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Turning information and communication
technology into profit
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Focus of study:
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E-commerce |
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Sector:
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Sales |
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Impact:
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Local & National |
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| Understanding the technology
is not so bad when you've got the right advice |
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| Someone somewhere knows it
all, the trick is taking advice from someone who knows what they are
doing and can apply that expertise to you and your business. Adding
to the bottom line without adding headaches or taking you away from
your core business priorities. |
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| A growing number of small
to medium sized businesses have successfully implemented Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) by using advisers with Technology
means Business (TMB) accreditation. To become accredited, you need
practical knowledge and experience of both ICT and what makes small
to medium sized businesses work. The beauty of these advisers is that
they can help you capitalise on your strengths and help you develop
in any areas where you may not be as strong |
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| Making the technology do
what you and your business want |
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| Understanding technology is not a
problem for Chris Vick who runs a business-to-business Internet
company called Local Link. The service Chris offers his clients
enables them to put their entire catalogue online. Business
buyers use the site to source a wide variety of services and
products from local suppliers with a minimum of effort. |
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| Chris needed a fresh approach to
marketing his service to potential suppliers, and also needed
to give something tangible to paying customers. Bob Meakes,
an independent consultant with Technology Means Business accreditation,
suggested a free listing service with a chargeable e-commerce
version packed as an application - additional "plus-ins"
being added year-on-year to improve functionality. |
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| Chris is in no doubt that Bob's accreditation
made all the difference. "They're not just techies,"
said Chris, "they have a background in business and technology:
the theory is superb and what we've used so far is excellent."
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| Taking advice and getting
online |
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| Dean helped Steve identify
the different types of visitor that would call on his website, and
to develop his home page to appeal to these users in order to help
them engage with Steve's website more easily. This empowered Steve
to develop his business and, more importantly, this future business
by regain ownership and understanding on maintenance, technical and
content development |
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| Dean explained, "As an
experienced technical adviser and business helper, Technology Means
Business has allowed me to develop my skills, and given me the badge
to show potential clients that I am credible." |
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| These are just two examples
of how advisers with Technology Means Business accreditation have
helped businesses to effectively use technology to gain competitive
advantage. |
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| Some
of the information contained in this business and technology update,
first appeared in the January 2001 issue of Professional Manager,
in an article written by Brian Clegg. |
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