Amber Bowker

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